RE: OMP Kit and ARF Manuals online!
Mike, In the manual for the Edge 540 V3 it does not cover the installation of the wing bolt and related plywood washers. Also it would be helpful to mention which wing is which, meaning the hatch is located in the top of the right wing. since it is electronic it would be great to add pictures. Thanks for covering the throws, CG and expo in such detail, that is really appreciated.
Posted on: 7/4/2009 7:35 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "OMP - Ohio Model Products Support Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8906787

PRECISION AEROBATICS ULTIMATE AMR
I am looking for a way to sim this plane, I have written PA and have checked the Realflight swap pages with no luck. This biplane is ultra light weight and therefore has very incredible capabilities. At this point I am frustrated by the fact that Realflight is owned by Great Planes and generally does not have many planes from other manufacturers. I would be willing to buy a second sim program in order to be able to fly planes made by Precision Aerobatics, Aeroworks, World Models, Seagull, Kondor, Easy Tiger, Maxford, Thunder Tiger, Nitroplanes, Phoenix and, oh yeah, Hangar 9.
Posted on: 6/26/2009 2:42 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8883231

RE: ST2300 Testing and Experimenting
I recommend ordering the Perry 5001 with the engine, at $45 it is a worthwhile investment, that and an OS F plug. Note we are at post #842 on this engine.
Posted on: 6/24/2009 1:20 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8877275

RE: NEW SYSSA 30CC GASSER MADE IN THE USA
I just stumbled across this thread on this remarkable engine. This engine pulls an incredible 18.9 pounds installed in a plane. It's AUW is only 38 oz. I don't think you can do better anywhere, at least not that I have found. Compare it to the Evolution 26GX, the SAP 180HP provides more power for the same weigh and slightly less money.
Posted on: 6/23/2009 12:09 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8874083

RESTOCK ?
Any news whatsoever on expected availability of new aircraft would be greatly appreciated. I would be more likely to wait if I had some idea. A lot of used planes come up for sale here, or I may break down and pay the big bucks if I really want something. If I knew Nitroplanes was expecting a big shipment later this year, I would budget for it and plan to have an engine for it. It would also be great if you had "e mail me when this item is in stock" feature.
Posted on: 6/22/2009 7:06 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "NitroModels Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8872324

RE: ST2300 Testing and Experimenting
I had a good talk with Gary Conley (maker of Perry pumps/carbs). He believes their 5001 carb will provide a good overall improvement and he has sold more carbs for this engine than any other engine. He advised to beware the following: "The VP30 pump cannot be used with the stock ST carb because it will go way rich at mid throttle". [However you will read in previous posts that many people HAVE added the VP30 to a stock carb}. The pump has a lot of benefits but the #5002 carb is required because it is designed for constant fuel pressure. One benefit is being able to place the tank back at the CG, or if the engine is in a 3D plane that is in a sustained vertical position. Otherwise, go with the non pump setup. He also said the fuel tank needs to be below the carburetor inlet, this is contrary to the manual which calls for the centerline of the tank to be level with the carb fuel inlet. At this point I am getting an F plug, new 16x8 prop and the Perry 5001 carb. My tank cap was also hard mounted through the firewall, the fuel tank needs to be isolated from the fuselage with foam rubber. Gary also mentioned putting a sort of plastic mesh inside the tank to reduce foaming, does anyone know how to do this ? In reading back through the 2007 posts there is a strong convincing advocacy for adding on-board glow. That sure was my experience on the starting stand.
Posted on: 6/15/2009 8:28 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8854154

RE: ST2300 Testing and Experimenting
Regarding the engine tuning (not the foaming) my LHS insists that I should run a "ST" fuel. This fuel is only 12% oil and the ST2300 manual only recommends conventional fuels. I could not locate the Cline or Iron Bay regulators for sale, just the Perry VP30. However if you look at the Tower page for the ST2300 it concludes by saying "avoid pumps and regulators". They also say you need 1/2 psi pressure from the exhaust, so I wonder what the stock muffler produces and which prop would give enough rpm to get the pressure. So at this point I have absolutely no idea what to do next: which fuel, do I rig a manometer (1/2 psi is about 12" of water) and measure backpressure, what do they have against the Perry pump/ regulator ? Gary Conley (maker of Perry) wrote back to me and recommended getting the Perry carburetor, he says he sells more carbs for this engine than any other.
Posted on: 6/15/2009 12:12 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8853542

RE: ST2300 Testing and Experimenting
That is an amazing video, I did see it previously. In my testing I had a 12oz Sullivan flex tank which is basically clear and I could see at least 1/2 inch of a foam "head" on the fuel. Your video shows a lot of very wild sloshing, which I had some of too. It is amazing this problem has not received more attention but the ARF makers are loath to add any cost. I am currently running 16 planes so I am planning (thanks to your suggestion) to put Tettra tanks in the ones where I know I have had mysterious poor engine performance that always starts around half a tank. The H9 Pulse, Katana and Cox Ultimate for starters. I found one other guy in the club that is "on" to the foaming problem and he had a night & day improvement once he wrapped the tank in foam. I am still getting a Perry pump for the ST2300 because I duplicated the fuel level sensitivity problem on the test stand with only minor foaming present. So in summary the ST2300 fuel delivery system is poor but there is also a fuel foaming issue which is common but the ST2300 is very sensitive to ANY variations in fuel delivery. I have bought a lot of 4S engines because of very unpredictable performance with 2S engines [dirt nap city]. Hopefully this is about to change ! Yup will also put a "F" plug in her. Capn John I will try the hopper tank but I have high hopes for the Perry pump. Hell of a good engine when it is running right.
Posted on: 6/14/2009 5:14 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8851492

RE: ST2300 Testing and Experimenting
I am working on getting my ST2300 running correctly. This engine started and ran perfectly on the test stand. I had it in a 72" Nitroplanes Katana but it kept quitting at about 1/2 tank. It has a MAS 16x8 prop and I can tune it to run perfectly with a full tank (Sullivan 16oz). However as the tank level drops it eventually leans out and dies. If I tune it with a low tank it again idles and transitions well to full power but is too rich when the tank is full. I am going to get a Perry pump model VP-30. If the pump works as advertised, the ST2300 should run perfectly, a poor man's OS120 4 stroke. Can anyone confirm this ? Advice on installing the 6-32 fitting on the crank case ? I suspect that fuel foaming and surging also . I recently installed a 12 oz tank in a plane with a ST75, due to space restrictions the tank was hard wedged in the fuse. The tank was clear and the end was exposed (with wing off) and I observed a huge amount of foaming in the fuel at WOT. I had no idea about fuel foaming and it sure would explain a lot of other mysterious flame-outs on other planes and engines. As a result I am going to fully isolate all my fuel tanks, including NOT having the cap fitted into a hole in the firewall. Add this to my very long list of "too soon old, too late smart". Would appreciate your comments on the Perry pump.
Posted on: 6/14/2009 10:00 AM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8850702

RE: BREAKAWAY LANDING GEAR for 49
I am mounting the CF gear to an 1/8" ply base plate (aprox 2 1/2" x 5") and gluing thick foam strips underneath. I am screwing cup hooks into the gear and strapping it to the underside of the cowl with rubber band(s). I expect this rig to allow the plane to nose over without ripping the gear out of the airframe. This can be built in 5 minutes and If it works I will post a photo. As for the EPS YAK 41" I am improving the airframe reinforcements because the cowl on this plane is held on with magnets and it will not support the elastic gear idea.
Posted on: 5/20/2009 3:16 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8785020

BREAKAWAY LANDING GEAR for 49" QQ YAK
I fly at a grass club field and landing gear breakage is a problem on electrics especially the smaller 3D ones. I flew the QQ YAK today for the first time and brought it in for a near perfect landing but it still ripped the gear out. I am going to make an external mounting plate for the gear and hold it on with rubber bands so it can flex or fold over. Has anyone done this ? There is no way to reinforce this flimsy airframe enough without adding excessive weight and risking even more damage. BTW this plane weighs only 2# 14oz with a 3S 2200. I have a similar problem on my Electrifly EPS 41" YAK but I reinforced it by running 2 1/2" aluminum strips forward to connect each gear to the battery tray area. With both of these planes I am nearly ready to chuck the landing gear and belly flop them in the taller grass.
Posted on: 5/19/2009 10:56 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8783390

RE: Hitec Freedom 9S w/ JR Synth TX Mod
I spent much of today trying to get the fail-safe to work using a JR7205 synthesized xmitter and an SX600 crystal type xmitter. I was repeatedly unable to get the failsafe condition to "set". I finally decided that the receiver is very sensitive to low battery voltage but it may be some other variable I have not found yet. After ripping it out of the plane and setting it up on the bench, I am able to get it to work with either transmitter. For anyone having this problem, start with charging the receiver battery. The instructions for the Freedom 9S could use some work. At the start of the scan selection it says "turn the receiver power led on" whatever that means. I think it means hold down the button when you turn on the receiver but they already told you to connect the battery to the receiver. It then says to move the stick for ch 1 full left and right but this is the throttle , which goes forward and back. Why this step is even required is beyond me. Then you have to cycle the power to the receiver off and on before it will work. For a procedure this complicated, it should at least be written clearly and accurately. If you ever had to do this at the field, good luck. I re-write needed procedures and keep a clipboard with me at the field. At step 10.4 for setting the fail-safe it says to push the button and the led will go out but it is already out. All you need to do is push the button and the led briefly blinks on and off. I am left wondering how reliably this receiver will perform on low battery voltage since it was unable to set the fail-safe on a battery that was over 5 V . I am taking it out of service for now.
Posted on: 4/6/2009 4:34 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Hitec/MultiPlex Radios- Ask Hitec Customer Service"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8654385

RE: EF Chinn Yak
I want to replace the Twist with either the MoJo 40 or the OMP Edge V3. Since OMP has the Edge as an ARF I may go for that. Far as I could tell, the MoJo 40 is kit only. OMP offers the ARF with a YS63 for $399, this seems like a good deal although my first choice would be Saito 72. The Twist is still 50 ft up in the tree but we are getting 30 mph wind Saturday which should bring it down. The Twist has a Magnum 52RFS, is this worth trying on either of the above planes ? How much servo do I need ? I would be willing to pay more to reduce the weight, get digital performance and metal gears. Suggestions welcomed eagerly.
Posted on: 4/2/2009 5:29 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Profile and Fun Flying Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8642065

RE: EF Chinn Yak
My Twist 3D is now 45 feet up in a tree and I want to replace it with a Chinn YAK. Does anyone know when they will be back in stock in the US ? The Twist should blow down tonight, just hope the coyotes don't like the taste of glow fuel as much as they like deer meat. I use the RCAT starter, not sure if it will solve your clearance issue, and it costs $110 but I love it because it has current display led's and a lipo battery that lasts months. Dang, KNEW I should have ordered the Chinn when they were in stock ! http://www.rcatsystems.com/cube/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=3&ccSID-b4c410adddf67168ce2ac0e2807326f8=dbabd322e6007a751910e2ada09924e4
Posted on: 3/31/2009 10:04 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Profile and Fun Flying Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8636749

SERVO ARMS FOR RAIDEN 16G AND OTHERS
I need to know what servo arms will fit the servos offered by Nitromodels. Most 3D planes require arms that are longer than the ones supplied with the servo. There are about 10 different spline types on the market but I need to know which ones fit. I have bought good servos such as Power HD but tried all available arms and none fit it so I had to make my own and screw to the stock arm. I decided to go back to buying JR so I could buy arms that fit. So please if you can provide list of all your servos and arm spline fit (JR, Futaba, Airtronic, Hitec for example) I would buy a lot of them.
Posted on: 3/19/2009 10:57 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "NitroModels Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8596084

RE: Nitroplanes Ultimate 40 ARF
I will start with the Magnum 46 XL 2C with an eye to buying a Magnum 70 RFS 4C. I suppose the additional 5 oz weight is not going to be difficult to balance. Sure would be great to have that much power when the grass is long ! What is the max practical prop diameter assuming I don't mind cleaning grass stains off it ? I printed out your tips [12/31/06] and put it in the box, thanks. QUESTION: what CG do you use ? My instructions are hand-marked for 81 mm / 3.2 inches, while it looks like originally it said 95 mm. This plane was made probably 2 years ago, I bought it NIB from a friend.
Posted on: 5/27/2008 12:04 AM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7543627

RE: Nitroplanes Ultimate 40 ARF
I am assembling the TWM version right now. I have a Magnum 46 2 stroke available but I am more excited about the idea of a 4 stroke. Can anyone recommend their favorite ? Choices are the OS FS 40, Magnum XL52 RFS and Thunder Tiger 5F4S for example, or even the OS 56A. I have a Magnum XL 52 RFS on a Twist 3D and love the way it behaves.
Posted on: 5/26/2008 1:50 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7542386

RE: glow plug keeps killing batteries
One thing that happens a lot is the coils collapse and short out, increasing the current draw up over 5 amps butthe plug will still run an engine. I had 5 bad plugs and they all had this condition. Look closely at the coil and see if it is still well formed. These all drew 5 amps at 1 volt !!! Call them zombie plugs, they still work but will run down the starter fairly quickly. I have never had a plug actually fail, they have all gone the zombie route.
Posted on: 5/9/2008 5:31 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "HPI Monster Truck Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7476452

A3 plugs vs the RCAT glow starter
Bax, It took me quite a while to figure this one out. I have six planes with 46 size engines, 3 are OS but they all have A3 glow plugs. I bought an electronic glow driver called the RCAT and in some cases it will not start the plane, while a standard Nicad starter will. What I finally noticed is that the A3 plugs that don't work have collapsed coils and a very high current draw. Doing some careful measurements I found this was typically 5 amps at 1 volt or so, which the RCAT cannot provide but a nicad will. So my question is, why are the A3 plugs getting coil collapse, or is this normal ? They did each provide many hours of service. What I am doing now is putting in #8 plugs and taking them out periodically and looking for good coil shape and surface condition. I suspect as more people get these electronic glow drivers you will get more "mysterious event" reports coming in. Bob
Posted on: 5/9/2008 12:18 AM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "O.S. Engines Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7474122

P-LINK MODE , WHAT XMTRS HAVE IT ?
Danny, I just got my 7202 and love it. I only have one question....What JR transmitters have P-LINK trainer mode ? The P-Link mode would be great because I would not have to set up the student transmitter. I tried it with a SX600 and the setup on the SX600 is still affecting the controls i.e. it is not working as P-LINK. I assume the student radio would have to be a DX7 , 7202 , 9303 or the 12 channel models. One comment, I could do without the blinking NO TRAINEE message. As a result I have to go into SYS mode to disable training entirely to get rid of the blinking message. Suppose I won't notice it when flying though. The manual and overall programming layout of this radio is just perfect, I am very pleased. Bob
Posted on: 3/21/2008 4:57 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7261080

RE: FUTURE OF 72 MHZ RADIOS
My shop said there is a new wrinkle in the spread spectrum (2.4 GHz) world. If 3 or more Futaba spread spectrum radios are running, the JR will not run. Up to 40 JR DSM radios can run at the same time, otherwise. I am not sure how many Futaba radios can run at the same time. Once again Futaba has come up with totally incompatible equipment. This is going to be a problem for large events and busy fields. I picked up my new 7202 yesterday. What a fantastic deal.
Posted on: 3/14/2008 9:01 AM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7223040

RE: FUTURE OF 72 MHZ RADIOS
I get my new 7202 tomorrow but get this, the price has been cut to $269.95 !!!! They said again, it is discontinued. This has to be the best deal out there for those of us that have a huge number of planes with FM receivers.
Posted on: 3/11/2008 7:28 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7210713

RE: FUTURE OF 72 MHZ RADIOS
I received the following email today from a friend, he relayed a message from Pete Goldsmith, Manager of Team JR. My local Hoppy shop is apparently suffering from Chicken Little Syndrome , although I am sure they will now say 'they denied the rumor, that PROVES IT IS TRUE !!!". That notwithstanding, JR Spektrum published a 2 page ad in the May issue of FLY RC proclaiming "THE CHANGE HAS COME, THE TIME IS NOW". Their deals on extra DSM receivers are hot. Here is the message from Pete Goldsmith "Team Announcement Rumors abound! Some people say we’re “discontinuing 72Mhz� which is not true. In fact, the new 12X has a version that includes a 72Mhz module. It’s true that we are reducing inventory on our 72Mhz radios by offering some great deals on great radios however. we will continue to support 72MHz for the foreseeable future. Pete"
Posted on: 3/11/2008 12:58 AM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7206185

RE: FUTURE OF 72 MHZ RADIOS
I just ordered a 7202 aircraft radio. My hobby shop reiterated today that Horizon is discontinuing 72 MHz radio systems, meaning they are not ordering any more but will sell off whatever is in the pipeline. Since 72 MHz is the standard in Japan, JR will still make them for their market, just a bit hard for us to read. There is no way of knowing when Horizon will run out of any particular model; they may have enough for all of 2008, no way to know. That is why I just ordered mine despite having a foot of snow on the ground here. I called AMA and spoke with Greg Hahn, the new technical director. He said that 72 MHz channels will be available for a long, long time . I just love my JR equipment and look forward to moving up from the SX600 to the 7202. This radio has exeactly the features I need, is highest quality and outstanding value. Danny is back "mid week", maybe he is working this issue . For anyone on the fence over converting to 2.4 GHz, HH is offering great deals on extra receivers right now. I had too many 72 MHz receivers to go to the DSS and channel crowding is not an issue in our area.
Posted on: 3/9/2008 3:15 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7198874

FUTURE OF 72 MHZ RADIOS
Danny, I have heard that JR is discontinuing all 72 MHz radio systems, is this true ? I own 11 FM receivers and use a SX600 radio. I was just about ready to get a more powerful radio such as the 7202 or 9303. I would buy a 2.4 G radio if it could also run my 11 FM receivers. I need a better radio but I have no reason to go to spread spectrum. What is going on ? How much longer will FM / PCM 72 MHz radios be available ? BH
Posted on: 3/7/2008 12:41 AM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7188195

9303 W SX600 BUDDY BOX & FLAPERONS
Danny, If I get a 9303 can I use my SX600 as the buddy box if I am using flaperons ? Looks to me like they both use channel 6 so it should work. I now have 13 planes set up and I exceeded the 10 model memory of the SX600, plus I also need to store students' planes so I really need the extra model memories of the 9303 this season. Really can't have too many model memories, 30 might not be enough !!!! I have been very, very satisfied with the SX600. I have never had a single glitch and have not had any of my 40 or so JR servos fail or even glitch. Bob Hendrickson, RAMS, Fairport NY.
Posted on: 2/24/2008 4:30 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7130212

RE: BCMAEngines
I just bought a Nitroplanes Katana-S 140 which just arrived and it is very well made. This is a 72", 992 sq in, 11 pound plane. With shipping it was $185, incredible. From what I have read here, I am planning on getting the BCMA 40. I have an older OS 120 Surpass, but it is really for another plane. I looked at buying the new Magnum 1.8, but the nitro fuel cost is getting ridiculous. One other thing, here in New York our "gasoline" is 10 % alcohol. I have not figured out where to buy 100 % gasoline but it must be around. So I suspect that is another reason to get the 40 cc over the 26. Can anyone tell me this is a bad plan ? I have hatched a lot of them and just want to be sure this is not one of them.
Posted on: 1/24/2008 8:57 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6964662

What is the formula for EXPO ?
Danny, I love my SX600 radio and I have the 10 model memory full already. I use EXPO on my Twist 3D and Pulse 40. I have always wondered what exactly is the definition of PERCENT EXPO and is it the same from manufacturer to manufacturer ? It is probably a parabolic curve Y = AX + BX squared where B is the expo percent and A = 1 - B, or maybe its X cubed. That would give 12 % travel at 50 % stick throw.
Posted on: 11/10/2007 6:55 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6606544

RE: How much exponential do you use?
Does anyone even know if the percentage values have the same effect for JR vs Futaba or any other manufacturer ? I have searched for a long time for exactly what the definition of "percent expo" really is, since mathmatically I don't think there is any such term universally agreed upon by the math professors. To answer the question, I use no expo on low rate and 35 % on high rate. Right now this is on my Twist 3D and Pulse 40, the Big Stik 40 HAD it but is currently in the shop owing to getting into the sun at a really bad time.
Posted on: 11/10/2007 6:21 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6606413

RE: Winter Flying
Several of us in our club use floats, we think this is the most widely used method to fly off snow. I use max rudder throw since we don't of course have a rudder on the float.
Posted on: 11/10/2007 5:56 PM by Author "Bobhend" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6606319