RE: how to use a servo for a power plant ?
A dozen 10mm props available from here.
Posted on: 7/1/2012 1:03 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Scale Boating"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11138311

Entry Level Build Guide for Kids
I have just published an eBook showing how to build a great sailing little Footy from household materials and tools for around$10. As the simplest possible yacht it is aimed mainly at kids, but is also an ideal introduction to anyone wanting to construct and sail their first yacht. Features very simple balanced Unarig and can even be sailed free. See it sailing here.
Posted on: 6/27/2012 4:00 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11133510

RE: Looking for TGY 9X SET-UP MIX for HK VENTUS 2.3M EPO Glider
This forum is dedicated to the 9X.
Posted on: 3/28/2012 6:17 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11019250

RE: Ideas for a micro DLG
Take a look at the Mimi - an updated version of the Apogee. Similar construction but more wing area and DLG tailset. Weight is very important in Mosquito class DLGs, as you can see from the Apogee weight budget. Modern batteries and receivers have helped considerabvly in this since the Apogee was designed, provided you use a longer nose and very light tailset with a wrapped carbon boom. Correct balsa densities and careful construction are required to make a good small DLG. The Apogee and Mimi need sub 5lbscuft balsa which is largely unobtainable. Therefore various built up balsa wing constructions have been designed from solid D boxs to sheeted D box with ribs. Also light .75 ounce glassed foam wings are good either hot cut or sanded, using either epoxy or polyurethane. The Bug is another quick construct possibility with a lesser performance.
Posted on: 3/22/2012 4:00 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11010309

RE: Interested In Building A DLG
There is also a short kit if you don't like cutting ribs! I see you have found the extensive thread here . There are many threads of launching there too and videos on YouTube. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9mSEZXMYZE&feature=player_embedded[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PDUmBlod6E&feature=related[/youtube] http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dlg+launch&aq=f
Posted on: 9/4/2011 8:17 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10701818

RE: Interested In Building A DLG
Both good choices for beginners. The Quick Flick is also available to build from [link]http://www.pldaniels.com/flying/models/qfii/manual/[/link] free plans. A similar good scratch build performer is the [link]http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=840763[/link] Mimi - either solid balsa wing or built up. The Gambler is also a good kit built up wing model, but unavailable due to boom supply problems at the moment. For ARF glass models, see the Topsky1 or Topsky Mini.
Posted on: 9/3/2011 10:00 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10700411

RE: V tail setup?
I take it you are attempting slope soaring? If not then remember - gliders don't fly because of the wind! They are powered by [b]gravity.[/b] I fly full size gliders and a lot of spectators ask 'What happens if the wind stops?!" Thermals or slope updrafts merely postpone landing. Flying in too much wind means your downwind speed relative to you, is higher and up wind slower, and turbulence will disrupt smooth flight. 15-20mph should be plenty to maiden a sloper, provided the slope is suitable, and the plane has been trimmed out properly on low javelin hand tosses first.
Posted on: 6/26/2011 11:37 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10593954

RE: Where are the reviews on the Fling DLG?
There are many posts on the DLG Fling on [link]http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368373&highlight=fling+dlg[/link]RCGroups handlaunch forum - later ones are all negative. Avoid! There are many posts on what to buy too, read those. Unfortunately there are no recommended RTF DLG's. They can be very easy to build (see Mimi) but this is essentially a builders' class with at least some assembly required and repairs frequent.
Posted on: 3/20/2011 11:27 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10413085

RE: Soaring in my back yard
That is a phenomenal amount of all-up and up-front weight to attain balance! Certainly a flawed DLG design. However now they are offering a powered glider DLG? of very similar appearance and advise that it is 'Designed by World Champion - Masaru Hasegawa' (FAI Sport Medal). http://www.fai.org/awards/recipient.asp?id=29308 http://www.r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?prod=rcpl2001003 Clearly they have not a clue what they are selling. Good that you were able to thermal it though. The Eppler 385 foil is undercambered and does not look any thing like theirs? You can cut off the bottom fin portion for sloping before it breaks off. DLG fins are oversized for launch height. The Venus and old RG15 foil Apache DLG ARF's may suit your son? http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88061 A [b]much [/b]better DLG though is the Topsky 1 at R2. http://www.r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?prod=rcpl71033 Somewhat more pricey than the home made Mimi option, but modest for a real DLG.
Posted on: 1/23/2010 7:12 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9440186

RE: Exceed RC 6-Ch 2.4Ghz Transmitter w/ Receiver
This is an independent review of its 4 channel and 9 channel siblings: http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/hobbykingrc.shtml Generally speaking they are a bargain. For issues with quality control on such mass produced products, you are best to buy from a local outlet who have a warranty. They are available through mail order outlets like Hobby King but the cost of freight makes return expensive. However if you are already ordering lots of other stuff from them (like cheap servos such as the excellent HXT900) then don't worry too much and get extra receivers for $15! The extensive thread on RCGroups will deal to any queries you may have and fixes for problems. The range won't be a problem. See the fix for LiPo protected transmitter batteries on the above thread. Basically they have strangely chosen to run them conventionally on 8 AA cells rather than the correct 5 volts they require.
Posted on: 12/28/2009 11:17 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9367946

RE: Exceed RC 6-Ch 2.4Ghz Transmitter w/ Receiver
It's cheap because they make 10000s of them (FlySky-cn.com). Sold under any ones brand that will buy in quantity. Bundled with RTF planes and copters. Large thread [link]http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=967207[/link] here. Cheap [link]http://www.snhobbies.com/product_info.php?cPath=96_98&products_id=358[/link] outlet.
Posted on: 12/28/2009 6:40 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9365586

RE: Soaring in my back yard
Thanks for the report - few reviews for this, although many ask about it. The carbon tow on the spar is good news. Looks like a one piece glass fuselage - is the boom carbon or fiberglass?. The rubber bands are a tragedy! Here are some suggestions to maximize performance that have worked on other RTF DLG's: You may want to reinforce the peg before DLG use - perhaps cut away the covering and add some fiberglass patches to the substructure or kevlar thread around the spar? The fuse/boom junction is usually a weak point too, maybe a couple of carbon tow strips down the sides, and sand the rear boom if it looks thick/strong. Kevlar wrap and cyno around any cuts in the boom for the fin or control exits. Weight is critical for thermaling so do everything you can to reduce - especially to the rear. Every gram counts! Use the single kevlar thread and spring return control linkage ar la the Mimi. Easy and light. You should be able to make a lighter set of uncovered tail feathers than theirs. However an increase in size is often beneficial, especially to the fin to limit tail wag on launch. This one has a short moment for a DLG. If you do this you will minimize the weight up front. A RC setup less than 40 grams is possible, crammed up front. Use a single cell lipo if possible. The indoor mini planes lipos at 130mAh, should give a couple of hours flight at 10 gms. You can charge a single lipo with your phone charger. Install a switch jack and monitor voltage through it. Otherwise a 9v rechargeable NiMh will yield 7 200mAh cells. An increase in dihedral to 12 degrees if it is reluctant to turn. Colleagues of the Mimi designer managed to [b]double [/b]the hang time and improve handling of a stock Venus RTF with similar modifications: http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=C1146738&pid=C1146735 Let us know how it flies with that weird foil!
Posted on: 12/2/2009 3:59 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9298102

RE: Zigzag Turbulator Tape Source
This discussion may help: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=13619818&postcount=105
Posted on: 11/29/2009 6:08 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9290017

RE: Soaring in my back yard
[b]Update[/b]: R2Hobbies has seen the light! They have just released the MkII DLG! Still same old foil but now has a Sub Rudder. But now no peg! And an increase in price. That was why they were promoted and the old stock discounted... http://www.r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?prod=rcpl2001001 Not too late to change your order? In any case, better for sloping and you can modify to their new rudder and let us know how it flies as a DLG. If it doesn't - get the Speedo for sloping and the TopSky for DLG!
Posted on: 11/29/2009 5:33 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9289946

RE: Soaring in my back yard
[b]A little clarification.[/b] The R2hobbies glider spoken of above has a launch peg but[b] is not DLG[/b] - ie falsely advertized! There is no sub fin so cannot be launched in discus fashion - nor even Side armed I suspect. The airfoil is a low sink Eppler - no where near a low drag DLG foil. It appears to have no wing strengthening carbon to take a discus launch. It is very heavy. It has been promoted on their home page a lot - may be to deplete stocks. The shown DLG explanation is taken from the Fling demo - the plane is not a Fling! Unfortunately it is hard to remonstrate with R2 when their 'contact us' button does not work? This is a shame as it gives the uninformed a very false steer and could put people off a proper DLG experience. Two of their gliders are very worthy - a real DLG by Topsky and their sloper Speedo. [b]And the Fling -[/b] Very heavy Poor control linkages Insufficient dihedral Ineffective flaps Too small tailfeathers Fragile Can't be built in 1-2 hours Still, after 5 years of production. and the DLG version is 1.5m - is not the 2m thermaller. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=499663&highlight=fling+dlg [b] Recommendation.[/b] Always better to build your own and ditch the RTF. Will cost way less and will be a better flyer. [b]Mimi [/b]- simple, quick to build, cheap, all balsa 1 metre DLG- has won many contests including out of class against 1.5m spanners! http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=840763
Posted on: 11/25/2009 8:51 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9279472

RE: old radio vs new
Most 2.4gHz manufacturers have modules to convert your JR to 2.4gHz if you want to go that route. Some of the Chinese ones are [b]very[/b] cheap: http://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8287&Product_Name=X8_2.4GHz_Combo_pack_for_JR_W/_Module_&_RX http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/assanv2review.shtml http://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7380&Product_Name=Corona_2.4Ghz_JR_Module_&_Rx_%28V2_DSSS%29 http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/corona_dsssv2.shtml
Posted on: 11/24/2009 8:09 PM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9278365

RE: Strobe light
If I can interpret the core of your request - you want a visible plane at height in sunlight? There are LED strobes you can make/buy (google) but I doubt they are much use in daylight within modest battery requirements. However try this: Chrome Monocote wing LE strips - http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=12464263&postcount=10
Posted on: 9/18/2009 3:34 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9104979

RE: Exceed-RC transmitter battery pack?
It's likely that Exceed is a repackaged FlySky. Also known as HobbyKing, Turborix, Xheli... http://www.flysky-cn.com/english/ If it is a 2.4GHz system, it runs on 5volts. See following for conversion tips to LiPo: http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/tendollarbattery.shtml
Posted on: 9/13/2009 2:51 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9091238

RE: DLG
I can only find the Fling on Tower Hobbies: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKAG3&P=7#tech Another couple of cheap Chinese ARFs from Blue Arrow: Angel - http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=808572 Venus - http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=838446 You can buy two Angels for under $100, when in stock... http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=A1680898 Most/all these RTF models are heavy and fragile. If you can build, you will get a better product for a lesser price. The built up wings models use advanced free flight techniques utilizing D boxes and carbon fibre tow. The foam based wings can be subject to dings too. If you want a non-bagged foam wing, then look at the DL50 kit, handbook online at: http://www.mountainmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_28&products_id=212 It's stable mate, the QFII is also available as a short kit and even a free plan: http://www.pldaniels.com/flying/models/qfii/ A couple of other popular plans for smaller DLG with solid balsa wings are for the Apogee: http://charlesriverrc.org/articles/apogeehlg/markdrela_apogeehlg.htm (need to find the DLG tail mod version) and the more recent MiMi: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=840763
Posted on: 8/2/2009 7:17 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8983169

RE: Mountain Models Quick Flick II
The Designer, Paul Daniels, is a sponsor on RCGroups. If you post on the Hand Launch forum he will reply pronto: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395169
Posted on: 7/31/2009 7:48 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8978354

RE: DLG
Steve it would help to know if you prefer a Ready To Fly (RTF), a kit or like to scratch build from plans. I'm guessing here is a good place to start: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8600077
Posted on: 7/31/2009 6:47 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8978305

RE: Which Footy Kit to Get??
You'll get a lot more assistance over on the Footy forum, and lots of reading on past posts: http://www.rcsailing.net/forum1/showthread.php?t=5304
Posted on: 6/23/2009 8:42 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8873666

RE: Who Sells A RTS Footy????
See the Footy site for more details including a small list of manufacturers of kits: http://footy.rcsailing.net/links.php Also includes some free plans! You may have difficulty in getting a RTS, and as you appreciate the labour involved means they are expensive. However this is a development class and therefore building and experimenting are the key attractions. Even a basic flat-bottomed chine hull can perform well at this scale and is very easy and cheap to make. Hell, some have even made them out of bottles and you can use very cheap RC gear! Additionally for beginners this is an ideal class as it features the choice of a unique unarig (McRig) that is very easy to make, trim and sail. Get back if you need more specific details or post a question on the forums: http://www.rcsailing.net/forum1/forumdisplay.php?f=61
Posted on: 5/31/2009 3:08 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8812963

RE: airfoil drawings
Hot off the drawing board! http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1023837 I have enjoyed your contributions on the yachting forums - I hope to make an RG65 this year. How goes your land yacht?
Posted on: 3/31/2009 2:37 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8633848

RE: Soaring in my back yard
Hand Launch gliders are for the purist - motors are anathema to glider pilots! Just as RTF are shunned by dedicated hobbyists. If you want to soar with the hawks, these are what you need. What could be better than letting them teach you where the lift is and to compete to see who can climb the highest? No noise, worrying about heavy batteries and electronics, just your skill, muscle, a lightweight glider and nature. With a bit of practice and the hawks to show you how, you will soon be far exceeding 'dead air' times.
Posted on: 3/31/2009 1:56 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8633783

RE: FINDING LOST PLANES - Plane Locators
[b]Make your own![/b] Here are a couple of examples I have made and used that work well (I did not design them). The first is for 3 cell (NIMH) HLG - uses only 4 parts but they are more expensive. Can be used for 4 cells and lipos too but you will need to change the value of the resistors and I do not have that data (someone here will probably work it out). The second has a higher component count and may need a circuit board or vero board, but can also be direct wired together and encapulized in epoxy. It has a 4.4volt cutoff. Both sound a piezo buzzer (take off an old computer motherboard) when they reach their cutoff voltage. BUT via the capacitor, they also can sound off with vigorous movement of servos as they temporally load the battery on startup. The caps as shown allow intermittent sounding as the battery nears drained. A higher value cap will limit this tendancy. So if the model is lost you can wander about waggling your controls for some hours and getting intermittent beeps. They are very light and only use a couple of milliamps in monitoring mode. I guess you could also adapt them with another resistor to flash a powerful LED. All parts available from RS Components. The National TC44 is the most expensive part but is used in most portable devices like cell phones to monitor batteries.
Posted on: 3/23/2009 6:49 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8606507

RE: Soaring in my back yard
Terry, it sounds like a hand-launched glider would fit the bill. The current crop are side-arm (SAL) or discus launched (DLG) to a height of 30-50 metres. Still air time is 45-60 seconds. They come in three size classes - 750, 1000 and 1525 mm wing spans. Wing construction can be built up balsa, solid balsa or foam. Some entry level kits would include: * DL-50 from Mountain Models ($79) * Liftworx Swyft, ($89) * Steelhead FRY MKII ($43) (Short kit MkI only $15!) * Mountain Models Quick Flick II ($74) * Wright Brothers Gambler ($75) There are also many free plans available for scratch building - the Apogee 36 or 40 inch being a classic example ('Sport' also available as a kit). These gliders require miniature 2 channel RC gear (<50gms) but readily available at low cost.
Posted on: 3/21/2009 9:35 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8600077

RE: WWI S.P.A.D.
Hello Bent, Wonderful scale! I love it when people take a lot of care on SPADs, even though they are supposed to be quick and easy. The building is a lot of the process for me. I have just finished a 12th Super Cub to learn on, and have started a Tiger Moth park flyer. I love the Albatros aesthetic - first model as a child was a blue plastic kit of one. Have planned to build one after the Moth. I realize this is an old link but if you or any one else still have a PDF of the Albatros, I would love a copy as a departure point for an electric version around 10th scale. Be interested in how you did that wood finish too? Cheers, Rustynail@hisplace.co.nz
Posted on: 4/3/2006 8:56 AM by Author "Cloudsoarer" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4118132