RE: The new model from CPLR!
Another pic here...http://cplrdesign.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 5/18/2013 6:20 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11515540

RE: 150 meter rule.
I completely agree with Earl and Brett having made similar measurements and observations myself...many people are flying beyond, some well beyond 175m. Distance is not IMO being downgraded properly nor consistently. If it feels comfortable to fly the sequence, it is likely beyond 175m. It is a much more difficult to fly at 150m than 200m - difficulty is not linear. The folks who can pull off an honest 175 or less should be paid for it. Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 9/12/2012 8:05 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11226814

RE: New Falcon props and spinners
I would like to see these made with the integrated drive washer option like Marquet has for the Hacker motors. Andre
Posted on: 7/14/2012 8:48 AM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11154888

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
My heaviest TP5000 pack is 1167gr. The airplane was weighed with that. The TP5000 is a 10s brick which is a bit lighter than 2x5s. For reference my Amethyst came in at 4997 with all the same equipment EXCEPT with a Falcon 21x14 (weighs 40gr.) Some things I did to keep weight down: Used Ti bolts for LG and motor mount; did not use any heavy duty servo extensions; took out all servo wire connectors and shortened servo leads to minium; servos mounted without grommets using Al screws; replaced rudder cables with Kevlar; replaced elevator horns with Ti bolts and MK type post; replaced tail wheel and ground weight out of tail wheel bracket; used 9550 servo for rudder; reduced ESC power leads to minimum; also forgot to mentiuon earlier that I am using a Marquett spinner with Hacker insert (the lightest spinner you can get). It all adds up. As to the scale used. It is 3kg scale and the same used for all weights. It is calibrated against a known weight. The big parts are weighed and the weights are summed. This can lead to an accumulated error, however, I have checked my weight process using a friends research grade 5kg+ scale and I was with 7gr @5kg. In summary I do not think I have a scale issue. Weight differences - one less or extra pass with the clear coat and you are there. Regards, Andre
Posted on: 6/29/2012 6:16 AM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11136297

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
Another Citrin data point... The as-received weights are posted in the image below along with a comparison to my Amethyst. The RTF weight using the usual Futaba equipment, TP5000; Hacker C50-14XL Comp; Master Spin 99; TP910 Rx battery and Jaccio regulator and the heaviest prop I would ever use on it (APC 21x14 @ 129 grams) is 4973 gr. I did reinforce the landing gear area as Clint noted at a cost of about 15 gr - I have seen too many airplanes with the stock gear plate arrangement damaged. Also as noted by Clint one needs to be careful with balance. I was able to balance the airplane at the recommended CG location and have some forward margin. The flight charcteristics are quite similar to the Amethyst, although I think it flies better than the Amethyst in terms of having neglible roll or pitch couple with rudder and has a more overall balanced control feel, in particular the yaw sensitivity is less. Snaps are even better. Only a few flights so far however I sense no alignment or trim issues. The recommended CG (115mm from bottom wing LE) appears to be a just fine. Looks big in the air. Regards, Andre
Posted on: 6/28/2012 8:20 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11135923

RE: Jetero Patern Contest 2012
For those people planning to attend the judging seminar, I recommend you review the FAI Maneuver Execution guide available on the NSRCA's website under the Judging section. It is an excellent summary of the FAI judging criteria and a quick read through the slides will prepare you well for the seminar. Thanks, Andre Bouchard NSRCA Judging Committee
Posted on: 5/30/2012 6:52 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11100623

Tx Stick Springs
Several questions related to transmitter stick springs: (1) Are the stick springs the same between the 14MZ and 18MZ? (2) Please advise if there are stiffer stick springs available for the 14MZ and 18MZ, and if so, how to obtain them (part number, who to contact, etc.) (3) Are Tx springs still available for the 9VAP? Thanks, Dre
Posted on: 2/19/2012 2:34 AM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10965515

RE: Sebart Wind S Pro
My experience with fences.... I tried the Wind configuration (2 fences each wing) on an Integral; essentially identical position on wing and size. IMO a net negative. In low cross-wind conditions or wind parallel to the flight path they work great - you think Nirvana - the groove of the airpane and yaw authority are improved quite a bit. However, in a cross wind the extra side area exposed to the wind caused the airplane to move sideways a lot instead of yaw into the wind which the Integral tends to do very well under a wide range of conditions. In addition, the extra mass of the fences and the blocking of airflow off of the wing tip impacted the snap quality a bunch. All this being said, a friend of mine has experimented with similar fences and only uses the inboard fences and likes the results. I tried aileron fences (the little fillets at the end of the aileron) on my Wind S Pro. These were made from 1# foam. The aileron fences seemed to add some stability in bumpy air (and at lower speeds), but definitely impacted the snap quality which seemed to confirm my prior assumption related to blocking of air is flowing off of the wing tip during a snap since the added mass was neligible. For me, these are also a net negative. Regards, Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 1/20/2012 4:18 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10919148

RE: Hacker Q80 help needed
Burt, Attached is a picture of mine as-delivered. ab
Posted on: 1/2/2011 6:26 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10235198

RE: Hacker Q80 help needed
Burt, The as-received configuration has the step on the washer facing towards the bearing - with prop mounted there should still be a gap for the spring. If the washer is reversed (step forward) the spring would be compressed upon tightening. It may be that your spring is out of round after being compressed off-center, so it binds? The purpose of the spring appears to be to dampen the fore-aft movement of the drive shaft that would occur between acceleration and breaking. This would not be an issue with a robust rear support (prevents rearward movement of the drive shaft). Not sure about the long term effect of not using the spring. Regards, ab
Posted on: 1/1/2011 6:53 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10232973

RE: Hacker Q80 help needed
One other thing to look at is the helical spring (washer like thing) behind the washer that the collet sits on. The helical sping can shift side to side and be trapped off-center on tightening thereby binding the rotation - been there, done that, got the tee shirt. Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 12/30/2010 5:28 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10228454

RE: Sebart Wind S Pro
I made the same observation as you concerning the need for hinge supports and put them on every hinge where none were supplied. I made the supports using 1/8" end-grain balsa/carbon fiber laminate; drilled/reamed to accept the hinge fully up to the moving part. A fuzzy image is attached - best I could capture. Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 12/10/2010 4:48 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10189208

RE: Who is coming to the
Ditto what Todd said....Thanks to Mark, Richard and Prop-Nuts for a great contest and in particular to Leslie for handling the scoring. Again this year - a very well run contest. The date is well positioned with respect to Nats preparation. I hope Prop-Nuts continues this event. I look forward to next year. Regards, Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 6/29/2010 12:46 AM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9833371

RE: RASA Folding Props advantages???
Thanks Dave, You made my point clearer. Some of the props may be better suited to an outrunner because of higher Kv (RPM). Regards, Andre
Posted on: 2/4/2010 5:46 AM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9475342

RE: RASA Folding Props advantages???
Here are some observations related to use on my Hacker Comp 13XL/Integral combination after spending more than a few $$$ on props and numerous flights.... Props run on the East R/C and Chad hubs; both work fine. I have observed a need for reduced right thrust. The amount of reduction for proper trim would be considerable and I have not adjusted because of the aggrevation of re-doing the back motor mount. I have also observed a change in pitch trim. I speculate this and the reduced need for right thrust are due to a difference in sprial airflow charcteristics (the RASA blades are quite different in shape from the APC 20.5x14 which I have been using). Less braking than the APC; the ESC brake setting needs to be adjusted, but not a complete fix. Less jumpy on the high C rating batteries than the APC. Less rotating mass; advantages and disadvantages. Blade shape being quite different than APC, the numbers do not mean anything if viewed with that paradigm - you need to test to find what works. Quiter, but no one was complaining before! Now, the controversial point....With the exception of one size (21x15.5) I have not found a prop that outperformed the APC 20.5x14, and this size is too much load for the Hacker. Tried 21x14.5, 21x15, 21x16 as well. These sizes resulted in somewhat less to a lot less in-flight performance and this observation correlated directly with watts measured on the test bench (thanks Earl). Now, the disclaimer: Results with outrunners may be different. In summary: A very high quality product that in general can make the flight quality better. Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 2/2/2010 7:03 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9471028

RE: All white CARF painting tips
Gyri, Yes, I have done this a lot, but a lot of experience is not required to get a good result with the current automotive products. That being said, you do need some practice and good spray equipment for the do-it-yourself approach (with auto paint), and I would not suggest you make this your first painting project. The total weight of paint on the airplane shown was 30 grams (and that includes some paint on the bottom of the flying surfaces). Auto painters are not realy concerned with weight, so if you go that route you should ask for the absolute minimum color application to cover the white. Talk to the painter in terms of weight (volume of material) to be used and they may be able to relate better to what you want. Someone who does airbrush type auto work may be able to relate best to your needs. I really like Jim's (OhD) approach to use spray-can lacquer, but this will not work with glow fuel as Jim advises. Lacquer is light and can be easily buffed. Regards,
Posted on: 12/12/2009 12:04 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9324418

RE: All white CARF painting tips
Some information that may help, but not all that you are looking for: Surface prep: You need to clean the surface very well before painting to remove the mold release, otherwise you can get fisheyes in the paint (others have reported difficulties with this). I cleaned with soap and water, then auto paint prep wax/ degreaser (PPG DX330). Still got some fisheyes that had to be repainted. With respect to suface cleaning you need to be careful with solvents as the C-ARF finish can be softened (removed) with aromatic-based solvents. In my experience there is no need to sand (scuff) or prime the surface. I painted with PPG concept (arcylic urethane), which is a single stage (no clear coat paint). No issues of reaction with the white base coat and adheres very well. If by clear-coating you mean the whole airplane, that would IMO add too much weight. If you want to bring-up the shine of the white base coat, then use 3M machine polish (by hand). See the results here: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7738075 Regards,
Posted on: 12/10/2009 6:25 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9319952

Zigzag Turbulator Tape Source
Could someone please advise if they know of a source for zigzag shaped tubulator tape suitable for model sized wings (i.e., 1/8"-1/4" wide; 0.005"-0.010" thickness)? Thanks, Andre Bouchard Katy, TX
Posted on: 11/29/2009 9:55 AM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9288999

RE: Engine leak?
Hey guys, I have a redcat landslide, Ive had it for about 9 months and have literally driven it for about 3 tanks. nothing but problems. Bought a savage x. got about a gallon out of it. engine's busted. I got the landslide out again and the lhs guys told me they couldnt tune it because the carb it shooting fuel like nobody's business. What can I possibly do to fix this?...its been 9 or 10 months..2 trucks and 1400 bucks...no action. The gallon that I had driven through the savage x is only from trying to tune and trying t see if I repaired something correctly....anyway...why is the carb spitting fuel and stalling?
Posted on: 10/31/2009 12:36 PM by Author "dre ny savage" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217635

RE: Is 4350 mAh enough for F3A schedules
Let me amend my imprecise statement.....it depends on the motor maximum watt capability and how one uses the available watts.
Posted on: 8/25/2009 4:02 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9044206

RE: Is 4350 mAh enough for F3A schedules
Depends on the motor: In my experince it is OK on a Hacker 13 XL Comp (would be OK for a 14 as well) limit extra maneuvers. Figure 3000 mAH nominal/flight. Likely not feasible on an outrunner. Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 8/24/2009 7:19 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9041633

RE: Then and now side by side pics
1976 Nats: Cutlass Supreme; HP-61; Kraft; Rhom-air 2008 Nats: C-ARF Integral; Hacker 13XL Comp; 14MZ Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 4/15/2009 9:10 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8685332

RE: Sheeting foam wing with veneer..??
BPLR's Osmose at 2007 F3A WC with paper covered wings. 6# balsa is the norm for sheeting foam wings on pattern airplanes. Andre
Posted on: 2/14/2009 5:46 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8476790

RE: Spark F3A, from Krill Models - SPAIN TEAM
I have had a circuitous path to trimming the airplane to my satisfaction because (I believe) the recommended CG is incorrect (way too forward)IMO the drawing showing the CG position relative to the wing tube has the CG and wing tube mislabled (reversed). Once I recognized that and corrected it, I have been able assess the design.... The Spark has no negative aerodynamic tendenciesit has minimal to no pitch or roll with rudder; it does not pull/push in verticals. This is at a near zero-zero-zero wing-stab-thrust setupI may have about 0.25 degrees down thrust at this point. With rudder it tends to carve as opposed to skid around turns. It looks much more like a bipe in the rolling loop stuff in terms of yaw authority. This kind of yaw authority takes a bit of getting used to. The yaw authority is the product of the large fuse side area and careful design of side area distribution. Despite the side area, it responds well in a cross wind—its bias is towards over crabbing, which I find very desirable. All that fuse side area makes for easy rolling. Snaps are easy and reliable with this airplane, particularly stopping the snap. I believe this is due to the staggered wing plan form, which serves to make the airplane easier to stall (the opposite of what is done on full scale to prevent stall). This is one of the main reasons I bought the plane—easier and more reliable snaps. Regards, Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 11/7/2008 11:37 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8125723

RE: FUTABA BLS451 servos on rudder anyone?
I have been using the BLS451 on the rudder of my e-power Integralenough torque for that purpose, given the small rudder. Now using 451's on the rudder and ailerons of my Krill Model Spark (electric); a bigger rudder (but has a counter balance), and no lack of torque issues detected. What I like about the 451 is the speed (6V). Obviously, with e-power I am not seeing any wear. All that being said, one can never have too much torque on a rudder servo. Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 9/10/2008 9:09 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7941554

RE: Composite-ARF Integral, kinda build thread
I replaced the metal pin with a carbon rodsaved 6 grams. The carbon rod had to be sanded a bit to fitdon't recall the size of the rod used. 300-ish flights with this on electric power. I probably would not use the carbon rod if glow powered, or it would need to be replaced frequently. Rudder servo in tail: If you are going electric you will need to be careful with weight in the tail. Concur with Jasonequipment selection and minimal glue control the weight in an ARF. The Integral I am flying started out as an all white version, and relative to other Integrals I have seen was about 3 oz. heavier to start. With careful equipment selection, replacement of the wing tube with a PBG tube, replacement of the LG with a Bolly F3A large and with the trim painted on, I came out at 10#6oz using the following equipment: Hacker C50-13XL COMP, Budd Mount, Hacker COMP ESC, FlightPower 5350, APC 20.5x14, TT spinner, Jaccio regulator, TP910 Rx battery, 5014 Futaba Rx, 9650's in the stab, 9550's on ailerons and a BLS-451 on rudder. Out of the box alignment was very good. No trim issues with CG at 162mm from the wing LE. I really like this airplane. See you in Muncie. Regards, Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 7/16/2008 5:01 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7738075

RE: Masters judges - FAI 1-1/4 down snap
The figures by themselves do not contain enough information to form the basis of a discussion on this subject, and could be mistaken to imply airplane attitude (as opposed to track) is a judging criteria. The snap in this manuever presents a different appearance depending on whether it is done positive, negative and if wind compensation is involved. All can result in a perfect score. Andre Bouchard F3A Competitor Katy, TX
Posted on: 6/6/2008 9:54 AM by Author "Dre" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7587325

RE: Spark F3A, from Krill Models - SPAIN TEAM
Here is some information my Krill Model Spark: The as-received weights were: Fuse+canopy=918 gr. L. Wing=393 gr. R. Wing=382 gr. L. Stab=109 gr. R. Stab=111 gr. Rudder=86 gr. Wing Tube=62 gr. Stab Tube=14 gr. LG=125 gr. Wheel Pants=40 gr. The finished weight is 4767 gr. with the following equipment: Hacker C-50 13XL Comp+Comp 90 ESC FlightPower 5350 F3A 10S APC 20.5x14 Futaba 3xBLS451 (Ailerons and Rudder) Futaba 2x9650 (Elevators) Futaba 5014Rx Futaba choke on ESC Jaccio Voltage Regulator Some notes: ESC was mounted where it is and an air scoop was added to increase cooling—we fly in 90+F most of the summer in south Texas. The batteries need to be well forward if the servos are mounted in the stab due to the long tail moment/short nose moment (see pictures). Set-up is per plans (all incidences at zero and CG at 30mm from center of wing tube). Flights to date indicate the following: Despite the counter-intuitive (to me) all zero set-up, the vertical lines and knife-edge trim are very good. There is no pitch or roll couple with rudder on knife-edge or flat and level with this set-up. You can make perfectly flat rudder turns with no inputs. Given the fuselage side-area, the side force/fuse lift is very powerful. However, yaw control is not overly sensitive. The snaps are effortless thanks to the saw-toothed wing leading edge and high wing taper. Stability in the wind seems quite good. Overall, I am very pleased with the design/quality of the Spark. Regards, Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 5/27/2008 9:57 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7515564

RE: Spark F3A, from Krill Models - SPAIN TEAM
I have a Spark that is close to being ready to fly. Construction/effort is similar to the C-ARF Integral. Details about the Spark can be found at www.krill-model.com. The U.S. distributor is as follows: Phone: 603 781 8352 Fax: 603 629 9766 Email: pbarnnett@skylineaviationonline.com Address: Sky Line Aviation L.L.C. P.O. BOX 5559 Manchester, NH 03108 Andre Bouchard
Posted on: 3/31/2008 4:48 PM by Author "Dre" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7312026

cooling head for my ntc3
im looking for a cooling head for my ntc3, and cant find one anywhere, the guy at the rc shop told me i could use this one This is the Cool Heavy Duty Head from Golden Horizons for use on the Traxxas 2.5 nitro engine. http://www.rchobbies.com.au/store/index.php?cPath=81_97 theres the link its the blue one half way down i do not want to purchase it if it will not fit so i would like you guys opinions on this
Posted on: 2/19/2008 9:00 AM by Author "-DRE-" in the forum "RC On Road Nitro Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7100346