RE: Thumbs vs. Pinch method
Amazing results - after 253 votes, it is a very close 50/50 Thumbs vs. Pinch.
Posted on: 1/1/2012 12:57 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10885617

RE: Sig Wonder
To answer your question about the Wonder Guide on eBay: I purchased the guide on e-Bay that you referred to. Cost me $1.99 on a bid, and it is a downloadable document. I believe the "Buy-It-Now" price was $3.99. Item is called "Success with the Wonder; R/C Success with the Wonder Guide" by funshipmodels. Sent author a few e-mail questions before purchasing - his reply was philosophical in nature, didn't really answer my questions. Took a chance and bought the reference to see if it had any value. The first thing I looked for was a diagram or photo of how he installed the Tri-Gear landing system - nothing but a description - no illustrations or photos at all - only the cover; it is all text - I was disappointment to say the least. This reference is only 9 pages long. The reference briefly touches on engine, radio, servo selection and is very generic. Then author provides some tips and pointers on building, pre-flight radio setup, and then flying. The author speaks about his experience flying the SIG Wonder, adjusting down trim for level fligth, and recommends servo rates for best performance. Whether or not you purchase this "Guide" all depends on your interest in what the author may include as "Vital Information and Optional Enhancements for this Fast Mover". I intend to provide the author feedback about his product along with some recommendations for improvement. Overall I guess it was worth a few bucks for the flying construction tips and flying pointers. FS
Posted on: 12/11/2011 11:19 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10854377

RE: Futaba Receivers & Servos for SIG Wonder
After researching replacement servos considering original S133, suggestions and comments from forum members and Futaba rep - decided to go with three (3) Futaba S3115 servos for my SIG Wonder. S3115: Micro- Mini, Precision Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 4.8V: 39 in-oz/0.15 sec. Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 6.0V: n/a Will use MAGNUM .15 engine and 4.8v NiMh 750 mAh battery. Decided on the Futaba R617FS receiver - a full range 7 channel Rx unit with capacity for monitoring devices. Intend to make some improvements where feasible, like wing attachment, control pushrods, skid protection, and battery charge level monitoring. Would appreciate forum member comments regarding any "hindsight" improvements they would recommend, along with constructions tips and pointers. Will report progress as I go. FS
Posted on: 12/6/2011 9:06 PM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10847297

RE: Futaba Receivers & Servos for SIG Wonder
BAX, We are finally getting somewhere - but would like you to review my airplane configurations to ensure that the Hobbico NiMh batteries will meet the current draws of these servo combinations: NexStar 46 - five (5) Futaba S3003 standard servos - Hobbico HydriMax NiMh 6.0v 2000 mAh Rx Batttery (HCAM6351); max current draw 10 amps Tiger 60 - five (5) Futaba S3151 digital servos - Hobbico HydriMax NiMh 6.0v 2000 mAh Rx Batttery (HCAM6351); max current draw 10 amps Piper Cherokee 46 - five (5) Futaba S3004 standard servos - Hobbico HydriMax NiMh 6.0v 2000 mAh Rx Batttery (HCAM6351); max current draw 10 amps SIG Wonder - three (3) Futaba S3115 micro servos - Hobbico HydriMax NiMh 4.8v 750 mAh Rx Battery (HCAM6301); max current draw 6 amps Four Star 60 - five (5) Futaba S9071SB digital servos - Hobbico HydriMax NiMh 6.0v 2000 mAh Rx Batttery (HCAM6351); max current draw 10 amps I would also appreciate your general discussion of situations where the current demand of the Futaba servos may exceed the current supply capacity of NiMh batteries, and what effect a current overdraw would have on the servos, battery, and airplane. Finally - since you are in a management position with Futaba, can you expand on why Futaba tests with NiCd batteries ONLY, and has not yet stepped up to testing with NiMh batteries? There are many more NiMh batteries in RC model airplane use than older technology NiCd batteries. Thank you, FS
Posted on: 11/30/2011 11:35 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10836515

RE: Futaba Receivers & Servos for SIG Wonder
BAX, Is Hobbico the manufacturer of the Hobbico HydriMax battery pack? If Hobbico manufactures and sells the HydriMax NiMh batteries through Tower Hobbies, then Hobbico and Tower Hobbies (one in the same) should be able to state the current (amperage) supply specifications of their 750 mAh 4.8v and 2000 mAh 6.0v receiver batteries, with respect to Futaba servo high-current draws. The Futaba servo specs do not differentiate between old and new - they simply make statements that only NiCd batteries are "Approved" for use in Futaba servos, and customers must ensure that NiMh batteries will supply sufficient 2A current source for each servo. For a model wiith 5 servos, that would be 10 amps. Futaba specifications advise customers to ensure that NiMh batteries are capable of delivering approximately 2A for each servo. However, when you speak to a Futaba rep about what NiMh battery will work with their servo, you are referred to the battery manufacturer - in this case, Hobbico. When you call Hobbico customer support to verfiy 2A amperage supply capacity of the Hobbico HydriMax NiMh Battery, customer service reps check with Hobbico technical support who reply "we follow Futaba specifications" - and it all goes around in a circle right back to Futaba. This is very, very frustrating for us customers who simply want to purchase a servo battery product that will work, go out and fly, and have some fun. Futaba has not developed a consistent statement for the servo specs, so you see variations from spec to spec regarding high current draw, NiMh batteries, and 2A current supply capability. So - how do we go about determining if these Futaba servos require 2A each? S3004 S3010 S3102 S3115 S3151 S3305 Then - how do we go about determining if these Hobbico NiMh batteries will supply the amperage required? Hobbico HydriMax 4.8v 750 mAh Rx Battery (HCAM6301) Hobbico HydriMax 6.0v 2000 mAh Rx Batttery (HCAM6351) I am holding off my orders until I get valid answers to the above questions. Have not been able to get a straight answer from Futaba or Hobbico, but I am ready to put my inquiries in writing to the executive level of both companies if I cannot obtain comprehensive and accurate information from the technical support level. Please advise. FS
Posted on: 11/30/2011 8:38 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10836162

RE: Futaba Receivers & Servos for SIG Wonder
Bill, Finally decided on the R617FS receiver for several reasons, but primarily the full range capability, since the SIG Wonder can eat up real estate real fast. Many of the Futaba servo Tech Notes state that Futaba servos are approved for NiCd batteries ONLY! Servo can produce high-current draw from batteries. If using NiMh or LiPo batteries, make sure that they are capable of delivering sufficient amps. Per Futaba rep, I was advised to check with battery manufacturer to see if their battery would deliver up to 2 amps high current draw Futaba rep stated that a NiMh battery should not be used unless it is capable of delivering up to 2 amps current draw. If not, it may fail to function at any time – on the ground or in the air.  Futaba rep indicates that Futaba servos are tested with NiCd batteries only. I guess my question would be - why doesn't Futaba test their servos with NiMh batteries? For three (3) type S3115 micro servos in a SIG Wonder, a NiMh battery would have to be capable of delivering up to 6 amps (2 amps per servo). I am checking with Hobbico battery manufacturer to determine if the Hobbico NiMh batteries will support Futaba servo 2 amp draw. What is your take on the use of NiMh batteries with Futaba servos?
Posted on: 11/30/2011 7:54 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10835099

RE: Futaba Receivers & Servos for SIG Wonder
Here are the sizes, key features, and torques of candidate servos: S3003: Standard, Bushing Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 4.8V: 44 in-oz/0.23 sec. Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 6.0V: 57 in-oz/0.19 sec. S3004: Standard, Ball Bearing Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 4.8V: 44 in-oz/0.23 sec. Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 6.0V: 57 in-oz/0.19 sec. S3102: Micro, Metal Gear Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 4.8V: 51 in-oz/0.25 sec. Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 6.0V: 64 in-oz/0.20 sec. S3114: Micro, High Torque Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 4.8V: 21 in-oz/0.10 sec. Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 6.0V: 24 in-oz/0.09 sec. S3115: Micro- Mini, Precision Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 4.8V: 39 in-oz/0.15 sec. Torque/Speed(60 degrees) @ 6.0V: n/a The Futaba S133 servo used in the SIG Wonder US NAVY prototype had a torque of 27.8 oz-in @ 4.8V and speed of .22 sec/60 deg. Dimensions were 1.59x0.79x1.14 and it weighed 0.6 oz Other variants of the SIG Wonder used the S132 servo. Based on my reviews of the S133 servo in different RC forums, it had problems with centering, had slow response, and was subject to "flutter" and "jitter". So I need to select an improved servo that has the right technical specifications to get good (not optimum) performance out the SIG Wonder. FS
Posted on: 11/27/2011 5:53 PM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10831977

RE: Sig Wonder
victorzamora frenchie79 jumper666 BT00561 skyraider71 Thanks for your input on Li-Fe battery and .25 engine Bundu. How much flight time do you get out of your Li-Fe battery? Would also like to hear from above forum members on what they used, or would recommend, for SIG Wonder receiver, servos and battery - see my post on 11/26/2011. Has anyone considered reinforcing the bottom of the fuselage with layer of epoxy? Thanks, FS
Posted on: 11/27/2011 7:20 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10831012

RE: Sig Wonder
Bundu, From what I gather, these things can apparently get out of control. I can understand the seriousness of your problem; did some research and found this Neutering Tool on Tower: LXSB49. FS
Posted on: 11/27/2011 7:02 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10830980

Futaba Receivers & Servos for SIG Wonder
Currently putting together a matrix of model, engine, receiver, servo and MaxAmps.com for all your LiPo, NiMh and NiCd RC Battery Needs. Click here now. battery requirements for five models I will be working on over the Winter, installing Futaba receivers and servos – 2.4Ghz. Will boost “SIG Wonder” airplane construction to the top. The SIG Link this word and every other one like it in our forum to YOUR Website! manual discusses four prototype versions - I will be building the US NAVY configuration. The market has come a long way since the prototype assembly using Futaba R114H receiver and Futaba S133 micro servos - these are now obsolete or discontinued. Will be using Futaba Link this word and every other one like it in our forum to YOUR Website! 2.4Ghz transmitter and I am considering the Magnum KLS 15A 2-stroke engine. From the discussions it sounds like a .15 has enough power to scramble this baby and make your eyeballs roll - but I am open to suggestions, including installation of a 4-stroke. Based on experience of SIG Wonder pilots and Futaba specialists in this forum, would like to hear what current Futaba electronics I should consider for this model. These are my candidates, and please feel free to recommend any that I have not listed. Candidate receivers: R6106HFC, R617FS. Candidate servos: S3003, S3004, S3102, S3114, S3115. Need to select servo with the right type gearing and torque. Are metal gears needed on the SIG Wonder, or will nylon do just fine? Will have to drive ailerons, elevator, and optional throttle. Candidate battery: GP NiMH 4-cell 4.8V 350 mAh. Please let me know what you think about the above candidates, and your recommendations to come up with a good configuration. FS
Posted on: 11/27/2011 5:28 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10830880

Futaba Receivers & Servos for SIG Wonder
Currently putting together a matrix of model, engine, receiver, servo and MaxAmps.com for all your LiPo, NiMh and NiCd RC Battery Needs. Click here now. battery requirements for five models I will be working on over the Winter, installing Futaba receivers and servos – 2.4Ghz. Will boost “SIG Wonder” airplane construction to the top. The SIG Link this word and every other one like it in our forum to YOUR Website! manual discusses four prototype versions - I will be building the US NAVY configuration. The market has come a long way since the prototype assembly using Futaba R114H receiver and Futaba S133 micro servos - these are now obsolete or discontinued. Will be using Futaba Link this word and every other one like it in our forum to YOUR Website! 2.4Ghz transmitter and I am considering the Magnum KLS 15A 2-stroke engine. From the discussions it sounds like a .15 has enough power to scramble this baby and make your eyeballs roll - but I am open to suggestions, including installation of a 4-stroke. Based on experience of SIG Wonder pilots and Futaba specialists in this forum, would like to hear what current Futaba electronics I should consider for this model. These are my candidates, and please feel free to recommend any that I have not listed. Candidate receivers: R6106HFC, R617FS. Candidate servos: S3003, S3004, S3102, S3114, S3115. Need to select servo with the right type gearing and torque. Are metal gears needed on the SIG Wonder, or will nylon do just fine? Will have to drive ailerons, elevator, and optional throttle. Candidate battery: GP NiMH 4-cell 4.8V 350 mAh. Please let me know what you think about the above candidates, and your recommendations to come up with a good configuration. FS
Posted on: 11/27/2011 5:20 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10830874

RE: Sig Wonder
Just finished reviewing SIG Wonder posts since 10/2005 - lots of knowledge and experience with SIG Wonder here. Currently putting together a matrix of model, engine, receiver, servo and battery requirements for five models I will be working on over the Winter. Will boost SIG Wonder construction to the top. The SIG manual discusses the four prototype versions - I will be building the US NAVY configuration. The market has come a long way since the prototype assembly using Futaba R114H receiver and Futaba S133 micro servos - these are now obsolete or discontinued. Will be using Futaba 2.4Ghz transmitter and I am considering the Magnum KLS 15A 2-stroke engine. From the discussions it sounds like a .15 has enough power to scramble this baby and make your eyeballs roll - but I am open to suggestions, including installation of a 4-stroke. Based on experience of SIG Wonder pilots in this forum, would like to hear what current Futaba electronics I should consider for this model. These are my candidates, and please feel free to recommend any that I have not listed. Candidate recievers: R6106HFC, R617FS. Candidate servos: S3003, S3004, S3102, S3114, S3115. Need to select servo with the right type gearing and torque. Are metal gears needed on the SIG Wonder, or will nylon do just fine? Will have to drive ailerons, elevator, and optional throttle. Candidate battery: GP NiMH 4-cell 4.8V 350 mAh. Please let me know what you think about the above candidates, and your recommendations to come up with a good configuration. FS
Posted on: 11/26/2011 5:52 AM by Author "FSmithSE" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10829550