Tip of the Hat to Horizon Hobby
I know we're quick to criticize vendors and manufacturers (and often rightly so) when we don't get the service that we feel we deserve, so I thought I would take this opportunity to applaud Horizon Hobby. My Spektrum DX6i was having an issue with the rudder control. After contacting Horizon they suggested that I send in my TX for service so I did. After tracking the service request online I noticed that it was less then 30 minutes from being inspected to being shipped out. Today a package arrived from Spektrum. The invoice in side said "In the spirit of customer service your DX6i has been replaced free of charge." In the box was a brand new DX6i. There's no way my original TX was under warranty and I fully expected to have to pay for service but this was a very welcome and appreciated surprise. I just felt that I had to share this.:)
Posted on: 9/18/2012 10:39 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232510

RE: Spektrum DX6i Rudder Issue
Thanks Andy. That's not what I wanted to hear, but you're probably right. I have an inquiry into Horizon now to see what I have to do next.
Posted on: 8/31/2012 11:48 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11212757

Spektrum DX6i Rudder Issue
I'm suddenly having problems with the rudder control in my DX6i. I noticed this when I just installed V2 of FSONE and tried to calibrate the TX. No rudder would show up. I thought it might be an issue with FSONE so I went to the Monitor on the TX and sure enough, there's no rudder activity. I tested this with my plane (Alpha 40) and no rudder activity, however, if I tried to reverse the rudder servo, tt definitely moved the rudder so the TX is communicating with the rudder servo. I'm hoping someone has a quick fix for this like go to "SETUP", select "ABC" and set it to "Y" and voila, back in business! I was hoping to fly tomorrow, but obviously not without a rudder! I'm hoping this is not so serious that I need to send this to Horizon. The TX is about 4 years old but I only fly about 5 or 6 times per year.
Posted on: 8/31/2012 11:00 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11212726

RE: Good Starter Plane
I don't think anyone asked if you had a preference for Electric or Nitro. I started on an electric fomie, the Easy Star which is a great plane and takes a lot of abuse. However, I wanted to get into Nitro so I then purchased the Hanger 9 Alpha 40 RTF package (2.4GHZ). This is also a great trainer and flew pretty well right out of the box. I also flew my son's new SuperCub which was a great plane until he insisted on pulling the transmitter out of my hand and nosed it into the ground. So to summarize... EasyStar Alpha 40 Hobby Zone Super Cub
Posted on: 8/10/2012 9:17 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11188205

RE: LETS SAVE SIG BEFORE THEY GET SWALLOWED BY THE BIG TWO!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: TexasSkyPilot HampdenTech, The SIG Four-Star is a great second plane. A little advanced for a first plane, though I'm old-school and am not factoring in the many flightSims out there today that can advance a newbie. Building-wise, it's not too advanced. You should be fine. I'm speaking of flying characteristics. ~ Jim ~ [/quote] Hi Jim, This is actually my second
Posted on: 7/25/2012 8:28 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168550

RE: LETS SAVE SIG BEFORE THEY GET SWALLOWED BY THE BIG TWO!!!
I just received my first SIG kit, a Four Star 40. I'm planning on building this in the fall with my 7-year-olds help! I bought it mainly because of the high praise I have heard about SIG and their kits. I hope they're around for my next build.
Posted on: 7/24/2012 1:55 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11167592

RE: Four Star Forty dihedral
[quote]ORIGINAL: GaryHarris I don't clip the wings either. I like how they ''Float'' in during a landing. And how I can hover it with a good head wind. [/quote] I'm building a Four Star 40 soon (kit arrived the other day). I was going to remove the last wing bay on each wing as suggested by the mods because of the "float" factor. I'm flying an Alpha 40 now that does float but I can easily land it on the strip at my club. Since this will be my seond plane should I just leave the wing stock? Bob
Posted on: 7/20/2012 11:10 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11162614

RE: Escapade
Mine is on it's way on Tuesday (may get some flights in before the season ends). Our field is grass. I'm going to put on OS46AX in it. Should I leave off the wheel pants or will it take off of a grass runway with them on? Obviously, I like the semi-scale looks of the wheel pants but if I have to leave them off, so be it.
Posted on: 9/5/2010 1:34 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9981912

RE: No joy today!
Earl fizzled out here too. It's great weather (Saturday morning) to fly but I'm sure our club's runway is soggy. Maybe Monday!!
Posted on: 9/4/2010 9:17 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9979789

RE: Newbie - Ailerons or Rudder?
If you have ailerons you should use those. The rudder is mainly for coordinating in turns and for aerobatic maneuvers. Obviously, it's for ground handling as well. If you don't have working ailrerons then you're flying a 3-channel in which case you are using the same stick movement to steer the plane. That said, it's good also to know how to guide the plane using just the rudder, I guess in case you lose your aileron servos. I'm sure others with more experience will pipe in but this is my $0.02 worth (that's 2 cents in the US[:)]).
Posted on: 9/4/2010 9:09 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9979780

RE: Post pic of your runway from Google Earth
Here's our club in Raynham, MA. The site abuts a recreational area so we occasionally get spectators!
Posted on: 9/4/2010 8:49 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9979762

RE: Great weekend
That's great to hear! I have an 11 year-old who's yet to fully take an interest but I'm still hopeful. He has 2 younger brothers, one is 4-1/2 and the other is just 4 months old so I have other opportunities. (yes, I know, way to space out those kids...I'll be doing this father thing for a LONG time![:D]).
Posted on: 8/11/2009 11:27 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9007503

RE: What age is appropriate for park flyers?
My son and I started in this hobby together 2 years ago. Guess who's still flying and who has lost interest[;)]. I'm into Nitro planes now and want to move into bigger more aerobatic models. The park flyers are all his (or his younger brother) when they are ready. Actually, we're going to head to the park on Friday, but the problem I found is that around here, the best time to fly is in the morning and he's not a morning person. I try to head out to the field at around 7AM and unless it's a school day, that's a little tough for him to get motivated. I'm still hopeful though that he'll pickup the hobby. I've also let my 4-1/2 year old play around with the RealFlight simulator. Right now he likes watching me fly more than doing it himself..
Posted on: 8/4/2009 10:13 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8988902

RE: progression from trainer to low wing
[quote]ORIGINAL: bigaco hey hampden tech i fly at wingbuster as well. You buy what ever plane that is considered a lowing trainer that you feel you would like to fly do not worry about having to many of the same kind of planes flying . The most important thing is that you like the plane because after all you will be flying the plane not the other guy! I started with a lt40 trike gear then went to another lt 40 i cut 6 in out of the center of the wing and took out all the (dihiedrile) not spelled right but you get the pic made it a tail dragger put a 55 ax on it it was my second plane. 3d was piper j3,4th mack the knife profile,5th will be my h9 p40 warhawk with 100 saito can not wait Bill (bigaco)[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D] [/quote] Hi Bill, I haven't been to Wingbusters yet this year (I've flown 3 or 4 times in Raynham though). I keep getting updates on the field condition from Bob. Too bad some idiot kids had to spoil a lot of hard work! I'm flying a new (last year) Alpha 40 with the Spektrum DSM2 technology. I love it but I still have some work before I'm fully comfortable with the 40. I'm hoping at some point next summer to be ready for the low-wing trainer. Thanks, Bob
Posted on: 7/29/2009 9:22 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8973272

RE: progression from trainer to low wing
I belong to 2 clubs actually, Wingbusters MAC in Halifax and Borden Colony RC club in Raynham. I mostly fly in Raynham though.
Posted on: 7/28/2009 4:13 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8971274

RE: progression from trainer to low wing
[quote]ORIGINAL: Popriv [quote]ORIGINAL: HampdenTech [quote]ORIGINAL: Popriv Plus no one at the club has a tiger so I though something different was in order. Pop [/quote] Does that mean that if I build it I can't fly at your club as your guest[:D]! Funny you should mention that though, a guy at my club was flying a Tiger 2 which was what temporarily pushed me in the direction of the Four
Posted on: 7/28/2009 3:37 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8971188

RE: progression from trainer to low wing
[quote]ORIGINAL: Popriv Plus no one at the club has a tiger so I though something different was in order. Pop [/quote] Does that mean that if I build it I can't fly at your club as your guest[:D]! Funny you should mention that though, a guy at my club was flying a Tiger 2 which was what temporarily pushed me in the direction of the Four Star, just to bring something different to the club. It's not his main though, he just brought it as a warmup.
Posted on: 7/28/2009 1:20 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8970864

RE: progression from trainer to low wing
I suppose it woudn't be the worst thing in the world to start on the GB Tiger 60 with trikes and then migrate it to a tail dragger later on. However, I've also heard that in some cases ground-handling is easier on a tail-dragger. I guess I won't know until I try it!
Posted on: 7/28/2009 1:09 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8970831

RE: progression from trainer to low wing
[quote]ORIGINAL: tessmar I started with a Goldberg Eagle and then a SIG LT40 before moving to a low wing plane. I then flew both the Sig Four Star 40 and the Goldberg Tiger 2. I like the Tiger much better than I did the Sig. After three years I still fly the Tiger regularly and continue to enjoy it. It is my ''go to'' plane to ''get back in the groove'' if I haven't flown for awhile or am a little spooked by wind conditions at the field. It absolutely sticks to the runway on landing-no bounce at all. It has a precision and crispness that I did not sense in the Sig. From the comments of others in my club the general opinion is that the 60 size Four Star flies better than the 40, while the Goldberg flies equally well in either the 40 or 60 version. Just one opinion, I know, but I thought you might appreciate input from another novice. [/quote] Tessmar, Just curious, did you fly the Tiger 2 with trike gear or did you convert it to a tail-dragger? I'm looking at both the Four Star 60 and Goldberg 60 for a second plane but I'm leaning toward a tail-dragger. I'm going to build this from a kit and I know there is a td conversion kit for the Goldberg. All things considered, they are about the same but I noticed that you liked the Tiger better. Thanks, Bob
Posted on: 7/28/2009 9:12 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8970311

RE: Tiger 2 help
[quote]ORIGINAL: tessmar I have only been flying for three years and have destroyed a number of planes in my learning experience...so I have a great deal of ''limited experience'' with a variety of supposedly docile and good flying planes. IMO the Tiger 2 is by far the best flying plane I have ever tried (including the SIG Fourstar 40, World Models Mach II, Goldberg Eagle, SIG LT40...). It goes where you point it, has zero bad habits, and is responsive and quick and yet easy to fly at half throttle with the OS 46AX. It sits slightly nose down and therefore absolutely guess itself to the runway when you land...no bounce at all. It is also solidly built. Unlike some planes with wire landing gear mounted to the wings it takes the occasional hard landing without any sort of structural failure. It is still the plane I fly best and go back to any time I feel a loss of confidence, such as when I haven't flow for some time. All in all a dream...you'll love it! [/quote] Did you get this as an ARF? Does it have the trike gear or taildragger conversion? The reason I ask is that I'm looking for a building project this winter and I'm bouncing between the Tiger 2 and the Fourstar 40 for a second plane. I was leaning toward the Four Star because it is a tail dragger but I also noticed that there is a tail dragger conversion kit available for the Tiger 2. I also saw a Tiger 2 fly yesterday and it flew great.
Posted on: 7/20/2009 4:25 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8949480

RE: Finally Soloed Today
[quote]ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer Just remember... Because you have soloed doesn't mean you know how to fly! Most first crashes happen shortly after you're on your own. [/quote] You're right. I think those "jitters" I felt will be with me for a while and that will keep me honest. Besides, I don't intend on going to the field unless others are there. The encouragement and assistance is very helpful and I'm pretty sure my instructor won't be too far away. Now it's just a matter of building confidence. Thanks for all of the words of encouragement!
Posted on: 7/13/2009 11:37 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8928910

RE: Finally Soloed Today
[quote]ORIGINAL: Popriv Congrats Hampden Tech, Now just fly as often as you can.... Pop [/quote] Well now that we finally have some decent weather around here I can[8D]! Thanks Pop!
Posted on: 7/13/2009 11:11 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8928850

RE: Finally Soloed Today
[quote]ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer Congratulations! But just for the record, ''Ken's'' nifty certificates (along with all of his other great pics) are MY handywork. He just usually beats me to the punch. :D [/quote] Well, now I feel complete! Thanks Mike!
Posted on: 7/13/2009 8:17 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8928546

Finally Soloed Today
I know, this type of post gets old, but I just had to post. I'm flying the new Alpha 40 with DSM2 2.4ghz technology. It's a great trainer and I'm glad I picked it up last year. I finished up last season with my instructor taking off. I was able to land okay with his instruction. Today I did the same thing on the first flight but on the second flight I did it all. The take off was smooth and I did circuits and figure 8's for about 5 minutes. Then I brought it in for a landing. It felt great to get this under my belt, and now I can't wait to get back to the field. Actually, the real reason I'm posting this is so I can get one of Ken's nifty certificates[:D]! Happy Flying!! Bob
Posted on: 7/11/2009 2:02 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8924264

RE: Ugly stik Kit
I built this one from a Pat Tritle short kit. [link=http://www.patscustom-models.com/]Pat's Custom Models[/link]
Posted on: 6/29/2009 4:15 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8891589

RE: DX6i Buddy box options?
[quote]ORIGINAL: rgm762 what our club found out through trail and error, alot of errors[:)], is in order to use th dxi6 you have to use another computer radio, and both tx's MUST be set identical, i.e. epa, expo, servo reverse, mixing and so on, IF just one setting is different, then it won't work [/quote] I was easily able to use a DX5 (not a computer TX) as a slave to the DX6i. Worked like a charm!
Posted on: 4/20/2009 7:19 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8697897

Prop for Alpha 40/Evolution Trainer Engine
I need to replace the prop. on my Alpha 40 (Evolution Trainer System Engine). I want to go with a standard 2 blade prop. I'm looking for opinions on the size. I was told a 10 X 5. I currently have a 10 X 6 (wood) Top Flite Power Point. Any other opinions? Thanks, Bob
Posted on: 10/7/2008 12:24 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8026888

RE: First landing and then....oops!
Well I think I'm done with the buddy box now anyway. I have enough confidence to be able to take off and land so the next flight will be my solo. This is a bit misleading though since I have been flying electrics for a little over a year, but making the jump to Nitro is a bit of a transition. As for my instructor, I doubt that will happen to him again. He's a very good pilot and a very good instructor, and yes, I'm sure the Alpha 40 will be in fine shape (maybe better) when I get it back from him.
Posted on: 10/4/2008 1:50 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8018144

First landing and then....oops!
I made my first landing today on my new Alpha 40, albeit on the trainer box. I made 2 or 3 passes to pratice my approach and then brought it in nice and slow. I gave it a little flair just before landing and set it down on the tricycle landing gear and rolled to a stop. No bounce at all. I felt pretty good and my instructor noted that I couldn't have done better than that. I started taxiing to the pit area and all of a sudden the engine went to full throttle and the Alpha 40 took off toward a fence. I looked in horror as it went straight into the horizontal rail of the fence. My instructor was a bit confused at first but then he realized that he had let off the trainer switch and the master TX was at full throttle. He didn't react because he thought I still had control. The damage was surprisingly minor. The engine mount sheared off and the propellor (all 3 blades) broke. The main spar on the left side of the wing was broken but it looks like it will go back in one piece. There was no damage to the fuselage or the tail. My instructor offered to fix it and I took him up on the offer. He felt really bad about it, but I guess these things happen. The important thing is that nobody was hurt. It could have been a lot worse had it not hit the fence. Anyway, my confidence is up after that landing. I think I'm ready to solo next time.
Posted on: 10/4/2008 12:15 PM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8017947

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
[quote]ORIGINAL: Adui [quote]ORIGINAL: jester_s1 Sounds like the OP just wants a toy to go and break. To actually fly RC requires a minimum $400 investment (that's if you are a good shopper) and a rather long training period (as compared to other hobbies) before the fun starts. Toys will get up in the air and might even land a few times without breaking, but they won't do much else. [/quote] I am about sick of these posts.. I can prove that you can be into the hobby with RTF plane, and basic starting package for under $350. Sorry for sounding off, but every time someone makes a post like this three more would be RC'ers leave the hobby because "its too expensive" Heres a link that proves it: [u]http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc-planes-hangar9-alpha-40-trainer-rtf.htm[/u] Add $20 for a gallon of fuel, and $35 for the glow igniter, rubber bands and chicken stick. Thats $344, I get fuel for $19 right now, and the other things can be had for less than $35 so my estimate is actually high. This took me 5 minutes to set up, I spent longer typing the post! In addition, a frugal shopper could cut it down even more. So, why dont we all stop saying how expensive this hobby is and start being a bit more constructive.. [/quote] Actually, the old Alpha 40 is discontinued and the new Alpha 40 costs around $399.
Posted on: 9/24/2008 8:20 AM by Author "HampdenTech" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7985620