RE: Dhc-2Beaver
The 870kv on the motor is a rating that means the motor does 870 rpm per volt supplied. That will change with the prop you use. Use your watt meter and be sure to not exceed the motors max amp rating. Your speed controller should be rated for more amps than the motor. Not all props are the same. Try different props and you will find one that flys better than others. Good luck and happy flying
Posted on: 9/16/2012 4:54 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230377

RE: power 25 brushless can i use a 11x7 prop?
If you already have the props then fly and see which you like the best. The more monitoring you can do the better. A watt meter would be good to test amp draw on the bench. Keep an eye on your speed controller and motor. Next will be performance when you are flying and flight times. A 11x6 from the different maker are not all the same. So testing is your best solution. Strat with the motors manufacture recommendations and test from there. I have some 12x10's that I run on my Power 25. It is on a spitfire. Good luck and happy flying.
Posted on: 9/16/2012 4:45 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230372

RE: Phoenix Video Adapter Requirement
Check the video card manuf. site and compare the specs of the two cards. # of processors and such. Good luck.
Posted on: 9/13/2012 1:02 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11226935

RE: Phoenix V3
You may have done what I did. Pin the setup beginning of the controller calibration it state "center the controls" now for the throttle it needs to be 1/2 throttle not in the off position. When it is off the center calibration is seeing the off as the middle of the throw. Once I reread the calibration on my 3rd calibration it was corrected and working now. Good Luck.
Posted on: 5/28/2012 6:47 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11097955

RE: Spektrum AR8000 useless without satellite
I was wrong. Looking over my purchasing history, the prices were about the same for all three AR8000 receivers, within $10 or so. Even with having to purchase a satellite receiver, my average price for these three AR8000s delivered to my house will be around $100/ea. If I look at it that way, I'm not so pissed, given their list price Chris Shaker Hide Signatures (in reply to cjshaker) This is a lot of heartache to save $25 over a new unit. Sorry but live and learn. I have done it. You need to read the auctions really closely. It is someone wanting to sell you something and get max price. They will always forget to tell you the things that fall into the grey areas.
Posted on: 5/6/2012 10:32 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11070412

RE: Charging 2 lipos simultaneous with ICE/EQUINOX?
Max -what kind of racing do you do that you are only using 1/5th of the batteries capacity? I believe Goldenduff was saying that if you were to purchase another battery you would be best off purchasing a smaller mah but a lot higher "C" rating on the battery. That would be a big benefit. That is usually the biggest limiting factor in stock class. Keep in mind that since you are only using 1/5th of the capacity of your battery that you could use it for 3 races before charging it. 2 reasons, lipos have a very consistent voltage output for the batterys capicity and your lipos life is rated by cycles. Most are rated at about 300 cycle life span. Some of the newer cells I have seen 450 cycle ratings. Hey we are all here to save fellow RCers money, headaches, heartaches and possibly some gray hair. I am anyways.I don't get paid to sit here and type. Good Luck and be safe Thanks
Posted on: 5/5/2012 11:09 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11070013

RE: loosing signal
I will check my DX8 in range check mode to see if there is any type of lag. I was speaking of any issue while you were in the air. If you notice my signature I had a number of good flights and then a crash. I was having a area that I noticed that I was inputing a movement but it didn't move and I was seeing a number of holds in that same area. A hold is where the signal was interrupted. The hold count would increase by 3-5 every time I flew in this 20 ft area. Not sure why but I haven't been back to that field since the crash. I have since joined a club. I think my problem was that here in N Texas they are doing test for natural gas in the ground. I had flown at this school multiple times and I never saw this issue I had that day. The school that day had these receivers every 150 ft tied together with a large yellow cable and I was having a dead spot in this one area. Well I was doing some bombing runs on my 6th battery that day and I was 1/2 way through that battery. So I had 4 minutes of flying that day. Well I wasn't paying attention and did a dive and was close to the ground coming into that dead area and hit the ground. When I was flying flat and level it wasn't a big deal, but in a dive a different story. Now this isn't the radios fault I knew there was a issue in a area that I should of stayed away from. These radios are doing a lot of things. The technology is good but it isn't perfect in every area. We have to stay within the limits of the product.
Posted on: 5/5/2012 10:17 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069418

RE: Charging 2 lipos simultaneous with ICE/EQUINOX?
The quality, age and use of the cells is going to be the determining factor for the cells becoming imbalanced. When you use or charge in series the cells are "a unit" to the motor or charger. If one cell is better or worse the motor or charger doesnt know it. That is why a balancer is recommended. It is capable at looking at each cell and determining what each cell needs. The 6 amps is all the charger is putting out no matter the number of cells. I am looking at it as if you charge 2 cells at 6 amps it will take X minutes, if you charge 4 cells at 6 amps it will take 2 x X minutes. So why not charge 1 pack at a time an have a better chance of not having a problem? Once a cell gets damaged it doesn't repair itself. If it is easier to do both at once then do it. I am usually charging while I do other things in the area that I am charging so I don't mind it. I have seen the problems through others and I don't want to be one of them. I like my shop.
Posted on: 5/5/2012 9:54 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069407

RE: loosing signal
So you are out away from most city type of interferences? I would not think a telephone would cause you a problem. to many others have them near by when flying. You fly almost every day and I would guess more than once per day. So this is happening 1 out of 50 flights? Do you see your plane making funny movements that you didn't ask it to do? Do you see it not responding when you have put in small movements? On your DX8 you can have it show you how many "Faults" and "Holds" occur during your flight. Keep an eye on those when you fly. The manual tells you what is acceptable and unacceptable. You can have like 50 faults is normal with DSMX but not ok if you are in DSM2 mode. Let us know what you find.
Posted on: 5/5/2012 9:20 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069378

RE: Charging 2 lipos simultaneous with ICE/EQUINOX?
Let me say, I didn't look up the specs on the ICE> I used 5 amps as a number. If it should be 7 so be it. I have used a ICE charger when I raced cars and trucks. I have been flying for the last 2 years and I was away from cars and trucks a year before that. Ok so back to your question Max_Power, you are charging 2 - 2 cell batteries in series with out a balancer. Do you use the batteries in that manner? If you use them at separate times then more than likely they are at different levels of charge/discharged. When using a 4 cell pack those cells learn to work with each other and they charge and discharge at the same rate. They are a "team" in a sense. That is how they are different from your 2 2 cell packs. When you use a balancer it allows all the cells to charge correctly. The balancers will not manage the balancing correctly if the cells are more than .2 volts difference. Your 2 packs will be that different from each other. Also with 4 cells in series your charger is looking at 16.8 volts as a max voltage. If 3 cells are full and 1 cell is almost dead or going bad then you could have - 3 cells @ 4.2 volts each = 12.6 volts and the 4th cell @ 3.2 volts for 15.8 volts so the charger is going full bore until that 16.8 volts. Take a wild guess what might happen to those 3 fully charged cells? Or your shop/house while you watch TV or run to the store. The ICE charger is a good mid/low level charger. It is old technology when comparing to a lot of the chargers out there now. Use it with in its limits and don't take chances. You need a good balancer when charging any LIPO or LIFE type of batteries. With a balancer you should be ok. Also it it 5 amps total, NOT per cell. I have 6 packs with 3 cells each for my airplane. I charge them at 6 amps. That would means I could get my 6 amp output with a 30 power supply to output 108 amps. NOT. It is 5 divided by 4 = 1.25 amps to each cell. Sorry Also the 4.2 volts is the cell max voltage. When it is higher it is going bad. And don't let it below 3.1 volts as 3.0 volts is very bad. Very. Now all of this being said the chemistry is getting better every second every day. Most of the cells made in the last year (NOT purchased) are better and probably won't catch fire when abused. Remember the battery is a chemical so it is like a flare when it burns. Have you ever tried to stop a flare when it is burning. Almost impossible to stop. I hope this helps some. Good Luck.
Posted on: 5/4/2012 5:37 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11068762

RE: rc workbenches ..show me your work tables.
A good bench top are used wood doors from a older building. They are solid and heavy. If they are doing a remodel they can be cheap. Always use 1/4" hard board for a slick replaceable surface. My work bench is made from one but it is the working area. I wish I had a big area like Rotten40851 or invertmast, saramos, THL101 or Russmall. I just thought I had it good until these pictures, Thanks :>)
Posted on: 5/3/2012 6:33 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11067541

RE: loosing signal
To give yourself a good chance to figure this problem out you need to think of everything that is occurring, what is around you, what is different, what has changed? It is very important that if you change something change only 1 at a time and give it a good test. Try and keep the scenario as close as possible to the exact same things each time. For others to give you advice you need to give very accurate and specific information. Have you read the manuals for the product you are using. A lot of the time a issue like this is a very simple, small item that is being over looked because it is something that you always have done or it seems like it wouldn't matter. And be willing to admit that it was something very simple to over look. We have almost all do it or will do it. It happens. 1st - What are the symptoms that you are having? 2nd - What have you tried? 3rd - what do you think it might be? PS, I fly with my cell phone and about 10+ others within 20-50ft. More than likely not. I have a DX8 and 4 different receivers.
Posted on: 5/3/2012 6:15 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11067498

RE: Charging 2 lipos simultaneous with ICE/EQUINOX?
The 5 amp output is a total output capacity. If you have 1, 2, 3 or 4 packs it is still 5 amps divided into the number of packs. You need to use 1 balancer per pack. The main problem (BIG PROBLEM) is that if 1 pack is dead and the other is charged and you are not using balancer then you will more than likely have a problem as the charger will either false peak or continue to charge the full pack. Do you like big puffy marshmallows? You will have one if the charger doesn't stop when the battery ask it to do so. At the very least you will hurt a battery. If it is really bad it can all burn down. Be safe and charge 1 at a time at the max allowed by the charger and the battery pack specs. Be smart, it is cheaper in the long run..... Good Luck
Posted on: 5/3/2012 6:00 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11067478

RE: 2 Part Fuselage
Boomerang1- that is a great example, I can get some options from the plans. I do not see that it as an option on the parts list. Bummer. Thanks
Posted on: 5/1/2012 6:47 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11064747

2 Part Fuselage
Has there ever been a kit with a 2 part fuselage or has anyone seen one? I have a car. No truck or van to carry my planes and I would like to have a plane that uses a 30cc to a 50cc engine but I need a max length in the 60" length or less. A fuselage with a rudder attached will not fit. So with the servos in the tail will be fairly easy to manage. I would prefer to use a known and tested way to disconnect the tail section if it exist. I appreciate your input and time
Posted on: 4/29/2012 7:00 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11061852

RE: USPS, Service with a smile. The Sequel
Guys remember there are thousands of people that do the delivery and pickup, then there are less that do the loading and unloading at the hub. The distribution is mainly automated so it usually won't get damaged in the distribution. (5% as nothing is impossible) It is either the loader/unloader (85% chance it is happening here) or with the delivery personal (10%) I usually have UPS deliver my boxes (1 out of 10), FEDEX and USPS the other times. It depends if I want it in a reasonable time or 2 weeks. I never have to sign for my packages when it is UPS. But my UPS guy gets a Thank You note everytime I am expecting a package and about every 5th box a $10 or $20 bill, as it is worth that to me. My guy will place my door mat on top of the box or they will move the flower pot to help cover it. You can see my door from the street but there isn't a flashing neon sign. I haven't had any issues so far. But treat your delivery people like they treat you. It is their job to get the package there in a acceptable fashion. Try and make it worth the extra trouble if you can.
Posted on: 4/6/2012 7:12 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11030569

RE: USPS, Service with a smile. The Sequel
That isn't a oooops kind of issue. That box had to be crushed and then crushed again and again. That was someone showing off how he could get away with something. I bet his mother is proud.
Posted on: 4/5/2012 9:17 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11029350

RE: kadet sr landing gear Q
Great looking plane. The mix of the white and red looks great and the scheme is great also. I would give myself a little more prop clearance. But if you dont catch it on take-offs and landings leave it alone. Again I really like that color and mix. Happy Flying
Posted on: 3/30/2012 10:24 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11021226

RE: Landing Gear Issue
JohnBuckner-your my kind of guy. From your picture you will never have a problem with a shortage of parts. I hate needing something and have to go get a part that cost 1/10th what it cost in gas to go get it. Not to mention the time it takes. Now I have had to answer to my wife why I have so much clutter but that's part of life. I like your solution to get some DuBro wire and bend it like I need it to be. I think i will try the tempering first to see if that works but I won't mess with much longer. I will reply with my solution. Thanks for the input guys
Posted on: 3/28/2012 4:34 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11018205

RE: Landing Gear Issue
The price to pay for a hard wire can be bad but with the coils they should asorb the shock and the spring portion should hold its shape. I do under stand that we are speaking about fractions here but I expect it to work. I understand if it doesn't but I am wondering if I have bad wire. If others are not having this issue than I have options but if everyone has the same problem I don't want to buy more sets of wire to find the same issue. sagehillspilot- I did do a little tempering one side where it goes into the retract to see if it would stop bending there and it did so I will try more of it. I wasn't exactly sure how hot and the number of times to run the cycle to get the desired effect. So I need to run atleast 3 cycles. I will try it. Thanks
Posted on: 3/27/2012 1:18 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11017299

RE: Direction problems on my Champ.
While it is on the ground check your control surfaces for being in the correct position. Also check what the trims are doing to see if they are moving the correct direction and moving far enough. If your new to flying trying to guess which trim to do in the air is difficult. You have alot of time to review things on the ground, at night. So you know it is turning left review your controls to be sure what your doing and find the problem, do not what it is. Good Luck and Happy Flying
Posted on: 3/27/2012 1:00 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11017279

RE: Servo flutter
I am guessing this is without the engine running? I had an issue with an elevator, when flying the tail would jump around when in straight level flight. So I tried to get the surfaces to wiggle on the ground and figured out with full throttle the elevator would flutter. It turned out to be prop wash flexing the surface and not the servo issue. The servo wouldn't move at all. I havent fixed it yet but at least it isn't a servo issue. I guess in a way I am asking have you checked everything? Including swapping the servo to see if it was the servo? Good Luck with your trouble shooting
Posted on: 3/27/2012 8:14 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11016986

Landing Gear Issue
I have been having problems with my landing gear being bent after each landing and it effect the next take-off. Right now I have been flying a Park Zone Spitfire (43" wing Span) and I have e-flight electric retracts but it is the gear wire that is bending. Matter fact the retracts are very rugged and have not faultered one bit. They have even held up when making the adjustments which I feel I should of taken the wire out before rebending. I expect the coils to provide enough flex to prevent these problems. I have to check and adjust the angle of the wire after each landing to be sure when retracted that they fall into the recessed area in the wing and do not get bound up. The adjustments consist of usually flexing the wire forward because it gets flexed back after the landing. I am not landing hard but I am landing in a school yard that is not the smoothest. But the way this is happening I feel I would need to land on a concrete smooth runway. I thing smooth grass would still cause this problem. I guess they are just soft. The wire is not warping it is all in the coiled area of the landing gear wire. Is this a normal thing? The wire is from park zone for the retracts (part# pkz5717). It is cause of some exciting take-offs to be sure I clear everything. Curbs, signs and trees. These would not normally be in my path but when the plane turns on take-off and I have to make adjustments it is interesting. Please do not waste time telling me I need to join a club so I will have plenty of area and a smooth rnway. It is in the works and all though it does solve the issue of dodgeing things the wire would still get bent and still need adjusting. Thanks
Posted on: 3/27/2012 8:06 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11016976

RE: Weight Placement vs Amount of Weight
I will check out where I need to place the battery. I expect that with it behind the tube will be too far back. So I will see if I can get it under or above the wing tube. Thanks
Posted on: 3/21/2012 3:11 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11009870

RE: Weight Placement vs Amount of Weight
FallDownGoBoom- it called for a Park 480 motor, I had a Power 15 so I used it. The motor is 2.3 oz heavier and 1/2" longer. So I cut 1/2" off of the motor cage to keep the front looking like it should which helped a little bit by reducing the leverage of the extra weight. Gray Beard- I haven't flown 3D yet but I also would like to learn so I would like the plane to be correct as possible. Good luck with your 3D adventure. David Bathe- I tend to make more of it than I should but if I didn't and I crashed I would of blamed it on the weight being to far back and I would of made it a bigger issue so I just wanted to ask the question. Thanks to everyone, it is all worth the process
Posted on: 3/21/2012 6:50 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11009388

RE: Weight Placement vs Amount of Weight
SCOTT42- the plane is a E-Flight SU-26 http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/Support.aspx?ProdId=EFL2850 and I feel the same way as the wind I have been flying in has not allowed much play, when the plane is dancing around it requires a little more work than I prefer. It is a learning experence so I have spent some time flying in it. David Bathe- I am picky, and your answer is exactly why I was asking the question. I had a feeling it should effect the way the plane flys but I wasnt exactly sure if I was asking the question correctly. At this time I will not fly 3D but I would like to work towards that direction. This plane is light weight and I would like to keep it as light as possible without causing flying problems. Guys, Thanks for your time
Posted on: 3/20/2012 7:01 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11008151

RE: Weight Placement vs Amount of Weight
In the case of moving the batteries back. They are now against the wing tube. If they are behind the wing tube it would be tail heavy. I am needing to add 2oz. to the end of the tail. If I put it to the rear of the mid section it will be more like 4oz. In a currently 36oz plane the 4oz is alot.
Posted on: 3/16/2012 10:37 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11002797

Weight Placement vs Amount of Weight
This is a question about adding weight to get the CG correct. Is it better to add the least amount of weight to get the CG correct, which would be adding it to the tail section OR Is it better to place the weight in the middle which means you would need to add an extra 25% weigh to make it balance. My worry is that all though it is balanced when level it seems that when the plane is in a heads up pitch than the tail would act heavy because the weight is in the tail. Thanks
Posted on: 3/16/2012 8:09 AM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11002604

RE: A better prop for Eflite Carbon-Z
Try some different props At $3 each you should get a couple of spares anyways. You should test with a watt meter to be sure you do not exceed your speed controller or battery capibiltiies. When you want some advice please xplain- Which motor are your using? What batteries are you using? What speed controller are you using? If it is stock say so. Please. Someone may have tested a setup before. Good Luck
Posted on: 3/10/2012 8:40 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Electric Aerobatic & Sport Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10994935

RE: E-Flight SU-26m
Well the plane is built and now I am working on the CG balance. I have a question about adding weight to get the CG correct. Is it better to add as little weight as possible but it would need to be in the back of the tail, or to add a little more weight but place it more forward in the middle to rear middle of the plane? It seems adding as little weight as possible would be best but it seems it would act as a see-saw. I am wondering if anyone has had issues with this or if it matters. Thanks again in advance for anyone that invest time in replying to my question. Thanks
Posted on: 3/9/2012 11:24 PM by Author "Handiman" in the forum "Electric Aerobatic & Sport Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10993790