RE: Lt-40 as taildragger
I came across this forum while searching for information on converting a Sig Kadet Senior ARF to a tail dragger landing gear configuration. I've got one of the new, recently re-released ARF's with the new covering scheme. I want to make it a tail dragger, and I'm looking for ideas or suggestions regarding what to use for main landing gear. I want to use an aluminum gear, and possibly a Sig medium tailwheel assembly (same as comes with the Rascal 40). Any suggestions on what to use for main gear and where to locate when mounting (i.e. how far aft of the firewall or relative to wing leading edge) would be appreciated. Power will likely be a Saito 62, possibly a Saito 72, depending on me locating one. Pictures would be helpful as well.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 7:01 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232940

RE: LETS SAVE SIG BEFORE THEY GET SWALLOWED BY THE BIG TWO!!!
I have built from kits a Kadet Mk II, a Kommander (my all time favorite Sig airplane), a Kavalier (a close second to the Kommander), and a Kougar. The kits are definitely work, but you end up with a very beautiful airplane with lots of durability. I have a Sig Rascal 40 ARF with a Saito 56 that is THE BEST FLYING ARF I've ever had, and I have another identical to it "in reserve" fully assembled and ready to go and a new one NIB on the shelf in case I need it. I also have a Something Extra ARF and a Fourstar 120 ARF, both NIB, on the shelf as future projects. Lastly, I also have the larger Mayhem ARF (90 to 120 size) NIB that I'm going to have to sell this week (ARGH!!), as I have completely and totally run out of room....it's space on the shelf is being taken up by a brand new recently purchased (last 30 days no less) "new production" Kadet Senior ARF. Oh yeah, I have a brand new Rascal 110 assembled and on the shelf ready to go as well. A note about the new Kadet Senior ARF....it has a "refreshed look" covering scheme compared to the earlier version, but appears in all respect to be virtually identical to initial offering. I took a good hard look at it, and on mine at least the quality was exceptional, and I believe every bit as good as the initial production of the Kadet Senior ARF (I owned one of those too, until cheap #64 rubber bands did me in as well). I always have a trainer on the trailer (I carry 4 to 5 airplanes when I go fly) and my highly modified Hangar 9 Alpha 60 is war weary and due for retirement after 300+ flights and countless landings. The Kadet Senior is also slated for a special role...it will be the airplane my 7 year old son learns to fly on. I love to build, but....bills, work, 7 year old, wife, etc. prevent me from building more. I'm still trying to finish a Bruce Tharpe Flying King and Venture 60 that I've had under construction for over 5 years. So many airplanes, so little time...
Posted on: 7/22/2012 5:49 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11165001

RE: 72 mhz still ok?
I'm currently flying both 72mhz and 2.4. I have a Futaba 10CAP which can use the 2.4 and 72 synthesized modules. I updated a couple years ago from a Futaba 8UAPS with a 72mhz synthesized module installed. I'm now phasing out the 8UAPS transmitter (watch for it soon to be on sale here on RC Universe) not because I'm abandoning 72mhz but because I want to standardize one transmitter and one programming system. I fly 72MHZ on my 10CAP and on occasion 2.4. No big deal. As was said earlier, it's all about paying attention to your equipment and what is going on at the field. Having a checklist with the key things to do for preflight and during the flying session is also important....1) setting up the airplane at the field with the CORRECT model memory selected on the transmitter, 2) pull the CORRECT frequency pin or flag from the frequency board at the field, 3) Use the Hobbico frequency scanner for 72mhz to see if anyone is using the frequency you've selected, 4) make sure the antenna position on the transmitter is CORRECT, i.e. extended all the way for 72MHZ mode and pointed away from the airplane for 2.4 GHZ, 5) MAKE SURE you perform a proper range check before the first flight of the day for each airplane,and lastly 6) take care of and maintain your equipment. I have gone to a system where EVERY AIRPLANE I OWN has an ID and information tag on the aileron servo extension or y chord that identifies the mode (FM, PCM or 2.4), frequency (for 72mhz), model name, and transmitter (in my case 8UAPS or 10CAP). Honestly, I've had more trouble making sure I use the CORRECT battery charger to charge airplane batteries when I started to convert to LiFe batteries... I cured that problem by making a dummy plug to going to the airplane receiver battery switch harness charge recepticle that is also tagged with battery type, size, and charging information. I've had a couple interference issues while flying 72MHZ, but that was over a period of over 25 years. Come up with a good robust (and simple) preflight system with the right equipment, and it's not an issue to use either 72MHZ or 2.4.
Posted on: 7/21/2012 6:41 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11163952

RE: *Hangar 9 New Pulse 125*
Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I just pulled the battery and the tank and I'm reinstalling them as far forward as I can in the forward compartment. That should help some. I used a Great Planes 120 size mount, it was a bit heavier than the Hangar 9 mount that it replaced. I'm guessing that the heavier Sig medium size tail wheel assembly is part of the problem. The Hangar 9 tailwheel arrangement is connected directly to the rudder....makes it hard on the rudder servo. This is a fairly stout aluminum leaf tailwheel, and it doesn't take much weight that far back to make a big difference on the balance....
Posted on: 7/8/2012 6:54 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11148076

RE: *Hangar 9 New Pulse 125*
of weight. Is this consistent with other folks experiences? Jerry Hicks
Posted on: 7/8/2012 2:33 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11147802

RE: 2 MCX/ Same mysterious prob!!!!
I'm having a similar problem. I have two mcx's, one does fine, the other wants to rotate counterclockwise. Hovers fine otherwise, very stable. I've tried batteries, binding to another transmitter, changed main shaft and blades, and still no improvement. Anyone had any success with oiling the bearings? If so, what did oil did you use? I really don't want to part this thing out, I'd like to keep it as a backup.
Posted on: 5/1/2010 5:28 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9702855

RE: Mcx question
I'm having similar problems with my MCX. I accidentally hit the ceiling in my basement with mine, it tumbled and hit the floor. Hasn't flown right since then. I have the TBE thing and can't control it on high or low rates. Most disturbing issue though is the darn thing flys backwards and to the right, the minute it lifts off. Very frustrating, it's all I can do to keep it steady, much less hover. I'll check the flybar tonight. What are the issues about seperated swashplate...? I've not heard that one before.
Posted on: 3/24/2010 9:25 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9609391

RE: Blade MSR banks right in forward flight
I'll give it a try. I just procured a second RTF and it has exactly the same habit. Thanks for the response, I do appreciate it and I'll let you know how I manage. Now if I can just find a couple replacement landing gears for the mSR...I've broke one on each of my mSR's and they're back ordered until March at Horizon.
Posted on: 2/2/2010 11:34 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9471898

RE: Blade MSR banks right in forward flight
I wish I had your problems.... My brand new mSR does the exact opposite... the minute it lifts off, or even gets light on the skids it takes off to the LEFT, and quickly. Doesn't matter if I'm easy on the throttle advance or not. I checked the trims, re-centered them, and then cranked as much right trim into the transmitter as I could, and no change. I was operating with the dual rates on low (transmitter red light blinking). Anybody out there got any thoughts on what exactly to do? I'm pretty comfortable with the mCX, but the mSR is not any fun at all, so far.
Posted on: 2/1/2010 11:37 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9468848

Futaba 8UAPS and 9C Sythesized TX Module
Are there any problems or restrictions regarding using the new 9C Sythesized TX module on the 8UAPS transmitters? I'm considering selling one of my 8UAPS transmitters and installing the 9C synthsized module on the remaining two. Also...is there a need for a larger capacity battery if I install the 9C module on the 8UAPS, and if so, what might you recommend? Thanks!!
Posted on: 8/8/2005 9:28 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3243915

RE: Great Planes GIANT Big Stik !!!
I just purchased my Giant Big Stik from my local hobby shop. I'm trying to decide on what engine to use, I've got options. I have an OS 160FX, a Moki 1.8, and one of the new Horizon 26GT, 1.6 cubic inch gas burners. The fuel tank compartment looks small- might be able to get an 18 once tank in it, without any modifications. That's not as much flying time as I'd like with the big glow engines, but would be about right with the gas burner. Im leaning towards the Moki, but I'm sure not looking forward to cleaning all of the gunk after every flying session. I'm curious what other folks plan on using for an engine on this plane.
Posted on: 7/24/2005 9:01 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3196316

RE: Engine for 110" Rascal
Anybody try a Rascal 110 with an OS Max 1.08 FSR 2 cycle? I've also got an Irvine 1.20 2 cycle, been thinking about using. Anyone using a 2 cycle glow engine, and if so what are the issues?
Posted on: 10/12/2003 5:53 PM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1197141

Saito 100 needs home
One of the guys here in the Wichita Club is flying his Saito 100 on an Aeroworks Edge 540T 60/90 ARF. From what I've seen, that looks to be an excellent airplane/engine combination. RC Report a month or so ago did a couple reviews of the Aeroworks Edge 60/90, that might provide you some additional info. Jerry
Posted on: 6/8/2003 3:28 AM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=819794

PT-19 Engine Recommendations
Anyone out there used a OS Max 91FX or OS Max 1.08 2cycle? I have airplane and Robart robostruts, going to start assembly this weekend. Looking for some feedback on this plane with a 2 cycle. Also, is everyone mounting the engine diagonal, sideways, or inverted? Lastly, anybody using on board glow starter, particularly at idle? If so what brand. Thanks, Jerry
Posted on: 6/6/2003 12:56 AM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=732296

Sig Rascal 110
/construction? Are there any weaknesses or problems to watch out for during assembly? Thanks, Jerry
Posted on: 6/3/2003 12:16 AM by Author "Jerry Hicks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=827625