RealFlight 6 & Mac
This may have been discussed somewhere else in this forum section and if so, I apologize in advance. I would like to know if anyone out there has confirmation or input on the compatibility of running RealFlight 6 on a Mac. This weekend I am picking up a Macbook Pro and all along I had anticipated getting RealFlight 6. From past research here, on the “other site�, and just hearing from folks, I had understood that when Mac started using Intel chips in their computers, one was able to run simulators like RealFlight. Prior to this, running RealFlight was not possible. The key was to run it through Windows using Bootcamp. On the Hobbico/Great Planes website, the systems requirements information only referenced the usual and did not make any mention of not being able to run RealFlight 6 on a Mac. On the Tower Hobbies site, I did see the following: “Not compatible with Windows NT, Mac platforms, or Windows emulators such as Virtual PC on a Mac.� This had me thinking that I would have to revert to getting an older version of RealFlight like 5.5, to be able to run on my Mac (again, I know others here have run these older versions on Macs with Intel chips using Bootcamp & Windows). I thought perhaps there was something new with RealFlight 6 that changed the ability to run on a Mac. Wanting to check in with RealFlight, a few minutes ago I called Great Planes Customer Support for RealFlight. I asked them specifically if I could run RealFlight6 on my Macbook Pro. The support person said RealFlight 6 will run on a Mac with Intel chip using Bootcamp & Windows 7. Confirmation from anyone? Lars PS: In addition to RealFlight 6, I planned on getting the Aerofly simulator which I know works with Mac native.
Posted on: 7/13/2012 2:43 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11154175

RE: LA7 Info / Research / Build - Scale Wings
Thanks for the link. Lars
Posted on: 4/23/2012 2:23 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11053926

RE: LA7 Info / Research / Build - Scale Wings
What is a turbulator? Lars
Posted on: 4/22/2012 3:32 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11052604

RE: Building a Bonanza
KTCANUCK, I have a bonanza kit myself and all along I have been thinking of powering it with the RCV120SP. I don't have any experience with the RCV SP engines but have generally heard good things about them. Do you have experience with them? Have you run yours? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. Lars
Posted on: 4/22/2012 11:14 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11052290

RE: Shaft Coupler - Good/Bad Idea ?
If I am following you correctly, it looks like in your first post that you are considering using the RDS system (http://www.irfmachineworks.com/rds/) for your control surfaces. I have not personally used this system before, but there are plenty who have and have threads written on their setup. Of course it would require some work and would not be as simple as the layout in the instructions. From a security and safety standpoint, you couldn't go wrong with the "standard" approach, but as you point out, you loose out on scale fidelity. Lars
Posted on: 4/5/2012 1:16 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11029647

Sea Commander
I just saw on the Sea Commander Website that Ryan is selling the business. I'm sorry to see that but I suppose it may be a sign of the times. His products are first class and he is also terrific to deal with. I know he has/had a family fishing business so perhaps it was hard to balance the two. I hope that someone with the same integrity and commitment as Ryan buy the business and keep it going as I don't think there is an equivalent alternative to the Sea Commander line of products. There will be a void if it is dissolved. Lars
Posted on: 2/9/2012 2:03 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10951722

RE: Byron Wedell Williams Racer Build
Good luck and let us know how it goes. Lars
Posted on: 12/2/2011 1:20 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10840175

RE: Byron Wedell Williams Racer Build
Have you noticed a discernable difference yet? Lars
Posted on: 12/2/2011 9:24 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10839834

RE: Downwind turn Myth
Highhorse, I came accross this thread in today's "popular topics" section and read a few pages worth before checking out the end. In one of your earlier posts I saw that you have experience +12/-8 G-loads. How long would you estimate you were experienceing +12 G's and under what conditions? Thanks, Lars
Posted on: 6/27/2011 1:05 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10594884

RE: Suggestions for third plane
Brad, Another option that you should look at for a great third plane that you would build from a kit is Bruce Tharp Egninering - [link]http://www.btemodels.com/[/link] All of his kits are great builds with very good wood/materials/hardware. I've never heard anyone say a bad word about a Bruce Tharp kit. Either the Flying King or Venture 60 would be great third airplanes. Lars
Posted on: 6/23/2011 12:41 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10588716

RE: How many would opt out of Model Aviation?
[quote]ORIGINAL: littlecrankshaf [quote]ORIGINAL: vpresley [b]AMEN[/b] LarsL Vince [/quote] Was a pretty good post... for the most part and I guess especially for the more religious AMAer but still not sure why people would have a problem with ''choice'' and why he said to pound sand... Oh well... [/quote] I figured the post was good for those religous AMAers and the religous
Posted on: 5/24/2011 10:58 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10538197

RE: How many would opt out of Model Aviation?
For the record, I voted that I want to get the magazine. I personally think it’s a great magazine with a wealth of information that touches so many aspects of the hobby. Some of them I do not participate in but I still get something out of those that makes my projects/aircraft better. MA is so much better than any of the other magazines that "support" the hobby. Other than RC Report which still I believe has plusses and minuses for the items reviewed, MA is the only one that I feel gives an honest review. It is not beholden to the manufacturers'. I trust the AMA as the voice and entity looking out for the general hobby exceedingly more than I do this website or any of the others. That doesn't mean I don't get into the sites and use them at my discretion. While these free sites are great additions to the information flow, from my perspective the many "experts" leave a lot to be desired. I joined the scale builders website which requires a fee to be a member. Totally different dynamic over on that site. I look at our political process and see that one group did not like the previous administration and so they worked to effect a change. Now the other side doesn't like the current administration and last November they worked to effect some changes to make their position stronger. Each side did the right thing as opposed to the folks in Wisconsin a few months ago, who took their ball and went away. So, for those of you who don't like getting the magazine and want some money back, keep working and writing and posting threads to that effect and perhaps you will be able to get that changed. Otherwise, go pound sand if that makes you feel better.
Posted on: 5/24/2011 7:58 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10537914

RE: *** RCU Coverage of The Toledo Show 2011 ***
Just a couple of comments on some of the smaller under the radar observations that weren't covered. There was a vendor, Jerry Cozort at the show that was selling transmitter trays that in my opinion were a terrific deal. Much cheaper than others I have seen for sale, yet very well designed/made. Ohio Model Products had a much larger presence than I knew them to be. They seem to be really growing and had a very full crew manning their large area. Central Hobbies was listed as a vendor but I did not find them. Were they at the show? Syssa had a larger presence in the form of more representatives at their station. Last year it was Todd, his father and may 2 others. This year I counted 6 folks with their "team shirts" and there was very busy activity at their booth. This is a good sign for a still relatively young American RC manufacturing company. Down and Locked had a presence in the Sierra Giant Scale booth. I was surprised/delighted to see this and I had a chance to talk with the proprietor (I am forgetting his name). He was not there as a part of Sierra and he stressed that there is no formal partnership with them or in works. As they state on their website, he maintains that they are just offering an alternative that works with any companies gear. Specifically with his presence at the Sierra booth, he was emphasizing the Down and Locked option will only help with Sierra Gear sales for those that might not want to go the air route. Right next to the Sierra booth was a huge surprise, maybe one of the biggest for me at the show as I had not heard or read anything about it. Wingspan Models was there and the huge surprise is that they are coming to market with electric retracts of their own!!! In the years I have been going to Toledo, the retract manufacturers (Robart, Sierra, etc.) have always been some distance apart. I have to believe that it was pure chance, but Michael Kramer from Wingspan was literally standing 3 feet from the gentleman from Down and locked. They both were marketing the same product. Back to their retracts, Michael said they are focusing on the ARFs like we see from ESM and KMP. I thought the product was very well made, high quality with some safeties that only they are offering, and very competitive priced. He told me that their debut was the Friday opening of the show so it was indeed fresh news. The last thing I'll comment on was the Graham Meares Piper Super Cub that he entered in Designer Scale. I thought hands down it was the best scale plane there. The level of detail and execution was breathtaking. The construction was very close to full scale in that the frame was of welded tubular steel construction. I could go on by pointing out details like the "hydraulic" brakes, the vortex generators on the wing, items in the cockpit like miniature guitar, cap, map, seat belt, landing lights, and the "skin" on the aircraft itself. The guy is amazing and to top it off, it wasn't a huge plane, so the level of work was more difficult and therefore in many cases jewel like. A great show.
Posted on: 4/5/2011 6:26 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10445601

RE: .46 Profile Aerobatic/3D ARF
Thanks again for the input. As I mentioned I like to build with both kits and scratch build from plans under my belt, so being able to build is not an issue. The "when" that Erik mentions is the issue as I have three projects on the bench right now, so again that is why I am looking at an ARF. My primary experiences have been scale as well as sail/slope planes, so Erik is also correct in that I am in the early stages of 3D. As such, I will stay away from the EF Chinn Yak. Lars
Posted on: 3/30/2011 11:37 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Profile and Fun Flying Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10432588

RE: .46 Profile Aerobatic/3D ARF
Thanks for the input guys. I don't want to set up an arguement, but Thumb, you mention the EF Chinn Yak, and rCflip you say stay away. What is the deal there... I'm guessing some personal experience for you rcflip, but is that also the case with you Thumb? Thanks, Lars
Posted on: 3/29/2011 3:28 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Profile and Fun Flying Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10430861

.46 Profile Aerobatic/3D ARF
I am looking for an Aerobatic/3D ARF for a .46 glow engine that I want to find a home for. I would jump on the Aeroworks 46ProX260 Freestyle but as the directions state and the specifications really dictate, a .55 - .61 is a better engine/airplane combination. The next option I have looked at is the Mojo 40 which I think would be great, but it is not an ARF. By the way, I love to build and have two kits on the bench as well as a scratch build I'm modifying right now so this time I am desiring an ARF. I'm going to be in Toledo on the 3rd, so perhaps there will be somthing there I should consider? Thoughts?... Lars
Posted on: 3/25/2011 2:02 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Profile and Fun Flying Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10422404

RE: Byron Wedell Williams Racer Build
Well Pete, congratulations are very much in order. Your plane looks great in the air. I've been following along since the beginning and posted a comment or two noting the extraordinary nature of your build. It is nice to see the build come to full fruition. So many builds sort of die on the vine but yours never petered out (pun intended). You were clearly taking your time to get it right and the effort was well worth it. Lars
Posted on: 2/14/2011 10:00 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10335448

RE: Charging Hobbico LiFe RX Battery in my Plane
Loyd, Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. The two sites that seem to have connectors that might do the trick for you are as follows: http://electrodynam.com/store/product241.html http://www.radicalrc.com/category/Ba...Connectors-295 They were mentioned above by I forget who. Clay, I have no idea. You sure have a connection setup there. Not sure if there is any risk of blowing anything otherwise, give it a try.
Posted on: 1/19/2011 9:51 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10274066

RE: Charging Hobbico LiFe RX Battery in my Plane
Clay, What your relayed is exactly what I am considering. Kmac, You also nailed it. I'll let you all know how it works out. Lars
Posted on: 1/14/2011 4:40 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10263928

RE: Charging Hobbico LiFe RX Battery in my Plane
Clay, Thanks for your reply. I'm pretty certain that my charge is a first generation charger but I will confirm. The Hangtime Hobby link is the one that prompted my original question at the top of this threa. I am believing that if I use my Tejera Extremea first generation charger along with the Balance Buddy from Hangtime Hobby and an adapter that connects between the ballance tap on the battery and the Ernst type charge jack on the side of the plane. That would mean that I am charging through the balance tap and not the two universal 2-wire (JR/FJ) leads or the Deans lead that also are on the battery. Again, I am wondering if there are limits/issues that keep one from charging through the balance tap if I have a setup like I describe above. Thanks, Lars
Posted on: 1/14/2011 8:41 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10262774

RE: Charging Hobbico LiFe RX Battery in my Plane
I wouldn't go so far as to say it is useless, but as the the OP, my question a few posts above was not asnwered so I will re-ask. The bottom line question for me given that Kmac has provided a suggestion and someone on "another site" has doen the same is, can I charge the Hobbico LiFe batteries through the balancing tap? Lars
Posted on: 1/14/2011 7:19 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10262593

RE: Charging Hobbico LiFe RX Battery in my Plane
Thanks Kmac and others for your replies. While Hobbico advertises these batteries as RX batteries, it does seem like they havn't thought about, planned, and communicated how charging in the plane would take place other than to advertise the variouse leads that the batteries come with. No to plug anyone else, but NOBS Batteries and Electrodynamics do take this consideration in the advertisement and selling of their A123 batteries. The bottom line question for me given that Kmac has provided a suggestion and someone on "another site" has doen the same is, "Can I charge the Hobbico LiFe batteries through the balancing tap? Thanks, Lars
Posted on: 1/13/2011 11:52 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10260729

Charging Hobbico LiFe RX Battery in my Plane
I have a Hobbico LiFe 1100mAh battery that I plan to use in a Dave Patrick Ultimate 40. I decided to go this route because I wanted the advantages of the new battery technology and I wanted to also maximize my weight savings while still having "great" receiver battery capacity/capability. I currently have a Tejera Extrema charger that is of course able to charge A123 batteries. Back to my current issue, I started looking around on the Internet to see if there was information out there on how to set up the plane, battery and switch harness so that I didn't have to take the battery out every time to charge it, yet also to not have to have multiple charge ports on the plane. That led me to the Hangtime Hobby website... a very nice site with lots of good information from Steve Anthony. After reading through all of your information on that site, in short I first thought that I need to buy one of their Balance Buddy's. However, since the Hobbico LiFe battery comes with the following connectors - two universal 2-wire radio connectors (JR/FJ), One Deans connectors, and one balancing tap, I still see a problem with hooking up to the Balance Buddy. Don't I still need some sort of three wire adapter that would connect between the balance tap (can I even charge through that tap) and the charge port in the side of the airplane that I in turn plug the Balance Buddy into? In other words, how do I enable the Hobbico LiFe battery for the three wires needed to balance charge the pack with the Balance Buddy and my Extrema charger? If there is some sort of adapter connector, where would I get one? Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, Lars
Posted on: 1/12/2011 1:38 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10258481

RE: Brian Taylor Spitfire Build MK1a - BUild Thread
I thought I would inquire on this thread as I see a few English members who I believe would be very well versed on Spitfire options. I am interested in building a less than 1/4 scale Spitfire (I'm not really fixated on any particular Mark) and my question is which plan/design might edge out in front. I'm looking at of course the Brian Taylor 69" Mk 1A, his 69" Mk XIV & XIX, and am also considering the Mick Reeves 74" 1/6 Mk IX version. I like these sizes as they transport quite nicely. Mick has a Fiberglass fuse option if one wanted to go that route... what do people think about that option? Brian's 83" Mk VIII & IX is getting a bit too large but I might be convinced. Dave Platt's 88" is getting too large. Thoughts? Thanks, Lars
Posted on: 11/25/2010 11:01 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10158879

RE: YS FZ91 Throttle Arm Question
Thanks for the reply guys... I've been watching this YS forum and I have to commend both of you for the great job you are doing as "YS Representatives" answering people's questions. There was no lock washer so thanks for the heads up on that and thanks for the affirmation on my options. Lars
Posted on: 10/27/2010 9:32 AM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "YS Engines Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10097337

YS FZ91 Throttle Arm Question
This is sort of a minor issue, but I thought I would ask the knowledge base here in the YS forum. I recently purchased a NIB FZ91 from a nice gentleman here on RC Universe. As I say, it is NIB with everything including the engine, needle valve, muffler assembly, manual all in its original plastic wraping and I'm certain that this engine has not seen fuel or spark. Everything was as the gentleman stated, but upon checking everything out, I notice only one issue. The throttle arm is loose and will spin around on its mounting cap-screw rather than actuate the throttle barrel/plate open and closed. I should add for those who might ask, that the throttle barrel/plate rotates through its full range smoothly and with "normal" effort. My observation after checking things out indicates that the cap-screw is bottoming out in the throttle barrel/plate, which is a threaded blind hole, before clamp load is achieved on the throttle arm. I backed out the cap-screw to check to make sure that there is no cross threading or anything in the blind hole that was keeping things from clamping down, and all was OK. So, I guess I could either get a shorter cap-screw or add a spacer/shim between the throttle arm and throttle barrel/plate to get things to clamp. I'm wondering why this would be necessary? Anyone else ever experience this? Thanks, Lars
Posted on: 10/26/2010 9:16 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "YS Engines Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10096512

RE: what is the best RC transmiter out there?
I've read through all of the posts (thankfully it has only been 4 pages). First off, most of the posters have gotten in correct... the major brands are all excellent including the ones not mentioned from Europe. I am struck by the posters who knock down the JR/Spektrum options and state a bunch of reasons. I don't see that reciprocated by the JR/Spektrum fans towards the other manufacturers; at most they state what they like (model match, BNF, etc.). One poster (Beavis) did speak to what he states is "older technology" with frequency hopping which is about as close as I read to putting down the other manufacturer's technology. He did that in response to the put downs from some previous posters. Besides that horrible slam, I think he got it right about the JR/Spektrum detractors being the ones overly sensitive. This subject I guess is like our current politics, where one party doesn't like the Tea Party, thinks they are way off the mark and should just be shut up/down. The shoe fits on the detractors’ feet, so they can wear it. For the record, I think Airtronics, Futaba, Graupner, Hitec, JR, Multiplex, Robbe, Spektrum are all excellent radios systems. There are so lower budget options that one could also look at if on a budget. It really depends upon a lot of factors and one's situation. Aren't we lucky? Lars
Posted on: 10/15/2010 4:09 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10070794

RE: Why the AMA is not growing...........
[quote]ORIGINAL: The Toolman Yep I was 8-10 years to early, or you was trying to act like the 64 to about 73 crowd I grew up with......... [/quote] I wasn't trying to act anything, so you are 8 - 10 years too early... I'm 52.
Posted on: 9/17/2010 10:51 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10009941

RE: Why the AMA is not growing...........
[quote]ORIGINAL: The Toolman [b]RC Flying Nirvana[/b] [b]downer vibe[/b] [b]negative people[/b] Boy, you give away your age there [/quote] You picked up on the obviouse clues but missed the subtle one at the beginning of my post where stated "I had tried RC back in the mid 70's when I was in high school..." Sneaky aren't I. Lars
Posted on: 9/17/2010 5:26 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10009278

RE: Why the AMA is not growing...........
[quote]ORIGINAL: mountaineer070 the riddler 33872, my questions to you are as follows. Not to be argumentative...but what you have said doesn't compute. Your argument seems to go in circles...so please enlighten me. What specificially has AMA done that has had a detrimental impact on your hobby? What have you wanted that AMA did not provide? What has AMA done that you have disagreed with? Did staff not help when help was requested?  Nail down specific complaints, put them in writing and submit them to AMA. There has to be some common ground on which you and AMA can agree. The only way that common ground cannot be found is that one or the other has decided to be disagreeable and not provide a specific reason. I have seen this for years in the shooting sports...and it is because my grandfather said.... I have never found any national governing body that is not willing to discuss specific complaints...complaints that are well thought out...and not based on inuendo or what might have been said by someone else. Specifics is the key to any complaint? Then, be willing to accept the answer...so long as it is based on logic or in some instances ideas no matter how good cannot be accomodated without major changes that inpact a particular budget requirement. That doesn't mean that AMA is not paying attention...and they may incorporate those ideas later on. I am a new AMA member, and see absolutely nothing wrong with the dues structure. However, if you are convinced that the benefits of membership are not worth the cost...so be it, there is no requirement to join. I am not trying to sell anyone anything...but what I am saying is that the benefits that one gets by being an AMA member is worth far more than what they charge. You may dispute this, but why...on what gounds? What do you or any non-AMA member expect for $58 per year? What part of the benefits package that you think is not worth being a paying member? The wealth of information in but one issue of the Aviation magazine is worth a membership, unless time has rendered the reader bored or disallusioned and the magazine is simply thrown on a shelf and never consulted. Cost savings due to evaluation of a particular model, or what a beginner needs to get started can save hundreds of dollars over time. I could go through a copy of Model Aviation and find dozens of ways to save...and each time...be reminded that without this guidance...I may have spent $350 or more on my first plane and accessories instead of $150. That alone is worth a subscription. Now I can crash and still have a few pennies to repair the plane. However, nothing that I can say or do, will convince those who are convinced that AMA is the devil in disquise, or big government who will not listen no matter what...hence they will never join. After reading the majority of the posts on this single thread...I know why AMA is declining...as the majority of the posts on this thread serve to convince new flyers reading it that AMA is the worst organization in the world. I have read AMA's mission statement and it is not unlike those of other 501(c) 3 organizations. Education is not the only facit...it is a multi-facited organization. For me, I got involved to learn how to fly RC airplanes...from a life long love of airplanes. No organization is perfect, but they are the only game in town. This is a hobby that I prefer to enjoy and hope that I can convince some of you who have been around for years and are not AMA members to get involved and support AMA...please consider that your posts may well be the reason why new and aspiring fliers won't join.  If I were an administrator...which I am not...I would close this thread. It is detrimental to the welfare of the RC hobbiest.        [/quote] I have to say that this is the best post I have seen on this whole subject (sometimes I wonder what the subject is). I had tried RC back in the mid 70's when I was in high school. We didn't have an AMA club in Grand Marais, MN, nor anyone in the area that was into the hobby/sport. You can check a map, but the nearest movie theater mall, or commercial airport was 110 miles away in Duluth. So, it was just Dad and I trying to figure it out. To make a long story short, we pranged up the trainer without every really getting off the ground and I moved on to other interests. I'm sure that if there had been an AMA club, I would have had much more success. So, about 4 years ago I saw a guy flying a slope soarer off the bluffs of Lake Michigan here in Milwaukee and I stopped and talked to him. He mentioned a club (Astro Wings) nearby and I got online to see what I could learn about them. They had a website about the club, to include field location, membership, etc. One of the links mentioned monthly meetings every third Monday of the month and where they were held. I went to the next meeting and based upon that meeting I jointed the AMA and the club. I would say that everyone was cordial and when joining a group that already exists, the responsibility was on me to acclimate to them. I couldn't be happier with my decision. I feel that one gets out of it what one puts into it and that is certainly the case with the club and the AMA. For $58 per year for the AMA dues and $35 for club dues, I'm getting a bargain. I have other hobbies in which I have to pay to use some space (golf, community center, etc.) and the RC dues is a fraction in tenths of the "dues" for the other activities. In terms of being able to afford this hobby, I’m sorry, but I just can’t believe that saving that $58 per year is the straw that keeps your camel walking. If that is the case, then I think there are being able to put food on the table issues at stake. The magazine is out of this world. I read it cover to cover and it provides 10-fold the information of any other RC magazine (I subscribe to most of the others). Just today, I marveled at the Cardboard Ki-84 article that Chuck Felton contributed. I'm not even into control line, but who knows, I might try something someday with the construction techniques. He added his e-mail address so I can follow up if I want. Then I read the Clean Horsepower article by Lee Estingoy that provides a wealth of information about brushless motors. Simply fantastic! I am amazed that out of the 60+ members of my club, maybe 10 do more than give the magazine a quick once over and throw it in the trash. I would bet that the posters that don't care for the AMA don't read the magazine. Some might say that there is nothing good in it; there is no help for them. If they say it is because they know everything there is to know already, then I think they're absolutely brilliant being both master and jack of all trades. They are missing an opportunity and should start their own magazine. I agree with Mountaineer070 about this thread and I agree that some of you AMA bashers have had negative experiences. I'm going to generalize and say if the shoe fits, wear it - We, both AMA members and non AMA members are the enemy. The AMA is not the enemy as they cannot police us bad neighbors who make other neighbors feel unwelcome. We have to police ourselves. I'm not saying the AMA is perfect, there is always room for improvement but, we could attack and blow up the AMA... let's say Muncie is gone completely tomorrow. So how does that change things? Are those so called unfriendly clubs now friendly and welcoming? Do the dues drop to $1? Do we have RC Flying Nirvana? I'll close by saying my hope is that there are lots of prospects and RCers out there who don't read this downer vibe thread that all of us negative people have authored. If they do, then I wouldn’t be surprised that they would not want to join an AMA club or fly with many of the posters who are not AMA members. Lars
Posted on: 9/17/2010 3:29 PM by Author "LarsL" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10009040