RE: How old is everyone here?
47 this past June. Growing old is inevitable. Growing up is optional! [:D]
Posted on: 9/3/2007 10:35 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Losi Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6321473

Nicad cycling question
How do I determine battery health given the discharge time and discharge rate? For example, 700 mah capacity pack discharged at 50 ma for 78 minutes. I used to have a cheat sheet full of useful formulae and naturally, I lost the blasted thing. Any help would be appreciated. (I feel sooooooo dumb)
Posted on: 6/15/2007 6:12 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5992428

Eclipse 7 Tx battery charging lead
Where can I obtain a Tx battery charging lead so that I may cycle my battery (outside the transmitter)? Thanks Mike
Posted on: 4/2/2007 9:06 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Hitec/MultiPlex Radios- Ask Hitec Customer Service"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5656028

RE: VACUUM FORMING IDEAS
Kind of late to the party on this one but....I stumbled across this site a few years ago. http://www.studiocreations.com/howto/stormtrooper/ It's got a pretty good tutorial on construction and operation of a large(ish) homebrewed vac forming table. Plus you could become the envy of all the guys at the Sci-Fi conventions. You know the ones, the guys that will unlikely ever know the company of the fairer sex.....;-)
Posted on: 2/12/2006 10:11 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3900636

RE: Carbon Fiber BASICS?
Carbon tends to splinter at the edges often resulting in a painful sliver. The up side is that you can usually see aforementioned sliver. Power tools and carbon fiber don't mix. (Carbon dust fouls the brushes). Good luck and have fun.
Posted on: 2/3/2006 4:46 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Composites Fabrication And Repair"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3864341

RE: Thixotropic Powder
I don't think they are the same. From what I have been able to dig up online, thixo is a liquid additive for Silastic mold making compounds. Cab-O-Sil is a good general purpose thixotropic powder. Composite Marine in Sidney carries it, though I'm sure it should be available locally. The stuff is very light in weight and blows around with the slightest breeze. Wear a respirator (or at the very least a dust mask) when working with this stuff. A little bit of Cab-O-Sil goes a long way. A 10 pound bag almost fills a typical trash can. Hope this helps. Mike
Posted on: 1/26/2006 10:09 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Composites Fabrication And Repair"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3829823

RE: Starting LT-40 Build.
Count me among the advocates of triangle stock, lead in the nose and ultimately a Magnum.46. Flies like a dream especially w/ the larger engine. I originally had a .40LA. Ran nice, just a little too little engine for too much airplane. I built mine per the manual with regard to joining the wing halves. In retrospect, I probably would have gone with epoxy. Strong, comparatively inexpensive less irritating etc. etc. etc. What ever you do. Have Fun. You've got a sweet building kit and a real gem of a trainer. Mike
Posted on: 7/8/2005 7:33 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3149095

RE: Magnum .46 XLS Question
Oops....probably should have mentioned that I am not using the stock muffler and therefore have an extra fitting at my disposal if it is safe to do so....
Posted on: 5/9/2005 6:41 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2959183

Magnum .46 XLS Question
Does anyone know if the muffler tap fitting is the same as the needle valve fitting? The engine parts list shows different numbers for each but the needle valve fitting also comes with a gasket thus possibly justifying a different P/N. I went and busted off the needle valve fitting whilst prepping a plane for the season and would rather not have to pay 4 or 5 times the value of the part for "shipping and handling"... Any feedback would be more than welcome
Posted on: 5/9/2005 4:02 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2958638

Antenna Tube Question
Help........While building a Sig 1/5 scale Cub, I planned on running the antenna through a tube down the length of the fuse. I should have put a note to myself in the construction manual. I went merrily on my way and covered, doped, color coat and clear coat then came to the painful realization that I had neglected to install the antenna tube. Is it too late? I have slid the tube into the fuselage underneath the servos and it seems fairly secure (at least at the forward end) without any adhesive. My concern is the aft end of the tube. I'd rather not have it foul on the pull/pull lines. Should this be a concern or am I being overly cautious? Any words of wisdom from the RCU Gurus are more than welcome. TIA Mike
Posted on: 4/30/2005 12:52 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2929322

RE: Sig 1/5 J3 Cub Conversion ? What Say You?
Sorry to hear about your close encounter with the tree. I had one last summer. Minimal damage but a PITA none the less. Mike
Posted on: 6/3/2004 4:15 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1870690

RE: Sig 1/5 J3 Cub Conversion ? What Say You?
Awesome gear Bill. Any chance you'd consider posting parts list and plans? My 1/5 scale Cub is currently sitting on the stock wire gear. Just needs a few finishing touches (and completion of a rather extensive "honey do" list from the Missus. ) before I can take it out to the field. ;-) Mike
Posted on: 5/31/2004 8:49 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1860183

Piccolo, Hummingbird or Aerohawk?
Thinking of getting into heli. Would any of these (piccolo, hummingbird, aerohawk) be suitable for a novice? Pros and cons of any of these would be appreciated. I do have a sim so I can practice wrecking virtual helicopters before I try wrecking the real thing :-) tia Mike
Posted on: 5/26/2004 6:03 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1846908

RE: Home grown control horn.
There's a thought! What shade of blue? ;-) I'll have to stop in and give them a look. I wonder if that stuff would be beefy enough for a bellcrank. Plans call for a pair of 1 1/2 inch cranks and noone seems to make one sooooo.
Posted on: 2/9/2004 8:10 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1512767

Home grown control horn.
I'm currently putting together a 1/4 scale Pitts S1 from a RCM plan set and find myself in need of a pair of odd shaped control horns. The plans which were drafted in the early 70's call for celluloid. I'm sure a 21st century substitution is in order. Suggestions are more than welcome. TIA Mike
Posted on: 2/9/2004 5:07 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1512163

Norm McFarland Pitts plans
I just ordered a plan set for this aircraft. Anyone have a shopping list, tips, traps etc. Any input would be welcome. TIA Mike
Posted on: 1/9/2004 6:06 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1416187

Setting up Eclipse 7
I've been using an Eclipse 7 for a season now (and enjoyed every moment). I am adding a second aircraft. I've been able to set all the control throws but when I go to set up the throttle, I can't set the trim to the recommended 25%. When I get to the trim menu and go to ch3, trim is set at 0% Moving the trim switch in a + direction changes nothing. Trim operates fine in - direction. Throttle was retarded but not completely. What am I doing wrong? TIA Mike
Posted on: 1/3/2004 4:13 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Hitec/MultiPlex Radios- Ask Hitec Customer Service"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1398812

RE: Sig 1/5 Cub
Just finishing up a Sig 1/5 scale Cub. The only problems I encountered were builder induced. As for tips, just read and reread each step before proceeding and handle the laser cut sheets very gently. The pieces are held in place on the parts sheet by only the smallest little tabs of balsa if you breathe on them too hard the parts fall off the sheet and the parts identification game begins. [:D]. I mounted my engine sideways, ended up putting a hole in the right side of the cowl about the same size and location as the dummy cylinders. In retrospect, I probably should have mounted inverted but I didn't have the nerve. Oh well, you'll have that I suppose. Good luck and have fun, you've got a great building kit. Mike
Posted on: 12/31/2003 9:43 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1392694

RE: Cor-Star 60 Version 2.0 plans and pics
Would it be practical to stiffen the fuse with an internal doubler of coro with the flutes oriented 90 degrees to the outer skin? Would this cut any weight or would it be heavier? I'm new to SPAD but I like the concept of a cheap durable flier. Where todays replacement parts are yesterdays beer sign from the local Kwikee-Mart. Mike
Posted on: 12/18/2003 5:17 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1361747

RE: Carbon + Honeycomb ?
If finances permit, you may consider checking out a flex-core honeycomb. The stuff can accomodate moderate curves both simple and compound. This honeycomb is available in metallic and non-metallic material.
Posted on: 11/11/2003 6:10 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Composites Fabrication And Repair"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1268194

Karma....arrrrgh!
[:@] I made an offer for a classified ad item last week. The original offer got lost in cyberspace. I reposted my offer using the ask seller a question feature. Seller accepted offer but because the original offer was never processed, I have no means of leaving karma and I suppose conversely, he can't leave me karma. Help...and yes, I've been to maketplace/mymarket/buy or bid/action there is nothing there to indicate any activity. I'd really like to give the guy a pat on the back for a spectacularly smooth transaction. In fact, they just don't get much easier. Kingwrench, if you're out there, I'm tipping my cap in your direction and showering you with loads of good karma.
Posted on: 10/7/2003 9:25 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "MarketPlace questions or problem?"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1187343

RE: Real Flight vs Athlon chips
I have run RFG2 on 2 different AMD equipped machines. The first used a Duron 650 and the second is using an Athlon 2000XP. Both machines used a Geforce 2 AGP with 32 meg of vid memory. Both performed nicely. The only problem I encountered was a video issue with Windows 2000. RFG2 (at least the version I have) does not like in any way shape or form Directx 8 which comes integral to Win2000. Program would launch, splash screen would appear, music would kick in the the screen would go white and the program would lock up. Several visits to the RF web page helped identify the problem and the solution was simple and nearly painless. The long and short of it is this. Download a directx blaster, use this to erase directx8. Then download and install a previous version of directx. Worked like a charm! Further details are on the Real Flight web page in the knowledge base if memory serves...
Posted on: 9/24/2003 5:27 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1159165

RE: How do I get a smooth finish on sanded Kevlar cloth?
Anyone who has sanded kevlar intentionally or otherwise has had to deal with the tennis ball look. If it's any consolation, an r/c landing gear is a whole lot smaller and easier to deal with than a 1:1 MD-80 engine cowl. At that time, our solution was heavy prime coats, sand, reprime, sand etc until the offending fuzz was taken care of.
Posted on: 9/9/2003 8:40 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Composites Fabrication And Repair"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1124366

Dope Retarder
Anyone know of a hardware store equivalent for dope retarder. Can't get to the LHS 'til the middle of next week but I am quite close to a Home Depot. I tried toluene in a small specimen of butyrate...... Instant Cub Yellow cottage cheese. Any suggestions would be welcomed. TIA Mike
Posted on: 6/21/2003 7:39 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=884620

Magnum .46 Break in fuel
Thank you one and all for your advice. DarZeelon, I read your posting re: break-in in tapered bore engines. It was very informative. I feel a lot better knowing what is happening to the engine during the break-in. Now if you will excuse me, I have an appointment with a "cold one".... ;-) Thanks again Mike
Posted on: 6/21/2003 2:53 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=880047

Magnum .46 Break in fuel
I'm finally getting around to breaking in a Magnum .46 XLS. The Powermax fuel recommended by Global (10% sport blend) is not readily available in my area. LHS has generously offered to order me a case $$$$$$$$.00 :-( Any suggestions? I've got a gallon of Byron 10% w/ 20% syn/castor. Should I bump up the castor content or am I obsessing over this. Should I relax, use the fuel I have and use the $ saved on a well deserved beer ; -) TIA Mike
Posted on: 6/20/2003 1:36 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=880042

Seeker compatibility question
Aside from Polk servos (which I'm sure are fine servos), what other servos are supported by the Seeker? I've got some Airtronics servos (old connector style) which may find a home in an upcoming project. If I go with a Seeker will I be able to use them with it? TIA Mike
Posted on: 6/19/2003 2:17 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=876528

Balsa vs. kevlar?
Ditto Flyboy's comments re Kevlar. It is a real peach to work with. It is very difficult to work with. It is difficult to cut, expensive and heaven forbid you have to repair the stuff. I work in an airline composite structures shop and have had some dealings with aramid materials. Carbon and fiberglass can be sanded after the resin has cured. Try sanding Kevlar and the result bears a striking resemblance to the surface of a well worn tennis ball. I'd stick with balsa, fiberglass and if I'm feeling extravagant maybe carbon fiber. Just my $.02 Mike
Posted on: 6/6/2003 2:58 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=829727

Songs related to flying
Let's not forget Mike Oldfield's "Five Miles Out"
Posted on: 6/3/2003 10:12 AM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=816836

Newbie wants to say Hi!
Welcome to a great hobby and to RCU. You're gonna have a blast. There's nothing like your first solo. There's also nothing like your wife finding that new kit under the bed that you "forgot" to tell her about. ;-) Weather in Albuquerque should make for a looooong flying season. I visited there several years ago with the wife and kids for a concert at "The Pit" and would love to go back. So much to see and do and eat..... Have fun Mike
Posted on: 4/7/2003 9:53 PM by Author "MJFinegan" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=671675