RE: Position on FPV (First Person Video) Flying
Obviously everyone has opinions about what is or is not safe, and the question about using a spotter with the master trainer box has been brought up as a potential way to be "ok" based on the current rules. In my opinion, requiring a spotter or buddy box is a deal killer for me and a lot of other people. The guidelines suggested here I think are good one's: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=911761 Because of the current restrictions, I've done very little flying at AMA fields this year, maybe only four or five times. It really isn't worth it for me to pay AMA dues and club dues and not be able to use the field. I'm seriously considering not renewing this year. IMHO the AMA needs to agressively fight the FAA regarding new restrictions (in committe AND legally if necessary). When we accept the premise that we have to give up more rights just to make people feel comfortable, then we might as well just lie down and let the goverment run every part of our lives. I'll get off my soapbox now. [:D] Tim Stanfield AMA 874660
Posted on: 10/2/2008 7:30 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Executive Vice President Candidate - Horrace Cain"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8010383

RE: Position on FPV (First Person Video) Flying
Obviously everyone has opinions about what is or is not safe, and the question about using a spotter with the master trainer box has been brought up as a potential way to be "ok" based on the current rules. In my opinion, requiring a spotter or buddy box is a deal killer for me and a lot of other people. The guidelines suggested here I think are good one's: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=911761 I believe the safety committee is aware of those recommended guidelines written by those who understand that aspect of the hobby well, but if you have direct contact with those on the committee please forward that information to them. Because of the current restrictions, I've done very little flying at AMA fields this year, maybe only four or five times. It really isn't worth it for me to pay AMA dues and club dues and not be able to use the field. I'm seriously considering not renewing this year. IMHO the AMA needs to agressively fight the FAA regarding new restrictions (in committe AND legally if necessary). When we accept the premise that we have to give up more rights just to make people feel comfortable, then we might as well just lie down and let the goverment run every part of our lives. I'll get off my soapbox now. [:D] Tim Stanfield AMA 874660
Posted on: 10/2/2008 7:30 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Executive Vice President Candidate - Mark Smith"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8010396

RE: Position on FPV (First Person Video) Flying
Understandable![:D] Tim Stanfield AMA 874660
Posted on: 9/30/2008 12:51 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Executive Vice President Candidate - Horrace Cain"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8005398

Position on FPV (First Person Video) Flying
I would like to know your position on FPV (First Person Video) flying and how it may (or may not) be integrated into the AMA. Currently based on the rules this type of "flying by video" AKA "Video Piloting" is not allowed, but there are discussions of adopting rules to allow this type of flying. (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=911761)
Posted on: 9/30/2008 7:26 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Executive Vice President Candidate - Mark Smith"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8004664

Position on FPV (First Person Video) Flying
I would like to know your position on FPV (First Person Video) flying and how it may (or may not) be integrated into the AMA. Currently based on the rules this type of "flying by video" AKA "Video Piloting" is not allowed, but there are discussions of adopting rules to allow this type of flying. (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=911761)
Posted on: 9/30/2008 7:24 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Executive Vice President Candidate - Horrace Cain"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8004663

RE: Model airplanes might get parked
Just to back up the use of public property for flying fields in other locations in Ohio, the Westerville Model Aeronautics Association uses land on Alum Creek State Park in Lewis Center, OH (north of Columbus). Not sure if it's been mentioned already, but maybe it's just more backup to the concept. http://www.wmaa-wags.org/ http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=lewis+center,+oh&ie=UTF8&ll=40.185759,-82.954652&spn=0.006123,0.013905&t=h&z=17
Posted on: 8/18/2008 6:37 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7860177

RE: NEW~~~E-Flite Extra 260 480 ARF~~~
Instead of nylon bolts on my MUS, I've got the stock bolts but a wedge pushing the angle of the landing gear forward and rubber washers on the outside of the aluminum gear. they can "bounce" back when they hit something, but they don't break off like the nylon bolts do. I'm planning on doing the same thing with my E260. You can see the wedge in this picture [IMG]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g93/Mr_Pibb/IMG_5000.jpg[/IMG]
Posted on: 5/27/2008 4:56 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7547656

RE: Firmware upgrade instructions
The servers got hit with a worm/virus and they had to use a backup after fixing it. Lots of posts were lost yesterday.
Posted on: 3/4/2008 9:36 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7172540

RE: Spektrum and video downlinks
Been using a 500mW 900MHz video system with my DX7 for a while now. Range was reduced slightly initialy, but was re-gained by using twisted servo extensions and twisting the wires on the servos themselves. I was able to fly over 1 mile away from the launch site (although that nearly ended in disaster). It's all about reducing the 900MHz noise that winds up in the servo wires and floods out the electronics in the RX. Ferrite rings help to reduce the RF interference as well.
Posted on: 3/3/2008 9:59 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7170678

RE: Firmware upgrade instructions
I didn't see the comment about the RMA number, but I did get a response from Horizon support via e-mail that stated you do not need an RMA number. Just fill out the PDF and send the receiver(s) in.
Posted on: 3/3/2008 8:03 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7169995

RE: Firmware upgrade instructions
Danny, Are you saying that we just fill out the form and send the receivers in? Do we need an RMA number or do we need to call or e-mail first? Thanks, Tim
Posted on: 2/27/2008 11:42 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7145070

RE: FIRMWARE FIX?? JR/SPEKTRUM RECEIVERS
Are you guys calling Horizon support before you send them in, or do you just send them in with the form filled out?
Posted on: 1/31/2008 11:09 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7001437

RE: Firmware Fix ?
I'm interested as well in the possibility of updating my existing AR7000.
Posted on: 1/14/2008 11:35 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6905373

RE: New 1100 mAh A123 available everywhere and no word here!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Max1965 Just wondering something. Could these 1100mah cells be used as "splits" along with the 2300mah cells? I am thinking along the line of running a 4s1p 2300mah pack with a 2s 1100mah pack in parallel..... Any idea if this would work and what would be the gain in flying time? Right now I am flying about 5 minutes full out on a 2300mah 4s1p pack but I have enough room in the plane for an additional 2s 1100mah pack and any extra flight time would be nice. Inquiring minds?[:D] [/quote] You'd need to make it a 4s1p 2300 and a 4s1p 1100 hooked up in parallel or you'll start some fireworks!
Posted on: 1/1/2008 1:36 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6836717

RE: New 1100 mAh A123 available everywhere and no word here!
My tab failure was NOT due to anything I did. It was broken straight out of the package. I've not had any fail after the fact. I've soldered directly to the cells a few times with no problems (including the one that the tab had fallen off of).
Posted on: 12/23/2007 12:51 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6794840

RE: Selective channels on trainer?
A couple final questions. Thanks for your help so far. I am going to take the PPM output of my DX7, send it to the head tracker that has the ability to either append or reprocess the PPM signal to add the two axes of rotation for the head tracking, and then I'll send a new PPM signal to the Spektrum JR module. I wanted to double check some of my assumptions and ask a couple questions regarding the connections on the Spektrum JR module. Looking at the back of the module with the connection on the lower left side, the connections from top to bottom appear to be: 1. Modulation Signal (PPM input) (What type of PPM: Negative/Positive shift, any other data you can give me?) 2. +6V (Not required?) 3. +Vcc (What's the acceptable voltage range?) 4. Ground 5. RF Output (Not needed) Also, on the DX7, the trainer port appears to have 3 connections (like a stereo audio jack) but from what I understood only two are needed for a trainer connection between two JR radios. What are the three connections? Thanks for all your help!
Posted on: 12/21/2007 9:49 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6786498

RE: New 1100 mAh A123 available everywhere and no word here!
Unfortunately on the first pack I opened up one of the tabs connecting to the batteries was broken off when I opened the package. It's possible that you would never know it using the battery in a tool since things were packed together in there pretty tightly, but when I pulled things apart the tab was hanging free. I didn't realize at first that it was supposed to be soldered/welded on!
Posted on: 12/13/2007 10:42 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6751733

RE: Selective channels on trainer?
Thanks for your answers. One more possible work around: Does the DX7 trainer port OUTPUT all 7 channels? The thought is that the PPM (assuming 7 channel) signal could come from the DX7, go to the head tracker that has the ability to modify and/or append channels, then I'm thinking the revised signal could be input into a Spektrum module. It's an expensive option but as long as the DX7 outputs a standard PPM stream and the module takes a standard PPM stream input it should work.
Posted on: 12/5/2007 2:11 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6717283

RE: Selective channels on trainer?
Hmm, I thought I heard otherwise. So they can selectively give control to channels 5 and 6 for example but the main radio maintains control of the primary channels?
Posted on: 11/20/2007 3:25 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6650373

Selective channels on trainer?
From everything I've read, I think I know the answer, but I figured I'd ask here anyway. Is there any way to selectively give control to channels other than 1-4 to a trainer input on a DX-7 (or any other JR/Spektrum radio)? Here's why I ask: I (and others) have an increasing interest in flying FPV (First person video). See: http://www.rcgroups.com/video-piloting-fpv-rpv-469/ In doing this, many folks are using video goggles and a head tracking gyro to control the movment of the camera on the plane simply by moving their head normaly. The available head trackers plug in to the trainer ports of radios and on the other brands of radios are usually then given control of two channels outside of the normal control channels (i.e. they would get control of channels 5 and 6). That way you still have full control of the plane from the radio and the head tracker can be integrated in to your radio. The head trackers also have the ability to append channels on to a data stream on a trainer cord for some radios (i.e., just add channels to the information). It appears that this configuration isn't possible with JR/Spektrum radios because they don't allow specific channels to be given control. Am I wrong about this? I know this is a small market, but it is a growing market as well. I really like my DX7, but I may wind up switching to the 7 Channel FASST radio once it's out just so I can easily integrate a head tracker into my setup. Any chance that this feature could be added to future JR/Spektrum radios? I'd love to be a beta tester if you want to try it out. [8D]
Posted on: 11/20/2007 8:46 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6649020

RE: New 1100 mAh A123 available everywhere and no word here!
What's the capacity of these cells supposed to be? It seems that folks (including myself) assumed 1100mAh based on some info on the Home Depot web page, but I haven't seen anyone (including myself) putting more than 1000mAh back in to these guys. Also, what's the rated discharge rate? The same as the M1 cells? I flew a 4s pack on my slowstick last night in windy conditions and got about 14 minutes out of them. Not too bad, performance seemed to be pretty good. I'm going to give them a shot in my Mini Ultra Stick once I get some time and the weather cooperates. Edit: Duh...my "what's the capacity" question...I guess I should read the title of the thread. [8|]
Posted on: 11/14/2007 7:44 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6623345

RE: UAV Following
[quote]ORIGINAL: Jetpilot12 Take a look at this http://www.acmuav.com/ [/quote] LOL, Jett, I think the small SAM may be the AMA's new "Anti-FPV/UAV" system that will be installed at all AMA fields. [:D]
Posted on: 11/7/2007 7:24 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "UAV's and Drones"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6591907

RE: Whats a good 3D biplane?
[quote]ORIGINAL: jmir Take a look at the E-flite Ultimate FX. It's inexpensive and actually looks like an airplane. Flies great and easy 3D. http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL2175 [quote]ORIGINAL: rcbipe Whats a good 3D [color=#FF00FF]biplane[/color]? Can be foam or balsa![color=#FF00FF][/color] [/quote] [/quote] Better yet...get the Ultimate FX combo! Same price, includes a Park 400 motor and a stick mount for the motor! http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL2175COMBO Your LHS probably has the combo in stock even though the web page is out. I've got one and I'm learning to fly it now. I'm having a hard time getting the CG far enough back, but it is flying great!
Posted on: 5/17/2007 1:06 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5866592

RE: Build A Bullet Proof Stryker (Brushless Or Stock)
[quote]ORIGINAL: wildjaych cool posts, thanks for digging them up. Where are they coming from? the way past the limits thread? I will try to get a friend to clock mine some kind of way to check speed. I never thought of that..... i think i have some orange cones somewhere and might be able to use that. wont be exact but damn close....... closer than guessing. [/quote] Might try this: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4661205 I've heard of people clocking their planes with it. I haven't purchased/tried one yet...
Posted on: 4/18/2007 9:43 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5737316

RE: Official Hobby Zone "Super Cub" Thread
The prop might have been out of alignment, but a lot of the sound was because the camera was inside the fuselage with the microphone pushing directly against the side. The lens was flush with the outside of the plane. For that video I used a CVS "one time use" camera stripped down to the board. I also had a 5-in-1 and a cheap wireless camera, but I lost all of them along with the plane when the electronics locked up on the super cub at high altitude and it drifted away. That was a bad day, but now I have "real" radio equipment and I've moved on to other planes. Lots of discussion of the 5-in-1 camera here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=421745&goto=newpost Here's how I have a CVS cam mounted to my Mini Ultra Stick: http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g93/Mr_Pibb/IMG_3513.jpg There are lots of other videos if you choose "from user" on the google video page. Hard to believe I've had so many planes in the past year since I started this hobby! Firebird Freedom, F-27B, F-27C, Super Cub, Mini Ultra Stick, and I just purchased a 6' Telemaster Electro. This hobby is going to break me [:D]. [quote]ORIGINAL: Mr. Mugen It sounds like the prop is out of balance pretty bad. I would recommend balancing all of your props out of the box. I find that the hobbyzone props are quite a bit out of balance right out of the packages. You wouldn't believe the difference in sound you will hear and the vibes pretty much go away also. What kind of camers did you use for the footage? I like it a lot! Very nice job! [/quote]
Posted on: 12/19/2006 10:55 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5134772

RE: Official Hobby Zone "Super Cub" Thread
[quote]ORIGINAL: Snarr and Son I just purchased a HZ Super Cub for my 11 year old son (I've wanted an RC plane since I was a kid and doubt my son will ever get the controls out of my hands) We've spent a couple of days trying to get the thing off the ground. The first attempt was an ROG and the plane accelerated nice got about 20 ft off the ground and then the motor just shut down. Second attempt was a hand launch it got about 50 yds down range and then the same thing motor shut down. We've tried with and without ACT on. I thought maybe the transmitter batteries were bad and put new ones in same results. I ran the batteries dead taxing around a parking lot with no motor issues only to have the same thing happen after recharging and attempting flight. I really want to fly this thing (for my son's sake) but can't get more than 5 seconds into flight with out the motor shutting down. Has any one had a similar experience or suggestions? [/quote] I had both a F-27B Stryker and a SC behave similarly to this, although they would ususally go a minute or two before starting to act strangely. It turned out to be bad RX's. Well, maybe it's the same. I lost everything, not just the motor shutting down but complete loss of control. For the Stryker, I wound up losing it into a tree and had to wait for a storm to bring it down. For the SC, I never found it again. It was fairly high and drifted away in the breeze. I say call Horizon Hobby and get them to exchange it. Something is bad, the battery, the RX, the charger, etc... It's hard to say, but they are good about warranty replacements. Here's a video of a flight on my SC just a couple days before I lost it. You can hear the motor cutting out occasionally. I thought it was simply interference, but like my F-27B it just completely cut out on the next flight. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8434173096275993250&hl=en
Posted on: 12/19/2006 7:26 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5134269

RE: Official Hobby Zone "Super Cub" Thread
[quote]ORIGINAL: Bigtone Thanks Pat, you noted that you used the 11.1 V 2100 Lipo. Is that close to the stock batteries seize before you made the cut for your mod. I was considering getting the E-Flite EFLM2005 inrunner, this is a direct replacement for the stock motor. I just want to keep it simple so, I will not have to rack my brain about thrust angles. I figure that the weight of gearbox will help the cg along with some lead. The ESC would be the 20-Amp E-Flite EFLA311B or 40-Amp E-Flite EFLA312B. So, what do you guy's think of this? E-Flite Brushless InRunner $74.99 http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLM2005 E-Flite 20-Amp Brushless ESC $41.99 http://www.horizonhobby.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=EFLA311B&CatId= E-Flite 40-Amp Brushless ESC $54.99 http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLA312B [/quote] For that route, how about this motor: https://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2142&image=3 $39.78 and this esc: https://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=658 $15.95 And don't forget to replace the servos: https://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=662 $3.95 ea The shaft on this motor is 3.175mm, the e-flite motor says 3.2mm. I thought i saw somewhere that the shafts were 3.3mm on the stock motor, though. Can anyone confirm the size of the stock brushed motor shaft? Edit, Looking at the specs again for the e-flite, they actually say it is 3.17mm (1/8") shaft, so they are probably the same size. Edit again: This looks like a better size match, Feigao web page says shaft size is 3.175mm https://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2032
Posted on: 12/1/2006 11:33 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5061971

RE: Official Hobby Zone "Super Cub" Thread
[quote]ORIGINAL: patnchris I'm using an E-flight Park 450, 22 Amp ESC, and TP 11.1 V 2100 ma Lipo.....Prop size is 10 X 4.7.....Pat [/quote] Did that mount right to the firewall, or did you have to make a mount?? I'm thinking of "building" one of these guys too.
Posted on: 11/30/2006 7:54 PM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5059662

RE: Official Hobby Zone "Super Cub" Thread
Also, just to double check, the single jumper that is by the ACT plugs should be removed to change the LVC for 3s lipo, right?
Posted on: 11/2/2006 10:13 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4945870

RE: Official Hobby Zone "Super Cub" Thread
[quote]ORIGINAL: waters10 [quote]The climbing is due to the flat bottom the wing. One way to combat this is to adjust your motor so that you are getting 3 degrees of down thrust and 3 degrees of right thrust have not done this as of yet. I just use the elevator trim to adjust for level flight. [/quote] The climbing is good for noobs like me, but it can become a problem. Before flying it, I was always making mental notes that I would need to give some up elevator to make level turns. While that's true, it's actually a good thing to go down when you're turning (provided you followed the general rule of learning at high altitude), since the plane keep climbing most of the time! [quote]Anyone know how much power the SC will pull using a 3s lipo?[/quote] [quote]with the lipo fitted it should be about the same as the FW190 [/quote] I read that if you're gonna use 3s lipo, it would be a good idea to prop down in order to keep around the same number of amps drawn. Feeding more volts, with the same esc/motor/gearbox could burn something up! But I also read that the SC uses the same P51 esc, which supposedly has a jumper that changes the cutoff voltage to 8.8v for lipos (seems low for 3s lipos, but still). So is there any consensus on this? Can we feed more voltage (3s lipos) with the same esc/motor/gearbox/prop combo without burning anything? Or should we measure amps drawn and prop down to keep about the same amps? [quote]I would love to use my newer, better 15C 3s lipo packs.[/quote] I'd love to get some 10c packs, instead of 15c packs. Just something cheaper! But then again, we don't know how many amps the SC draws. Any volunteers with a wattmeter around? [/quote] Actually, the battery that www.hobbyzone.com shows as an optional accessory for the FW190 (that happens to be the same battery that comes with an F-27C) is listed as a 12C battery. I've got one of those and two 15C batteries. Once we get some nice weather and I get some time I'll try it out with the stock prop and see how warm things get. If anyone has a power meter that would be even better!
Posted on: 11/2/2006 10:12 AM by Author "Mr.Pibb" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4945848