Honey Bee King 2 and E-Flite Blade 400 parts...
I've been away from flying for a few years. When I left, I was flying a Honey Bee King 2 and an E-Flite Blade 400. It looks like E-Flite scrapped the Blade 400 completely and Esky has developed the King 3 and King 4. Both of my birds needs repairs. Does anybody know of any reliable sites to buy replacement parts for these models? Google searches for the Blade 400 return almost no hits and everything Esky related seems to be out of stock unless you ship from China. In general, it seems like several of the small U.S. heli parts distributors have gone out of business. I guess the economy has somewhat discouraged this sport? Thanks!
Posted on: 4/25/2012 8:39 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11056110

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
Looks real good. The weather isn't cooperating here either.
Posted on: 1/19/2005 5:42 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2560204

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
Brett, My kit was white. I painted it blue. As far as I know, all Levi's Depron kits come in white. You can ask him if he offers other colors, I'm not really sure.
Posted on: 1/18/2005 9:04 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2556767

RE: Cermark Ultimate 40?
Thanks for the link to the review. I had searched for a review on RCU, but wasn't able to find it for some reason.
Posted on: 1/12/2005 7:34 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2530742

RE: Cermark Ultimate 40?
Thanks for the honest comments. I've held off on purchasing a nitro plane because I'm having so much fun with my 3D electrics. While I still like biplanes, I'm leaning more towards something like an Edge 540 or an Extra 330 when I finally take the plunge. I've heard so many good things about Dave Patrick's larger planes, I'm surprised the 40 size is so flimsy. Maybe thats why Dave doesn't sell it on his web site.
Posted on: 1/10/2005 9:30 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2525318

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
k27r, Can't say for sure, I've been meaning to buy a protractor. I'd say its close to 2 degrees right thrust. I also put about 1 degree of up thrust. It requires more up elevator than left rudder to stay vertical - probably due to the weight of the landing gear.
Posted on: 1/9/2005 7:01 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2520726

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
This pic should clear up the illusion. I just took it. The slot was cut using the larger battery as a template. Its 2.5 inches long by 1 inch high.
Posted on: 1/8/2005 1:07 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2515018

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
Here's the complete setup: 3DFoamy Raven with G-Force wings Himax 2015-4100 BL motor Himax Aluminum 6.6:1 gearbox Phoenix 25 amp ESC Etec 3s1p 1200maH Lipos Hitec HS-55 servos on all controls Du-Bro micro pushrods on all controls Hitec Electron 6 receiver Hitec Eclipse 7 radio GWS 11.5x6 prop (its a 12x6 with the tips trimmed off) Ready to fly weight is right around 16.1 or 16.2 ounces with landing gear and wheel pants. Using my fingers, looks like the CG is approximately 3.25 inches back from the LE.
Posted on: 1/8/2005 12:57 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2514993

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
Another shot before the servo wires were plugged into the receiver. This angle shows the battery location a little clearer. Its snugged up against the bottom of the fuse rails with the velcro strap. I have 2 different size batteries. Both are Etec 1200maH, but one of them is the classic and one of them is the new high discharge with cooling spacers in between the cells. They both work well with this setup.
Posted on: 1/8/2005 12:19 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2514899

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
This way the battery is much more centered on the plane, both horizontally and vertically. I have it strapped up against the side fuse rails. I cut a piece out of the fuse to slide the battery through. It really does help distribute the weight much more evenly throughout the plane. With this mounting location, the battery is almost perfectly inline with the prop shaft and the wing - right at the center of thrust. It really seems to help in a hover. This picture was taken before I got the servo extensions delivered. I've cleaned up the wires some since. I'll try to get another post with everything hooked up, but at least you can see the battery location here.
Posted on: 1/8/2005 12:00 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2514852

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
JohnVH, I flew my Raven with G-Force wings today for the first time. You will not be disappointed with the new G-Force wing design! This plane is by far the best flying foamy I've ever had. It really does look like a 40% gasser flying around. The wind was a little gusty today, but the plane did very well. You can do knife edges all day with this thing. I put the CG where the plans said, and it flew hands off upright and inverted without any adjustments. Torque rolls and hovers better than anything I've flown. Here's a picture of the finished product with landing gear and wheel pants.
Posted on: 1/7/2005 6:24 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2513664

RE: Mini Funtana Gear Box Problems
Okay, I'm relaxed now. [;)] I'd just like to say one more thing and then I'll be done with this subject. We have gotten a little off topic here and its partly my fault. So, I'd like to bring us back to the original issue. The original issue is that at least a few people have had bad experiences with the V2 gearbox already. While these might be isolated incidences, don't discount them. Millions of products have hit the market after undergoing "extensive testing" and have later been recalled. Why? Because no amount of in-house testing is ever going to account for every possibility. Don't be afraid to admit that some improvements can be made with the V2 gearbox. Instead of defending the product's superiority everytime someone makes a complaint or comparison. Listen to the comments and evaluate if there is a way to improve your product. For example, I keep hearing the comments "when installed properly" and "gear mesh is very important." Well, if the product is too difficult for the average person to install per manufacturer's recommendations, then the product needs to be improved. Now, I don't know if this is the case. But, keep in mind that you are selling these things to the general public. The easier you make things to install, the less complaints you will have about product failures. Best regards!
Posted on: 1/6/2005 3:09 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2509228

RE: Mini Funtana Gear Box Problems
Quote: "superior in design and funtion to many other gearboxes previously available in their class" Quote: "we tested many of them and none were able to perform as reliably as the "V2" design" The Himax aluminum offset gearbox is a completely different design and obviously not in the same class as the GWS and V2.. [:D] You're accusing us of generalizing when its you that won't talk specific details. Why don't you tell us exactly which gearboxes you tested in this little R&D scenario?
Posted on: 1/6/2005 2:25 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2509090

RE: which plane
The Katana will 3D with the best of them. Besides, I just don't care for profile planes. I like planes with a full fuselage that can fly precision as well as 3D. I suppose a pizza box will hover pretty good, too. But, personally, I'd rather fly a plane that looks good and flies like a real plane.
Posted on: 1/6/2005 6:57 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2507905

RE: which plane
The Katana 50 is the perfect home for that engine. Just check out the video footage... Its a 3D dream. http://www.ultra-rc.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=30
Posted on: 1/5/2005 10:05 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2507067

RE: Mini Funtana Gear Box Problems
Are you questioning the ability of the Himax GB to handle the power of a pk400? I know you work for Horizon and you have to promote their products, but lets be realistic. There are plenty of third party products that would be considered 'upgrades' to most of the standard hardware that comes with any new plane. The stock Eflite GB may work 'fine' if its setup correctly, but in order for you guys to keep the price low and make a profit, obviously you have to make compromises. Does the Eflite GB mount to the face of the motor? Is the Eflite GB made of plastic? If the answers to these questions are yes, then you will constantly be re-tightening screws to avoid chewing up spur gears. The Himax GB is metal, and it wraps around the engine to keep it secure. There is no adaptor plate to come loose from the housing. Trust me, it can handle all the power of a pk400 and more. When you want to keep a high power, vibrating motor from coming loose, the more contact it makes with the housing the better. Plastic gearboxes that mount to the face make very little contact in comparison. You can talk about 'extensive testing' all you want, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to design a gearbox. Just look at the design differences in the two, and make the choice based on common sense. P.S. - I have no affiliation with Himax Motors or the company that makes them. I also have nothing against Horizon Hobby - they make some great products and I will continue to purchase their planes.
Posted on: 1/5/2005 9:51 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2507002

RE: Mini Funtana Gear Box Problems
duanej, I would recommend just getting the Himax aluminum gearbox housing. Here are my reasons why: 1) Its aluminum, it won't crack like plastic. 2) Its also a heat sink, so your motor will run cooler. 3) Because of the design, it fits several different motors and planes easily. 4) You don't have to press the pinions on or buy a gear puller to remove them. Both the pinion and the spur gear have set screws that make them easily replaceable. 5) You never have to worry about the motor coming loose. The 'squeeze' design keeps things straight. Anyway, I haven't seen the GB that comes with the Mini Funtana, so I can't say how good the design is. I do have the Himax GB, though, and I know I'll never have to buy another one for any 20mm motor.
Posted on: 1/5/2005 8:26 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2506676

RE: Prop choices for Himax 2015-4200
Yeah, but I doubt they will give me the speed I'm looking for.. I saw a 13x6.5 electric prop from GWS. Maybe I'll buy that and trim it down to a 12x6.5
Posted on: 1/5/2005 8:11 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2506609

RE: Prop choices for Himax 2015-4200
Seriously? Have to admit I hadn't thought about that possibility. So a smaller prop with the same pitch will give slightly higher speeds?
Posted on: 1/4/2005 6:42 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2500131

RE: Mini Funtana Gear Box Problems
Yeah, gearboxes in high power applications need to be setup near perfect in order to last. You might want to consider looking at the new Himax outrunner motors. They come with a stick mount that should work with the Mini Funtana, and for around $60, you'll never have to worry about a gearbox again.
Posted on: 1/2/2005 11:32 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2492974

RE: FANCY FOAM PITTS
C8, you picked a good one to start with. The Fancy Foam Pitts was my 2nd RC plane. Because of the dihedral in the lower wing, it will level out by itself (for the most part) if you let go of the sticks. With the 12x6 prop, you can almost fly that plane at a walking pace. Its a great slow flyer. As with most biplanes, its next to impossible to turn with the ailerons and elevator alone. Get used to turning with the rudder. Don't get discouraged when you crash it. The plane can be easily repaired with gorilla glue. Good luck on your first flight!
Posted on: 1/2/2005 11:24 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2492955

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
Roger, Yeah, if you use the pushrods that come with the kit, you are supposed to use a z-bent wire on each end and then the carbon joiner rod is glued between them. Its not a bad design, but I just prefer the setup of the Du-bro system. Its easier to get your control surfaces zeroed with the Du-bro E/Z connector and E/Z link. BTW, I forgot to mention that I used CA hinges on all my surfaces - four on each aileron, two on each elevator half, and three on the rudder. I can't wait to fly this thing. I really took my time during assembly to make sure everything was straight and true. In the past, I've tended to rush things and usually end up with uneven elevator halves or a horizontal stab thats a few degrees off level. The only thing I have left is to fit the battery and receiver so that I get a good CG.
Posted on: 1/1/2005 7:32 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2490947

RE: FANCY FOAM PITTS
Excellent paint job! Looks much better than my Fancy Foam Pitts did before it bit the dust. You will love that plane. It is very 'user friendly' to fly and it does great blenders. Hovers well, too.
Posted on: 1/1/2005 3:20 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2490159

Prop choices for Himax 2015-4200
Up until recently, I've been flying with the GWS 12x6 prop. It works fine, especially for hovering, but I'm looking for something with a little more speed. I tried an 11x7 prop, which gave me the speed I wanted, but it definitely didn't have the vertical or the hover potential of the 12x6. It takes around 50% throttle to hover my foamy with the 12x6, whereas the 11x7 takes about 75% throttle. Anyway, I can live with that, but I was thinking about trying out a 12x8 prop. Since the motor turns the 12x6 prop with no problem, the 12x8 prop should be a little easier on the engine, right? A lower pitch should mean more thrust, so therfore the 12x6 should be harder on the engine than a 12x8. At least, thats what I'm thinking. Anyway, let me know if I'm wrong. I'm hoping the 12x8 prop will give me a compromise between speed and thrust, somewhere between the 12x6 prop and the 11x7 prop. Thanks!
Posted on: 1/1/2005 3:14 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2490141

RE: 3D Foamy Sukhoi, my experience.
I have built two 3dFoamy Pitts models from Blucor foam. They both flew great, but because of the waves in Blucor foam, the airframe was tough to get straight. Anyway, now I'm almost finished building the 3dFoamy Raven with the new G-force wing. Like you said, the new wing design is awesome and it makes things much stronger than a traditional flat foam wing. I didn't use any of the pushrods provided in the kit. Instead I bought a couple of the Du-Bro Micro Pushrod systems. They are awesome, and they can be re-used in most cases. The instructions are good, but they have not been updated for the new G-Force wings. Therefore, if you don't plan things right, you can end up damaging the plane trying to fit a completed wing into the fuselage. There are a couple of ways to do it, but you definitely don't want to assemble the wing completely if you have already installed the side rails on the fuselage. You either need to install the wing first and then the side rails, or you need to leave one of the top wing skins off so it will slide under the side rail easily. Anyway, I'm sure he will update the instructions sooner or later. The connecting rods for the ailerons are fairly long, so I had to reinforce mine so they wouldn't bend. I also reinforced the elevator rod for the same reason. I took some extra pushrod material and CA'd it along the center of the pushrod, basically making it twice as wide. I used a dremel tool to round off the wing's LE and then I sanded it. Because of the pre-cut locations for the tail servos, I'll have to use some extensions for the wires to reach the receiver. Obviously I haven't flown it yet, but it looks like the best foamy plane I have ever built. If you know about the Raven, its basically the Edge 540 with more side fuselage and bigger control surfaces. The rudder on this thing is huge. It should be a 3D monster. Here are some pics. I'll be using a Himax 2015-4200 with the aluminum 6.6:1 gearbox.
Posted on: 1/1/2005 2:47 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2490064

RE: Mini Funtana -electric....When?
James, Sounds good. Where was the CG and what kind of run times are you getting with that setup? Let us know if you try moving the wing forward. THanks.
Posted on: 12/28/2004 11:53 AM by Author "RC4" in the forum "TEAM RCU - Mike McConville"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2476109

RE: Radio Shack Dirtbike
Would it be possible to run this thing with a 7.2V LiPo? I just got one for Christmas and the manual does say it will do 20mph. I haven't tried mine yet, cause the batteries are charging.
Posted on: 12/25/2004 8:48 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2468281

RE: Mini Funtana -electric....When?
Yeah, I've seen pics of the Cobri's online, but never seen one in person. I've already got the Himax aluminum gearbox, so I don't plan to buy the Cobri. I won't have my Mini Funtana anytime soon. Supposedly my wife is getting it for my Christmas, but I think it will arrive late. Do the Astro Flight Watt meters measure thrust? You can measure it with the engine mounted in the plane. As long as you make sure the horizontal stab is hooked securely, you're fine.
Posted on: 12/18/2004 2:53 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "TEAM RCU - Mike McConville"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2445520

RE: Mini Funtana -electric....When?
They claim 42 ounces of thrust, but I have no way of confirming it yet. Here's the link straight to the data table from Maxx Products. They don't specify the exact battery, just that its a 3 cell Lipo. http://www.maxxprod.com/pdf/HGdata.pdf
Posted on: 12/17/2004 5:19 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "TEAM RCU - Mike McConville"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2443148

RE: Mini Funtana -electric....When?
If the fillets are what I think they are, they don't even come on the 40 size do they? I thought only the 90 size Funtana had them. They are a trademark of the Katana, not the Funtana. [;)]
Posted on: 12/14/2004 8:03 PM by Author "RC4" in the forum "TEAM RCU - Mike McConville"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2434116