A123 Question
Finally getting back into the hobby after two years and the battery technology has changed quite a bit. What is the hot ticket for giant scale airplanes? Need to put some new batteries in my 35% YAK w/da 100 motor. The A123 batteries seem to be the newest technology but has anyone come up with a way to check them? Or do I need to look in another direction like Lithium Ion w/regulators?
Posted on: 8/20/2012 9:42 PM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11200481

RE: when to charge A123s
[quote]ORIGINAL: vortex00 New to the A123s. when do you know they need to be charged? Jack [/quote] You need to know the capacity of the battery and your usage per flight. Do it the old fasion way or get a mAh counter. A volt meter or trying to use voltage DOES NOT WORK WITH A123 batteries. The above post is refering to dischage voltage for cycling, NOT FOR A SAFE FLYING VOLTAGE.
Posted on: 9/19/2009 12:57 PM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9107786

RE: Fromeco website
http://www.fromeco.org/ Yes, even 2 cell packs should be ballance.
Posted on: 8/30/2009 12:32 PM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9056554

RE: A123 for rx pack, regulator required?
If you can run any 6V battery in your plane right now then you do NOT need a regulator, period. Cycle your new batteries 3 times when you first get them to determine the actual capacity. Go fly 3 normal flights, keep track of the total time the plane is "ON", and recharge you batteries. See how many mA-h it took to recharge, check the total time the plane was on and do the math. That will tell you just how long you can safely fly before you need to recharge. I would never use a Voltwatch for anything. Figure it out the old fashion way and forget about the BS way.
Posted on: 8/22/2009 9:16 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9035405

YAK 54 TOC CANOPY (35%)
Any one replace the canopy on the 35% TOC YAK 54 with another brand? I called ACE the other day and those fools want $51.00 plus shipping for a replacement. I have done some molding in my time and this piece is worth about $2.00 here in the U.S. which translated to about $0.02 in Asia.
Posted on: 11/13/2008 11:31 PM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8145554

RE: two batteries on one switch?
[quote]ORIGINAL: acarter On my currrent project i will have two batteries, one hooked to the reciever and one on a Servo Syncronizer. I would like to have these two batteries hooked up to one switch but i have no clue if this is possible or how to do it. Thanks, Austin [/quote] Not a problem. Use one of Fromeco's "Wolverine" dual switches. http://www.fromeco.org/awolverine.htm
Posted on: 11/22/2007 12:57 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6657407

RE: Battery Blew Up...Yak on fire
[quote]ORIGINAL: Barry Cazier First: Wife's picture with "bullet hole". [/quote] A little to the left and it would have been perfect. [;)] Your problem is the common ground wire linking the two batteries together via the switches. Most chargers and batteries don't like that set-up because it presents all kinds of false readings. Next time plug the batteries directly into the charger and not through the switches.
Posted on: 10/12/2007 12:57 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6480169

RE: Composite-arf-surface mounting elevator servos
Get some baking soda and fill the screw holes. Add a drop of thin CA and like magic you can drill and re-thread the holes. The baking soda and thin CA will fill the holes and you can tap new threads and the repair will be stronger than the original wood. You can actually tap the baking soda.
Posted on: 10/10/2007 12:38 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6471966

RE: Best Rechargeable AA batteries?
Buy Sanyo cells and stop crying about the price. Batteries are the only thing keeping you from crashing. Spend a few cents now or spend several dollars on a black plastic bag to put the pieces in later.
Posted on: 10/2/2007 12:55 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6438684

RE: Battery chargers
I use a Sirius Charge Quad Channel. It will charge 4 packs at once, three receiver and your transmitter. You plug in your batteries and take a walk. Here is the manufacturer's link: http://www.siriuselectronics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=197 I am thinking about selling mine due to going up to a 40% plane with lithium. I'll sell it for $185 shipped and it is in LIKE NEW condition.
Posted on: 9/29/2007 12:23 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6427295

RE: Balancing Mejzlik Props?
I stopped using Mejzlik along with several other pilots at my club. The last three I had took way too much work to get them balanced. The third was so bad it was unusable. Many of us have switched to Bolly wood props and they seem to be much better and require little or no work to get them balanced. I use automotive clear coat on the front of the blade to balance the tips, and the same on the hub if needed. You should never sand on the back of the blade. It is too easy to change the pitch.
Posted on: 7/27/2007 12:45 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6161810

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
Let's see the bottom of your cowl using standard mufflers. I am thinking of cutting open the covering in the fuse just like I would if the engine had canister mufflers instead of standard mufflers.
Posted on: 7/16/2007 12:59 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6116176

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
Anyone else feel that the lite ply in this plane is very soft? The tailwheel area and the motor box sides seem very soft to me.
Posted on: 6/30/2007 12:19 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6053297

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: mrhp what rudder horn are you guys using and with what servo horns. wires crossed or strait and how is the geomitry? [/quote] The 4" rudder horn supplied with the kit with a 4" SWB offset self adjusting servo tray. This plane is set up for crossing the wires so you need an offset bellcrank.
Posted on: 6/22/2007 12:22 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6018889

RE: Slow Ailerons on Aux 5 of JR10SX
First I don’t see a reason to use an amplified Y harness. Any time you mix channels you will have a potential speed difference particularly if you’re changing the direction of a servo. You will be better off using one channel, and one MatchBox with all four aileron servos plugged in.
Posted on: 6/16/2007 12:37 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5993789

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
I took another look at the motor box tonight. Mounted the engine and yes I had to trim the excess off on the right side so that the fins would not touch. I also trimmed the left side just to make it look even. Mounted the motor directly to the motor box and the gap is fine. On my plane there is no need to move the firewall back. If I did it would be only for cosmetic reasons and I would only get the engine about 1/4" closer. It is not worth the time and energy to get the engine maybe 1/4" closer to the cowl. The real PITA is the two lower cowl screws. I was going to open up the bottom of the fuse where canister mufflers would be so that I would not have to cut up the cowl. If I do not open the bottom of the cowl I don’t see how to get those two mounting screws in place once the baffle is in place. However, opening up the bottom of the cowl for exhaust heat would eliminate that problem.
Posted on: 6/8/2007 12:52 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5959764

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
I have not put the motor on the plane yet so I did not know that the heads will contact the box. Putting the engine in place is one of the last things that I will do. It makes it easier to move the plane around without the motor.
Posted on: 6/7/2007 12:08 PM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5956685

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
Why are some of you guys putting the engine out so far from the firewall by using 3/4" spacers with a DA100? I don't see how moving the prop out away from the cowl will give you more thrust. The area behind the prop in front of the cowl is not going to change. If you move the prop further away from the cowl, the cowl is still there and the same amount of prop is still in front of the cowl. How does moving the prop further away change the amount of usefull air coming from behind the prop?
Posted on: 6/7/2007 12:03 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5955037

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: Harleyflyer Thanks RCP57! I do have a question. So do the two reference lines (ensuring that each is 5 inches long) go so they are exactly in the center of the engine box and then do you just drill exactly where the drill markings are? Or am I missing something? Thanks, Keith [/quote] The reference lines will put the engine exactly in the center of your engine box providing your
Posted on: 5/28/2007 12:19 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5910408

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: eagletalon RCP57 Just finished visiting with Gerret Morrison at the IMAA West Coast Chowchilla meet opening day,formaley known as IMAA Castle air show, any how his settings for IMAC on this plane is as follows for standard throw elevator=11dg ail=33dg he says no offset needed here... to earth says give him a call any time. hope this helps you to. [quote]ORIGINAL: RCP57 Maybe I missed
Posted on: 5/27/2007 2:50 PM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5908232

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: Harleyflyer Does anyone know where I can get a template for mounting a DA 100? Thanks in advance, Keith [/quote] You can download one at Down On The Deck web site but you have to be a member to download. http://www.downonthedeckdiscussion.com/downloads.php?view=detail&id=86
Posted on: 5/27/2007 2:49 PM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5908239

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: flying skunks The comment was not ment to sound snobby,I just fee that you know what feels comfy for you're self.I don't feel that when a pilot takes on this kind of plane the pilot should not need a piece of paper to tell us how to set up the throw's.This is not the size aircraft that a beginer would buy,there for the manufacturer expect's you to use you're discression to better suit you're flying style.By all means I am not snobby,just love the hobby.By the way,my six year old son doesn't even fly a trainer,he fly's a SD 35% Extra 260. Donnie [/quote] I don't regard the manual as the Holy Bible, just a place to set the throws for the first few flights. I have just downsized my planes to 35% from 40%. I’m getting old and I can’t handle the weight to well due to a back problem. 35% planes handle differently so I was just looking for a heads up answer, not a head up. If you get to Houston in the near future send me a PM. I’ll take your son for a ride in my Cub, I'm sure he would say thank you. My 7 year old grandson loves it.
Posted on: 5/24/2007 12:16 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5894519

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: flying skunks Just use you're better judgement,set throw's that you will feel comfortable with,you should'nt need a book to tell you this. Donnie [/quote] Should have left you total posts at 242.
Posted on: 5/23/2007 11:38 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5891429

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: eagletalon [quote]ORIGINAL: RCP57 Maybe I missed this but are there any published control throws for this plane? Mine came with NO instruction manual and the one on SD's sight which I downloaded does not contain the information. Actually the entire manual is poor. [/quote] your right ! they need to up grade the whole manual inpart they show control horn install for a 30% yak
Posted on: 5/23/2007 11:37 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5891425

RE: SERVO ARM SCREW SIZE
They are 3mm x 8 and you can get them at Micro Fastener. The 6s are too short.
Posted on: 5/23/2007 12:40 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5890043

RE: Aviation Models 35% Yak Build
Maybe I missed this but are there any published control throws for this plane? Mine came with NO instruction manual and the one on SD's sight which I downloaded does not contain the information. Actually the entire manual is poor.
Posted on: 5/23/2007 12:19 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5889970

RE: matchbox
[quote]ORIGINAL: Mark Dennis It depends on what servos you have, Hitec's are programable but Futab and JR need a matchbox. The Hitecs allow you to program them and not have to leave anything else in the plane which is helpfull if your trying to save weight as 2 or 3 matchboxes will add up quickly. [/quote] What???? Three JR matchboxes weigh a hair over 1 ounce. If you opt for the Smart-Fly units you are looking at a whopping 0.9 ounces for three Equalizers II. Don't be worried about one ounce of electronics, you can save that much weight just by changing tire brands.
Posted on: 3/1/2007 1:01 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5492202

RE: Multiplex LN-5014 Charger Ships & Review
Pyramid power supplies are inexpensive and work fine. I can't see why anyone would try or go through the trouble of making their own. I made a small box from Radio Shack ( 1" x 1" x 2" ) into a two port outlet to run two of these chargers. One side goes to the power supply and then it has two outlets to plug the chargers into. I think the total cost was about $6 including all the banana plugs, both male and female.
Posted on: 1/22/2007 12:33 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5303573

RE: extra260 35% question
[quote]ORIGINAL: bodywerks Hmmm...you may need upthrust, too I did, almost a full degree. It wouldn't hurt to check. Also, did you install the supplied baffling? If you did, you may have caused the lower end to push out like that. If you didn't, you should be able to suck it back a little by installing it. [/quote] No baffling installed yet. The thrust is correct at least by measuring. I will wait to see how it trims out before I start moving or adjusting any thrust. Once the motor is set up and the plane trimmed in correctly I will install the baffle.
Posted on: 12/29/2006 12:34 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5176341

RE: extra260 35% question
[quote]ORIGINAL: Rockyaged Sounds like the motor needs to be re-installed. Doesn't sound like any up thrust would help. How was the motor location on the firewall found? Did you have the fuselage vertical, with motor sitting on firewall and cowl attached to pre-made locations? This is the best method to find proper motor location. I hope this helps you Gerald [/quote] The motor was installed correctly. I find the center line and install it where it should be. It wound up exactly where the instructions and template would have put it. The cowl is just longer on the bottom than on the top. I make my own wood motor spacers and they are exactly 0.950" long behind the DA100.
Posted on: 12/29/2006 12:33 AM by Author "RCP57" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5176376