RE: Glow engine magazine reviews.... question?
Andrew I think I inadvertently conveyed some negativity in my earlier post regarding your work, and if so...that was not the intent. I give up.
Posted on: 9/9/2007 11:20 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6345525

RE: HERE INFOS ABOUT OS 75 AX
Dave, I don't own a 75AX. What would I put it in? I'm about to be buried by .40 sized profiles here...all of which have their own engines. I suppose if "Max RPM" with a smallish prop were the only consideration....the doors would be wide open for a whole lot of engines to jump in, and eat the AXs lunch. I don't believe the 75 was ever intended to be a speed champ through the radar traps. (I do own a 55AX, and it may be no speed demon either, but it is the CAT'S A$$ where 3D work is concerned!) The AX series as a whole however, has been rather successful. What these engines bring to the table is a very broad range of USABLE power settings. Not just ON & OFF. They require no modifications...no special considerations. Just fuel, set the needles semi-close, and you're going to have a good day. That's a big deal in a market full of one trick pony engines. Why should the .75AX be anything but a continuation of that success? Take from it what you will.
Posted on: 9/9/2007 1:13 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6344652

RE: Glow engine magazine reviews.... question?
Andrew, I think it's wonderful that you posted such an inquiry, as it shows that you're genuinely interested in the quality of your work. I subscribe to the magazine, and have for the past several years. I generally consider it to be more of a catalog, and less of a source of information. I do however make it a point to visit your engine reviews as one of the first orders of business when new magazine arrives each month. The FIRST order of business of course is to shake out all 450+ "subscription cards" from the mag. Gads! Given that you have deadlines, and are limited by the clock as to how much time you can spend with a product....I'm not sure what more I could ask. Still...at the end of it all I come away knowing little more about the product than had I never even looked at the review. OK. So the "XYZ .61" comes in a brightly colored box. The engine and muffler are packed in individual plastic bags, etc, etc, etc. We learn that it turns a prop I'd never use, at "X" rpm. It idles "superbly", and so on and so forth. I've read this same basic line 10,000 times over the years in various publications, and it wasn't always so at the field! Given that "3D" and "Scale Aerobatics" represent a sizeable segment of the IC engine applications out there.....how about a little about the THROTTLING of an engine? How does this thing do with a prop suitable for that? Would you trust your plane to this thing 6" off the ground? Lots of engines idle, or go fast. Occasionally...you can get both. To get a smoothly functioning whole however without undue tinkering, modification, etc is noteworthy while this very sort of information is strangely absent not only in FLYRC, but in just about any other magazine I've ever seen as well. This suggests to me that whoever reviewed this thing likes to fly at WFO in big circles, and the motor could have hideous performance shortcomings yet come out smelling like roses. Long story short, perhaps if the review engine were flown in a variety of applications by persons who "specialize" in that sort of flying you could provide a more comprehensive overview of it's true capabilities. I say specialize because a "great transition" to one guy is a stuttering disaster to another. Is that possible? Thanks for giving us the opportunity to tell you what we think. You asked..... I do appreciate your work, and can only imagine the challenges you must face ever month. Thanks again, and keep up the good work.
Posted on: 9/9/2007 12:56 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6344614

RE: HERE INFOS ABOUT OS 75 AX
Sucker. [sm=greedy.gif][sm=greedy.gif][sm=greedy.gif] All kidding aside, I'll bet it works out fine for you. Probably won't have to drill anything, swap carbs, try 4 different pumps, and launch an internet poll to learn how to get it to run well either. OS DOES love to specify large props don't they? Has anyone considered for a moment where these motors are made? Japan you say? Yeah. Japan is a real small, and densely populated island. Noise is a major issue, and large props are quieter in operation than small ones. An overly large prop may not show the engine at it's peak, but it will be quieter than a smaller prop turning a much higher rpm. Since everyone here is clearly better informed than OS on matters relating to glow engines, it is a simple matter of installing the prop which you find to work best for you. Problem solved hey? Have fun with that "odd sized" .75.
Posted on: 9/9/2007 12:14 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6344520

RE: Club FOX!
Tartan had nothing to do with Fox. The Tartan engines were imported by IndyRC some years ago. I believe there are some fellas who freqent this forum who have some experience with those engines.
Posted on: 9/8/2007 11:57 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6344480

RE: Futaba 7C vs Spektrum DX7
Another vote for NoBS batteries. Steve Anthony makes a mighty fine pack.
Posted on: 9/7/2007 6:52 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6337935

RE: OS 120 ax "F" plug?
I'm with Jim. The 120AX is a real fine running engine as is....doesn't seem to need any improving.
Posted on: 9/6/2007 6:22 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6336017

RE: Futaba 7C vs Spektrum DX7
Probably any battery would work provided it could maintain at least "X" voltage under load. Leyden Jars, Potato Batteries..... Given the large numbers of these systems out there, and the vast majority of users who are just thrilled with the whole thing, I think this whole "lock out" issue is dramatically overstated by those few who just thrive on controversy. My own highly unscientific experiments with low-voltage behavior of the system could never replicate the "lock out" scenario. Even at battery voltages ridiculously far below anything I'd ever attempt to fly with....the system continued to function...the servos continued to move in the commanded direction, etc. So.....my inclination is to believe my own observations which suggest that aside from a singularly defective unit, any problems people see are most likely the result of a poorly engineered electrical system in their model. As for me and my sport planes....I simply use a low-resistance battery pack, ensure that it was properly charged, maintain clean & tight connections (as best as can be done with these types of connectors) and monitor the voltage throughout the day just as I've done for years. Works great. Can't imagine why problems would start now. You can't engineer the abilities (or lack thereof) of the end user entirely out of the equation. This is why there are warnings on coffee cups that remind us that hot coffee **may be hot**[sm=idea.gif] Similarly....the DX-7 (and the Futaba, etc) come with a NiCd pack too. Perhaps the industry needs to warn us that we can't power a small carnival with the energy contained in that pack? I don't know. Enough already. 2.4 works for me.
Posted on: 9/6/2007 6:12 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6335897

RE: Futaba 7C vs Spektrum DX7
Well I guess when we start wiring AC buffer motors to our ailerons we can all come back to this. <GGGG> But in the DC world....where all we're doing is "filling in" that momentary dip in the rail votage by the discharge of the capacitor... Nobody would dispute the point that relying on this alone is any sort of ideal solution. However, it does in fact point to the root issue of insufficient battery capacity for a given application. This has been discussed ad nauseum here. We have wonderful technology in the radio, and wonderful technology available in batteries as well. When the two are brought together....things are sweet. For everybody else who continues to pile on as many stalled servos as possible to a little NiCd pack.....all you can say is "good luck"
Posted on: 9/6/2007 1:54 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6335157

RE: Futaba 7C vs Spektrum DX7
Sure would have to be a mighty low frequency for a HALF FARAD cap to be used... As I recall, that's what these "stutter stoppers" were. A 0.5F Nichicon electrolytic cap. Lousy noise filter. For that, a simple .01 (or so) ceramic across the brushes worked fine. These caps worked in exactly the same way as big PS caps have always worked. To say that they don't is to dispute proven power supply design.
Posted on: 9/6/2007 1:36 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6335091

RE: Club FOX!
Don't throw it away....send it to me! First off...the need to open the LS needle excessively says that there's either a restriction (pinch) in the fuel line, or...an air leak which is limiting the engines ability to draw fuel. The "leaning out" and overheating is further evidence that this thing isn't getting enough fuel. It's easier to diagnose these sorts of problems outside the plane, and on a test stand. If you have one....set it up with a KNOWN GOOD tank & plumbing and give it a try. Not with another tank crammed into the plane, because that's where these problems often originate. Get everything in the open so you can see what's going on. If under these circumstance you're having the same basic problem, then there's likely a leak at the engine. The .15BB has not only a flange mount for the carb, but there's also another point right at the base of the carb body (see the allen head set screw up under there?) that could leak. Check the backplate screws....make sure they're all tight. The fuel is marginal for this motor, but should work. I'd add a few ounces of castor to that Omega to bring it up to 20% total oil. Just an added note: Make sure you're not trying to run a LONG idle bar plug with this engine. Let us know.
Posted on: 9/6/2007 12:18 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6334621

RE: Futaba 7C vs Spektrum DX7
It ain't a Spektrum thing.... we used "Stutter Stoppers" 20yrs ago on our 1/10th electric cars to keep the radio from going nuts when you slammed the throttle to it. Nothing but a large capacitor to fill in the voltage depression. It wouldn't fit in the receiver anyway, so that why you plug them in externally. Futaba, Airtronics, KO...they all used them. Might be beneficial in an electric aircraft situation where everything is run through the BEC. Otherwise...it's probably of little use.
Posted on: 9/6/2007 9:40 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6334409

RE: OS Engines
OS does what a lot of companies do when they wish to remain viable in a price driven market. Hobbyists by nature are CHEAP A$$ES and won't drop the coin for quality. If OS took everyone's recommendation, and made engines out of unobtanium, and had each engine tested by God for engineering perfection....they'd sit on the shelf. Why? Because they'd be many times the cost of the Chinese knock-offs. The Japanese worker charges a bit more for their efforts than the typical Chinese slave worker who will gladly work for 40 cents a day. The Europeans make superb quality engines, yet how many do you see on average at the typical field? They're scarce, and the reason is they cost a lot more than the cheap asian knock-offs, and not many folks will pay the difference for the quality they claim to demand. JETT makes incredibly high quality engines, and do the masses flock to pay $325 for a .46? Yeah right! Large scale sales could bring those prices down a bit, but it won't happen because while the typical modelers SAYS they want top quality...but they never, ever take their eye off the price tag. Quality is a great conversation topic, but CHEAP sells. If you don't like OS, don't buy OS. And don't complain about them "cheapening" anything because this is what your purchasing habits told them to do. It's really just that simple.
Posted on: 9/3/2007 10:38 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6324460

RE: What plug are you using in your 4 stroke ??
Ed have you ever noticed the size of the wrench people use to install plugs? I'm amazed they don't bust the firewall.
Posted on: 9/3/2007 11:05 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6321584

RE: OS Engines
Ed, you are so correct! In addition to the PB .40 equipped 8lb trainer....shall we not forget the 3feet of fuel tubing wadded up inside the fuselage, nor the Perry pump (because they read that you need a pump), the leaking fuel filler valve....the fuel dot plugged into the clunk line (which incidentally fell off inside the tank). Combine this menagerie of misery with 30% nitro (because they read that worked good too) and a 12-7 three blade prop that "looked cool" and the fun has only just begun.... After untangling that garbage....the student announces that he didn't have time to charge the batteries. Great. Of course, none of this ever happens on a day when the temperature is less than 155F. All this comes from taking "advice" from those who will be nowhere near when it comes time to put it all to the test. I feel your pain.
Posted on: 9/3/2007 10:57 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6321565

RE: Kobra Krash
That's got to be one of the most incredible re-builds I've ever seen. Nice work man!
Posted on: 9/1/2007 11:29 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6316648

RE: What plug are you using in your 4 stroke ??
And that's the whole thing..... Given that an OS "F" (or similar) will last an inordinate amount of time in a mechanically sound engine....who cares if it cost 7 or 8 bucks? You don't change them but once in a blue moon. You'd spend far more in that period of time replacing props and fuel tubing. Plenty of choices out there. Pick one that works for you, and you're done.
Posted on: 9/1/2007 11:23 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6316622

RE: How are you going 2.4?
Up to four (4) Spektrum equipped airplanes. Love it. Works a dream. Just as Panzlflyer said...the more active flyers in our club are beginning to make the switch to Spektrum. Particularly in helis for whatever reason. Spektrum, Futaba, XPS.....the 2.4 equipment is great technology. Holding off, and "waiting to see" is just depriving yourself of a genuine advance in the hobby.
Posted on: 9/1/2007 11:16 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6316594

RE: New Saito 62 initial run w/o oiling?
Don't punish yourself....you did fine. By following the INSTRUCTIONS, and keeping it fat and slow for the first few runs, you gave the moving parts plenty of oil. It's a good plan however to inject plenty of oil into the motor at the end of a day's flying. Just like a nice gun, or a fishing reel...keeping it clean, and well oiled is a step toward a long, healthy life for your motor. Have fun!
Posted on: 9/1/2007 10:56 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6316518

RE: Muffler for McCoy .35
I'll keep an eye out Doug....if I see something, I'll shoot you a PM. Most likely...there's a muffler from another engine brand that'll "cobble together" with the McCoy. It'll add to the nostalgia factor, because at least in my case..EVERYTHING was cobbled together and I wasn't the only one. For certain, the butterfly valve on the exhaust had a life-expectancy of about 8 seconds before it fell off. Very difficult to find those out in the corn. That has to go anyway if you plan to use a muffler. Oh well.... NEWSFLASH! http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=213/101.0 This is the short form version of the old Dubro Muffl-Aire. You need to attach a metal strap to secure it to the motor, but...this is it.
Posted on: 9/1/2007 9:32 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6315952

RE: Are OS 4S engines that bad?
Four bolts, and a flimsy plastic backplate never bothered Saito.
Posted on: 9/1/2007 10:19 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6314287

RE: Looking for 1st profile
Edge V3 coupling in KE? Mine is very clean in that respect. I had a very small pitch to canopy in KE that was taken out with about 3% mix. Very small amount... Perhaps if you're carrying loads of elevator trim due to a CG issue....pitching in KE could vary. I like that airplane (Edge V3). Flies like a dream.
Posted on: 8/31/2007 11:45 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Profile and Fun Flying Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6313256

RE: Cooper Fuels in CA?
Probably too busy selling fuel! COOP is the man!!!
Posted on: 8/31/2007 11:39 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "RC Fuels"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6313234

RE: What plug are you using in your 4 stroke ??
Fox, OS "F", or the Saito plug. 4Cs don't go through plugs very often. If those don't work....you've got some other problem.
Posted on: 8/31/2007 11:24 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6313178

RE: Muffler for McCoy .35
The Davis mufflers are too expensive, and probably weigh more than the motor as well. The McCoy .35RC (I'm assuming this is a Testors-McCoy Series 21 .35?) isn't really a bad motor at all if you run some oil in it. I'd look to see if Dubro still offers the "Muffl-Aire" strap on arrangement. It's an extruded aluminum "stack" with a coil spring in it. Not much muffling per se, but.....mufflers weren't really all that common when these engines were sold. Have fun with it though.
Posted on: 8/31/2007 11:17 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6313148

RE: Who makes the Evolution Glow engines for Horizon?
Evolution GAS engines are made by MVVS. As stated earlier in the post, Evolution GLOW engines are made in a chinese sweat shop. The .45TPS is a pretty good running engine. There's several of those at our field, and they all make good power, and run reliably. The .46, .61 and 1.00 are yawners from what I've seen. **Edited to correct ".45NT, to ".45TPS".
Posted on: 8/26/2007 11:37 PM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6287611

RE: Designing own engine.
Exactly what GK said. What would be wrong with taking the porting/timing of a current successful engine, and applying it to your own? "Men of Steal" have long dominated the scene. Good luck with your project, and won't you have a grin on your face when that baby fires off for the first time. You can't win if you don't play. Go for it!
Posted on: 8/26/2007 2:55 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6287745

RE: Engine temps?
Tune your engine to run well, and take it's temperature. THAT's normal. This winter, "normal" will be something else. If you change props, or mufflers, or fuel, or installations (cowled vs uncowled), well....then "normal" will be something different again. Because of the wildly varying installations, tuning, etc....There is no one size fits all "normal" temp. Temp guns should have a sticker on them that says "For entertainment purposes only".
Posted on: 8/26/2007 2:02 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6287666

RE: Saito 62 four stroke break in proceedure?
Probably depends what sort of airframe you're bolting it too though....no? A 20lb Telemaster, or a 4lb profile? It might be a smoothie....it might be a jackhammer. Luck of the draw. I'd say the best bet is to stick it on a test stand....everything right where you can easily get at it, and you're golden. Let it shake the test stand apart (some might). In any case...I always thought the Saito break-in instructions were some of the better ones out there. If you do it "their way"....you'll get an engine that's off to a good start anyway.
Posted on: 8/26/2007 1:50 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6287657

RE: Same or Different
Well..I suppose there's several reasons that the car/truck motors use considerably less oil in the fuel, but one thing is for certain and that is they live very short lives too. Your airplane engine is going to be in deep trouble if you opt to run a low-oil car fuel in it. Stick with the airplane fuels.
Posted on: 8/26/2007 1:27 AM by Author "RaceCity" in the forum "RC Fuels"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6287601