RE: Remote Kill Switch for Magneto engine
Here is another option: http://www.chiefaircraft.com/rcmsec/Models/Accessories/EngineAccessories/Cutoff/Cutoff.html
Posted on: 9/11/2009 6:35 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9087715

RE: MSR out of balance...
Not sure what you mean about the "shaft is at a couple degree angle," but mine had the small plastic "pin" of the swashplate (located in the rear) outside of the fork (or two vertical pins on the main body) that holds it. This resulted in my first flights needing an extreme amount of trim more than my TX could provide! After looking at it and noticing that the swashplate was offset, it was a quick fix. Works perfect now!
Posted on: 9/5/2009 1:12 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9071727

RE: Hobby City BL motors?
This one claims to be similar to the Power32: http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2099 I do have the motor, but I haven't run it yet so I can't really say *how* it compares...
Posted on: 5/7/2009 10:47 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8750134

RE: The new Lanier Edge 87"
I am using one servo per aileron on my Lanier Edge. 5945's mounted on the "outboard" hole (this seemed to me to be the closest to the center of the aileron, which is what I think is important), and a little Monokote over the "inboard" hole. Combination with a Taurus 52cc this plane comes in ready-to-fly around 17lbs. Around 20 flights and no problems.
Posted on: 4/18/2009 12:44 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8692917

RE: tiny helicopters
Dick, I couldn't agree with you more that this "minature" segment of the hobby is fantastic! I took my mCX to work and passed around the TX ("just make sure you kill the throttle when it hits something" was my only instruction... I think 3 or 4 co-workers went out and purchased one that night!). Anyway, at the risk of reposting a link from Mike McConville's forum, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl8eQ4x6keQ
Posted on: 12/29/2008 1:59 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8294761

RE: Used Venus II where are they?
Maybe this is why: http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/123749.asp
Posted on: 12/24/2008 4:12 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8278941

RE: Bipe clips cow
You would think that the cow would have MOOved out of the way when he heard the plane coming!
Posted on: 11/16/2008 1:48 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8153162

RE: If you fly at Marymoore park in Redmond, WA
Thanks for posting this Dan, but it is actually [b]not[/b] Marymoor Park that is in question. The "60 Acres" field that is approximately 1 mile north is the issue. I believe that this field is used by SASS (Seattle Area Soaring Society) for glider and small electrics. My son plays soccer, but they have enough fields in the area and they don't need any more! I flew rockets at the 60 Acres field when I was a kid, and I would hate to see it go away.
Posted on: 9/9/2008 11:09 AM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7936367

50cc Extra vs. Alpha trainer
Like most clubs, we have a mix of all types of planes that fly at our field. We have always joked about the possibility of a "larger" gas plane meeting a "smaller" trainer, and what exactly would happen, but even I was amazed at the amount of confetti that resulted when it really happened! I didn't see the collision (and, unfortunately, I was so stunned at watching the amount of debris come out of the sky afterwards that I didn't think of taking a picture), but here is the aftermath... The Extra was able to make a safe landing, despite the gear being messed-up. Damage to this plane was fairly minimal (although I believe the firewall was broken). The Alpha (at least, the biggest part of the Alpha) landed in some tall grass. The damage that you see is completely the result of the collision there were no other pieces near where we found it!
Posted on: 9/7/2008 12:00 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7929053

RE: Great Planes Reactor 120-160?
Yes, of course GP recommends the Fuji engines, but even the manual for the first "Performance Series" plane (the Ultimate) mentioned the use of a DA-50! I don't think that they are oblivious to what some modelers are using. As for where to send my money, I guess I'll answer my own question... http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LNUSE0&P=G You might notice that the title even implies 50cc (not 43cc) gas! :)
Posted on: 8/26/2008 1:54 AM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7886685

RE: Great Planes Reactor 120-160?
A quick search shows that "RCmob" seems to be part of the GP R&D team, so I can only assume that the posted specs are real! I absolutely *love* my "little" Reactor, and I can only imagine how nice this bigger one will be. As previous posters have mentioned, I hope that they fix the covering issues (Monokote, please!), and that the gear has been "updated" (nose-overs with a YS .63 are not fun, but a little APC prop costs nothing compared to a carbon-fiber 22x8!). Where do I send my money? :)
Posted on: 8/23/2008 11:47 AM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7876882

RE: The new Lanier Edge 87"
I had the same issue, but I did find a tank that would fit over the wing-tube: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFT72&P=0 It does have a slight "V" on the bottom of the tank (made for boats, apparently), but I used foam under it when mounting and there was no problem. 16oz seems fine for a 50cc engine.
Posted on: 5/10/2008 1:33 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7479350

RE: flip 3D control throws + c of g
Here is where you can download the manual: http://www.kyosho.com/jpn/support/instructionmanual/ap_aerobatic/pdf/11141_flip3d40_m.pdf Welcome to RCU!
Posted on: 5/3/2008 4:44 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7451958

RE: KATANA XL - new release
I'm not an expert Greg, but my bet is that your muffler is causing the problem. Not plugging one or the other stack, but volume. Bisson seems to make mufflers that work for multiple engines-- and they don't really try to optimize the volume for each individual engine. You might be suprised to find that the OS 1.60FX has the same bolt-spacing (for the muffler) as the ST4500, and this muffler has a lot more volume. An easy way to find out is go back to the stock muffler, it certainly should give you the best performance! Again, I am no expert, but I have run a few 1.60FX's and have noticed this difference with different mufflers.
Posted on: 11/1/2007 12:40 AM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6565915

RE: Goldberg Obsession?
RCAddition: The last time that I measured the clearance of my 18x6 it seems like there was about 2" between the tip of the prop and the ground (with the plane sitting level, not on the tail-wheel) so I don't think that you will have a big problem with a 19" prop. Definitely interested in how your engine works out! Bob, Obesssion looks great! Looking forward to hearing what you thought of the first flight! It's funny, reading through your posts, you seem to have come to the same conclusions as me: gas/glow, wing-attachment method, and, well, that damn sharktooth! So, did you ever contact Jett about the muffler (why it seems to be different from the one that I have)?
Posted on: 9/15/2007 4:30 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6371868

RE: Taurus 52c engine worth $679??????
I'm starting to think that there is no problem either... we've pretty much ruled everything out! Maybe Azhar had better performace in the spring because the air was thicker? It's wasn't exactly *hot* on Saturday when we tested the engine(s), but it was in the upper 60's or lower 70's? Did you ever ask Bill what the conditions were when he ran it at his shop?
Posted on: 9/10/2007 4:45 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6350849

RE: Taurus 52c engine worth $679??????
Azhar has been using my ignition module (which recently came back from CH by the way, I had a Bosch cap installed since it previously had the "old" rubber boot... they checked it out there so I know that it's good). As for timing, could my engine have the timing messed-up also? We really ran the two engines within 1/2 an hour of each other and both on the same airframe with the same fuel system, ignition and battery. I think that Azhar also mentioned this, but we did try a different battery (a four cell nicad, fully charged) and even bypassed all switches-- the battery was plugged directly into the ignition. As the guy holding the tach when both engines were run, I can safely say that they were almost identical. We played with the needles (on both engines) and saw what we expected, but no significant improvements in top RPM. I am certainly no expert with gas engines, but if it was a fuel issue (ethanol), why did Azhar get better RPM readings before? Do gas stations switch to ethanol in the summer months and then take it away in the winter? :) I am sure that the oil mixture ratio could have *something* to do with it, but again, it's the same basic mix that he used before.
Posted on: 9/10/2007 12:18 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6349888

RE: Goldberg Obsession?
After talking with Bob about the fact that my muffler is probably not getting proper cooling, I took off the cowling to add a hole in the front (and hey, it even helps get rid of some of the shark teeth). While I was at it, I took a few shots of the engine setup. You can see that with the short distance from firewall to spinner that even if you mounted the engine inverted and used a pitts muffler you might need to carve-up the firewall a bit (or move the engine further out). The Jett Turbo fits like it was made for it! Another thing that I remembered while doing this is that Tower sells an inexpensive spinner that fits this plane perfectly: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLZM2&P=Z Lightened backplate and it even comes with the hardware that you need to attach to the 1.60FX!
Posted on: 9/6/2007 11:50 AM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6334777

RE: Goldberg Obsession?
Sigh... I know, you're right Bob. I even thought about that last paragraph before I hit the "OK" button (knowing full well that this *IS* the pattern forum, after all). And I am aware (and rooting) for the "little guys" who are trying to do this, but we need a Hobbico or Horizon to buy into this before it gets affordable. Other airframes (like the Icepoint) come to mind, but even they were from smaller companies (and try to get spare parts for an Icepoint today... if you can even get the Ultra guys on the phone!). It's funny, when I was a kid (in the 70's) seeing those amazing pattern ships was the pinnacle of R/C for me. To think that I could fly one then was completely out of the question (hell, I could barely afford my Airtronics Q-Tee and Cox .049). I guess that's why I have such a soft-spot for pattern. Now, when I can (sort of) afford a "real" R/C plane, pattern has been replaced by IMAC. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, I have plenty of Extras, Edges, and Caps in my hanger (oh yeah, and a Yak or two). But as much fun as these planes are, it's like everybody has forgotten about how smooth and precise a "real" pattern ship can be. It really is beautiful. And, I think that it makes me a better pilot just *trying* to fly those patterns. And, yes, there are more than a few good affordable pattern ships in the .60 and .90 size (see my avatar for one very nice one-- the Venus II), but we all know that "bigger flys better." Ok, I'll be quiet now... Oh, back to the Obsession, one thing that I would mention for anybody putting this airframe together: toss the bolts and replace them with the same thing from your local ACE Hardware or Home Depot. There have been several reports of Goldberg/Lanier ARF's with "questionable" hardware causing failures, and it is just not worth losing your plane over the buck or two you will spend to replace the bolts. I used the supplied bolts to mount the engine and had two break apart just while tightening-- I cannot imagine what would have happened under load and vibration!
Posted on: 9/5/2007 12:21 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6330778

RE: Goldberg Obsession?
Zippi: The canopy is tinted, but it is not actually red (it's just the hatch is completely covered in red and it makes everything else look red... you could easily replace the covering with black before you glue the canopy on). With the plane sitting level on its wheels there is about 2" of clearance below the tip of the 18x6 prop. The VP-30 is actually mounted to one of the four engine mount bolts (in-line with the carburator, as specified in the instructions). As for the control surfaces, yes, the rudder is amazingly big (knife-edge is very nice!), and the elevator and ailerons are large but not too big. I am sure that Lanier (er... Goldberg) intended this to be a pattern/3D ship and sized the control-surfaces accordingly. With the thick flight surfaces (wing and tail), the plane does not fly fast! I keep saying "rock solid" but you just don't understand until you fly it! RCAddiction: The manual asks for 5-3/4" from the firewall to the spinner backplate. Not much room. I had originally intended to use a Brillelli 36 (which does fit lengthwise, but the carb sticks out-- inches from the cowl!). As with BobP, I would *love* to see a gas engine that works on this airframe and delivers the same performance that I get with the 1.60! It's that classic "tweener" problem-- too big for glow and too small for a "good" (50cc) gas engine! Plus, as somebody else has pointed out, the structure is not built for a gas engine. Not to change the subject from gas engines, but I wanted to say something about this type of plane: Personally, I *love* pattern planes, and I don't understand why somebody doesn't make a decent 2M airframe "for the rest of us." That's what I like most about this plane. Sure, it's just a scaled-up version of the 40-size Matrix (and I know that it has it's size and weight problems as far as a "legal" 2M airframe), but for the price it's a nice "2M wannabe." I *love* scale aerobats too and there are plenty of those to choose from (for as much or as little as you want to spend), so why can't somebody make a non-competition, all-wood, 2M ARF that *looks* like those sleek composite pattern ships for under $400?
Posted on: 9/5/2007 11:34 AM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6330665

RE: Taurus 52c engine worth $679??????
Azhar, you might want to mention that all of these problems started after a crash that did mess-up the timing. This is the original reason that the engine was sent back to Bill.
Posted on: 9/5/2007 1:43 AM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6329535

RE: Goldberg Obsession?
See below for the pictures that I took for Bob. Since several people have asked for them I am happy to post them here. I hope that they help. The 1.60FX is side-mounted, with a Perry VP-30 and Turbo Jett muffler. Sorry, I don't have any pictures of the airframe without the cowling on but you can see in the head-on shot that no part of the muffler (except the two tiny exhaust stacks) protrude from the plane. This was the only muffler I found that would fit entirely in the cowl-- the Bisson pitts-style muffler needs a small cut-out on the same side as the cylinder. I guess you could invert the engine but I haven't been entirely happy with that method in other airframes (and I am still not sure that you could fit the muffler inside the cowling). The firewall measures about 5" wide and there is a fairly short distance from there to the back of the spinner (between 5" and 6", as I remember). Engine is turning a Mejzlik 18x6, but I am afraid that I have not measured the RPM (I expect it to be around 9K). I honestly don't know if the Jett muffler adds much to the RPM, but it does make a cool sound! :P I have not tried an APC 18x6W yet, but I have that prop on my other 1.60FX (can you tell that I like this engine?) mounted on a Giant U-Can-Do and it flys the plane very well... I have no doubt that it would work well on this airframe. Fuel-tank (stock) is mounted on the C.G. and you can see the RX battery behind it. The plane weighs about 12lbs (dry). I just flew it this past weekend and was reminded about how amazingly rock-solid the plane flys! It definitely presents "bigger" in the air. Lands at a walking-pace. And other than that goofy "sharktooth" painting on the cowling it's a pretty good looking plane!
Posted on: 9/5/2007 12:50 AM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6329418

RE: Goldberg Obsession?
Bob, I understand your position on glow fuel. I *really* tried to find a gasser for this bird that would keep the weight down and the performace up. I have really tried to find a gas engine that can match the weight and power of the 1.60FX, but it just hasn't happened yet. I am hoping that somebody can do it (and I think that Scott is *really* close with the 36). I look forward to what you find. On top of this, once I realized that I could fit the 1.60/Jett combo in the cowl it was a done-deal for me. The 1.60 is just a sweetheart of an engine-- and combined with this muffler it makes all the power you need for this airframe (note that I am at sea-level here in the Seattle-area). Right now I am just under 12lbs with this combo and I have made no attempt to save weight, everything is stock. Zippi, I am running a Perry pump on this combo and the tank is mounted at the C.G. I have had zero problems, but I have read the horror stories here on RCU. Follow the directions and I suspect that you will not have any problems.
Posted on: 8/29/2007 11:51 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6305346

RE: Goldberg Obsession?
Bob, I have one of these airframes with an OS 1.60FX in it. Honestly, I cannot understand why more people are not interested in this plane-- for both the price and flight characteristics! Lots of wing-area (and a fairly thick airfoil also) so it will land at a crawl. Nice long tail-moment so it is very stable in flight. I have a Turbo-Jett muffler on the 1.60 and it keeps almost everything inside the cowling (mounted sideways so the cylinder head sticks out a bit). This combo really flies nice! Like you, I had really wanted to put a small(ish) gas engine in this plane but the cowl is fairly small and the distance specified from the firewall to the spinner is fairly short. A Brillelli 36 looks like a good candidate (but the carb would stick out pretty far). I guess that you could go crazy and try a 50cc (I am sure that somebody already has), but I don't know how you would get enough clearance for the prop and I am sure that balance would be an issue. My only (minor) complaint is that the wing is attached via screws that are tapped and mounted directly into the wing-tube-- not the more "modern" method of bolts that hold the wing root-rib to the fuselage. It is not a big deal, but it can be a pain to "find the hole" with the screw (I usually leave the tube in one wing-panel). Minor issue, for sure. I thought about a quick mod to put bolts in the fuse but there is a plywood tray right above the wing tube that prevents this from being easy. I say go for it! For the price it is an *outstanding* model-- if you don't mind squeezing the engine into this small cowling. I am sure that you will enjoy it. I look forward to hearing what combo you decide on.
Posted on: 8/28/2007 12:12 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6298103

RE: Manual for BME Edge 540 Mk. 1
I've got an electronic version of it Dave. Send me your e-mail address and I will be happy to send you the manual.
Posted on: 8/15/2007 12:14 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6241491

RE: Hitec 645 or 625 for Planes?
While there is nothing wrong with using either the 625 or 645 for planes, you should know that these servos have a history of "centering problems." They are strong and inexpensive but not quite as accurate as the more expensive digitals and coreless servos. I suspect that is why they are recommended more for cars and boats.
Posted on: 6/14/2007 12:09 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5986781

RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Congratulations Erik! It's about time! :) I have gotten several more flights on my Reactor and I like it more each time. Very smooth and quick. The YS .63 seems to be the perfect power plant for this plane. As for the minor issue with taxiing, I have found that holding full "3-D rate" elevator during taxi works well. Just remember to set your rate-switch back before takeoff! :O
Posted on: 4/20/2007 11:10 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5747109

RE: Toledo Show
Hmmmm... might one of those new Hangar 9 planes be a 35% Extra 260? :) :) :) http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN1000
Posted on: 4/12/2007 12:05 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "TEAM RCU - Mike McConville"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5704499

RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Hey Ernie and Rob, You guys are both welcome at Marymoor anytime (no flight test required... only an AMA card). I have also heard good things about Flaming Geyser, although I have not had a chance to visit or fly there. Good luck with your Reactor Ernie! You will love it!
Posted on: 3/17/2007 1:06 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5574947

RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
One thing to keep in mind, guys, is that when the tank is moved to the C.G. the "recommended" balance-point is now "wrong." Not horribly wrong, but nevertheless, wrong. I balanced mine a little in front of the recommended and it flys great (others have flown and verified this). So anybody with the tank on the C.G. should consider this. Ernie, ever venture up north to Marymoor park? That's where my Reactor is likely flying! So Erik, have you maidened that thing yet?! :O I guess that I was lucky since the weather has actually been pretty decent here in the Seattle-area for the first part of the year.
Posted on: 3/14/2007 9:36 PM by Author "RobertC" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5562411