RE: How are your A123 packs doing?
I also bought two of the DeWalt 36 volt A123 battery packs, and made 10 two cell packs. I bought all the wiring, plugs, heat shrink and the Cellpro 4s charger from FMA Direct. Started with them back in '09. Everything went as was discribed in all the posts in the forums. All are still going strong. They make great electric fuel pump power supplies as well. I find it interesting that batteries in the new Electric driven cars have now converted to Lithiums. I have not seen if they are also using the Nano Phosfate (sp) type. I am left wondering what will come next, in compareable improvement and how long will it take. Will they ever eliminate the weight factor. Gerald
Posted on: 12/30/2010 4:32 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10228343

RE: First Gas Plane Help
I agree with solo... go with what is used by most Giant Scale flyers. Adding to Solo's comments, to afford you better understanding, servo torque is not the only consideration. The re-centering of the servos to the same exact neutral is as important, particularly if you intend to fly in any type of competitions. If the servos you have re-center well, great. They should also have metal gears. Plastic gears do not hold up well, including throttle control, which is affected by motor vibration. The DA 50 will vibrate, and that's common. Vibration requires special technics for screws, Nuts and Bolts. You'll want some sort of thread securing. Loctite Blue (or red) is reccommended. Reading here and trying to visulize is not always easy. If there is a R/C aircraft flying site near you, go there and talk to the giant scale flyers. Most of them are happy to help out a newbie to make him and his airplanes safe in their enviroment. If you have more questions, ask... it's why some of us are here. Gerald.
Posted on: 12/27/2010 4:21 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10221579

Great Service bt JTEC
I ordered a Pitts Wrap Around muffler for my new DA-60 on Monday. Dec. 20. Kevin stated he would go to work on it and try to get it out on Dec. 24. Based on my experiences in the R/C business area, I had my doubts. Sometimes it is just great to find yourself wrong. The muffler arrived today, Dec. 27, sent by USPS Priority Mail. Seven days total including the Christmas Holiday. By anyone's standards, that was really great. Good Job Kevin.. Thanks Much. Gerald
Posted on: 12/27/2010 3:59 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "JTEC / RADIOWAVE Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10221530

IMAC site not responding...
Tried several times to log onto the IMAC web site. No connection made. What's up with that? Gerald
Posted on: 6/3/2010 2:46 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9777610

RE: H9 Extra 260 35% Servos etc?
What wasn't said about the 5625s is that they are not known for good centering when you go neutral on your sticks. The 7955s do everything well.. I went Spektrum.. DX7 Ttransmitter and AR9100 receiver that has two power input leads. I run a a123 2300 battery pack into each input. I run a total of 8 5955 servos (older version of 7955) on control surfaces and two 5645s for throttle and choke. No regulators or power distribution required. I run a single A123 2 cell pack on Ignition with a regulator, as my DA Ignition uses 5.5 volts, as max voltage recommended by DA. 2 dozen flights without any problems what so ever... Gerald
Posted on: 6/3/2010 2:34 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9777604

RE: Why cant you use an AR7000?
In my 38% Columbo Anderson, I am using a Hitech 9100 receiver. This reciever has two input, Heavy gauge wires. I hook up an A123 battery to each input wire. No regulator, no power expander. Though you can program Hitech servos, I think you will still need some way to syncronize them, if you go two on each wing. I use Match Boxes for ailerons and rudder. For most Ignitions, you'll need to drop the A123 battery down to less than 6 or 7 volts. I like 5.5 volts, as I think the Ignition will last longer with less voltage, and 5.5 volts work fine in my DA Ignition. I urge you to find someone near your location who has the experience of setting up a multi- servo set up. I have not met any Giant Scale modeler who wasn't willing to help and show the way. Gerald
Posted on: 3/28/2010 8:49 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9617911

RE: New to gas/giant scale
Use Metal Geared Servos and it would be smart to buy higher torque producing servos, as you may want to go larger in airplane size later. On wings longer than 40 inches each half, two servos will prevent aileron warpage during high speed manuevers. In order to build these planes light, some amount of strength is sacrificed. Vibration plays a big factor, requiring metal gears on throttle and choke servos. Read up on the different servos availible. Some are strong enough, but don't recenter well. With my first 30 %er, I used JR 8611s. On my Current 38 %er, I'm using Hitec 5955s. I have found that the attitude of my riding in the plane, helps to end up with a better flying and SAFER model. Gerald
Posted on: 2/11/2010 4:50 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9494965

RE: Giant Scale
Even some giants are bigger than other giants. Have you read the expression, "Bigger planes Fly Better?" It's true. They do fly better and are easier to see what attitude the plane is in. The amount of RC experience figures into it as well. I had a Yank 54 that a Asian wanted to buy. I refused to sell it to him because he was still unable to make good landings with his trainer. It's to each their own, as it is their money being spent, but I suggest you start with a 30 %er and work up from there. Giant Scales fly so much like real airplanes. If on approach to landing, if you stall a giant scale, you're likely to have a certain amount of repair to do, if you're lucky. 30 %ers usually weigh 15 to 17 pounds. 40 %ers, (somewhat larger) can weigh up to 40 lbs, which is more than double. Runway length and width also can be a factor, if it is short and narrow. Find a nearby club that has a site for Giant Scales. Hang out there and don't be afraid of asking questions and let them know you want to get into GS. When the plane is ready to fly, let an experienced GS pilot test Fly it for you. I had my Son test fly my first one and was glad i did.. Gerald P.S. If you're still looking at which plane to buy, I have found that Extreme Flight"s 30% Yak 54 is the easiest to land. You might consider that for your first 30 %er.
Posted on: 2/11/2010 4:24 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9494947

RE: First Giant Scale 3D Gasser?
If you end up considering buying a used one, take someone who really knows their stuff with these planes. Even with used goods, you usually get what you pay for.. Gerald
Posted on: 2/11/2010 3:55 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9494935

RE: Giant Scale CG?
Do the following formula and save the stress on your wings.... Rear Axle weight times Wheel Base divided by gross weight = center of gravity Rear axle weight is tailwheel weight on small kitchen (or better) scale with airplane centerline at level position.. Wheel Base is the distance between tailwheel axle and main gear axles. Gross weight is total weight of plane.. Answer is in inches, measured from a spot on the rails that is centered over the langing gear, aftward to be at the middle of or close to the Wing Tube. This gives you a good starting spot. Once plane is well trimmed in straight and level flight, put it into a 45 degree climb, roll to inverted, and see how it acts with hands off... for Aerobatics, the nose should drop slightly. For 3D, the nose should rise slightly. No deviation from 45 degrees gives best for both types of flying.. Gerald
Posted on: 2/8/2010 11:45 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9488746

RE: DX7 dual elev mix problem
You read mixing instructions, and that part that says mixing screens 5 and 6 have trim adding capability.. Gerald
Posted on: 1/1/2010 3:39 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9376970

Connecting Servos to AR91000 Receiver
I am a long time JR user and just got a Spektrum DX7, which is manufactured by JR. I was expecting all connections to be made the same. I am using Hi-Tech Servos and 3 JR Match Boxes. When attaching the servo connector to the AR9100 Receiver, the signal wires (Orange JR, Yellow HiTech) are on the bottom versus being on top in the JR Receivers. Close looking shows the connectors and slots in the receiver to be keyed. Yet I am not comfortable about this and would like some comformation that the Negative servo wires do indeed go on top. Gerald
Posted on: 1/1/2010 2:32 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9376920

RE: maiden flight trim rates???
You didn't mention the cg location. If it is at or very close to recommended, your trim corrections will be slight. Did you check wing and stab incidences. If these are off, you could have your hands full. These issues may have been checked already, but it doesn't hurt to make sure. Gerald
Posted on: 12/22/2009 3:04 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9350599

RE: 7.4 V servos - what receiver ??
Call Futaba for best answer... and voidance of warranty. Another option is to use a power supply... it will pass the higher voltages to the servos but drop the voltage to the receiver to specified voltage range required by the receiver. Gerald
Posted on: 12/16/2009 8:00 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9336665

RE: electronics setup in plane
I also will be using the AR9100 receiver in my almost finished Extra 300... I have used the A123 batteries with 100 % success in two giant scale (30% and 35%), and will use them in the new Extra, 40%.. I will likely not use the soft switch either. I will use the JR super switches and power the receiver direct without regualtors, as the AR9100 is designed to do that. A123 batteries I have used have an output of 6.7 volts max, thus eliminating the need for regulators or a power supply. I usually fly three or four flights per flying session, and have yet to use 50% of the A123's capacity. I may get there with a 40% Extra using eight HiTech 5955s and two HiTech 5645s. Oh... yes, there will be a regulator on the Ignition power supply..:) Gerald
Posted on: 12/11/2009 8:40 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9323144

AeroWorks Extra 300, 150cc?
Will there be a re-run on this model in the near future? Gerald
Posted on: 10/24/2009 12:00 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197539

RE: Differnce between Extra 300 and extra 260?
The difference between the 260 and 300 are engine horse power.. the 260 has a shorter cockpit area, and thus a shorter canopy. The 260 is a shoulder wing location where the 300's wing is positioned lower. You'll eventually will hear about a 330, which is a 300 with 30 more horsepowers. They were built by Walter Extra, a German designer in Germany, and introduced into aerobatic competitions by Patti Wagstaff, who won many National and International competitions. Gerald
Posted on: 10/23/2009 11:56 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197535

RE: Servo Recommendation
There are more considerations.... assuming your income and desire to advance in the flying of giants is sufficient, you may want to, in the future go to larger aircraft. If so, would you sell the smaller airplane? Would you possibly wish to use the same servos in the larger airplane? You also could sell the airplane with the radio equipment. My point is, you may be better off purchasing stronger servos (HiTec 7955s) for the smaller plane and have them availible in part for the larger airplane. If staying just with the smaller plane, this is moot. Many in this hobby agree that bigger is better, especially if competition is considered for future flying. Just something for you to consider..:) Rocky
Posted on: 3/23/2009 3:46 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "WildHare R/C Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8606337

RE: Please help...
There are 120 ozs to a gallon of gas. you divide 128 by 32 (for 32 to 1) and you get 4 ozs you divide 128 by 40 (for 40 to 1) and you get 3.2 ozs you divide 128 by 50 (for 50 to 1) and you get 2.6 ozs. I also recommend and use Penzoil. They have a Motorcycle 2 cycle air cooled oil and a small notor air cooled oil. both work equally well. Gerald
Posted on: 3/4/2009 4:26 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8542251

RE: Fuel starvation on long down lines?
You did not mention if you bump up your throttle (move idle trim up 3 or 4 clicks) just before take-off or soon after. I was taught to do that, and in the beginning of my Gas Flying, when I forgot to bump up, I'd end up with a dead stick. When I build or rebuild a Gas Tank, I use at least on zip tie on the ends of the fuel lines. On the tank brass tubing inside and out, I will use two, wheras, when the fuel line is over a nipple, I just use one. I have the Abell fuel Can. Filter in the pick up line in the Can, Filter on top of the can and a filter between the tee fitting and the carb. I experience very little fuel problems. Gerald
Posted on: 2/19/2009 5:41 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Carden Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8493849

RE: Help..need best CG for 40% Carden 540 Edge...
Google Carden to get their site addy. then go on the site and look to see if there are instructions for that airplane. If not, leave them an email or call them. Your going to get a starting point. Once the CG is close to a starting point, put her in the air and get trimmed for straight and level flight. Then, pull her into a 45 degree upline, roll her inverted and see what she does hands off. If she climbs, she's tail heavy. If she maintains same 45 degree angle, she's very slightly tail heavy for IMAC. For IMAC you want her to go nose down very slightly. In alot of cases, a starting CG will be at or near the highest point of the wing at the fuselage. I hope this helps you.. Gerald
Posted on: 2/1/2009 2:34 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Carden Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8425401

Question for Mark Dennis
I am in need of a new hatch w/canopy for my 35% 260 QB, in Yellow. Please let me know if that is availible. Thanks.. Gerald Berkheimer
Posted on: 12/20/2008 9:03 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8265993

RE: FMA Charger and A123 Combo
I do not know if actual charging time is a real advantage... at home or at the field. A123s are fast charge capable, and the FMA 4s charger (that I use) charges the three A123 packs in my Extra faster than one NiCad or NickelMetal. One more factor for you to consider. The A123s are also said to be able to sustain many more charges than all of the different types of batteries we use in this Hobby. Gerald
Posted on: 10/24/2008 10:48 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "WildHare R/C Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8082324

RE: Carden 40% Edge/DA150 sags in rolls
[quote]ORIGINAL: Aerobat The title says it all. It originally had one of those gadgets that route the diaphram vent out in front of the air inlet. I removed that and moved the vent line inside the fuse, but the motor still sags considerably in a slow roll. Any suggestions from owners of this setup? [/quote] If any adjustments you make or have made do not seem to help, try checking the fuel flow thru any and all filters you have in the plane. It doesn't take much clogging to cause the problem you mention. There's a screen filter inside of the carbuerator that should be checked, but only by experienced persons. It may be over kill, but my fuel systems have three filters, not counting the one in the carbuerator. Pick-up clunk in the gas can, a filter on the gas line on top of the gas can (electric pump system) and a filter between the "Y" and Carbuerator I've never experienced a sagging problem. Gerald
Posted on: 5/26/2008 6:34 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Carden Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7541100

RE: servos
I too tried the Hitec 5645s and found the centering to be less than desireable. Roboto's suggestion is valid. Buying 5955s for all of the control surfaces allows you to grow into a larger model without having to purchase new servos. If you do not intend to go larger at any time, then this point is mute. Read closely, alot of the posts on this site and you'll see "bigger is better" quite often. Gerald
Posted on: 3/12/2008 3:25 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "WildHare R/C Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7212989

RE: A123 and switch
I also bought the FMA Cellpro 4s.. a great charger.. It has a A123 charge screen.. charges at 4 amps, which is one of the advantages of the A123 battery. The A123 charge screen has three pages. One looks at total voltage of the pack being charged, one that looks at individual cell voltage of the pack and the third page shows the amount of Mah capacity put back into the pack. I have five A123 packs in two airplanes. I've yet to spend 30 minutes of charge time on either airplane. I also have the older Fromeco Charger. It charges at two amps or half amp rates. If the new Cube Charger charges at the same rates, I guess that would be okay, but I prefer the faster Cellpro. To each his/her own on that. Gerald
Posted on: 2/14/2008 11:15 AM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "WildHare R/C Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7074235

RE: 35% 260 Measurement please...
I use my 1996 GMC Extended Cab pickup to transport mine. I bolted two pieces of 3/4" by 4" the length of the bed. The tailgate is down and help in place with bungee cords. There are builtup pieces, slotted for the main gear wheels attached to the long pieces of wood. I run a short piece of wing tube thru the wing tube sheath in the fuselage, with small rope running thru the shortened wing tube and tie to eye-bolts in the wood. works fine. Gerald
Posted on: 1/29/2008 6:39 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6992078

RE: Carbon Fabric Spinner
You asked a question without explaining your intentions or whether or not you are having problems starting your motor. Here is my procedure when I start my DA-50. With transmitter and receiver power on, ignition off (make sure the ignition swith is off) Choke in closed position, throttle in full open, flip the prop four times. Bring throttle back to idle position, open choke, turn on ignition and flip the prop. 8 out of 10 times, the motor started on that first flip after turning the ignition on. If you are new to gas motors, you need to understand that the Walbro carbs need priming on 1st or any cold starts. After the motor has run, it may start easier, without priming again. You may need to use the choke, though. When starting that motor, always, always be at idle position with the throttle. The advice about getting help from the people with gas experience is good. Never net a gasser who didn't want to help out a beginning gasser. Gerald
Posted on: 1/27/2008 10:02 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6981344

RE: Power HD servos
I had not heard of them before, so went to Troybuilt to take a look. As I suspected, it's a new brand of servo by a company just entering the market. Lower pricing is usually the best way to get a new product out into the field/mainstream. Those serious and particular about their expensive models will wait until there are some reports on them. That may be some one who wants that much power and it's the only ones he/she can afford. Because of the serious consequences caused by servo failure, it is impossible to offer any kind of real warranty. The manufacturers would do well to build models to test their servos with, if already not done. Regional promotions would also help. I've used JR equipment for years, and am in the thinking stages of converting to Hi-Tec. Hi-Tec had problems, it appears over the last few years, that those problems have been solved. More than 90% of contest flyers in my area use either JR or Hi-Tec. Yeah, expensive, but in RC as any other product, you get what you pay for. Gerald
Posted on: 1/21/2008 4:57 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6945700

RE: A123 Info Page is up
If the SmartFly BatShare works with the A123 batteries, without being overloaded by the excess current possibility of multi-servo-ed models, then wouldn't it be a good thing that the Cellpro begins it's charging with cells that are already balanced? Seems like a good idea to me. Or any other chargers for that matter? Gerald
Posted on: 1/21/2008 4:40 PM by Author "Rockyaged" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6945613