RE: how to start
DavidKirkbride: The next time you copy and paste from my website, how about providing a reference source? [link=http://www.rc-hobby-universe.com/how-to-start-a-nitro-powered-engine.html]How To Start A Nitro Powered Engine[/link] Thanks!
Posted on: 2/10/2007 7:36 AM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "RC Nitro Stadium Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5397156

RE: The Mako Jets are in!!!!!!!!!
No pix of Tx yet...as soon as I have minute to take one I'll post it (Chris?). As for supply, only 400 or so were in the first container. More are expected to come in August. If you want one now I have a few left (as of 6/15/06) otherwise you're looking at Aug/Sept.
Posted on: 6/15/2006 1:31 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4393765

RE: The Mako Jets are in!!!!!!!!!
hey everyone...nice to see that this item is finally here. I don't know how many Shark Jaw has left in-house from this first batch but if you're interested, I've got about ten RTF's left...and we do ship internationally. Keep in mind that this is NOT a beginner plane. If you've got the chops, then you'll really enjoy the power, manueverability, and speed of the Mako. Not too many other ducted fan jets out there for under $200. [link=http://www.rcdiscounts.com]RC Discounts[/link] Redwood: flight times will vary depending on usage, but 15-20 minutes is to be expected.
Posted on: 6/12/2006 11:07 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4383925

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
If I'm not mistaken, this is the new design version that Connelly has assigned his rights to.
Posted on: 4/19/2006 9:39 AM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4183852

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
I haven't tried it yet but German engineering usually speaks for itself..most of the time[:D] . Double deck looks like it might be more stable but only one way to find out...!
Posted on: 4/10/2006 4:00 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4148211

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
no problem...hope it works...if it doesn't, then the next thing to do would be to swap out the Rx. When it works correctly, you should hear a sequence of descending beeps ending with a high note as well as a few buzzes from the servos. Have fun! BTW: we're getting in the new Ikarus Wizards in 2-3 weeks so if you or any of your mates are interested I still have a few of these available for pre-order. ..both ARF (w/o electronics) and RTF. Clck here to see them: [link=http://www.rcdiscounts.com/acbhpusa/showprod.cfm?&DID=1&st_id=13&CATID=3&ObjectGroup_ID=801]RC Discounts - Fly Boats[/link]
Posted on: 4/10/2006 2:35 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4147925

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
Razz: sorry I haven't been paying attention recently to the posts here...ok...I've had a few of these Flyboats come back for the same problem. First of all, go back to the original dip switch settings on the back, and wiring that Greg showed for the receiver and that I had for the ESC. That is NOT your problem. Your problem is one of two very simple things. If the boat just keeps beeping without syncing up with the Tx then it's indicating that it is not receiving a sync signal with the Tx. This is a safety feature to prevent "wild fly aways". Either the crystals are bad or the Tx is defective (usually crystal connection socket issues). I've had to deal with both very recently. I would start with swapping out the crystals and putting in a new set. If it's not the crystals, you will need to test the electronics with a higher quality 6 channel Tx. Your local HS should be able to help you. Also note that the top right front switch on the provided Tx is a throttle booster...not like the boat needs it but thought you'd like to know [;)] Now another thing: I've been working on this and if you feel like you've got some modelling chops, you may want to try it: as we know, the torque that the oversized prop creates does a serious job of turning the boat left. To adjust for this, I put a washer in between the motor mount and the slot front-top-left, and filled in the gap it created back-top-right. I also added a little bit of clay under the motor mount in the front where it makes contact with the bottom to angle it a few degrees up. To improve steering control you can also cut flaps out of the left and right tails, trim them and tape them back on with wing tape, then rig linkages from the middle rudder...just an aggressive idea if you want to make tighter turns.
Posted on: 4/10/2006 1:08 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4147641

RE: how good is the freedom flyer?
The Magister is from Hitec/Multiplex USA, not from Megatech. As for the Freedom Flyer, I have personally flown it and have had no problem with it. This is a FOUR channel plane that comes RTF with 3 channels (throttle, rudder, elevator) and an open fourth channel that can be used for a main wing aileron upgrade once you get enough hours. I keep a few extra batteries fully charged so I can swap them out after each one depletes. The Freedom Flyer also holds up pretty well from the average bangs and bumps...is it perfect? no...but then neither are any of us! I think as a beginner trainer it's a great deal for only around $150.
Posted on: 4/10/2006 12:47 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4147568

RE: COUNTER-ROTATING blades VTOL
Why don't you just get the Blade CX? They already did this for you.
Posted on: 3/5/2006 2:13 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Unusual R/C"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3994422

RE: Warning about co-ax heli design limitation - Megatech skirts the issue
rooster: you're very perceptive. I do not have a direct relationship to this customer but I do with MT and I did inquire as to the sequence of events with this customer from their POV since they were getting bashed on this post. I did not feel it was my place to get in the middle of a "he said - she said" scenario. But since your good at reading into things (compliment): [quote]I also know that the tech's at Megatech are very helpful and any customer (cough-cough) that I've sent to them for service (but not this one) has not only gotten [b]good advice and replacement parts, but they also often include FREE EXTRAS to offset shipping costs.[/b] If you come at them aggressively (repeatedly), they'll be less likely to do you a favor (again)...just like anyone else. [/quote] Separately: hey Gadget, I see you're APO...you flying the real thing?
Posted on: 1/29/2006 9:45 AM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3839263

RE: Warning about co-ax heli design limitation - Megatech skirts the issue
Nice try Gadget...my point is that there is more to this story than the first post.
Posted on: 1/28/2006 9:09 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3837512

RE: Warning about co-ax heli design limitation - Megatech skirts the issue
I think it would benefit everyone of Combatman started from the beginning and told everyone the sequence of events and his communications with Megatech...from the first phone call to their Tech dept.
Posted on: 1/28/2006 1:38 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3836091

RE: Warning about co-ax heli design limitation - Megatech skirts the issue
For the record, the factory presets do NOT allow for lower and upper blade convergence since the rate throw is only 35%. If flown indoors or outdoors in no wind fast forward, there should not be a problem. So there is also no need to warn a Beginner about something that is not very likely to occur. When an "experienced flyer" wants to fly outdoors when there is a wind to "battle" against, which is what originally started this thread, the rate throw has to be opened up a bit to allow for more lower rotor tilt. This is an adjustment that is made by the USER <cough cough> This adjustment also now increases the risk of convergence. To prevent that, the controls must be worked in a pulse and not full forward since this will cause the blades to literally bend upwards too much as they thrust more air downward. So between the added blade bend and the added throw forward, one risks upper and lower blade contact. [i]Flyer Beware[/i] when you adjust the settings past the factory presets.
Posted on: 1/23/2006 3:21 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3814129

RE: Warning about co-ax heli design limitation - Megatech skirts the issue
With all due respect, comparing the detail of a full sized car manual to a toy helicopter pamphlet is really apples and oranges. The fact is, this is a TOY that only five years ago, would've never even been possible if not for the recent advancement of electronics. The difference between safe flying and potentially damaging operation is based on the fine tuned adjustments of mere millimeters. What everyone has to remember is that these items are massed produced in Chinese factories by people making 50 cents an hour. Don't expect perfection...and like I said before: manage your expectations. This problem occured due to the rate control not being in it's proper setting. Maybe it was not properly set at the factory, maybe it was done by the owner. We all know that this hobby has it's risks. Show me any enthusiast on these boards that claims he hasn't broken something and I'll show you someone who isn't being honest....so maybe we should stop beating this one to death. I also know that the tech's at Megatech are very helpful and any customer that I've sent to them for service has not only gotten good advice and replacement parts, but they also often include free extras to offset shipping costs. If you come at them aggressively, they'll be less likely to do you a favor...just like anyone else. Bees get Honey, and a few drinks will get you her Sister too! Peace out.
Posted on: 1/20/2006 7:55 AM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3799870

RE: Warning about co-ax heli design limitation - Megatech skirts the issue
Combatman: did you make any adjustments to the rate control?
Posted on: 1/19/2006 6:13 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3797442

RE: Warning about co-ax heli design limitation - Megatech skirts the issue
For what it's worth, here's my opinion on this: first of all, I'm a [link=http://www.rcdiscounts.com]Retailer[/link] and I sell a lot of Megatech products with very few complaints from customers. My first comment would be: MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Most of MT's product line is designed for the hobby newcomer. Dad's buying RC flyers for their sons, and for themselves to play with. The dual rotor helis are really not designed or meant to be pushed to their limits by intermediate or advanced flyers. They're targeted to the beginner so they can get a feel for flying a heli without crashing on their first attempt as they would if their first heli was for instance, a Blade CP. As for putting a warning in the manual on fast forward, you've got a good point and I'll suggest it to my rep. Maybe MT should consider instead on limiting the range of the servo so it doesn't allow this to occur in the first place. BTW: we just added the new Precision Heli ARF (sub micro heli) to our inventory and they also plan on releasing in '06 a new dual rotor heli. Imagine a dual rotor with only an 8 inch diameter...now that's cool!
Posted on: 1/19/2006 10:47 AM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3795729

RE: Walkera Flying Boats - Hydrofoams???
Greg: have you tested the new Ikarus Wizard yet? [link=http://www.ikarus-modellbau.de/onlineshop/usa/index.php?sid=8a6da1b9caf7a1bda740b07db05757d8&cl=details&cnid=&anid=a194374b4c5568181.38683121]Ikarus Wizard[/link]
Posted on: 1/12/2006 11:25 AM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3765249

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
Here are the detailed instructions I wrote to help with assembly: [link=http://www.rcdiscounts.com/WalkeraFlyBoatInstructions/wfbi.htm]Walkera Fly Boat Assembly Instructions[/link] From the ESC do red to yellow, blue to green, and black to red.
Posted on: 1/5/2006 4:52 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3736033

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
Hi Da Agent: There are three wires that connect from ESP to motor. Swap two of them. They are all interchangable. Let me know if this fixes it. RR
Posted on: 1/5/2006 4:49 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3736021

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
If you look more carefully at the pic of the Miss Hangar One you'll see that the two verticals on the tail are actually the rudders: [link]http://www.redshangarone.com/images/products/miss4.jpg[/link] The Walkera is a different design and uses a center rudder only. Also, you can get the Walkera ARF kit with everything you need now for only $209.95 at: [link=http://www.rcdiscounts.com]RC Discounts[/link] This is a big savings compared to any other similar fly boat although it's a little bit smaller. Also, the Walkera comes with a very powerful motor that creates an extraordinary amount of torque pulling the boat to the left. This requires a bit of custom work since the design is for a straight forward mounting. We suggest 4 degrees right and 2 degrees down. To do this you'll need to carefully cut away the EPP on the right and then glue it on the opposite side to fill the gap. I have not built the Miss Hangar so maybe someone else can discuss the torque issue (if any) with MH1. One of the things Walkera did not do that Red did was create a canopy vent opening. We've had at least one report of a LiPo swelling up after prolonged hovering so if you get the Walkera you'll also want to make a custom vent opening. Check out some of the previous posts and pics...keep in mind also that this is no easy flyer. Only go to water after you've done a lot of practice over grass or snow.
Posted on: 1/5/2006 1:52 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3735410

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
Greg...more questions: I noticed you didn't show the black 90 degree angle supports they included. Do you think would help with the underside inner edge of pontoon or better to use on each side of the base of the verticals? Also, do you think it would make sense to strengthen underside with the extra batons?
Posted on: 11/29/2005 11:09 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3601633

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
Hey Greg...great presentation...thank you. I'm going to adjust the servos as you recommended and the pin makes a lot more sense than wrestling with a rubber band. We found that the angle of the motor mount needed to be angled a bit higher than parallel otherwise we got too much front-down pull (into water). What's your take on that?
Posted on: 11/29/2005 8:04 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3600987

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
I plan on updating instructions with pix shortly.
Posted on: 11/27/2005 8:22 AM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3591521

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
It took me about as long to write these instructions as it did to build the Walkera Fly Boat. I tried to make them as detailed as possible with the understanding that some builders are way ahead of the curve, but that there will be many others who need as much as possible to get the task done. Let me know if this helps or if you have anything to add: [link=http://www.rcdiscounts.com/WalkeraFlyBoatInstructions/wfbi.htm]Detailed instructions for building the Walkera Fly Boat[/link]
Posted on: 11/26/2005 10:32 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3590741

RE: Hydro-Foam by Michael Connally
Hello all...this is my first post (ever) so if I sound like a newbie...it's because I am...here goes: my primary R/C activity is racing my 48" fiberglass gasoline powered Enforcer cigarette boat which for me is simple, fast, and fun. I also mess around with a few EP planes and a Hangar 9 EP Glider. I just imported a dozen of the new Walkera Fly Boats to sell on my website, RCDiscounts.com, and I think I'm one of the only U.S. based online R/C stores selling this item so far. I've been getting a lot of interest and questions about the item so I decided to open one up myself in order to become better acquainted and be able to share my personal experience with it. It came ARF with all of the parts required including brushless motor, LiPo battery/charger, rubber cement, servos, screws, ailerons, etc. It also included a few extra body parts and underside balsa batons for "future" reassembling if needed[;)] The instructions were very basic (i.e. lame) and not really as detailed as I would've liked them to be. Especially with the aileron rod positioning on the upper and lower aileron flaps. The electronics were all in place but servos still needed glueing. The receiver is actually a Walkera 6 channel but with only 4 channels/3 servos in use. It took me about 2 hours of patience and common sense but I got it assembled and it looks like I did ok. I tested the servos first and all worked. Then I tested the motor and it was reversed, so I swapped two of the three connectors and problem solved. They're interchangable and also note that the electronics will cut off the LiPo when it runs down to a certain level as a safety feature for the battery. For those of you not familiar with LiPo batteries you do NOT want to run them down all the way like you would a nicad or nmh. Trial Flight: Went to a local "pond" that allows electrics and started just motoring the boat around on the water to get a feel for it. Moves fairly well but sort of different than an underwater prop driven boat which is something I had to get used to...fast. It almost seems like the motor and prop are the main event and the boat is just along for the ride. My first attempt at flying had the boat lift off and go almost straight up...so I kind of hovered forward a bit and brought it back down into the water tail end first. A few more tries and I was able to fly the length of the pond by leveling it off some more and land without any mishaps. Harder landings were ok as long as I kept the nose up. Fortunately, my first trial flight went well and aside from being a bit nervous at first flying this contraption, it actually was pretty cool and a lot of fun. It certainly attracts a crowd. Conclusion: this is definitely a "different" type of RC experience but it has it's place. I'm looking forward to trying it on the snow. As for the [i]Walkera Fly Boat[/i] brand, I really don't have anything else like it to compare it to but as far as quality goes, it passes with my approval and recommendation if you're looking to try a hydrofoam type of design. I'm interested in hearing how others have faired as well flying these things.
Posted on: 11/25/2005 9:22 PM by Author "RogerRamjet" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3587767