RE: Color scheme for best visibility
I've always liked a nice brightly colored leading edge on my planes. Red or yellow or even fluorescent. It's amazing how easily you can lose orientation. The previous suggestions are good as well.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 9:14 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268758

RE: Rant about getting started
Well said.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 8:53 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268702

RE: Time to make the switch!!
That's a Spektrum thing. Check out their webpage. http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSM/Technology/DSM2.aspx It's the decision you have to make, go with Futaba or Spektrum. I think Spektrum and JR are pretty much the same.
Posted on: 11/18/2009 11:11 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264226

RE: The greatest flight box
Yeah thanks, its the best I could come up with. After trying to carry the Great Planes Master Caddy, wheels were the only way to make it easier. I call the collapsible cart my Mars Rover because of its ability to collapse for transport. Works OK.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 11:52 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9261893

RE: The greatest flight box
It looks like a nice flight box but one thing I've noticed, the bigger they get, the harder they are to move around. They get filled up with tools and stuff you need out at the field. Also they take up more space in the car. Wheels or a collapsible cart like I use make it a little easier. I'd hate to have carry mine all the way out to the flying field from the car.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 11:07 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9261781

RE: Rant about getting started
Yeah, that's it, I'm a crab. I think all the earlier responses were made in good nature and not to put anybody down. The responses made were only to illustrated how negative things can affect a possible trainer. JMHO
Posted on: 11/16/2009 8:51 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9258858

RE: 12 Volt Hobby Battery
Sounds right. Makes me want to dig out the manual/instructions for the battery minder that I use on the motor cycles. I took a look at what I use. I have the Hobbico 12 volt wall wart that puts out 12 volts 600ma. I use that most of the time giving my fieldbox a good overnight charge and that lasts a long time. I have used my Schumacher Battery companion that I keep my motorcycle battery charged but it puts out 12 volts at 1.5 A. http://store.schumachermart.com/sem-1562a.html But the good thing about the Battery Companion is that it will switch to "float mode". Both have worked well for me. The negative reviews are usually when somebody tries to bring back to life a battery that is shot.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 12:52 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9257618

RE: E-flight, give me a break!
If you don't keep an open mind to new technologies, you're stifling your progress. I have to add, I still like firing up a Cox .049 though.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 10:56 AM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9257538

RE: Rant about getting started
yeah really. If a kid approached me and would mow the lawn, heck I'd supply the plane.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 10:19 AM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9257466

RE: Rant about getting started
I remember when I first approached the guys who helped me. I was very humble when I asked for their help. There is also a feeling on the guys who might be helping you that they don't want to help you crash your airplane. I know when I fly my planes, I'm familiar with how they fly. Somebody approaching me with their plane I'm never 100% sure. A good going over is definitely in order. I know mine was scrutinized.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 10:15 AM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9257456

RE: Rant about getting started
I have to agree with GaryHarris, "Man Up". I had to in order to learn RC, but I had an extensive Controline, and Free Flight background that helped considerably. Try something like an http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HBZ3600 Simulators help if you can get one or use one at a Hobby Shop. Also there are some pretty good videos that can help. Find as many training aids and use them and you'll be surprised how much less you will have to depend on the "experienced trainer". The guy who signed me off said he didn't have to help me at all, I flew the whole flight. So look for something easy to fly, study as much as you can, and get some initial help, and then get out to a field by yourself and really start learning. But do your homework before going out. If you don't read the instructions fully, you're asking for trouble.
Posted on: 11/14/2009 11:28 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9254440

RE: question about going from 4 chan to 3?
I learned how to fly RC on the Kadet Senior. Plugging the Rudder servo in the Aileron jack on the receiver is the way to do it. It flies just fine that way. Best suggestion I can give is maiden it when the winds are low. It's kind of big kite with all that wing area. Mine only has a TT GP 42 and believe it or not, it flies fine, nice and slow.
Posted on: 11/14/2009 10:39 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9254339

RE: Time to make the switch!!
Hi Steve, I was also a bored controline stunt flier that made the move to RC. It's unbelievable how much grief I took for doing that. But I'm one of those guys who love all forms of modeling. Even did a stint with Indoor Free Flight for awhile. Love em all. If you can afford a 2.4 ghz radio, then by all means go that direction. I'm still flying a Hitec FM Flash 5 system which still works well, but if I was in the market, I'd buy 2.4 ghz. Either Futaba or Spektrum. 2.4 ghz will prevent frequency sharing problems, but if you're careful, a FM transmitter works well also. Buy a 2.4 ghz with multiple model memory. No need to buy the best or highest priced, but a good multi model memory 2.4 ghz system is all you need. An example of Mixing is when with a computer radio you automatically mix in some rudder when you use the ailerons. A lot of RCers will say this is just the greatest thing and others will never use it. It's kind of a preferential thing. I'm not the best model sailplane pilot in the world, but I am a very enthusiastic model sailplane flier. I've been flying the Parkzone Radian this last year and have had a blast with it. I can go out the local park, put it up, make my way back to my seat, AM radio for background noise and just enjoy a 40 min to an hour flight looking for thermals. I quite enjoy that kind of flying. I like trying to fly the pattern too, but its different. So don't get rid of all your Fox 35's just yet.
Posted on: 11/14/2009 10:27 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9254310

RE: New Radian
Hey, did you guys notice that Horizon is offering a "new and improved propeller"? I must have replaced mine at least 6 times this last year. Not to mention the motor mount breaking. Check it out. http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Support.aspx?ProdID=PKZ4700
Posted on: 11/14/2009 9:53 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9254241

RE: Great Planes Escapade .40 ARF
Great report and congratulations M_B_. I haven't been able to get to mine because of already started projects. But I'm glad to hear of your success. Can't wait to get to mine.
Posted on: 11/1/2009 11:12 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9221565

RE: Looking for ideas to keep oil off my planes
Amen to that fellow nitro burning, fire belching, Castor lubing brother.
Posted on: 10/31/2009 7:37 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9218453

RE: Newbie questions
OH YEAH. That's right. I had one of those a long time ago. The only thing wrong with that plane is the single spar. otherwise a great flyer. [:D]
Posted on: 10/30/2009 11:47 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9216733

RE: Looking for ideas to keep oil off my planes
That's right. If I have the field to myself, I can be back up in the air in less than 5 minutes. Just refuel and restart and I'm good to go. I'll do that to get my flight time in, it's kind of luxury. Nobody is watching for me to screw up.
Posted on: 10/30/2009 8:04 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9216213

RE: Newbie questions
Hey, that's a Sig Banshee. I had one of those. I liked that plane, wish I still had it.
Posted on: 10/30/2009 7:52 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9216185

RE: Looking for ideas to keep oil off my planes
Geez, you guys sound like having some Castor to clean off is the plaque. All that's needed is some Windex and some paper towels. It's the last thing I do before leaving the field and maybe takes a whole 10 minutes. It's a nice way to relax after flying, clues others that you're done flying, and also gives you a few moments to look around to make sure you have all your stuff and have cleaned up after yourself. Another thing it does for me is that I get to check over the whole airframe to look for possible maintenance issues. Yeah I like electrics, but I think flying glow has a special charm to it. The oil mess really doesn't bother me that much, but then again maybe I'm more use to it because I've done it for so long. Just my opinion, and certainly I think others opinion are valid also.
Posted on: 10/30/2009 7:22 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9216099

RE: Newbie questions
1. I like using a VoltWatch on my planes, they're easy to install, and make for a quick check of the battery status. Or you could install a charging jack on the side of the fuselage and that's an easy way to check with a voltmeter as well as for charging with a field charger. 2. As soon as I land I like to get my plane back into position where I'm working on it, usually with a rope around the tail anchored with a stake(screwdriver in my case). If it's really windy its questionable to even be out flying. Also, once I land and I am secured, I like to refuel if I'm going to fly again, that way I'm ready to go up if its my turn. 3. It's best to go outside. The gook, smoke, and fumes just aren't worth it. Sure is fun to start inside and get the girlfriends attention though. I will go out in front of the garage. Other neighbors run lawnmowers, and gas trimmers. A ten minute run during daylight hours shouldn't bother anyone. If someone even seems perturbed, I will curtail my runs. Best place is out at the model field. Usually you are far enough away from people that you shouldn't bother anyone out there. But even out there it's a good idea to move a distance away from other modelers. 4. I have almost the same combination on my Debonair but with only 4 servos. I can easily get 4 ten minute flights with a couple of touch and goes added just for fun. So that's about 44 minutes on a full charge. The other day I tested fate and actually got 5 in, but the VoltWatch was showing yellow and red when I was taxiing back in. Usually I will field charge both the Tx and the Rx at 4 flights, and I'll be good for another 4, giving me a total of 8 for the day. That's a pretty good day at the field. I haven't noticed any diminished capacity because I've field charged, but then again I don't field charge every time I'm out.
Posted on: 10/30/2009 12:03 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9215024

RE: Looking for ideas to keep oil off my planes
Coming home smelling like Castor Oil means I had a good day at the field. It's messy, yes. But some paper towels and some Windex and few minutes cleans them up pretty good.
Posted on: 10/29/2009 11:25 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9214023

RE: LIGHT WEEGHT FUEL TANK
I recently made a fuel tank out of a small pill bottle. I'm guessing it holds about an ounce and my Sure Start ran for almost 6 minutes.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 9:50 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9210891

RE: New Radian
Here's something neat. I've realized that I've had my Radian up to 1259 ft. recorded with a Wing Shadow How High SP. The John Hancock Tower here in Chicago is 1,127 ft. I recently visited the John Hancock Tower observatory. Great view from that height. Would be tempted to photograph from that altitude if I could. Just hate the idea of adding weight.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 12:13 AM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9208228

RE: New Radian
loungefly. I thought about that too. I think if I could spend that kind of money and get that kind of telemetry back, it would be neat. I'm kind of on the fringe of what jacky65 is doing and all I have is a Winged Shadow How High altimeter. But I get a kick out of even that. So I can't knock it and wish I could do it. It's neat he shared that with us though, isn't it?
Posted on: 10/27/2009 11:49 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9208169

RE: Dynaflite Butterfly tricycle gear conversion???
Why would you want to add extra weight and extra drag, not too mention extra complexity? If it were me, I'd hand launch that plane and only really use the gear for landing.
Posted on: 10/27/2009 8:37 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9207491

RE: how much is 2 degree upthrust?
Are you using a pylon engine mount? My guess for the small upthrust is because if a .049 is located above the wing on a pylon, you need just a touch of up thrust to counter act a negative thrust due to a rotational affect. I'd start by using a washer on both bottom screws. I would think that once balanced out and with the engine running you should be experiencing almost level flight. You don't want to be looping around uncontrollably or trying to keep it from diving.
Posted on: 10/27/2009 12:58 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9206083

RE: thunder tiger gp 42
I really like that engine. Flew a Sig Senior Kadet with one. Unbelievable
Posted on: 10/26/2009 10:29 PM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9204739

RE: New Radian
Wow, that is cool!
Posted on: 10/26/2009 9:38 AM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9202819

RE: Not a good day at the field
Yeah, I had one of those days last Spring. But with a plane that I have always had complete confidence in. A SPAD Debonair, wing built flat, built as a tail dragger. My electric fuel pump crapped out and I had to use an old syringe to get fuel into the plane. Well, the rubber plunger had deteriorated to the extent that I was putting flecks of rubber into the tank. After a couple of deadsticks, which I never experience, the situation was getting my attention. It's neat when we figure out these problems. My Debonair was fine once I figured out the problem and I still fly it.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 12:24 AM by Author "Tom Nied" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9195158