RE: Phoenix 2010 Contest Update
That Symphony looks great Mike. I bet it flies really well. Bill
Posted on: 2/22/2010 1:27 AM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9524973

RE: RADICAL RC
Thanks for the added comments Red, Maybe this will get a positive thread going on good customer service around the hobby. Bill
Posted on: 8/29/2009 11:44 AM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9054208

RADICAL RC
I just wanted to share a story with everyone. I have ordered quite a few batteries and such from Dave Thacker at Radical RC. I had an A-123 I had ordered quite a few months before. I had used the battery for an Rx flight pack. The battery was used and then stored for a few months. When I went to use it, one of the cells seemed like it was dead and would not take a charge. I sent it to Dave with a note explaining the circumstances. I also gave him my payment information and ok'd for him to charge the card once he know the cost to replace the cell and rebuild the pack. Once Dave received the pack, he kept me informed as to the testing. and what he thought might have happened. I received the pack back a few days later with an invoice that stated the cell had been replaced, and that it was repaired for no charge. This is outstanding customer service, and a company that I really like doing business with. Thanks Dave for all of the great battery information on your website, and thanks for staying on the leading edge of battery technology and taking care of all of our battery needs in this great hobby. Bill Adams, Mesa Arizona
Posted on: 8/29/2009 9:53 AM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9053998

RE: Kingman Shootout 2007
Yea i will try to hit a few for sure. Thanks for the site I will go and check it out.... Bill
Posted on: 8/7/2007 9:29 AM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "Scale Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6206853

RE: Kingman Shootout 2007
Do you have any information on the Kingman race in September? Bill Adams
Posted on: 8/6/2007 10:51 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "Scale Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6205495

RE: 07 ALBUQUERQUE IMAC CHALLENGE June 9-10
Sorry I didn't make it Dave. You guys put on a great contest and only work kept me from going. I will definetely make it out next year. Say Hi to Ralph for me and you guys stay cool out there. Bill Adams
Posted on: 6/24/2007 8:37 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6029317

RE: 42% 260 Build
Hi Mark, I got my 260 today. I haven't had a chance to unpack it yet, but thanks for getting it here so quickly. I do have a question. I have been reading the manual, it states it is ready for cannisters or pipes. It looks like it only shows installing cannisters in the instructions. Will full length pipes require some modifications to fit in the fuselage. Thanks again I will be looking forward to the build along. Bill Adams
Posted on: 3/5/2007 11:39 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5517436

RE: contest entry fee too high
Ok, someone can't afford $50.00 for an entry fee for an IMAC contest. I want to see the aircraft this person flies at the contest. 90 % of the IMAC contestants are flying planes that cost at least 1500.00, and most are flying planes that cost at least $2500.00, and quite a few if not most are in the $4000 to $7000.00 range. Take one of your 8611's off the rudder, you only need 3 and not four, sell the 8611 to me for $50.00, and there you have your entry, problem solved. Any body need any other problems solved, let me know : ) Or........ call up Tony Holden, offer to run the Cactus Classic in 2008, show him how to do it on a "reasonable" entry fee. I am sure he could put all of that extra time he would have to good use, not putting on one of the best IMAC Contests in the country. : ) Bill Adams
Posted on: 2/12/2007 12:37 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5407640

RE: YS-120 NC help
I just wanted everyone to know that YS-Service and Richard Verano did a fantastic job on my YS-120. It runs like a top now, in fact after this next scale contest I am going to send him the other motor off of the twin Pond Racer to go through. Thanks Richard........ Bill Adams
Posted on: 2/5/2007 8:37 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "YS Engines Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5376397

RE: Basic/Sportsman Contest, Mesa, Arizona
It was wet, and it was cold, but we had a great time. For all of the people that missed out, pay attention next year. We had a great time and great prizes for all the pilots. I am sure every pilot got back his 30.00 for the entry fee. Thanks to all the sponsors and all the club members that helped make this a great contest. Oh and the people that didn't come, look at one of the trophys that were handed out to the winners, they are the nicest trophys I've seen at a contest in a long time. Bill Adams
Posted on: 1/24/2007 10:26 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5318957

RE: Basic/Sportsman Contest, Mesa, Arizona
Hey I live here in Mesa, but if you have a really cool RV with a hot shower and big screen T.V., count me in hahahahahah. Hope to see all of you there at EVA. Bill Adams
Posted on: 1/17/2007 9:20 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5282251

RE: YS-120 NC help
Thanks Dave. I will send it in with a detailed note.
Posted on: 1/8/2007 8:27 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "YS Engines Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5233774

YS-120 NC help
Hi All, I am having a problem with a YS-120. I bought 2 of them for a twin scratch built pond racer. They were both taken apart and put back together with "leak free" gaskets. A peculiar difference between the teo motors was that inside one regulator was a small copper disk that looked about like a hearing aid battery. The other motor did not have this copper disk inside the regulator. When I started each motor, the one without the copper disk inside the regulator ran perfect. With a 15X10 prop it tached at approx. 9200 RPM and had a nice idle and transition. The other motor that had the copper disk in the regulator from the start, would only start at over 1/4 throttle and when i tuned the high end would only turn the same prop around 8700 rpm, then when i would bring the throttle stick down to between a 1/4 throttle and a fast idle, it would shut off. I did notice that when it would shut off, i could instantly bring the stick back up and it would catch and continue running. It would do this with and without glow heat. I then took the copper disk out to match the good running motor, and i get the same results, it seemed to turn a few more rpms at the top, but would instantly stop when i brought the stick below 1/4 stick. I tried starting the motor at a fast idle and it would maybe only slightly pop, but never seemed like it would run. Also the motor would drip alot of fuel, whereas the good running motor did not drip hardly any. Any ideas, or if anyone has seen this problem and knows the solution, please let me know. I have run many YS's and love the motors, they do usually run perfect, and if they don't something is wrong somewhere. Thanks in advanced. Bill Adams
Posted on: 1/7/2007 9:39 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "YS Engines Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5228538

RE: AZ Jet Rally
I fly at the AMA field pretty much every weekend and about the only thing I don't do in this great hobby is fly Jets. I see the work that goes into our clubs Jet Rally, even though I don't usually participate, I can appreciate the hard work and dedication these people put forth to provide a great experience. Austin pretty much spells it out very nicely in his reply, about the only thing i could add is this: I and many others have flown very expensive Aerobatic airplanes at our field (AMA) every weekend for about the last 7-8 years. I fly a Futaba Synthesized World Cup on many different frequencies at this field. If there were radio problems at this field myself and many other people would have moved our membership to one of the many other great clubs in the area long ago. We all take a risk when we put our pride and joy in the air. I try to set up my planes for redundency and use common sense when running servo leads and antenae etc. In the general populance I have seen radio setups that are less than ideal (rats Nest) it may be someone doesnt know any better, or they have done it in the past and gotten away with it. There is always just the bad luck that a stray signal puts you in lock out or shoots you down, that is the risk we take, but i guarantee you the people running this club and in particualar this Jet Rally, are very fine people and would not put anyones plane, not to mention peoples lives at risk. It is human nature and easy to talk bad about people, or about an event that either isnt to your liking, or you have heard rumors about. Take a minute to think what you are doing. Think about the hard work that goes into an event. Put an event on yourself before you criticize other peoples event. I will close with this. I have flown 200 to 300 trouble free flights before an aerobatic contest, the plane does not miss a beat. I fly my first round Saturday morning, I take off to pull into that first manuever, the engine is running on one cylinder, the ignition module went out. Bad Luck? Maybe, maybe the long trip down in the trailer, the plane bouncing around made it fail. Maybe the long trip to the Jet rally compromises the reciever? Maybe you thought you would do the maintenance on the plane you were going to do before the contest, after the contest and it bit you. There can be any number of reasons for problems at a contest/event. My motto is "if you want to know what is wrong with your airplane, take it to a contest". I have no doughbt this Jet Rally will go on for years to come. Many people work very hard to make sure of it. There is no event without the pilots showing up. If you dont come, you will be missed. We have quite a crowd that comes to our field to watch you guys show off. If you don't want to come, make it a private decision. Our club will try to put on the best Jet Rally we are capable of. Thanks, Bill Adams
Posted on: 11/22/2006 9:59 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5028785

RE: Albuquerque, One of SW IMAC's Top Contests
Thanks for reminding me Ryan. Thanks to George Heidel for letting myself and my son Billy borrow his Yak for the contest. Bill Adams
Posted on: 6/12/2006 9:15 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4383436

RE: Albuquerque, One of SW IMAC's Top Contests
Just got back from Albuquerque. If you didn't come you really missed out. These guys really know how to treat you. Thanks again to Dave Anderson, Dave Pattison, Ralph Lang, and all the rest of the Outwest gang and Maloof Field club members. Thanks to all the sponsors, especially Outwest Hobbies. They provided breakfast burros on Saturday morning, and Sandwiches at lunch. The prize pool was the biggest I've ever seen. (they went through the pilots twice because there were so many prizes) I would hazard a guess that next year they may need to cap the number of pilots because word will get around what a great contest this one is. Thanks again to all the volunteers, the sponsors, the club members, and especialy to all the Outwest Hobby Team for the hospitality. See you next year...... Bill Adams
Posted on: 6/12/2006 5:24 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4382617

RE: Expo for precision flying?
I like PeterNZen's answer and mostly agree. I feel like to much expo, especialy on Aileron will not let you hit a constant roll rate everytime. The more expo, the farther out in the stick you will have a "knee" where it will be too critical to hit that exact spot, a little short, the roll slows way down, a little past, the roll speeds way up. I set my ailerons to the fastest roll rate i would need or want, and then about 5 to maybe 10 percent expo. On elevator I use about 20%, for rudder around 25 to 30 to make those nice corrections that the judges cant see (hahaha)
Posted on: 6/8/2006 10:15 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4369781

RE: SWRA Revival?
HI Les, I ran across this thread and had to say hi. When are you coming to Gun Smoke. If it is in 07 I'd like to get the ole Pond Racer ready and fly Team Scale with it. I still have to find a couple matched YS 1.20 or 1.40s for it. Talk to you soon.. Thanks... Bill Adams
Posted on: 1/20/2006 9:25 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "Scale Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3802902

RE: HORIZON HOBBIES
Thanks Roger for replying to Andys question. No sugar mama but i do have a local hobbie shop that helps me out :) I cant' believe you sold that 8103 to your dad. He should have his Kligon friends beat you silly. I'll check out the Futaba servos for sure. Which one is the 8611 eqiv?
Posted on: 2/25/2005 9:31 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2700773

RE: HORIZON HOBBIES
Not really any crow eating Mr 8103. I just wanted to give a nod to a company that treated me way better than I could have ever expected. You know me I still LOVE my WC2. There is no doughbt though that Futaba's servos are just as good or maybe even superior to the 8611's I dont know I've never used Futaba's best. The 8611's are a hell of a fine servo. Luckily they work great with Futaba Rx's. Id use the Futaba If I could get it for the same price. You know how money challenged I am......
Posted on: 2/24/2005 8:31 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2696848

RE: HORIZON HOBBIES
I do like the 10X, it is a very nice radio, but like I said dyed in the wool Futaba and I absolutely love my WC2. Maybe the MZ14 would pry me away though hehehehehe. Yea Tony I might have gotten somewhere griping to someone higher up, but I'm just glad I dont need them very often to fix anything. I usually just find an alternative. I'm thinking anymore I'd probably just send anything to Tony Stillman and give him a try. I've heard he his very good to deal with. Bill
Posted on: 2/23/2005 10:55 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2693454

HORIZON HOBBIES
I wasn't sure where to post this for maximum exposure but this seemed as good a place as any. I am a dyed in the wool FUTABA guy and use a WC2 and love it. But I do use a lot of the JR digital servos (8411, 8611). They are arguably the best bang for the buck for our big aerobatic planes. I had a JR 8411 go bad in one of my planes. I sent it in to Horizon Hobbies who I had never had to deal with before. I had no receipt, and wasn't even sure if it was less than 3 years old or older. I did explain that I wanted it repaired if it was cost effective to do so and to let me know how much or if I just needed to buy a new one. About 10 days later I recieved a box from Horizon. One brand new 8411 Servo replaced under warranty. This in contrast to when I sent my Futaba reciever to Hobby Services who 8 months prior I paid $ 45.00 to repair because it had gone bad. So this time about 2 weeks later they call me and tell me there is nothing wrong with it and that I will be charged 25.00 for check out and such. I discussed that this reciever would lock out with no warning and it went out exactly the same as before and would just lock out. They said my options were that they could just keep it and pay nothing (and have nothing). Or pay it and get a PCM rx back that I wouldnt trust in an expensive plane. So there it sits on my bench, every time I look at it... well you know what I'm saying under my breath. So THANK YOU HORIZON for the world class service you provide. Iv'e never said a bad word about my experience with Hobby Services until now, and its only because I see the contrast in how 2 companies feel about their customers.
Posted on: 2/23/2005 8:45 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2692925

RE: Cactus Classic, Final Results Posted
Tony, Tony, Anna and all who helped. Just read Jacks letter again... my sentiments exactly..... Thanks, Thanks, Thanks...... Bill Adams
Posted on: 2/23/2005 8:15 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2692812

RE: lateral balance-proper method
Hi Chip, and Zonk. I too pretty much took that approach to lateral balancing. I was wondering though Chip what you thought of Peter Goldsmiths Idea ( He is Team JR but hey i guess us Futaba guys can at least hear him out heheheheh) for lateral balance. Take it up high and in the pull out from a vertical dive see which wing consistently drops. I thought it was a very original idea. What you think Chip? Bill
Posted on: 2/9/2005 9:48 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2640700

RE: Basic, Sportsman Only IMAC Contest
Count me in Anna. Its a fantastik idea. We had a beginer event at the AMA field years ago (I'm sure John and Jim remember it :) was a lot of fun. Let me know what i can do to assist. Bill Adams
Posted on: 2/7/2005 10:14 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2633033

RE: Sun Valley Fliers Cactus Classic, Phoenix, AZ, February 19-20, 2005
Hi Peter. I suggested that very thing. We had a Basic only contest at our field years ago, and there are a few of the first time IMAC pilots that participated that are still flying in IMAC. It was a blast to see all the jitters and nerves, but some did really well. Thanks Peter for the great JR stuff for this contest. It will just add that much more excitement for all the participants. You heard him everyone... Thank Tony and Tony for all their hard work....... [:)] Bill Adams
Posted on: 1/28/2005 11:08 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2596357

RE: Sun Valley Fliers Cactus Classic, Phoenix, AZ, February 19-20, 2005
I'm almost ashamed to read some of this stuff. Its easy to say what should be done and what should have been done. Tony and Tony are the ones that agreed to resurect the Cactus Classic. Ive only helped out in very small ways at different contest. I can't even imagine the headaches and heartaches for running the entire thing. You can't please everybody, but i do know you can please yourself. So if this contest is not to your liking, put one on how you see fit. We will all show up to fly in it, we might even gripe about some things that didnt go according to your plan, but i bet we will be back next year, hoping that lessons were learned and it will go even smoother the next time around. If you got up in the middle of the night on the first day the Cactus Classic registration opened, filled out your entry, printed out the entry form, mailed it in with your check, and you still didn't get in to the contest..... WOW we could probably have 1 IMAC contest a month and fill every position desired. (IS THERE ANYONE THAT DIDN"T MAKE IT IN, THAT SIGNED UP THE FIRST NIGHT? ) All you wanna be CD's out there, step up, we will fly in your contest. Have one for just Basic and Sportsman if thats what you want. I fly Advanced but I'll come volunteer to help. My point is, when a CD has a contest, they lobby the board of directors of that field for use of their facilities. The CD has control of that field for the stated duration of the contest. They could only have blue airplanes compete if the CD could convince the board that enough will come to turn a profit for the field. The CD could only open it up to local fliers if thats what he wants to do. We have 2 hard working people in Tony Holden and Tony Quist that have volunteerd to make this contest happen. They are trying to do it in the most fair and equitable way they know how to do it. Im sure they appreciate the many suggestions presented here, and may learn from them but it is their contest. We have every right to not come fly at their contest if we don't agree with what they are doing. I however offer my thanks to these 2 and the many that are helping them, and offer any help I can give to make the contest a success. Tony and Tony, thank you for another IMAC contest that wouldnt have happened with out your commitment. Bill Adams
Posted on: 1/21/2005 10:12 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2569076

RE: 35% Composite ARF
Randy called me yesterday and will send them out, i have no idea what they are, I think he did a bunch of Futaba and DA, different decals. We will see. Yes Tony, I will bring the gear tomorrow. I'll put some pics on here of my Comp ARF when I get it done Roger. See ya... Bill
Posted on: 1/21/2005 8:49 AM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2566387

RE: 35% Composite ARF
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH CIRCUS PINK... come on help me here CHIP. We are just comfortable in our manhood. hmmmmmm why does Roger have to fly a 40% hmmmmmmmm COMPENSATING heheheh Very Very nice Tony. I want it back now hehehe So amazing how that thing is sitting on landing gear when i have the gear sitting here at my feet hahahah what a duh, half way to Tony's I'm thinking... whats missing????? I'll bring it to the contest Tony... if you let me try it out hehehe. See you CRAZY GUYS...................Bill
Posted on: 1/20/2005 9:09 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2565057

RE: 35% Composite ARF
heya fuzzy. i though Roger was going to send you your own copy of his pictures... what a cheapskate eh. I'm liking the blinded by the light idea..... maybe i can paint the bottom white too because now when i roll really fast, the whole plane looks pink. Roger the graphics look cool, although i am disapointed you didnt have him do "SLED DRIVER" for your name on the canopy........ I sent him pics of my plane, he is suppose to send me a proposal back... we shall see...... Bill
Posted on: 12/22/2004 8:39 PM by Author "badarkstar" in the forum "IMAC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2459848