RE: Rant about getting started
Just some suggestions to newbies reading this that would like to get help at a local club. First, SPEAK UP!!!! Ask people standing around if there is an instructor or club member around. When you find either a member or instructor ask if there is a training schedule the local club offers. If so, be at the field at that time, ready to fly early if possible , especially if the club supplies a plane and buddy box for you. If you have your own, plane, first ask to make sure it's setup correctly. When you do find an instructor, don't be shy, ASK for help, sometimes more than once, as in the case where they're busy with another student or have one already in line. In other words, you should expect help, yes, but you shouldn't expect it to come find you always, you have to ask for help, and it really is your responsibility sometimes to remind a busy instructor that you're waiting for help. This is the biggest tip I can suggest. We usually have someone at our field that is willing to help, and I've seen people standing waiting for someone to ask them if they need help. I'm vp of membership for our club so on training nights I often ask if I see someone just standing around if they are interested in flying a club trainer and you'd be surprised how often they say yes, that's what they came for, but never they never speak up. Second, listen to what an instructor says. They're trying to help but it's frustrating if a student doesn't seem to be paying attention or doesn't show interest or appreciation to what's being said. If you haven't got a plane of your own yet, ask for suggestions on a good training plane and on what equipment to buy and where you might get it. Also, it goes along way to have a positive attitude. I've seen new students who comment about how long they have to wait for help (again, often after not asking for help). Remember that an instructor is volunteering their time and that they are doing so because they WANT to help others, but sometimes have a desire to fly themselves or have other students waiting in the wings, so a pleasant, positive attitude, with expressions of gratitude can go a long way to remind the instructor that you are there, waiting for help. You don't have to KA but put the shoe on the other foot, wouldn't you be more eager to help someone who showed signs of appreciation and gratitude, and who reminded you in case your mind was on something else at the time? For training day, be at the field early enough to help set up. When I was training, I would help unload the trainer planes and equipment and fuel and help setup. Now that I train others, I really appreciate when students try to help out and not just stand there waiting for you to hand them the controls. Help setup, fuel the plane, help start it, carry it to the runway, etc. These things go along way towards a good training session.
Posted on: 11/15/2009 7:59 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9254810

RE: Real Flight G5...
[quote]ORIGINAL: dirkie Ok , thanks. It's an core 2 duo processor E7400 (2.8 ghz) , 4 G RAM with 1024 MB NVIDIA Geforce GT220 video card, experiences with that card? Thanks in advance dirkie. [/quote] None with that card. I have a Radeon HD4670 with 512mb. The GT220 does 48 stream processers, my card, although not top of the line by any means, does 220, so it would appear that card may be less capable.
Posted on: 11/4/2009 3:06 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227992

RE: Real Flight G5...
[quote]ORIGINAL: dirkie hello, Can anyone confirm that G4.5 and/or G 5 runs on windows 7 64 bit. I wont to buy a desktop from Dell but it's only available with w 7 64 bit Real flight told me it's at my own risk. thanks in advance. [/quote] I can confirm through personal experience that I have Windows 7 64 bit and Real Flight 4.5 runs on it fine. Actually, it runs great!! Of course my pc is higher end, i7, 12GB memory, etc. I have dual monitors and can stretch the screen across two displays and it still runs fine. When I called Real Flight, the lady I spoke to said they just started getting calls on it 5.0 on W7 this week as it just went on sale and 'as far as she knew' people were running it on Windows 7 64 bit without any problem. She said if there were any problems she hasn't heard of any yet. I'm pretty sure if 4.5 runs 5.0 should as well. Hope that helps.
Posted on: 11/4/2009 2:33 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227937

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: Steve Landron All the above are great movies, One not mentioned was Empire of the Sun. On the flip side of the DVD it has some cool footage of the actual RC planes they used in the movie. Steve [/quote] Empire of the Sun was a great movie in my opinion and the ending scene with the Mustangs is awe inspiring - 'Cadillac of the Sky'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ouJ_WyS9v8
Posted on: 11/4/2009 1:42 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227829

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
Just reserved 3 disc set Piece of Cake. Looking forward to it.
Posted on: 11/4/2009 1:37 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227821

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: jimmac The film about the Spitfire with Leslie Howard and David Niven is The First Of The Few, there is a also a film about Douglas Bader called Reach for the Sky. [/quote] The First of the Few isn't available on Netflix, and Reach for the Sky is in my queue now but it's not yet available on DVD at Netflix anyway.
Posted on: 11/4/2009 1:28 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227802

RE: Real Flight G5...
[quote]ORIGINAL: goirish does anyone know if the upgrade has everything that the full RF-5 has. Or is it a reduced program. [/quote] I just called Real Flight and they confirmed the upgrade has everything the full version has. I also asked if it'll run on Windows 7 64 bit since that is what I have and they said it will.
Posted on: 11/4/2009 12:23 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227706

RE: Real Flight G5...
[quote]ORIGINAL: tness Yeah, you have to watch out what you download. You want to click aircraft and not aircraft variants after you click you version of RF. They are labeled as such if you look closely. You downloaded a variant, which requires the base airplane to be imported and already in RF. Also, hopefully you clicked and are downloading the correct files for your version. From what I understand, G3.5 files and up work with G3.5 to G5, as G3X, but the rfx G4 and 5 files won't work with G3.5. Any file that has a EA after it is an aircraft...any file that has an AV after it is an aircraft variant. Incidentally, here is a Stearman bipe that is ranked 9 out of 10 for G3.5: http://www.knifeedge.com/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1255 [/quote] That's a nice Stearman. I see now. You have to do an advanced search and select entire aircraft from file type. When I do that I only see two stearman planes besides the one you sent me. I'm trying to find the Great Planes Stearman with 72" wingspan. Any suggestions on where else I might look?
Posted on: 11/4/2009 11:57 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227644

RE: Real Flight G5...
[quote]ORIGINAL: tness If you take a look when you click on the aircraft link to view the aircraft, the people who downloaded the airplane and used it have the chance to rate it. They also have the most popular ones listed to the left, and these are generally the best ones. Every one that I have downloaded has been really good. For example, the HobbyZone SuperCub acts very much like my real one, esp. when you crank up the wind in the sim. Many of these one person does the design and they turn it over to another person to add the physics to it. As far as file formats, it depends on which version of RF you have. My G3.5 takes G3X files and that's it. I have the option to import KEX files also, but I haven't seen any of that type of file on the swap pages. All of the planes that I've downloaded and used are quite good and have not found any issues with them as far as just flying them goes. I haven't flown RC versions of most of them, so I don't know how realistic they are, but the ones that I've flown that I do have are pretty darn close to the real thing. [/quote] Great info, thanks! Now another question. When I try and download Stearmans, they're rfx files, but when I import them, I get the message "could not be loaded. It is based on an aircraft you do not have." How do I search for just those that are complete airplanes and not vairants? Do you know of a good PT-17 Stearman complete? Thanks.
Posted on: 11/4/2009 11:21 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227568

RE: When is a pump necessary and what are it's disadvantages?
[quote]ORIGINAL: psuguru [quote]ORIGINAL: bigtim here is a couple of photos of my older pumped OS 120 spII it has a metal pump mounted on the back plate pre surpass III plastic pump version. if you stick the starter on it for a few revolutions it will self prime pretty quick, OS recomends using a electric starter on there newer 4 strokes so priming isn't really a issue at all. [/quote] Nice plane. I think I must have the Sullivan Wimpatron starter, because it won't turn my OS FS91-II-P over compression. [/quote] I have a cheapy Hobbico [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXL396&P=ML]starter[/link] with a couple 7.2V NiMH car [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTJH4&P=ML]packs[/link] in series and it turns over my 120 four strokes without even flinching :)
Posted on: 11/4/2009 10:57 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227523

RE: Real Flight G5...
[quote]ORIGINAL: tness [quote]ORIGINAL: cappaj1 [quote]ORIGINAL: tness As far as unique things go, don't forget the swap pages on the knifeedge software web site where you can go and download a TON of other aircraft and aircraft variants, different color schemes and new flying fields. I must've downloaded 100 extra aircraft to fly for my G3.5 version once I had it. Also, you can put
Posted on: 11/4/2009 10:21 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227440

RE: Real Flight G5...
[quote]ORIGINAL: tness As far as unique things go, don't forget the swap pages on the knifeedge software web site where you can go and download a TON of other aircraft and aircraft variants, different color schemes and new flying fields. I must've downloaded 100 extra aircraft to fly for my G3.5 version once I had it. Also, you can put in a request on the forums and if someone has time, they might design it and put the physics behind. Heck, there is also a developers kit there, I think, that you could even develope aircraft yourself, but it looks pretty time consuming. [/quote] Wish I knew what the url was and how to find the planes that are accurately modeled.
Posted on: 11/4/2009 9:57 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227398

RE: When is a pump necessary and what are it's disadvantages?
[quote]ORIGINAL: gaRCfield Most engines get their fuel from vacuum pressure formed in the cylinder during a stroke. This is effective when a fuel source is near by, however the suction is not great enough to draw fuel through fuel tubing from a distance. The further the fuel tank is from the engine, the more force is required to push fuel through the lines. Fuel tanks in RC planes are usually placed behind the firewall for this reason. In some applications it is not practical or not desired. Twin engine planes sometimes share a central fuel tank, sometimes there is no room behind the firewall due to airframe design, or sometimes people prefer a plane with a constant center of gravity - one that does not change as fuel is used. Pumps allow the tank to be placed a greater distance from the engine, or maybe even below the engine. A pumped engine can still be used if the tank is near by, so it is just more versatile than a non-pumped engine. Another advantage is that pumped engines don't really lean out in the air. They can be tuned to max RPM, and maybe just a few RPM rich to be on the safe side. There is no need to tune down 300-500 RPM with a pumped engine like you would on a non-pumped engine. I would say the only disadvantage, if you want to call it that, is having more parts. All engines need to be primed, it just may take a few extra flips on a pumped engine to get fuel throughout the whole system. [/quote] Thanks, Gar, very good explanation and it makes it much clearer to me. One thing though, I have both pumped and non pumped 120's and I can tell you from experience, it's more than a few extra flips to get the extra priming, for mine anyway. Maybe I'm doing something wrong though.
Posted on: 11/3/2009 4:40 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9225717

RE: When is a pump necessary and what are it's disadvantages?
[quote]ORIGINAL: combatpigg I had the pumped 1.20.......MKII [IIRC] and it ran perfectly, once you got it running. The pump occasionally needed to have fuel drawn through it with a syringe to ''wake it up''. It could be that it would get gummed up. It never did fail to run and I figure that OS decided it was necessary to pump it so it would sell to the pattern crowd and to the sport guys who wanted to see 10 pounds worth of plane have unlimited vertical. These engines would purr right on through the worst aerobatics you could throw at them. They sold like hotcakes around here when they first came out....and $400 was a lot of money back then. IIRC, some guys tried to run it with medium fuel tubing instead of large and had problems. [/quote] Thanks, that explains a lot to me. By the way, I have both a pumped and non pumped 120 before the pumped 120 I have on order, and both use medium fuel lines and I haven't had any problems. But I don't go vertical for long periods either:)
Posted on: 11/3/2009 4:37 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9225712

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
Just watched Empires of Industry for free on Netflix via streaming internet. Excellent! Recommended to all who want to see real footage of 300,000+ American bombers, fighters, and cargo planes - DC3 (C47), B17, B24, Mustangs, Hellcats etc. Also recommended - just saw on History Channel web site that a 5 night series, WWII in HD, is coming Nov 15 @ 9pm ET. Watch this preview http://www.history.com/content/wwii-in-hd
Posted on: 11/3/2009 2:49 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9225444

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: JoeMamma How about Zenos Warbird Videos. They don't have full length films, but hundreds of free on-line warbird training videos. Examples: Step-by-step field-assembley of a real P-47. Want to know how to fly a real P-47 or a P-51? Check out http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/ How to fly a real F4U Corsair http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/F4U.html Joe M. [/quote] Holy, bejesus, that Corsair had about 100 steps to remember just to take off! And you had to zig zag it to see in front while taxiing, and make sure not to give it too much power to not burry the prop into the deck. Glad I didn't have to fly one of those, not that I fly anything anyway:)
Posted on: 11/3/2009 1:27 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9225268

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: knighttwister empire of the sun. not many planes, but some good shots of the mustangs and zeros i got goose bumps at the end [/quote] Yes, I saw that and I totally agree!
Posted on: 11/3/2009 1:13 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9225242

RE: When is a pump necessary and what are it's disadvantages?
Thanks, I guess I'm happy I have the pumped version of the engine, but I already have one and also a non pumped version of the same engine and the non pumped one starts alot easier, ie. less priming, so just thought if it was just as good, why bother. But it seems it can't hurt, but only help.
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:53 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9225069

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: psuguru 12 O'Clock High with Gregory Peck. It used to be shown in leadership and management courses before they made ''Flight of the Phoenix''. Real combat footage and lots of it. Some of those Germans sure could shoot! [/quote] Got that one in the queue. Can't wait to see it.
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:39 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9225042

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
So far from your suggestions (KEEP THEM COMING) I have in queue the following movies to rent: The Flying Tigers Flying Leathernecks Jet Pilot Tora! Tora! Tora! Mosquito Squadron Hell's Angels Battle of Britian Twelve O'Clock High Island in the Sky The War Lover Gun Camera B-24: Bombers over Normandy and Target Japan Air Power: War File: The Dam Busters Dive Bomber The Dawn Patrol Flight of the Intruder Air Force Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo Also, I found I can watch for free on Netflix via the web: Empires of Industry The Blue Max Midway Pearl Harbor - watching again with a new appreciation I've already seen Fly Boys, Memphis Bell, The Aviator, The Great Waldo Pepper and Tuskegee Airman.
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:37 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224717

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: Charlie P. A few years back my wife got me a ''stocking stuffer'' type gift that is a pack of ''50 War Classics'' on DVD. All kinds of ''B'' war movies but, treasure of treasures, a flock of War Department documentaries, most by Frank Capra, all for something like $9.99. The box says ''Mill Creek Entertainment'' and I found their website but not the exact boxed set I have. For $10 or $12 it's worth it just for the Memphis Belle documentary. Can't imagine getting into a bomber day after day knowing 50% of the squadron wasn't coming back. Some of the war movies are hokey, but some I had never heard of are surprisingly good. All the documentaries are B&W, but at least the Zeros aren't AT-6s. [:)] [/quote] Thanks, does this look like it? I'll keep trying to find a better deal but even for $25 it sounds like a good deal. http://www.amazon.com/War-Classics-Movie-Pack-Collection/dp/B0001HAGWO
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:15 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224992

RE: Help me figure out this mechanical advantage in the servos
[quote]ORIGINAL: trpastor Hey Guys I have a 50cc extreme flight yak. In one of the ailerons I'm getting 33 degress of throw up and down (with about 140 travel adjustment) and in the other about 42 up and down. They are both on the same hole in the servo arm. They are both in the same hole in the control horn. I'm wondering if there's a slight change in either of these 2 posistions (see photos) how steep of an angle there is from the arm to the horn (how far from paralell) or how much of an angle there is from the top to bottom (far from paralell) If you look at hte photos, can you tell me if I'd gain a mechanical advantage if I altered either of these? I.e., if I moved towards the red or the green line Thanks! Tim [/quote] I noticed you're using what looks like carbon fiber servo arms. Where do you get those and also who makes the rods arms and ball ends? I have a Aeroworks Yak to build and am new at this, so would like to use the best components. I may even have that type hardware in my ARF kit which I haven't checked yet.
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:05 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224975

RE: flycamone2
yes, the higher the better. I'd go for a little more money with the ones rated at 20Mb/sec since you said you saw a quality problem (what was it by the way) with the card you have. On the other hand, for 11 bucks for the first card listed, I think you'll also be fine with the 15Mb/sec 2GB card personally, as it meets the 10-20mb/sec rating you specified as well.
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:02 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224442

RE: Real Flight G5...
[quote]ORIGINAL: da Rock And that $80 is Tower's price, which will wind up actually costing me $65 to include the sucker in my next order. [/quote] How do you manage that? I only have codes for $15 off $100 order? Just wondering if there's a deal I can take advantage of I'm not aware of. Probably ordering with other stuff, right? Thanks.
Posted on: 11/3/2009 10:59 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224960

When is a pump necessary and what are it's disadvantages?
I just purchased a O.S. FS-120 III Surpass 4-Stroke w/Pump as it was suggested due to tank location. When is a pump necessary, or is it just a case of 'better, but not required'? What are the disadvantages of having a pump? I have to prime the pump before starting which makes it more difficult to start - that's one - are there others? Is there any test prior to mounting an engine to see if I indeed actually need a pump? I guess what I'm getting at is are pumps often used when people think they need them where they could get by without one?
Posted on: 11/3/2009 10:47 AM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224933

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: Archie League ''Always'' ....... [/quote] "Always" - saw it, but thanks "The Aviator" saw it today ""Strategic Air Command" - not available on dvd apparantly "Battle of Britian" - added it to my queue, thanks! "The Great Waldo Pepper" apparantly not available on dvd "The Right Stuff" - saw it Thanks!
Posted on: 11/2/2009 7:52 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9223604

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: CGRetired The movie Baa Baa Black Sheep was what spawned the TV series. It's out there.. somewhere. Check Amazon. [/quote] I did and nada. Maybe it wasn't made into a dvd yet. They do have the tv series on dvd with Robert Conrad, parts 1 and 2.
Posted on: 11/2/2009 7:17 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9223512

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: ChuckW ''Midway''. That's a good one. Howard Hughes did a movie in the early 30's called ''Hell's Angels'' about WW-1 RAF action. I've never seen it but I would like to. Jimmie Stewart was in one called ''Strategic Air Command'' that has some amazing B-36 footage. [/quote] Midway, I think I saw, but can't remember but it's a freebee at Netflix to watch online so I'll check it out. I added Hell's Angels. The last one, netflix doesn't have listed, maybe it wasn't made into a dvd???
Posted on: 11/2/2009 7:15 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9223507

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: CGRetired Flying Tigers (John Wayne) (pre WW-II pilot in China) Flying Leathernecks (John Wayne) (WW-II Marine Corps Pilot, F4U's) The Jet Pilot (John Wayne) Post Korean War Baa Baa Black Sheep (The story of Pappy Boyington) Want more? [/quote] Sure, CG, keep them coming. I just added the first three to my Netflix queue! The last one I could only find as a tv series. Thanks.
Posted on: 11/2/2009 7:05 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9223471

WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
Need some good warbird movie suggestions. Just saw a decent one, Fly Boys, and got to thinking I'd like to see some more as I know nothing about warplanes. The only other one I could recall seeing was Memphis Bell and it wasn't that good. A search brought the ones below: Island in the Sky Tora Tora Tora Battle of Britian I Wanted Wings The War Lover Can anyone tell me if they've seen any of these if they're any good, or suggest any others? I have a Netflix account, a bunch of movies to rent, and I want to watch some good suggestions as next year I plan on getting a warbird ARF. Also, any movies that feature Eric Hartman, the ace of all aces would be appreciated. Just got the Parkzone Messerschmitt BF109G airplane recently and would find that very interesting. Thanks in advance.
Posted on: 11/2/2009 6:15 PM by Author "cappaj1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9223329