RE: Covering Installed Stab?
As promised, here are a couple of pictures of my progress. I am at the point now where I will be adding the rudder and elevator with Dubro pinned hinges. They are just in place now without any glue, which will be gorilla glue. I still have new decals to add, but that will be the final touch. I used the heat iron on the wing and luckily, all of it tightened up at 300 degrees which is the bottom temp for shrinking ultra cote. Will add the final pics when I am done. I can say that covering installed parts can be a pain, but taking time and thinking ahead sure helps.
Posted on: 5/23/2013 7:24 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11520168

RE: Thoughts and Prayers for Tornado Victims Moore
We feel pretty lucky in the Tulsa area, the Moore storm went south of us and another north. It is a very sad day as this same area was hit in 1999 with another bad storm and another in the 2003-2004 timeframe when our son was at OU. They just can't get a break.
Posted on: 5/21/2013 5:01 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11518012

RE: ***Share the Fun this Spring! – Forum Giveaway Presented by RC Universe and Hobby-Lobby***
When I said "Fire her up, I didn't mean literally."
Posted on: 5/20/2013 1:00 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11517391

RE: How old is too old for servo horns?
Unfortunately, my planes seem to expire before my control horns . [;)]
Posted on: 5/17/2013 1:53 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11514521

RE: First plane
HoundDog, you are probably right. We moved here from Minnesota in 1995 and I still have the snow shovel we brought with us. In the last 2 years, a total of 1.5 inches of snow....about 1/2 each in 3 storms.[:D][:D][:D]
Posted on: 5/17/2013 4:53 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11514012

RE: First plane
And another reason to have a simulator......January/February oops that's 2 reasons.
Posted on: 5/16/2013 7:02 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513088

RE: Futaba Still legal??
I am back in after a 5 year break. When I stopped, I thought it was for good, so I sold everything, but a few items and one plane. Now that I am back and have converted to the 2.4 technology and am loving it. Programming of my transmitter (DX8) is much easier, and most everything now is geared to it. In my case, I would recommend the switch, but I am basically starting over. If you have a lot of equipment, you may need to take time and consider the two with a pro and con list.
Posted on: 5/16/2013 6:55 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513079

RE: Ugly stick and 20cc gas
If you are talking about the big red stick that has a tricycle gear, then I am on the right track. I have a Hangar 9 Ultra Stick Lite with a Zenoa G26 and can tell you what I did. 1st it already is a tail dragger, so I didn't have to move the gear. However, you probably will. Whatever you do, make sure you reinforce the area where it attaches. I added braces, fiberglass cloth to make the area stronger. And make it tall enough for the big prop to clear the ground. 2nd you will need to reinforce the firewall like opjose said. I doubled 2pieces of lite ply, epoxied it to the existing firewall. Also added more bracing behind with fiberglass cloth and epoxy. 3rd unless you mount the motor on stand offs, you will need to run the fuel lines, overflow (if you have one) line and possibly the fuel dot line around the motor because the hole where they usually run will be blocked. 4th you will need to move the tank back away from the firewall to make room for the lines. If it is like mine, you will have to place it over one of the bulkheads and will need to build a shelf to hold it in place. 5th it will need a kill switch. The type will depend on whether the motor is magneto fired or electronic ignition. On mine I will have both a radio activated one and a manual one on the fuse. 6th I don,t know if this is a necessity, but I have switched out the CA hinges for pinned dubro ones. 7th I moved the servos for elevator and rudder to th rear of the fuse. One is mounted on the side for the elevator and one in the top center for a pull pull set up. (I am currently redoing the set up and will forego the pull pull for a rod and control horn. 8th if you move the servos you need to build in the framing and mounting supports. 9th reinforce the wing mounts, the hole area where the pins enter the fuse bulkhead. I changed the pins to solid oak and doubled the firewall with lite ply. 10 use metal geared servos and seal the wing and elevator hinge points. 11 you probably already know this, but if not, change out the tank stopper for gas and the fuel lines. Now, if you still want to do this good luck and I hope it works out. Would I do it again? Probably not.....I would just buy one all set up for a gas motor. However, it is fun to do it at least once and it is a great way to bash a big ARF.
Posted on: 5/15/2013 4:54 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11510574

RE: Aerofly Professional Deluxe w/controller
Thanks Exeter, I appreciate the response.
Posted on: 2/2/2012 5:05 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10939889

Aerofly Professional Deluxe w/controller
I am trying to find out where i can buy this simulator including the controller. I switched from Windows to MAC at Christmas and have to say goodbye to RealFlight. Is the Ikarus site the only distributor of this application?
Posted on: 1/31/2012 11:25 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10937057

RE: Parkflyers - Do you balance?
Even though the only thing I have changed on the T38 is the prop, I am going to check the balance. And before the stryker is flown, I will do the same. I am also going to check the motor mounts. When looking at the cowling from the side, the prop is in a definite down angle. This may be the intended position of the motor, but I want to look "under the hood" so to speak and check it with the cowling off. on you six, no worries, I have a Great Planes CG machine and I will use it....and I will balance it laterally as well.
Posted on: 9/27/2011 5:01 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10736151

Parkflyers - Do you balance?
And I am not talking about the lipo's that come with it. ...LOL. I have tried doing a search and that's what I get..battery balancing of parkflyers. What I am asking is if the planes need to be balanced? I have a T38D Trojan and I haven't made any changes except for changing from 2 to 3 bladed prop. I assembled it, charged the battery, and have flew it a couple of times. It seems to fly rather squirrely and take off is a real challenge. Now I do know some of it is me, because I took a 5 year break and am getting back in. However, it seems to want to jump into the air and immediately point straight up. I know that I am not putting that much elevator in it because it is on low rates, and it does look as if it might be tail heavy since as soon as it leaves the ground it tries to climb out at 70-80 degrees. I am going to balance it just so I know that it is the way it should be, but it did serve to raise a question to me about these aircraft. The instructions have the balance point indicated both in the T-38 and the new Stryker that I have waiting in the wings. Is this just informational, or is it something that I should do each tme I ready a new plane. I have all the equipment, but was wondering if the Mfgr assumes you will balance before flying.
Posted on: 9/26/2011 1:24 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10735137

RE: P_51 Mustang crashes into crowds at Reno
I returned from Reno a week ago today, but have been catching up since then. Here are pictures of 2 planes, one (the P-51) and another which I call the eggster. My son and wife got together earlier this year and bought main grandstand reserved seats and pit passes for the Air Races. From the photos and videos that I have seen, the plane went in just in front of where we would have been. By virtue of the race and air show schedule, we were there on Wednesday and Thursday, to photograph the practice and the show that the Air Force Thunderbirds put on. I was surprised that they were not there for the weekend, but had another show booked. In any case, my son and I decided to take in lake Tahoe on Friday and were not at the races. If we had been, we would have been there for the unlimiteds and witnessed the event, since that is the class we went to watch in addition to the jets. It was a sad day for us and we found out by text messages sent to my son when we were at Tahoe and Squaw Valley. At around 5pm he started getting them from his friends where he lives now, asking if we were all right. That is how we found out, and when we returned that evening, we watched most of the news reports on local Reno TV. I don't have any more insight to those that have posted here, but wanted to post, probably one of the last, pictures of the Galloping Ghost. I took it Thursday evening in the pits after the races ended. The other picture is of the (eggster) on take off, just 10-15 seconds before he put it into the dirt on Thursday. Although lost in the tragedy of Friday, this plane lost power on take-off and the pilot slid it into the brush and sand just off the runway. Luckily, he was ok and will go on to race again. I have been attending airshows since I was in my teens and I know the risks. This is the first accident involving spectators at Reno in 48 years and I hope the powers that be take that into consideration. We are planning to attend again in 2 years when it will be the 50th anniversary. It is the risk you take when you live your life and if you enjoy any activity, in my opinion. I would go again tomorrow and be aware and conscious of the possiblities, but also aware of the odds. Our thoughts and prayers include Jimmy and others that lose their lives in pursuit of something they love to do.
Posted on: 9/26/2011 10:38 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10734882

RE: DX8 Lipo Battery
Thanks chuck. I have flown a little since I posted this question and am finding that the Nimh pack is holding a charge very well. I will continue to use it until I see that I need a pack that is longer lasting. For field charging, we have 110v so for now, I will carry the charge cord with me until I decide what I want to do. I am using a Hitec X4 and am sure I can figure something out. I guess the only reason I am considering the Lipo is that the charging process shuts down when the battery is fully charged where on the Nimh it doesn't.
Posted on: 8/25/2011 6:15 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10686417

RE: Add Telemetry or Not?
378 - I think you need to read closer.... there is an L in Altitude...not attitude...[:D][:D] Attitude units would be something like: 1. cooperative 2. uncooperative 3. good 4. bad 5. poor....etc.
Posted on: 8/6/2011 9:57 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10658252

RE: Add Telemetry or Not?
Minnflyer, you and dredhea are thinking just about like me. Sure it is a nice to have, but I don't remember ever looking at my transmitter for more than a second or two and it wasn't to read the display. That's why you have a beeper on the timer so that you keep your eyes on the plane. It might be ok if a spotter is looking over your shoulder and telling you the results. That is why I am leaning to keeping it for the Pulse. It has more space, a DLE30 to keep track of on the ignition power and it may be worth it to have it in the plane. I just can't see putting it in the Escapade and then spending the $56 bucks plus for the telemetry module (for the Pulse) and additional costs for the added data feeds. And since it came with the transmitter, my cash outlay is already in the books...not that it ever stopped me before...[:D]
Posted on: 8/4/2011 10:18 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10655083

Add Telemetry or Not?
I have a question that I can see both sides of, but am leaning to not adding telemetry to my glow powered plane. Here is what I am considering. I am in the process of assembling my Escapade 40, but it has just been too hot here in OK to get excited about finishing. Anyway, this is my first plane back since a 5year break. I am flying a T38 Parkzone flyer and loving getting back in the air, so I am getting my skills back. I have a DX8 transmitter that came with the AR8000 receiver and telemetry module. It has all the parts to add telemetry to the Escapade (if I want to), however, I am thinking that it isn't necessary on a 40 size glow aircraft. I have been looking at the cost of the module ($56) on Horizon and the extra measurements I might want to add and it ain't cheap. My next plane is a Pulse 125 and I am thinking that the money it would take to add telemetry to it would be not needed, if I just keep the telemetry for the Pulse and not add it to the Escapade. I was flying before without telemetry, so I don't see the big need until I get in into the larger planes. Your thoughts are very welcome and appreciated.
Posted on: 8/4/2011 8:14 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10654876

RE: best color to see
I too like the contrast of stripes on the wing bottom. I have used yellow, blue and white, green and white... all dark with very big contrasts. One thing that I have noticed with RED is that on cloudy days it can appear to be gray in color...so if you use red, make sure you have a very very bright color for the contrast.
Posted on: 8/1/2011 5:40 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10649070

RE: Newbs need to start off with trainers!
Some of my flights that I had the most fun on were with my Avistar. It is one of the best trainers out there and I couldn't think of learning any other way. Of course, I didn't have the money to just throw at new planes until I could fly. And, I had a long time flyer as an instructor... I know the flight characteristics are the same as a full size aircraft, but the controls certainly aren't. I don't remember ever looking in a cockpit and seeing two joysticks that controlled the bulk of the flying survaces...[:D]
Posted on: 8/1/2011 5:36 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10649066

RE: Has anyone heard about the FAA banning the use of 2.4 in RC?
[quote]ORIGINAL: canavanbob Maybe you could tell how GPS controls the airplane. I don't know it works. [/quote] Go to this website, click on and listen to the audio. It isn't 100% GPS, but I would assume it is similar. http://w3.uwyo.edu/~jimkirk/guidance.html Some of you probably have heard this one before....[;)]
Posted on: 8/1/2011 5:22 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10649046

RE: Field Kit
I carry much of what has been listed so far (except Q-tips [:D] ) which I now am thinking about. One other thing I carry is my leatherman. It isn't the best tool for some of the smaller tools needed, but if you forget something, it can come in handy.
Posted on: 7/29/2011 6:38 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10644722

RE: Smallest Gasser?
Nice, and with the carb in the front, the engine isn't sticking way out in front. Looks like the cost of glow is helping to get a lot more smaller engines developed that run on gas. I can't say I have a problem with that. [:D]
Posted on: 7/29/2011 6:25 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10644705

RE: Nitro vs. Electric
I am getting back in after 5yrs off and am planning on electrics for planes 40-90 size. Anything above, I will go with gas due to two things. The cost of glow fuel here is about $25 per gallon. While that is doable for me, the nearest hobby shop that sells it is 35 miles away. That's 70 miles round trip and it is just too far in my opinion. A gallon of gas is less that $4.00 and only 2 miles into town..... so it is an easy call for me. I do like glow, and do have an Escapade 40 to start practicing on, and keep the fuel usage to a minimum. Otherwise, no preference for me.
Posted on: 7/28/2011 12:35 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10643490

DX8 Lipo Battery
I just purchased the DX8 about a month ago and am wanting to upgrade the battery to the 4000mah Lipo. However, it seems that it is never available on Horizon's website. It's either out of stock or on backorder. Is there another source that actually may have this rare comodity?
Posted on: 7/28/2011 5:25 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10642842

RE: best way to charge 12V field batteries?
My fieldbox battery is a Absorbed Gas Mat (AGM) sealed battery. For charging, I use what is called a "battery tender Jr." It works for motorcycles, lawn tractors, and fieldboxes...and has a LED that turns green when the charging is completed.
Posted on: 7/19/2011 12:56 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10628992

RE: Anybody know where I can find this stand for sale?
charlie...looking at the picture closely it could be one of those folding sawhorses you can buy at Lowes/Home Depot. Then just a top and side shelf attached. Not sure 100%, but it has given me and idea on how to build one.....[:D]
Posted on: 7/19/2011 12:46 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10628979

RE: My timing stinks.
[quote]ORIGINAL: macdona Hookedonrc; I worked the air races for 11 years on ramp security. The weather can be any thing from 95 degrees to a snow storm. Seen it all. If this is your first race, welcome and hope you enjoy. Mac [/quote] Yep, it is my first race. I am prepared though. New camera lense with image stabilization, and several others. My son will fly in from Denver and join me. We
Posted on: 7/19/2011 12:41 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10628971

RE: My timing stinks.
macdona...nice to hear. My son and wife got together this year and gave me 4 day tickets and grandstand seats to the Air Races in September. I am hopeful that the weather will still be comfortable. Although, I should be acclimated by then....LOL
Posted on: 7/18/2011 10:30 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10626868

RE: My timing stinks.
That's about the same here. I worked in the garage yesterday.. (Changed the truck battery, which probably died due to the heat, and did some maintenance on the cart I pull behind the mower.), but was exhausted when I was done. The yard needs mowing, but if I do it, it will just dry up an be burned by the sun. We are watering only the flowers and and our trees once in a while. I do have a Parkzone T28 Trojan on order and will be delivered this week. So I might get some flying in around here. We are out in the country on 1 acre lots in our development and have a driveway that will work as a runway and a lot of unfilled lots. So I have the room to get in the air. I also have the new Stryker, but am not real sure I want it to be my first plane after being off for so long.[;)]
Posted on: 7/18/2011 6:54 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10626530

My timing stinks.
I have been out of RC for about 5 years and just getting back in. I went to my first club meeting in March with a check for my membership and have yet to fly. I didn't have any plane ready, but needed to start restocking my hangar anyway. Now that I am ready, the temperatures here in OK have been above 100 for several weeks now..and the forecast is for the next 2 to be over 100 daily. If I were close to the field I would fly at dawn and dusk, but even our temps are in the high 90's late in the day. It did get me wondering at what temperature is is too hot for you to fly?[sm=sad_smile.gif] That is if you have one...a 95 is about mine...unless it is low humidity.
Posted on: 7/18/2011 6:08 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10626478