RE: US Scale Masters Results 2012
In practice, everyone does fly in front of the same judges. However, in any given round, because there are 4 judge sets, only 1/4" of the pilots see that set of judges. This is what normalization was intended to resolve- I think. Over the course of 4 rounds, all pilots will see all 4 sets of judges, but some might have seen certain sets in the morning when the air was good, or in the afternoon when their engine wouldn't start etc. Jeff
Posted on: 9/13/2012 3:44 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227648

RE: US Scale Masters Results 2012
I should also add that I'm not familiar with how the flight lines were arranged, but it looks like from the scores that individual flt rounds were normalized against 1000 points. The primary reason for normalization is to even out the scoring differences between judge groups. I think that to only way to apply normalization to this situation, you would need to normalize flight scores based on judge groups. In this case, it would take all five rounds of the contest to arrive at a score and you would not know at any time in between where you were. This is because it takes five rounds for all of the expert pilots (for example) to get through a given judge set. By doing the normalization this way, I thnk you could offset the differences in judge groups scoring. Another method that will work without normalizing is to have every pilot of a given class fly each round in front of the same set of judges. This might be harder to manage in a contest because you need each group of pilots flying in front of the judges to be balanced so one line doesn't run long and delay the contest. But it does make sure that each pilot saw that same set of judges in that round. The high score is the high score and you could normalize or not. Makes no difference in this scenario. Just my thoughts... Jeff
Posted on: 9/13/2012 12:43 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227472

RE: US Scale Masters Results 2012
I had heard that there were discussions about normalizing flying scores at upcoming Finals events. I think that it makes a ton of sense for flying. I'm still trying to wrap my head around what it's impact in static is. The fact is that there isn't really any reason to normalize scores in static since all aircraft in a given class see the same static judges. It's clear to me now that static scores were normalized to a basis of 1000 points this time because the flights were normalized to 1000. However, it's not necessary to do this. Flight scores could have been normalized to a basis of 100 points, which would allow us to maintain our standard maximum score of 200 points. The primary reason for normalizing flying scores is to even out differences in judging groups. All in all, I'm glad to see the movement forward and sure wish I could have been there! Jeff Lovitt.
Posted on: 9/13/2012 11:25 AM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227393

RE: Woodland/Davis Ca. Jet Meet June 21-24
Better bring them both Jack. They can hang at my house if you don't want to tear them down between days... Jeff
Posted on: 6/1/2012 7:14 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11103212

RE: Woodland/Davis Ca. Jet Meet June 21-24
Jack What about the Fury?
Posted on: 6/1/2012 12:27 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102772

RE: Woodland/Davis Ca. Jet Meet June 21-24
I'm in! BVM Bandit MK II Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 6/1/2012 7:26 AM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102379

RE: scale contest rules
I'm wondering if the question is actually whether or not you may enter for static only? While you don't have to be ready to fly when you static I suppose, you will have to be ready to fly and you can't get a static score posted until you have attempted an official flight. Typical of AMA, SM, TG. Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 3/15/2012 12:24 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001358

RE: Bandit ARF without hopper tank
I have a handful of flights on my new MK II Bandit and I am going to be using the kevlar hopper tank for smoke fluid. Using just the two saddle bvm tanks and the sullivan tank that came with the fuel package from bvm (located between the saddle tanks and below the intake duct), I seem to have plenty of fuel. I have been using a 7 minute timer setting and moderate throttle usage, I have yet to even get into the sullivan tank which is plumbed between the two saddle tanks and the UAT. I have a P120SX in my Bandit. Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 3/13/2012 4:30 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10998941

RE: Triplane finished!
Thanks Dave nice work. Jeff
Posted on: 2/18/2012 10:46 AM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10964627

RE: Triplane finished!
Dave I noticed the dihedral was gone right away. I was assuming you must have ailerons rigged to make it work. Can you share your tricks for rigging the ailerons on this one? Looks GREAT! Jeff
Posted on: 2/17/2012 8:13 AM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10963118

RE: Klass Kote paint issues
I don't think the 24 hrs is the problem. The part that jumps out to me is that the primer is 6 months old. By any chance did you do any thing to scuff/sand the cured primer to give some tooth for the paint to grab on to? I am also assuming that you thoroughly degreased the surfaces prior to shooting the aluminum? The only time I have adhesion trouble with the KK (or anything for that matter) is when the surface cleaning is inadequate and I might get very small bits that come up with the tape. Usually on fabric is the places where this bites me. Jeff
Posted on: 1/23/2012 4:10 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "Composites Fabrication And Repair"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10923881

RE: Blast from the past
Jack- Are you going to electrify it? Easy to spot a Viper with that curved leading edge up to the fuse. Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 1/20/2012 11:28 AM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10918800

RE: Back when model airplanes were cool...
I received a cox control line spitfire for Christmas when I was 6. There are old super 8 movies somewhere of me flying it round and round in the street outside the house on Christmas day 1979. My younger brother running out to the "help" me before being stopped. The Spitfire was electric and used a lantern battery that was pressed onto contacts on the bottom of the fuselage for some period of time to charge it up. I don't recall it being that long of a charge or that the flights could have been that long. It was easy to fly and it was not crashed. I've never seen another like it since. Wish I knew what happened to it! I don't think it was as fast as the heavier 049 powered models. Anyone else remember these? Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 12/21/2011 10:31 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10870984

RE: Can I use 5 cell on airtronics 94102 servo
Dan- I've run the 94102's with 5 cells (Nimh) with no problems. Jeff
Posted on: 12/19/2011 7:54 AM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10866421

RE: Making Hatches
I thought I might have some pictures of this on my computer here but will have to check when I get home to show what the result looked like when I did this on my KI 61 Tony with fiberglass fuselage. Process: Locate Door either with molded panel lines or by drawing full size on the fuselage. Decide on the method of hinging. If you are using an offset style hinge, it is sometimes helpful to install the hinge first on the inside of the fuselage. I chose to use a length of brass piano hinge set flush with the door. Cut out the door. Make sure to get the outline of the door exactly the way you want it. You can cut out the door with a zona saw or dremel grinding wheel. Try not to take too much material off, but make sure to make your overcut into the fuselage portion, not the hatch. Now that that hatch is out and sanded to the exact final shape you want, make a lip that will be glued to the inside of the fuselage all the way around the opening. This would be 1/32nd ply, g10 etc. The lip only needs to stick into your hatch opening less than 1/8" or so. With this complete, notch out your door to recieve your piano hinge and glue or screw the hinge to the door. Now you should be able to set your door in the opening and glue or screw the hinge to the fuselage. Ok so now you have your door in the opening, but the gaps look horrible! Now you will need to tape the edges of the door to create a slight space and to help create a mold release for the next step. Wax the taped edges of the door. Using evercoat or other body filler, fill in the fuselage up against the hatch. Sand edges lightly to allow the door to release/open. Remove tape. If you want the door to sit absolutely flush to the fuse, sand the door/fuse with 220 and prime. IF you want the door slightly proud of the fuselage, you can do the sanding very carefully with the door off. Be careful not to round off the edges of the fuselage. I'll upload some photos later to show my finished result. Retain hatch with magnet. Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 11/23/2011 9:48 AM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10825587

RE: Electric converted retracts
I bought a set of Lado actuators that were a drop in fit to replace the air cylinders on some robart 622 retracts in an 86" warbird. The system at the time used a controller that allowed the stagger to be adjusted, but I found the amount of time for up/down to be too slow. What I also found was that because electronics shut down when resistance builds up, the retracts don't do a good job of working reliabily when they are asked to pull a door closed or push a door open. In my case, I have a Kawasaki Ki 61 Tony that uses a mechancial linkage to pull the inner doors closed when the wheel comes up into the well. I found that the resistance shutoff would shut off the retract before it was fully retracted. I don't know if this has been improved/changed or what, but I ultimately took these actuators back out and put air back in. They did work, but they were very slow - somewhere between 5-10 seconds for a cycle and they could not operate mechancially linked inner doors without shutoff. Just my own experiences. Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 10/20/2011 2:07 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10774942

RE: US Scale Masters Championships 2011
Rolling out early Thursday morning. See you there! Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 10/4/2011 12:38 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "Events, Shows and Fun Fly's - Airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10748415

RE: Flying from Petromat runways
The biggest problem will be bobcat/kingcat types with obvious downthrust. A few other types that sit with a nose high angle of attack could also be a problem. I have burnt a hole thru petromat with a bobcat just trying to taxi to the runway. Nothing really wrong with this type of runway though. It is FAR cheaper to build than pavement for similar performance. It's repairable in the event of a burn, It's easier on the airframe in the event of a scuff or wheel's up condition and it is a little slower pavement as far as drag/friction goes. Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 8/30/2011 6:54 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10694216

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
Looking Great Rich When's the big day? Jeff
Posted on: 6/15/2011 11:43 AM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10575592

RE: Habu 32 is here. Jetcat P-20 conversion.
Gonzalo did a great job putting the Habu together and an even better job with the test flight. It looks to me like he'll have this little jewel really dialed in with just a few more flights. Way to go Gonzalo! Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 4/11/2011 12:19 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10456457

RE: An Apology from Details 4 Scale
I'll add to the comments- I contacted Dan a couple months ago about a lighting controller I bought 6 years ago and hadn't used. I didn't bother to test it at the time, and when I went to use it, I couldn't get it do much of anything. I contacted Dan by email with a few questions to figure out what I might have been doing wrong. Dan confirmed what model I had, and then sent me a newer model of his lighting controller within a few days. The one I received works great. Dan more than took care of me. Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 3/1/2011 6:04 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10373141

RE: New JET FRIENDLY Field in Woodland Ca
As Dan said, this field will be well suited to jet pilots. This is a replacement for the recently closed Mavis Henson Field between Woodland and Davis that many pilots in the area have become familiar with. We have a ways to go to replace the amenities that we had at the old MHF, but we now have a field that is much larger overall, with better flyover and no homes or power lines to worry about like the old field. If interested, look one of us up to see about flying as a guest. We would like to see more pilots coming out to join us. Thanks, Jeff Lovitt WDA
Posted on: 1/5/2011 5:51 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10242412

RE: Flite Metal
Thanks! Looking forward to trying it out. Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 12/29/2010 1:31 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10225596

RE: Invert's Fiberglassing Technique 101
Great info and video. Is this method, is the polyester cloth serving as "peel-ply" that I have heard of in other locations before? Thanks for posting your method. Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 12/29/2010 12:19 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10225444

RE: T-33 nomenclature placement card
delete
Posted on: 12/12/2010 2:18 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10192747

RE: 2 Solartex questions
Solartex, Nitrate Dope, Klass Kote. Jeff
Posted on: 11/20/2010 9:26 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10148465

RE: What maneuvers should be flown at Corvin Miller this weekend for scale WW2 warbird?
Advice... For the caller You are not only calling the maneuvers but you are watching out for the other traffic and helping to make sure that your pilot will have the airspace to do the maneuver that is coming up without running into another plane. You also need to make sure to call each maneuver and not miss one. Doing so has disastrous effects on a flight score! The amount of coaching that the pilot desires/needs will vary on the pilot. Do help with special reminders that are specific to the plane. Landing gear up/down; flaps up, flaps down, flaps full etc. Remind about setting throttle trim in needed when preparing for landing. For the pilot Have fun and don't forget to breathe! You should be doing maneuvers you have done before, so you are just trying to do them smoothly and precisely for judges now. The flying routines that do the best usually follow some sort of mission or theme. Keep the routine flowing from one maneuver to the next on successive passes. Avoid wasting time trimming or setting up. Do things the real plane could have done. Generally, back off the throttle a little to get to a scale like speed. Above all post your experience. Everybody starts somewhere and some are sitting on the fence wanting to try it out but are just not sure what to do. Let us know how it went. Jeff
Posted on: 11/19/2010 10:24 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10146672

RE: What maneuvers should be flown at Corvin Miller this weekend for scale WW2 warbird?
There are a total of 10 manuevers. 5 of which are mandatory and everyone does them. They are: Takeoff Fly Past (analagous to your fast fly by) Figure 8 (two circles side by side w/ crossover in the center) Landing Flight Realism (Impression score - you don't do a specific maneuver) Optional maneuvers- There are lots to choose from. Loop, Military Roll, Slow Roll, Touch and Go (actually counts as the Touch and as the Go- counts as two maneuvers), overshoot, split s, half cuban 8, bomb run with drop, traffic pattern, inverted flight, descending 360, slow/dirty fly with gear/flaps extended. There are more. You can see usscalemasters.org for the masters rule book which outlines these and more maneuvers. The AMA competition guide available on line is also helpful with these maneuver descriptions. Have Fun! Jeff Lovitt
Posted on: 11/18/2010 6:40 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10144001

RE: Roll Call Jet Rally In The Valley @Kingdon Airpark
I'm sorry- I just recall Jeff's old handle. Who are you? Jeff
Posted on: 11/9/2010 10:09 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10125741

RE: Roll Call Jet Rally In The Valley @Kingdon Airpark
Airkiller- Jeff Weiss is that you? I thought you had gotten out of the r/c hobby to get into restoring cars. Glad to see you are back in r/c. Jeff
Posted on: 11/9/2010 6:16 PM by Author "jlovitt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10125233