RE: Servo Replacement for DS3421SA
Last I looked, ALL of the SA servos were gone, not just the 3421. You can still buy the metal geared versions and replace all but the output gear with the plastic versions. I imagine their market was very small for these variants.
Posted on: 10/2/2009 9:05 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9140840

RE: 2009 Tangerine Poll
Jason, As much as I like BPA, the morning sun issue and the days that time of year are just too short to do a combined event justice. Last year, both events were cut short. So my main vote is for a three day AMA event. Choice two is a one day BPA/SPA event on Friday with the AMA event on Sat/Sun.
Posted on: 10/1/2009 10:42 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9140163

RE: D3 Champs... Jacksonville 09
I'm giving up trying to practice at home; rain, rain, rain. I'm leaving Thurs AM for Jacksonville, so I can practice at that field all day Friday, I hope!
Posted on: 9/24/2009 12:17 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9119516

RE: Reliability issue of the YS170DZ CDI Spark plug cap
I've heard of this, but haven't had the issue on two setups with a lot of flights on them. Be sure to tie-wrap the lead right next to the cap to the intake manifold as the directions say to do. Takes a lot of load off the cap. Also be sure to fully seat the cap on the plug by tapping it with a small hammer (I use the end of a screwdriver) again per the directions.
Posted on: 9/19/2009 10:22 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9107548

RE: Venus 40 Substitute
Get the Osmose 50 aka Osmose 70. Best small pattern plane I've ever flown. There is a thread here on it.
Posted on: 9/18/2009 10:23 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9106762

RE: 41st Annual Rocket City Pattern Contest Huntsville, AL
Just teasing Larry, just teasing![:D]
Posted on: 9/15/2009 10:23 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9097286

RE: YS170 CDI
1. Between 3.5 and 4 oz. Depends on your mounting of the CDI and how much of the plastic spiral cable protection you use. 2. Receiver battery, but I'm on 2.4 gHz. I wouldn't do this on 72 mHz. 3. 30% Cool Power heli fuel. Real benefits are about 40% better fuel economy and ability to swing a 19x11 APC.
Posted on: 9/15/2009 9:05 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9097155

RE: O.S. 1.60 Cookbook Engine Issue
[quote]ORIGINAL: RC11 Need a little advice on gettin a little more from the Cookbook set up. The guys flying trimmer airplanes don't seem to have problems with it in the top of big verticle maneuvers but my VF3 runs out of steam. Have run 18.1x10 and 17x12 with 15% Ritche's Brew with not much difference in verticl performance. Need a quick fix for one last contest this weekend. More nitro? Prop? RC [/quote] Get a 17x12W. Best prop I found after trying a bunch. Central has them.
Posted on: 9/15/2009 8:58 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9097146

RE: 41st Annual Rocket City Pattern Contest Huntsville, AL
Hmmm, Larry, we didn't say what year, kind of like your 3 new Black Magics you were going to have!!! Jon [quote]ORIGINAL: lodomjr Thanks again Bryan, you and Kathy did a wonderful job running this contest. Thanks to all the club memebers that also help to make it a great contest as usual. It was great getting to see everyone again and what a great trun out, 26 pilots. Chris and I always look forward coming to this contest and we'll be back next year for sure. Now I know you said where your roots are so I expect to see you at Tangerine in December and Lakeland in February. I know I have witnesses so stand behind your word. [:D] Lawrence [/quote]
Posted on: 9/14/2009 5:53 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9095502

RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2M?
We were told that neither of these color schemes represented anything final, so expect changes, perhaps something completely different.
Posted on: 9/13/2009 10:00 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9093360

RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2M?
There were two Vanquish prototypes at the Rocket City RC pattern contest this weekend. AC Glenn and Cameron Smith flew them. I didn't get any pictures, but they looked nice and appeared to fly F11 very well, and I was told they met weight easily. However I understand there will be some changes and that more prototypes are expected shortly. They had CF wingtubes and landing gear. I also understood that there will be two versions, one for fuel and an electric. Pricing should be very good. Availability near year end.
Posted on: 9/13/2009 5:09 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9092470

RE: 41st Annual Rocket City Pattern Contest Huntsville, AL
Chris, Hope you mean midnite Friday! Looking forward to seeing the three new airplanes your Dad said he'd have ready by Huntsville [:D]
Posted on: 9/6/2009 10:15 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9074891

RE: Kyosho Osmose 70, Sort of build thread (slow..)
I certainly don't have the problem of diving while inverted. I have to hold a slight amount of down elevator, just like on any pattern plane. Certainly nothing significant.
Posted on: 8/30/2009 1:11 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9056618

RE: Kyosho Osmose 70, Sort of build thread (slow..)
I think you mean mixing, not coupling! There is a slight pull to the canopy in one direction and belly in the other that I take out with mixing. No roll coupling at all.
Posted on: 8/27/2009 8:32 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9050466

RE: Kyosho Osmose 70, Sort of build thread (slow..)
Actually, if you set the dihedral the way the manual says to, you will get adverse roll coupling in knife edge, which says it needs more dihedral. I've built two of these now (don't ask), and on the first one I followed the manual and it had the adverse roll. On the second, I just joined the wings as they are made, butting the two halves together, taking whatever dihedral it gave me (more). No adverse roll couple on this one. I'm running a YS .63S with a Hatori header and pipe on a Hyde mount. I'm still playing with props, but a 13x6 APC seems to work well with 30% nitro, and slows the plane down some on downlines. I bought the 160 mm CF landing gear from Hobby City, and lost over an ounce in the process. The sweep back on the gear is identical to stock, and the track is a little narrower. It is stiff enough for this plane, but gives enough on landing to not overstress the gear mount. On my second one, in order to get the CG back, I am using a couple of tiny digital servos from HC in the back for elevator. The first one weighed 5.5lbs, and the second, 5.6 lbs. This is by FAR the best small pattern plane I've ever flown. It can do anything the big ones can. It does well in wind. It won't replace a 2m plane, but it does very well and is a lot of fun.
Posted on: 8/27/2009 7:38 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9050356

RE: O.S. 1.60 Cookbook Engine Issue
I can do that, but picture this: With the prop end of the crank toward you, with the port in the crank facing up, the radius goes in the rear two corners of the port. If you feel around back there, you will find knife edges perfect for starting cracks. Round them off, getting into the meat of the corners, both on the outside and inside of the port. Sharp edges in high stress areas are cracks waiting to happen.
Posted on: 8/24/2009 9:43 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9042084

RE: D3 Contest Knoxville TN - House Mountain
Tony, Yeah. Sharing a room with Marcio. But we can ride together.
Posted on: 8/21/2009 9:38 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9033254

RE: Asano exhausts
Going back to the original question, I've not seen the Asano exhausts advertised anywhere in the US in the last 4 or 5 years. Jon [quote]ORIGINAL: UKpatternflyer hi, Does anyone know who sells Asano exhausts in the US? Keith [/quote]
Posted on: 8/11/2009 8:20 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9007121

RE: O.S. 1.60 Cookbook Engine Issue
Jeff, Lets be sure we are talking about the same thing. A sealed bearing means rubber seals on both sides with a permanent lube. A shielded bearing means a bearing with metal shields over the races. They are not sealed at all. Even if a rubber seal fails, the particles will not hurt the engine. They may get the plug, but that is about it. I think either will work, but I've had good luck with rubber sealed bearings that I got from Boca Bearings. I changed to them in brand new engines since the stock rear bearings are such junk. I alternated between a gallon of pure synthetic fuel, then a gallon of synthetic/castor blend. That way I got some of the benefits of castor and it's high temp protection properties. Never had to change the needle when going between the two. Jon [quote]ORIGINAL: Jeff Boyd 2 [quote]ORIGINAL: NJRCFLYER2 1. Change both bearings. Normally the rear bearing is the culprit, but you may as well do both. Best bet is a stainless steel replacement for the main bearing, or a rubber sealed bearing as a 2nd choice. Rubber sealed will eventually wash out the grease inside and will generally not last as long as the SS. If using rubber sealed, best bet for an after run oil is plain old castor, to avoid damaging the seal. Some after run oils may damage the seal. Do not replace with the standard factory main bearing, unless you like changing bearings often. [/quote] Personally, I don't run bearings with both seals fitted. Did that a couple of times and had short bearing life, even with a Stainless. I think the main bearing may run too hot without the cooling effect of the fuel/oil vapour flowing through it . . my opinion only. I remove both seals on the main, and the leave the external seal in the front bearing (removing the seal facing in for lubrication). PS. l also had a main bearing seal come loose sending ''seal shavings'' through the engine. Cheers, JB [/quote]
Posted on: 8/4/2009 9:24 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8988788

RE: O.S. 1.60 Cookbook Engine Issue
Yep, that's it. Just try the 17x12W. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Much better pulling power and still good downlines. The engine likes the lighter weight also, and spools up and down faster. Put the two pieces of your broken crank together, and you will see the sharp edge that has to be radiused. Jon [quote]ORIGINAL: Jeff Boyd 2 [quote]ORIGINAL: jonlowe The stock crank
Posted on: 8/4/2009 9:15 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8988775

RE: Servos for Pattern
Take a look at this thread. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4269192/anchors_4275896/mpage_1/key_servos%252Cjon/anchor/tm.htm#4275896
Posted on: 8/3/2009 11:15 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8987962

RE: Servos for Pattern
Only Hitecs are programmable in sizes of servos we use. Generally, Hitec digitals have not had as good resolution, deadband, and centering as JR/Futaba. Hitec's had about 4 usecs of deadband, and JRs/Futabas about 1 or less. That is with the Hitecs programmed to the least amount of deadband. There are second generation Hitecs coming out, and I don't know about them, but they are just as expensive as JRs and Futabas. For pattern, the programming has little value. I haven't used Airtronics, so I can't talk about them. I use JR. DS9411sa's for aileron, DS3421sa's if I use split elevators, and DS8417 if I use a single servo, and a DS8611a on rudder. The DS8411sa has enough torque for rudder, but I've had issues with them oscillating around neutral on rudder. Never had an issue with a 8611a.
Posted on: 8/3/2009 7:41 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8987345

RE: O.S. 1.60 Cookbook Engine Issue
I'm running the CDI version. Cut my fuel use by about 40%. But the cost per gallon of fuel is about $8 more, and the economy still isn't what the OS 1.60 had. Frankly, since a YS plus a CDI kit is about $950, the cost to go electric becomes more attractive. Jon [quote]ORIGINAL: flywilly Jon, if you go electric does that mean you went over to the 'light' side?[:D] Are you running the stock or CDI version of the YS? The reports indicate that the CDI is very fuel efficient (enough to offset the additional cost). I'm going to wait until OS produces the 200AX ... or at least keep wishing (well, I'd really like a 200RX, but I just don't see that happening [:o]). -Will B. PS Thanks for your efforts in producing the 160 cookbook - VERY useful and a real time saver!! [/quote]
Posted on: 8/3/2009 7:26 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8987310

RE: O.S. 1.60 Cookbook Engine Issue
Is the tank considerably lower than in the other airplanes? Are you using a different fuel filter that may be more restrictive? Are you sure the o-ring on the bottom of the carb is sealing properly? [quote]ORIGINAL: RC11 Hi Jon, I have been running your Cookbook set up for a couple of years now with Great Success. I hate using starters and if I have to use one somthing is not right. I have a new VF3 with OS160 and VP30 with ES pipe. It will not pull fuel to the motor untill I choke it ( finger in the venturi at open throttle) for maybe forty revolutions. My other 160 and 140 will get my finger wet in five or six rotations. After I get fuel to the motor it performs great. Any thoughts please? Thanks much, Rick Cilles RC11 [/quote]
Posted on: 8/3/2009 7:22 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8987293

RE: O.S. 1.60 Cookbook Engine Issue
A couple of things I found since the articles were written: The biggest problems I hear about with this setup is that people don't follow it EXACTLY. [:@] As an example, people gloss over the part about presetting the idle mixture screw on the carb, and wonder why the engine immediately floods out at idle. Then they start screwing around with pump pressure. Follow the article exactly, and you won't have problems. Between runs, leave the carb in the fully closed/throttle cut position. This prevents fuel from siphoning into the carb and flooding the engine. The best prop I found to use with the 1.60 and a pattern plane was the APC 17x12W. These can be bought from Central Hobbies. Better throttle response, better verticals than any other prop I tried. The engine starts easiest by handcranking by backflipping it against compression. When cold, open the throttle fully with the glow clip detached, and choke the engine with your finger until your finger gets wet. Close the carb, and flip the prop a few times to distribute the fuel. Then attach the glow clip and backflip it to start. After the first start of the day, a single backflip should start the engine. After starting the engine, ALWAYS take it up to full throttle and hold it there for a few seconds BEFORE disconnecting the glow clip. This will prevent the engine quitting at throttle up. Helps burn oil off the plug and get it to full operating temperature. I started using Octura boat couplers in the 3/4" and 7/8" sizes. These were the the longest lasting I found. You MUST use them with a two coupler/extension setup as described in the addendum. You MUST support the pipe at the front end to prevent header breakages. The couplers are hard to find. Graves RC in Orlando sometimes has them. Octura doesn't seem to have a web presence at all, and not even a phone number! The pump is almost NEVER the cause of problems, and I rarely changed the pump pressure from the factory setting. If you have problems, look elsewhere. I never had a pump fail. I tried a couple of different carbs with the engine, and got increased RPMs, around 200 to 300. The old OS .61 ABC RFP carb works well, as does the OS 1.40 RX carb. You have to drill and tap them for the screws to hold them onto the engine. The stock crank can and will break at the rear of the intake port window from a sharp machining edge. I radiused the sharp corner with a Dremel and polished it. I had three break in one year using an APC 18.1x10W. All three had exactly the same failure, and the pieces were so matched they would almost intechange with each other. I started radiusing the port after that, and stopped using that prop at the same time, and had no further failures. The 18.1x10W is a heavy prop, which I think exacerbated the problem. The 17x12W turns out to be a better match for the engine anyway. It turns out that with the pump, you can use normal medium fuel line. The large line is only needed with unpumped 1.60s using exhaust pressure. I finally went over to the darkside late last year and bought YS's. The OS is good up thru about advanced, but the YS 1.70 has insane power that helps in Masters, and with todays very fat and draggy airplanes. The YS also spools up and down quicker. It also has a prodigious appetite for 30% heli fuel. I now budget more per month for fuel than I do gas for my car! Since I went to the 1.70, electric prices have gotten more reasonable, and frankly are probably cheaper to change to at this point. But stick with the OS 1.60 in lower classes as it is still the best bang for the buck out there.
Posted on: 8/3/2009 11:46 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8986131

RE: O.S. 1.60 Cookbook Engine Issue
Here it is, with the addendum. Be sure to read both parts. Right click the attachement here, select "Save as" and CHANGE THE FILE NAME EXTENSION from .txt to .pdf.
Posted on: 8/3/2009 11:03 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8986013

RE: New Poll on NSRCA Website about 2010 Nats Location
Given the current security posture of every major military installation in the US, it is highly unlikely we will see a military base host anything like the NATS in the near future. It can be difficult to get US citizens with business on the installation in the gate, much less an average US citizen, or a foreign national. Here in Alabama, security concerns on Redstone Arsenal killed a major bypass that would have passed thru the arsenal. The bypass had previously been approved by the Army, but post 9/11 concerns caused a relook, and it killed the project, to the dismay of virtually everyone, to include the Army.
Posted on: 7/31/2009 1:25 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8979076

RE: P-11 Figure M
OMG, Jason's gone PC! [:D]
Posted on: 7/27/2009 8:54 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8969035

RE: USA AMA NSRCA Pattern Nats Muncie Indiana
Ahem! Posed picture, NOT while judging!
Posted on: 7/27/2009 8:51 PM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8969027

RE: P-11 Figure M
Dave, Don Szczur was at our field after the Nats last week, and I watched him doing this manuever. It is very asymmetrical, and will be hard to judge with the different length rolling elements in the same maneuver. It just "looks" wrong. And it is very difficult to do this with the following reverse cuban and stay within a 150 meter box without both maneuvers looking rushed. I'm thinking more and more that FAI will always require a separate "zero" judge to determine if the correct maneuver is done and let the regular judges concentrate on the elements. Trying to remember which leg has the 3 of 4 vs 3/4 vs 1/4 will get very difficult. I predict that many zero figure M's will be flown and still get scored. I think Don hit on something by stalling into center on the second stall if the wind conditions will allow it. Will give slightly more room. Of course ALL of you FAI pilots always do perfect stall turns never more than 1/2 wingspan wide! ;) Jon [quote]ORIGINAL: DaveL322 Jon, Before answering, Am I the only one not thrilled with the ever increasing amount of assymetry in the F3A maneuvers? Where is the balance and symmetry of the legs of the M when the rolling elements are 3 of 4 pt up, 1/4 roll down, 1/4 roll up, and 3/4 roll down? (snip) Dave [/quote]
Posted on: 7/27/2009 8:46 AM by Author "jonlowe" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8967241