RE: How to handle the guys with flawed plans?
Thanks for the great post Steve. (the long one a few posts back) I wish there were many more like you in the hobby. Teaching anything requires certain qualities which you talk about. That is, if you were teaching me. Someone else may need a different style and approach. I also play guitar and golf. I never took formal lessons in either of these fields either but I have learned from others. Some are able to help me and others aren't. Sometimes its me, sometimes its them. Someone mentioned how only one out of (however many) stick around and its just like that with other hobbies too. If we really want it enough, we will figure out the path.
Posted on: 6/24/2012 6:31 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11129641

RE: How to handle the guys with flawed plans?
Im self taught also. It was hard though. I actually gave up back in the late 80's and took it up again few years ago with the Sim. That made the difference. I found a club now and belong to ama. Fortunately, my club has only 7 members and I have only ever seen 2 of them. I fly 5 times a week and haven't lost a plane since. I have visited busy clubs and think they suck. How could someone learn to fly around 20 guys waiting around to fly and find out you have to pass all these tests and rules and all that sort of stuff. Pretty intimidating I would think!!! No wonder people go find a place where they can privately make some learning mistakes and figure it out on thier own. Most of us are grown men with self pride and don't want to prove anything to anybody, just want to fly this here model airplane that interests them. The thing is though, you need alot more room than I thought you would. I joined my club and this good ol boy met me there to get my ama info and collect the fee. He asked if I needed help and I fired up 2 new planes that I built and maidened them and trimmed them out right in front of him so he would trust me with the place. All went well and he stopped by and give me a key for the mowers. Hes cool and I hang with him at times, but I don't have to. I have been to clubs where nobody will give you any info about how to join or anything. They make you feel like you are not welcome. In my entire 51 years, I have been wanted everywhere I go and have always been the popular guy that everyone wanted to run with. Not in this hobby. Lots of rude and strange people. Not all, but many. I have had bad experiences here on this website also where guys are saying real childish crude stuff about my questions and responding with attacks on my character about how i couldn't possibly have children and that I don't know where the sticky part of a diaper is and stuff. I don't even understand what these weirdos are trying to say, I guess its a joke at my expense but I don't even get the punchlines. When I was in middle school, I didn't have any problems, so I guess I just not informed on these matters? This is a strange thread with long answers, but here is my short response to OP: If you assume that a mans plans are flawed because they don't match yours, teaching might not be something that will satisfy you for long. On the other hand though, that surely doesn't mean that you aren't right!!!!!
Posted on: 6/22/2012 6:04 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11128267

RE: Castor Oil
I use the Klotz Benol castor oil. Made just for 2 cycle engines and works great. Available for good price and shipping online at either Advantage Hobby or Tower hobby. Local hobby store as well. I usually use the fuels that are mixed with Klotz oils at the factory, so I am basically just adding more of something that is already there. I also have the Klotz kl200 which is a 80/20 mix of synthetic and castor. This also blends with either gas or alcohol, but I use this kl200 stuff in my gas engines (buggy, chainsaw, leafblower and weedwhacker). They also have (synthetic only) oil for sleds with powervalves. I like all of the products and use them all. They are all red and all smell good. Remind me of racing mx when I was a young buck. Of course, only those guys BEHIND me could enjoy the smell!!! LOL. Back then there was this stuff called Castrol R that was "bean oil" and it smelled good too. They say the sense of smell is tied to memories more than our other senses? Maybe so, thats why I bring it up.
Posted on: 6/18/2012 6:56 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11122246

RE: 25FX tuning problem?
The motor is mounted upright. It did not run good. I ran it more today and allowed it to rev alot more than the first break in runs. It runs very well now that I have the low end needle adjusted in far enough. I would have never considered flying the plane anytime before about the tenth adjustment. It was unreliablke and unacceptable for flight. Will It continue to run well, I don't know. It took 12 adjustments of 30 degrees each from as received to get there. I think that is strange. Other motors of the same brand have not given me an experience like this. The literature from the manufacturer leads me to believe that this would be unusual. I think there is something wrong and it probably has something to do with the low end needle valve. I'm going to call the manufacturer and find out. I thank the people here who gave some useful advice and apologize for a crude remark. I was/am frustrated and felt alot of the comments given were very condescending. I'm sure I was wrong. Thanks again.
Posted on: 6/8/2012 7:44 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111870

RE: 25FX tuning problem?
[quote]ORIGINAL: RC MANIAC119 [quote]ORIGINAL: mikeh251 Ha ha, I really like your post and I agree with you!!! When was the last time you took 10 minutes to set up someones carb and handed it back to them after turning in the low end in 360 degrees? and the main at a little more than a half a turn out from closed? And, if so, did it happen to be an OS 25FX? Thats all my question is. all
Posted on: 6/8/2012 4:03 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111666

RE: 25FX tuning problem?
Ha ha, I really like your post and I agree with you!!! I really am not normally one of those guys though. Seriously, I never touch my carbs once they are set. If it needs more than 2 clicks either way on the main, I know it is something else that is wrong. I fly several times a week and have not had to ever adjust any of the motors I mentioned. No deadsticks, no problems. I keep records of where the needles are set when I get the motor broke in just in case I may need to know, thats how I know where they are all at. As for the oil, just following the OS instructions for break in procedure. I did everything by their book and am curious as to why this motor needs to be set so far away from normal? With everything, including fuel, normal? It took a long time and all of the tests (done like you suggest, one thing at a time) for me to get to where it is. I couldn't believe that the low end could possibly need to be turned in by 360 degrees and kept trying other things. All the other motors only need a little 1/8 turn, or none at all. When was the last time you took 10 minutes to set up someones carb and handed it back to them after turning in the low end in 360 degrees? and the main at a little more than a half a turn out from closed? And, if so, did it happen to be an OS 25FX? Thats all my question is. all the other stuff is simply posted for someone who was maybe considering posting something I have already done.
Posted on: 6/8/2012 5:59 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111092

25FX need help
Hey combat guys, I understand that this is where I might find some users of the OS FX 25. I posted a detailed post in Questions and Answers section. If you have one of these, or have used one, please go to that post and see if you can help. LSS I had to take low end all the way from 1-1/2 out to 3/4 out, may be even less. Main is 3/4-7/8 turn out. Never had to go so far from start point before with any other os motors..
Posted on: 6/8/2012 4:09 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "RC Combat"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110999

RE: 25FX tuning problem?
I have had the fuel tank everywhere from underneath the plane to up on top of the plane. More than one tank, too. And, of course also in the normal spot of inside the plane where it now is. I have flown this plane and tank many times with the 25la motor. Main needle on that was about 1-1/4 out. Never touched low end on that particular motor. Just swapped out the la for a new FX. Cant understand why I had to move the needles so far away from starting points.
Posted on: 6/8/2012 4:00 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110992

25FX tuning problem?
I have several OS engines (25LA, 40SF, two 46AX's, 55AX) and now, a 25FX. I have never had any problems breaking in and tuning any of them until now. I have it running good now, but the thing that I don't understand is why I have ended up with both needles at only about 3/4 turn out? The book says the low end should start at 1and 1/2 turns out. I am all the way down to 3/4 turn out and it may need a little less! The main is at 3/4 to 7/8 turn out. All my other motors vary from 1and 1/4 out to almost 2 turns out. The other motors only ever needed a slight twist one way or the other for the low end. I have tried new plugs, fuel tanks, fuels, tank locations, props, spinners etc. I finally got it to run by going way beyond what I consider to be normal carb leaning. Anyone out there have any 25FX and if so, where abouts are your settings at? I am using Omega 10% nitro with has a castor/syn mix. 6oz tank 9x5 apc prop and 2" plastic spinner. I think it is collecting fuel in crankcase at idle making it rich in transition? Or its getting in from muffler? I notice it runs in reverse more often that not on startup. My other motors usually run backwards also, but only when cold and a full tank and primed. Once warmed up they rarely do it. Would removing the baffle help if this is the case? My next test is to start all over with run in as I noticed that this motor revs much higher than my others. I can let it sream for 15 seconds and lay my hand right on the motor/muffler whatever. Its not even hot at all. So now i'm going to make more extra castor fuel and go thru run in procedure again but this time let it sing some more. Maybe I was over cautious the first time? Then I'll go back to the regular fuel and see if the settings are still so out of whack. Or, are they really?
Posted on: 6/7/2012 8:05 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110759

RE: Prop Bitten
good thread. I broke 2 ribs (in my chest, not a wing!!) today when I was out working a motor on a bench outdoors. One knee gave out and i spun, hopped a couple steps trying to save a fall (to no avail just picked up more speed) and hit the corner of a cement block with my right rear ribcage. Didn't fall very close to the motor and the motor was not running. But, these experiences here and mine today remind me of another important issue and that is some of the tools we use. I didnt mention, but the knee that gave out was the one on my prosthetic leg which can happen time to time. One day years ago I had a similar instance where I left a grinding wheel running and walked across the shop to get something. When I returned, I caught a extension cord with this foot and did the same hopping around thing until I went hands first right into the grinder. I was lucky and all of my damage healed but left some scars for reminder to be careful of tools. But todays event made me think back and was thankful I didn't fall into a spinning prop. I need to review my work areas, tools, equipment and procedures for safety in all aspects of this hobby. My ribs hurt like hell and I am getting too old for quick healing. I often work and fly alone and need to be double safe and have a plan for emergency. Ressurecting the thread on the day of my new injury has me thinking. OP: I don't believe any of us deserve any injuries, but they can and do occur. Most could be avoided though.
Posted on: 6/3/2012 5:39 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11104564

RE: Fuel Issues
Pull the tank out of the plane and replace all of the fuel lines. I would say that 90% of carb problems are fuel tank/line problems. It only takes a pinhole in a fuel line to mess things up. Check after each "hard landing" also. I only use 2 line tanks so can't comment on that part of your problem. If you cant get fuel to easily come to the carb inlet, there is no sense in even trying to start the motor. Blow into the line that goes to exhaust and fuel should rush out of the line that goes to carb. If not, fix this before trying to start the motor.
Posted on: 6/3/2012 4:50 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11104531

RE: Big stick 60 wing failure
Was flying a rebuilt PT20 couple weeks ago and the wing popped off way up high!!! Lawn dart to the max but the wing just kept rolling over and over as it slowly fluttered to the ground. Must have had good lateral balance as it fell 100 feet and rolled 50 times without ever changing course. Anyhow, the fuse was pretty beat up but I rebuilt it. needed firewall repair, vertical stab and a new rudder as well. The wing initially looked like it broke at the rear area where the 2 wing hold down bolts are. however, when I looked closer when repairing it, I saw that the front dowel was loose also. I really believe that the front let go before the rear. All is repaired now. Just thought I would mention a similar case where I am pretty confident that the front failed before the rear. I believe that is probably what happenened to your plane too. Sorry to hear about the excessive damage you saw with the motor and all that. Your fuse looks pretty bad too. I bashed my pt20 trainer kit quite a bit, so it is alot more like a stik than a trainer, so I know your attachment and feel your pain. Hope you can get her up and going again!!!!
Posted on: 6/2/2012 6:37 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11104174

RE: Lost My MUS in the Sun~~~Whoops!
Just my opinion, but there isn't very much damage to your plane. I have had crashes where I set the plane out of sight in the back of the basement thinking it was good for nothing but miscellaneous parts. When I looked at them a month later, they didn't seem so bad and I got the energy to spend a couple hours and rebuild them. There is alot of satisfaction in bringing a lost and lonely airplane back to life. Yours looks like one of those, to me. Hang a cheap little glow motor up front and you can join the conversion club, as well!!!!
Posted on: 6/1/2012 2:42 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102944

RE: BigStik
I dont have any planes that aren't taildraggers.
Posted on: 5/28/2012 12:59 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11097000

RE: Engine choice?
I also have the 55ax in my sse. Great combination.
Posted on: 5/25/2012 4:40 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11094112

RE: Sig Kavalier build
Very nice!!! Good looking covering and good looking construction as well. I like it!!!
Posted on: 5/25/2012 4:35 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11094107

RE: Performance of hitec hs81 servos
I took my airplane down from the rafters and see that I do have the servo mounted in the direction where it can rock back and forth. I set up the epa so that there is no binding, getting good full motion to fully open and close throtttle to idle (at zero trim). Kill button fully closes barrel and servo is not strained during any of these extremes of wot and kill button. the linkage is very smooth and straight and doesn't require much force to operate. The servo does not rock or move at all (even though I am not crazy about the sideways placement of the 2 bolt unit). Now, I notice that the servo is working very well with no bad behaviors noticed. The only thing is, the battery is no where near fully charged. I have a 5 cell nimh pack. I will be back to report if the servo behaves strangely with a fresh higher voltage charge, as that is one variable left to look at and report. Thanks for the help.
Posted on: 5/25/2012 4:21 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11094094

RE: Performance of hitec hs81 servos
Wait a minute, I am NOT sure about the mounting of the throttle servo now that I think about it. I will check it out and charge everything and report how it is mounted and more about how it is working. May take a day or two.
Posted on: 5/21/2012 2:07 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11089236

RE: Performance of hitec hs81 servos
I have the servos all mounted longitudinally. it's hard to describe the problem in words that I am seeing with the 6 volt throttle servo. Its very noisy and does not seem to consistently move at the same speed. It does seem to stop at the right spots all of the time, but its like, I don't know, watching it and listening to it I am expecting it to start smoking or burst into flames at any moment. Its like it wants to go really super fast or something and then it just seems slow and all the while it rattle and buzzes. I have tried others and they all act crazy unmounted. I thought securing it to the tray would settle them down and mouted one, but it is crazy when installed also.
Posted on: 5/21/2012 2:01 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11089233

RE: Radio performance
i do exactly as RSVFR said.
Posted on: 5/21/2012 1:46 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11089200

RE: Performance of hitec hs81 servos
I think I will just buy one mini servo of another kind to replace the 6 volt throttle servo. i can then do some comparisons. The kits that I built (Sig Ep20) did show photos in the manual of them using the 81's that I have been using. I know many swear by the more expensive models of Hitec mini servos. I did go out and buy more of the 81 model after using them once. I only got real concerned after the 6volt issue. The model I selected was the bargain!!! May need to upgrade in future to a little more expensive mini servo. I know the 3010 Futaba seems better than the 3004 Futaba. Probably the same with the hitec. Sometimes you get what you pay for!
Posted on: 5/21/2012 3:50 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11088503

RE: Performance of hitec hs81 servos
I have also had many successful flights with the fourstars at 4.8 volts (up in the sky where I can't hear them complain). Hope this continues!!! I am afraid of using the one I have in my Somethin Extra at 6 volts though. Its just so wierd at 6 volts. Maybe I can slow down the movement of throttle channel on Futaba 6ex and it will settle down? Like some expo maybe? I read alot where folks recommend various Hitec servos, so far I am not sold on them. I have 11 of these and they are the only non standard servos I have. These 81 are the only hitec servos I have. I have 4 3010, 10 s148, 20 3004 standard size Futaba servos. I trust them all, but some make noises if they are overloaded. I would like to try Futaba mini servos but they are of different size than the hitecs I have. But maybe all mini servos are finicky andand I don't know I just don't feel good about them. Anyone tried mini Futabas out there? Cause I already tested the hitecs. they do fly my planes but I dont think I like them. Or maybe I just don't know mini servos, thats the purpose of my post, I guess. Maybe the 6volt problem has me unnecessarily worried about the other servos but I would like some comparison experiences from others so I can make some decisions about what to do.
Posted on: 5/20/2012 5:28 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11088115

Performance of hitec hs81 servos
I'm not real comfortable with the performance of these servos. I am using one as a throttle servo at 6volts and it just does not sound or act like it likes the extra voltage. I have others in Sig ep20's which are a 2-1/2 lb. fourstars. These are 4.8 volts. I don't experience the same problem with these. But I am concerned about how much noise and complaining these things do even at 4.8 volts. All of my surfaces move freely beyond the amount of travel I have set up. I am afraid to run hi rates on these just because I don't trust these servos just because of the way they behave. I have had some of my standard Futaba servos make a little noise here and there, but nothing that worries me. Has anyone else used these and are they safe? Are the 3117 Futabas better?
Posted on: 5/20/2012 5:58 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11087520

RE: Hobby Lobby Telemaster 40!
Looks like a good choice to me!!! How old is your daughter? Good luck with the project. the biggest hurdle you face is how to handle yourself and knowing when to "give advice" and when to back off. But you already said that!!! Keep us posted.
Posted on: 5/19/2012 6:51 PM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11087208

RE: Building music.
I like the storytellersAmericanna music is the genre I suppose. Chris Knight is a great example. Ray Wylie Hubbard and Robert Earle Keen from the Texas music scene are awesome also. Some old Kristofferson is always a treat. But if I were stranded on an island and could only have 3 records they would be Nazereth Hair of the Dog, Golden Earring Moontan and Elton John Goodbye Yellow brick road. But that reminds me, if I were stranded, maybe I should choose more than one DOUBLE album! Like Live Bullet Bob seger!!! But nobody asked anyhow lol. Keep on buildin people, the projects are all lookin good, and keep your shop sounding good also!!!
Posted on: 5/18/2012 3:40 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11085401

RE: Bridi Loadstar 40 vs Goldberg Eagle 2
is Bridi still making kits?
Posted on: 5/18/2012 3:21 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11085387

RE: Small tuning issue
did this guy ever fix this thing????????
Posted on: 5/18/2012 2:48 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11085376

RE: Drill press stand?
There are drill press stands for holding Dremel tools also. This may be for smaller scale than you are looking for, but it looks like a nice addition for a modellers workshop.
Posted on: 5/12/2012 6:24 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11077890

RE: Conversion to Glow
If you have to ask... ... ...
Posted on: 5/7/2012 6:19 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Electrics to Glow Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11071346

RE: Small tuning issue
It would probably be best to take the motor out of the plane and run it on a test stand known to work with the stock muffler and a good tank at the proper height. Then you eliminate alot of variables and can determine the real cause of the problem. I know its alot of work, but it is worth the effort.
Posted on: 5/6/2012 5:30 AM by Author "mikeh251" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11070140