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RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Your covering job looks really nice Bill. I only wih I could cover with film instead of cloth, but I usually mess up the curves whenever I use film. Keep up the nice work. Here are a couple of pics taken at our Canada Day Fun FLy July 1st. 2012 Mike
Posted on: 7/8/2012 8:52 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11147464
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Bill. There are no Dumb Questions, except the questions that don't get asked. Here is a link to coverite pre-painted fabric. I have not ever used this, but some of my friends use it and it looks great. I prefer to use Koverall from Sig because I'm cheep (Just careful really) and I have finally exhausted my stock of Coverite super-shrink fabric. Anyhow, Thats enough about me, here is the link http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0091P?&P=SM&C=QAB&V=COV I hope that this helps All the best Mike
Posted on: 7/5/2012 12:53 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11144243
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Guys Using cloth covering is very easy. When ready to cover, the surfaces to be covered are prepped with Balsarite or Sig StixIt. The heat from the iron or gun will activate the Balsarite and stick the cloth to the wood. I have always found that cloth coverings shrink better than film, are more heat tolerant, and can be pulled around corners and wing tips using high heat and without tearing or wrinkling. I have seen many beautiful film covered planes, but they certainly didn’t belong to me. I don’t have whatever it takes to cover nicely with film, but I’m OK with cloth. Having said all this, Cloth covered planes are heavier because they have to be primed or doped and painted and maybe even clear coated. Remember, this is just My Opinion, Monocoat is .2 oz./ft² and Coverite 21st. Century Fabric is .34 oz/ft². Sig Koverall is 1¼ oz./yd² (.14 oz/ft²) Don’t’ be afraid to use cloth covering, It is a bit of extra work and painting, but really easy to use. All the best Mike
Posted on: 7/5/2012 5:04 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11143610
Futaba 7C Lost binding
Hi, I have Futaba 7C that I operate along with 5 of my 617 receivers. I have had this radio for about 5 years and I have been very satisfied with it. Last week, upon leaving the field, I left the transmitter on and when I checked my batteries that night; I found that the transmitter was dead. I simply changed the battery and all seemed to be OK until I arrived at the field the next day. [b]There I discovered that my transmitter had lost it’s binding to my receivers[/b]. This was not a big deal in itself, as I quickly re-bound the receivers and was flying again. My question is, was a recall or notice about a glitch like this issued in the past, because I have removed the battery before and have never lost the binding? Mike
Posted on: 6/25/2012 6:50 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11130841
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Hi Borresen, Your Super Decathlon looks beautiful. Congratulations!! [:D] Making stars is not difficult. I was at first very intimidated until I figured out how to do it the easy way. My SD is covered with Super Coverite fabric, spray painted with yellow latex, The black stripes were sprayed on with black acrylic. The stars were printed with a laser printer on to a sheet of clear labels from Avery No. 15665. The stars were first formatted in MS Word, Insert, Shapes, Stars and Banners. Pick a star, adjust the size, copy and paste a whole page of the various sizes that you need, then print it on the Avery sheet in the color that you want. Cut out the stars with a sharp blade, peel off the back and stick them on. I sprayed clear coat over everything when I finished. I hope that this helps,
Posted on: 6/18/2012 5:29 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11122964
RE: Need help spraying clear coat on Latex.
I have been painting my planes with latex for a few years now (over Super Coverite) and clear coating with a 2 part automotive clear that was costing about $75.00 for a quart with hardener. I have just finished an Eclipse 50 by AMR and I am about to clear coat with Duplicolor clear, I know it will stink but it is only “One Part� and a quart cost me $25.00. I hope that it will turn out OK. I thin my latex paint with cheap blue (No Silicone) windshield washer fluid and also I add “FlowTrol� to the mix. It is supposed to make the paint spray better. All the best Mike
Posted on: 6/2/2012 1:45 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11103969
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
futabaflyer83 You should use a separate battery for your electronic ignition. There should never be any electrical connections between the receiver and the ignition system. This is just good practice. As far as using Lipos and regulators, I don't see the need, as most electronic ignition systems will operate very well on a 4 cell NiMh or nicad pack, however it should be at least rated for 1800 Mah. I hope this helps you, but please remember, it is only my OPINION, and opinions are like rectums, everyone has one �
Posted on: 5/24/2012 12:52 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11093326
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
do335a I have always seen the need to be able to stop the engine, in the air (in case of a runawayengine/jammed throttle) or on the bench. Ya never know when someone will flip your prop just for fun or whatever. There are other ways to actuate a switch to kill the ignition, like using a wheel collar or servo arm on the throttle push rod to actuate the switch in the throttle off position. I have seen this used where a spare channel was not available, but I don’t like this arrangement for me. Another concern of mine is that only plastic (non conducting) push rods should be used for throttle or ignition switches and the receiver and all its servos, batteries and wires should be kept as far away from the engine and ignition as possible. Just IMHO. BTW, I just finished weighing my Super D with an electronic fish scale, and previously I figured that it was in the 20 - 22 lbs range but it turns out to be 18-3/4 lbs. Still a heavy old bird, by she flies well with the Quadra 42 and a 18-10 prop
Posted on: 5/24/2012 11:19 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11093225
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
To futabaflyer83 Using a choke and servo to act as a kill switch is kinda OK[&:], but I think that it is better [;)] to use an opto kill or a servo/micro switch setup that will cause the ignition to cease. I have a Quadra 42 with magneto ignition in my Super Decathlon and I have a servo actuated micro switch + a fuselage mounted switch wired in parallel so that either can ground the coil and kill the ignition. I have a similar setup but wired in series with battery supply to the electronic ignition box of my Velox. I have an opto kill switch in my Ellipse 50. What is the "BEST" setup?? To me it is the setup that will reliably cause the engine to stop, whether on the ground or in the air. I hope that this helps, and does not create too much confusion. I was flying this AM with my Velox and Super Decathlon. This was the first time for me this year with the Super D. When you bring them home in “One Piece� you have had a good day[:D] Have fun with yours, All the best Mike
Posted on: 5/24/2012 9:14 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11093078
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
It is! What it is!. You are correct, it could have been made much lighter, but I aint gonna change it now. I will enjoy it till the end. [8D] All the best Mike
Posted on: 10/24/2011 7:38 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10779956
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Thanks Flyrcboy[:D]. The engine that I use is a Quadra 42. The plane is heavy and flys like a real airplane. I found out yesterday that you should not lift off too early and climb at a high angle of attack untill adequate air speed is achieved. I nearly lost control as is began to stall. I am still getting used to it. I did a very nice loop and a couple of rolls and it performed well. However you need to be 3 mistakes high when rolling. All the best Mike
Posted on: 10/24/2011 7:00 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10779914
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Here are some pics of my Super Decathlon. I had it up for two more sucessfull flights today. The second take-off almost failed. I beleive that the plane was stalling as I pulled it up too early. I had alot of room but this plane is heavy, about 20-21 lbs. Anyhow, I got it back here at the house in one piece. All the best Mike
Posted on: 10/23/2011 7:02 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10779341
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Today was a "BANNER DAY". My Dynaflite Super Decathlon had its maiden flight. It flew like a dream, but on final, I throttled back too much and finished with a successful Dead Stick landing. My knees were shaking for an hour after. I'll be trying this again soon :) When I balanced this airplane, I had to put a couple of ounces of lead on the tail, event hough I thought it would be tail heavy considering the heavy wood that was used in the tail. However, I do have an old Quadra 42 up in the nose, and it is a real heavy engine but a lot of power. The airplane weighs 19 or 20 lbs.
Posted on: 10/9/2011 11:08 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10756309
RE: Pica 1/5 scale Mustang P-51 Building Instructions
Send me a PM Alan cuz I think that I have a spare copy. I'd like to know what you are going to power this Bad Boy with. Mine had a Quadra 42 in it but it will be changed out for a Billelli 46. More power and lighter than the Q42. Mike
Posted on: 1/25/2011 6:43 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10288575
RE: Chinese Hobby Shops.
The game has really changed. We live in a small town, and a small island province and we have only one small LHS and it is 800 Km from where I live. Over the years I have dealt with Tower in the USA, and Great Hobbies here in Canada, only because I did not have any other choices. For the past several years I have been dealing with the Chinese and the service is very good. Today I received a parcel from Hobby King in Hong Kong that was posted to me on Nov. 27/10, 5 days ago. Now that is service. I do not love all of their merchandise, but most of what I buy; I research carefully, read all of the reviews and hope for the best. I have 3 Chinese gas engines, all with RCXel ignition and they run very well. I have also tried out many of their wood props and I like them too.. Yes the game has changed, and I live it. I still buy from Tower and Great Hobbies, but more and more from Hobby King. All the best Mike
Posted on: 12/2/2010 7:35 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10172967
RE: Whats the best type bit to drill through balsa blocks?
You can get a set of Forstner Bits form Harbour Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-3-8-eighth-inch-shank-1-4-quarter-inch-to-1-inch-titanium-nitride-coated-forstner-bit-set-1903.html) for $9.99. I used mine yesterday to drill some 1/2 in. holes in 1/8 balsa sheeting. I used the drill on high speed and a very slow feed as the balsa was unsupported (wing skin There is always more than one way to solve a problem Mike
Posted on: 11/24/2010 10:45 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10158014
RE: AMR Kits
Thanks Everyone, for your positive replies. Santa's mailman came to the door a few days ago with a large box with instructions to "PUT IT AWAY, IT GOES UNDER THE TREE" [:D] I had a quick peek and the label on the box said "AMR Eclipse 50" and inside I think that I saw another box that said "DLE55" [X(][:D][:)] Its going to be a good Christmas. Thanks again [:D] Mike
Posted on: 11/21/2010 9:21 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10149158
AMR Kits
Has anyone here ever built a kit made by [b]AMR[/b] (Aircraft Modellers Research)? They have some large and very large kits? Just wondering?? Mike
Posted on: 11/20/2010 9:38 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10147257
RE: Fuji 50 Ei Timing
Thanks w8ye, We adjusted the timing and after quite a few tries and finally success, we modified the hall effect bracket (with a Dremel and a burr) so that the sensor lined up with the magnet. We managed to get the timing to 30° BTDC and the engine now starts well and runs like a champ. Thanks again Mike
Posted on: 9/1/2010 10:56 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9973817
Fuji 50 Ei Timing
Hi All; Tonight we checked the timing of a Fuji 50 EI and found it to be 45* BTDC. This engine has always been hard to start. In the past the owner changed the ignition to a CH RCXEL because of the terrible RFI. Does anyone know what the correct timing should be. Most engines are between 28* and 32* All the best Mike
Posted on: 8/27/2010 10:10 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9964499
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Hi Poorboy, You refer to Balsa USA in your posts. This forum is mostly Dynaflite SuperDecathlons. Having said that, I just measured my Dynaflite strut material and they are 1/4 in X 13/16 in/ 28 in. They can be purchased from Dynaflite at the following link. http://www.dynaflite.com/parts/dyfa3035pl.html and listed under the BASSWOOD STICKS B, Part No. PA18W26. DO335A When the wife leaves for Maui and if Santa has been good to me (New Spindle sander) I should have the tips finished fairly fast... However for me that could be several weeks or months LOL> All the best Mike
Posted on: 12/13/2009 5:40 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9327835
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Ray, 32C is seldom seen here, even in the summer. Today it was -5C and the wind was at 25mph. Yes we have a little snow, but nothing compared to Montreal, Ottawa, or St. John's. As for the mechanical assist in doing the wing tips, I have a disk/belt sander that I like a lot, and I askedSanta for a new oscillating spindle sander. So, after the holidays, and when the good wife has gone to Maui, I'll hook up the new tool to the vacuum system in the shop and "git her done". The leading edges I'm doing by hand, with a series of planes and a sanding bar. This kind of hand shaping, (leading edges and wing tips) always makes me anxious, cuz I dont want to mess it up. Once I get into it, things usually go OK. All the best Mike
Posted on: 12/10/2009 11:16 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9320866
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Thanks for that Ray, I have often talked to guys who dont want to cut large enough air outlets. They sometimes get away with it mainly because ambient temps here are relatively low Mike
Posted on: 12/10/2009 10:47 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9320760
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Hi All, I'm still plugging away at my wings, sanding the leading edges and making a mess in my shop. I think that I will wait to do the wing tips after the holidays, cuz in January the Secretary of War will be going to Maui with the kids and grand kids for a month. As a general rule, these small air-cooled engines, gassers and glow engines can suffer overheating without enough air flow; so I try to make the air exits from the cowl three times larger than the area of the air intakes. This is assuming that the combustion air is being drawn into the carb from outside the cowl [sm=wink_smile.gif] All the best Mike
Posted on: 12/10/2009 10:30 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9320704
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
Congrats to Warbird2 and dumorian on the successful maiden flights of their decathlon and Stinson aircraft. Congrats also on the success of the dead stick landings.. "One piece landings are always a bonus" I will tell you both that I have used the Walbro carb tune up guide that dumorian refers to in one of the above posts and I highly recommend it. For gassers I have a Zenoah 23, a Quadra 42, a Brillelli 46, and 2 FTL 26's. All have Walbro carbs and except for the Brillelli,(Have not run it yet, still NIB) this tune up guide is excellent. Congrats again fellows. All the best Mike
Posted on: 11/23/2009 11:21 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9276170
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
I also find the parts fit pretty well. However I am always nervous about the wing tips and the leading edge. Its the same anxious feeling with every kit. All that sanding, and a guy could still screw it up. With this kit, I will use my combi disc/belt sander to shape the tips. I have used this before and it works well How about posting some pics Ray Mike
Posted on: 11/21/2009 9:27 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9269621
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
What a nice thought that you have there Ray. However, I have been making wine for my own consumption for more than 10 years, and I can never really get ahead. I like to have about 200-300 bottles in the cellar all the time, but it is hard. If you looked carefully at the last pic, you would have noticed by looking through the window, our vines in the field outside. I took this pic last summer and I must tell you that the cellar is not really a cellar, but a room in the east tower of our chateaux. Beyond our field, is the neighbour's chateaux. Hanging in the center of the window you can see my Tasse de dégustation, or what some call , a wine samlper's cup. Now Ray, let me confess before I get struck down with lightening for LYING. I dont have a chateaux or any vines. That view is a painting on the wall in the room in the basement that I call my cellar. It is where I ferment from wine juice consentrate, and bottle. my wine. The Tasse de dégustation. is a genuine one, made of pewter that was a gift from one of my sons. And Yes, I like to keep 200 to300 bottles as I drink about 2/3 of a bottle per day. [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]
Posted on: 11/21/2009 12:26 AM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9269171
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
I guess I'll have to start practicing cuz flying with one wing low makes approaches kind of crooked :)
Posted on: 11/20/2009 11:11 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9269047
RE: Building a Dynaflite Super Decathlon
I hope to have mine completed by spring. Started on the second wing-half but you will notice in the pics a stain on the first wing-half. Its red wine. I spilled a glass of it while admiring my work. You see, I make wine and that means that I must taste it , (strictly forquality control purposes). I just finished bottling 69 litres (100 bottles). My wine cellar is a room next to my shop. Anyhow, here are some pics All the best Mike
Posted on: 11/20/2009 10:01 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268871
RE: Dynaflite SE5A / S.E. 5A / SE-5 / SE-5A / Build
Beautiful looking airplane, congratulations Alfred, on a great job. I had my old girl out for a few circuits last weekend. It is very much hit or miss as far as the weather here goes from now until April, but today would have been great but we were not ready. Oh well! building season is here and I have started aSuper Decathlon (Dynaflite). Good luck and happy landings with your maiden flite. All the best Mike
Posted on: 11/20/2009 8:05 PM by Author "mikem99"
in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268586
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