RE: New Twin Commanche ARF
[quote]ORIGINAL: Quigleywins Today I only did a little on the Commanche ,I looked at what Nick did to get the nose gear in place and thought instead of cutting the front out I could use a chissle to split the ply that the mechanical retracts sit on. Now I removed about 3/4 of the block this way as it splits like cheap ply does. Now I think with a little work I can also place that plate under the block to mount the gear to.I will need to make the gap in the centre wider so the under side of the E fite retract can clear. All is looking good thanks to Nick and Craig.I'll be away this week end so no more work till Monday night. [/quote] You're very welcome Q. I'm glad you had success chipping out the block, but don't be afraid to cut into the model if you have to. No one will see the mod, and as long as you properly add back the reinforcement, the airframes strength will not be compromised. One thing too, that prompted me to take the extreme, is that the Retract needs to be mounted on an even, flat, surface. The retract will probably bind if it is tightened down on even a slightly un-even surface. Originally, I was not sure that I could get a good mount from the limited access. It is difficult that way. Nick RCGroups Post 4
Posted on: 9/10/2012 12:02 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223921

RE: Nitro Models Cessna 337 - Build Thread
Keep up the good work Jim (jrb1), I'm watching your build with interest. I have two of these planes sitting in the box. My plan is to install two .46 size motors, and to modify the way the wings attach, and battery compartment access. As soon as I finish my B-17, I will be on to building this bird. Wanted to pass along some encouragement, and appreciation for your input, Nick
Posted on: 6/20/2012 10:44 AM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11125359

RE: Hangar 9 30cc P-47 Build Thread
[quote]ORIGINAL: glazier808 I'm using the 160 in three 80+inch planes, all under 20lbs... they all are very fast, one almost too fast. Casey [/quote] I have four Tacon 1.60 motors, and ESC's that are looking for a home. Casey, which three planes do you have? Nick
Posted on: 6/15/2012 12:36 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11119406

RE: Phoenix Model's Super Connie ARF
14 feet, 105 lbs. Rib construction. Retracts and spinners included. Extraordinary! I would really love to see this in person.
Posted on: 5/22/2012 11:35 AM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11090592

RE: Seagull Piper Twin Comanche
Don't you just love those "Z" bends!. Glad your sequencer is working out, Craig, and nice video. I too have to get that down-thrust issue ironed out. Nick
Posted on: 5/22/2012 10:24 AM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11090505

RE: Seagull Piper Twin Comanche
Craig, you were discussing connectors a while ago. Here is what I used: Header and connector detail PTC The header board has two headers on it for each of the wings. One header is obscured by the wing connectors shown, but it is underneath. To connect my wing, I just have to plug in these two connectors, my motor battery, and I am ready to fly. You may wonder why I have V+ and VR. There are two LiFe batteries. One provides receiver power, and the other provides power to the Retract circuit. The retracts really have a "jolt" when activated. The separate battery prevents that power surge from affecting the receiver. Nick
Posted on: 5/14/2012 3:24 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11080669

RE: Seagull Piper Twin Comanche
I have the completed weights for the Electric version: Air frame = 4775g = 168.4 oz = 10.5 lbs. plus Two 4S 5000 mAh 25C Lipo's = 1082g = 38.2 oz. = 2.4 lbs. plus Two A123 1100 mAh batteries = 202g = 7.1 oz. = 0.4 lbs. Total Air Up weight (AUW) = 6059g = 213.7 oz. = 13.4 lbs.
Posted on: 5/14/2012 3:04 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11080650

RE: Seagull Piper Twin Comanche
I've thoroughly tested the Assan Sequencer and it does not behave like that. To be sure, I ran every scenario I could think of to see if I would have problems. I did this on a "test" bed that had the actual retracts, receiver, and sequencer running. The doors and nose gear were separated to prevent crashes. Sorry to report that I did not have any thing interesting happen. In order to arm the Assan you have to flip whatever switch you have assigned to it, up and down, three times. So if your transmitter switch is in the wrong position at "start-up", nothing of course happens, until you arm it. Then you have full control. The only "odd", undocumented, behavior I have found is that when you first power it up, one of the doors will move about 5 degrees. I think this is the way of it telling you that it has power and is ready to be armed. Once you arm it, the door returns to its correct position. Other than that, I have no complaints. I think they fixed it. I am just about ready to put her in the air. I just have little things to do like the trim, decals, and other small details. The electronics check out, and she is functional (so far, I haven't accidentally hit the gear switch and dropped it yet). I also have to update my thread at RCGroups, so I'm a little behind. I'm hoping Tuesday morning will be a go. It is supposed to be very hot (106 F), so I will have to fly at 5:30 am. I'm very interested in what you find, so I will be reading this thread in the meantime. Cheers, Nick
Posted on: 5/13/2012 6:19 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11079644

RE: Seagull Piper Twin Comanche
Fantastic Craig! A real head turner. So happy that the maiden went well. Gives me confidence that the electric version will fly well too. Nick
Posted on: 5/12/2012 9:28 AM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11078038

RE: Seagull Piper Twin Comanche
I'm really looking forward to that Craig. I'm hoping to get mine done this weekend. All the best to you on your maiden, good luck! Nick
Posted on: 5/11/2012 10:52 AM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11077063

RE: Seagull Piper Twin Comanche
Nice work Craig. I like what you did with the main wheel wells. Those "Ultimate" spinners are very nice too. Hoping I can grab some in the States Subscribed. Thanks for the mention in the first post to my Comanche Electric Thread. It should be interesting for both versions of our builds, what the total air-up weight will be. Glad we have both versions "covered". Nick
Posted on: 5/7/2012 10:11 AM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11071684

RE: New Twin Commanche ARF
I have a thread of the Seagull Piper Twin Comanche 46 ARF on RCGroups that may be of interest. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1547957 You can see how I did my retracts in Post #4 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20661984&postcount=4 What I don't show ( and need to) is the doors closed, and that the wheel is entirely retracted into both the nose bay and main bays. Hope this helps, Nick
Posted on: 5/2/2012 10:39 AM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11065580

RE: Hangar 9 30cc P-47 Build Thread
John, Great video. Looking forward to seeing them all. Thank you for doing them. A problem with your website on the P-47D video page: If you click on the picture of the P-47D at the top, it brings you to the product page of the F4U-1D Corsair 50 ARF, .46-.55 by Hangar 9 (HAN2590), which I don't think was the intention. Nick
Posted on: 2/14/2012 6:22 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10959274

RE: Hangar 9 30cc P-47 Build Thread
[quote]Hi Nick, ..... The lack of real photos has nothing to do with our quality. WingSpan Retracts is a small company and we don't have an in-house photo studio or expensive camera equipment. As a matter of fact a point-n-shoot and an iPhone is all we have in our photography arsenal. As I'm sure you know professional photography is very expensive so I use CAD generated pictures for all my products. This allows me to put our resources to better use by producing higher quality products, and because we have much lower overhead we can provide our customers much better pricing. ... Michael [/quote] Hello Michael, I think it's great that you are developing electric retracts. My best wishes to you and your sucess. However, even an inexpensive point-and-shoot camera operated by someone with minimal experience can produce good close-up shots. Those pictures would show details and have more value than a virtual image. I think that actual images are expected, and even necessary to sell an item. Nick
Posted on: 2/12/2012 7:45 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10956204

RE: Hangar 9 30cc P-47 Build Thread
[quote]ORIGINAL: show871 Just stumbled across these retracts for this plane they look awesome and are reasonably priced! http://www.wingspanretracts.com/H9P47 [/quote] Maybe I'm overly suspicious, but the "pictures" of the retracts shown on that website look like computer generated graphics. I don't find that very reassuring especially for a "pre-order". Who knows what you will actually receive. Wingspan lists a USA address on the website, which is good, and they have some other interesting things too. Hopefully, they will be OK, and the retracts are well-made, but I learned along time ago that cutting costs on an important item like retracts is not worth it. Nick
Posted on: 2/11/2012 5:58 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10954768

RE: Top Flite Cessna 310 posted
[quote]ORIGINAL: dobro .........I also have a seperate 4.8 dedicated to the retracts. I did a conversion and installed 3 JR 791 retract servos for my electric gear. ....[/quote] Very cool, that is what I have been doing too, except I use the Hitec Digital Programmable Servos like the HS-5645MG. They have programmable rotation direction, end point, power limiting, speed, and fail-safe. I find that the adjustable end point makes its very easy to use these in an pneumatic air retract to servo operated conversion. Any chance you have a picture of your servo layout with the retract unit? I would like to see how you did yours. Thanks! Nick
Posted on: 11/22/2011 1:00 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10824276

RE: Top Flite Cessna 310 posted
[quote]Some good retract news ! My Fly RC magazine arrived the other day. Robart took out a full-page ad stating they will have their first electric retracts available at the end of the year. They didn't state the sizes. Stay tuned................. Joe M. [/quote] That is some GOOD news Joe! It's about time for Robart, they really need to keep up. Looking forward to some other options other than E-flite. Nick
Posted on: 11/1/2011 10:42 AM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10792154

RE: Top Flite Cessna 310 posted
[quote]ORIGINAL: JoeMamma ......Speaking of retracts....... I wanted them to work 10 out of 10 times. I came up with a simple fix that will take up all of the slack in both cables. I cut a rubber band and then CA’d it to the bottom of the plastic cockpit floor. The band is simply draped over the two cables. You can see in the two pictures how it works. One picture shows no slack in the cables when the nose gear is down and locked. The other picture shows the rubber band has pulled and removed all of the slack in both cables with the nose gear retracted. Just a slight tension is needed on the rubber band to remove all of the cable slack. I figured I’ll need to replace the rubber band once a year or so..........no big deal. Now she’s working consistently 10 out of 10 times ![:D][:D] Joe M. [/quote] BRILLIANT! Great suggestion.
Posted on: 6/6/2011 10:08 AM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10559616

RE: Top Flite Cessna 310 posted
[quote]I picked up a set of Robarts gear and had them converted over to electrical operation by a company called Down & Locked. Joe M. [/quote] How did that work out for you Joe?
Posted on: 2/20/2011 7:49 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10351624

RE: Top Flite Cessna 310 posted
[quote]ORIGINAL: promod1 take a look at www.downandlocked.com we can take care of your air retract problems all retract brands can be converted by down and locked and the features that are incorporated into the system is exceptional [/quote] Excellent! Looking forward to your posting some media. If I read the website correctly, it looks like the "Down and Locked" electronics offer logic to prevent gear-up when transmitter is turned-on with wrong switch position.
Posted on: 6/10/2010 1:21 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9794204

RE: Top Flite Cessna 310 posted
[quote]ORIGINAL: testfly ....... at the moment I am working on the retracts. I have the Robart set made for it. However, I won't be using the air system to operate them. I will convert each unit so it uses a A6030 servo. I have done this with the nose gear on a C-130 as well as all of the gear on a B-25. I had 2 Ts fail on the B-25 and had to bring it in without the gear being down and I said then if there is a way I wont use air for my gear again. It looks like converting from air to servos will be very simple on the 310. I have converted the right main gear already and thought I would take some pictures as I did the left main gear. Here is how it is going so far: http://www.seabreezeparachutes.com/c-310/view-main-gear-conversion.html [/quote] Fantastic. Thanks for showing that. I would never buy a new pneumatic system. Fortunately, motorized retracts are now coming out (like the [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLG410]E-flite electric retracts[/link]). Hopefully Robart will get the message and start manufacturing their own Electric Retracts. I'm looking forward to that day!
Posted on: 6/9/2010 1:26 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9792015

RE: Top Flite Cessna 310 posted
I don't know if this is helpful mtjones, but Hobbico did respond to my question about possible power systems for the 310, (I consider this a good starting point): [size=1]Tuesday, June 30, 2009 12:29 PM[/size] Hi Nioa, The Cessna 310 can be set up with either of these motors: GPMG4715 RIMFIRE .55 42-60-480 Outrunner motor GPMG4725 RIMFIRE .46 42-60-800 Outrunner motor This ESC GPMM1850 SS60
Posted on: 2/4/2010 2:31 PM by Author "nioa" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9476201