RE: Hobbico Electristar Select EP Trainer RTF
Another great review Greg. It looks like a fun project. I was hoping you would do a review on the Pulse XT as it looks that that is the project that I am about to start I guess you would agree that electric rc airplanes sure have changed since we first started doing the larger conversions. Brushless motors and lipo batteries sure brought this aspect of the hobby lightyears ahead. It has been a while since you have done a review and it sure was nice to see you back at it. I am still waiting for you to make a trip south and share some of the nice off season flying that we have here in Florida. Bring your Electrostar EP for the test flight and I will do the video for you.
Posted on: 12/16/2006 12:24 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5122955

RE: Hobby Lobby Decathlon ARF
Al, When I read about your first scary flight it made me feel a lot better as that was a perfect description of my first flight. In all the 50 years that I have been flying I never had a flight like that. I usually am not worried about having a lot of extra control throw on the first flight as I feel it can be used to get out of trouble. In this case however it certainly did get me in trouble. I decided to give it a second chance after reading the report on Greg's first flight. My Decathlon now flies great and I am just amazed at how bad it was on the first flight. I guess you know what I am talking about however Al. Paul
Posted on: 6/1/2006 7:06 AM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4339604

RE: Hobby Lobby Decathlon ARF
Greg, It is great hearing from you. Guess what, I finished trimming out my Decathlon on Tuesday. I guess that was yesterday. I learned that you don't want to have it even a little tail heavy and must limit the control throws to the suggested amounts or it can get a little wild. It is a good performer and I like it now that it is trimmed. The best balance point seems to be about 95mm back. I tried it farther forward and back as well. I am using a MaxCim D wind in it with a 4s 4400 PolyQuest pack. This spring starting in February I have been gradually switching over to Lipo packs from Nimh. My 60 size planes are now all two pounds lighter and what a difference in performance. I hope to see you at the CHIEFS Electric on June 17th . I may bring my Decathlon. Glad to hear that you got a vacation and hope the weather is right for some serious flying now that you are back. We had a good time at SEFF but missed you and the FMA presence. I know that they were there last year. It looks like FMA is in a bit of a transition right now. If I have time I will try and get a couple of pictures posted of my Decathlon. The only thing that would look different would be the power end. I have great performance with my setup. I am sure it would be similar to yours. Paul
Posted on: 5/31/2006 9:12 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4338207

RE: Hobby Lobby Decathlon ARF
Greg, is there any more to report on the Decathlon. Has it been in the air again. We haven't heard much from you lately and are missing hearing about all the projects that you normally have going. Things have been too quiet from your corner! I know the weather hasn't been that good. Everyone tells me it was great until I got back from Florida about 10 days ago. Today was the first flying day since I got back and to think I flew almost every day all winter in Florida. Paul
Posted on: 5/24/2006 6:04 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4312220

RE: World Models Ultimate 40S
[quote]ORIGINAL: Greg Covey Colin, Your technique will work fine. Even a quality #13 gauge wire size is over-rated for this application. I'm traveling until Thursday April 27th and then hope to test fly and video my Ultimate 40S on the weekend. Regards. [/quote] I hope right after the weekend test fly you will be heading for SEFF as I would love to see you there. I will even let you store your planes under my trailer.
Posted on: 4/23/2006 5:27 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4201079

RE: Taxi Cup
The Taxi Cup is flying fine. Today we went to the electric ORCA fun fly in Orlando. The weather was perfect and it seemed like everyone had a good time. Jim took the Taxi Cup . I took and flew my Sig Senior Kadet and LT 40 both MaxCim powered. I also flew my Sig Lil Somthin’ Extra and GW E3D. I promised the specs on the Taxi Cup set up so here it is: Motor - Medusa MR-028-056-1900 Gearbox – Multiplex 3.3:1 Controller – Jeti 45 Opto Prop – APC 13x10e Flying weight 5.2 lbs Battery 3s2p 4200 TP Prolite
Posted on: 2/22/2006 9:09 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3928752

RE: Kadet EP, Super Impress, or CG Eagle 400??
It is amazing, people ask for advice all the time and then completely ignore it. I never could figure out why they bother to ask when they really aren't interested in what they are told? They are only interested in what is cheapest so why bother to ask for advice?
Posted on: 2/19/2006 6:21 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3932370

Taxi Cup
Here is Jim Gilliatt's (AMA Dist. I associate VP) first electric conversion, a Taxi Cup with a Medusa motor powering a gearbox. This is also Jim's first electric plane. The rest of the details will follow.
Posted on: 2/13/2006 8:42 AM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3903138

RE: Hobby Lobby Decathlon ARF
Greg, what is your opinion of this kit as compared to the Graupner Taxi Cup or Piper J3? - Just interested as I am trying to decide on one of them for a conversion.
Posted on: 1/7/2006 8:28 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3744841

RE: TrackerIII mini-review
I certainly have had no problem and haven't heard of any others that have had a Problem with a Tracker III. I guess just because your friend is an experienced flyer that doesn't necessarily make him a radio expert? I will keep mine and continue to use it. I haven't had any problem since I got it in August and have used it a lot.
Posted on: 10/30/2005 7:05 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Polks Hobby"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3505313

RE: TrackerIII mini-review
I like mine very much . It is not for sale. I have programmed eight models is so far and I flew with it for the first time today. I can't believe how nice it is! :-)
Posted on: 9/12/2005 4:13 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Polks Hobby"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3352133

RE: 1929 Travel Air "Mystery Ship"
Looks great! This is very interesting. Where and when will it fly next?
Posted on: 9/6/2005 8:04 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3335274

RE: TrackerIII mini-review
[quote]ORIGINAL: J S GILL NO= no switch [/quote] Does that mean the mix doesn't work or it works full time without the use of a switch? That seems to be the question here. Thanks
Posted on: 8/15/2005 3:40 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Polks Hobby"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3265287

RE: TrackerIII mini-review
I stand by my statement that I like the Tracker III trims just the way they are. Good job J S Gill. I am sure the majority of the people you talked to did want it that way.
Posted on: 8/15/2005 1:48 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Polks Hobby"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3264924

RE: TrackerIII mini-review
[quote]ORIGINAL: I_FLY_CL I would rather have a kill SW. Any new radio introduced today without one is already old technology. The radio already starts off with old style slider trims when most new radios today have dropped them. Is the Trainer SW program assignable. [/quote] I don't have a problem with the slider switches as they are easier and faster to use than the button type switches (for trim). The fact that you can save the trims I think works very nice. I have been fooling with the new radio quite a bit and find it very nice and easy to program. I have other programmable radios and find this to be the easiest of the bunch. Being able to save 99 models on any channel is certainly way beyond what any other radio in this price range can do. I think it is a great radio for the price and I am thrilled with it!
Posted on: 8/13/2005 11:35 AM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Polks Hobby"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3258780

RE: TrackerIII mini-review
Mine came 10 minutes ago - still in the box!! More later.
Posted on: 8/9/2005 7:29 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Polks Hobby"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3246810

RE: 4*60 to Electric conversion Help....
Here is another option-- [link=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58890]Four * Conversion[/link]
Posted on: 6/21/2005 3:59 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3095243

RE: Solderless Power Tubes (SPT)
I have been using them exclusively for four years and they are great. It is easy to reconfigure and repair packs. It is an excellent system and MEC is outstanding to do business with. They are fast and give very good service.
Posted on: 5/6/2005 7:16 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2950368

RE: 42% EXTRA 260 Conversion???
[quote]ORIGINAL: Gringo Volador Gary, your right I cant afford it. I cant even afford a gas setup for a plane like that. Someone had made the comment to me, ¨I wonder if that electric setup costs more than the gas?¨ The reply was, you better believe it. But seeing as I dont fly electrics I have no idea. I know its not to save money, I was just curious. I think it is an amazing setup, to think that a 40% plane can fly electric. [/quote] I like what Gary had to say. Believe me you could buy a new car for what this cost. It is a marvelous project and really demonstrates the state of the art of electric flying. Not even counting the custom belt drive, which is priceless, this model would cost many thousands of dollars to duplicate. It is much more expensive than gas. It however is the one I would chose if I won the lottery! Congratulations on a beautiful project guys.
Posted on: 1/4/2005 11:27 AM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2500812

RE: 42% EXTRA 260 Conversion???
Happy New Year! I am looking forward to this conversion as I really enjoyed the Composite-ARF Extra 330L Conversion. You did a great job and it was a very interesting conversion. Have you had the opportunity to fly the Extra any more?
Posted on: 12/31/2004 8:07 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2488074

RE: dual vs. single conversion receivers
jooNorway--- I can understand all of that and if size is a major concern then that certainly has to become a major issue and I do know that not all of the little receivers work well. I don't fly anything smaller than .40 size so that isn't an issue. I wouldn't dispute anything you said and congratulate you on a job well done on your reply. If I could afford Multiplex that is what I would be using. I have had good luck with the dual conversion Hitec receivers in all my electric planes and had no problem when I used them in glow models. We all use what works for us.
Posted on: 12/29/2004 2:50 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2479970

RE: Electric LT-40
This is a great conversion project. It is one of my favorite planes.
Posted on: 12/28/2004 8:43 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2477675

RE: dual vs. single conversion receivers
Most JR receivers are dual conversion. I can see that most of what is being said here is based on opinion with very little fact. It is OK to have an opinion of what you like. I wouldn't tell someone it was better than something you have never tried!
Posted on: 12/28/2004 12:32 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2476200

RE: How to suppress the ADMIN RCU-Poker message?
I am also getting a little tired of this. I would say enough is enough!
Posted on: 12/28/2004 8:06 AM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Forum questions or problems"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2475475

RE: I need Some help flying
I live in NY in the summer and Vero Beach in the winter. There are many clubs in the area that could help you. I fly with the Sebastian Club which has a nice field. That is probably a little far for you to come? I would be glad to help you. I have been flying for 50 years and now am a retired middle school technology teacher. I now fly only electric sport planes of all sizes.
Posted on: 12/28/2004 8:04 AM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2475460

RE: dual vs. single conversion receivers
In what way and how does the Berg give better performance. I thought receivers either worked or they didn't. I didn't know one could give better performance than the next one as long as it was a dual conversion. Would you explain what that means as I am curious.
Posted on: 12/28/2004 7:53 AM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2475441

RE: brushless motors
[quote]ORIGINAL: Cliffw But we can't give an opinion or state the facts unless we know which two motors he is talking about. I stock a large selection of brushless motors and don't know of any with that kind of price spread with the same specifications. [/quote] No, you are right unless it is brushed vs. brushless. Maybe again it is just an opinion. Some of the far east motors are cheaper but in my opinion there is a difference. There goes I have an opinion too?
Posted on: 12/25/2004 3:42 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2467631

RE: brushless motors
[quote]ORIGINAL: Cliffw Name names (of the motors) and we can be more specific with an answere for you [/quote] You will at least get a lot of opinions. There are more answers to this question based on opinion rather than fact!
Posted on: 12/25/2004 2:26 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2467468

RE: KADET ARF
[quote]ORIGINAL: revier Paul: Went to your 2002 posts on converting the LT-40 to electric. Couple questions. You used the MaxCim Y motor and 3.3/1 gear box. Along with 20-3000 mah nimh cells. What about a bec? And size of prop. How long were the flights? Would you change anything today from what you used back then? tks. lloyd [/quote] I had the misfortune of having that particular model shot down by someone trying to fly on the same frequency last year at Mid America. I rebuilt a duplicate with no changes as it is still one of the most relaxing planes I have to fly and it will do everything I want it to. The only thing I will change is I will go to GP 3300 cells when I get ambitious enough to make the change. I use the MaxCim charge harness and only take the packs out a couple of times a year for inspection. I use a 14 - 10 APC prop and the MaxCim controller has a bec that is good to 25 cells. It will easily fly 8 minutes with enough left for another takeoff if necessary. It will also taxi back to my truck a long way. These are 3 year old packs. I bet I will get 15 minutes easy with GP 3300. Yes MaxCim is still in business. I got back about 30 minutes ago from a trip there to pick up a new system for my just completed Venture 60E. I get excited all over again every time I pick up a new system. I won't be able to get this plane back to Vero Beach with me so it will have to wait until spring. I don't know if I can wait. My new system only cost a little more that a comparable AXI system and less than a Hacker system and much less than an ACRO. It is more than the far east motors but I will pass on those for now thanks.
Posted on: 12/23/2004 4:19 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2462407

RE: KADET ARF
In my opinion I would go with the AXI 4120/18 as you should have about 50 watts to the pound to the prop which would bring you to 450 prop watts. This will make it fly well. I know how mine flies and the power I have to it. I have seen an AXI powered Sr. Kadet ARF fly VERY well. Good luck! It is always nicer to have a little too much power rather than not enough. Paul
Posted on: 12/22/2004 6:21 PM by Author "pmmartin" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2459343