DUBRO hand crank fuel pump
I've had 4 of these hand crank pumps now.............3 of them are in the garbage. The seals leak like a seive. I have sent them back and received a replacement that leaked as bad as the one I sent back. If you want to pump gas with a hand crank pump, don't go with DUBRO. I am now using MPI hand crank pumps and having no problems. They don't pump as fast as the DUBRO but, the seals are tight and no leaking gas.
Posted on: 7/12/2012 6:20 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11152393

RE: Drop Plane... Decathalon 120
Any 50cc gasser that I know of would be too big for that plane. You would need so much lead in the tail to balance the plane it would lose all its good flying characteristics. A large glow in the 150 or 180 class would work, or a 30cc gasser could work. Try to choose an engine that would weigh no more than the 180 glow.
Posted on: 7/3/2012 8:45 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11141265

RE: What are the pitfalls using LIFE batteries??
Hmmmmmm, they look like genuine A123's................but, if you click on the "contact us" or "about us" , you get nothing.....just a hotmail address. The prices are red hot, the product info seems genuine. Why no useable contact info? Makes me suspect something isn't right there........Wonder what country they ship from?
Posted on: 6/20/2012 8:09 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11125112

RE: Texas RC Wholesale ???????
I was interested in some of their offerings..........checked the shipping charge and changed my mind in a hurry. I don't like dealers using shipping and handling as a profit center. Their prices are good if you live in Texas.
Posted on: 6/7/2012 7:22 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110713

RE: What are the pitfalls using LIFE batteries??
[quote]ORIGINAL: Stick 40 I agree, I don't see any real down side to the life and A123's. They need to be discharged down to a storage level for long term idle time. I am not sure how much time that is, some say 1 week and others say 1 month. If a charger will charge the Life or A123, it should have the storage discharge program also. I am going to take them out for a few flights and then recharge. Taking note of the mili amps that I have to put back in. my A123's are rated at 2300 Mili amps and I plan to stay under 50% of that amount. Like I plan to only us about 1000 Mili amps sticks [/quote] I was not aware they needed to be stored at a particular volatage if left idle for long periods................that is news to me. Now, I store my regular LIPOS at 3.8 volts per cell. Are you sure you aren't confusing LIPOS and LIFES?
Posted on: 6/6/2012 7:59 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11108602

RE: What are the pitfalls using LIFE batteries??
Depends of who's LIFE you are looking at. The Tower Hobbies brand doesn't have a way to charge and balance theirs through a charge switch. Means you gotta dismantle your plane to get to the battery to charge it. All that I know of have a very flat discharge curve..............a volt meter will tell you it's good to go 2 minutes before the voltage falls off a cliff. You need to know what an average flight uses in milliamps..........then you fly till you've used up 80 - 85% of the capacity and then you shut down and charge..........and charging can take less than 20 minutes. Life expectancy is over a thousand cycles.........maybe you'll get tired of looking at it. You need to have a charger set up for the LIFE chemistry. I use the Cellpro Multi 4. I use Electrodynamic and NoBS A123's............they both have charge switches you can mount on the outside of your plane to balance charge without takeing the plane apart. I started changeing my Rx batteries over to A123's a couple years ago. When a Nimh battery is ready to replace, I swap in a A123. I've got 4 planes switched and quite a few to go. I really don't see a down side other than there isn't as much choice in battery capacity as you have with Nicads or Nimhs. If you go with the China LIFE's like Tower, I guess you have a few more choices. If you run A123's you get 2300 or 4600 mah 6.6 volt packs. So what some guys say is a downside, really is nothing more than changing the way you have done things in the past so you can use a superior product today. No downside for me.......................
Posted on: 6/4/2012 5:29 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11106496

RE: New things on the Horizon
[quote]ORIGINAL: dmowery Look for some great new things on the horizon -Keep tuned for the big anouncement -Comming soon [/quote] Remember Clinton's question to the special prosecutor................"depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is"? What's the meaning of the word "soon"? [8D]
Posted on: 6/3/2012 6:52 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11104621

RE: Official RCSkydiving questions & help
Thanks for the advice, Makes sense now that I see how leaving the chute folded binds it up in a ball.
Posted on: 5/3/2012 7:36 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11066742

RE: Official RCSkydiving questions & help
R/C Skydiver (Jim) sent me a DVD on how to fold my chute and pack it for a dive...........I've attached a static line to the drag chute. The end of the static line has a piece of velcro attached that will be stuck to a velcro patch on the bottom of the fuselage. During a drop, the static line should easily pull the drag chute out before the velcro seperates from the patch on the bottom of the plane. If the main chute will unfurl, I shouldn't have any dirt dives................... How do you guys store your chutes between skydiving sessions? The longer my chute stays packed, the more it seems to resist unfolding and spreading out. Do you hang your open chute during idle time and then fold and pack just before a jump? Would a product like Cling Free (anti-static) or possibly talcum powder help the material to unfold?
Posted on: 5/2/2012 7:17 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11066172

RE: Official RCSkydiving questions & help
Took me a little while to get hooked up with Dave at RCskydiving. I bought 2 ultimate drop boxes.................just wanted to say they are excellant quality and a very good value. I was impressed by the design and the attention to detail. If all his merchandise is as well thought out and of similiar quality, it would be hard to find a better supplier. I am very pleased with my purchase. Thanks Dave at RCskydiving
Posted on: 4/8/2012 9:16 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11033907

RE: Need to know how to fold a Robbe Charly chute
PM has been sent.......Thanks
Posted on: 3/26/2012 7:11 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11015436

RE: Official RCSkydiving questions & help
Well, good to know you're still there...........I guess you'll get to my inquiries as you catch up on your business e-mail. I'll wait to hear from you.
Posted on: 3/23/2012 8:53 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11012576

RE: Official RCSkydiving questions & help
Is RCSkydiving.com still around? I have posted two request for information on the web site over the last couple of weeks and have not had a response. Web site looks like it is active.................anyone know why they don't respond to customer inquiries............sickness, vacation, tornados???
Posted on: 3/23/2012 9:00 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11011894

RE: ESM Price Increase from Troy Built Models
[quote]ORIGINAL: TBMcustomerservice To follow up on one customers complaint from the last thread regarding an issue between TBM and VQ warbirds, the advertised price on VQ's was a mistake on VQ's part. I just want to let everyone know that it was a mistake, and in no way shape or form would we participate in any form of Price Fixing. I notified VQ of the issue and it was corrected promptly. In addition to that, the day the customer called was the day that we implemented the price changes. We are not out to get our customers, make a quick buck, or over charge anyone. We are charging what we need to charge to stay in business, keep bringing these great planes to you, and bring this product to market. As Tone has mentioned, we have changed our pricing once again to better suit you guys, and show you in no way shape or form do we try and profit on the shipping. We pass all of our discounts on to the customer to stay competitive. We have always tried to offer the lowest possible pricing on our wares to help out the fellow modeller, and we will continue to do so. We completely understand this hobby grows increasingly more expensive, and we try our hardest to ensure it doesnt get so expensive that it turns customers away. [/quote] Last week, I wanted to buy a HD servo from you guys...........the servo was $13.95, the shipping was $15.00.....................what a rip off. I went to Value Hobby..........bought 4 HD servos for $11.99 ea and paid a total of $3.99 shipping. The price of the servo wasn't the issue. Your shipping cost was a deal breaker for me. Shipping is definitely a profit center for you.......how can you say it isn't? So, now you say you've seen the error of your ways and changed your pricing/shipping policy.............well, time will tell. I may be watching but, I don't think I'll be buying. You got caught with your hand in the cookie jar..........you're embarrased cuz you got caught.........not cuz you were stealing the cookie.
Posted on: 3/23/2012 8:41 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11011876

Need to know how to fold a Robbe Charly chute
I have a Robbe Charly diver with a ~4ft chute..........I have no experience and no directions. It has been said, there are lots of these divers out there and if I post the question on this forum, someone will surely help me along. I need to know the basics about Charly. A copied set of directions would be nice. If that doesn't happen, then some guidance on folding the chute so it fits in the box on Charly's back and opens before he hits the ground. I would guess the starting position of Charly's arms will have a pronounced effect on the angle of attack of the canopy upon opening..............that has to be important for the cells to fill and the canopy to glide and not stall. Although I will probably favor static line jumps, it would be good to know how the cord closure for the chute box works. I believe it involves a rubber band, the cord with a hook on one end and some cotter pins on the other and the metal hole in Charly's shoulders. For the someone who reads this and has never seen a Charly diver, most of that last sentence will make no sense. Hopefully, if I'm overlooking some important, must know, basic, everybody ought to know sky diver stuff, you all will include that in any reply. Thanks in advance.
Posted on: 3/20/2012 7:59 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11008215

RE: What is the radio setup for a sky diver?
I made a mistake on his size...........it's not 18 inches tall.........it's 15 inches. Thank you Mr. Solomon for the Tx lesson...........that's a neat trick. Any pointers on folding a miniature parachute?
Posted on: 3/19/2012 1:02 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11007212

RE: What is the radio setup for a sky diver?
I'll get a picture of Charly today and see if I can get it on here. I'll have to tape him together.............I'm waiting for the arm servos.
Posted on: 3/19/2012 6:23 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11006733

What is the radio setup for a sky diver?
I bought a well used Robbe Charly recently. I'm fixing him up..........the chute is in good shape. I know each arm needs to pull down independantly for steering..............and both arms should pull down simultaneously for a landing flare. I'll be using a JR 6102 for control..........what wing program should I use: Normal, Flaperon, Elevon or V-Tail. A short explanation of the transmitter function in relation to Charly's arms would be helpful. There are two servos, one for each arm. Each arm drives directly off the servo output shaft. I'll use standard size, metal gear servos that rotate the standard 60 degrees. I also need some guidance on how to best fold the chute. The canopy is 50 inches wide. Charly is 18 inches tall and weighs 18 ounces empty. A chute pack oblong box is screwed to Charly's back to hold the chute. I think most of his jumps will be static line openings. After bringing all 4 pieces of Charly home in a box.................I'm not sure he was ever any good at free fall openings. His face has hit the ground so many times there's no paint left on his nose.............................[:@] Thanks to who ever is good enough to help me out on this stuff.
Posted on: 3/17/2012 5:58 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "R/C Sky Diving"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11004627

RE: tower hobbies prices
I know what the Towers and Horizons make on the products they sell. It is not double digit margins.......it's triple digit in many instances. I know a flyer that wrote for one of the major RC magazines. He had what was called a "B" account. This allowed him to buy from the big boys at cost. Of course the items were to be used and promoted in magazine articles that encourage us to buy the stuff. Just for example; something I would buy for $100 dollars he could get for less than $25 dollars. Big dollar items like 1/4 scale and larger airframes could be had for less than 40% of what I would pay. Some as low as 25%. Of course, many of the projects he did cost him nothing. The point being, I got a look into what the margin structure of the big distributor looks like. Understand that their whole business isn't all rainbows and sunshine. There is defective merchandise they eat, dead inventory they have to liquidate, probably some shipping damage they take care of out of their pocket etc. But, all in all, they enjoy what would be considered in most circles, very healthy margins. What I find interesting is the big, eyebrow raising jumps in margins these guys make. I mean they cram it down your throat all at once. $30 dollars on a $279 dollar plane makes you take notice. Most other industries make gradual raises over time. Something in the 2 - 3% range. They eventually get their 10% increase but, in a more subtle manner. As the prices increase, I shop around more and often decide I don't really need to buy the item at all. I think with a shrinking economy, this move will cost Tower more than it will make them in added revenue. Time will tell. 3 years ago I spent over $2000 dollars on RC stuff 2 years ago I spent probably $1500 dollars on RC stuff. Last year I spent around $900 dollars. This year I bet it will be more like $600. I'm not sure I can stay very active in the hobby for less than $500 dollars a year. I like new stuff and of course there are always repairs. It's just a matter of money. Fun is not cheap.
Posted on: 9/3/2011 6:47 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10700191

RE: Starting a ZDZ Super 80
Rear carb, cowled motor, with the stand-offs you only have maybe 1/2 inch between the back of the carb and the firewall..............how do you get starting fluid to the intake?
Posted on: 7/10/2011 7:59 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10614529

RE: SE Engines 32cc GAS
I stand by my initial post on page 1 (that I think started this lively discussion)............. Caution is indicated...............SE might be the next DLE or it might be the next Brillelli. Time will tell. They do have quite a few dead bodies to step over on their way to the finish line. My money stays with the proven products and proven distributors. Maybe someday SE will be there.........maybe not.
Posted on: 6/5/2011 10:40 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10557917

RE: SE Engines 32cc GAS
Caution is indicated with any new off shore engine......marketed by some small start-up company in the U.S. The warranty promises disappear when the company folds. Please do a search on this forum for BCMA Engines and Brillelli Engines. Both were small start-ups that looked promising.........had warranties........and promised service for ever. Good intentions in the beginning. But, the realities of trying to make a living and sell engines on the side or, trying to make a living selling engines in a market dominated by big companies with deep pockets..........usually doesn't end well for the small business guy or the customers he's convinced to give him a try. If you want to gamble as an "early adopter" be aware of the risks. I've learned my lesson.............I'll pay more for a proven product from a proven distributor.
Posted on: 6/3/2011 8:01 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10554798

RE: Pilot 1 Piper PA-12 1/4 Scale
I bought it last fall during the sale. It arrived with broken wing ribs and a cracked cowl. Hobby Lobby sent me another one and the same parts were crushed and broken. I asked them about sending out a set of wings but they wanted to send me another plane. I couldn't see any future in shipping broken planes back and forth so they refunded the purchase. The wings are packed right under the top box lid with no padding. There is little chance to get it shipped without damage. Very poor packaging from China. I agree the gear and wheels are cheap. The plane is really meant to be electric. It does not come with a fuel tank and the construction is good quality but, very light. The firewall would have to be reinforced to support even a light gas motor. The wing struts are wood....not metal. The covering job was good. The wing is a 3 piece. I think it is over priced at normal retail. I paid $325 with shipping........thats about what it's worth.
Posted on: 3/10/2011 5:46 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10392018

RE: RC Guys Super Decathlon coming
I've got the first run Decathlon that I'm getting ready to put together now. What peels first?.........the wing, the fuselage or the tail?........or does it all happen at the same time? I'd just as soon put the fix on it before it flies and then all the stars and stripes peel off in flight. Do you think Dan would send enough stick on stars and stuff to fix this before I fly it and then get mad??
Posted on: 1/28/2011 6:29 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10296678

RE: Charging Hobbico LiFe RX Battery in my Plane
I haven't bought the Tower LiFe battery because of this issue. I want to be able to balance charge through a HD charge switch with my Cell Pro Multi 4. Currently I have purchased the Electrodynamics A123 6.6V 2300mah batteries and their compatible Nano Charge Switch. This battery and switch is perfect for those of us that are electrically challenged. The prices for the Tower LiFe batteries are attractive however, the thought of haveing to dissassemble the plane each time you want to balance charge is not my idea of user friendly. Until Tower offers a Charge Switch for the LiFe battery, I guess I'll be buying more batteries and switches from Electrodynamics. Electrodynam.com
Posted on: 1/13/2011 9:10 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10260369

RE: AR500 Receiver
It is a full range Rx........I have them in 60 - 90 size power planes and have not had any range issues. They come standard in the BNF Parkzone Radian Glider. I've had mine at 1500 ft plus many times.
Posted on: 12/12/2010 12:33 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10192589

RE: Ikon N'west kits
I would sure like to hear from anyone who owns a 1/4 scale Ikon Bird Dog. I need to know the control throws and ask some other general questions.
Posted on: 12/1/2010 5:22 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10168867

RE: 25% Cessna L-19/0-1 Bird Dog build
I understand that most of the content the past 30 pages is about the Vailly L-19. However, the IKON L-19 is similiar so there may be some IKON owners that frequent this topic. I just got an IKON L-19 in a trade. The airframe is pretty much done and ready for windows, interior and electronics. I have the instruction manual and the plans but, I see no reference to control surface throws or approx. flying weight. I was hoping to run into an IKON owner or hear from a builder that is familiar with the IKON L-19 and learn some of this information. Right now I have approx. 1 1/2" of rudder throw each direction. I know it's a big rudder but, that doesn't seem like much compared to my other 1/4 scale tail draggers. Probably the Vailly and the IKON Bird Dogs are very similiar in flight characteristics. Although, the IKON may build lighter........the engine recommendation was for a 120 four stroke or a Super Tiger 3000. I think this plane will finish out in the 24 -25lb range. I would think something in the 40cc size range would be better. Calling all L-19 experts................
Posted on: 11/23/2010 1:32 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10154438

IKON N West L-19 info needed
I made a trade and got a nearly finished L-19. I've got the plans and the instruction manual but, can't find the control surface throws. Does anyone have a flying version of this Bird Dog. The way my rudder is hinged, I only have maybe 1 1/2" of throw each way......not much. It's a big ole rudder but, I'd rather hear from someone that has some experience with this airframe.
Posted on: 11/22/2010 11:43 AM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10151816

RE: recently bought a used spe 26
I have one that has served well on a 14# GP Super Stearman..........No vibration issues at all...........Develops 7400 RPM with a 16X8 prop...........it can be a little finicky on carb adjustment but manageable. This one came from BCMA engines. It does have an upgraded Walbro carb and a better Electronic Ignition than the stock SPE. Nice lite engine and not a bad value. Most of the bad comments have come from folks that have never owned one. I think most of the crank problems were found in the 40cc engines.......I haven't heard of many mechanical/quality issues with the 26cc engines. I think you will find that you get along just fine with the SPE. Don't over prop it......try to stay in the 6800 - 7500 rpm range and it should serve you well.
Posted on: 11/6/2010 2:02 PM by Author "roknHS" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10118867