RE: Piper Cub with cool female pilot
Nice!
Posted on: 9/10/2012 6:41 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223587

RE: Why not fly right side up?
They do. Its just the definition of normal has changed :)
Posted on: 6/5/2012 1:11 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11107591

RE: Storage charge mode pointless or what?
Storage mode is basically to set the battery to 50% of its charged capacity. If you are only running your batteries down to 50%, you are effectively flying them down to storage mode, so no need for that function for you personally. If you fly them to say 20-30% like most, or charge your batteries before leaving for the field but then end up not flying them all, storage mode is useful to bringing then to 50% for storage. It all depends on ones process, and how important it is to keep their batteries in good shape.
Posted on: 4/13/2012 7:59 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11040191

RE: Ipad Apps. Universal remote control?????
That would be nice, but the iPad doesn't have the hardware required in order to do that. Perhaps Apple should think about this, and start including the emitters in order to do so.
Posted on: 12/31/2011 11:17 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10884704

RE: Funkey MD500 flybar hits fuselage
Its not an issue as stated. When I'm bored, I'll fly the T-Rex/MD500 combo inverted, do stationary flips/rolls, etc, with it, and never had an issue with the flybar hitting. I need to be careful that the flybar is not positioned to hit it on startup, but other than that I don't think its an issue at all unless you are going to do more than mild 3D with it.
Posted on: 8/23/2011 9:15 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10683421

RE: wall hangars
The only time I'm really looking at them is when they are in the air, or during building on the bench ;)
Posted on: 5/19/2011 12:06 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10529642

RE: South Florida movie job
I've done similar work for tv commercials, and it can be a lot of fun but stressful as well. I'm not in Miami or I would jump on this, but for those that are in the area its definitely worth talking to them to see what they are looking for.
Posted on: 2/15/2011 3:32 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10338730

RE: Cold weather clutch slippage ??R-50 v-2
I had the very same issue two weeks ago. I ended up taking out the entire drive train looking for the issue, and found none. I started to think the same about cold weather and clutch slippage. Since everything else was in working order secure, the clutch slippage seemed to be the only logical answer. I did have a larger than normal gap, and if the cold played an issue, that would explain it. I'll need to test more, but since I plan on replacing the clutch liner anyway to bring it into spec, I won't be able to tell absolutely if the problem was cold, or it needed a new liner, or the combination of both. I don't have the time to test it, otherwise I would.
Posted on: 1/11/2011 8:08 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Thunder Tiger - Raptor 30, 50, 60, 90"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10255154

RE: Yamaha RMAX Crash - Killed a person
Definitely important to treat these as serious machines with lethal potential. Just today I was flying my H550E scale heli for a New Balance shoe TV commercial. Right up front in negotiations I mentioned I wouldn't fly if the conditions weren't right, the area has to be locked down, and safety is the number one concern. We filmed in an industrial area in the city, but was surrounded by enough buffer areas for safety. I do see more and more people flying 450 and 500 sized helis in public parks, etc, with the mentality that they will just keep it close to them and in control. In talking with some of them, the idea that the heli can get away seems to escape them. The assumption seems to be that they won't loose control, they are flying 2.4Ghz, nothing will fail on the helicopter, so it doesn't matter than people are in the area. Bad assumption. BTW, I'd love to get a RMAX and mount some cameras on it, or just to have one for fun! Can anyone front me $85K :)
Posted on: 12/16/2010 4:45 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10201446

RE: What should I do with this one?
Sweet. 15 minutes and $13 and its flyable :)
Posted on: 12/16/2010 4:25 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10201410

RE: ignition redundancy
I would worry about that solution being less reliable than a simple dual battery and switches. Batteries rarely just fail in flight. Over the last 10-12 years, using probably hundreds of batteries in various airplanes, I've never had a battery fail. They usually started to degenerate over time and stop holding a charge, etc. The typical failure was a switch gone bad, or a battery that couldn't hold a charge. With the setup you showed, there are multiple circuit boards in the mix, a dozen or more wire/solder connections that could break, etc. It seems like a lot of complexity to solve a simple problem that dual batteries and dual switches would solve. If it was a larger airplane that could handle the weight of a second battery and switch, I would go that route before adding electronics to the mix. The dual battery setup can handle a broken solder connection, bad switch, battery that didn't hold the charge, cell dropout/failure, battery short (if a fuse is used in-line between the batts), loose connector or disconnect, etc., which pretty much covers the most common failure modes. If you did want to go with a backup on the ignition, I would still recommend dual batteries and dual switches. It covers the majority of failure modes, is simple, and there is no single point of failure except the ignition itself. With the controller setup, you have some redundancy, but also two major single points of failure with the controller board, it's wire/solder connections, and a single switch. IMO, you have added complexity yet still retain the single point of failures you would have in a single battery/switch setup. Not really an upgrade in my opinion. Even as easy as it is to setup a dual battery/switch on the ignition, I never bothered as I never saw it as necessary. Battery failures are rare if you test, log, and maintain them. Even on my airplanes that cost me ~$6K a piece, I didn't see the benefit for the ignition. But I never fly my larger airplanes without redundancy on the receivers.
Posted on: 12/13/2010 7:50 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10194131

RE: ignition redundancy
If you spend most of your time hovering, there could be some minimal merit to the idea. I personally don't know of a single pilot that does, but then again someone had to be the first to run redundant receiver packs, no? :)
Posted on: 12/12/2010 8:34 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10193514

RE: ignition redundancy
There isn't any reason it can't be done, but considering the only downfall of an ignition battery failure is a dead stick landing I never felt the need. With a receiver, all control is lost. With an ignition battery failure, you can land dead stick, at worst you can control where the airplane ends up for safety.
Posted on: 12/12/2010 8:05 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10193465

RE: Align Fuselage 600N
I increased the gyro gain, not reduced it. I found the side area of the tail required more holding power from the gyro then in the pod and boom configuration. It was fine in most instances, until I was flying on a windy day and I noticed the trail had a harder time holding. I think I increased the gain about 5-7%.
Posted on: 10/13/2010 11:36 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10066046

RE: Align Fuselage 600N
Nothing unusual with regard to flight characteristics. The wind is more apt to catch the tail since there is more side area, so I increased the tail rotor gyro gain to compensate after a dozen or so flights. It will feel heavier and a tad more sluggish, but nothing that should cause an issue. I am even able to do mild 3D with mine, so the weight isn't that significant. If there are any vibrations in the mechanics, the fuselage will amplify those and they will be more noticeable. Good luck on the maiden.
Posted on: 10/13/2010 10:34 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10065913

RE: Airstar MD500E Video
Thanks, I appreciate the info. I had the Vario stuff on my list. I'll look into the Airstar light. Thanks again
Posted on: 10/9/2010 2:34 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10057864

RE: Align Fuselage 600N
True. Luckily, in this case with the T-Rex 600 and Align fuselage, it really is an easy build. Just a few things to do, but 90% of it just fits together well. You'll be very happy with it I'm sure.
Posted on: 10/9/2010 1:39 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10057803

RE: Align Fuselage 600N
Basically, its the mechanical guts of the pod and boom that will be installed inside the scale fuselage. The hardwood blocks that I referred to in the previous post would go between the floor plate in the scale fuselage and the landing gear attachment on the mechanics. It didn't need much, perhaps 1/2" or so. You will see this when you trail fit the mechanics in the scale fuselage for the first time. Then just measure the height you need (its not exact) and make a couple blocks to give you the height you desire.
Posted on: 10/9/2010 12:50 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10057170

RE: Align Fuselage 600N
The only other issue I ran into was adjusting the height of the mechanics in the fuselage. They fit pretty close, but need to be raised a bit. I just built a few hardwood blocks to raise it, and haven't have any issues with that setup in the 100 or so flights I've done so far.
Posted on: 10/8/2010 9:46 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10056866

RE: Airstar MD500E Video
It looks great! I've got the same setup except electric and in the NY Police color scheme. Very easy to install and its been holding up very nice, even through the times I do some mild 3D with it for fun. Where did buy the other scale details for it (lights, strike kit, etc). I've found some sources, but not sure if the scale is appropriate and would like to compare those against others in order to make sure they are appropriate. Great work, nice video, good flying!
Posted on: 10/8/2010 9:44 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10056858

RE: Align Fuselage 600N
I did the swap on an T-Rex 600 electric, which is now in the Align 500E fuselage. I did have to relocate the tail rotor servo as it will contact the fuselage in its standard mounting position. It only needs to move forward just a bit, but does need to be moved. My nitro 600's have the tail rotor servo mounted forward, so and would not need to be relocated, however the LE version may have the TR servo in the same location as the electric, and thus need to be moved.
Posted on: 10/8/2010 12:36 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10055801

RE: Giant scale RC aircraft shipping ?
Keep in mind also, driving is usually more expensive than shipping. With gas, maint, tires, wear and tear, etc, it costs about .25-.50 per mile depending on the car you drive. That means the trip alone can cost $240 to $480 round trip, plus another 16 hours of the drivers time. And don't forget that the other person will have the same expense. So between you both, you could end up spending $500 to $900 for getting the airplane to you. If shipping is less than that, its probably cheaper to ship the airplane than drive. Plus you both get 16 hours of your time back you can use for something more enjoyable, like maybe flying both days that weekend :).
Posted on: 10/1/2010 12:11 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10040432

RE: Giant scale RC aircraft shipping ?
Good point. I've also done the half way trip, and it can be fun or a huge hassle. Worth investigating though. One thing I do for meeting someone halfway, is to get a non-refundable deposit from the buyer. That way if they don't show up, you've got something to cover the time and cost of the trip. If I know the buyer, I wouldn't do this, but for an unknown I would. There are a lot of flaky people out there.
Posted on: 10/1/2010 11:22 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10040327

RE: Giant scale RC aircraft shipping ?
Check with Forward Air freight. They are located at major airports, and always had the best rate when I was shipping and couldn't use Greyhound. The most expensive part will be buying the materials and building the crate. I don't know of any other cheaper choices. Iceland Air was also cheap, but only going to Iceland :) [image]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4314743165_5c67852b9c.jpg[/image]
Posted on: 9/16/2010 8:06 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10007527

RE: muffler fell off Raptor 50 Titan SE
[quote]ORIGINAL: Rafael23cc The heat may also melt the locknut's nylon insert. Rendering the locknut useless. I've seen it happen. [/quote] If the locknut melts, its likely the engine was run far too lean, or cheap locknuts were used. Most quality locknuts have a normal operating temperature range up to 250 to 300 degrees, and need to exceed that by quite a bit before they fail and start to melt. A normal engine runs around 180-220 degrees at the cylinder head, and even less at the muffler flange and engine casing areas. Well within design tolerance for a locknut. I've seem lots of people use this method, and have yet to hear of one failing or melting.
Posted on: 9/10/2010 11:06 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Thunder Tiger - Raptor 30, 50, 60, 90"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9992509

RE: muffler fell off Raptor 50 Titan SE
I know a few people that do exactly that if they have problems. Most don't have issues, but those that do find this works well. I have one heli that the muffler seems to come loose every 30 flights or so, but my others have their mufflers on for hundreds of flights without issues. On the problem heli, I'm going to use extra long bolts and put a lock nut on the back as well.
Posted on: 9/9/2010 11:32 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Thunder Tiger - Raptor 30, 50, 60, 90"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9991861

RE: How often do you fly?
4-5 times a week, and I try to get in at least 5 or 6 flights per day. If I have the entire day during the work week, I can get in 10-15 flights in about 4 or 5 hours. You can cover a lot of practicing flying that often.
Posted on: 6/8/2010 1:32 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9789740

RE: Help me improve club event participation - subject changed!
accidental double post deleted.
Posted on: 5/29/2010 9:23 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9766684

RE: Help me improve club event participation - subject changed!
[quote]ORIGINAL: gboulton The IMAAs real purpose is to provide elitists and those with low self esteem one more ''club'' to belong to. Oooo, look, I belong to the IMAA, I fly LARGE SCALE AIRPLANES! [/quote] I quoted a specific comment in your post, quoted again above, and took issue with it as being political in nature, that does nothing to address the OP's question, and probably best if omitted. I tried to inject a little humor just to help soften that message. And I still stand by that, that its political in nature, and reminiscent of the SFA vs AMA threads IMO. What I didn't say, was that I also felt it was uncalled for, insulting, and very immature. I agree with many of your comments regarding the ineffectiveness of the IMAA, and don't really see any reason for the IMAA to be around. But to insult every member, club, event coordinator, or CD, regardless of their feeling of the IMAA just because they are a member or want to host an IMAA? Well, yea, very immature IMO! 90% of my giant scale flying is at non IMAA events, and don't need the IMAA to fly giant scale. I joined the IMAA because I support the hard work of those that put on the events, IMAA or not. If they wanted to go the IMAA route, I'm fine with supporting THEM 100%. What I won't do is call them low self esteem elitists who join for bragging rights, or knock down CD, event coordinates, or clubs, because they choose to run the event as an IMAA event. I think it's a direct insult, petty, and immature to do that to an otherwise good group of pilots volunteering their time to put on an event for others to fly at, no matter how you may feel. God forbid you find out I have a turbine waiver. "Ooooo, look at me. I can fly big expensive jets, I've got a waiver! I'm an elitist jet jockey! Yee-Haw!". I joined the AMA because I wanted to fly at my local AMA field. I got the turbine waiver because I wanted to fly jets at jet events I got the IMAA membership because I wanted to GS at IMAA events. I never knew I just wanted to brag and had such low self esteem :( Go figure! I've said everything I need to in my first two posts with regard to the OP's question, and feel no need to continue this here. I've got a personal mailbox here on RCU and answer PM's. Feel free continue this conversation and stuff my box! :) :) Not literally of course :)
Posted on: 5/29/2010 1:32 AM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9766681

RE: Help me improve club event participation - subject changed!
[quote]ORIGINAL: gboulton The IMAAs real purpose is to provide elitists and those with low self esteem one more ''club'' to belong to.  Oooo, look, I belong to the IMAA, I fly LARGE SCALE AIRPLANES!   [/quote] Tell us how you really feel! No holding back now :) I never knew I was an elitist just because I joined the IMAA. I thought I did it because I wanted to fly at the 3 or 4 IMAA events in my area. Besides, I don't need to be a member to show I fly large scale airplanes, I just drag them out of the trailer and fly them. Thats what real elitists do :) :) :) Seriously though, this thread isn't about what the IMAA is, does, or needs to do, and voicing such a strong grudge will do nothing but drag the OP's thread down into meaningless crap. Lets focus on making his event a better one, rather than discuss politics, as there are plenty of threads where you can go that route if you need to vent.
Posted on: 5/28/2010 6:59 PM by Author "sfaust" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9765961