Spare partz hungry
My breathren AXE CP flyers... Many of you have recently upgraded your AXE with cool CNC parts and are now laden with useless spares... I, on the otherhand, have recently gotten back into heli's after a long sabatical (3 new daughters) and I've squandered all of this years "Daddy $$$'s" in just 1 month of trips to the LHS. Please, o' Please, o' Please... I would happily buy your used parts because I cannot afford the replacement parts (don't even mention the upgrades). Initially the heli's are so inexpensive so the LHS is making rent on spares... I have an old Concept 30 (really old) I won't fly as there are no parts anywhere and I'd like to one day teach my girlz how cool an old OS30 sounds... I have about 50 flying minutes with my month old AXE CP (which translates to about 10 hours of repair time) but I have exhausted my abilities with Zap CA. My last crash took out the blades, main shaft, the head, BG's, feathering shaft, most of the linkages, etc.. (essentially everything above the main drive gear). If you've got'em... I'd like to buy'em (cheap [;)])... please let me know
Posted on: 3/4/2008 4:34 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Helimax"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7174362

RE: vid of some buggies and a menace getting good air.
You win!!!! That was awesome!!!
Posted on: 9/18/2004 12:06 AM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "RC Car Videos"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2182609

That settles it
I'm a fast-charging fool... thanks guys
Posted on: 8/18/2002 6:51 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=234525

Just glue it
I think you've already gone through the trouble of adding the shim to the wing-n-fuse. You didn't need to. I've been flying my TopCap (beating the s*&@ out of it) with sunlight coming through the wing at the fuse. lots o' fun to fly. I've beat that plane more than any other I ever had. Hard landings, cart-wheels, etc... I've modified the plane to have even larger control surfaces just to see what would happen (bad idea) but its stock again now(except for the dubro rear wheel setup and an external tank) If you haven't got a motor yet, I've had more luck with the OS 70 Surpass on this plane. enjoy it.. I'm waiting for my Giant Su-Do-Koi for a Moki 1.8 good luck
Posted on: 8/18/2002 3:20 AM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Profile and Fun Flying Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=233676

fast charging flight packs
I normally use the standard flight packs that come with my radios.. (new Hitec Prism - Futaba 9xu) I bought a Zagi Razor and just to have an electric. To charge the batteries, I bought a hundred dollar super charger my LHS told me was the best. It charges at 1, 2, 4 and 6 AMPs. Is it OK to charge my standard flight packs with it as well??? (at only 1 AMP of course) someone at the my club (not someone I normally listen to) said that it would degrade the batteries usable flight time... Is that true? BTW... I love this site...
Posted on: 8/18/2002 3:06 AM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=234522

My First Flight was a success
WOW... Now I know why you guys love helis! it was awesome... I had the Concept dialed in by a heli trainer guy nearby...(found one) and I flew it for the first time last night... WOW... (I can't say that enough) It was great. Even though I only hovered around for about 5 (very long) minutes), it was one of the most rewarding R/C experiences for me. Based on last night's flight, I understand how easy it is to become disoriented and lose control. I did not crash, but had to abruptly land not more than 10 feet from my neighbors new BMW M5... eeek Next steps, I've got to find a resource online that will help me perform all the maneuvers I here about in these forums thanks everyone...
Posted on: 7/16/2002 4:49 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=197970

My first flight... last night
WOW... Now I know why you guys love helis! it was awesome... I had the Concept dialed in by a heli trainer guy nearby...(found one) and I flew it for the first time last night... WOW... (I can't say that enough) It was great. Even though I only hovered around for about 5 (very long) minutes), it was one of the most rewarding R/C experiences for me. Based on last night's flight, I understand how easy it is to become disoriented and lose control. I did not crash, but had to abruptly land not more than 10 feet from my neighbors new BMW M5... eeek Next steps, I've got to find a resource online that will help me perform all the maneuvers I here about in these forums thanks everyone...
Posted on: 7/16/2002 4:45 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Kyosho Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=191134

mechanical didn't work
the mechanical gyro from the hobby store did not work... I returned it and bought a gy240 that same day... $120... this is getting expensive... Concept1... your comments have made me feel better about learning how to do this on my own... I don't have any support/training resources nearby but the myriad of topics on this forum and others is helping alot... thanks
Posted on: 7/11/2002 6:14 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=188411

gy240 gyro
First, thanks for making me feel OK about the servos... I was worried there for a minute... The new Futaba gy240 gyro only has two leads, one for the rudder servo to plug into and one that plugs into the reciever. The instructions that came with the gyro don't indicate another lead or where to plug it into. here's a another question... If the linkages are at 90deg and the paddles are horizontal, should the main blades have an AOA off horizontal? (clarification: if the paddles are flat, should the main blades be flat as well?) thanks
Posted on: 7/11/2002 3:53 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Kyosho Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=191131

New (old) Concept 30 questions
I just started finishing the concept 30 I bought here on RCUniverse and I need some help. I had hoped to rely on some of the talent in the area to help me setup/dial-in this, my first, heli. I've bought 5 Futaba 3003 servos and a new GY240 gyro and installed them... Another thread says that the servos are no good for a heli... Is that true? I have no idea how to setup the gyro... Can I just plug it in? On my Hitec 7 radio, the instructions say to put the rudder servo in channel 4 and the gyro in channel six... how does the gyro control the rudder if I dont use the pass-thru connector (on the gyro)??? Most of the linkages are 90deg (I think)... Too many moving parts!!! Anyone local to Orange County (SoCalifornia) that could help a relatively poor and not-so-bright R/C destroyer of models... I've spent too much money on this to kill it with ignorance...
Posted on: 7/10/2002 10:23 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Kyosho Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=191127

Gyro luck
Thanks thomas... I found a used mechanical at the local hobby store for $40.... thanks everyone...
Posted on: 7/8/2002 5:54 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=188409

Which Gyro for Concept 30
I just bought a used Concept 30 DX heli trainer (built w/ a OS 28 w/ Enya pipe) with no electronics on board. I've got good servos (standard size bb hitecs) and a good slim 8 channel receiver... But I need to know what gyro to get... What are the differences. I've been flying R/C for years and this is my first Helicopter attempt. I'm looking for something simple for this trainer heli (not to expensive) Any thoughts?
Posted on: 7/8/2002 4:55 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=188406

ARF for my new Moki 1.8
Any thoughts on a new ARF for a Moki 1.8.. Something scale that will go real fast (100 mph+)
Posted on: 6/29/2002 7:31 AM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=178617

just cause
mine aren't that great... I noticed that the rudder was reversed on the taxi to the flight line (brand new, professionally built CAP 232 with a new Moki 1.8)... How'd that happen, new radio with throttle lock, hit the lock and proceeded to reverse channel 4 (the throttle) well the throttle was locked alright - wide open... the telephone pole 300 yards away kept me from having to walk to far...(the parts perimeter was only about 30-40 feet... New, first flight TopCap with new OS 72... lots of vibration... nice roll out and trim session at 1/4 throttle. no throttle response - low flyby and the throttle linkage is hanging under the plane (lost the server screw) Tried landing under power - but as soon as the linkage touched the grass - a full power vertical with a horizontal AOA (flaperons w/ full throw) After 15 yards of cart wheels its over... ZAP CA with Fiberglass... stoned for about 3 hours... Epoxing the fuselage to the table... Glueing the wing to the table... more times than I can count and for the way-back of my mind... First flight with a trainer .40. flying around the parking lot of a busy shopping center and my landing approach was abruptly cut short by a Chevy truck. The owner was interested in knowing how to remove the prob blade from his bed-shell...
Posted on: 6/25/2002 9:12 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=140080

that's the way its done
I did it that way... I've always done it that way... but I can't check to see if somethings broken because I sealed the entire front of the airplane with foam... (I used to love that stuff, its light and it really strengthens the plane.) thanks for the drawing though.. well done...
Posted on: 6/24/2002 3:55 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "RC Fuels"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=170855

thanks guys
I went with the 13X8 and brought it out to a field. The engine purrs now and no more air bubbles. the engine starts by hand (very easy) and had no problems letting it roll out and rotate into a gentle climb (about 1/2 throttle) just as I was trimming out the plane in a oval pattern over my head, about 1/4 throttle, the throttle horn screw fell out and I watched helpless as the throttle linkage hung under the plane. Without thinking (like, just let the fuel run out and coast in) I tried landing the plane under power. As soon as the linkage touched the ground the plane went into full power. Wow, talk about acceleration... I went to flaperons with full throw (again, I was freaking out) and it still lifted (never seen that before, it went almost straight up with a horizontal AOA). I tried aiming for some bushes and high weeds but didn't make it.. As soon as the plane touched the grass, it tumbled for about 15 yards (cart-wheels). Damage assessment: Wing tip damage under the covering... I can feel the balsa sheeting that's been pulverized on each wing tip... The fuse directly behind and above the engine; cracked The fuse directly behing the trailing edge of the wing; cracked Rudder; cracked upper elevator; broken cables (pull-pull system) first flight and I jacked the plane.. Very depressing, I'm thought about giving up but then I came to my senses... I'll fix her up tonight and be out again next week. thanks
Posted on: 6/24/2002 3:42 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=167881

tried it...
I tried your suggestions out this weekend in a controlled test environment... (my garage) No Luck! I was wondering if there is a fueling system that connects both the carb line and exhaust line to control fuel cell pressure. (i.e. something that will allow the pressure to escape but not the fuel) thanks
Posted on: 6/24/2002 3:21 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "RC Fuels"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=170852

filling my tank
Probably going to embarass myself... Any tricks to filling sealed tanks? - I just bought a .25 size edge... very cute, quick and flies well... The only problem is when I try to fill her up. I disconnect the line connected to the exhaust and leave it hanging. I connect my manual hobbico hand pump to the line that goes to the carb. I start to pump and fuel immediately starts shooting out of the exhaust line. If I crimp the exhaust line and fill the tank (about 3/4 of the way) and uncrimp the line almost all the fuel shoots out under pressure. BTW... the fuel cell has been trapped in the fuse with canned foam. no way to get it out without damaging the fuse. what can I do.. is there a trick that I'm not seeing. or am I destined to be covered in fuel all the time... :mad:
Posted on: 6/21/2002 10:31 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "RC Fuels"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=170849

thanks
thanks, I'm trying to track one down. sparky
Posted on: 6/21/2002 10:17 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=167879

Morris TopCap w/ OS 70 4s
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wgeffon [/i] [B]It has a saito .72. flies awesome [/B][/QUOTE] What prop size should I run on my OS 70????
Posted on: 6/21/2002 9:10 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Profile and Fun Flying Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=169664

Morris TopCap w/ OS 70 4s
Can anyone give me any pointers on my new fun-fly. I haven't ever flown (at least none that survived) a 3D plane. I bought a second-hand Cap 232 w/ OS 60 2s and killed it trying to do a "waterfall"... I've flown several trainers and a couple of war-birds and a very fast Tequila sunrise w/ OS 25 (very fast and very hard to land). I had a Great Planes Bip that lasted one flight... (I suck at this hobby but its a great place to spend money) Anyway, after reading this forum and taking the suggestion from another forum, I've bought the Morris TopCap and saddled an OS 70 4s on the front. I built it according to plan (almost) and everything seems to be working except (bad vibration from the new motor (yes, I've checked to make sure the prop was balanced) and I've got a little tilt in the horizontal stab (very little, but noticable with a sqaure, maybe 1 degree)) Everyone says not to go fast... what's too fast? Everyone says their easy to fly... Where can I get info on how to perform the maneuvers. Everyone says not to run dual rates... Is that right? BTW... I only get to fly once a week (Friday mornings before work and none of the other flyers are at the field).
Posted on: 6/20/2002 8:22 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Profile and Fun Flying Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=169656

MorrisTopCap w/ OS 70 prop?
Hello everyone.... the other day I had some problems with my new OS70 4s (bad vibration, air in the lines, couldn't tune it). I know what your thinking: "this guy is a shmuck"... What prop should I use... this is my first funfly 3d bird and I'm not supposed to go fast...
Posted on: 6/18/2002 8:15 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=167877

CellPhone blues and R/C
I may be considered a newbie by most in R/C (off and on for 10 years) but I'm a GOD when it comes to wireless electronics... My first job out of college was as a "cell switch engineer"... you know those guys driving all over the place in thos FCC bread-trucks... Cell phones operate at a considerably different frequency than do R/C products.... BUT... mobile telephones operate at approx 1 watt of transmitted power. There are 7 power levels your little phone will go thru negotiating with a cell site (depending on the distance between you and the cell site). The max power out-put of you portable is about .6 watts. Compared to a car phone w/ transciever and 3dB antenna of 3 watts. the interference you here on your car radio is the result of the phone negotiating on a control channel with the cell sight and setting up the voice channel for VOX transmit and recieve. These negotiations can have adverse affects on the computer radios as there are not allowed to be shielded against them (per FCC rules and regs)... Cool... huh! In other words. If you fall victim to cell phone interference, the Federal government says "nener nener"... I say, ban the cell phones at the field
Posted on: 6/17/2002 10:43 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=165850

OS 70 4 stroke heartache
Help!!! I just bought a brand new OS 70 4s and I don't know if I'm doing something wrong... The instructions say to close the needle valve and open 3 to 3 1/2 turns and then lean it out... I start it and the engine rattles so bad its hard to adjust the needle (my fingers go numb holding the needle). As I lean it out, per the instructions, the revs climb and the heavy smoke clears a bit, but if I start moving the throttle, it cuts out... What can I do.. I don't have access to guys at my club during the week... Also, when looking at the fuel line, I can see a lot of air bubbles... Is that OK? Any suggestions? Please.. BTW... its mounted on a profile Morris TopCap in a cool way.. in stead of mounting the engine with the bottom on the fuselage, i widened the fuse a bit and mounted the engine with the crank case on the other side of the fuse. (hard to explain)
Posted on: 6/17/2002 9:55 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=166521

feelings are now officially hurt
First, to the nice guy with the Morris suggestion... I have one of their TopCat's and not really happy with it... Waiting for one of their giant Su-Do-Koi's. If I can get it built, I'll remember to email you for an address... For Ed, you hurt me. I don't think I'm obsessive/compulsive... I'm a Dad without too much time for my hobbies. I came here looking for information that will help, not an antagonistic response to a legitimate question. I've been in the sport/hobby since the early '80's and I believe that you're the first to be quasi-insulting regarding the pressures R/C sometimes creates. to everyone else... I've actually called some of the members in my club and am waiting to hear back... One of the sales guys at Morris tells me that they have a Macchi ARF .60 size w/ retracks. Who knows.. maybe I'll take a whack at building... It'll take forever but it might be worth it.... thanks guys... end of line
Posted on: 6/14/2002 5:30 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=156748

thanks to all
Thanks to all for their responses... I've taken a look at the P-51 but its not what I'm looking for.. Something with a 1.20 and up already to go...
Posted on: 6/9/2002 7:59 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=156743

My next lawndart
NCBrit... Thanks but something that will inspire awe in those all-knowing croonies at the flight line... Ultra-Stik is severly plain and I've had one (also part of my lawn-dart collection) RCAvi8ter... That Lanier is sexy but I just looked at the instructions available on the lainierrc.com site... Too much work... I have to buy a tapping tool for the aluminum wing mount... There's at least 5-7 days of build time for me and that means, I won't be able to fly for almost 2 months... I'll lose interest and it will become part of the airplane graveyard in the rafters of my garage (Great Planes Corsair .61, Extra 300 .40, etc...)
Posted on: 6/7/2002 8:43 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=156739

My next lawndart
I know that some of you out there insist that building is part of the fun... I disagree... I'm in it for immediate gratification and when my 1 hour of flying time per week is up, its back to the grind (I've got to keep my job and I come home to two girls in diapers) I need to find a solution... a plane thats ready to go with a minimum of fuss (i.e. no figuring-out wing incidence or putting the horizontal stab on with 30 min epoxy)... Something that looks great and flies even better. I bought a .60 Cap 232 from a kid at the hobby store locally for $300 (plane & engine) and I installed my radio gear - simple... I loved flying it even though I wanted something more dramatic... After 8 flights, my waterfall turned out to be terminal and I drilled it at full throttle ( BTW... It was awesome) I need help to find a plane that is so close to being done that all I have to do is install my electronics (reciever and servos) and bolt an engine on... I don't want an RTF trainer, I want a bipe that flies like the devil (fast--- not bad) I want an Extra 300 that can hover inches off the deck... I want a short blonde woman(but thats a different story) To give you a glimpse at my predicament, I've recently bought and built a Zagi 400... An electric wing... I know. I know.. And now i hate it because I had to build it... It's looking pretty ugly with all that packing tape and blue Ultracote... It flies like dog-poopoo and my neighbors hate me because I buzz their houses in the late afternoon... I want big... I want retracks. I want a 4stroke motor the size of a Buick... But... I DONT HAVE A $1000 either... I want a model with engine for about $500... Any thoughts... and if you help successfully, the winner will recieve a Zagi 400... thanks
Posted on: 6/7/2002 7:53 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=156736

push/pull switch & charge adapter
MinnFlyer... You're absolutely right... I've been using those for years and nobody else likes them... I thought I was the only one buying 'em...hehe
Posted on: 6/6/2002 9:30 PM by Author "sparky4lawndart" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=155656