RE: Powered Glider Suggestions?
For a thermal (non slope) intro package, it's hard to beat a Parkzone Radian. It can use your batteries although 1300 size is ideal. In the right hands it can even be competitive. Many prefer the 2 ch original to the Radian Pro due to the lighter weight and overall good handling. Check out Paul Naton's mod video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5dQVqPivXY
Posted on: 9/18/2012 6:02 PM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232904

RE: Powered Glider Suggestions?
The Icare Magellan E : http://www.icare-rc.com/magellan_e.htm $409 for the combo. I've recommended this to several folks who like my NSP Omega II 2M as it's virtually the same airplane which NSP is no longer selling. The Magellan is light and floaty and signals lift rather than fast like the Samurai above. A 2200 3S pack could be used but I find anywhere from 1000 to 1300 a good size for light thermal hunting. A cheaper and lighter option would be their "Nelly" but I see it's now out of stock. A friend flys this in alpine conditions and it's excellent for light lift as the wings are very light due to not having servos in them. http://www.icare-rc.com/catalog/nellye-p-2318.html?cPath=39_71_73 I like Icare cause they have good deals and are often cheaper than Skip Miller, Soaring USA or F3X, but there are similar offerings from these dealers as well. Much depends what you want to do. Joe
Posted on: 9/18/2012 8:51 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232393

RE: RClander T33 for 90 or 120mm edf
I agree Free Bird. I think Greg's was my favorite plane at the event. Joe
Posted on: 9/18/2012 4:44 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232135

RE: SD/Aviation Models Yak 54
no kidding. I notice they don't offer my scheme anymore. Looks like they changed more than the ultracote.
Posted on: 8/13/2012 8:09 PM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11192446

RE: SD/Aviation Models Yak 54
Chief Aircraft still lists the plane (Thunder Tiger / TOC is the same as the old SD Models line ): http://www.chiefaircraft.com/radio-control/gas-glow-airplanes/thunder-tiger-toc/yak-54.html Great plane. I have one (and a spare) in the 33% size. [:D]
Posted on: 8/13/2012 5:37 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11191409

RE: COMP ARF 110
Beautiful! Nice flying too! It's rare to see a video like that with a Moki and NOT hear the sound. The field must have been really busy that day as I did hear other planes including a turbine.
Posted on: 8/8/2012 5:59 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11185352

RE: muffler screws coming loose
If you're going to say it's wrong, and then say "go look at some correct ones" I think it's up to you to provide that information. [>:] I was sure to figure 8 it so each would tighten the other. I also used loc tite. I've used this technique before on other installations with the same size motor and it worked fine for a few years now without failure. But yes I'm aware there is an optimum technique which can be found here: http://www.slideshare.net/juandigital/how-to-install-safety-wire-presentation I mostly wanted to show the new Jtec design which allows access to the heads and the super dewalt drill bits.
Posted on: 8/7/2012 7:53 PM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11185012

RE: RClander T33 for 90 or 120mm edf
Looks awesome Greg. I'm happy to see a jet take off and land from a grass field without issue. Looks like you have the LG/retracts ironed out. Joe
Posted on: 8/7/2012 8:21 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184237

RE: muffler screws coming loose
The newest Jtec mufflers come with a spanner plate design that allows safety wire. I had thought it would be difficult to drill the hardened hex bolt heads for the wire but it was really easy with a 1/16" dewalt 'cobalt' drill. The previous deep socket design gave me fits, but I will try to utilize this design in the future whenever possible. Joe
Posted on: 8/7/2012 8:12 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184227

RE: Basic ESC question
I agree with Jason that the best help for you is to seek help locally. You've given a lot of detail about your setup, but even if we addressed your list comprehensively, there may still be some other minor showstopper which you haven't described or we might fail to mention which might be obvious to someone viewing your setup directly. I can answer your "bottleneck question" with this explanation: In practice one does not design a power system to be able to handle a full burst situation of the battery amp rating. While it could be done, much more expense would be "wasted" in the ESC which can already handle a burst situation for short periods of time beyond the listed steady state rating. In general one sizes an ESC for a known amp load which a motor will draw with a desired prop (chosen to give desired performance throughout the RPM range of the motor as driven by the battery cell count). In general this can be determined by a wattmeter (or ammeter) on the bench at wide open throttle (WOT) however if the prop "slips" you may see less amps than the plane will draw in the air, otherwise this will likely be the max load the motor will ever see so it will be safe to size an ESC with slightly more capacity to insure it stays cool with moderate airflow to it. One chooses battery size and C rating to insure the desired load can be supplied for the full time duration needed without going too large because weight will be a penalty. Often, manufacturer C ratings are overstated and/or do not reflect desired longevity issues one sees when batteries are (ab)used due to being undersized or improperly cooled/charged/stored, etc. Of course all these factors have trade offs in weight and performance, as sometimes one must choose to downsize a prop, or increase a battery (gain weight). Again, as Jason suggests, I highly suggest you take a "short cut" and find out what folks in your area are using to address the needs of planes similar to yours. Once you know your weight, time and performance needs you'll soon be able to see where you can deviate from a suggested setup to tweak things safely. Joe
Posted on: 6/6/2012 9:23 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11108711

RE: Spektrum Glider Guiders
Ed, Those don't have the long "whip style" antennas (like Futaba first introduced). Those long whips are key to getting just the whiskers outside the plane. I think you mean this: http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPMAR9310 Joe [quote]ORIGINAL: aeajr [quote]ORIGINAL: wind junkie Wonder if they'll replace it with a DSM-X compatible version? (else why
Posted on: 6/3/2012 9:13 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11104747

RE: Spektrum Glider Guiders
Wonder if they'll replace it with a DSM-X compatible version? (else why discontinue?)
Posted on: 5/4/2012 2:13 PM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11068543

RE: your thoughts about how a wing feels in flight
I think most people will agree with your observations and preference for a hard wing. I like to say when a wing makes little or no noise, it's "making F3B noises" which is a hallmark of a clean efficient ship. Materials are chosen for many reasons including durability, expense, ease of manufacturing, ease of repair, and aesthetics. You wouldn't bring a crunchy to a combat meet, as you wouldn't bring a foamie to an F3F race. Part of my happiness is having the right tool for the challenge and conditions for the day. Joe
Posted on: 5/3/2012 6:09 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11066645

RE: Who is using SBUS?
[quote]ORIGINAL: TimBle How often have you had a properly engaged plug connection disengage? Do you have redundancy in a conventional Rx to servo set up? if ''YES'' above, please explain how [/quote] No, I've never had a GS servo disengage. There are many ways of securing connections which could also be used for SBUS servos. I'm mostly questioning the wisdom in minimizing control and power paths in heavy and expensive systems known to be hard on their equipment. I like Don Apostolico's (of Don's Hobby Shop) approach to redundancy. Two RX's, two switches and two batteries independently acting as two separate systems, controlling wing and opposite elevator on each side, with rudder/throttle split as well. [b]Of course this could also be done with an SBUS system. [/b] But in general, on a GS plane (ie 50cc or larger) I'm not trying to minimize wire weight, nor control path redundancy which is what I believe to be the prime attraction for SBUS. Also, an SBUS system means I need SBUS servos. That's another issue, but still considerable to those of us who already have favorite high dollar high power servos. I'm not saying there is no ideal use for SBUS, I'm just saying it offers no advantage to me as a GS flyer over a simpler and arguably more reliable system.
Posted on: 5/3/2012 6:02 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11066642

RE: Who is using SBUS?
From a redundancy standpoint, I don't understand why it's desireable to minimize the number of wires going from the RX to the servos in your giant scale airplane. Yes, the SBUS system seems clever and creative, but I didn't think GS was the ideal scope for its usage.
Posted on: 5/2/2012 2:21 PM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11065816

RE: KAOS AND RELATED PLANES AND INFO
Still looks great Chief. Great pics. Joe
Posted on: 4/30/2012 9:16 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Classic RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11062561

RE: servo glue ?
You didn't say if this was a composite or foamie. For crunchies, I like to wrap the servo with masking tape. Then I wipe the tape with acetone (dont' soak, just wipe to remove any release residue from tape) before using epoxy with glass fiber fill. Goop is also good as WyoWind says but harder to remove later. If I have shrink tube which fits the servo, that's the best and easiest way for a quick release, bute I seldom have what I need on hand so masking tape works fine. For foamies, I like foaming clear/white or yellow polyurethane (PU) glue best, especially if EPP is used as it penetrates the foam. Gorilla glue makes both types. When cured it chips off with a razor blade or hobby knife. The yellow is the best for penetration but it takes 2 hours to cure. White is good for quick fixes and when penetration isn't really desired. In either case, excess glue squeezes out and is easily trimmed with knife and/or forceps for tight spots where servos are buried. Goop can be used in foamies also for absolutely the most durable bond, but it's much harder to service and takes much longer to cure for internally buried servos (several days for the smell to subside). Joe
Posted on: 4/30/2012 8:33 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11062507

RE: Gyro on elevator
I understand your desire for better elevator control on landing. I find I need LOTS of throw capability for a flare, or to keep the tail planted while taxiing tempramental warbirds with long noses on grass fields, and very little travel for high speed flight. I've always found expo to be the best solution for me. I suggest experimenting with expo travel for your needs using an easily selectable (ie dual rate) switch so you can turn it off easily. Since I started flying 3D, I really like having a lot of expo on all the time without a need for switch flipping as the plane transitions between high and low speed regimes, however doing that requires a LOT of discipline and experience with the plane in knowing exactly how hard you can push (or more importantly "pull" the elevator) without inducing a snap. I've heard of GS warbird guys using rate gyros on rudders to help tame ground loop tendencies, but never on elevator. As BarracudaHockey says, don't ever use a heading hold gyro on an airplane. If you want to play with them, use a "rate gyro" (which just dampens movement, not tries to hold a particular nose pointing direction). Joe
Posted on: 4/30/2012 8:21 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11062496

RE: Value hobby Sabre 51in?
Thanks for the reminder, I ordered one just now. They're very new. I just saw one at the Toledo show this weekend and wanted it immediately. It's much more striking in person. Very light. Joe
Posted on: 4/17/2012 11:01 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11045850

RE: Sloaris slope racer Carl Mass
Carl is active on RC Groups as "Carlski". I don't think he made more than a few "Soaris" slope racers. I saw the maiden of one of his prototypes. It had curvy swept up wingtips at a time when nobody else was even thinking in that direction. A super beautiful plane in every respect.
Posted on: 4/16/2012 9:40 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11044195

RE: Glider mode on JR X9503 vs DX8
Yes Ed I agree. I was just answering his question. My original 9303 has a 2.4 module as well as several 72 Mhz ones. The other TX's are actually XP9303s. Joe
Posted on: 4/9/2012 8:36 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11034405

RE: Glider mode on JR X9503 vs DX8
I agree the DX8 is a feature full radio. The stuff that goes along with that 3rd dedicated (sailplane) mode is implied by my use of the "full house" terminology for sailplanes implying a 6 servo bird. Having that capability with ready to go mixes means you won't waste a lot of other mixes coupling flaps to ailerons or re-creating crow features where each servo in the wing does something different depending on aileron, throttle and mode input. If your sailplanes have less than 6 servos, you will probably not ever miss the canned "full house" mixes. I tried to put my Trinity on a DX7 once, and I could have almost everything I wanted at the same time except I had to decide if I wanted both snap flap AND crow capability. Also as I recall I wasted a mix or two trying to "undo" an undesireable action forced by another mix. If you're not careful, sometimes you end up with mixes where the trim doesn't apply to the whole "function" (say aileron for example) cause you ended up dedicating mixes to features which might be better categorized as "slave", etc. Note the 9393/9503 does have a 3 position flap switch. I just prefer not to use it to control flaps directly (giving only 3 possible positions) as I like a continuous range for my flaps (with crow).
Posted on: 4/6/2012 2:54 PM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11031099

RE: Sig Samrai
I'll make a copy of mine tomorrow. PM me with your address. Joe
Posted on: 4/5/2012 8:21 PM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11030213

RE: Glider mode on JR X9503 vs DX8
I've thought long and hard about maybe getting a DX8 to replace or supplement any of my three 9303s. Mostly cause I'd like to dabble in telemetry. I would miss the dedicated full house glider programs : Crow activated proportionally from the throttle stick with built in elevator compensation and offset capability, snap flap for entire wing TE movement. These would eat up many of the mixes if I tried to manually do it all with a DX8. I absolutely love the rotary sliders in the corners (like the old airtronics Vision) because my index fingers can find them quickly for camber positioning on gliders when entering or exiting thermals without taking my thumbs off the sticks. As a glider flyer AND wet fuel power flyer a slider is used on my giant scale warbird flaps. It makes a huge difference being able to quickly slam the flaps up on my big warbird to get the tail down quickly on soft wet or muddy fields to prevent nose-overs and still keeping throttle, rudder and elevator control in a gusty crosswind. Can't do that unless my index finger can find that flap slider! Thirdly, I really don't like digital trims on throttles, and the 9303 has a manual throttle trim. (Yippiee!) So, in summary, if I needed to replace one of my 9303s, I'd get a 9503 and NOT a DX8. I'd get an aftermarket suite of telemetry tools like Eagletree or similar if I want telemetry. Having them integrated into the TX isn't really a big deal, cause I've concluded I can't really view them while flying, and any alerts I set (low voltage, temperature, speed, rpm, etc) could also be done without the TX's involvement. Joe
Posted on: 4/5/2012 9:29 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11029363

RE: KAOS AND RELATED PLANES AND INFO
Nice work guys. Love that logo Chief, really sets it off!
Posted on: 3/21/2012 9:33 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Classic RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11009575

RE: auxilliary fuel reservoir?
Have you tried that exact same experiment with both full and empty tanks? If it dies doing a corkscrew on the way down with a full tank, it's doubtful the issue is the clunk (and therefore a header tank probably won't solve the problem). In that case it's the line going dry due to the carb's inability to hold the suction during the maneuver. I assume you've already checked for kinks or pinholes in the fuel line and a freely moving clunk. No bubbles should appear in the line at any engine speed or attitude of the plane with a full tank. OS Carb's are among the best in the industry, but the FP series (air bleed) certainly are their cheapest.
Posted on: 3/21/2012 8:26 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11009490

RE: Great Planes F-86 Sabre Micro EDF
This plane is super tiny. Its unrealistic to expect that sort of speed from a battery the size of a peanut for any sustainined period. Plus nobody can see a plane that small if it gets too fast. Best to keep it slow and "floaty" as possible or nobody (else) will want to buy one. There are plenty of small fast jets out there. This strikes me as more of a novelty and should not be a good candidate for hop up mods. Just seeing a Sabre in the air this small and "cute" is reason enough to make most aviation aficionados smile.
Posted on: 2/25/2012 3:48 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10974911

RE: E Flight F-86 Sabre
That's all you need to do. The main danger was that the BEC would fight (or charge) the on board RX battery (which you don't want). Removing the red wire connection effectively disables the BEC function of the ESC as far as the RX is concerned. No need to change anything else on your ESC.
Posted on: 2/20/2012 9:57 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10967553

RE: HABU FOAM JET.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10916269/anchors_10916269/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#10916269
Posted on: 2/20/2012 9:50 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10967543

RE: Are you a member of a club?
I agree with jcstalls on segregation if that's a priority to you to keep a club strictly soaring. I fly everything from GS to EDFs to indoor to slope and thermal. Warbirds to 3D, basically everything with wings no helis for me. In my local area I belong to 3 fuel-centric clubs, one thermal club, one electric only club. I also belong to a few other loose associations nation wide for slope centric groups. In my local area only the fuel centric clubs have their own fields with a dues-paying membership. None of these clubs are extremely "active" as they seldom hold meetings other than our informal flying gatherings. Since I don't use a winch or histart, I'm really never in direct conflict with any of the fuel power flyers (as there are no lines to clutter the runways) and sharing the airspace is no problem. the other clubs are really "vagabond" in character as we maintain contact through e-mail or online and decide when/where to fly based on weather and personal schedules. In rare occasions we do aero-towing which involves one or two of the power flyers. When I bring a glider to my fuel centric clubs I'm in "instant ambassador" which is fine, but it seems I might as well have brought an electric train set to the field as only in rare occasions does anyone new ever bring a sailplane to that same power field in response to my initial demo. This is usually because I'm playing to the same crowd over and over, with the only variable beng a different airplane for show and tell. Sometimes a new glider pilot will arrange to meet me elsewhere for a soaring session, which is usually more appropriate for the mood and/or weather and geography dependent flying involved. Joe
Posted on: 2/17/2012 9:25 AM by Author "wind junkie" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10963213