Hobby Idea/RC

Mentor-G Basic Trainer ARF

2011-11-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

Maxford USA
By: Frank Granelli

Maxford USA, famous for its high-quality line of unusual scale ARF aircraft, has recently introduced another unusual airplane, the Mentor-G Basic Trainer. The “G” stands for “Gasoline” as the Mentor is designed to use a 26cc class gasoline-fueled engine. The larger powerplant enables the Mentor-G to be larger and easier to see and fly than are most Basic Trainers.

This highly prefab ARF spans 83 inches with 1,187 sq. in. of wing area. That’s 1,187 square inches of wing in case you missed it the first time. Very few Basic Trainer ARF aircraft reach anywhere near this size; if any actually do. As Sport Aviator has learned from its testing of .60-sized glow-engine trainers, the larger airplanes are easier to fly and to see.

Since the Mentor-G is about 14% larger than 60 size trainers, maybe it will be 14% easier to fly? We’ll find out about that during the flight tests but one thing is for very sure right now. Since the engine burns gasoline instead of expensive glow fuel, the Mentor-G is certainly going to be lots cheaper to fly. Full Review And Construction Here

Wing Bags

2011-09-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of getting hanger rash every time you pack up your plane to go the field for a days flying session? Protect your investment and keep your wings looking great for many years to come with high quality wing bags from Hobby-Pak.

Hobby-Pak wing bags are available in many different styles and sizes to suit your needs. They are made with high quality nylon cloth and are very durable. The zippers open all the way so that the whole bag can be laid flat before taking the wing in or out. Both sides of the wing bags are protected with 3/8" thick long last foam covered by fleece. Three velcro belts are adjustable for different size wings.

Why Use a Wing Bag?

Protect your valuable wing panels
Keep your wings clean and organized
Easy to carry out to field or in the car
Never forget your wing bar!

Take a look at these bags yourself and you will see the quality first hand that makes a great wing bag.

Visit The Site Here

RC BI-Plane Heaven

2011-08-20T05:42:00.001-07:00

The Ultimate Ultimate Bipe!

Product Type:	Airplane - ARF
Manufacturer:	AeroWorks
Product:	100cc Ultimate 20-300 ARF QB
Engine size:	100cc
Covering:	Ultracote
Colors:	Two color schemes available
Street Price:	$1195.95
Website:	Go Now!
Phone Orders:

The first shipment of 100cc Ultimate 20-300's are due to arrive in two weeks! We have many of these presold and have to more containers coming to cover the incredible demand we have seen for this new airplane. We would like to thank all of you for your patience in waiting on these airplanes, I am sure all of you are excited to receive them!

For those of you not yet on the preorder list, there is still time to preorder and receive free shipping. Once the first shipment arrives this special offer will not be available.

Aeroworks is proud to add the New 100cc Ultimate 20-300 to their line of QUICK BUILD Series Aircraft Designed by Jason Noll to provide the best performing Ultimate to date. The New Ultimate 20-300 has been designed to out perform any other Ultimate on the market. With minimal mixing and aileron differential required to achieve perfect flight, creates the truest flying Ultimate EVER! The 100cc Ultimate is a true QB offering High quality, light weight construction and fastest build time possible.

Aeroworks has Raised the Bar
The QB Series is top quality in both design and performance that has set the standard for the ARF aircraft market!

With the Ultimate’s unbeatable stability and precision flight characteristics it is certain to please both the beginner as well as the advanced competitor.

Designed for both precision and 3D style flying this plane is sure to out perform all other aircraft. The Ultimate was designed from the ground up to be a top performing aircraft. Generous control surfaces and an awesome power to weight ratio make this a plane you'll want to fly every visit to the field!

FEATURING
Strong Light Weight Construction
Complete and Detailed Instruction Manual on CD
7075 Aluminum Landing Gear
Strong and Light Tail Wheel
Complete High Quality SAE Hardware Package Included
Adjustable pushrods with Centering Nut
Machined aluminum engine stand offs included
Carbon Reinforced Wing Spar Design Increases Wing Strength and Eliminates the Need for Flying Wires
No Flying Wires Required for Wings or Stabilizer Speeds Assembly at the field
Pre Installed Center Cabane
Carbon Wing and Stab Tubes
Professionally covered in ULTRACOTE™
Pre-Hinged from factory (Ready to Fly) No gluing
One Servo Wing
One Servo Elevator
Large control surfaces double beveled for maximum throw
Pre Mounted Fiberglass Cowl and Wheel Pants
Flush Fit Cowling with No External Mounting Bolts
Pre Mounted and Tinted Canopy
Pre installed and fuel proofed engine box
Laser cut engine mounting templates provided
Custom Throw Meter Included
Extra Ultracote™ covering provided for small repairs
Two Fuel tanks One for Smoke

12 to 14 Hours assembly Time

SPECIFICATIONS
Wing Span 84 inches.
Wing Area 2650 sq. in.
Fuse Length (Rudder to Front of Cowl) 98.5"
Fuse Length (Rudder to Front of Spinner) 103.5"
Cowl Width 13"
Weight 28 to 30 lbs
Engine 100cc-120cc
Radio 4 Channels minimum

Remember to mention that you saw it on www.RCUniverse.com!

Helion Animus 18S RTR Electric Truck

2011-07-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

I’ve spent much of my career racing 18th scales for Castle Creations and MaxAmps and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Helion 18SC even if it is not intended for the racing circuit.

The Helion Animus 18SC is the next generation of 1/18th scale performance with an unprecedented set of features and value. The Helion Animus 18SC is the next generation of 1/18th scale performance with an unprecedented set of features and value. With the advent and inclusion of crystal-less 2.4 GHz radio technology in the Animus, R/C bashers and enthusiasts can now enjoy using their cars alongside one another instead of worrying about changing or having to buy extra crystals.

The premise behind the project set to offer you something different, something revolutionary…value AND performance.

- Features/Specifications
• 14 yr old+
• 2.4 GHz Radio
• Integrated receiver, servo, and ESC
• 370 sized 4,200 kv brushed motor
• 11 tooth pinion
• Gear differentials
• 6 cell NiMH 1100 mAh battery
• Four wheel independent suspension
• 18th Scale
• Length- 10.8 inches
• Width- 7 inches
• Width without body- 6.7 inches
• Height- 3.9 inches
• Wheelbase- 6.3 inches
• Weight- 1.2 lbs
• Chassis material- molded composite
• Internal gear ratio- 8.8:1
• AC wall type trickle charger
• All terrain 2.4 inch tires
• 7 bearings, bushing in wheels
• Ring and pinion type four wheel drive drive train
• Four wheel independent suspension
• Planetary gear differentials
• Ball bearing supported central shaft drive train
• Adjustable, oil filled, coil-over shock absorbers with bladders
• Adjustable wheelbase
• Dual bell crank steering
• Molded drive shafts and cups
• Broached ball stud pivot joints
• Molded camber and steering links
• Dual position battery strap
• Hex drive wheels

It looks a lot like the Team Associated SC18 or RC18T, only better. It is not belt driven but is 4wd with a drive shaft and comes with a brushed motor. With the advent and inclusion of crystal-less 2.4 GHz radio technology in the Animus, R/C bashers and enthusiasts can now enjoy using their cars alongside one another instead of worrying about changing or having to buy extra crystals. With a 4,200rpm brushed motor and high performance 1,100 mAh NiMH battery included, the Animus is equipped to not disappoint with speeds topping 20mph!

While 1/10-scale short course trucks are all the rage now, their smaller counterparts are gaining traction among fans, too. And this Helion Animus 18SC offers some of the best balance in features and value. Being a 1/18-scale short course racer, the 4WD truck comes in RTR form, packing a short course-style body with light bars, stepped bead wheels and tires, and short course-style bumpers in the front and rear.

Helion actually made some nice improvements to the design by replacing the awkward flip antenna with a stub nipple to help reduce the chance of accidentally breaking the antenna by younger users. They also made a detailed print out of the variable control settings inside the flip lid which are much easier to read. The chassis is much smaller/lighter than the AE-SC18, however the padded spacer in the battery tray does allow some tuning options for battery placement.

Designed for novice drivers, the Helion Animus 18SC should be a great starter vehicle for anyone interested in this size of short course race trucks. And that's before you even consider the dirt cheap $100 price.
For much more informatiom about RC Hobbies be sure to visit our site HERE

Thanks for listening,
G Wells

AMA NEWS LETTER

2011-07-06T04:14:00.000-07:00

The Big Event beckons - AMA 75th Celebration sign-up in final days
Four days of action-packed, fun-fly aeromodeling, Nats soaring competition, NASA exhibits, tethered balloon rides, EAA Young Eagle flights, RC boats and cars, country club pool party for families, museum tours, flying with an astronaut, and the first flights of a half-scale Hughes H-1 racer by Hollywood's premier model designer. All free! Nearly 200 pilots from 36 states have already signed up. Click the link below ASAP to learn more and to register as a pilot. Go here to sign up for the July 16th big Country Club Pool Party, featuring a spectacular night-fly by Bobby Watts. Also, today is the last day to register for the Diamond Anniversary Gala, July 15. Go here to register; don't delay!
For much more information and reading from the AMA Newsletter go here!

Flying Model Airplanes/New Hobby Idea

2011-06-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Over the years the one hobby that I can say I have enjoyed the most is flying model airplanes. There is so much to learn and accomplish in this hobby for the young and old, not to mention the new friends you meet along the way. If you are an outdoors type of person and like to tinker than this hobby is for you.

Many people will think that flying a model airplane or helicopter is too difficult and expensive as a hobby or past time, but with today’s technology and advancements in modeling it couldn’t be easier to learn how to fly. Sure in the old day’s one would have to purchase a kit, build the kit, buy an expensive radio, and then try and teach themselves or find someone that would teach them how to fly the model. Well, those days are gone forever and anyone can learn to fly airplanes or helicopters in no time and join in the fun with a very small investment.

To start flying people think they have to start out by buying a kit, not so in today’s world, you have what they call ARFs, “almost ready to fly” models. This means everything is built for you and the only thing left is to install the radio and engine and you’re ready to go. If that`s not easy enough, there are RTFs, “Ready To Fly” models that the only thing you have to do is fuel it up or charge it up if it`s an electric model, and go out and fly. Technology has made it so easy and affordable in this hobby that flying can be done on a budget from $50 indoor models, to $5000 150cc gas engine scale models, both airplanes and helicopters, and you don`t have to build anything. Just order your favorite model off the web hobby stores and have it delivered right to your door within a matter of days, and you`ll be flying.

It used to be a real challenge to fly a helicopter, but with today’s high tech models, that can be purchased for under $100 and be equipped with a built in gyro, a 5 year old could learn how to fly one in minutes. And they can be flown in a good size living room or back yard at that.

If you want to learn how to fly from your computer, than buy a simulator and learn to fly without having to worry about repairing anything and fly anytime you like and any type of model you like for a very small investment.

Of course if you want to build your own kit this is still possible. Kits by today’s standards are much better through technology than those found 30 years ago because the balsa pieces are laser cut for accuracy and the a wood itself is of a better grade and better hand selection for kits today. Kits for helicopters are availably also, and many of the pieces for these kits will incorporate carbon fiber in place of some of the metal and wood pieces to save weight and increase strength such as frame and rotor blades.

These days there are hundreds of model airplanes and helicopters to choose from, but always be sure of what you're buying first. The great thing is that with the models now available, getting into the hobby of radio control flying has never been easier or more affordable!

The question is often asked if it is better to assemble the RC vehicle from a kit or buy it already assembled and ready to use? This question really depends on each individual and what you are looking to get out of the hobby. The construction of a vehicle model is a hobby in itself. The popularity of plastic model kits of planes and boats has also been an element of the hobby industry for years.

Remember when starting out in the hobby of RC that your first choices of equipment and products are going to leave the biggest first impression of the hobby, so shop and compare before making your purchase.

Thanks for listening,
G Wells

AMA and FAA stage open forum at Joe Nall

2011-06-11T03:03:00.001-07:00

The AMA's Government Relations team, headed by Rich Hanson, continues to press our case for exemption from FAA federal regulations. If you are one of the tens of thousands of aeromodelers who are anxious about government intervention in our hobby and sport, be sure to regularly visit the AMA's government relations area of our website. Click below to learn about the latest news, including recent coverage by the Wall Street Journal and the Smithsonian's Air & Space magazine. And check out the AMA/FAA open forum conducted at the Joe Nall Fly-In by clicking on AMA TV at right.

Nano CMOS Camera

2011-06-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

Nano CMOS Camera (NTSC)

Retail Price: $49.95USD

This is the smallest FPV camera on the market today. With its 520 TVL resolution it gives a crisp image to the FPV pilot. The 1gr weight makes it a perfect companion for any mini FPV models.
New Generation Hobbies

Description:

The Nano is world’s smallest 12 volts high resolution color CCD square mini camera.

It performs 550TV lines with a 1/3" CCD lens: 3.6mm, any other of our LS -BL lens fits this camera perfectly

The Nano is a great camera for applications where size and image quality are very important features to be considered.

Features:

• Sony’s Super HAD CCD II

• Extremely low current consumption of only 90mA

• Smallest mini square CCD Camera for High Resolution Display.

• f 3.6mm Board Lens

• Low Light Sensitivity of 0.2Lux

Specs:

• Operating Voltage: 12volts

• Current consumption: 90mA (± 10%)

• Dimensions: 22x22mm (0.89" inch)

• Electronic Shutter: NTSC : 1/60 ~ 1/100,000 sec

• Weight: 29 grams (1oz)

• S/N Ratio: 45dB and more (AGC Off)

The package includes:

• Nano Cased CCD Camera NTSC

• Power cable and video connector (BNC)

• Documentation

• 3.6 mm lense 70 degree FOV

• Lens Cover

• Aluminum swivel mount (with Screws)

Welcome to the age of Romote Control.

2011-05-20T00:55:00.001-07:00

When it comes to picking out the right remote control facet for yourself or for a gift, the choices can be really overwhelming. Do you want electric or gas, big or small - car, truck, plane or truggy, etc. Ultimately what you pick will depend on what you want, and your level of expertise.

Which Grade – Hobby or Toy?
To start off whitch grade of RC would you like. There are only two types of RC grades: toy grade and hobby grade. Toy grade might be the right choice for young children but keep in mind that the inexpensive plastic models found at toy stores will be junk after the first few crashes.

A radio-controlled model (or RC model) is a model that is steerable with the use of radio control. All types of vehicles imaginable have had RC systems installed in them, including cars, boats, tanks, planes, and even helicopters and scale railway locomotives. I have been in this hobby for more than 30 years and have experienced every facet of the RC hobby and I can tell you first hand that there isn’t another hobby on earth that will give you a bigger bang for the buck than the hobby of RC.

When starting out in the RC hobby one should consider making a small investment to see if they are going enjoy the hobby initially and expand on the hobby as you go. Many radio control modelers get their start in the hobby with an R/C car or truck. That’s a good idea. Getting the hang of a model that stays on the ground is a little easier than controlling one that also challenges you to beat the laws of gravity.

Start out by purchasing a RC car or truck and expect to spend between $100-$200 for something that will be dependable, durable enough for small kids, and repairable if you need parts after some extensive use. More complex models can cost as much as $300-$1500 but deliver a greater thrill due to speed increase and radio options. RC cars and trucks, unlike airplanes, require only a small amount of space to enjoy the hobby as well.

The same thing holds true when getting into RC airplanes and helicopters, think small and work your way up. Initial investment for this hobby will be $50-$125 for decent equipment to get your feet wet; however the sky is the limit, so to speak, if you want to play with the big boys in this hobby. The bigger the airplane, the room more it requires to fly and the necessity for more equipment. Cost for these kind of models can range from$500-$5000 or more plus costs for club dues and AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) liability insurance.

"Model Airplane Secrets"
Your complete guide to RC Airplanes from A-Z

Blade 120 SR Review

2011-05-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

For A Complete List Of New Hobby Ideas Go Here
This is the best Blade yet! I have the SR, mSr, mcx, blade CX, and the blade CX2, but none of them are as fun to fly as the 120. This is not for the beginner who has never flown a single rotor heli before but if you are looking to upgrade from a coaxial heli to a single this is the one to start with. The lightweight but sturdy components make the 120 SR strong enough to fulfill this goal. The lightweight prices make RC helicopter flying a possibility.

I was looking hard at the Blade MSR, but was concerned about performance in light wind. So when the Blade 120 SR came out it was exactly what I was looking for and I bought mine right here. It is a great trainer for beginners and for those with a little more experience. You can practice hovering in multiple positions, figure 8s, funnels, etc. Besides that it is a blast to fly and relatively safe. The 45 degree flybar makes this a really easy heli to fly. If you simply let go of the right hand controls it will, if it has room, return to a semi-stable hover.

There are some basic and advance settings on connector that connect the head linkage to the swash plate. I recommend going to the advance settings as quickly as you can especially if you are flying in light wind. It takes 5 minutes to do, and you can do it with your fingers or gently with small needle nose pliers.

This is a great heli and I am very satisfied with the flight characteristics. Super stable for a non-coaxial bladed heli. Tail is amazingly stable and holds direction better than I would have thought possible for for this type of heli.

The large single LiPo for the 120 SR can be ready for use (at 0.7 amp) just as quickly as the mSR and flies nearly as long. I have only flown the 120 SR through a dozen battery charges but I'm hooked. Once I started flying the Blade single rotor lightweights I have lost my desire to engage my little collection of Chinese coaxials.

Both beginners and seasoned flyers will have a blast with this heli. It's great for learning orientations and forward flight, but has enough get up and go to scratch that flying itch when you can't make it to the flying field and want to tool around the yard. It's stable in a hover, although it tends to want a switch in rudder trim about half way through the flight. I've had several blade strikes with NO damage. Like the mSR, this heli is durable as well as fun. There's nothing bad I can say about it. I think it's the perfect trainer for larger collective pitch heli's. In fact, I just finished building a new TREX 450 so after a couple of months flying the SR120, I think I'm ready to move on. But this time I'm keeping my SR120. It's great to fly in the back yard, the driveway or at our indoor fly-ins at the local High School. Highly recommended!

Picking the Right RC Airplane for Beginners

2011-04-23T05:27:00.000-07:00

When people think of getting started into hobby of RC airplanes the first thing on their minds is getting that WWII fighter plane that they have always admired and from a RC trainer stand point of view, this could only mean disaster when starting out.

You see all the same principals apply for RC hobby planes as they do for the real planes. A WWII fighter plane was designed for high speed combat fighting and aerobatics and not designed to be a trainer for learning how to fly. A trainer plane, whether RC or full scale will have a high mounted wing for stability and fly slow as to let the pilot get used to the controls. When purchasing a trainer for the hobby of RC you want to look for a plane with a high mounted wing and a generous amount of “dihedral”. Dihedral is when the wing tips are higher than the center of the wing, this will add greater stability in flight, it sort of acts like a pendulum.

You have to understand that the hobby of flying RC is somewhat different that learning to fly full size planes. A full size plane you get to feel what the plane is doing by sitting in the plane, when learning RC it is all about eye to hand coordination’s because you are standing on the ground watching the plane fly. Also, when the model is flying away from you left is left and right is right on the sticks, but when the model is coming at you the controls are reversed and left is right and right is left on the sticks. Watch video here.

RC electrics have been a big boom in the hobby the last ten years and offer a big bang for the buck in both trainers and high performance ducted fan models. The electric models will offer the beginner in the hobby a chance to get their feet wet without spending a lot of money on club dues and AMA insurance because they are so small and light weight that you can fly them out of your back yard and not damage anything.

However the biggest drawback is that they have to be flown on a very calm day or inside. If you are ready to go the next step up in the hobby, than I suggest you purchase a good size gas (nitro) trainer and join a club. This will require you to purchase an AMA membership (Academy of Model Aeronautics), it is necessary to join the club. You won`t be sorry you did though, because the camaraderie and new pilot instruction that you will receive from being in a club is well worth the money.

Another great invention in this hobby is the RC simulator. The simulator is suggested as being the best way to learn RC planes and helicopters without spending a lot of money on crashed models and being totally discouraged about a great hobby before you even get started.

Look over our site for much more advice and recommendations for entering the world of Remote Control.

Or for other great hobby Ideas Go Here