Hangar 9 RV-8
You can feel the coolness in the air that signals the end of summer here in Northern California. Another sure sign are the plentiful grapes on the vine, ready for harvest, with their leaves changing colors to protest the colder nights. With our first big storm of the season forecast to hit early next week, I thought today would be a great day to take the new Hangar 9 RV-8 out for a spin. It is a 50 size plane that can be set up for either a nitro engine or clean electric power. This one has the E-flite Power 46 on a 4S Thunder Power lipoly battery. With Jr Sport Digital servos all the way around and nice features such as flaps and pre-hinged, pre-attached control surfaces, with all control horns pre-installed, this RV-8 almost flies right off the workshop table.
Gp125racer and I had a great morning, gathering photos and video for projects we are working on.
Watch for a full Ezonemag/RCGroups review on the Hangar 9 RV-8 ARF coming soon.....
Gp125racer and I had a great morning, gathering photos and video for projects we are working on.
Watch for a full Ezonemag/RCGroups review on the Hangar 9 RV-8 ARF coming soon.....
ParkZone at the Park!!
I was finally able to see the new ParkZone 109 today. What a beautiful plane, maybe the best looking one from ParkZone yet IMO?
I also maidened my ParkZone Gunfighter P51, with custom graphics and canopy mods. I flew it on 3S and 4S and it really rips on 4S!
Way to go ParkZone! Now, if I can just resist buying that 109!:D
I also maidened my ParkZone Gunfighter P51, with custom graphics and canopy mods. I flew it on 3S and 4S and it really rips on 4S!
Way to go ParkZone! Now, if I can just resist buying that 109!:D
Everybody needs a small P40 Warhawk for their desktop!
I stopped into my local Hobbytown USA tonight, only to grab a few props for my ParkZone P51 that I am assembling. Yeah, who EVER gets out the door with JUST a few props?! I had secretly been hoping I would "miss" the new E-flite P40 Warhawk that U was sure they would get in... Miss it in the sense that somebody else would snag the one or two they would get in stock from the first container. I didn't! And yeah, I did! Scooped it up and walked out the door with it. One wee detail is that mine is missing the small hook in the fuselage that the wing o-ring hooks to for securing the wing. Hopefully a quick phone call to E-Flite tomorrow will have one on the way soon, so we can get her in the air this weekend for some in-flight photos and video!
Another beauty E-Flite!!:D
Another beauty E-Flite!!:D
Gonzalo and another Beautiful Scale Electric Heli
As summer draws to a close here in Northern California, the days tend to get hot but the winds tend to die down. Call it Indian Summer but it means we are heading into the "sweet spot" of RC flying. Late September through November find us enjoying weekend after weekend of perfect flying weather.
We kicked it off today with a little outing at one of our favorite sites. And Gonzalo Martinez never fails to amaze is with his beautiful scale helicopters. I was too busy snapping photos of it to get all of the information from him but I do remember he said it is a Thunder Tiger body with 50 size mechanics. I'll let him pop in here and give us all of the particulars. Suffice it to say, it looks awesome in the air! Way to go G!
And Gonzalo posted this information below:
Yes, this is a Thunder Tiger ARF fuselage. It was designed for the Raptor 50 but I used the Thunder Tiger e620 electric mechanics. It run on a 10S 3800. I did quite a few modifications to adapt these set of mechanics for this fuse.... nothing to complicate but required machining which I love.
We kicked it off today with a little outing at one of our favorite sites. And Gonzalo Martinez never fails to amaze is with his beautiful scale helicopters. I was too busy snapping photos of it to get all of the information from him but I do remember he said it is a Thunder Tiger body with 50 size mechanics. I'll let him pop in here and give us all of the particulars. Suffice it to say, it looks awesome in the air! Way to go G!
And Gonzalo posted this information below:
Yes, this is a Thunder Tiger ARF fuselage. It was designed for the Raptor 50 but I used the Thunder Tiger e620 electric mechanics. It run on a 10S 3800. I did quite a few modifications to adapt these set of mechanics for this fuse.... nothing to complicate but required machining which I love.
New Line of Castle Creations Speed Controllers - ICE!!
Just in case you have been dozing and have missed the big news ... :p
Castle Creations has brought a new line of speed controllers to market and they are available NOW! I have been using Castle's controllers since I re-entered this fun hobby almost 5 years ago and they are legendary for their excellent performance. I am really excited to get some of these new ICE controllers installed into some of my upcoming projects. They come in 50, 75 and 100 amp sizes, in both a regular version good up to 8S input and a lite version which is packaged in heat shrink for a smaller overall package, good for up to 6S input. The specifications are super impressive ... the addition of data logging especially stands out. Sample rates are variable between 1 and 10 seconds and the data and programming is all done via Castle Link. Parameters that can be recorded include :
Another notable new release from Castle is a souped up version of their popular BEC, the CC BEC Pro. I have used quite a few of Castle's BEC in my larger electrics but when my projects have gotten REALLY large, I have gone back to a dedicated Nicad or NimH receiver battery pack. I don't think I will have to do that any more, thanks to the new BEC Pro. It comes with a pair of output leads for increased current carrying ability, up to a maximum of 20 amps. And it does it all at a net weight of ONE ounce!
Definitely some very exciting and COOL (Pun intended!!) stuff coming from the guys and gals in Kansas!!
Castle Creations has brought a new line of speed controllers to market and they are available NOW! I have been using Castle's controllers since I re-entered this fun hobby almost 5 years ago and they are legendary for their excellent performance. I am really excited to get some of these new ICE controllers installed into some of my upcoming projects. They come in 50, 75 and 100 amp sizes, in both a regular version good up to 8S input and a lite version which is packaged in heat shrink for a smaller overall package, good for up to 6S input. The specifications are super impressive ... the addition of data logging especially stands out. Sample rates are variable between 1 and 10 seconds and the data and programming is all done via Castle Link. Parameters that can be recorded include :
- Battery Voltage
- Battery Ripple
- Battery Current
- Controller Temperature
- Controller Input Throttle
- Controller Motor Power Output
- Motor RPM
Another notable new release from Castle is a souped up version of their popular BEC, the CC BEC Pro. I have used quite a few of Castle's BEC in my larger electrics but when my projects have gotten REALLY large, I have gone back to a dedicated Nicad or NimH receiver battery pack. I don't think I will have to do that any more, thanks to the new BEC Pro. It comes with a pair of output leads for increased current carrying ability, up to a maximum of 20 amps. And it does it all at a net weight of ONE ounce!
Definitely some very exciting and COOL (Pun intended!!) stuff coming from the guys and gals in Kansas!!
Ready for Maiden Flight ... Deuces Wild
I have been a bit slow on getting this one ready but tomorrow should be the big day. And she is a beautiful ARF indeed! E-flites Platinum Series planes are very nice examples of what great engineering and quality materials can combine to create.
The twin Power 32's pull her HARD! The Robart pneumatic retracts add the final touch of class to this beauty.
I hope to have the full Ezonemag.com review wrapped up soon ...
The twin Power 32's pull her HARD! The Robart pneumatic retracts add the final touch of class to this beauty.
I hope to have the full Ezonemag.com review wrapped up soon ...
GP Reactor 60 Maiden Flight Photos
I maidened the Great Planes Reactor Bipe 60 size ARF this past weekend and wow, what an amazing airplane. I was really impressed with the extra stability of this larger, heavier version over the smaller park flyer sized electric. The big Rimfore 80 sized electric motor pulls the plane really nice on 6S. I just had to share a photo or two of how nicely this one "pops" in the blue skies of Northern California.
HERE is a thread following this plane, with a few more in flight photos too.
Full Ezonemag review to come soon ...
HERE is a thread following this plane, with a few more in flight photos too.
Full Ezonemag review to come soon ...
Greeat Planes Reactor Bipe 60 Build
I am finishing up the build portion of a RCGroups review I am working on: The Great Planes Reactor Bipe 60 size ARF. I reviewed the original smaller sized Reactor Bipe early last year and it is to this day still a staple member of my active hangar. It is at the top of the short list of planes that I would instantly replace should something bad happen to it! The smaller Reactor bipe is an aerobatic thoroughbred and will do just about anything you ask it to do. I am confident this larger Reactor Bipe will carry on the tradition. I hope to get it in the air for the first time this weekend.
It is equipped with the recommended Electrifly power system:
RimFire 50-55-500 (Rated at 1150 watts continuous)
ElectriFly Silver Series 60 amp Brushless ESC
ElectriFly 11.1V 3200mAh 20C BP Series LiPo (2 in series for 6S)
Radio gear is:
Futaba 9650 Digital servos all the way around and a Futaba
R617FS 2.4GHz FASST 7-Channel receiver.
Please watch for the full review to appear soon on Ezonemag.com ...
It is equipped with the recommended Electrifly power system:
RimFire 50-55-500 (Rated at 1150 watts continuous)
ElectriFly Silver Series 60 amp Brushless ESC
ElectriFly 11.1V 3200mAh 20C BP Series LiPo (2 in series for 6S)
Radio gear is:
Futaba 9650 Digital servos all the way around and a Futaba
R617FS 2.4GHz FASST 7-Channel receiver.
Please watch for the full review to appear soon on Ezonemag.com ...
Pismo Beach, CA
We took a short family vacation to Pismo Beach, CA this weekend. Lotsa time to relax and just recharge the batteries. :D
A DREAM project begins...
TamJets 1/12 F16 EDF
Now to gather the rest of the gear it will take to get her in the air! I NEED a TJ100! :D I am stoked about this one for sure!!:D:D
Now to gather the rest of the gear it will take to get her in the air! I NEED a TJ100! :D I am stoked about this one for sure!!:D:D
A Super Tigre .10 on my PZ T28 Trojan (New Electric Power System)
How about a new, and I do mean NEW, power system for my old friend!? Parkzone has probably sold an incredible number of their T28 RTF war bird. I bought one after seeing a friend have way too much fun with his. And it quickly became a solid member of my hangar. It is an all around fun plane to fly and has no bad habits. And thanks to the fact that I can pick up spare parts at my local Hobbytown USA, I am very emboldened when I fly it. I routinely will try stunts and aerobatics with it that I normally would shy away from, due to the potential for damage or loss of the airplane. But with the T28, a whole new fuselage will only set you back 40 bucks and they are typically in stock just five minutes down the road from me.
I have been flying mine for over a year bone stock, as it came out of the box. I saw no real reason to make any changes to it, as the stock power system was more than adequate. Recently, however, I was lucky enough to receive some new electric components that came with a name affixed to them that anybody who has been in this hobby for a few years will instantly recognize: Super Tigre. And I was asked to use the components on some of my electric airplanes to see what I thought of them. Many folks have hopped up the PZ T28 by putting a Power 10 on it. Since one of the Super Tigre motors is a .10 sized motor, I set about upgrading my T28 with it.
Though there is an ever increasing abundance of manufacturers selling electric brushless motors, speed controller and lipoly batteries, I find it interesting that the Super Tigre brand has appeared with a line of electric components. It is a very competitive market for sure and the economic recession has made all of us choose very carefully what we spend our hobby dollars on. The entire product lineup can be viewed here:
Super Tigre Electric Power Systems
The Super Tigre .10 is a surprisingly small outrunner, compared to some other 10 sized brushless electric outrunners I have seen. I selected it, along with the Super Tigre 30 amp ESC and 3S 1800 15C lipoly battery for my power system upgrade. It was pretty easy to mount it to the nose of the T28, using some nylon spacers and 4/40 hex head screws. The stock 480 power system on the T28 is a 200 watt power system. This upgrade will put me up at 300 watts, using the same 9.5x7 prop that comes on the T28. And both the old and new motors have a 4mm shaft. The ESC slid right into position, as did the 1800 3S lipoly. One detail I find really amazing is the cost of the little .10 motor! How does $24.00 sound?! Though the prices on the ESCs and lipos are not necessarily in my opinion as competitively priced, the three brushless motors seem to be priced at a point that makes them quite competitive and worthy of consideration.
Super Tigre 10 - Maximum constant watts=320 - Suggested Prop sizes:10x7E to 11x7E
Super Tigre 400 - Maximum constant watts=145 - Suggested Prop sizes:9x3.5SF to 11x7SF
Super Tigre 370 - Maximum constant watts=125 - Suggested Prop sizes:9x3.5SF to 11x4SF
I will be posting some EagleTree data after I get the T28 back in the air. I will also be retrofitting other airframes around my shop to use some of these new Super Tigre components in the near future.Though I am not really thrilled that the Super Tigre batteries and speed controllers use what appears to be another new, proprietary connector system, I will say I like the way the connectors plug together in a super fail safe manner. And they are also easy to grip and pull apart.
I am excited to try this new Super Tigre power system in my old friend. And I am excited to see a brand that has been around as long as I can remember move into the realm of electric components. Best of luck to you Super Tigre!! And look for these components soon at your local hobby retailer or Towerhobbies.com.
I have been flying mine for over a year bone stock, as it came out of the box. I saw no real reason to make any changes to it, as the stock power system was more than adequate. Recently, however, I was lucky enough to receive some new electric components that came with a name affixed to them that anybody who has been in this hobby for a few years will instantly recognize: Super Tigre. And I was asked to use the components on some of my electric airplanes to see what I thought of them. Many folks have hopped up the PZ T28 by putting a Power 10 on it. Since one of the Super Tigre motors is a .10 sized motor, I set about upgrading my T28 with it.
Though there is an ever increasing abundance of manufacturers selling electric brushless motors, speed controller and lipoly batteries, I find it interesting that the Super Tigre brand has appeared with a line of electric components. It is a very competitive market for sure and the economic recession has made all of us choose very carefully what we spend our hobby dollars on. The entire product lineup can be viewed here:
Super Tigre Electric Power Systems
The Super Tigre .10 is a surprisingly small outrunner, compared to some other 10 sized brushless electric outrunners I have seen. I selected it, along with the Super Tigre 30 amp ESC and 3S 1800 15C lipoly battery for my power system upgrade. It was pretty easy to mount it to the nose of the T28, using some nylon spacers and 4/40 hex head screws. The stock 480 power system on the T28 is a 200 watt power system. This upgrade will put me up at 300 watts, using the same 9.5x7 prop that comes on the T28. And both the old and new motors have a 4mm shaft. The ESC slid right into position, as did the 1800 3S lipoly. One detail I find really amazing is the cost of the little .10 motor! How does $24.00 sound?! Though the prices on the ESCs and lipos are not necessarily in my opinion as competitively priced, the three brushless motors seem to be priced at a point that makes them quite competitive and worthy of consideration.
Super Tigre 10 - Maximum constant watts=320 - Suggested Prop sizes:10x7E to 11x7E
Super Tigre 400 - Maximum constant watts=145 - Suggested Prop sizes:9x3.5SF to 11x7SF
Super Tigre 370 - Maximum constant watts=125 - Suggested Prop sizes:9x3.5SF to 11x4SF
I will be posting some EagleTree data after I get the T28 back in the air. I will also be retrofitting other airframes around my shop to use some of these new Super Tigre components in the near future.Though I am not really thrilled that the Super Tigre batteries and speed controllers use what appears to be another new, proprietary connector system, I will say I like the way the connectors plug together in a super fail safe manner. And they are also easy to grip and pull apart.
I am excited to try this new Super Tigre power system in my old friend. And I am excited to see a brand that has been around as long as I can remember move into the realm of electric components. Best of luck to you Super Tigre!! And look for these components soon at your local hobby retailer or Towerhobbies.com.
A Quintet of RC Lander EDFs in the Santa Rosa Skies (Video too!)
We had a fun outing last weekend and had five of RC Landers EDFs with us and in the air thoughout the day!! Take a peek!
| http://vimeo.com/4993001 |
RC Lander EDFs rule the Northern California skies today!
Today was a fantastic day of EDF flying. Don and I flew the RC Lander Rafale twin 68mm EDF on it's maiden flight, my Panther and also my F16D. A picture perfect day for sure and we had a great time.
We hope to be flying all of these RC Lander EDFs as demos for Tim at RC Lander and Robert at EJF, at the Western States event in two weeks.
Hope to see you there! ;)
We hope to be flying all of these RC Lander EDFs as demos for Tim at RC Lander and Robert at EJF, at the Western States event in two weeks.
Hope to see you there! ;)
Tamjets A4 Turbine - SMOKE ON!!!
A couple of fun shots of a Tamjets A4 Turbine over the skies of Morgan Hill last evening!
RC Lander F16D with a 6S Power System Nearing Completion
My latest build project is one of RC Lander's F16 EDFs. Tim and company have been busy since they appeared on the EDF scene last year and the F16 is their second offering. It can be had in either a D or I model, with the D being available in several different paint schemes. This one came with thier 6S power system and will be powered by a pair of FullyMax 2500 mAH 3S lipoly batteries in series.
I still have some work to do before she will take to the skies. I do not like the rudder configuration and will think about it for a day before I decide how to remedy the stiffness of the pushrod. The photos here show her in her naked glory, with none of the nice looking RCL decals applied yet.
I hope to get her all dialed in before the Western States Electric event next month. Three of us are hoping to attend the event and fly some demos for Tim at RC Lander and Robert at EJF, who BTW is their primary US distributor.
I still have some work to do before she will take to the skies. I do not like the rudder configuration and will think about it for a day before I decide how to remedy the stiffness of the pushrod. The photos here show her in her naked glory, with none of the nice looking RCL decals applied yet.
I hope to get her all dialed in before the Western States Electric event next month. Three of us are hoping to attend the event and fly some demos for Tim at RC Lander and Robert at EJF, who BTW is their primary US distributor.
Simprop Albatros with Hoffman Motors Mini Mite flies!
After a total of two minutes of flight time, which I accrued during the maiden flight the morning I left for the RCX show, my little Albatros was crushed in the back of my Nissan while driving back from RCX. A half empty sack of plastic water bottles rolled over on top of if in the cargo compartment. Talk about a sickening crunnnnnnccccchhhh.:(
A couple of hours at the build table had her back in form, although she is a little rough around the edges. Today was the first time I was able to shoot photos of her. My friend Don and I got a little flying in at one of our special spots and he helped me gather a little media of her.
The little 100 watt Hoffman Mini MIte, the smallest motor in their collection, is perfect for this air frame. She will cruise around at half throttle quite easily. Take offs are pretty short. For an older kit, I am really excited to have her in the air and flying. Now if I can just avoid damaging her in transit again!!:p
A couple of hours at the build table had her back in form, although she is a little rough around the edges. Today was the first time I was able to shoot photos of her. My friend Don and I got a little flying in at one of our special spots and he helped me gather a little media of her.
The little 100 watt Hoffman Mini MIte, the smallest motor in their collection, is perfect for this air frame. She will cruise around at half throttle quite easily. Take offs are pretty short. For an older kit, I am really excited to have her in the air and flying. Now if I can just avoid damaging her in transit again!!:p
Tamjets and SCCMAS Fun Fly today in Morgan Hill, CA
Today was scheduled to be the first annual Tamjets EDF event, held at the wonderful SCCMAS Tomcats airfield. Due to persistent showers, the event was in effect canceled around noon and registration fees were refunded. :(
Tam had graciously provided one of his amazing Tamjets F16 EDFs for a tasty pilots raffle but with the clubs decision to cancel came the end of the raffle too.
In any event, more than a few pilots stuck around and braved the less than great weather to hang out and have fun. Those that did were treated to a three plane demo-fest, put on by Tam and crew. These guys are so friendly and so talented and Tams EDFs are absolutely amazing. From the Spark to the A4 to the F16, they are all gorgeous and all haul the mail and then some.
I also was able to meet some of the folks from RCGroups, notably Greg Beshouri. We have "known" each other for several years thanks to RCG and even though we both live in the SFO Bay area, today was the first time we shook hands and got to fly together. A pleasure to finally meet you Greg.
And a tip of the hat to all of the folks who were friendly to Terry, Don and I as we visited from the North Bay today. Thanks for a fun day.
I posted many more photos, beginning with post #103, in the thread San Jose Electric Jets Event.
VIDEO
Tam had graciously provided one of his amazing Tamjets F16 EDFs for a tasty pilots raffle but with the clubs decision to cancel came the end of the raffle too.
In any event, more than a few pilots stuck around and braved the less than great weather to hang out and have fun. Those that did were treated to a three plane demo-fest, put on by Tam and crew. These guys are so friendly and so talented and Tams EDFs are absolutely amazing. From the Spark to the A4 to the F16, they are all gorgeous and all haul the mail and then some.
I also was able to meet some of the folks from RCGroups, notably Greg Beshouri. We have "known" each other for several years thanks to RCG and even though we both live in the SFO Bay area, today was the first time we shook hands and got to fly together. A pleasure to finally meet you Greg.
And a tip of the hat to all of the folks who were friendly to Terry, Don and I as we visited from the North Bay today. Thanks for a fun day.
I posted many more photos, beginning with post #103, in the thread San Jose Electric Jets Event.
VIDEO
| http://vimeo.com/4455926 |
Simprop Albatros with Hoffman Magnetics Mini Mite
Finishing up a wee project ... a semi-older kit by Simprop... the Albatros. Power will be by a Hoffman Magnetics Mini Mite on 2S.
BP Hobbies SR-71 Blackbird
Cool / Posted by BARNESJONR / Apr 04, 2009 @ 09:05 PM / 9,207 Views / 53 Comments ( 
1 2 3 4 ) / Reply
1 2 3 4 ) / Reply
Here is my BP Hobbies SR-71 Blackbird. She is ready for maiden now. Twin EDF. Hope to have some in-flight photos soon ... ;)
ModelAero Polaris ready for the H2O!
I am closing in on another exciting review airplane being ready for the first flight. If you have been following along in THIS Polaris thread , Steve Schumate borrowed Laddie Mikulasko's beautiful Northstar seaplane design of the 70s or 80s and updated it to a electric park, er, pond flyer size. And the icing on the cake was when Scott DeTray of ModelAero obtained the rights to kit this one! Scott's kits are VERY nice, featuring great assembly instructions and awesome laser cut Depron. But Scott turned it up another notch with the killer decals in this kit. They are excellent and take the finished kit into the next dimension.
I am hoping to get her aloft tomorrow for the first time! Photos, HD video and a full blown RCGroups/Ezone review to come shortly.... ;) :D
EDIT: Added a couple static water shots from the maiden today. Nobody to shoot phtos while I flew, so no in-flight shots! :o
I am hoping to get her aloft tomorrow for the first time! Photos, HD video and a full blown RCGroups/Ezone review to come shortly.... ;) :D
EDIT: Added a couple static water shots from the maiden today. Nobody to shoot phtos while I flew, so no in-flight shots! :o
