Hello,

It's been a while since I've posted here and probably 4 years since I've flown any of my electric park fliers! Needless to say, I miss the relaxing afternoons of flying at my local field. My favorite planes were the GWS Slow Stick and 3DBatix Extra 330 from plans (a phenomenal flier!!!).

Cut to the chase: Is my gear outdated?

Brushless Himaxx HA2015-4100 geared 6.6:1 (I think)
Mamba-25 brushless ESC w/ reverse disabled
(2) MaxAmps 3S 1100mAh LiPo packs
GWS EP1260 prop
Hitec Electron 6 receiver
(4) Blue Bird BMS-306 Sub-Micro servos
Hitec Neon SS 3ch radio (for my Slow Stick) and a basic Futaba 4ch radio (for 3D blucore foamies - wish I had dual rates!)



Other [optional] questions:

What has changed or improved in RC plane technology the last 4 years?
My LiPo's lack the punch/power they once had. Do I need to cycle them or buy new ones?
What sub-forum has info on local meets/gatherings?

Your stuff is fine. 72mhz Dual Conversion Narrow Band Receiver

What's new?
2.4ghz, frequency agile, micro servos, internally driven landing gear...
http://www.parkzone.com/UltraMicro/
http://www.sonicelectric.com/Merchan...ory_Code=LDERS
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dproduct=11301

Lipos don't renew (my opinion) The cost for them has dropped a lot in 4 years.
http://www.maxamps.com/products.php?cat=29
http://www.rcdude.com/servlet/the-13...X--dsh-/Detail
http://www.hobbypartz.com/hipesdaliba1.html

You are in AMA District VII.
http://www.amadistrictvii.org/
Welcome back!
Rick

http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/mic...ane-clubs.html
http://rcsource.hobbypeople.net/link/clb_mi.htm

Hi Shmavis, I would think that a lot has changed in 4 years in the hobby. Seen all the micro's on the market yet? They are fun but I like the bigger planes myself. Been getting my lipo's thru Hobby King. If the planes you own now work why not get them out for some airtime with some fresh batteries. Question, why the long break? Good to see fellow Michigan folks on the forum. Originally from Downriver, I know I have passed thru your area a time or two.

Originally Posted by Tony K

Question, why the long break? Good to see fellow Michigan folks on the forum. Originally from Downriver, I know I have passed thru your area a time or two.

I would like to say the long break was due to college (I recently graduated in December), but I think the main reason was the lack of flying partners. Now that I'll be working in Dearborn, I hope some after-work opportunities will present themselves. I would like to get involved in my local park flier community, I just don't know where to start... maybe I'll give PMAC and the RC Club of Detroit a call and see what's going on around town.

The other reason I probably stopped flying is because I was juggling 3 expensive hobbies without much money:

RC planes/cars
Mountain biking (specifically observed trials)
Headphone-based audiophilia/DIY audio circuits

Thank you for the helpful replies everyone!