Posted by Red.Sneakers |
Dec 15, 2015 @ 12:29 PM | 9,065 Views
IMHO
The FAA has issued its "Law Enforcement Officer Guidance for Unmanned Aircraft Systems" - see attached
February 16 update by the AMA: As a reminder, the FAA UAS registration deadline is February 19. All model pilots who use a ground-control system with a communications link such as an RC transmitter, that is over 0.55 pounds (or 250 grams) and less than 55 pounds, are required to register. This includes operators who fly fixed-wing RC aircraft and helicopters, not just multirotors or drones. Please make sure to visit www.faa.gov/uas/registration to register. Several fake registration websites have been set up online to attempt to steal personal and credit card information. Many of these fake sites look credible or appear to belong to the FAA. The FAA has warned pilots to avoid sites that offer paid services assisting model pilots in the registration process.
February 11, 2016 update: "The Aviation Innovation, Reform, And Reauthorization Act Of 2016" ... is one offered by Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL) that would create a new class of 'Micro UAS' that would be subject to fewer restrictions than larger unmanned aircraft."
January 22, 2016 update: The AMA says it's ok to fly above 400 feet, FPV as long as members adhere to the AMA Safety Code. Is the FAA ok with that? Let's find out
Posted by Red.Sneakers |
Dec 14, 2015 @ 07:36 AM | 18,352 Views
update: The Beaver was retired on July 12, 2016 after many flights & a final fatal crash. My suggestion to others is to check the ESC has not been dislodged or is loose & re-calibrate the Gyro after every crash. I think one or both happened to me & I failed to check it causing the crash after the crash / repair. RIP XK DHC-2 A600 Beaver.
I have been looking for a brushless micro park flyer, with SAFE & AS3x equivalent, to compliment my umx Sport Cub S2 fleet. I found the XK DHC-2 A600 Brushless Beaver. Current street price under $79 delivered in the USA (I paid $100)
For best price, try
Banggood the price keeps changing between $78.99 free shipping & $89.99 with up to $36.20 shipping to the USA (when you click it, wait a few seconds for the US Direct link to dispaly.
=> http://www.banggood.com/XK-A600-4CH-...-p-974716.html
Banggood must have several drop-shipment sites in North America, hense the use of the words "US Direct" & not US Warehouse. My part came from a generic name in Canada but a member's plane from the US. Either way, if it gets to us faster, all the better.
Note: Gearbest is on Back order "Dispatch: Ships after Mar 13"
Gearbest the price...Continue Reading
Posted by Red.Sneakers |
Dec 13, 2015 @ 10:42 PM | 8,548 Views
A friend wanted to learn to manage multiple Flight Modes on his DX9. He found this excellent 3 part video. While this example is for a 350 QX quad, the lessons learned can be applied to any aero.
Posted by Red.Sneakers |
Dec 10, 2015 @ 10:04 PM | 12,638 Views
I have been looking for a brushless park flyer to compliment my Horizon Hobby umx Sport Cub S2 fleet. Now that Horizon has announced the umx J-3 Cub with a brushless motor & AS3x, I will try that plane next Spring. I found the NICESKY Model DHC-2 Beaver w/Float Set on-sale for a $59 street price. Prices range as high as $146. Take $59, add an Rx + Gyro and you have a $170 brushless BNF Basic plane with stabilization, Spectrum 6 channel Rx & floats.
Before I comment on the plane, first the disclaimer: Due to mechanic / pilot error, this plane crashed 3 out of 4 sorties. The last sortie was going great until the battery disconnected & it crashed while in fail safe.
The plane has a very powerful motor & prop, so the second you add full power, the tail will lift up. The problem is that it is also heavy so it requires airspeed to fly. Until it starts to fly, anything that grabs the wheels or floats prior to flight will cause the plane to tip forward & break the prop. So either assure you have an ultra-smooth takeoff platform or give it a good hand toss for takeoff. Arrive with some power to force the tail down & cut power.
I broke the prop on my first maiden attempt. Replaced it with a GWS EP 7035 (7x3.5). While changing the prop, I removed the Cowl & what did I find, an 11.6 gram loose dead weight. I hate dead weights. So I removed it. With the floats on, I did not see a noticeable change in the CG, go figure, but then I added some...Continue Reading
Posted by Red.Sneakers |
Dec 04, 2015 @ 11:56 AM | 8,024 Views
At this time of year I like to have a plane or two ready for when it snows. But why wait, just mission it with floats & hanger in the dining room No need to worry, no water? no snow? no worries mate. Just name it “no worries” & go have fun.
The umx Sport Cub S2 is a great & fun plane for the park & club. When adding floats & flying in cold weather, it has two issues that need to be addressed. First, the wire for the floats extends beyond the foam causing a challenge for placing the battery flat against the fuselage. Second, cold weather can significantly cut down on flight times if the battery is cold. So to solve both problems with one solution, I made a shrink tube for the battery. It attaches to the fuselage with velcro, lifts the battery connector to clear the wire & helps keep the battery from cooling of in flight.
We will have to see if this stock motor makes the cut. When I opened the box, you could smell the paint, so I will assume it is fresh batch & by now HH has heard our plight and fixed their production problem with the motors. Time will tell.