Simon Chambers

Posted by scott cuppello on 24/10/2013 14:08:55: There are several airframes out there capable of carrying huge payloads (up to 20,000mAh 4s + FPV equipment) which are specifically designed for the job......launching wise I use a portable bungee/ramp for some aircraft, others can be hand launched, what is certain is that they ALL have to be modified to carry out a certain task. For the task you are talking about, you might be suprised what can be achieved with something like the FPV Raptor (take it from me, MUCH better than the Bixler) fitted with a Flight Stabilization System (which needs careful setting up)....I have one with a similar set up, it can carry a basic FPV set up (camera on pan/tilt, TX and OSD) and 3300mAh 3s packs with no issues at all. With this set up I can stay airborne for 40 minutes and still land with 30% left in the pack on a windy day (Getting the glide set up right combined with the stabilizer and flap system is the key) it is stable even in windy conditions (probably maxing out at 20mph) and can obviously be hand-launched and landed almost anywhere (very tough blow-molded plastic fus)....and mine is only the 1600mm version, the 2 metre version would be even more capable. I suspect you are right, both fixed wing and multi-rotor would provide the best all round set up and it's suprising how cheaply it can be done. Which do you reckon is the best platform FPV Raptor, Skywalker 1680, EPP-FPV or a glider (i.e. Phoenix 2000)? Got an AXN clouds flyer as part of a deal of FPV stuff I bought (at a ridiculously cheap price) - but it flies crap imo. Not too bothered about not being foam as I very rarely crash nowday's. Hate trying to launch wings too. Cheers, Si.

Wow I wasn't expecting HobbyKing to stock one of these! PulseJets are temperamental at the best of times. It'll be interesting to see how well (or if they) run. Building a pulsejet has always been on my list of project todos... Si.

Posted by David Ashby - RCME on 23/10/2013 14:21:14: It always surprised me that the cloners/copiers didn't produce something WOT'ish long before Chris Foss and Ripmax got together. Multiplex told us they've counted 24 different Easystar clones over the years.     Wot like? Like a Wot Trainer? I strongly suspect that this is coming out the same factory as the WOT4-E originally did before it was discontinued. I have no idea how Ripmax would have done the deal but maybe the factory thought they could make some cash by using the existing tooling? Or maybe they sold the existing tooling on? The colour scheme looks far too exact to be out of a different factory imo. Of course we don't know who owns the copyright of the design either? I don't think Chris Foss has design rights (even less worldwide) on a High Wing aircraft design. Nor on the colour scheme either. Also we don't know if Ripmax did the original design, or a factory in China was commissioned for design and subsequent manufacturing. However I think its not so bad considering Ripmax did discontinue the WOT4-E, so it's not going to be hurting them like it would if they were still selling it. Si. Edited By Simon Chambers on 23/10/2013 14:30:08

I know HobbyKing are known for selling planes that are of very similar design to others out there, but this ... To be fair, Ripmax discontinued their smaller electric WOT4 (I think 1.2m wingspan). So maybe the factory they contracted it out to, continued manufacturing? Si. Edited By Simon Chambers on 23/10/2013 13:15:32

Reminds me of this cartoon - http://xkcd.com/927/ I believe xt60s came about from copyright/patent issues in manufactures copying and using clone Deans. Si. Edited By Simon Chambers on 20/10/2013 11:17:59

Posted by Lee Smalley on 17/10/2013 14:37:34: Well, thats it i thought i am sick of this engines playing up You were fed up of engines playing up and yet you bought a Mintor... Si.

I wonder if you could cut the connector off and solder a connector for a lipo on the end. The only thing I could see a problem would be that some transformers output AC as the speed is controlled using cheapy SCR (like wall light dimmers do). Would make a very cheap cordless high-speed drill though! Si.

My order was shipped from 8th October from the HK warehouse - arrived today (16th Oct). 8 days isn't bad going! When I used the UK direct channel option (used to be called another name) about a year ago or so, it took a lot longer than regular Hong Kong Post. I believe HK Post have huge delays going on due a combination of the customs crack down on LiPos and the hurricane force winds that they had no so long ago. So I guess this is why HobbyKing have stopped using them. As far as I know, the UK Direct channel option package all orders into one big postal order. That waits until it has enough orders before that gets shipped out. What service they use to ship it I have no idea - but I guess someone like DHL/Fedex/etc. With the removal of the other postage options to the UK, I guess this gets sent out very often. This system gets used frequently by drop shippers on eBay. Si.

Posted by The Wright Stuff on 06/09/2013 16:52:23: Sad news indeed. Interesting that the report expressed surprise that he wasn't wearing a helmet. I'd never heard of any model fliers ever wearing helmets. The pylon racer guys do I think. However I doubt a helmet would protect you much if the blades struck you in the arm and/or chest. Si.

Really sad. He's one of his videos flying either the same, or a similar heli to the incident earlier this year: Helis scare the living daylights out of me. I've seen a few go in and every time the safest option is to run for cover. The electric ones almost always cut when hitting the ground, but the nitro ones seem to get their throttle servos stuck and thrash around uncontrollably. Si.

When I started I used to get nervous going to the field, worried that it may have been a wasted trip with no-one there... Nowadays I don't get nervous, except if its a maiden on a new expensive model that I have no idea if it'll fly ok. However I try and forget about that fear before take-off and even if I had any fear, once I have altitude I'm alright. I try not to get nervous or panic, as both fear and panic I find are model breakers! Usually when its going wrong, there isn't enough time to panic - just time to get on with the job and get out of trouble... When I have panicked, I have almost always made another mistake and crashed! Si.

The question to ask, is what flavour of RC do you want to be getting into? Scale, Acrobatics or just plain Sport Flying? If: Scale - other guys would suggest something here. But I guess one of the many semi-scale warbirds about. A lot of them are easier to fly than you imagine (and some are not). Acrobatics - something mid wing. Probably a electric job like the E-Flite Extra, or similar. Don't be afraid of these, most are dead easy to fly and don't have nasty characteristics - as when doing acrobatics (especially 3D style), you don't want it falling out the sky unexpectedly. The only thing is that they tend to be very lightly built, so an 'incident' usually writes off the airframe. A foamy acrobatic machine might a better bet than a balsa acrobatic aircraft. Tougher and easier to repair. Not quite as nice flying as a balsa job, but not far off. Sport Flying - I guess the Acrowot/Blackhorse Travel Air/Super Air/Speed Air/Kyosho Calamoto/etc series. I went from a high-winger to a Travel Air. It was ok and taught me a bit more, but I quickly outgrew it. Stuff like Knife Edges, etc it can do but very much of a fight to keep it there. Si. Edited By Simon Chambers on 13/08/2013 17:50:34

Not sure of any flying sites, but may be worth asking in the 2 (yes 2!) local model shops down there: Bekra Models - in the centre of Newton Abbot, but cheap ticket parking available outside on the main street. Phoenix Model Products - You have to knock on the door to get in, but Stan has a excellent stocked shop upstairs where he'll take you. I believe Exeter model club flying site is near Newton Abbot. Maybe its worth having a gander on the new BMFA club map - **LINK** Cheers, Si.

Btw, interesting Turnigy is on the list when they are rebranded servos of many different manufacturers (TowerPoo, Corona, Blue Bird, et al.). Hobbyking (another trademark of Hextronix Limited - who own the trademark of turnigy) don't make or design any of their own servos. Si

Savox all the way for my bigger aircraft (.40 to 30cc) Mix bag for 40 sized. Smaller stuff is a lot of tower pro and corona. Savox servos really are excellent. You only have to look at the normally always critical Flying Giants forum (specialising in 30cc an bigger forumites) to see they are very popular. Futaba/JR quality at a price cheaper than Hitec. Incidentally, a lot (I.e most) of Spektrum servos are rebranded Savox with a JR compatible servo output spline. Si.

Posted by Jon Laughton on 09/08/2013 09:20:18: Phil - I think I would take advice as to how this could affect your insurance? Just in case! Jon And why would it? It's no different to taping the antenna onto the handle!

Have you checked the BMFA classifieds? Seen some for sale second hand for less and with a whole bunch of receivers included. Had my aurora for nearly 2 years now and not a problem. About 6 others in the club too with them and not a glitch. Si

Most gimbals have 60degrees of throw. 60/1024 = 0.06degrees per step. 60/4096 = 0.015 degrees per step. I don't think many users would notice the difference! Si.

Honestly? They're all good! Seriously! On the 8ch range for around the £200 mark, the main contenders are Hitec Aurora 9, Spektrum Dx8 (Dx9 just released so may be some good offers around), Futaba T8J and JR XG8. Dont bother with a Futaba FASST radio unless it has inbuilt SFHSS (expensive 14SG and 18MZ so far). FASST won't be discontinued but their receivers are rediciously priced and offer no real benefit over SFHSS. Futaba marketing suggests that FASST is premium however that's most likely so existing FASST users aren't upset! They know that SFHSS is plenty good enough. Infact SFHSS uses the same RF components as Hitec/Frsky/Graupner. Not directly compatible (unless you use one of my Frsky Delta receivers), but shows that other manufacturers have faith in the RF chips and they almost never have reliability issues.  JR receivers are rediciously priced. Spektrum are good. Hitec are good an have in built telemetry (so you know when your electric aircraft is time to land), which makes them very reasonable against the others. Futaba are ok. Feature wise, a bit of a muchness. The Futaba has no telemetry though and isn't user upgradable like the others. Reliabilty, a lot of complaints about Spektrum but they are by far the biggest. I guess like a Ford? Ease of use, out of all the above I've tried, aurora is the easiest. Many agree. All have compatible receivers available for better prices than OEM. I can't say more than that as some would say that'd make me biased! If my choice now, I'd either wait for the dx9 or get a second hand dx8 or aurora 9. Aurora 9 can be had for a good price new and cheap (with a couple of receivers) already and once the dx9 is on the shores, I bet the dx8 will be a good price too. Finally I have to mention the Frsky Taranis. Odd ball of the pack. Great spec on paper and great hardware. Far exceeda the others. However you need to put serious time on reading up online on how to use an program it. Once you do, your $200 radio will match the $2000 radios. Cons? Brand new and seriously popular. Waiting list getting longer by the day. Frsky can't ship enough to match the demand! So they must be doing something right! Si.  Edited By Simon Chambers on 02/08/2013 23:59:06

That aerial is stupid! Looks like it would take someone's eye out! We seem to be stuck in the mid 2000 like mobile phone aerials. The daring manufactures removed them but others kept them in fear that customers would think their signal strength would be weaker without an external aerial. Si

I want to like the taranis and the hardware is great but, put bluntly, the software is atrocious. The user interface is designed by software engineers... for themselves... Big question, what is your budget? Computer radios 6channels budget £110 with receiver 8ch/9ch budget £220 >9channel budget £440 Shows have the occasional good priced radios. Have seen the dx6i for around the £69 mark with no receivers. Si.

Its listed as $399.99 in the US on Horizons site.

Don't use heat. When magnets get too hot they loose their magnetism. The magnets used in our brushless motors start to suffer (if I recall correctly) above 85C. I've long lost the circlip off my motor and never had a problem without it. My expensive Precision Acrobatics Thrust 30 motor in my PA Katana never had a circlip to start with. Si.

Change to an APC. Lower current draw and more power. I.e. more efficient. On the stock motor, use 12x6 for more thrust (but less speed) than a 11x8 APC. Stock prop is ok if you're still learning as its flexible as it can take impact on the ground pretty well. Si.

Posted by Paul Churchley on 07/07/2013 21:38:40: I replaced my WOT4 motor with a XYH35-36 from Giant Shark. It is a good replacement and the 40A ESC would be fine providing you don't push the performance. I flew mine doing a lot of 3D (harriers, prop hangs etc) and when it came down the 40A ESC was too hot to touch! I would upgrade to 70A if you are doing 3D. Which prop was you using? Si.