Neil67

I have bent the shaft in the supplied motor of my acrowot foame, but can't get the grub screw out to replace the shaft. Alan key just too small and not strong enough. Anybody have a hack for removing the grub screw. If this fails I have a 1050Kv motor (supplied motor 820Kv). Will this work or will I lose power. Neil

Similar to others, I aquired a MDS 46 in an old Wot 4 balsa model. I put the MDS aside given various negative comments seen around the internet and I fly the Wot 4 with a Thunder Tiger 46. Despite its age it is one of my best flying models, including some graceful aerobatics. However, just out of interest I thought I would fire up the MDS. Unfortunately, I don't have a crank nut that fits and it doesn't seem to be a common size. None of the usual suspects fit. Advice on size would be appreciated.

Thanks to all for great feedback. This might interest others. Found this on Amazon of all places! 9mm Carbon Fiber Rod for RC US Plane Matte Pole 400mm 15.7" £10.94 + £2 delivery £10.94£10.94

Looking for sources to purchase, 9mm ext dia, 5mm int dia by 400mm carbon fibre tube or solid rod for above model. Can't find any stockists and difficult to get correct diameter. Adverts for cheap rod on ebay but huge delivery costs. Similarly, if anybody has one for sale please let me know. Neil

Hi Guys, update on Saito. As a starting point I opted for the suggestion to fill the cylinder with fuel and leave to soak. This seemed to work as next day the prop turned over smoothly with an obvious, 'normal' compression cycle - the high compression, previously experienced, had dissipated. I then set up the engine on my test rig. Started almost instantly, and although I hadn't touched the mixture needle the engine ran without spewing out fuel. Run time came out at 14 minutes for the standard kit 270ml tank (the kit tank is opaque which is a pain so I think I will try for a clear tank). Sorry I don't have any RPM data - waiting on a new tachometer. Jon, no offence taken on your performance comments, I am no expert and I'll gratefully take all the help and advice available. I'll check the RPM next time but for the moment it sounds really sweet, and there is certainly plenty of thrust when moved through the throttle range.

Thanks for the input. I think it was stored nose down and maybe I just have to give it a few runs. It started immediately after taking plug out and turning over, and when running ran very well, producing a lot of power without missing a beat. Although second hand I think it's a relatively 'new' engine.

As previously mentioned I recently acquired an Acrowot with a Saito 82 engine. Got round to starting it the other day. Found the plug slack, tightened. Followed the usual filling and priming procedure but on turning the prop exoerienced a very strong 'compression' almost to the point that I couldnt turn it over. Thinking I had a hydraulic lock I remove plug and turned over engine by hand and a short burst with a starter. Re-tighened plug. Engine turned over smoothly with no sign of compression. Applied starter and it fired immediately. Repeated process several times to check engine - running well with loads of power. Put model back in garage. Today, confused by the high compression, without fueling or anything I tried to turn prop by hand. Back to what appeared to be huge compression force or some sort of hydraulic lock. Any advice appreciated. What am I doing wrong.

Many thanks to all for your respones, much appreciated. Neil

I recently acquired a standard Balsa Acrowot with a Saito 82 engine. The previous owner, a very experienced pilot, has configured the engine with the line to the silencer simply mounted under the engine (as apposed to being fitted the the top of the silencer) i.e.. open to the general airflow. He has advised that the engine runs better as no gunk from the exhaust will be fed back into the fuel tank. I am confused as the Saito instructions say, as all IC engines I have, that it should be connected to the nipple on the silencer. Will an open tube work or am I missing something?

Simple question, does anybody know where you can buy in the UK, GEPRC batteries for TinyGo quad? Have tried 'registered suppliers' but no luck. Only suppliers seems to be China, but very expensive for GEPRC 1S 530mAh Batteries PH2.0 Plug batteries. Neil

Tried to update my NX8 (stupid idea). Trieded the wifi method, everything worked initially no problem downloading file to PC, transferred to card (as recommended by Spektrum). Radio connected to internet, found and recognised file, logged in properly and clicked update - working message on radio then radio shut down after 10seconds. Restarting radio no update. Tried several times with same result. Reverted to using file transfer method with wifi. Started well, again recognised file, downloading bar appeared and seemed to be working. However, then appeared to get stuck in a loop and after two hours still looping. Unable to stop or shut down radio. Eventually had to take battery out but on reconnection still loops and no access to menu. Any obvious solutions or ways to reset radio? Radio only 14 months old first attempt at update (never again).

I was recently given an older Irvine 46 which runs very well. However, the needle valve is very close to the prop making adjustment a bit tricky. On inspection it looks as if there was an extension 'lever' on the end of the needle valve but only a stub remains. Cant see any grub screw or other way of replacing extension lever. Clearly I am missing something. Advice?

Thanks Trevor, video great - going to try their approach with FPV Skydive and Lift off for the drone. I have the Phoenix simulator as well by it works with its own dongle. Will be in touch if I try Picasim, hadn't heard of it. Neil

Thanks for the replies guys - much appreciated. I had wrongly assumed that the USB port was for charging only - duh! I did try a test purchase of the Orange Dongle from Hobby King (EU) to check delivery cost (a fellow club member recently paid an enormous delivery cost for a Bixler) but despite entering my location everyway I could imagine all I got was a message saying they couldn't delver to my address (Central Scotland). They have delivered to my address previously. Weird. Anyway will try USB method. Neil

I am trying to start flying a FPV drone and want to use a drone simulator to practice. There are loads of simulators but connecting a Spektrum radio doesn't seem to be covered as an option, with may suggesting some sort of game controller. However, I see a Spektrum WS 2000 wireless simulator dongle for sale which purports to allow you to connect to some of the main simulators. Has anybody used one of these to run a simulator - would be useful to know if it works before spending £34. I also note that HobbyKing sell a similar dongle orange DSMX/DSM2 USB dongle. Again - anybody used one of these. Lastly any recommendations for a FPV drone Simulator. Thanks Neil

A general question. I am a member of three clubs two of which have open pilot 'boxes' i.e. designated by shorter grass cut to the required size. The other has fixed fence style pilot boxes made from robust fence posts and chicken wire. They are three sided and take two pilots at most. There has been a discussion about how safe these are as there isn't much room to move around if you lose sight of your model etc. and it's too easy to inadvertently be obstructed by the fence as your eyes are trained on the model. Myself and other prefer not to use them but certian committee members are not happy. Any comments.

I have an OS 46 in a Boomerang that I use as winter hack. I use Weston Liquid Gold 10% in the Boomerang and other similar models. Never had a problem, good price and excellent service to your door.

Thanks for the advice guys. The issue seems to have been the new memory card which despite being Class10 U3, pro card etc wasn't recognised as such by the drone, albeit it works in an internal security camera. I then tried the card from my dashcam and hey presto my 4k drone recording appeared on the card. Going to try formatting the other card on the dashcam to see if that makes any difference. Weird ................... Neil

I was given one of the above as a Christmas present and it arrived a couple of weeks back. Everything started well with all the parts talking to each other and I spent some time flying the drone without the goggles to get used to the controls. Moving on to FPV I have hit a snag. The low resolution from the goggles records on to the goggle's memory card but although I have tried everything I can't get the drone to record on to the onboard card. The cards are both 64GB class 10 U3 which is what the manufacture's recommend. I have looked on line and on you tube and still can't find a clear answer. One video claimed there was a button on the drone too start recording another said the drone starts recording when it starts up. I have formatted the cards and used another card which definitely works as it records video from an internal security camera. The drone card goes in with the terminals facing upwards and appears to click into place and spring out as normal. Any suggestions - I am probably missing something straightforward but this is my first FPV setup. Note. Can't find decent instructions anywhere, including manufacturer's site. Similarly, asked questions via their support link - replies don't address issue!

Thanks for the info guys. I am always amazed how a simple question on the forum can lead to an equally interesting discussion on an associated topic. Learned a lot from both!

The long 'D' three position switch on my DX6 is now bent after a minor mishap and needs replaced. Having looked on the web it seems a relatively straight forward replacement with some minor soldering if you can source a replacement. I am reluctant to send my radio to a repair company given current time and costs being quoted and importantly losing flying time. In the meantime I have reassigned the the function to another switch but would still like to replace the long switch. The options appear to be source a new switch, eg FrSky Taranis X9D Plus Q X7 Transmitter 3 Position Long Toggle Remote Control Switch from Banggood or similar as quoted on some of the You Tube videos, which claim it works, but you need the one with a nut as it is a different thread from the original. Has anybody gone down this route and/or any other advice/options. Any known suppliers of switch in UK. Neil

Thanks everybody - very helpful.

Thought I would try a glider. Acquired Phoenix 2000. Any advice on throws and mixes welcomed. Using Spectrum DX6 transmitter with flaps and ailerons on y leads. Advised mix required for rudder/aileron, elevator/flaps. Neil

Hi Peter, I find your response to be somewhat rude and patronising - you say "I suspect he is conditioned by the price he paid at the time". It might be worth checking before you make false assumptions. Assuming things can be a dangerous pastime as many will tell you. My comments were nothing to do with the previous price I paid but my view of the marketplace in this example. If it helps I bought the Acrowot at our club auction which was selling off models donated to the club after a member died, with the monies raised going to his family. As a professional Mechanical Engineer with years of experience in manufacturing in both mass and small scale production I am sure I have some expertise. Whilst I accept there are clearly other costs they are unlikely to be high at a unit level nor require highly skilled labour. Moreover, given the life of this product todate and it's sales it is likely, although I don't have the facts, that start up costs have long been absorbed or production would have ceased. If this is not the case and prices are rising because they haven't been absorbed the product may be becoming no longer financially viable and be nearing the end of it's natural life in its current form. Patronisingly again, you state " I suspect the OP would prefer not to spend the time involved in repair". Well if you take time to read the thread you will see that I opted for a repair, which given my background I am both more than capable of and happy to undertake. Finally, as your trend of patronisition continues you finish by saying " I fear the OP will continue to post about the ridiculous price of ready to go stuff". I don't post that often and you are entitled to your view but maybe you should stop being so pompous about other people's posts.

I have owned an Acrowot foame for several years and a few weeks back a fence wire cut it in two (yes it was the fence's fault)! Despite it's well know shortcomings I thought ok it has had its day I'll order another one. Now as we all know our hobby is under threat from many sides, registration, loss of flying sites, shortages of balsa, batteries and engines to name a few. Now we have, in my opinion, the greed of current manufacturers eg. the Acrowot Foame suggested price from Ripmax is £199.99 for a chunk of foam with small cheap servos, motor and ESC. Yes suppliers discount it but even at that we are talking from £160, £164, £1721, £189 plus delivery in most cases. Anybody that knows anything about manufacturing will realise that these are simply silly prices. We need rational pricing if were to refresh the hobby and reduce entry costs not blatant greed, again my opinion. I invested in a new tube of epoxy.