Kim Taylor

Is your DX6 a gen2 or 3? Eu versions of the gen2 don't support forward programming, apparently. Don't know why 🙄 Kim

And in what way is that any different to what Futaba have been doing for the last thirty years?? I'm not defending it, but Spektrum are no different to any other manufacturer - even FrSky are moving in that direction now, although (to date) their prices are still on this planet - time will tell if they have made the right decisions. Kim

It depends on WHO Spektrum see as their competition. Maybe they've joined Futaba and buried their heads in an adjacent sand dune. It seems to me that, other than those already 'locked in' to Spektrum, Futaba, etc then open source radios, maybe with multi protocol modules, are the future at the hobby end of the market. Kim

I've also had one Stab+ go suspect, but it's a moot point anyway as they're no longer available. Updated due to unavailability of the chip being used, apparently. The new Gen2 Stab with telemetry receivers look interesting - I may well try one in the future - available in 7 & 10 ch versions from about 32 sqids. Kim

I'm not sure about this particular model / setup, but when I first set up my old Apprentice (with AS3X/SAFE) I experienced similar and found that the 'Panic' button was operating in the wrong sense, which over rode everything else. Reversed the button within the transmitter setup, and all was well. Worth a look, at least Kim

Give that man a (virtual) cigar!! I knew someone would be able to give me a steer on this, thanks very much. Since my first post, I've repaired the wing (snapped at the 'step' where the aileron starts) and splinted it to ensure that the repaired spars are strong enough. I'll make good the covering tomorrow - won't be as pretty as the original, but the blue colour matches, at least. Then need to source a 55 - 60 amp esc (the one that came with it was 30A, so too small (on a 3s LiPo, which is my 'standard' small size) install an rx and give it a good ground test before committing aviation. I'll post up a picture when it's done. Kim

Hi all Sorry for the convoluted title, but I think it's self explanatory. I've been gifted a broken P51D 'Miss America' and I would like to i/d the manufacturer and hopefully find an instruction book. So - it has a built up wing of 1250mm span and has mechanical retracts fitted. The fuselage is a GRP moulding, with the built up tailplane and fin / rudder glued in place. There is no battery hatch - the wing has to be removed to fit / change the battery. It's actually very nicely made (but not very well built, if you see what I mean) and it's worth saving, even though the wing is currently in two (unequal) halves. Any clues anyone?? Can get pictures uploaded if you think it might help, but there's no real distinguishing features that I can see. Thanks in advance Kim

Yes, there will be a notch of some kind and a corresponding pip or pin in the crank case which have to be aligned as you push the liner in. Kim

Hi, You need to make sure that you have the latest firmware installed on your DX6 - downloadable from Spektrum website. To do this, you also have to have the Tx registered to you on their system - if you bought it new, you probably have this done already. I updated my DX8g2 recently to enable forward programming and it all works OK. If you have retracts and flaps, you won't be able to use the DX6 for AS3X / SAFE, which normally uses ch5, so as you've done, use the '8 Kim

Hi Ken, You have a pm. Kim

Am I right in thinking that you're going to use the AR631 receiver in an i/c powered 'plane. If so, I would be careful and try to check whether it has been done before. The potential problem is mounting the rx securely enough to allow the gyros / accelerometers to work correctly, whilst at the same time isolating it from the vibration generated by the engine. I'm not saying it won't work, just be sure before committing. You'll need to update the firmware in the DX8g2 to the latest version, if it hasn't been done already, which will allow you to program the receiver via Spektrum 'forward programming' facility. It's pretty straightforward to do, follow the links on the Spektrum website. The tx will have to be registered in their system to do this. There are also downloadable setups for various (mainly E-Flite and Parkzone) models, which can be useful - just pick one that's a close(ish) match to your 'plane and tailor it to suit - can save some time and grief. hth Kim

You're not getting a lot of response on this, are you? Just by way of bumping it back up the list, I would suggest that the Riot has the limited space issue, but the Ruckus looks to have much more space available, from what little I've seen. I've got a Riot, and while the battery box isn't huge, I fly mine with 3s 3000 / 3200 which fit without any modification. I've read of a 4s 3000 fitting into the Ruckus but can't say more than that. Maybe someone with experience of the Ruckus can confirm? If you don't upgrade the esc, you will need to use a suitable prop for the 4s setup - seem to recall 11x5 or thereabouts - it's on the Century website. I use a 12x8 on a totally stock 3s setup which pulls 38A static, but have had no problems with the esc overheating, but I do use the throttle (i.e. I'm not flat out all the time). hth Kim

I think that the confusion may be that IF the motor had timed ignition, then it would be possible to get it 1 full turn out. With a glow plug, or 'wasted spark' (spark plug sparks every turn of the crank) then not so much!! Kim

Problem is, you've got two 'summer' hobbies - as you've no doubt been finding, it's difficult to build up any regular stick time when it blowing a hoolie and raining outside. Kim

I was working at RAF Odiham, probably on the same day as above, when the Vulcan was doing a 'farewell tour' of all of its operational bases. As said, incredible noise / spectacle. Kim

If you're using Phoenix, I've found that I need to reset the 'difficulty' level. I click on the 'model' icon on the toolbar, then 'edit', 'model'. In the 'physical' menu change the setup value from the default 50% (which makes everything happen in slomo) up to 100%. I find this to be much more representative of actually controlling a model in the air. You can of course ease up towards the 100% in stages, if you wish. I thought I'd lost my dongle in a house move, but I've recently found it - just in time for the cold weather / lack of 'real' flying days. 🙂 Kim

Hi Brian I've been using one of these for five or six years, and never had this problem. Sounds like a batch fault at the factory - maybe try Logic RC, see if you get any joy? They replaced a part in mine f.o.c. when it was two or three years old. Kim

I believe that this is the instruction manual for the Riot esc. I'm not very good at this whole file importing thing, so I hope it has uploaded in a useable form. Kim Art Tech Controller.pdf

This comes up on here from time to time. IIRC Masons Models have plans (see what I did there!) to re-introduce the old Skyways plan / pack kits, but it has so far not come to anything. Happy to be contradicted, because, as you say, there are some very attractive models there. Kim

This looks familiar!! Global warehouse only, and not cheap either. I'll stick with the Riot, thanks very much!! Kim

I made a replacement for mine using silver steel bought from Modelfixings, cut a few mil over length and used a wheel collet rather than attempt to cut a circlip groove. Kim

I don't know Martin, but to quote directly from the BMFA News (I can't find the latest copy online to cut & paste) Article 16 - Evidence of competency................................... "The CAA have decided that to simplify this (largely for the benefit of the Police who are tasked with enforcement), everyone will have to have a Flyer ID in the near future. We are working with the CAA on this, and those members who have used the BMFA RCC or existing BMFA achievements as confirmation of competency will be automatically be issued a CAA Flyer ID, which will be added to their membership record in the Just Go system." I read that as a new and additional level of 'simplification', maybe I've misunderstood the meaning. Rhetorical question - if we don't have to display the number, what's the point? Thin end of the licensing wedge?? Kim (seen it all before cynic dept.)

Frankly, I'd never given much thought to this before now. The problem with 'the club' providing extinguishers, is that it then falls upon them to ensure that the extinguishers are safe, functional and 'in date'. This usually entails farming out the supply and maintenance to a 3rd party, hence expense. In a motorsport environment, from club level karting onwards, the onus is on the competitor or team to have functional extinguishers in their garage or awning within the paddock. Once on track, obviously the marshals deal with any problems that occur. IMHO if they are felt to be necessary, it should be up to us as individuals to provide suitable (for the type and quantity of fuel) extinguishers. Better still, ensure that the risks are minimised, particularly by keeping stored fuel (or unused Lipos) well away from the hot noisy bits. Having said all of that, I think that having a couple of beaters to hand would be a good idea, to try to prevent the spread of any fire should it unfortunately occur. Kim

I think that's what we all thought, at least I did until I read the little gem in the current BMFA comic on page 48, which seems to suggest that for the purposes of 'simplifying' the registration process, we are all to be given a (presumably different to the current) flyer I/D number. With so many layers of simplicity, it's hard to believe anything could possibly go wrong........................................... Kim

To be honest, with the karts it was just more convenient to carry a bottle of nitrogen around (which I used at work) than to carry a compressor / generator. On the car, it was a measurable difference. Used to have all of the old setup / data sheets to prove, but binned them all when we moved house recently. As I said, on the road?? Probably not so much!! Kim