Chris Marshall

Just had My Rx done. Very quick turnaround by Horizon, must have been in and out same day. Well done!

put me on the list please!

put me in please

put me in the draw please!

Forgot to say that I see no reason why suitable NiMh cells should not work. More info from the engine manufacturer is needed.

My guess on battery requirements is to do with the ability of the battery to supply high pulse currents. electronic ignition units will generally take the power in big gulps, if the battery cannot supply these pulses the voltage will drop. NiCd cells are probably still the best for lowest internal resistance, and I think this is what is important here, rather than absolute capacity. Having said that the larger cells have lower internal resistance as a general trend. My theory is supported by the fact that the unit would not work on the 700mA receiver pack. Presumably this is AA cells which in general have a really high internal resistance. 4/5A cells are much better, even for lower absolute capacity, and sub C cells are even better. It would be better if the manufacturere gave a figure for battery pack impedance; or peak current requirements: it would be much easier to determine pack suitability then. This is essentially the same problem that has bitten people with Spektrum receivers long reboot time, when used with inadequate battery packs. It may also be that the ignition unit has too small a capacitor on it's input. This would smooth out some of the excess of current pulses.

I've just won Midland Helicopters caption comp this week so I'm feeling lucky, - or should that be greedy?

I have Turbocad, who seem to have a different marketing strategy to Autocad, in that their cut down version, has very little cut out, only one or two things that professional users would not be prepared to cut out. ( I use it professionally- although only as a small part of my work- and can live without the extra features in fact) They also tell you exactly what is missing. It is possible to download a fully functional trial version for 30 days. This is the best way to do it because as the trial period gets near to it's end, you will get an email offering the package at about 30% reduction. It includes 3D functionality, although I haven't explored that yet, as I have access to a solid modelling package at work. I have used Autosketch also, but much prefer Turbocad these days. It will take output from Profili, but the cut down version will not import jpegs.  http://www.shop.avanquest.com/uk/prod.php?pid=2880

I've used quite a few over the years. I have found that the good graphics of the latest ones (Reflex XTR and Phoenix are the ones I have made significant use of) allow me to maintain a spatial awareness of the flying field and where the model is in relationship to the field. This allows the possibility of practising circuits and landings. Earlier sims with only limited graphics only seemed practical for basic flying. They were, and still are plenty good enough for getting to grips with "control reversal" when flying towards yourself, and hovering, both tail in and nose in with helicopters. As has been already said you get what you pay for. The amount that you need to pay to get what you want is of course steadily reducing.

I think the lads were winding me up when they explained mode1, oh well here goes...

Told the missus I'd bring the model home in one piece, an by heck I will!