birdy

Quite a few CAD programs can do kinematics. I know Solidworks can, and I think FreeCAD can too. If you know any engineering students you could try to get the student version of MSC ADAMS which is nice, if overkill. Probably easiest to use card shapes and pins though.

I'd suggest Paint.NET or GIMP. Both are attempts at a free version of Photoshop.

You may also want to try reversing the throttle channel and seeing what happens.

So you are just looking to use the RPi to collect data from a camera, gps and some MEMS sensors? I'd expect that to be possible. If you wanted a challenge try going for the Raspberry pi collecting the data and controlling the model at the same time.

I have never had a problem with Amazon Marketplace, but I'd agree about the joke postage pricing. Ebay is no better for postage though.

I am under the impression that it is to minimise the torsional loads on the boom of DLG; during launch the forces on the rudder are rather large to say the least, and if this were to cause the boom to twist, it'd probably damage to boom in the long term and also mess up the control linkages to both the eleveator and rudder, possibly with unfortunate results. I'd imagine that this is compounded by the want of the designers to have a less draggy rudder - a large amount of energy is usually lost during launch due to the rudder's drag. This can be achieved in part through a higher aspect ratio of the rudder, but this - for an above the boom fin - means moving the centre of force further from the boom, increasing the torque. By extending the fin and rudder below the boom the aspect ratio can increased and the centre of force moved closer to the boom, reducing the torque.

Interesting, but no doubt about to kick up a storm of comments about safety... Birdy

I think it is often simple problems that neither clubs nor the BMFA can do much about that cause the most problems. I started when I was 13, having read magasins etc, and tried to follow the advice given in them; I spent money on a proper trainer and branded radio equipment and joined a club. The club was absolutely great, and very supportive, but my problem was getting there. Going required a parent which for them meant a 40 minute drive, then 2 hours standing around and then the drive back. Unsurprisingly I only flew a few times a year (probably about 4 times... At least I didn't have to pay full price subs...). I only started flying regularly when I got a foamy that I was confident enough to fly on my own - big expensive proper trainers are all very well till you crash them! Next year with any luck I will be at university. Quite how I'm going to manage to get some big fragile annoyingly shaped things to whereever I go (fingers crossed), I don't know. Which probably explains the lack of 18 to 24 year olds. CS and Tom, you'll love this hobby when it comes to doing a personal statement, especially if you want to do something like engineering.

TJD models are doing preorders for £460 here.

Yes I did. Waiting for my dad before I do anything more with it - he's good with a pen.

Got it. Did people just leave the bigger moulding holes or tape over them or something. By moulding holes I mean the bigger ones - there is one on one side of the tail and I think two on the underside of each wing. Thanks. Edited By birdy on 05/04/2012 10:24:37

Thank you very much both Ken and David. I think I'll probably just go for it...

Do people think an Alula Evo is worth the money? I'm considering getting one since I quite fancy a glider and can only do flat feild flying. I have looked at "real" DLGs, but cheap isn't really the word one might use to describe them. The only model I fly at the moment (to any extent) is my Flying Wings Raven. I'd like to hear people's opinions, thanks, Birdy. Edited By David Ashby on 02/04/2012 07:59:20

I tried, but it wouldn't let me join.@import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);

@import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css); Sure you were at the right place? There was plenty of trade... And I saw at least 4 food stalls near the end of the flight line...   I thought it was good... Certainly the solo jet display (the white one who won the award...) was very impressive as well as the RV8 display. My main complaint is I always have trouble finding my way out of the Hopfarm.   Also, first class smoke ring. Edited By birdy on 18/09/2011 16:42:23