Neil James

I haven’t tried updating my MZ-24 Pro yet but for my MZ-16 using the update studio is definitely the way to go, maybe you will have more success through their own software. I’ve got a vague recollection that to upgrade to the Pro software requires sending your Tx back to a service centre. Not sure about that though. You might have found this already but there’s some resources here: https://www.controlhobbies.com/graupner-mz-18-mz-24-product-support.html

Thanks for that. I got one and was going to ring them later about it, no doubt they’ll be pleased to get at least one fewer calls 😆

I’d also recommend the 4-max Maxlock connectors, I’ve been using them for a while, they have a good latching mechanism too. Crimping up your own wiring is the best and most cost effective way to use them.

I use one of these in the shed, it’s battery powered and you can read the device from a distance via Bluetooth. That might not work in a metal box but assuming you’re not looking for real time alerts it’s very quick to download the stored data to your phone. At least then you will know the max and min temperatures. https://www.amazon.co.uk/SwitchBot-Temperature-Thermometer-Hygrometer-Bluetooth/dp/B09QBR7XJD/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2OF7ASQY2AXQI&keywords=Switchbot&qid=1690967123&sprefix=switchbot%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I’ve been crimping up my own servo leads and extensions for a while now but so far I’ve only ever found the plug/socket shells available in black. Being able to colour code connectors would be very useful in some circumstances so has anyone come across a supplier of shells in different colours?

I’ve never had one myself but several years ago someone turned up at our flying site with an electric glider in the back of his car with the battery already installed. As he was unloading smoke was spotted so the glider was quickly yanked out of the car and onto the grass where the smoke turned into a cheery conflagration, destroying his model! I think he was very lucky not to lose his car. On the other hand, I had a large electric glider crash into the tarmac sufficiently hard to mangle the battery but there was no subsequent temperature increase or flames. I carry my LiPo batteries in a containment bag on the passenger seat of the van so if anything happens I can drop the window and sling the whole lot outside.

We take this sort of idiotic behaviour pretty seriously in the IOM. https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/courts/man-who-flew-drone-near-the-tt-course-spent-a-night-in-the-cells-619479

I’ve found the addition of some fluorescent trim extremely useful. All my gliders now carry orange wing tips on the upper surface for general orientation, and a strip wrapped around the leading edge which helps a lot when the model is nose on, especially during landings. light on top and dark underneath with some contrasting stripes seems to be a good general style. BTW the RAF did trials for a colour scheme to improve visibility of their training aircraft which is why they are now painted all black!

Despite lots of hype, drone delivery schemes are finally bumping up against the restrictions of the real world: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/11/amazon-prime-air-drone-business-stymied-by-regulations-weak-demand.html?futusource=news_headline_list

How about a link to the briefing sheet?

We managed a bit of slope soaring last week in rather overcast conditions and planning another trip this afternoon.

Made the most of the nice weather on Tuesday to fly a mixed bag of models. Most surprising was the number of thermals around, enough to keep my Edge 1500X flying for 30 minutes on only 3 minutes total motor run. Got attacked by a Kestrel too which kindly hung around afterwards circling to indicate lift for me!

I’ve still got mine stored in the shed, although it’s looking a little battered now! There’s an SC36 engine still in it too and probably a 35MHz receiver. I wonder how easy it would be to retrofit it for electric?

At last, the answer is found: Answer provided by https://xkcd.com

Thanks guys, that was very useful. I found Sarik have a Towrag plan although they say the designer was Keith Humber, or is Mike the builder? It also ticks all the right boxes with two wings and the third wheel at the back like it’s supposed to be but it might be a bit big for our purposes. The V-tail is a good design feature too. Battery life shouldn’t be a big issue as there’s likely to be only a couple of gliders on site at a time and it won’t be asked to tow up my 1/4 scale Fox. I like the fun cub which comes ready to tow and looks like fun to fly anyway so I’ll look into that and similar models. Thanks for the suggestions.