Edition: Model Aviation - 1990/03
Page Numbers: 84, 86, 102, 104
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Product Review

Quantum QM8P/PCM FM eight-channel RC system — Airtronics, Inc.

Airtronics, Inc., 11 Autry, Irvine, CA 92718 (tel. 1-714/830-8769).

This radio is designed to give world-class FAI Pattern (F3A) competitors the edge needed for victory. Features include:

  • Electronic trims.
  • Exponential (EXP) or linear control on aileron, elevator, and rudder.
  • Servo reversing on all channels.
  • Adjustable dual rates on elevator, aileron, and rudder.
  • Low throttle adjustment.
  • Programmable failsafe with inhibit.
  • Liquid crystal display with bar-graph meter and integral timer.
  • Separate Ni-Cd battery to power memory.

The receiver is the dual-conversion FM/PCM super-narrow-band 92985 unit, certified by Airtronics as meeting the AMA 1991 Guidelines for RC systems. Available at full-service hobby dealers.

GT 300 electric motors — Hobby Lobby International, Inc.

Hobby Lobby International, Inc., 5614 Franklin Pike Circle, Brentwood, TN 37027 (tel. 1-615/373-1444).

Enormous power is claimed from the three new motors in this series. Run them on from three to 35 Ni-Cd cells. The rare-earth magnets are said to produce magnetic field densities 2,000 Gauss more than samarium-cobalt magnets. The motors have double brushes for increased life and efficiency. The three GT 300 motors are pictured and fully described in Hobby Lobby's Catalog 15—available free on request.

O.S. .32 F-HX engine with recoil starter — Great Planes Model Distributors

O.S. .32 F-HX engine with recoil starter @ $249.95. Great Planes Model Distributors, P.O. Box 4021, Champaign, IL 61824 (tel. 1-217/398-6300).

This power plant is intended for use with the Hirobo Shuttle RC Helicopter and is not compatible with the newer Concept 30 helicopter. The recoil starter eliminates the need for starting shafts, belts, or an electric starter; it may add a bit of weight but offers added convenience and extra power from the .32-cu. in. glow engine. The carburetor is a 3H-type unit optimized for RC helicopter use. The engine features Schnuerle porting for maximum power. Available nationwide from leading hobby retailers.

FW-190 sport / Sport Scale RC kit — Davey Systems Corp.

FW-190 sport/Sport Scale RC kit @ $99.95. Davey Systems Corp., 675 Tower Ln., West Chester, PA 19380 (tel. 1-215/430-8645).

Davey's kit of the Luftwaffe's WWII fighter-bomber has a 51 in. wingspan and 510 sq. in. of wing area. Recommended engines: .45–.60 two- or four-stroke. The fuselage is spacious enough to house larger electric motors and Ni-Cd batteries. Balsa and plywood parts are die-cut and machine-cut from selected materials. The kit includes a complete hardware bag and formed plastic cowling. It can be built as a sport/pattern bird or as a Stand-Off Scale model with flaps and retracts. Available at hobby dealers.

Hi‑IQ Computerized Maximum Power Gain Conditioner/Analyzer — Victor Engineering

Victor Engineering, 380 Camino de Estrella, Ste. 170, San Clemente, CA 92672 (tel. 1-714/496-9701).

Designed to integrate under computer control many single-purpose, manually operated instruments used in racing RC electric cars. While aimed at the R/C car market, it may benefit electric aircraft modelers seeking to maximize power-system performance. Features include:

  • Ni-Cd charger operating up to 15 amps with multirange cutoff (linear-type constant-current; reflex-type optional).
  • Peak- and time-cutoff (thermal cutoff optional).
  • Constant-current charging up to 20 amps.
  • Discharge/charge cycler.
  • Ni-Cd tester/grader.
  • Motor and gear tester.
  • Digital voltmeter.

Optional features: motor break-in, speed control tester, electronic stopwatch, digital thermometer, printer and PC interface, dyno, tachometer, lap counting, and motor power meter. Available at many hobby dealers.

Prop couplers and cones for electric motors — Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby, 5614 Franklin Pike Circle, Brentwood, TN 37027 (tel. 1-615/373-1444).

Designed for attaching Graupner Scimitar propellers to small 2.3 mm motor shafts, to 1/16-in. (2.3 mm) shafts with a ground flat, or to 4 mm shafts. This is one of many new items in Hobby Lobby's free Catalog 15.

Pneumatic retract units — Robart

Pneumatic retract units @ $49.95 each (nose gear) and $69.95/pair (85° and 90° main gear units). Robart, 310 N. 5th St., P.O. Box 1247, St. Charles, IL 60174 (tel. 1-312/584-7616).

These large units suit .45–.75-size models weighing six to 12 pounds. They incorporate positive locks in both up and down positions and weigh just 2½ oz. each. Constructed of glass-filled molded nylon with aluminum pivot bearings. Detailed instructions simplify installation. Available at local hobby dealers.

F4U Corsair Easy-Build short kit — Wing Manufacturing

F4U Corsair Easy-Build short kit @ $44.95. Wing Manufacturing, 306 East Simmons, Galesburg, IL 61401 (tel. 1-309/342-3009).

Designed by Lamar Alexander. The short kit includes:

  • Box-frame fuselage and foam-core, stressed-skin wing (four-panel foam wing cores).
  • Preformed detailed cowling and formed canopy.
  • Foamed belly fairing, plywood firewall, landing gear blocks/straps/screws.
  • Steel engine mount (.40/.60 engines recommended), hinges, full-wing gussets.
  • Two sheets of plans with step-by-step illustrated construction and a bill of materials.

Wing can supply a wood package for $38.45. Order through local hobby shops or direct. Product and data sheets available for $4.

Omega Professor competition RC Helicopter kit — Kalt / Hobby Dynamics Distributors

Omega Professor competition RC Helicopter kit. Hobby Dynamics Distributors, P.O. Box 3726, Champaign, IL 61826-3726 (tel. 1-800/458-0241).

Marketed for serious helicopter pilots and designed by former World Champion Shigeda Taya. No expense spared for solid, smooth controls; minimal builder modifications required. Key feature: the 10FS11 rotor head, adaptable to any rotor blade and allowing dampening adjustments for each blade and both blades together. Responds to aerobatic stresses yet returns to a docile, rock-solid hover. A Jet Stream body is available for an eye-catching profile. Contact Hobby Dynamics for details.

ModelCAD computer-aided design system — American Small Business Computers, Inc.

ModelCAD CAD system @ $99. American Small Business Computers, Inc., 327 South Mill, Pryor, OK 74361 (tel. 1-918/825-6359).

For IBM PC and compatible users to design model airplanes, cars, ships, and train layouts. Includes ModelCALC, a model airplane analysis program that, from design inputs (wingspan, weight, power, etc.), produces basic three-view drawings. Contact ASC for required computer and hardware capabilities.

Speed controls for electrics — Jomar Products

Jomar Products, 2028 Knightsbridge Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244.

Three new units: SM4, SM5, and SC6.

  • SM4: for motors in the .05–.40 size category, using 7–22 cells and up to 40 amps continuous. Features optical coupling and high-rate chopping.
  • SM5: for smaller motors up to .05 size, using 1–8 cells and up to 30 amps continuous.
  • SC6: for high power operation using 22–24 cells and up to 50 amps continuous. Features optical coupling, 10 kHz chop rate, over-current fault protection, and the Si9910 adaptive MOSFET driver for five MOSFET power transistors. Can be used with 12–21 cells by adding a small jumper.

All throttles include Suprelex wire and Sernos connectors. Made in the U.S.A.; available at hobby shops.

DG-202 1/4-scale RC Glider kit — Scale Glider Components

DG-202 1/4-scale RC Glider kit @ $650. Scale Glider Components, 7034 Fern Pl., Carlsbad, CA 92009 (tel. 1-619/931-1348).

Designed primarily for slope flying; low-drag configuration also suits thermal soaring. Kit features:

  • One-piece, gel-coated, pressure-molded fuselage.
  • Pre-sheeted wings with carbon fiber spar, wing tubes, and leading edges installed.
  • Epoxy canopy, foam core, clear canopy, and sheeted tail surfaces.

Manufacturer also offers 1/3- and 1/4-scale glider retract units ($50 each), two-piece injection-molded carbon tail surfaces, and 5-ft. 7½-in. music wire pushrods ($3 each).

Hand-painted pilot heads — Hobby Lobby

Hand-painted pilot figures made in France with subtle variations in expressions. Featured in Hobby Lobby's free Catalog 15.

Main rotor blades and accessories for Concept 30 chopper — Great Planes

Great Planes offers four types of main rotor blades for the Concept 30 chopper:

  • Deluxe Weighted one-piece wood blades ($37.95): state-of-the-art tip shape and lightening holes along the blade to position structural CG.
  • Expert wood blades (weighted).
  • Sport main blades ($24.95).
  • Pro main blades ($35.95).

Also available: new one-piece tail rotor blades ($7.90) to replace two-piece blades; they are very light and feature a "delta-hinge." A blade case is available for safe transport. Sold at helicopter specialist hobby shops.

Peck 1300 Blimp kit

Peck's improved blimp kit for a 13-ft.-long craft includes the envelope ready to use. Assembly requires forming gondola and fins, installing RC and propulsion gear, and filling the envelope with nonflammable helium. Kit includes:

  • Eight pages of plans and instructions.
  • Formed gondola and propeller guards.
  • Die-cut balsa and ply.
  • Machined control parts and finished blimp bag.

A power kit (twin electric motors, Ni-Cd batteries, AC/DC charger, helium filler, and electronic speed control) is available. Kit price: $300. A $15 deposit loans a videotape of the 1300 Blimp in action. Ready-to-fly versions available; write to the manufacturer for details.

Kyosho Advance RC systems — Great Planes Model Distributors

Kyosho Advance RC systems @ $299.95 (5-channel PCM) and $319.95 (7-channel FM). Great Planes Model Distributors, P.O. Box 4021, Champaign, IL 61820 (tel. 1-217/398-6300).

Both radios include four K1500 servos (38 in.-oz. torque), servo reversing on all channels, and dual rates on elevator and aileron. Receivers are dual-conversion narrow-band types. Variable hold/fail-safe function for PCM users. Full stick height and tension are user-adjustable. Full Ni-Cd battery packs included. Designed to meet technical guidelines for 1991 and beyond. Available from quality dealers.

Electronically controlled spark advance with capacitive-discharge ignition — Reichmuth Electronics

Electronically controlled spark advance w/capacitive-discharge ignition system @ $99.95. Reichmuth Electronics, 2200 W. San Angelo #1162, Gilbert, AZ 85234 (tel. 1-602/497-4897).

An electronic spark-advance system requiring no engine alterations and featuring no moving parts or mechanical switches. Provides state-of-the-art, high-energy capacitive-discharge ignition (no breaker points). Basic system (less spark plug and ignition battery) weighs about 5½ oz. For complete information, send a SASE to Reichmuth Engineering.

Fiberglass cowls and wheel pants — Fiberglass Master, Inc.

Fiberglass Master, Inc., Rt. 1, Box 530, Goodview, VA 24095 (tel. 1-703/890-6017). Send $1 for a 10-page catalog.

New additions: cowling (with molded-in blister) and wheel fenders for Dry Ridge Planes' 1/3-scale Bucker Jungmeister, and a fiberglass cowl to replace the molded ABS unit on the 1/4-scale Pica Spitfire. Lightweight glass cloth produces strong, smooth, low-weight parts. Over 500 cowls and wheel pants in four sizes available.

Seamaster 120 — Ace R/C, Inc.

Seamaster 120 @ $199.95. Ace R/C, Inc., 116 W. 19th St., P.O. Box 511, Higginsville, MO 64037 (tel. 1-816/584-7121).

A large model with an 85½ in. wingspan and 1,432 sq. in. wing area. Flying weight: 16–18 lb. Recommended power: .108 two-stroke (up to SuperTigre 3000) or 1.20–1.60 four-strokes. A landing gear kit is available ($14.95) for land operations. Features include a pylon-mounted engine and T-tail to avoid spray, high-lift wing and double-stepped hull for quick planing, retractable water rudder, lite ply construction with lock-tab parts, and a two-piece wing with a simple join. Available at Ace R/C dealers.

Z-Poxy Finishing Resin — Pacer Technology

Z-Poxy Finishing Resin @ $13.99 for a 12-oz. package. Available from Robart Mfg., 310 N. 5th St., St. Charles, IL; House of Balsa, 20130 State Rd., Cerritos, CA; and Frank Tiano Enterprises, 2460 SW 85th Terr., Davie, FL 33324 (tel. 1-305/474-2211).

Replaces the discontinued Loctite finishing resin from the same firm. Z-Poxy is an equal-mixture product, relatively odorless, quick-curing, and easy to sand—ideal for laminating, sheeting foam wings, fiberglassing, fillet forming, or making fiberglass parts. Typical cure time ~70 minutes; sandable in under four hours. New black-boxed 5- and 30-minute formulas forthcoming. Available at hobby dealers.

1990 RC Scale Aircraft Calendar — DC Aviation

1990 RC Scale Aircraft Calendar @ $6 (plus $1 first-class mail postage). DC Aviation, P.O. Box 98, Big Rock, IL 60511 (tel. 1-708/556-3729).

Twelve full-color photos of scale RC models with information captions about each model and builder. Printed on high-gloss card stock for framing. Clubs may order larger quantities for discounts and can have club logos imprinted.

Precision micrometer — K&S Engineering

Precision micrometer @ $29.95 list. K&S Engineering, 6917 West 59th St., Chicago, IL 60638 (tel. 1-312/586-8503).

Measures up to one inch with accuracy to .001 in. Comes in a wooden storage case with adjusting tool, enamel finish, carbide-tipped anvil, positive spindle lock, and ratchet-stop thimble. A fine precision instrument at an economical price.

New wheels — Proctor Enterprises

New wheels @ $69.95/pair. Proctor Enterprises, 25450 N.E. Eilers Rd., Aurora, OR 97002 (tel. 1-503/678-1300).

7½-in.-diameter, all-aluminum 1/4-scale wheel for WWI German aircraft, designed for Proctor's upcoming 1/4-scale Albatros D.Va kit. Tires have a 1/8-in. cross section with scale sidewall markings. Joins Proctor's line of scale wire-spoke wheels.

The Eliminator — Giant-size RC sport plane kit — Colorado Model Products

The Eliminator @ $129.95 (introductory special). Colorado Model Products, 555 Alter St. #25, P.O. Box 560, Broomfield, CO 80020-0550 (tel. 1-303/465-5993).

Features an 86-in. wingspan, 1,488 sq. in. wing area, and flying weight over 10.5 lb. Recommended engines: .20 to .60 four-strokes (and up). All kit parts are machine cut; includes a 16-page photo-illustrated instruction booklet and detailed full-size plans. Hardware includes fiberglass pushrods, 40-in. linkage, tail wheel bracket, throttle cable, nylon wing bolts, hinges, etc. Semi-symmetrical airfoil provides full aerobatic capability while remaining stable at slow speeds. Manufacturer claims it "will not snap over on landings." Not intended for beginners unless assisted by a qualified flight instructor.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.