Radio Control: Electrics
Author
Bob Kopski 25 West End Dr., Lansdale, PA 19446
This Month's Topics
- The Electric Connection Service
- Reader reaction—Tri Squire
- More computer modeling goodies
- Several reminders—some urgent!
- A word about column makeup
Because of the dedicated November issue, it's been two months since MA has included regular columns, so there's lots to offer in this column. I'll begin with the Electric Connection Service (ECS) and several folks who are anxious to connect with others nearby. You can get in touch with them, and do tell 'em "Bob sent ya!"
- Steve Banks, 2571 S. Brentwood Ct., Lakewood, CO 80227
- Phil Pearce, 111 E. Geneva, Tempe, AZ 85282
- Bill Prince, 610 Briarwood Blvd., Meridian, MS 39305
- Al Tabor, 4560 Larkbunting Dr. 9A, Fort Collins, CO 80526
The above modelers have written me requesting this listing. But sometimes a reader will write asking me to give him names of E-modelers in his area. While I often think that I've received mail from readers everywhere, I don't have any simple way to track readers by location. In general, it isn't possible for me to provide this information. Even if I could, however, I don't consider it my prerogative to supply this information since I have no way of knowing if readers want their names given out. The best thing we can do is simply ask that readers list themselves in the ECS, and then let interested readers in your area get in touch with you. Okay?
Way back in the August issue I asked if anyone knew of a source of plans for the now-vintage Tri Squire. Wow! So far, 14 (and still counting) readers have responded. Folks—this says something! It says that many of this column's readers have been modelers for quite a while—at least long enough to know what a Tri Squire is. Besides that, these folks are kind enough and interested enough to share such information. This is phenomenal! This response is one of the quickest and largest ever to anything in this column, and I can't tell you how warming that is to me.
Of the responses, most folks advised that Tri Squire plans are available from John Pond, P.O. Box 90310, 253 N. 4th St., San Jose, CA 95109-3310. I suggest you write to John, send $1.50 for his RC plans listing, and then gloat over the vast number of vintage (and other) plans he offers. I've already ordered a bunch.
But this information is not all I received. One kind reader sent me a set of plans and went on to describe the very first Tri Squire—he knew the folks involved. Several others said they had plans and would be willing to have copies made for those who wanted them. Two others offered Lil' Tri Squire plans. Several told stories of how the Tri Squire (or Esquire) was their first RC plane. Some even still have these planes—from way back in the '50s. Folks—I just gotta tell you—you're great! Thank you!
Back to the volume of letters. I know some may be wondering why I say 14 is such a large number. Doesn't sound like much, huh? Right. But what I've learned over the years is that every letter that comes in represents many more "almost" letters—i.e., letters that readers might have the urge to write but don't. Opinions vary, but some writers feel that each letter received can represent as many as a hundred "silent" letters. So 14 is a lot! Okay? Thanks again, everyone.
Computer Modeling and Transmitter Upgrades
The last two columns have referenced modeling applications of computers, and I'm now going to briefly mention some more.
First, I have recently installed the latest software and hardware upgrades in my Ace Micropro transmitter (and the associated software in my PC (curse the word)). This allows me to connect the two (with a cable) and develop and store programs for different planes, right at the keyboard. This promises to be a lot of fun and add a lot to my enjoyment of the hobby. And that's what the hobby's for, folks!
Also, I'm having a great time flying my Electrics with the Micropro, and I'm noticing that more and more E-fliers are using computer radios with their E-planes too. I'll have more to say about this in a future column, but for now I also want to tell you that I'm installing an on-off push button on the Micropro for my vintage planes with escapements.
Next, I've obtained new software written specifically for Electric modelers. This program, by Dr. Paul Ogushwitz of USR&D, P.O. Box 561, Denville, NJ 07834-0561, is designed to predict the performance of Electric models, given the necessary input of motor type and other information. I haven't used it as of this writing, and it will probably be a month or two till I install it. In any case, if this sounds like something you'd be interested in, you can request literature from USR&D.
Finally, in a related manner, please dig out the September '92 issue of MA, and read the "Letters" section on page 5. Then write to Ken Rusnok in response to his request for data you might have. Ken has developed a program to evaluate the performance of Electric motor/propeller combinations, and would like to exercise it and verify it using any data you may have that you can share with him. Incidentally, Ken will be making this program available for the very low cost of a formatted disk and an SASE.
As I suggested in an earlier column, folks, this computer/modeling mix is just the beginning. I still wish that PCs with DOS were not so incredibly hard to use. Shame, shame on those responsible!
Reminders and Urgent Items
- December 1992 marks the last date for submission of a photo depicting your vanity plate designed to promote Electric. Make sure your entry is postmarked by December 31. All submissions will be published in a future column with the request for readers to pick their favorite. The winner gets a Skyvolt kit—directly from me. And don't say you didn't know, because this is the fourth reminder.
- Another reminder concerns a topic addressed in the October column. It is for everyone who is interested in a renewed, effective SIG (AMA Special Interest Group) for Electric. Please review the October issue, and then write to Jay Putt, 123 Sheep Pasture Rd., Setauket, NY 11733, or call him at (516) 689-6420.
Think of this as sort of a last call in a sense—at least for a while. I've spoken with Jay recently, and we agree that little or no reader response here would be a clear indicator that you feel Electric is doing just fine without an operational SIG or that you simply have not yet written.
I'm told that this year's near-disaster for Electric at the Nationals occurred because Electric did not have any representation at the meet-planning sessions. This initially resulted in the AMA's selecting just one event—an FAI event of all things—for this year's meet. Fortunately, SEFLI, a top-notch New York E-club, stepped in and pulled a potential gross failure out of the mud and actually made the Electric agenda worthwhile.
So—do we need a good SIG? Or what? Decide how you feel, then let Jay know. As discussed in October, he's willing and able. It's up to you.
Reader Reaction — "Miniature Disc Sander"
Next, readers continue to react to the construction article entitled "Miniature Disc Sander" published in the May '91 MA.
I've received mail and phone calls from modelers with wide-ranging modeling interests telling me how happy they are with this easily made machine. To review, the article describes how to use almost any 05-sized motor and some flashlight cells to make a very effective tool for any modeling workbench.
I'm including this discussion here in case you missed that article along the way and might now find this device to your liking. Based on the large number of upbeat reader comments, I must conclude it's a winner. Besides, it's Electric—sorta! Look it up!
Finally, lest anyone forget, Electric flies just great in the dead of winter, too. And there's no cold, semisolid gloop to clean off when you're done flying, either. This can't be said for the other kind of flying. I think this latter thought calls for the invention of a new word. Here it is: wetjuck!
A Word About Column Makeup
Column makeup can often be a difficult matter for me to deal with. I have the good fortune of receiving lots of reader input of all kinds—including many good photos and ideas, results of meets, questions that would make good reading here, and so on. In addition, I often have a chance to see or try out new Electric products and to share this information with you. Beyond that, I usually have a reserve of information that I have generated and can share—i.e., the how-to stuff. Having this topical abundance has some disadvantages, though.
One natural result of this situation is that many potentially good topics get delayed or never used. This occurs because there is just so much column space available each month. Also—but to a lesser degree—sometimes I can't get to try new products as fast as everyone would like; this results in delayed coverage as well. A good example is the new USR&D software discussed above.
I'm telling you all this 'cause I know there are some disappointed readers who have not yet seen photos they might have been expecting and some suppliers who are similarly postponed. Whatever—I'll always do my absolute best to try to make everybody happy—knowing in advance that this is always an uphill challenge—to say the least! I just don't want anyone to get the idea that "Bob doesn't care." Otherwise, I'd not be writing this ongoing column, and certainly not that particular discussion within this particular column. Okay? So keep the good stuff coming, but do allow for the fact that I can't do everything all the time in nothing flat!
So ends another column. Sad, sorta, 'cause I have enough goodies for about three times as much as I've just written. Anyway, for next month—look forward to less talk and more how-to's (I've got some really neat ones coming up!) to make your Electric flying even better.
Please enclose an SASE along with any correspondence for which you'd like a reply.
Happy Electric Wintertime (or Anytime)
Landings, Everyone!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
