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New products that are Worth a Closer Look
AEROBTEC ALTIS v4
The AerobTec Altis v4 is a barometric altimeter specially designed to record the altitude of RC aircraft during flight. It has additional competition features with telemetry support. The OLED display provides easily readable data on the device or it can be connected to a PC.
The small unit can be installed either inside or outside of the aircraft. If internally mounted, the unit must have access to outside air flowing through the model. If externally mounted, the unit must be placed away from the airflow caused by the propeller.
To utilize the Altis v4 purely for data logging, simply connect the device to any free receiver channel. For use as an altitude limiter, the Altis should be plugged in between the receiver and the ESC.
Telemetry is also supported with compatible radio systems from Jeti, Multiplex, and Graupner. An update to firmware version 2.0 enables the device to work with Futaba S.Bus2 and FrSky S.Port telemetry protocols, but an AerobTec Telemetry Converter ($29) is required for their use.
Using a supported transmitter will allow wireless transmission of certain data from the aircraft during flight and display it on your transmitter or monitor screen. The Altis v4 has COM A and COM B connectors reserved for this purpose. To connect the device for use with telemetry, a Molex/JR telemetry cable (sold separately for $2.50) is required.
This excerpt from the manual describes how the unit works: “The v4 senses barometric pressure variations caused by altitude changes of the aircraft. The altitude is then calculated from pressure data and stored in the internal memory of the device.
“The included system allows you to connect to a personal computer with a Windows (XP or higher) operating system via USB. The supplied program will not only read the information from the device and save it to the computer in various formats, but it can also display the information in an advanced graph and process the flight information in many other ways. This altimeter has functions based on FAI F5J and altitude-limiting competitions (ALES) rules so it can be used for these competitions.”
To connect the Altis to PC firmware updates, settings, and data logging, the Altis Flight Manager software for Windows must be downloaded from the company’s website. A micro USB cable (not included) is used to connect the device to a PC. A micro USB cable is often used for Android devices such as cellphones and tablets. If a cable is not available, it can be purchased for $5 from Esprit Model.
The device and the software provide some other complementary functions such as temperature, throttle or voltage measurement, and recording. The Altis v4 uses a modern, fast, digital pressure sensor which allows it to sense very low pressure differences. This gives the unit an altitude resolution smaller than 0.5m with sample rates as low as 0.1s.
The measured altitude is stored in the high-capacity internal memory that allows approximately 15 hours of recording with the fastest sampling rate (0.1s).
A keypad is also available for $14 that connects to the Altis v4 for setup at the field. The keypad allows you to make changes to the motor run time, height cutoff, motor restart, competition restart, and F5J setting.
The Altis provides a lot of features in a small device for use as an altimeter and altitude-limiting device with telemetry compatibility with several radio systems and PC data logging.
The AerobTec Altis v4+, a new version that introduces a new sensor, is available from Esprit Model for $79.
Esprit Model: 1240 Clearmont St. NE Unit #12, Palm Bay FL 32905; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Memory: 3.9 MB (approximately 15-hour record with 0.1s sampling)
Sample time: 0.1–25.5s (user selectable with step 0.1s)
Dimensions: 20 x 33 x 6.5mm; cable length approximately 10 cm
Weight: 8 grams with JR cable
Power supply range: 4 to 12.6 volts
Logging: Altitude, voltage, temperature, throttle
Features: Compatible with competition rules for FAI F5J, ALES, etc.; OLED display (configurable screen); telemetry support for Jeti model, Multiplex M-Link, Graupner HoTT, Futaba S.Bus2, and FrSky S.Port; upgradeable firmware; integrated USB; AerobTec Altis Flight Manager software for Windows
1/3 SCALE TAILWHEEL
Those of us who fly larger models have a hard time finding a good, sturdy tailwheel that doesn’t look out of place on our models. We’ve run across a new tailwheel assembly from Ohio Superstar Products that really stands out from the typical. It’s called the 1/3 Scale Tailwheel, but in truth, it can be used on nearly any model from 16 to 35 pounds.
At its heart is a 3-inch Lite Flite foam wheel. This foam tire offers great shock absorption and has a tread pattern.
Holding the wheel in place is a fork machined from 6061 T6 aluminum bar stock. This fork system pivots quite smoothly because of its integrated ball bearing. What’s more, the tension on the ball bearing can be adjusted to give you the proper turning rate (friction) for your flying style.
To install the tailwheel, the premounted leaf springs are attached to the airframe with a couple of mounting screws. The included rudder horn is fastened to the bottom of the model’s rudder, then the included springs are installed.
In only a few minutes you can change your airplane’s looks and handling. The entire tailwheel assembly weighs 6.5 ounces and the hub is available in either black or gray. The 1/3 Scale Tailwheel is available for $69.95.
Ohio Superstar Products: 638 Kibler Road; New Waterford OH 44445; Tel. (330) 457-0238; website: www.ohio-superstar.com
Jeti Telemetry Sensor Altimeter MAlti EX @ $65 + S&H from Esprit Model, 1240 Clearmont St. NE #12, Palm Bay FL 32905; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
The Jeti MAlti EX Telemetry Sensor Altimeter system measures atmospheric pressure and uses the obtained data to calculate the altitude above sea level, the temperature, and air pressure, as well as alert you if any alarm setting is exceeded.
A sensitive pressure sensor, the MAlti EX should be mounted within an aircraft in such a way that the sensor is not affected by air flowing inside the model. Any change in pressure causes a change in the indicated altitude. It should not be installed in direct airflow or near any components that generate heat during flight. The only pressure that should affect the sensor is static atmospheric pressure.
For the MAlti EX to properly function, the transmitter version must be 2.20 or newer, and the receiver version 3.14 or newer. See the Esprit website for file configurations.
Seagull Models Funky Cub ARF @ $234.99 + S&H from Sig Manufacturing Company, 401 S. Front St., Box 520, Montezuma IA 50171; Tel.: (641) 623-5154; website: www.sig mfg.com
The Funky Cub ARF from Seagull Models was designed to be a fun-loving everyday model with trainer stability characteristics, but aerobatic performance. This classic balsa and plywood ARF has an amazing flight envelope thanks to operating flaps, and is suitable for glow, gas, or electric power.
All of the major components on the Funky Cub are factory built and finished. Modern construction methods utilize CAD design and laser-cut parts. Covered with UltraCote, the airplane features a factory-painted fiberglass cowling, and a two-piece, plug-in wing for easy transportation. The Funky Cub also includes a strong, aluminum wing joiner tube, durable landing gear, and a detachable windshield for easy battery swapping.
All hardware and accessories are included. A six-channel radio with eight servos and a 10 to 15cc gas or glow engine or equivalent electric motor are required to complete the Funky Cub. Optional color-matched floats are also available.
Escapade MX 30-35cc Gas/EP ARF @ $299.97 + S&H from Hob bico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Ste. #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.greatplanes.com
If you’re dreaming about a sport airplane designed for 30-35cc gas or the 63-62-250 kV electric power of an outrunner brushless motor, look no further than the Escapade MX from Great Planes. This ARF handles low-speed maneuvers and high-speed aerobatics. Its low parts count and self-aligning tail surfaces keep assembly time to a minimum.
The Escapade has many great features, including removable wing panels that make it easy to store and transport and prehinged control surfaces. A fiberglass cowl and wheel pants complement the built-up, all-wood construction and colorful trim scheme. A spacious radio compartment provides instant access to onboard gear and batteries, while the battery hatch attaches easily with thumbscrews—no hardware is needed!
In addition to the engine or motor, the Escapade MX requires a minimum four-channel radio system, five to nine servos, an 80-amp brushless ESC, an 18 x 8 propeller, and two 18.5-volt 5,000 mAh LiPo batteries if using electric power.
E-flite UMX Whipit BNF Basic DLG @ $69.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby, 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.eflite-rc.com
Remember that Free Flight glider you played with as a kid? Relive that simplicity using radio control with the E-flite UMX Whipit Discus Launch Glider (DLG). Like a high-performance, competition DLG, the Whipit features ultralightweight construction and a carbon-fiber boom utilizing internally located pushrods. The carbon-reinforced wing is removable, while the fuselage pod, wings, and tail surfaces are all lightweight foam.
Featuring simple rudder and elevator control, the Whipit uses an installed Spektrum DSMX 2.4 GHz receiver/servo unit.
Expect flight times of more than 45 minutes (between recharging) using a single 1S 3.7-volt 150 mAh 25C LiPo battery. Achieve graceful, slow flights by hand launching the Whipit into a thermal. No other energy source is involved.
A four-plus-channel transmitter with Spektrum DSMX technology and a suitable LiPo charger are required in addition to the LiPo battery.
Yak 55 50cc 3-D Airplane @ $559.50 + S&H from RedwingRC, Tel.: (636) 675-0047; website: www.redwingrc.com
Based on RedwingRC’s 30cc Yak, the midwing Yak 55 50cc aircraft has the strength to perform exceptionally well at high speeds for complex maneuvers, yet its wing placement provides stability at slow speeds for smooth inverted flight and easy 3-D maneuvers.
The airframe has been strengthened by integrated carbon-fiber stringers in the fuselage, adding support without a weight penalty. It also features minimal wing rock and minimal coupling.
Included on the Yak 55 are features that modelers already love about RedwingRC airplanes such as a removable stabilizer, ringed cowl, adjustable pushrods, double hinges, and fiberglass formers. Fast-fly and easy-build features get it up and in the air in no time, and include predrilled hinges, a plumbed fuel tank, and a preinstalled rudder cable.
The canister-ready Yak 55 comes with carbon-fiber landing gear and accessories. An optional painted matching spinner is available. This 89-inch wingspan model requires a 50cc to 60cc engine and a six- to nine-channel radio. Options for hardware and electronics are available with the Red Deal Combo on the RedwingRC website.
Emcotec DPSI 2018 Power Distribution System @ $429 + S&H from Esprit Model, 1240 Clearmont St. NE #12, Palm Bay FL 32905; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
Unleash your flight system’s full potential and cut down on cable clutter with the Emcotec DPSI 2018 Power Distribution System. Digital serial data communication technology is used to transmit control signals between your receiver and standard or S.Bus/S.Bus2 servos. Worry no longer about plugging the wrong servo into the wrong channel—each servo knows which channel it is dedicated to in advance.
Manage up to four power servo lines with the Emcotec DPSI 2018, as well as 10 additional standard PWM channels. It fully supports Jeti and other telemetry systems. Up to two receivers with serial output (UDI, EX Bus, XBus, HoTT, and DSMX), as well as two power batteries, can be connected at the same time to the DPSI 2018 unit for complete power and signal redundancy.
Nothing short of revolutionary, the Emcotec DPSI 2018 Power Distribution System is compatible with Jeti (PPM/UDI with telemetry), Futaba (FASST, FASSTest), Multiplex (M-Link), JR (XBus Serial Bus), Graupner (SJ HoTT), and Spektrum (DSM2/DSMX) radio systems.
Also included with the Emcotec DPSI 2018 Power Distribution System are a magnetic switch actuator PCB, magnetic switch key, and an SD memory card. See the Esprit website for detailed information.
Mach 25 BNF FPV 250 Glass Racer @ $429.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby, 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.bladehelis.com
FPV 250 class racing just got easier with the new Mach 25 racer from Blade. Intuitive SAFE technology with multiple flight modes gives maximum assistance with increasing levels of agility. The pilot can experience action-packed FPV racing with ease, and get up to speed at his or her own pace.
Start enjoying the Mach 25 right out of the box. Simply charge the included E-flite 1,350 3S 11.1-volt 30C LiPo battery with a required compatible AC/DC 3S LiPo balancing charger, bind the model to a required full-range, five-plus channel DSMX-compatible transmitter, and fly.
The Mach 25 comes with many features including self-tightening propellers, integrated LED lighting in each motor boom, and canted motor mounts for quicker acceleration and faster forward flight. The carbon-fiber frame plates surrounding the electronics connect with CNC aluminum supports and hold the aluminum-tube motor booms, while the custom-designed body offers protection.
The Mach 25 FPV 250 Class Racer includes a Spektrum ultra micro airborne FPV camera system that is soft-mounted on a carbon-fiber plate. A Fat Shark-compatible headset or 5.8 GHz video monitor and a ham license are required.
Falcon-E Kevlar/Carbon F5B Hotliner Sailplane @ $439 + S&H from ICARE/ICARUS, 890 ch. D’Anjou, Unit 1, Boucherville, Qc, J4B 5E4, Canada; Tel.: (450) 449-9094; website: www.icare-rc.com
ICARE/ICARUS presents the newest version of the Falcon-E: the Falcon-E Kevlar/Carbon (KC), featuring a strong Kevlar and carbon fuselage.
A mix between a Slope, Thermal Duration, and sport F5B airplane, the Falcon-E KC is swift for Slope racing, but easily hunts thermals and behaves smoothly in thermal turns with a nice, steady climb rate. The MH-32 airfoil provides a wide speed range. Camber change is the key with this airfoil. Add down camber to allow good climb rate in the thermals, but click some reflex to speed through sink. Crow configuration allows for accurate landing.
The kit contains the prepainted molded epoxy and Kevlar carbon fuselage and canopy and hollow-molded tail and rudder. The hollow-molded and carbon-reinforced wings come in two pieces for easy transportation and storage. The ailerons and flaps are live hinged. Also included are all necessary accessories and assembly instructions.
Micro servos and a standard receiver are recommended. A power package including the motor, controller, a folding propeller, and batteries is available separately.
