Product Spotlight
Airport Helipak
Jon Barnes reviewed the Airport Helipak for us. Here is what he had to say:
The Think Tank Photo Airport Helipak backpack is designed as a storage and transport solution for the DJI Phantom series of aerial media drones. As the name implies, it can be carried on one’s back. The wide, padded shoulder straps and waist belt contribute to its lightweight, comfortable feeling when carried as a backpack.
On shorter hauls, I found myself quickly slinging it over one shoulder. For trips requiring travel onboard trains, airplanes, or boats, padded handles on the top and side make the case easy to handle and load.
The Helipak is touted as being compatible with US and International carry-on bag standards. Unlike many of the carry-on bags that I have seen travelers optimistically enter airport security with, this case is a modest size. Although I have yet to board an airline with it, I look forward to using it in that capacity and am confident that it will capably protect my DJI Phantom 3 Professional.
The configuration of the gray hook-and-loop retained divider set is completely customizable, although it arrives already installed and arranged in a pattern that will probably work for most Phantom pilots. The Phantom 3 Professional, along with every accessory originally included in the box, packed into the Helipak with plenty of room to spare.
Packing one’s Phantom into the case requires the four propellers to be removed. At first, I grimaced at the thought of having to remove and reinstall the propellers each time I wanted to fly, I found that it was not cumbersome at all.
Think Tank includes four red vinyl caps that slip snugly over the four motor shafts. These caps prevent the motor shafts from abrading or damaging any of the case innards. Three mesh pockets on the inside of the case’s lid help to organize and manage smaller items and cables. The see-through pockets make it easy to inventory their contents with a quick glance.
One large exterior pocket allows access to the padded laptop/tablet storage compartment. My iPad Mini 2 fairly swims in this pocket, which is apparently designed to accommodate much larger electronics (up to a 15-inch laptop according to the specifications).
Several smaller pockets, perfectly sized for business cards or a cellphone, are sewn into the inside edge of this outer compartment. A tethered key retainer with a quick-release clip helps prevent users from tossing (and losing) keys in the myriad pockets available in the Helipak case. Think Tank even includes a bright blue nylon rain shield that can be slipped over the entire case should the weather go sour. This rain shield stows into a small, easily packed pouch.
The Think Tank cases catalog is large and diverse. As both a photographer and a drone enthusiast, I am duly impressed with the quality and versatility of the Airport Helipak case. The abundance of free space allows me to pack extra camera gear and is sure to come in handy as I inevitably add additional batteries and accessories to my Phantom 3 Professional! The Think Tank Photo Airport Helipak backpack retails for $239.75.
Think Tank Photo: 1105 N. Dutton Ave. Ste. C.; Santa Rosa CA 95401; Tel.: (866) 558-4465; website: www.thinktankphoto.com
ProModeler Servos
Mike Hurley reviewed the ProModeler S420 servo for us. Here is what he had to say:
Last year I discovered a servo that I couldn’t help but check out. I’m a typical gadget guy, and what got me at first were the shiny machined-aluminum cases, but the more I looked, the more I liked about these inexpensive new servos. They’re named ProModeler and they are the design and concept of John Beech, the owner of Audacity Models in Sanford, Florida. As with many products manufactured today, ProModeler servos are a product of the world with parts sourced from places such as Japan and Taiwan. Many parts, including the CNC-machined aluminum cases, are made in the US and the polymer top and bottom cases for the S160DLHV were designed by the company.
Specifications
Nominal voltage:* 6.0 to 7.4 volts direct current
Operating voltage: 5.5 to 8.4 volts direct current
Torque: 380 to 420 ounces/inch
Speed: 0.14 to 0.12 seconds/60°
Frequency: 1520µs/330Hz
Dead band: 2µs
Weight: 73.5g
Wire: JR/265mm 25 spline output shaft (Futaba compatible)
Price: $79.99
*Nominal voltage for a LiPo cell is 3.7 volts per cell (or 7.4 volts for a 2S pack).
ProModeler offers three versions of the servo: the PDRS160DLHV, the PDRS245BLHV, and the PDRS420BLHV. The S160 is built with performance and price in mind, but the polymer top and bottom cases and a brushed three-pole motor are changed to keep costs in check. The rest of the servo is built to the specs of the company’s top-of-the-line servos with million cycle potentiometers, an engineered selection of varied metal gears with a titanium ceramic coating on the output gear, brass gear shaft inserts in the polymer cases, and a sealed O-ring to resist any liquids that might come in contact with the servo.
The two top-of-the-line servos, the S245 and S420, use a brushless motor and full cases machined from 6061 T-6 aircraft-grade bar stock in addition to all of the quality details described.
Testing included mounting the S420 on my homemade rig that measures repeatable centering and pushing the servo off of its “held” position to see how far it could be deflected. Centering was excellent and I was only able to push the ProModeler a mere 1° off of its held position.
I’m impressed with the way these servos are designed and built, and with the absolute obsession that I’ve found John to have with the quality of his servos. In our conversations, he took the time to explain every aspect of the thought that went into the smallest of details. I think those details are clear when you first take a look at a ProModeler servo. And when you consider the price, I think you’ll be as surprised by this servo as I am.
Genesis Hobby: Box 952765; Lake Mary FL 32795; Tel.: (407) 302-3361; website: www.audacitymodels.com
Top Flite P-47 Razorback Giant Scale 50-61cc/EP ARF @ $749.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Ste. #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.top-flite.com
Built to battle, the P-47 was an effective and versatile escort fighter, interceptor, fighter bomber, and ground-attack aircraft during World War II. The original razorbacks did the heavy lifting, with heavy armor, massive firepower, and the option to install rockets and bombs.
Now modelers can make the same impression with Top Flite’s P-47 Razorback Giant Scale ARF. Designed for a 3.0 to 3.7 cu. in. (50 to 61cc) gas engine, or a brushless electric 80-85 160 kV motor with a 160-amp ESC and 12S 5,000 mAh LiPo battery, the P-47 uses either pneumatic or electric Robart retracts for scale appearance and reliable operation. Flaps are prehinged for realistic takeoffs and landings. A large, magnetically secured hatch built into the fuselage can be removed for quick battery changes.
Scale details include recessed instruments, a molded instrument panel, side panels, a floor, and a seat. It also includes the distinctive razorback turtledeck and canopy design for incredible looks on the ground and in the air.
A radio system with a minimum of six channels, 11 or 12 servos, a minimum 3,200 mAh receiver battery, 1,100 mAh ignition battery (gas engine only), and retracts are required in addition to the power system.
Carbon-Fiber Propeller Blades @ $77.95-$439.95 + S&H from KDE Direct, email: sales@kdedirect.com; website: www.kdedirect.com
KDE Direct’s Carbon-Fiber Propeller Blades—made from the same material as those supplied to military customers—are now available for commercial and industrial applications.
Constructed of carbon-fiber 3K materials, all propellers are dynamically balanced and provided in matched pairs. Simply install and go fly! There’s no need for secondary balancing.
Blades are available in dual or triple editions in three sizes: 27.5 x 8.9 inches, 18.5 x 6.3 inches, or 15.5 x 5.3 inches. All are FEA optimized for maximum strength and minimum weight.
Jeti Central Box 400 Power Distribution Unit with Magnetic Switch @ $595 + S&H from Esprit Model, 1240 Clearmont St. NE #12, Palm Bay FL 32905; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
Jeti’s Central Box 400 is a fully programmable switchboard with two independent, stabilized power voltage regulators. It is uniquely designed for complete power and signal management of servos, with a great emphasis on safety, providing overload protection for each servo output.
Up to two power batteries can be connected simultaneously to the Central Box for complete power and radio frequency signal redundancy. It has up to four independent Ext1/Ext4 telemetry inputs and two stabilized BEC outputs for additional electronic devices, and contains two switching regulators connected in parallel for added safety.
The Central Box 400 fully supports the Jeti EX telemetry data stream, and is equipped with an 8 MB internal memory to store the data from the Central Box and the connected sensors.
Included with the Jeti Central Box 400 are servo installation brackets with screws, BEC installation brackets with screws, Multiplex connectors, a mini USB-to-USB PC cable, a universal magnetic switch, and one magnetic key.
Kadet Seniorita Sport EP ARF @ $249.99 + S&H from Sig Manufacturing Co., Inc., 401 S. Front St., Box 520, Montezuma IA 50171; Tel.: (641) 623-5154; website: www.sig mfg.com
Since 1987, the Kadet Seniorita has helped thousands of RC pilots get into the air and earn their wings. Now the legendary design has been “sporterized” with the addition of large barn-door-style ailerons and tail-dragger landing gear with wheel pants.
Perfect for RC pilots of any skill level, the Kadet Seniorita is a handcrafted, all-wood ARF that is CAD drawn, laser cut, and factory jig assembled. It features a two-piece wing that mounts on a strong, aluminum wing tube, formed aluminum landing gear, and an adjustable mount for electric motors.
The Kadet is covered with UltraCote Premium film, while the cowling and wheel pants are fiberglass covered. Changing batteries is easy thanks to the magnetic hatch.
The wheels, pushrods, and a complete hardware pack are all included, as is a photo-illustrated assembly manual. A four-channel radio with four standard servos, brushless outrunner motor, ESC, and a 3S to 4S 3,000-4,000 mAh LiPo battery pack are required.
The Sig Kadet Seniorita is available in a white/transparent blue scheme or white/transparent red scheme.
SmartDesign Tail Wheel Assembly @ $27-$54 + S&H from Redwing RC, Tel.: (636) 675-0047; website: www.redwingrc.com
The SmartDesign Tail Wheel Assembly from Redwing RC brings efficiency and reliability to the flightline by providing fewer parts and things to worry about, making it a go-to choice for pilots.
Trouble-free assembly means no more worrying about screws falling out or loss of control. Using top-of-the-line construction with CNC aluminum and predrilled carbon fiber, and featuring high-quality rubber tires with tread for safe, smooth landings, the SmartDesign Tail Wheel Assembly is available in four sizes and weights for 20-40cc, 50-70cc, 85-120cc, and 150-220cc aircraft.
TLS1-ISW Optically Isolated Kill Switch @ $84.99 + S&H from JR Americas, Tel.: (217) 352-7959; website: www.jramericas.com
Weighing less than 1/2 ounce, the TLS1-ISW Optically Isolated Kill Switch from JR Americas is a piece of safety equipment that shuts down your motor remotely from the transmitter. It’s practical and powerful, providing live rpm telemetry data when it’s connected to your engine’s ignition pickup.
The TLS1-ISW also supports dual ignition inputs and has a programmable radio frequency link delay that prevents your engine from shutting down from a momentary hold. An included status condition LED light is installed in your model as well, giving you a 100% clear status about your ignition’s power.
Also featuring a selectable 6.0-volt or 7.4-volt output with an included jumper, and an integrated internal regulator that can take up to 12.6 volts, the TLS1-ISW is compatible with XBus and PWM inputs.
Estes Proto-Z RTF Micro Drone @ $29.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Ste. #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.protoquad.com
If you’re looking for the ultimate user-friendly drone, Estes has what you want with the Proto-Z RTF micro-size electric drone. This multirotor features not only a normal flight mode, but also a True Direction mode that is perfect for beginners by moving the Proto-Z in the same direction as the control stick. Pilots can flip the Proto-Z with a push of a button on the transmitter!
Four LEDs aid in flight orientation and flying after dark and at less than 4 inches (diagonal), Proto-Z is also great for indoor flying. It will fly up to 5 minutes on a fully charged battery. The LiPo battery is charged via a USB charge cord.
In addition to the battery and charge cord, the Proto-Z comes with four spare propellers. The multirotor is completely assembled; all you need to do is install two AAA batteries in the transmitter and fly!
JMP 1-Way Fill Valve and JMP 2-Way Valve @ $39-$59.95 + S&H from Jet Model Products, 17702 S. Emerald View, Raymore MO 64083; Tel.: (816) 331-0356; website: www.jetmodelproducts.com
Jet Model Products introduces two new valves for RC models. The 1-Way Fill Valve is a precision-machined check valve that uses a checking concept found in expensive, demanding aerospace equipment. It mounts to the model’s control board using a washer and nut. Pair it with the Tapered Fill Adaptor (sold separately) for a simple, effective way to couple your air pump. Simply push the tapered nylon fitting into the valve to create a temporary seal. The air line automatically recoils and stays neat and out of the way.
The JMP 2-Way Valve is the finest and most robust servo-controlled valve on the market. The spool design uses quad seals with definite end stops, while the vertical design allows the air lines to remain hidden. This high-flow valve can be ordered with hose barbs for a 1/8-inch outer-diameter or 4mm air line.
