Product Spotlight
New products that are Worth a Closer Look
CONVAIR DELTAS: FROM SEADART TO HUSTLER
Beverly Smith reviewed this book for us. Here is what she had to say:
If you want an authoritative, comprehensive book on the Convair Deltas, look no further. Written by Bill Yenne, who was commissioned by General Dynamics Corporation to write a history of its Convair division, this book is packed full of details.
From the concept of a delta wing to the production of the largest of the Convair Deltas, the B-58, this book encompasses all facets of thought, design, history, production, testing, and flight within an eight-year period.
It includes the discussion of ejection systems needed for the new designs with such speed. The production lines covered the F-102, F-106, and B-58, along with the experimental XF-92, XFY-1, and F2Y-1 (an F-102 on water skis). The politics involved in production and cancellations throughout the Cold War and Vietnam eras make for quite a story.
Statistics are a major part of the book. The number of aircraft manufactured and flown as well as flight safety records are given. The squadrons and locations where production airplanes were flown are interesting. Information about existing models and historical data is also included.
The U.S. Air Force pulled eight Delta Darts (F-106s) from storage to be used as chase airplanes for the B1B checkout flights. After these tests were completed, the F-106s were returned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
For model builders, there are color and black-and-white photos on nearly all of the 216 pages of the book. Three-view drawings are provided for the XF-92A, YF-102, F-102, and the F-2Y. Interestingly, drawings of the Boeing models 701-1-1, 701-2-3, 701-221, 701-293, and 701-333, which were eventually designated as the XB-59, are included, but the XB-59 was never built.
A detailed diagram for the cockpit console of the F-106 is well laid out. The B-58 Hustler is included with three-view drawings and great interior shots of the cockpit panels, as well as its unique weapon system proposal. The specifications, powerplants, and armaments are given for various models. The useful glossary of acronyms used contains their explanations.
In the epilogue, the author writes of the climate of thought in the 1950s to explain the story of the Convair Delta’s development. “This was during a time period when the prevailing attitude within the aviation industry was that anything is technologically possible, and to beat the old maxim, the sky was no longer the limit. Why should American industry not be filled with boundless optimism?”
With the price of $32.95, this book is a bargain containing all of the details of the Convair Deltas.
Specialty Press: 39966 Grand Ave; North Branch MN 55056; Tel.: (800) 895-4585; website: www.specialtypress.com
BIG 5 GPS METER
Joe Hass reviewed the Hobbico Pro Series Big 5 GPS Meter Logger. Here is what he had to say:
How fast? How high? How far? How long? Where? Every pilot wants to know these flight characteristics about his or her latest creation. Now you can easily find out with the Big 5 GPS Meter from Hobbico.
This 2.6 x 1.6 x .85-inch dynamo weighs only 1.5 ounces and is easily mounted with double-sided tape, hook-and-loop fastener, or by simply wedging it into a secure area of the airframe. It provides a detailed report about each flight on the LCD screen, but what it does when connected to a computer for a data download is really neat.
The 200 mAh internal LiPo battery is charged through a mini USB port with the included cable. The battery indicator flashes while charging. This battery will supply approximately 150 minutes of operation—plenty of time for many flights.
You can also connect the Big 5 to your receiver battery with a male-to-male servo extension. Out of the box, the unit is set for metric measurements. The instructions include a GPS Logger (www.hobbico.com/gpslogger) for changing a variety of parameters on the Big 5 and to download and share flight data.
Turn on the Big 5 by pressing the power button on one end of the unit. Initial satellite acquisition and determining your location can take 3 to 5 minutes. Thereafter, satellite acquisition takes roughly 30 seconds when outside. The GPS signal can pass through glass and plastic but not metal or other conductive surfaces. Inside a building, there might not be enough GPS signal strength for any operation. GPS initialization is noted by a flashing satellite image on the upper left side of the screen. When complete, Coordinated Universal Time (or Zulu time) will appear.
Before heading to the field, I pondered how to check the speed accuracy. I powered up my Garmin car GPS and positioned the Big 5, the Garmin, and the vehicle speedometer within viewing range. The Big 5 tracked both the car and Garmin speed from standstill to the legal speed limit.
To begin recording data, simply press and hold the Enter button on the top of the unit until the Record message appears on the display. Pushing the Enter button twice stops the recording with a Stop message on the screen.
To access the various measurements requires a push of the Mode button. You will sequence through Current Speed, Peak Speed, Average Speed, Current Altitude, Peak Altitude, Distance Traveled (Trip), and Latitude and Longitude.
Now it was time to mount the Big 5 in an airplane. I assembled my jet-like pusher Keecat, placing the Big 5 in front of the Tactic receiver with a hook-and-loop fastener. With the help of noted electric flier Ken Myers, I had previously calculated that the peak speed would be 87 mph.
A push of the Enter button started recording the flight. I performed my usual maneuvers and couldn’t wait to access the data. Peak speed indicated 88 mph. Subtracting the field elevation from the peak altitude gave me my altitude above ground level—380 feet.
When I returned home, I downloaded the data. Was I surprised! Every flight was recorded by a number and color-coded display. I had my flight statistics in an easy-to-read format, but even better than the numbers were the color-coded flight tracks.
This pictorial was superimposed on Google Earth. Moving the cursor around the route gave me sample data from throughout the flight.
Sharing the data with others requires that the receiving computer have the GPS Logger program running. Simply send the link.
I have placed the Big 5 in a variety of aircraft with equally impressive results. No plumbing or calibrating is necessary. I carry it whenever I go to the field to check the performance of other aircraft.
The must-have Big 5 GPS Meter is available for $89.98 and is an easy-to-use accessory. Give it a try.
Hobbico: 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite #1; Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-6050; website: www.towerhobbies.com
Futaba 18SZ 2.4 GHz FASSTest, FASST, T-FHSS, S-FHSS Radio System @ $1,099.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Ste. #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.futaba-rc.com
Futaba introduces an incredibly sophisticated 18-channel radio system that is perfect for professional pilots and weekend fliers alike: the 18SZ. Offering all of the functions, features, and flight conditions of top-of-the-line systems but at roughly a third of the price, the 18SZ is the radio that every serious pilot needs at the field.
The 18SZ utilizes a 4.3-inch full-color, fast-processing LED touch screen and user-updateable software. Telemetry voice messages make it simple to keep the pilot updated on vital statistics, and speaker and earphone jacks make it easy to hear the audible announcements.
The radio system features eight full conditions to customize every flight, with an expandable 30-model internal memory. It also includes logging for telemetry temperature, rpm, altitude, GPS, voltage, current, and data to keep the pilot connected to the model.
Two side levers, six digital trims, and eight toggle switches accommodate every function possible. The 6.6-volt 2,100 mAh LiFe battery provides seven to eight hours of flight time for airplane, helicopter, glider, or multicopter models.
The 18SZ radio system includes the transmitter, an R7008SB receiver, the LiFe battery, a switch harness, and a mini screwdriver.
TNT Fueler @ $159.99 + S&H from Redwing RC, Tel.: (636) 675-0047; website: www.redwingrc.com
The new TNT Fueler from Redwing RC is preassembled and ready to go—just add fuel! Meeting Department of Transportation safety requirements by utilizing a steel can, a spark arrester, and a spring blow-by lid for pressure release, this fueler can is the safest in the industry.
The TNT Fueler features 3 feet of recoil fuel lines for easy and quick fueling, an easy-pour funnel, an on/off switch with a charge jack, and a Miracle fuel-filling nozzle. The fuel nozzle includes a pickup fuel filter and a filter for double filtration.
All items come in a fire- and water-resistant box. A 9.9-volt 3S 2,100 mAh battery to power the TNT Fueler is included.
Jeti DSM ESC @ $69 + S&H from Esprit Model, 1240 Clearmont St. NE, Unit #12, Palm Bay FL 32905; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
A dual-input, redundant-electronic switch designed for helicopters and airplanes to operate with an included magnetic key, the Jeti DSM ESC has the advantage of offering virtually unlimited on/off cycles, unlike switches that are mechanically operated.
The DSM ESC automatically monitors and switches between two power supplies (two receiver batteries, a receiver battery and ESC, or two ESCs), keeping your system operational. If using two ESCs, the throttle signal from the receiver is simultaneously supplied to both controllers.
Designed for two independent 5 to 13-volt inputs, the DSM ESC supports up to 10 amps of continuous current or 20 amps of burst current for your connected devices. It’s most suitable for today’s high-voltage servos. The included faceplate contains an integrated LED to indicate the switch’s on/off status. If the battery is disconnected, the unit remembers its on/off state.
The faceplate, screws, mounting lugs, and magnetic key are included, as well as decals to allow the informative unit cover to be replicated on the outside of the model.
The DSM ESC does not include a regulator—output voltage is equal to input voltage. It accepts universal, JR, Hitec, and Futaba connectors, and a maximum of 8 to 10 analog servos or 6 to 8 digital servos.
JMP Professional Series Air Tanks @ $35-$40 + 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 its professional series of air tanks, available in four sizes: 230 ml (small), 360 ml (medium), 700 ml (large), and 1,000 ml (extra large). The extra-large size has nearly 50% more volume than the standard large tanks that are currently in use.
Each tank can be ordered with an installed straight fitting (⅛-inch or 4mm air line), a 90° fitting (⅛-inch or 4mm air line), or a T-fitting (⅛-inch or 4mm air line). Air tanks assembled with the 90° fittings are used when installations have no clearance in the front, but T-fittings are used when multiple air tanks are installed or if using an air gauge.
The JMP Air Tank fittings are machined to maximize compressed airflow rates and include a clamping device to eliminate air line blow off. All assemblies include lid crimping and permanent sealing of the fittings. Checking for leaks is also performed at Jet Model Products.
Secraft Aluminum Anti-Slip Battery Tray Holder @ $3-$15 + S&H from Esprit, 1240 Clearmont St. NE, Unit #12, Palm Bay FL 32905; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
Esprit announces new battery holders from Secraft. The anodized aluminum trays don’t slip and mount easily to flat surfaces and allow for simple battery installation and removal. A rubber strap provides added grip for a secure hold.
The Secraft Aluminum Battery Tray Holder is available in red or black, and in two sizes: 115 x 50mm and 83 x 47mm. Replacement silicone straps are also available.
HG3XA Gyro @ $29.99 + S&H from Hitec RCD, 12115 Paine St., Poway CA 92064; Tel.: (858) 748-6948; website: www.hitecrcd.com
Hitec RCD is excited to announce its compact HG3XA gyro for standard-wing, delta-wing, and V-tail aircraft.
The lightweight, three-axis gyro provides high-performance stabilization, increased precision, and smooth navigation in the most challenging flight conditions. The accurate angular motion detection will instantaneously improve 3-D performance, and make hovering, torque rolls, harriers, and knife-edge passes easier to master.
Three trimming potentiometers allow the aircraft’s aileron, elevator, and rudder gyro gains to be adjusted separately. Toggle between three flight modes—off, standard, and heading hold—while the model is airborne.
The HG3XA package includes the gyro, connecting cables, and adhesive mounting pads.
Ehang GHOST Drone @ $749.98 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Ste. #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.ehangdrone.com
Put control at your fingertips with the Ehang GHOST Drone. Using an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet device and the free GHOST Drone Ehang app, one-tap commands make it easy to fly and navigate. The GHOST takes off, lands, returns, and goes into the “Auto-Follow” mode with just a tap on the device, tracking the pilot’s every move. The GHOST remains stable in up to 20 mph winds, and will automatically maintain position and altitude while hovering, without constant adjustments.
Control is rock-solid anywhere within the 1,000-meter (0.62-mile) range, and fail-safes offer added protection and safety. The GHOST will automatically return to home if the signal is lost or the battery voltage drops to unsafe levels.
The body is made of lightweight, durable material, and heavy-duty brushless motors deliver smooth power. LEDs light the front and back of the GHOST for orientation.
A three-axis 360° camera gimble made of strong, aircraft-grade aluminum and vibration-dampening rubber mounts keeps cameras stable.
Versions for either Android or iOS operating systems are available and include a wireless 2.4 GHz G-BOX, the camera gimble (compatible with GoPro HERO3 and HERO4 cameras, sold separately), a high-capacity 5,400 mAh LiPo battery good for up to 23 minutes of flying, a battery charger, and eight three-blade propellers.
Redwing RC Monster Fest 2015 DVD @ $12.99-$16.99 + S&H from Candid Sky Productions, Box 21836, Carson City NV 89721; Tel.: (775) 622-5500; website: www.candidskyproductions.com
John McGrath, owner of Candid Sky Productions, attended the Redwing RC Monster Fest at Carl Henson Field in Eugene, Oregon, and captured all of the action on video to create the Redwing RC Monster Fest 2015 DVD.
Held by the Eugene RC Aeronauts, the 3-D fun-fly event brought a broad variety of aircraft to the table, including Giant Scale 3-D aerobatic airplanes and Scale and 3-D helicopters. “SupaTim” from NorthWest RC and “Those Guys” showed up to put on three-man Giant Scale 3-D demos, while lights were pulled out after dark for night flying. Other aircraft, from warbirds to multirotors, make appearances in this 85-minute DVD.
The Redwing RC Monster Fest 2015 DVD is available in the highest quality, high-definition standard DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats, with flat-rate shipping to the lower 48 states. A downloadable digital video in MP4 format is also available through the Candid Sky Productions website.
