Product Spotlight
New products that are Worth a Closer Look
POLARON EX CHARGER AND POWER SUPPLY
The Graupner Polaron EX Charger and Polaron Power Supply can be purchased separately or as part of a combo that includes the following: Polaron charger and power supply, two XH balance adapters, a USB cable, a DC input cable, two temperature sensors, two charge cables, two alligator clips, a charger stand, and the manual.
The upright design of the Polaron really caught my attention. An included plastic base simply snaps on and off and its width can be adjusted to accommodate only the charger or the charger/power supply. This design has a small footprint that takes up little precious space on the bench.
Also ingenious is the power connection for the two units. Three double-sided bullet plugs allow the two units to be snapped together. This connection is then completely hidden with no unsightly wires to deal with.
The charger has two sets of outputs on the front that accept 4mm banana plugs. The balance adapter ports are located just below the outputs and below that are the temperature sensor ports. On the right side of the charger you’ll find the USB charger, extension module, motor sensor, and servo test port. The back of the unit has the 12- to 24-volt DC input. On top is the USB PC connection, the left side provides the connection for the Polaron power supply.
The Polaron power supply provides two outputs on the front and a USB charge plug. On the rear of the unit is the on/off switch and AC power connection. The right side provides the connection to the charger. Also on the front, you will find the black and white backlit LCD display that provides constant readings for voltage, amps, and temperature.
The Polaron is equipped with several features not often found in chargers. These include a USB charger, temperature sensor ports for each channel with included sensors, servo tester, motor sensor, battery and tire warmer, and ESC setup.
The Polaron offers a lot of flexibility and programmability. It is a two-port balancing charger capable of up to 400 watts per channel at 24 volts, or 220 watts at 12 volts. I was impressed to see that Graupner supplied both
temperature sensors and a USB cable to allow for PC connectivity to monitor charging and updates.
I did, however, find the update process a little tedious. After downloading the update from Graupner’s website and unzipping it, I first had an issue with the charger and computer communicating via USB. Deleting the driver and reinstalling it solved that issue.
During the update process you are required to update both Master and Slave files. The Master updated easily, but the Slave file update failed three times, requiring the charger to be rebooted each time. Apparently this is not unexpected because the instructions state that if the update fails, follow the steps again until successful completion. When the charger boots up, the version numbers for both files are temporarily displayed, allowing confirmation that the updates were successful.
The Polaron offers an easy-to-navigate, color 3-inch touch screen with an included stylus that snaps onto the side of the charger to keep it from getting misplaced. The stylus or a finger can be used to manipulate all of the programming features. The main screen displays icons similar to what you would see on a smartphone. These icons include Profile, Charge, Discharge, Cycle,
Balance, Data, Misc., User Setup, and Store. Below them you will find CH1 on the left and CH2 on the right to denote which of the two charger channels you are accessing in the menu.
After you have selected an icon, simple back, down, up, and enter arrows allow you to further navigate the settings. When you want to input a change, select the parameter and use the up or down arrows to cycle through your selections. You can then choose the next item you want to change and after all selections are made, select the back arrow. How’s that for simple?
User Setup allows a lot of configuration, such as the tones, volume, and length of alerts, as well as display brightness. You can also choose Celsius or Fahrenheit for displaying temperature readings and add your name to the main display screen. The Misc. icon is where you can access servo, motor, and ESC testing, as well as the tire and battery warmer. This function requires an additional accessory, which is not included.
The Polaron has 20 memory slots for each of the two channels. The Profile icon is where you can input battery name, type, capacity, cell count, and memory number. You can also copy these settings to create additional memory slots.
When charging a LiPo battery, you can adjust the voltage and current, set the cutoff temperature, maximum capacity, and the safety timer. Selecting enter will initiate a balancer check and the charger will display the number of cells connected before commencing the charge process. During the charge process, the main screen displays the charge time, battery temperature, milliampere-hours input, battery voltage, amps, and resistance. A graph also displays the charge process.
Touching the graph will display additional data including cell count, pack voltage, average voltage, gap voltage (variation between cells), and individual cell voltages. Pack voltage and cell voltage are displayed three places past the decimal point.
Throughout the charge process, the power supply fan continues to run and the charger fan will kick on and off as needed. Neither is overly loud and both are on par with similar chargers.
The charger also supports storage mode, which is quite handy for those who are unable to fly year-round, and a cycle mode to charge and discharge batteries.
The Graupner Polaron charger and power supply provide a pleasing form factor and a lot of functionality. Programming the charger and navigating all of the parameters is a breeze using the touch screen.
I was impressed to see that the USB
Polaron EX Charger
Power source: 11- to 28-volt DC Power Supply
Display: TFT 3-inch LCD with touch screen
NiCd, NiMH / 1 to 14 cells per channel
LiPo, LiFe, Li-Ion / 1 to 7 cells per channel
Pb / 1 to 12 cells per channel
Output: 400 watts per channel
Charge current: 0.1 to 20.0 amps (100 mA steps) / Max. 400 watts to 24 volts, Max. 220 watts to 12 volts
Discharge current: 0.1 to 10.0 amps (100 mA steps)/Max. 60 watts
Cycling: discharge, charge to discharge / discharge to charge
USB: 5-volt output port
Additional functionality: Servo test, motor test, warmer, ESC setting
Firmware upgrade: External Mini USB device
PC communication: Data logging
Languages: Optional (basically English)
Cooling system: 50 x 50 x 10mm (1.97 x 1.97 x 0.39 inches) x 2 each Dynamic Cooling Fan
Extension module socket: Futaba 3P socket
Motor test socket: ZHR
Servo test socket: Futaba 3P socket
Memory: 20 per channel
SMPS docking terminal: Yes
Weight: 48.25 ounces
Price: $429 combo or $299 for the charger and $149 for the power supply
Polaron Power Supply
Input power: AC 100 to 240 volts
Output voltage: DC 12 volts
Output current: Continuous 25 amps; 30 amps maximum
USB connector: 5.0 volts, 1.0 amp
Output connector: Front two channels, side one channel
Display: Black and white backlit SEG LCD display
Weight: 42.79 ounces
cable and temperature sensors were included with the charger. The only things lacking are additional balance boards for other than XT balance taps, but they can be purchased from Graupner USA.
Other than some minor hiccups with the update process, the Polaron charger and power supply have met all of my charging needs.
Graupner USA: 3245 University Ave., Ste. 1520, San Diego CA 92104; Tel.: (855) 572-4746; website: www.openhobby.com
Pesky 4 .44cc Diesel Engine @ $146 + S&H from PAL Model Products, 32 Clinton St., White Plains NY 10603; Tel.: (914) 949-6083; website: www.palmodelproducts.com
PAL Model Products has begun producing the Pesky 4 .44cc engine, the name of which came from its designer, who called it the “pesky four,” because the engine required critical attention to the crankcase machining of the prototypes, some of which were accidentally modified in creating this .44cc, side-port diesel jewel.
Porting is mild and the Pesky 4 makes for a reliable, easy starting, yet powerful, creation. Made by an Eastern European engine manufacturer, the parts accuracy makes engine handling ideal.
PAL Model Products recommends leaving the engine set at its last run setting, so a slight decompressing of no more than ⅛ turn of the compression lever might be helpful. Resist choking the engine because it floods easily; a small prime into the closed exhaust opening is adequate.
The Pesky 4 starts and runs like any traditional diesel engine and only requires fresh, clean fuel and a 7 x 3 or 7 x 4 propeller.
KDE Direct 4213XF-360 Brushless Motor for Heavy-Lift Electric Multirotors @ $133.95 + S&H from KDE Direct, email: sales@kdedirect.com; website: www.kdedirect.com
KDE Direct 4213XF-360 high-efficiency brushless motors are now
available and shipping worldwide. Incorporating a high-efficiency 28-pole design, these motors have performance and durability in mind and the same industrial ruggedness of the larger, heavy-lift motors. The new lightweight, high-efficiency design is ideal for systems running 15.5-inch x 5.3 up to 18.5-inch x 6.3 rotor systems. Features include high-grade, 240° C continuous (340° C maximum) high-temperature, solid-core copper windings for failure-free operation in extreme climates, Japanese-built, 0.2mm silicon-steel stator laminations and Kevlar tie-wraps for high-efficiency performance, and triple-bearing-supported ABEC-7 bearings for maintenance-free, worry-free flying.
The motor includes 200° C, 15 American wire gauge, 760mm silicone-wire leads and Φ3.5mm 24k bullet connectors that are presoldered to the motor leads. ESC female bullets are included.
GYA460 6-Axis S.Bus Air Gyro @ $79.99 + S&H from Hobbyco, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Ste. #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.futaba-rc.com
Whether you’re a mild pilot or a wild pilot, you’ll find many reasons to like Futaba’s new GYA460 6-Axis S.Bus Air Gyro.
The GYA460 features three-axis gyro sensors and three-axis acceleration sensors for ultimate flight control, and separate sensitivity adjustments for aileron, elevator, and rudder. It also features three selectable flight modes—Beginner Mode, Gyro Mode, and Gyro Off Mode. Beginner Mode is suitable for training, with a flight attitude angle limit of approximately 80° and automatic horizontal-level control that returns the aircraft to a level state. Gyro Mode is suitable for inverted flight and aerobatics, and in Gyro Off Mode, the pilot has full control.
For electric models only, the GYA460 gyro is easy to set up and is S.Bus compatible.
Spirit Pro Flybarless System @ $215 + S&H from Esprit Tech/Model, 4253 Pinewood Rd., Melbourne FL 32934; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
The Spirit Pro Flybarless System is the next level in stabilization for RC model helicopters. Spirit Pro differs from the original Spirit controller with the addition of another satellite port for DSMX/DSM2 users, an onboard S.Bus decoder, and two additional ports for bringing power into the system from a BEC or backup power system.
The Spirit Pro is perfect for pilots of all skill levels and helicopter disciplines. In Stability Mode, the helicopter will return to an upright level attitude whenever the sticks are released. In either of the two Rescue Modes, the helicopter will level and climb with the flick of a switch. The system can also be used as a pure tail gyro on flybarred machines.
Accepting all current servo types, including 1520us, 960us, and 760us at anywhere from 50 to 560 Hz, the Spirit supports all current swashplate variants for machines from 250 to 800mm.
Hitec D-Series Dynamo Servos and Universal Programming Interface @ $19.99-$169.99 + S&H from Hitec RCD, 12115 Paine St., Poway CA 92064; Tel.: (858) 748-6948; website: www.hitecrcd.com
Hitec RCD is proud to introduce the D-Series Dynamo Servos: the
D940TW, D945TW, D950TW and D980TW titanium gears, the D625MW and D645MW metal gears, and the waterproof, mega-scale, IP-67-rated D840WP and D845WP gears.
All D-series servos have been designed using Hitec’s new cutting-edge custom engineering. Combining industry leading high-resolution, state-of-the-art, ultra-response technology with a 32-bit MCU and 12-bit ADC for unprecedented programmability and flexibility, these servos deliver unrivaled smooth and precise movement.
The speedy, powerful line operates on a wide 4.8 to 8.4 voltage range, allowing use with any common battery chemistry without the need for adapters or regulators. Hitec’s industry standard 25-tooth output spline with a 3mm hex screw is also utilized.
Use the DPC-11 Universal Programming Interface for Programmable Servos to customize the parameters and test settings prior to servo installation. DPC-11 software is capable of being downloaded to your PC.
2015 Scale Helicopter Masters DVD and Blu-ray @ $13.99-$16.99 + S&H from Candid Sky Productions, Box 21836, Carson City NV 89721; Tel.: (775) 622-5500; website: www.candidskyproductions.com
Candid Sky Productions presents its
newest DVD, the 2015 Scale Helicopter Masters fun-fly event.
Covering this gathering, held at the Woodland Davis Aeromodelers field in Davis, California, for the second year in a row, Candid Sky brings viewers all of the action. Gonzalo Martinez served as the contest director, with event proceeds benefitting the Autism Speaks organization.
If you enjoy detailed, Giant Scale helicopters, this is the DVD to watch. Jim Splice appears with his Cobra and CH-53A turbine, as well as a one-of-a-kind MD520 Notar turbine crop duster. Candid Sky also highlights the “Bambi Bucket” drops, multiple-helicopter formation flights, and a full-scale Huey that dropped in for rides. In addition to aircraft videos, pilots are interviewed in this 90-minute production.
Available on standard DVD or Blu-ray, Candid Sky Productions videos ship as flat-rate priority in the lower 48 states.
BrainCube Aeromodels LED Systems and Parts @ $9.60-$293.44 + S&H from BrainCube Aeromodels, Tel.: (305) 300-1800; website: www.braincube-americas.com
BrainCube Aeromodels is pleased to announce the appointment of Marvin Alvarez as the sole distributor of the company’s LED products in North, South, and Central America. Marvin is a third-generation modeler known in the US for his superb work in building Scale models.
BrainCube’s ultra-high-power LED Systems are daylight visible at 2,000 feet in direct sunlight, and have been continuously developed for more than five years specifically for model aircraft and UAV manufacturers, as well as national governments. World renowned for their quality and capabilities, BrainCube LED Systems are manufactured in dedicated facilities in Dundee, Scotland, and are backed up by their satisfaction guarantee.
Sets of professional 1-watt-plus LED modules and intelligent 20-watt controllers specifically engineered for flying models, drones, and UAVs, as well as LED parts, are available on the BrainCube Aeromodels website.
Detroit Multirotor Company Pitbull FPV Kit @ $400 + S&H from Esprit Tech/Model, 4253 Pinewood Rd., Melbourne FL 32934; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
Experience FPV racing with the Detroit Multirotor Company Pitbull FPV Kit, available from Esprit Tech/Model.
This 248mm racing quadcopter is stable while hovering, has precise cruising passes, and has enough power to achieve loops and rolls. It’s the perfect machine for someone who is looking for a solid entry into the world of FPV racing.
The kit, available in both 3S and 4S versions, features the FPV sport quadcopter frame, brushless motors, BLHeli ESCs, clockwise/counterclockwise propeller sets, a power distribution board with LC filter, a Naze35 Acro flight controller, an FPV flight camera, 5.8 GHz 32-channel video transmitter, a 5.8 GHz antenna, and an antenna strain relief.
A minimum six-channel radio system and 2S to 4S LiPo battery are required. A 5.8 GHz video receiver and video viewing device are optional.
