Product Spotlight
New products that are Worth a Closer Look
THE ROLLING CHICKEN STICK
Andrew Griffith reviewed the RCS Industries Rolling Chicken Stick. Here is what he had to say:
I was that person ... I’ve built and flown RC airplanes for 40 years. First responder training in my late teens taught me the valuable life lesson that things can go from good to bad in the blink of an eye, yet I still thought that my experience (and dumb luck) meant that I was immune from being smacked in the fingers by hand-propping an engine. I’ve even written articles about flying field safety.
Then it happened. My trusty DLE-55 engine, which had started reliably with three flips for many dozens of flights, coughed and backfired. Thankfully, I was running a wooden propeller at the time, but holy cow—it hurt! Although I didn’t need stitches, nor did I break anything, I was bleeding and needed to ice my hand instead of flying at our annual 3-D event. Because I make my living typing on a keyboard, I decided that I had to find a better way of propping an engine.
I’ve tried just about everything that Giant Scale fliers use, including gloves, paint rollers, chicken sticks, and electric starters. Gloves work well for keeping the pieces in one place if you have to go to the emergency room, but they aren’t foolproof protection.
Starters are great, but many 3-D models come with carbon-fiber spinners and they can easily get torn up. I settled on paint rollers, but I believed there could be a better way to protect not only my fingers, but the propeller and spinner.
Along came the Rolling Chicken Stick—RCS for short.
When I saw the announcement, my first thought was that it was a new 3-D maneuver. Then I watched the product video and thought that the company might be onto something. I was asked if I would like to take a closer look at one.
A handle and a starting area comprise the stick. The handle is available in a couple of styles, but they most closely resemble the grip on a bicycle handle. The surface that contacts the propeller is coated in 1/8 inch of clear vinyl that protects expensive propellers.
The difference with the RCS is that the starting surface is mounted on a roller, so instead of sliding across the trailing edge (TE) of your propeller, when done properly it rolls off the TE with a nice follow-through.
I received my RCS the day before my club’s National Model Aviation Day Fly-In, and I spent the day starting everything I could get my hands on. To my delight, the RCS effectively started everything from smaller, glow-powered engines, up to and including my friend’s DA-150-powered Extra 300. It also felt as though it was less strain on my shoulder than trying to hand-flip an engine with a lot of compression.
Keeping my finger count at 10 is important to me. With that in mind, my Rolling Chicken Stick will now have a permanent place in my flying field equipment box. Maybe RCS Industries should call it a Rolling Smart Stick, although I have to admit that the chicken on roller skates is a great logo! It is available from $19.95 to $22.95.
RCS Industries Inc.: Box 1393, St. George UT 84771; email: randx@q.com; website: www.rollingchickenstick.com
DJI MAVIC PRO ND LENS FILTER 4-PACK
Matt Ruddick reviewed the DJI Mavic Pro ND Lens Filter 4-pack from NeatoTek. Here is what he had to say:
For photographers who plan to jump into the world of aerial photography, one trick of the trade is no longer out of reach. Neutral density and polarization filters can be the difference between merely getting a shot and getting the perfect shot. That’s where the NeatoTek ND lens filters come into play.
This pack comes with ND4, ND4 with polarization, ND8, ND8 with polarization, and ND16 filters. These high-quality
filters allow you to adjust your camera settings to fit any situation, without losing the optimal image quality of your DJI Mavic Pro.
The filters come packed in a padded hard case that uses a magnetic clasp that fits nicely into my Mavic carrying bag. Each filter is constructed out of durable, lightweight aluminum that is imperceptible to the camera gimbal.
Installation is a breeze. The filters slide on and off of the camera lens with ease, yet are snug enough to not move during flight.
After a dozen flights using these filters, I haven’t had one slip off, nor was I concerned that one might. Of course, what good is a nice, lightweight filter that fits well if the optics are subpar? Luckily, that’s not an issue with these NeatoTek filters.
After thoroughly testing them, I found no degradation in image quality or resolution with the filters applied, and instead I was presented with a richer, more saturated picture from the polarized filters.
What probably sets the NeatoTek filters apart from the rest of the field is the price point. At $69, they are priced significantly less than most other packs of similar quality, and will add a tremendous amount of production value to your photos and video.
The NeatoTek ND Lens Filter 4-pack is available for the DJI Mavic Pro, as well as the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, and can be found on the company’s website.
NeatoTek: email: info@neatotek.com; website: www.neatotek.com
Blade Trio 180 CFX BNF Basic @ $249.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby, 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.bladehelis.com
Building on the popularity of the Blade 180 CFX helicopter, the Trio 180 CFX is a powerful micro 3-D machine that features a three-blade rotor head for improved response and collective authority.
Providing intermediate and advanced pilots with the same flight experience that made the 180 CFX stand out, the Trio features optimized servo geometry, enhanced digital metal gear servos, and a carbon-fiber frame, as well as a high-torque brushless outrunner main motor and the reliability of a Castle Creations Talon 15 ESC. AS3X technology makes the Trio extremely stable, and a torque-tube-drive tail system features ball-bearing support inside of an aluminum boom that connects at the tail rotor to a strong one-piece tail case.
The Blade Trio 180 CFX requires a 450 mAh 3S 11.1-volt 30C LiPo battery and a six-plus-channel Spektrum transmitter.
Dragonfly-TLG @ $46 + S&H from BMJR, Box 1210, Sharpes FL 32959-1210; Tel: (321) 537-1159; website: www.bmj rmodels.com
The Dragonfly was designed by Harry Grogan for AMA A-1 Towline Glider (F1H) rules in 1972. The rules specified a minimum weight of 5.1 ounces, a maximum total projected area of 279 square inches, and a 50-meter towline. AMA later adopted the FAI rules for F1H, which increased the minimum weight to 7.75 ounces.
BMJR’s Dragonfly is not competitive, but it loves thermals and is great as a vintage Towline Glider and for the popular Hi-Start event. The Dragonfly has a 48½-inch wingspan and 274 square inches of wing area. The 5.7-ounce flying weight includes the tracker.
RISE Vusion 250 FPV-Ready Racing Drone @ $219.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel: (217) 398-8970; website: www.explore-rise.com
The RISE Vusion 250 FPV-Ready Racing Drone blends innovation and convenience for the ultimate racing experience. All of the components are seamlessly integrated, and include a 600 TV Line FPV video camera with a built-in DVR, a 200-milliwatt 5.8 GHz Raceband video transmitter, four 2,280 kV brushless motors, and four brushless high-frequency ESCs with OneShot 125 programming.
Injection-molded construction makes the Vusion 250 tough, and repairs are as easy as removing an arm and inserting and bolting on a new one. Add a micro-memory card to store, edit, and upload high-quality action videos, or watch the footage in real time straight from the camera.
The Vusion 250 includes a 3S 11.1-volt 1,500 mAh 25C LiPo battery, front and rear LEDs, and a spare 5 x 4.5-inch bullnose propeller set. It requires a five-channel radio, 5.8 GHz goggles or monitor, and a LiPo balancing charger.
Top Model Samsara F5J/ALES 3.2E Sailplane @ $395 + S&H from Esprit Tech/Model, Box 360815, Melbourne FL 32936; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
The Top Model Samsara F5J/Altitude Limited Electric Soaring (ALES) 3.2E sailplane is an impressive European-made sailplane. Gentle, smooth, and capable of long flights, the Samsara features the careful use of composites with competition-grade balsa to create a lightweight structure. The entire model is constructed using Free Flight techniques, CNC milling, and laser cutting.
The gel-coated fiberglass fuselage has a white finish, and the entire model is covered in UltraCote. All control surfaces are hinged with adhesive tape. The fully built sailplane only needs basic assembly and the motor and radio installed. The three-piece wing and full-flying stabilizer are removable for ease of transportation and storage.
The Samsara makes a great sport or entry-level competition sailplane for F5J/Limited Motor Run or ALES. See the Esprit Tech website for suggested equipment.
Rechargeable Electric Air Pump @ $59.95 + S&H from Robart Manufacturing, 625 N. 12th St., St. Charles IL 60174; Tel.: (630) 584-7616; website: www.robart.com
Robart Manufacturing listened to its customers! Many pilots do not want to lug around large compressors and bulky pumps to use with pneumatic, retractable landing gear. Robart’s Rechargeable Electric Air Pump is a compact design that can fit in your back pocket for the walk to the flightline. It is 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, while the removable fill tube is 6 inches long.
The pump can fill an empty, large air tank in roughly a minute. A digital display provides ease of set up and monitors the fill progress. The pump automatically shuts off, so there’s no worry about leaving it unattended.
The Rechargeable Electric Air Pump has 150 PSI capabilities (Robart recommends 100 PSI for all pneumatic gear), as well as AC and DC charging with a built-in lithium battery. The air pump also includes a fill tube, adapter fitting, 8 inches of air line, an AC wall charger, DC car charger, and a velvet storage pouch. A fill-chuck is sold separately, as is an accessory pack and additional attachments for filling items such as bicycle tubes, air mattresses, beach balls, and sports balls.
Vision House Racer Black Limited Edition @ $79.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel: (217) 398-8970; website: www.explore-rise.com
The same zipping, flipping Vision House Racer that delivers high-speed FPV adventures in homes is now available in a limited edition, sleek black trim scheme!
The Vision House Racer Black Limited Edition FPV Racer is perfect for racing against others. Use the FPV video camera to shoot awesome footage, or add professional indoor obstacles with the Vision Racer FPV Gate System (sold separately).
The Black Limited Edition drone features two gyro-assisted Stability Modes for beginners and a Rate Mode for more advanced maneuvers. It is compatible with nearly all FPV goggles and monitors on the market. The 600 TV Line camera and 25-milliwatt 40-channel 5.8 GHz video transmitter let you fly around the house or backyard or compete with others and shoot and transmit video. The long-lasting 1S 3.7-volt 650 mAh LiPo battery delivers 6- to 8-minute flights.
The Vision House Racer includes a USB charger, wall guards, battery, and extra blades. Add a five-channel SLT radio and goggles or a monitor of your choice, and go racing!
HobbyZone T-28 Trojan S RTF/BNF Basic @ $89.99-$129.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby, 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.hobbyzone.com
Based on the North American Aviation aircraft that served as a military trainer for nearly 30 years, the HobbyZone T-28 Trojan S makes it easy to successfully learn to fly RC aircraft. This ultra-micro, lightweight, and durable aircraft can be flown in small parks, large yards, and even indoors in gymnasiums.
Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope (SAFE) technology allows you to teach yourself to fly in multiple modes. Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced modes are available at the flip of a switch, while Panic Recovery prevents the loss of control at the push of a button.
The T-28 contains a powerful electric motor and has full four-channel control for training through aerobatic flight. It also features a highly visible, fully painted finish and scale trim scheme, and a steerable nose wheel for easy ground control, takeoffs, and landings.
FPV ready using a compatible camera, headset, or monitor (all sold separately), the RTF T-28 includes a six-channel radio equipped with Spektrum technology, a battery, and a charger. The BNF Basic version requires the transmitter and a 150 mAh 1S 3.7-volt LiPo battery and charger.
Phoenix Model 1:4 3/4 Spitfire 50-61cc GP/EP ARF @ $669.99 + S&H from Tower Hobbies, Box 9078, Champaign IL 61826; Tel: (800) 637-6050; website: www.towerhobbies.com
The 95-inch wingspan Phoenix Model Spitfire GP/EP ARF is the most spectacular Spitfire yet! Recreating every dynamic detail of Britain’s beloved warbird, the Phoenix Model Spitfire contains many unique features, including a scale cockpit and pilot figure, a two-piece wing for assembly and transportation convenience, functional panel flaps, operational cockpit side doors, and much more.
With superb flying characteristics, the Spitfire also includes heavy-duty air retracts with CNC suspension metal struts, an air-valve system with a one-way valve, as well as a quick-connect air hose.
The kit includes the prebuilt wing, tail, and fuselage sections, the landing gear, fuel tank, pilot bust, spinner, and instruction manual. A radio with at least eight channels is needed, with two 6-volt 2,400 mAh NiMH batteries for the receiver.
The Spitfire is compatible with both gas- and electric-power setups and requires nine standard high-torque servos, a high-voltage ESC, a .50-.61cc two-stroke engine or comparable-size motor with 12S LiPo battery, and a propeller to match the selected power source.
