Product Spotlight
New products that are Worth a Closer Look
TY1 RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP
At first glance, you might mistake the TY1 Rechargeable Electric Fuel Pump for one of those portable batteries that will charge your cellphone. It’s approximately the same size—4.5 inches long and 1 inch in diameter—but this little device is actually an effective fuel pump.
The aluminum case makes it lightweight at 5.15 ounces, so it’s easy to hold in your hand, or you can attach it to your fuel bottle/can with an optional mount.
Its built-in battery charges via a micro USB-B connection and the pump has a small LED status indicator light. An included USB cable goes between the pump and any standard 1-amp USB socket. When fully charged, this tiny device will pump your favorite glow, gas, or kerosene fuel for up to 15 minutes at a respectable 32 ounces per minute.
A small three-way toggle switch operates the pump. To fuel, push and hold the switch in the down position (away from the fuel fittings). When you release it, it will spring to the center off position. Pushing the switch up (toward the fuel fittings) will empty your model’s tank. The switch will stay in this position until you move it back to the center.
The TY1 Rechargeable Electric Fuel Pump is available for $59.
TY1 REFUELING BRACKET/TANK CAP FOR ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP
Available separately, the TY1 Refueling Bracket and Tank Cap are the perfect match for the TY1 Fuel Pump. Everything is included to assemble and mount the tank cap to the fuel canister of your choice. Also included is a purpose-made drill.
Simply drill a ⅞-inch pilot hole where you’d like to mount the tank cap. Mount the purpose-made drill bit in your drill and cut the cap’s mounting hole (approximately ⅞-inch diameter). The cap’s pieces easily attach to the canister and provide a leak-resistant fit.
After it is fitted, install the fuel tubing compatible with your fuel (not included), then install the included filler nozzle and clunk. The filler nozzle fits tightly into an opening in the top of the cap and is triple sealed with O-rings.
The included mounting bracket is a great way to store, hold, and use the TY1 fuel pump. It holds it securely with its nonslip coating. The TY1 Refueling Bracket/Tank Cap for Electric Fuel Pump is available for $44.50.
ICARE/ICARUS: Tel.: (450) 449-9094; website: www.icare-rc.com
BAT-SAFE
If you have ever used a LiPo battery to power your model aircraft, it is likely that safety has crossed your mind. Although LiPo battery incidents can happen at any time, it is during the charging process that many pilots have the most concern.
Having witnessed a LiPo fire at a recent event when another pilot was charging his battery and it suddenly burst into flames, had me thinking about the safest way to charge. Tom Mast, the inventor of BAT-SAFE, experienced a fire in his home that led him to design this product for peace of mind.
BAT-SAFE is an insulated, double-wall steel box that contains fire and intense heat in case a LiPo battery ignites. In case of fire, the box filters the resulting smoke and soot through a flame arrestor covering the top of the box.
Measuring 12 x 9 x 7 inches and weighing 4 pounds, the inside diameter is 9.5 x 6.5 x 4 inches. The difference between the two is the insulation needed to contain a fire. The BAT-SAFE is somewhat similar to a fireproof document safe in this regard; however, it is intended to keep the fire in instead of keeping the fire out.
BAT-SAFE includes a charger stand, allowing the charger to be easily accessed and for the charge and balancing leads to extend into the charging compartment through a seal. Velcro is included to connect the charger stand to the BAT-SAFE as well as to keep your charger in place on the stand. Also included is a product manual that can be downloaded from the company’s website (www.bat-safe.com).
It is likely that you will need to extend your balancing wires, so a set of five long balance wires with JST-XH headers can also be purchased. After you have everything connected to your battery, a latch on the outside of the box keeps it sealed.
Not wanting to destroy a LiPo battery and possibly
damage the BAT-SAFE, I was confident in its abilities after watching the video on the BAT-SAFE website. Beyond using it for charging, BAT-SAFE can be used for storing LiPo batteries and the website states that you can charge and store up to two 6S 5,000 mAh equivalent (222 Wh) safely inside the BAT-SAFE.
BAT-SAFE retails for $59.99 and is definitely worth the price for the safety and peace of mind, knowing that in the event a battery ignites, the flames will be contained. BAT-SAFE can be purchased directly from the company website or from several distributors that carry the product. A list of distributors can also be found on the company’s website.
BAT-SAFE: website: www.bat-safe.com
Check out the Final Production Colors Jeti DS-24 radio systems. Including a new backplate, the DS-24 comes in the colors of Standard Titanium, Carbon Titanium, Carbon Burnt Orange, Carbon Black, Carbon Dark Blue, Carbon Dark Green, and Carbon Dark Red.
The Jeti DS-24 represents the flagship, state-of-the-art transmitter that set a new standard. The final touches and finish are outstanding. The front panel is carbon fiber with UV-stabilized, acrylic clear coating, and the aluminum frame is finished in multilayer automotive paint.
This revolutionary digital, 24-channel, 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz, dual-frequency, triple-redundant, frequency-hopping radio system has many attractive features, including integrated vibration feedback (Stick Shaker), voice commands, built-in logical switches, and one of its most attractive features—full integration with all Duplex telemetry sensors. Observe as many as 40 parameters in real time directly from the transmitter, or by using a JetiBox Profi (sold separately).
O.S. Engines has upgraded two popular four-stroke powerplants for 40- or 60-size airplanes: the FSa-56II and the FSa-72II. Both engines feature four-stroke technology that has revolutionized the model airplane engine industry. Advantages include more performance potential for sport fliers and more realistic flights for Scale pilots. The deep, rich sound is also a benefit!
Both engines feature blow-by oil exits through the breather nipple on the backplate for more stable operation, black rocker covers for a more impressive appearance, and mufflers that can be positioned to achieve an ideal fit. The two engines mount in the same space as the FS56-a and the FS72-a engines, without modifications.
Hitec X2 AC Plus Black Edition Charger/Discharger @ $109.99 + S&H from Hitec RCD, 12115 Paine St., Poway CA 92064; Tel.: (858) 748-6948; website: www.hitecrcd.com
Hitec RCD continues to expand its line of chargers with the introduction of the X2 AC Plus Black Edition AC/DC Dual Balance Charger/Discharger. Utilizing a built-in power supply, it has increased capacity and capability, affording flexible charging of all battery chemistries at home and at the field. The innovative power distribution mode allows efficient assignment of output power based on individual battery requirements, while the Voice Guide feature makes user-friendly communication easy. Including a 10-amp power supply, internal balancing circuits, and 10 charge/discharge profiles, the X2 also features “Scan to Go” smartphone control via Bluetooth.
3,000 mAh 3S LiPo battery with EC3 connector, and a 3S-compatible LiPo charger.
Magnum Engines @ $54.99-$489.99 + S&H from Magnum Engines, 12127 Mall Blvd., Victorville CA 92392; email: service@mikegoesflying.com; website: www.mikegoesflying.com
Magnum Engines are now available in the US through Mike Goes Flying and its owners, John and Mike Greenshields. John was Hobby Shack’s first employee in 1972 and he has been involved with glow engines and aviation nearly his entire life. John and Mike, along with help from their family, have designed the business to keep the Magnum Engines products alive and available. Magnum Engines has been part of the hobby since its inception in the 1980s.
John said, “Today’s Magnum engines have never been better. They’re top quality, consistent, and simply well made. I’m confident modelers are going to enjoy Magnum, along with the parts and support that we intend to supply.”
Mike also stated that, “Magnum fills a need with a spectacular full line of engines for all modelers who enjoy glow engines. From the little .15 two-stroke engine, to the latest version of the 1.60 flat-twin four-stroke engine, we’ve got a great engine for you.”
Mike Goes Flying offers the Magnum Engines FT160 twin engine with carburetor and engine mount, XL52 four stroke with rear carburetor and muffler, XL91 four stroke with rear carburetor and muffler, XLS15 two stroke with carburetor and muffler, XLS25 two stroke with remote needle carburetor and muffler, and the XLS52 two stroke with remote needle carburetor and muffler. All of the engines come with a 1-year limited warranty for any manufacturing defects. Full parts support is also available.
EasyGlider 4 Kit or Receiver-Ready @ $104.99-$199.99 + S&H from Hitec RCD, 12115 Paine St., Poway CA 92064; Tel.: (858) 748-6948; website: www.weekendwarehouse.com
Building on the EasyGliders that came before it, the fourth-generation Multiplex EasyGlider 4 possesses the same ease of flight and gentle, lofty characteristics as its predecessors—but with a few evolutionary improvements.
The removable, lightweight wings and durable GRP spar have advanced design and strength with an M-Space technology rigid hub. Transportation is a breeze with a detachable fin and tailplane. The more-efficient ROXXY power system allows for excellent gliding and basic aerobatics such as loops and rolls.
Perfect for all skill levels, the 42.5-inch long EasyGlider 4 is available as a kit or Receiver-Ready (RR). The RR version includes a brushless motor, ESC, 9 x 6 propeller, and servos. The spacious fuselage accommodates a range of battery sizes.
Valiant 10cc ARF @ $89.99-$249.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby, 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.hangar-9.com
Whether you love the Giant Scale Valiant model airplane, or want a Hangar 9 original that is on the lighter side, the Valiant 10cc ARF is your dream machine—it’s everything that made the larger version famous, but in a size engineered to take advantage of smaller engines or electric power systems.
Expertly constructed with lightweight laser-cut balsa and plywood, the Valiant 10cc features a two-piece, cantilevered plug-in wing for fast field assembly, functional flaps that expand the flight envelope and add short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, a large front hatch that provides easy access and fast flight battery changes, and wide-track, painted aluminum landing gear for outstanding ground handling. It also includes details such as a painted fiberglass cowl and wheel pants, and a crystal-clear canopy and side windows.
Designed around the Evolution 10cc gas engine, a mount for a 46-size electric outrunner motor is also included, making electric power installation simple. A complete hardware kit, including a matching spinner, is provided. The genuine UltraCote-covered Valiant 10cc can be ready to fly from water when the recommended float accessories (sold separately) are added.
Jeti USA Winter Jacket @ $99-$120 + S&H from Esprit Tech/Model, Box 360815, Melbourne FL 32936; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
With fall upon us and temperatures dropping, flying outside can become unappealing. Jeti USA helps you stay warm with the Jeti USA Winter Jacket. Being cold while flying can be a problem of the past!
This two-toned, soft-shell jacket is designed to withstand both water and wind. Made with polyester interlock bonded to polyester fleece, the jacket stretches with you to remain comfortable through whatever your day holds.
Featuring a storm flap with chin guard, front zippered pockets, an open hem with a draw cord and toggle for adjustability, and an interior left chest pocket, the Jeti USA Winter Jacket is available in sizes from XS to 4X.
