MODEL SOUNDS INC.
SOUND SYSTEMS
FREQUENT Model Aviation columnist and contributor Stan Alexander shared his review of the Model Sounds Inc. Sound Systems. Here’s what he had to say:
Electric motors and LiPo batteries have revolutionized the types of models that are more easily built, flown, or driven across the spectrum of modeling, but today, I will concentrate on the seldom-discussed sound of electric-powered models.
You have probably seen models with homemade units and speakers that offer something, but there is now a company that has built a reputation for having some of the best electronic sound systems available.
Model Sounds Inc. has a full inventory of aircraft types, ranging from World War I models, World War II models, and jets, to general-aviation types and turboprops, as well as airliners. The correct sounds for a Scale model are an important part of the illusion. At the time of this writing, the company had 123 different airplane sounds, including the aforementioned types.
Model Sounds Inc. has three sound systems sets available in different sizes: small, medium and large. I was impressed by the demonstration sounds on the company’s website for the full-scale airplane engines, such as the T-28, WW II fighters, and jets. There are specific sound systems for different aircraft in each category.
A good friend of mine, Tom Nelson, built a Proctor Albatros DVa and finished it last year with an electric motor, ESC, and a functional sound system from Model Sounds Inc. The aircraft sounds great, with a start-up sequence and engine sounds. It can easily be heard on the runway or in the air.
The speakers were mounted in the bottom of the forward airframe, and the batteries were attached near the power battery. This was the first 1/4-scale, electric-powered Albatros that I’ve have seen, and the finished model is impressive.
The large system comes with two speakers, which can be mounted in the fuselage. If you mount the speakers slightly away from the inner wall of the fuselage, they vibrate off of the airframe and create more sound.
The Model Sounds Inc. system switches on and off by the throttle controls only. There is an option for EDF models that spool up, and the sound can be operated by a switch.
Tom’s next Scale model will be the Ziroli Skyraider, and it will also feature this sound system for a better scalelike presentation in the air.
Included in the sound system are the speakers, a ShockWave3 sound module, a wiring diagram, and wires to the airframe receiver. Mounting instructions, directions, battery recommendations, and a host of other electronic information are included in the package and are available from the company’s website.
Complete sounds system range from $184.99 to $199.99. More details can be found on the Model Sounds’ website.
New Products from the Modeler’s Mall
15/16th’s RC-2 Zippy Sport Flyer @ $89.99 + S&H from Aspect Laser
Tel.: (248) 707-4430; website: www.aspectlaser.com
Designed by John Hoover, the 37-inch Aspect Laser 15/16th’s RC-2 is a small, fun-to-fly balsa sport model that is available as a quality, laser-cut kit with full-size plans and a nice, printed instruction book.
The kit, which is perfect for intermediate-plus builders and fliers, includes extensive US name-brand hardware. The perfect power setup for the model, PPK-3, is available and sold separately on the Aspect Laser website and includes a motor, ESC, and an appropriate propeller that was factory-tested to power the 15/16th’s. The 26- to 30-ounce aircraft flies nicely on a 1,300 mAh three-cell LiPo battery.
The radio system, a four-channel receiver, two 16-gram and two 9-gram servos, and the battery are required for completion.
Skywing 48-Inch Stick V2 PNP @ $579.99 + S&H from Extreme Flight RC
Tel.: (770) 887-1794; website: www.extremeflightrc.com
Extreme Flight RC is now the North American distributor of Skywing aerobatic airplanes. Skywing produces premium aerobatic ARF and receiver-ready aircraft, ranging from 38-inch park flyers to 116-inch Giant Scale aircraft.
The Skywing Slick 360 V2 PNP has a 48-inch wingspan and is easily assembled. It features a detailed canopy interior, a pre-baffled cowling for maximum motor cooling, a carbon-fiber wing tube, landing gear, and a tailwheel assembly, alongside Skywing’s patented rapid assembly wing design and servo connections. A complimentary wing bag is also included.
The high-quality motor, ESC, propeller, spinner, servos, arms, and extensions are all preinstalled, tested, and programmed from the factory—just install a receiver and battery, calibrate the throttle, and you’re ready to go!
AR Power LiFe Smart Balance Receiver Pack Batteries @ $34.95-$54.95 from Booma RC/Advanced Radio
Email: sales@boomarc.com; website: www.boomarc.com
Advanced Radio’s AR Power LiFe Smart Balance receiver batteries are perfect for Scale models or high-current/high-energy maneuvers. The new prism-cell LiFePO4 battery packs offer higher energy density and lower weight but it remains a safe chemistry to trust in your expensive model aircraft.
With a 20C discharge rate, AR Power batteries are easy to mount in any model. Available in 1,700 mAh, 2,100 mAh, and 3,400 mAh, the use of 14 AWG wire for high-powered models and 20 AWG with a JR connector for charging and secondary powering is standard. A JST-XH plug is standard, and the receiver plug is pre-soldered with EC3 connectors.
To mount packs deep inside of a model, or if you have an iCharger or don’t want the hassle of connecting a balance lead, a self-balancing circuit is available and sold separately—simply plug the cell balancing lead into the self-balancing circuit.
