PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
New Products That Are Worth a Closer Look
GETTING STARTED WITH DRONES AND MODEL AIRPLANES
IT IS ALWAYS exciting when a columnist for this publication authors a book about the hobby. In this case, it is Patrick Sherman, who writes the “Advanced Flight Technologies” column in Model Aviation. Patrick, known as “Lucidity” in the drone community, has written for this publication and others for several years. He is also an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Campus.
The description on the back of Patrick’s book, Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes, reads: “Written for a beginning remote pilot, Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes will help you understand how these marvelous machines work and how to fly them safely. Explaining complex subjects in simple language with pictures and diagrams that make them easy to understand, the author will guide you through buying a drone or model airplane, registering your aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration, completing the testing and certification process, and learning how to safely operate your aircraft in and around the busiest and most complex airspace in the world.
“Whether you are learning how to fly remote aircraft, taking the first step on your road toward commercial drone operations, or getting your feet wet with aviation related subjects, this book will get you headed in the right direction.”
If you read Patrick’s column in Model Aviation, you will find that the book is written in a similar manner—the information is easily digestible. The table of contents is broken down by topic and subtopic so that you can easily find or revisit specific topics. Patrick points out early in his book that, although a wealth of information can be shared, some things in this hobby need to be experienced.
The book begins with a forward from AMA President Rich Hanson. From there, readers jump right in to learn about the hobby, rules and regulations, types of aircraft, aerodynamics, learning to fly, where to fly, aerial imaging, and other aspects of aeromodeling.
The book also has a much-needed glossary that spans 14 pages. This is helpful for someone who is new to the hobby and has not yet mastered all of the jargon or abbreviations. It also has an index that can help you locate topics of interest.
By the end of the book, anyone who is interested in the hobby will have a head start on their own aviation journey. It is available through the Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. website for $29.95!
SOURCES:
Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.
(425) 235-1500
www.asa2fly.com/getting-started-with-drones-and-model-airplanes
New Products From the Modeler’s Mall
DB950SWUltra-Premium, Brushless, Steel-Gear Servo @ $139.99 from Hitec RCD
Tel: (858) 748-6948;
website: www.hitecrcd.com
The new brushless DB950SW ultra-premium, steel-gear servo is the latest addition to Hitec’s DB-Series servo line. All Hitec DB-Series servos have been designed using the company’s cutting-edge, custom engineering and are ideal for use with 1/8-scale buggies and truggies, crawlers, monster trucks, and giant-scale aircraft.
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, along with an ultra-efficient and powerful brushless motor, these servos deliver significantly smoother movement. This powerful servo 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.
Features include an industry-standard 25-tooth outline spline with 3mm hex screw, steel gears for maximum durability, a programmable PWM digital amplifier, a 1M-cycle long-life potentiometer, a dual ball-bearing-supported output shaft, nylon-reinforced plastic upper and lower cases, a diamond-cut aluminum heat-sink center case, and a dust-resistant and splashproof case.
Programmable functions include end-point adjustments, fail-safe, soft start rate, overload protection, direction, deadband, speed (slower), data save/load, and program reset.
Loco-Motion Loco Oil Lu06 @ Prices may vary with currency conversion + S&H from Deluxe Materials
Email: sales@deluxematerials.co.uk;
website: www.deluxematerials.com
If you are a railroad modeler, you need to know about Loco-Motion Loco Oil to instantly reduce friction for smooth and realistic starting and running.
Loco-Motion is compatible with metals and modeling plastics, including nylon gears. It has superior performance in both hot and cold conditions, is highly penetrating, is safe on paint and plastic, protects against rust, and minimizes deterioration during storage. By using it, you’ll have clean, deposit-free running and bring your old locomotives back to life!
A 25-milliliter bottle is distributed to model stores within the Deluxe Materials network of international distributors, including Horizon Hobby (www.horizon-hobby.com) and Tower Hobbies (www.towerhobbies.com). Visit the Deluxe Materials website for additional distributors and information.
Raider @ $289.95 + S&H from Old School Model Works
Tel.: (513) 755-7494;
website: www.oldschoolmodels.com
The year was 1965. Phil Kraft, the man behind Kraft radios, needed a quick and easy-to-build model as a testbed for his radios. Little did he know that he would design one of the most renowned models of all time: the Ugly Stik. Old School Model Works’ Raider is part of the company’s new Pirate Stik line and is based on Phil’s proven design, with the same dimensions, airfoil, and great flying characteristics.
Old School Model Works has completely updated the airframe with laser-cut and self-aligning parts. It even includes the wing jig to help you easily build the wing halves. The fuselage is built around a self-aligning, lightweight box for added strength; surrounding it is a strong, lightweight outer balsa skin that resists twists, even when you perform high-stress maneuvers. The wing is removable and gives access to the extra-large cabin area, where you can install nearly any brand of radio and control linkages. A huge hatch covers the spacious battery/tank compartment.
A Senior Pattern Association- and Vintage R/C Society-legal design for Vintage and retro Pattern competitions, the Raider can easily be used as an intermediate trainer or a great everyday sport airplane. It is even a great fun-fly machine, capable of precision aerobatics in the hands of an experienced pilot.
Power the 60-inch wingspan Raider with glow, gas, or electric power. The ailerons and elevator can have straight or traditional scalloped edges, or you can make it a tricycle or tail-dragger. You can also incorporate flaps for even slower flight.
