New Products That Are Worth a Closer Look
GLIDERCG STANDARD V3
GLIDERCG is a center-of-gravity (CG) digital balance device that is manufactured in Spain for sailplanes that weigh up to 8 kg. It shows exactly where the CG is located by using a screen that also provides information about the sailplane’s total weight. It is designed for use with F5J, F3B, and F3F models. Unlike the existing CG scales that are based on balancing the sailplane on a supporting point, GliderCG uses the barycenter formula to obtain the precise calculation of the CG.
The GliderCG arrives ready to use. According to the manual, GliderCG was carefully manufactured, assembled, and calibrated. Simply unfold the legs and lock them into place using the lock pin.
You must place the GliderCG on a smooth, level surface and turn the device on without an aircraft or any weight on it. After a few seconds, a welcome message is displayed on the OLED screen that gives way to another screen with two lines: weight and CG.
Because of its high resolution and sensitivity, it is possible that, after turning on the device, the measurement of the weight is not at zero. In that case, it is necessary to verify that it is stable on a level surface. It must be turned back on to confirm that the initial measurement is zero.
Place the aircraft so that the fuselage is between the four supports and the leading edge of the wing touches the back of the vertical metal supports. The display will update showing the CG and the weight of the model that is being tested. You can adjust the model by various methods, such as moving the battery, and the GliderCG will update with the new CG based on those adjustments and the weight. After completing the adjustments, you can remove your model from the device and turn it off using the ON/OFF switch.
The GliderCG was evaluated with a two-meter sailplane, with and without the battery, and provided accurate results. Although the product was designed with gliders in mind, it can be used for other aircraft that fit between the four supports. You can even turn an airplane upside down if the landing gear is in the way, provided the wing can touch the back of the vertical metal supports.
Also offered are the GliderCG F3K/DLG, GliderCG Plus, and GliderCG Scale. GliderCG F3K is specifically designed to fit small and narrow Discus Launch Glider wings. GliderCG Plus is a special GliderCG version designed for F5G and large gliders up to 33 pounds.
GliderCG Scale is made for models that range from 17 ounces to 88 pounds. The versions for larger models have an enlarged and strengthened base and frame of the scale. GliderCG Scale features a sensor in each of the four legs, thus providing accurate results for CG and lateral measurements. By using four sensors, torsional stress of the planes is eliminated to obtain stable values while the airplane is on the GliderCG Scale.
The GliderCG, in whichever variation works for your needs, is an innovative product that is worth a look. The GliderCG Standard v3 is $229 with free shipping. Check the website for pricing on the other models.
At a Glance
Specifications
Maximum weight: 17.6 pounds/8 kg
Maximum fuselage width: 3.4 inches
Maximum fuselage height (from bottom fuselage to wing bottom): 3.4 inches/86mm
Leading edge to rear support pad distance: 5.9 inches/150mm
Power: 9-volt DC (6LR61)
SOURCES:
GliderCG USA
www.glidercgusa.com
New Products From the Modeler’s Mall
Website: www.horizonhobby.com/e-flite-1/
Designed from the ground up, the E-flite Sportix 1.1m is a perfect “next step” sport model for newer pilots or a no-hassles, everyday aerobat for more experienced pilots.
Capable of smooth, predictable sport flying, basic to aggressive flight, or even “Pattern-like” precision aerobatics, the 43.3-inch wingspan, EPO-foam Sportix is easy to store, transport, and fly at large parks and sport or RC flying fields. The BNF Basic version easily flies in the wind with enhanced AS3X+ technology, and it’s also equipped with SAFE Select technology.
Modern-day conveniences include LED navigation lights, a two-piece horizontal stabilizer, a wing with hands-free servo connections that install and remove without tools or fasteners, a large and convenient top hatch, and durable aluminum landing gear with wheel pants. Factory-installed digital and metal-gear servos with ball link-equipped linkages provide precise and reliable control.
The specially tuned, factory-installed motor is compatible with 3S and 4S batteries without the need for modifications or upgrades, while the included Spektrum Avian Smart Lite ESC provides a variety of real-time power-system telemetry data with both Smart and non-Smart batteries (via compatible receivers and Spektrum AirWare-equipped transmitters). A full-range, four- to five-plus-channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2-compatible transmitter, batteries, and a battery charger are required for completion.
Email: sales@boomarc.com; website: https://us.boomarc.com
Based on its popular 26- and 16-channel bigger brothers, the SF10 Pro Intelligent Gyro System channel expander boasts all-new features, an easier install, and greater versatility for all RC airplanes, plus the same great features that make the Smooth Flite 16 and Smooth Flite ARXL the best RC gyros ever!
This 10-channel intelligent gyro system is engineered for both novice and experienced pilots and allows for extensive customization. It has the capability to expand to 20 channels to accommodate various model configurations and existing or new setups; with 32 input channels, users can seamlessly integrate multiple devices. The innovative Auto Gain gyro system automatically adjusts to changing flight conditions to provide real-time stabilization and control, enhancing maneuverability, minimizing the impact of turbulence or excessive gain, and making flying smoother than before.
The SF10 Pro features an intuitive one-button interface to allow pilots to quickly configure settings and a vibrant color touchscreen to access and adjust advanced features without the need for extensive technical knowledge. The SF10 Pro works with single- or dual-battery configurations, as well as all battery chemistries.
Tel.: (724) 966-2726; website: www.brodak.com
The Bellanca CH-400 Miss Veedol J-300 variant was built in 1931 at Bellanca Airfield in New Castle, Delaware. Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon flew it from Seattle to Japan, where they modified it to jettison the landing gear so that a 915-gallon fuel load could be carried for a 41-hour flight back to Seattle. Because of a navigation error, it crash-landed at Fancher Field in Wenatchee, Washington, and was subsequently repaired, sold, and renamed. In 1932, it was last sighted over the Eastern Atlantic but disappeared without a trace. Miss Veedol’s only remaining piece is the original propeller that was damaged in the crash landing.
The Dare Bellanca CH-400 Miss Veedol model kit from Brodak Manufacturing is approximately 1.9 scale with a 60-inch wingspan and an overall weight of 36-3/8 inch. Designed as a lightweight electric park flyer for six-channel RC, it uses a 450-class outrunner motor and a 2S LiPo battery for power. Construction is primarily laser-cut balsa and light plywood, with a removable plug-in wing for easy transport.
All of the standard Dare Design kit items, such as an instructional photo CD, full-size plans, instructions, a vacuum-formed radial engine, fairings, wire, hardware, clear acetate, and a color decal sheet, are included.
