Hobby Show: RC Planes, Helicopters and Radio Tech In this DIY special Chris Chianelli, host of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, attends the Las Vegas Hobby Expo and gets a first-hand look at some of the latest products and developments from the world of radio-controlled models. The Hobby Expo takes place at Las Vegas' Riviera Hotel and boasts 40,000 square feet of displays and demonstrations -- and more than 350 manufacturers -- of innovative RC products from around the country and around the world. In this segment, Chris goes to the nearby William Bennett Field to check out the highly anticipated RC flight demos from some of the manufacturer's RC planes. - Numerous ARF ("almost ready to fly") kit planes of all types are debuted and demonstrated here, including war-planes, aerobatic models (figure A) and even helicopters (figure B).
- The Twin-Jet (TM ) park flyer from Multiplex (figure C) is electrically powered and has twin engines. The operating flyer is quiet so it can be flown almost anywhere, but because it's so fast, a large open area such as a park or soccer field is recommended. The flyer is made from a practically indestructible foam, and uses elevons rather than rudder and elevator.
- With it's twin engines, this park-flyer jet can reach air speeds in excess of 80 mph (figure D).
- RC helicopters are another popular and sophisticated genre of radio-controlled flyer (figure E). With a skilled operator, these aerodynamically correct replicas are capable of some amazing maneuver and stunts, such as the low-altitude inverted hover and a pirouetting flip known as the "chaos."
- In the world of radio-controlled airplanes, a good radio transmitter is one of the most important investments you'll make. The RD-6000 transmitter (TM ) from Airtronics (figure F) is a sophisticated transmitter can operate up to eight separate RC airplanes or helicopters.
The purchase price of this particular transmitter kit includes an airborne system with four servos (figure G). Individual flight packs are available separately as well. With this system, a single radio transmitter can be programmed for controlling a number of models without the need for changing radio receivers from plane to plane. Individual trim-settings are digitally stored and remembered for the individual models being operated. The transmitter is available for around $250. - Similarly, Airtronics makes sophisticated digital transmitters for RC cars (figure H). The one shown in our demonstration features a 10-model memory, allowing multiple vehicle -- and even multiple racetrack settings -- to be stored and accessed readily. Though it comes with advanced technical features, the standard operating controls like throttle, steering and brake are simple to use.
- Airtronics also makes simpler, straightforward transmitters (figure I), which are particularly popular among novices and young RC hobbyists.
RESOURCES :
RC Modeler magazine
RC Modeler magazine
Sierra Madre, CA 91025
Fax: 626-355-1476
Website: www.rcmagazine.com
Twin-Jet park flyer from Multiplex
Royal Hobby Distributors (Multiplex USA)
Sun Valley, CA 91340
Phone: 818-771-1003
Website: www.multiplexrc.com
Airtronics RC Transmitters
Airtronics, Inc
Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: 714-978-1895
Fax: 714-978-1540
Email: info@airtronics.com
Website: www.airtronics.com
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