Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Radio control helicopter models info
How Radio Control Helicopter Models Fly
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If you're interested in flying
radio control helicopter models,
the first things to learn are how the helicopter works and how components work together to achieve flight.
The motions of RC helicopter models are classified into two types: cyclic and collective. Cyclic motions are lateral movements including forward, backward, left, and right. Collective motion is basically the up and down movement of the helicopter.
The parts of radio control helicopter models that seem to distinguish it from most other types of remote control vehicles are the main rotor blades. These are the blades on top of the helicopter that spin and angle to control motion. Just about anyone who thinks of a helicopter thinks of these components first. And rightfully so!
Changing the angle of these spinning blades controls much of the motion of the helicopter. Changing the angle of both blades at the same time causes collective motion. Changing the angle of an individual rotor blade causes cyclic motion, the direction depending on how the blade is angled.
The main rotor blades of radio control helicopter models are connected to the rotor head, the component in between them that spins, which is in turn connected to both the swash plate and the main shaft.
The main shaft is the rod responsible for the rotation of the rotor head and the main rotor blades. The swash plate, which is located below the rotor head, is responsible for the angling of the main rotor blades. Part of the swash plate is stationary, connected to the main body of the helicopter, while the other part is connected to the rotor head and rotates.
The swash plate transfers motion to the rotor head through pitch control rods. These rods move in response to changes in the swash plate and angle the rotor blades accordingly. All of these components working together control the flight of the helicopter.
Another important part of the radio control helicopter models relating to these controls is the gyro, or gyroscope. When the engine transfers energy to the rotor head and main rotor blades, causing them to turn, the natural reaction of the main body of the helicopter, the fuselage, is to turn in the opposite direction.
The tail rotor blades rotate to exert force in a sideways direction that keeps this from happening. How does the tail rotor know when to exert this force and how much to exert? Thats where the gyro comes in.
The gyro takes feedback from how the pilot is controlling the helicopter and how the helicopter is turning. If it determines the sideways spinning motion occurring is not being called for by the pilot, the gyro employs the tail rotor to react to keep the helicopter in the desired position.
Now that you have the basics of radio control helicopter models flight, youll know part what youre looking at when you select your model. Youll also know the basics of movement, which will go a long way in learning to control your helicopter.
(All links open new windows)
If you're interested in flying
radio control helicopter models,
the first things to learn are how the helicopter works and how components work together to achieve flight.
The motions of RC helicopter models are classified into two types: cyclic and collective. Cyclic motions are lateral movements including forward, backward, left, and right. Collective motion is basically the up and down movement of the helicopter.
The parts of radio control helicopter models that seem to distinguish it from most other types of remote control vehicles are the main rotor blades. These are the blades on top of the helicopter that spin and angle to control motion. Just about anyone who thinks of a helicopter thinks of these components first. And rightfully so!
Changing the angle of these spinning blades controls much of the motion of the helicopter. Changing the angle of both blades at the same time causes collective motion. Changing the angle of an individual rotor blade causes cyclic motion, the direction depending on how the blade is angled.
The main rotor blades of radio control helicopter models are connected to the rotor head, the component in between them that spins, which is in turn connected to both the swash plate and the main shaft.
The main shaft is the rod responsible for the rotation of the rotor head and the main rotor blades. The swash plate, which is located below the rotor head, is responsible for the angling of the main rotor blades. Part of the swash plate is stationary, connected to the main body of the helicopter, while the other part is connected to the rotor head and rotates.
The swash plate transfers motion to the rotor head through pitch control rods. These rods move in response to changes in the swash plate and angle the rotor blades accordingly. All of these components working together control the flight of the helicopter.
Another important part of the radio control helicopter models relating to these controls is the gyro, or gyroscope. When the engine transfers energy to the rotor head and main rotor blades, causing them to turn, the natural reaction of the main body of the helicopter, the fuselage, is to turn in the opposite direction.
The tail rotor blades rotate to exert force in a sideways direction that keeps this from happening. How does the tail rotor know when to exert this force and how much to exert? Thats where the gyro comes in.
The gyro takes feedback from how the pilot is controlling the helicopter and how the helicopter is turning. If it determines the sideways spinning motion occurring is not being called for by the pilot, the gyro employs the tail rotor to react to keep the helicopter in the desired position.
Now that you have the basics of radio control helicopter models flight, youll know part what youre looking at when you select your model. Youll also know the basics of movement, which will go a long way in learning to control your helicopter.
Mini radio control cars info
All About Mini Radio Control Cars
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Mini radio control cars
are fun, fun, fun!
Do you love the excitement of racing but dont want the investment of large-scale radio control race cars? Maybe you want something your young radio control driver can take out while watching the big kids play? Or perhaps you are a radio control junkie who goes into withdrawals watching your radio control car sit idle on a rainy day?
Either way, there are a growing number of mini radio control cars that just may do the trick.
These are zippy little creatures you can hold in the palm of one hand. They may be small, but this tiny size is part of their charm. One of the attractive features of these cars is that they can be used in small spaces that other radio control cars cant. All they need is a hard, flat surface and theyre ready to go.
Many of the mini radio control cars have a surprising range, some of them up to around 15 meters (40 feet or so). Be careful where you drive them, though, because the transmitter and car can loose their communication if they get out of eyesight of one another. Mini radio control cars also come in a limited variety of frequencies, enough to let you go head to head with another racer or two.
If you are buying more than one car, be sure to check the frequencies so you can take advantage of this variety. In some models, they have selectable channels so that different cars can use different variations of the same frequency.
The controls on most mini RC cars are a hand held device, about the size of a video game controller. These controls include forward, reverse, left, and right. This range of controls, especially the inclusion of the reverse feature, lets you get your car in and out of tight spots. Theyre pretty quick, too, although Im not sure they can outrun Spot so you may want to steer clear!
Mini radio control cars come in various popular car models. These include such models as the Cooper, Jeep, and Ferrari. Some, like the Radio Shack Zip Zaps, have shells that are interchangeable so you can switch the model of your car with a quick snap. Mini radio control vehicles also come in truck models such as the Hummer as well as motorcycles, boats and tanks.
The battery technology inside mini radio control cars is simple some are so simple there arent any batteries at all. In these cars, a capacitor inside the car holds a charge. This charge lasts about 5-6 minutes and then recharges in a minute or two using the car charger equipped with regular alkaline batteries. Other mini radio control cars have a small NiCd battery, which also charges quickly and lasts around 10 minutes per charge.
So if a larger radio control car isnt for you, check out the various models of mini radio control cars. They may turn out to be just what you are looking for.
(All links open new windows)
Mini radio control cars
are fun, fun, fun!
Do you love the excitement of racing but dont want the investment of large-scale radio control race cars? Maybe you want something your young radio control driver can take out while watching the big kids play? Or perhaps you are a radio control junkie who goes into withdrawals watching your radio control car sit idle on a rainy day?
Either way, there are a growing number of mini radio control cars that just may do the trick.
These are zippy little creatures you can hold in the palm of one hand. They may be small, but this tiny size is part of their charm. One of the attractive features of these cars is that they can be used in small spaces that other radio control cars cant. All they need is a hard, flat surface and theyre ready to go.
Many of the mini radio control cars have a surprising range, some of them up to around 15 meters (40 feet or so). Be careful where you drive them, though, because the transmitter and car can loose their communication if they get out of eyesight of one another. Mini radio control cars also come in a limited variety of frequencies, enough to let you go head to head with another racer or two.
If you are buying more than one car, be sure to check the frequencies so you can take advantage of this variety. In some models, they have selectable channels so that different cars can use different variations of the same frequency.
The controls on most mini RC cars are a hand held device, about the size of a video game controller. These controls include forward, reverse, left, and right. This range of controls, especially the inclusion of the reverse feature, lets you get your car in and out of tight spots. Theyre pretty quick, too, although Im not sure they can outrun Spot so you may want to steer clear!
Mini radio control cars come in various popular car models. These include such models as the Cooper, Jeep, and Ferrari. Some, like the Radio Shack Zip Zaps, have shells that are interchangeable so you can switch the model of your car with a quick snap. Mini radio control vehicles also come in truck models such as the Hummer as well as motorcycles, boats and tanks.
The battery technology inside mini radio control cars is simple some are so simple there arent any batteries at all. In these cars, a capacitor inside the car holds a charge. This charge lasts about 5-6 minutes and then recharges in a minute or two using the car charger equipped with regular alkaline batteries. Other mini radio control cars have a small NiCd battery, which also charges quickly and lasts around 10 minutes per charge.
So if a larger radio control car isnt for you, check out the various models of mini radio control cars. They may turn out to be just what you are looking for.
RC hobby links to other useful sites
Great Sources of RC Hobby Info and Free Plans!
(All links open new RC hobby windows)@import url(http://www.google.com/cse/api/branding.css); Custom Search
Hi, I've listed many of the very best RC websites here after exhaustively searching the Internet. My goal is to provide you with valuable information and products to save you time and money. So be sure to "bookmark this page" because I'm always updating the information!
RC Airplane Plans
AeroFred.comShare and Download Thousands of Free R/C Plans...
SmoothAir.caRegister here for excellent free plan downloads & more
X List PlansPLANES and BOATS and TRAINS plans for BEGINNERS through to EXPERTS - and at reasonable prices.
GeoCities.comFree electric plane plans
Marcelluswallace.free.frFoam fighter jet downloadable plans
BalsaDust.netEuropean home of some excellent Free airplane plan downloads
VintageRcPlans.comHuge selection of top quality plans at reasonable prices
RcStore.comHuge selection of gas and electric airplane plans...don't miss it
RC Content and Information Sites
RCHeliSite.comPlenty of useful RC helicopter information
Model Airplane SecretsVery well written, get your copy now!
RC Hobby UniverseHighly recommended beginner's guide with expert advice on radio control
RcFly.co.ukBeginners Guide to Flying Radio
Control Powered Model Aircraft**70 page PDF eBook
SkyRangersModelFlyers.comTop notch flying club located in Kamloops, BC Canada
RCHelifever.comArticles and a forum for RC helicopter enthusiasts
Aircraft Proving GroundUseful articles and other resources...check it out
Build the best paper airplane in the World!
RC electronic circuits you can build
RCHelicopterFun.comDiscover the fun and rewarding hobby of flying RC helicopters. Fromtoy to turbine, RC helis provide a lifetime of rotor adventure.
RC Hobby Directories
HobbyLine.comRecreation and Hobby Directory
Models resourcesDirectory of Models related websites
2SearchSmartHuman Edited Web Directory
CanDo DirectoryVarious website categories
Symbianize Pinoy
Check out..
RC Video Sites
Ras-RC-VideosJoe Nall, Florida Jets, Ircha Jamboree,Crashers and more...
World Championship & Major RC on DVD - Multi camera coverage of the World's Best Drivers at the World's Best Events
ModelFlight.com.auMany, many RC airplane video clips!
Electric Foamie RC Airplane Sources
FoamTasticModels.comPutting the FUN in foam flying!
FoamFly.comMust have fan-fold foam plans & info
FunPlanes.comARFs that fly and can take a rough landing as well!
FancyFoam.comMore foam airplanes
3DFoamy.comGreat collection of Free plans downloads & exciting kits
STCFree plans & build guide for this foamie plane
Recommended Suppliers/Dealers
Red Rocket HobbiesEverything in radio control is here!
TrendTimesU.S. based online RC hobby store that ships internationally
RC Discounts SuperstoreBig selection of RTF RC planes, helis, cars, boats and toys
PrecisionCutKits.comHuge assortment of the finest hand and laser cut airplane kits!
Miscellaneous
The Real Flight G3 3D flight simulator is the most impressive software I've ever seen! Click on picture to read about it.
AerialProducts.comGiant advertising balloons, remote controlled blimps, aerial photography equipment, helium balloons, dirigibles, RC blimps. The balloon and blimp factory - worldwide delivery.
(All links open new RC hobby windows)@import url(http://www.google.com/cse/api/branding.css); Custom Search
Hi, I've listed many of the very best RC websites here after exhaustively searching the Internet. My goal is to provide you with valuable information and products to save you time and money. So be sure to "bookmark this page" because I'm always updating the information!
RC Airplane Plans
AeroFred.comShare and Download Thousands of Free R/C Plans...
SmoothAir.caRegister here for excellent free plan downloads & more
X List PlansPLANES and BOATS and TRAINS plans for BEGINNERS through to EXPERTS - and at reasonable prices.
GeoCities.comFree electric plane plans
Marcelluswallace.free.frFoam fighter jet downloadable plans
BalsaDust.netEuropean home of some excellent Free airplane plan downloads
VintageRcPlans.comHuge selection of top quality plans at reasonable prices
RcStore.comHuge selection of gas and electric airplane plans...don't miss it
RC Content and Information Sites
RCHeliSite.comPlenty of useful RC helicopter information
Model Airplane SecretsVery well written, get your copy now!
RC Hobby UniverseHighly recommended beginner's guide with expert advice on radio control
RcFly.co.ukBeginners Guide to Flying Radio
Control Powered Model Aircraft**70 page PDF eBook
SkyRangersModelFlyers.comTop notch flying club located in Kamloops, BC Canada
RCHelifever.comArticles and a forum for RC helicopter enthusiasts
Aircraft Proving GroundUseful articles and other resources...check it out
Build the best paper airplane in the World!
RC electronic circuits you can build
RCHelicopterFun.comDiscover the fun and rewarding hobby of flying RC helicopters. Fromtoy to turbine, RC helis provide a lifetime of rotor adventure.
RC Hobby Directories
HobbyLine.comRecreation and Hobby Directory
Models resourcesDirectory of Models related websites
2SearchSmartHuman Edited Web Directory
CanDo DirectoryVarious website categories
Symbianize Pinoy
Check out..
RC Video Sites
Ras-RC-VideosJoe Nall, Florida Jets, Ircha Jamboree,Crashers and more...
World Championship & Major RC on DVD - Multi camera coverage of the World's Best Drivers at the World's Best Events
ModelFlight.com.auMany, many RC airplane video clips!
Electric Foamie RC Airplane Sources
FoamTasticModels.comPutting the FUN in foam flying!
FoamFly.comMust have fan-fold foam plans & info
FunPlanes.comARFs that fly and can take a rough landing as well!
FancyFoam.comMore foam airplanes
3DFoamy.comGreat collection of Free plans downloads & exciting kits
STCFree plans & build guide for this foamie plane
Recommended Suppliers/Dealers
Red Rocket HobbiesEverything in radio control is here!
TrendTimesU.S. based online RC hobby store that ships internationally
RC Discounts SuperstoreBig selection of RTF RC planes, helis, cars, boats and toys
PrecisionCutKits.comHuge assortment of the finest hand and laser cut airplane kits!
Miscellaneous
The Real Flight G3 3D flight simulator is the most impressive software I've ever seen! Click on picture to read about it.
AerialProducts.comGiant advertising balloons, remote controlled blimps, aerial photography equipment, helium balloons, dirigibles, RC blimps. The balloon and blimp factory - worldwide delivery.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
How to work with Depron foam for model airplanes
Your Source for Depron Foam Information
"Foamies" are model foam planes made from Depron foam, in this case radio control planes. It's proving to be a very popular item with my model airpane customers because of it's superior strength and appearance compared with BlueCore or fan-fold foam. Developed in Europe, its primary use is for thermal insulation under wallpaper and as a flooring underlayment. Depron isnt very common in North America except for use as meat trays, quite useful themselves if you can find some large unused ones to make snow skis, struts, etc.It's actually polystyrene (EPS/XPS) plastic and the (EPS) means expanded while (XPS) means extruded. For our purposes, were only interested in the stronger, denser XPS foam which also happens to be a closed-cell foam. Open or Closed cell refers to its structure and because open cell foam soaks up all fluids (water & glue) its just not suitable for a foamie plane. The superior closed cell foam takes much less glue and is easier to waterproof. It's one sealed surface adds considerable strength as well as making it very easy to apply paint finishes. To summarize, here are its advantages:You don't have to worry about grain direction and splitting like with balsa woodEach sheet is is consistently identical to every other pieceCan easily be curved into airfoil shapesColors come out nice and bright compared to painting over pink, blue or gray foam that needs to be primed firstDoesn't absorb moisture and you don't have to spend time sealing it to prevent warping in summerThe 3, 5 & 6mm thicknesses are primarily used for building large scale models, indoor flyers, 3D foam flyers, gliders, etc. Its great for structural supports and one piece foam plane fuselages because of its strength. The thinner Depron makes excellent skins for covering models instead of using expensive balsa wood. For extra strengthening requirements (wings, fuselage, struts, pushrods, etc), use carbon fiber rods, tubes and strips It's quite easy to work with and no special cutting tools are required. A common #11 Exacto blade or single edged razor blade is all you need. It cuts very nicely with these tools but to ensure straight cuts be sure to use a long metal ruler.Depron foam cannot be heated without losing shape and in fact will shrink in width and length too. It also becomes brittle and thickens with heat because of the numerous tiny gas filled cells in it. So in order to overcome those handicaps while shaping it with heat, heres what we need to do:pre-heat a wooden mould of the desired shape in an oven for 20-30 min at 80-90 deg.C (176-194deg.F)form the piece around the heated wooden core or mould by first carefully cold-crushing it without cracking it.wrap clear packing tape tight around the whole outside. This forces the foam to follow the shape of the mould, and prevents increasing in thickness. place it in an electric oven for 15 minutes at 80-90 deg.C (176-194deg.F) remove from oven and let cool for at least 1 hour. This will fix the shape of the mould into the depron, and retain its strength too.To assemble your models, I recommend you use 5 min. or 30 min. epoxy. Be sure to use it very sparingly because it's a heavy glue. Foam-safe CA glue can also be used but its quite expensive AND you need to spray on an accelerator otherwise it will take overnight to dry. Be aware that many solvents and paints will destroy this foam so be sure to use only water-based latex paints commonly found in craft stores.
"Foamies" are model foam planes made from Depron foam, in this case radio control planes. It's proving to be a very popular item with my model airpane customers because of it's superior strength and appearance compared with BlueCore or fan-fold foam. Developed in Europe, its primary use is for thermal insulation under wallpaper and as a flooring underlayment. Depron isnt very common in North America except for use as meat trays, quite useful themselves if you can find some large unused ones to make snow skis, struts, etc.It's actually polystyrene (EPS/XPS) plastic and the (EPS) means expanded while (XPS) means extruded. For our purposes, were only interested in the stronger, denser XPS foam which also happens to be a closed-cell foam. Open or Closed cell refers to its structure and because open cell foam soaks up all fluids (water & glue) its just not suitable for a foamie plane. The superior closed cell foam takes much less glue and is easier to waterproof. It's one sealed surface adds considerable strength as well as making it very easy to apply paint finishes. To summarize, here are its advantages:You don't have to worry about grain direction and splitting like with balsa woodEach sheet is is consistently identical to every other pieceCan easily be curved into airfoil shapesColors come out nice and bright compared to painting over pink, blue or gray foam that needs to be primed firstDoesn't absorb moisture and you don't have to spend time sealing it to prevent warping in summerThe 3, 5 & 6mm thicknesses are primarily used for building large scale models, indoor flyers, 3D foam flyers, gliders, etc. Its great for structural supports and one piece foam plane fuselages because of its strength. The thinner Depron makes excellent skins for covering models instead of using expensive balsa wood. For extra strengthening requirements (wings, fuselage, struts, pushrods, etc), use carbon fiber rods, tubes and strips It's quite easy to work with and no special cutting tools are required. A common #11 Exacto blade or single edged razor blade is all you need. It cuts very nicely with these tools but to ensure straight cuts be sure to use a long metal ruler.Depron foam cannot be heated without losing shape and in fact will shrink in width and length too. It also becomes brittle and thickens with heat because of the numerous tiny gas filled cells in it. So in order to overcome those handicaps while shaping it with heat, heres what we need to do:pre-heat a wooden mould of the desired shape in an oven for 20-30 min at 80-90 deg.C (176-194deg.F)form the piece around the heated wooden core or mould by first carefully cold-crushing it without cracking it.wrap clear packing tape tight around the whole outside. This forces the foam to follow the shape of the mould, and prevents increasing in thickness. place it in an electric oven for 15 minutes at 80-90 deg.C (176-194deg.F) remove from oven and let cool for at least 1 hour. This will fix the shape of the mould into the depron, and retain its strength too.To assemble your models, I recommend you use 5 min. or 30 min. epoxy. Be sure to use it very sparingly because it's a heavy glue. Foam-safe CA glue can also be used but its quite expensive AND you need to spray on an accelerator otherwise it will take overnight to dry. Be aware that many solvents and paints will destroy this foam so be sure to use only water-based latex paints commonly found in craft stores.
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