October
2011
|
Issue
22 -By adapting positively to technology and
globalization changes, the benefits can be used
to attract more R/Cers into giant-scale electrics.
We often find new choices in our hobby that simply
didn't exist the year before and can suddenly
be within our budget. In this month's column,
my 42% Ultimate takes flight for only half the
cost of its gas engine equivalent!
|
May
2011
|
Issue
21 -Today, an electric-powered R/C airplane
is a common choice for the hobbyist. The clean
and quiet brushless power is often the better
choice for certain size models. The availability
of Ready-To-Fly electric-powered packages provides
ease and convenience for all ages and skills.
|
April
2011
|
Issue
20 -In the past, many R/Cers just didn't
have the budget for giant scale projects. Perhaps
this will change soon...
When
you fly electric, fly clean, fly quiet, and
fly safe!
|
January
2011
|
Issue
19 -In this month's issue of AMP'D, we'll
cover some of the key points in adding floats
to any plane as well as some tips on successful
flying off water, snow, and even grass!
|
October
2010
|
Issue
18 -The
Parrot AR.Drone
is the first quadricopter that can be controlled
by an iPhone, iPod Touch, or even an iPad. It
is a groundbreaking device combining the best
of many worlds, including modeling, video gaming
and augmented reality (or AR). Equipped with two
integrated video cameras, ultrasonic altimeters,
gyro sensor, an accelerometer, and an intelligent
autopilot, the AR.Drone is incredibly easy to
fly both indoors or out.
In
this month's issue of AMP'D, we test the AR.Drone,
and meet the gamers head on, as they invade
the world of R/C!
|
July
2010
|
Issue
17 - In the Northeast, the winter months tend
to be long and cold. After the holiday season
is over, the short and uninspiring grey days can
take their toll if you don't keep yourself occupied.
Although we get an occasional chance to fly off
the snow, which is greatly cherished, the majority
of our time is spent toiling away in our favorite
hobby...building airplanes. Before we know it,
our visions that drove us through the long winter
season have taken shape and are ready to test.
When
springtime finally arrives, my buddies and I
are very excited to get outside to fly our new
models and favorites from the past year. In
this month's issue of AMP'D, we test planes
from the last few issues and give tribute to
what we call, the flying season!
|
May
2010
|
Issue
16 - In
this month's issue of AMP'D, we look at several
lower cost scale jet models that not only use
Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) power but fly Business
Class! |
March
2010
|
Issue
15 - Normally, this would be a loud cheer
for a sports team, but in this column, "Go
Panthers!" is all about EDF. If you're a
fan for those early jet designs from the 1950s,
you can build or assemble your own electric-powered
F9F Panther from numerous types of materials.
In
addition to the many ARF designs currently on
the market, you can still find kit versions
or plans available if you prefer to build. New,
lower-cost EDF components are providing incredible
power levels in any size R/C model.
|
November
2009
|
Issue
14 - Although new market trends are lowering
prices, most of us consider the cost of Lithium
batteries to be a significant part of our electric
flight setup. If we had been previously flying
with glow or gas engines, suddenly paying for
fuel "up front" can be a real paradigm
shift. When we buy a battery pack, we are essentially
paying for hundreds of flights all at once. |
September
2009
|
Issue
13 - If you want a larger model with more
power or maybe a good building fix, you don't
need to spend thousands of dollars on an R/C model.
With the right skill set, and attitude, you can
create something impressive enough to get noticed
at any flying field. |
July
2009
|
Issue
12 - Our R/C hobby has so many facets that
sometimes it can become overwhelming to take it
all in. Recent advances in technology have allowed
many of us to enjoy the hobby without being skilled
in all aspects of it. I would not likely have
become such a model aircraft enthusiast if it
were not for... |
April
2009
|
Issue
11 - From easy flying RTFs like the ParkZone
Vapor or E-flite Blade mCX to skillfully hand-built
rubber-powered conversions and precision flying
3D "mined" foamies, the culmination
of increasingly larger gatherings like the Great
Planes E-Fest, ETOC, and Heli Smackdown events
all mean only one thing...that Indoor Flying Rocks! |
January
2009
|
Issue
10 - My focus in this month's issue of AMP'D
is to introduce newer EDF enthusiasts that want
to advance faster than the current mainstream
market allows without breaking the bank. The choices
for EDF are both vast and exciting when you start
to venture off the beaten path. |
November
2008
|
Issue
9 - My focus in this month's issue of AMP'D
is to reveal a few fast setups that range in cost
and complexity but all with a common goal...to
inspire your passion by creating an R/C model
that satisfies the need for speed! |
September
2008
|
Issue
8 - In a fast-paced world, where our hobby
time is limited, the invasion of Almost-Ready-to-Fly
planes (or ARFs) has been a real blessing for
many R/Cers. These models allow us to assemble
something beautiful, very quickly, and spend quality
time flying at the club or just down the street.
We no longer have to be master builders or too
afraid to fly our creations. |
June
2008 |
Issue
7 - VTOL is an abbreviation for Vertical
Take-Off and Landing. VTOL describes fixed-wing
aircraft that can lift off vertically. This classification
includes only a very few aircraft like helicopters,
autogyros, jump jets, and tiltrotors. Helium-filled
balloons and airships are not normally considered
VTOL. The following project was dedicated to our
passion for making a functional VTOL design for
the hobbyist using conventional components available
at multiple vendors. |
April
2008 |
Issue
6 - I recently had an opportunity to see
Dave at a local club meeting where he was invited
to give a presentation on his objectives and long
range plans for the AMA.
After the presentation, I had some one on one
time with Dave and asked him several very candid
questions. |
February
2008 |
Issue
5 - With brushless motors sustaining 30,000
to over 40,000 RPMs under load, EDF units started
performing very well. We first saw a series of
"fun" jets where the EDF unit was merely
used to replace an existing prop design, almost
as an afterthought. We also saw many streamlined
jet designs that were powered by pusher props.
Then, it finally happened...the first high performance
ARF ducted fan jets hit the market. This month's
issue of AMP'D is all about jet fever as EDF goes
mainstream. |
January
2008 |
Issue
4 - One of the many advantages of electric
flight is that we can tap into the main battery
pack to supply power for the receiver and servos.
Most Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) have
a built-in Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) that
eliminates the need for a separate receiver battery
pack - thus reducing weight and adding the convenience
of recharging only a single battery. In this month's
issue of AMP'D, we explore the need and advantages
of why we use regulated power. |
December
2007 |
Issue
3 - For years now, I have heard concerns about
motor cost and complexity from many R/Cers wishing
to try electric-powered flight. The market has
responded with lower prices through competition,
reduced complexity through outrunners, and even
“combo” packages of matched components
that work together. This month's issue will address
motor selection confusion. |
November
2007 |
Issue
2 - When it comes to making electric conversions
easier, I am always eager to use new products
in my next project. This month's column shows
a few of these items that have helped make it
easier for me to fly electric and "arm the
big boys". |
October
2007 |
Issue
1 - Welcome to the first issue of AMP'D; the
on-line column all about electric flight! A continuous
flow of new technology has rapidly changed the
scope of electric flight such that formal organizations,
manufacturers, vendors, hobby shops, and most
of all, users like us are having a hard time keep.
At AMP'D, we will try to sort out these issues
while focusing on electric flight. |
