with the weak signals event in ohio coming up i was hopping for tips on what to look for after i find the stuff i know i need. also i want to look for a servo crimper set, can i use my crimpers from the hardware store or are they special crimpers.

if you have any tips on checking servos if they work, radios, or even tips on knowing which hardware to buy and which to say, "ill buy that later" would help. i have bad experience in people thiking they know what they were talking about but when i get home they were wrong, lastly whats a good price for a cycler


thanks dave trimmer

Dave,
If you're going to Toledo let me know the dates and we can meet there. I'm going to be there thursday evening (in Toledo) and at the show Friday and Saturday (Minnflyer and Bubbagates are going to be there too). I'd be more than happy to help you out at the swap shop if you want. But here are a few pointers that I follow when at a meet:

[ul][*] Try to know the general price of things before you get there. I've seen people at swap meets pay more for something than they could buy it new for just because they didn't know what the prices were. I usually carry around a Tower Hobbies catalog with me if I can to reference, but knowing is better[*] IMHO avoid buying used engines at all costs. I know there are those out there that will argue with me because they say that you can get great bargains on a used engine. At times this can be true, but you can also buy a piece of junk too. It only takes one or two lean runs to ruin an engine. And don't judge it buy how "clean" it looks, there are crooks out there that will clean up a ruined engine so that they can unload it at a swap meet.[*] Electronics are the same as used engines. Unless you can turn them on then you don't know what you are getting.[*] See the seller has an electrical outlet to plug in any AC powered items (covering irons, heat guns, etc....). This way you can test them before you buy.[*] If the seller won't let you "inspect" an item move on to the next table. If you can open it up, look inside of it, or otherwise examine the item then you don't know what's wrong with it. A shifty seller usually won't let you examine it, so move on.[*] Don't be afraid to haggle with them. All they can say is "no", so it's no skin off of your nose. If they say no then move on to the next table, if they say yes then you just saved some money.[*] Don't get rushed. I've seen other shoppers try to rush you so you will move out of the way. They usually do this because they have spotted a bargain and they want you out of the way before you spot it too. Take you time and look at everything.[*] Don't be afraid to dig through a box. Some of the best deals I've found at swap meets were buried at the bottom of a box of "stuff".[*] If an item is priced too high for you then wait. Usually at the end of a show sellers will be more willing to lower their price to sell it. They would rather sell it than haul it home.[*] A buddy can help here. They can be your sounding board before you buy a big ticket item. We all find things we "just have to buy", and at times we may not look at the problems with an item. An objective friend can save you buy "holding you back". I know my flying buddies have saved me more than once.[*] Last, but not least, have fun. These swap meets are a great way to meet and talk with others that have the same hobby as you do.
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That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure others will add to the list.

PM me if you want to meet at the show. Minnflyer and myself will be pretty busy taking pictures and video for RCU, but we always make time for flying buddies!!!! Friends before work in my opinion!!

Ken