hexTronik Balancer/Charger

Several of my family members as well as myself, own the hexTronik Balance Charger. It has the ability to charge packs from 2 to 4 cells, at rates from .5 to 2 amps. It also can charge multiple 2 cell packs at once. The LED lights help you identify as each cell reaches the proper voltage.

This charger comes with the adapter necessary to plug into the cigarette lighter, already installed. I have found this very convenient. Most chargers come with alligator clips, and require that you either connect directly to a battery or purchase an adapter and solder it to the leads.

The charger also allows you to adjust the charging amp rate. Li-poly batteries are very sensitive to the charge rate and also their balance. A balance charger allows each battery within the pack to be charged individually and also balanced between each cell.

Please note: You should never charge a li-poly battery at a rate greater than 1C. For example a 1000mah pack should not be charged at a rate greater than 1 amp and a 1800mah battery should not be charged at more than 1.8 amps. I can not emphasize this enough. There have been reports of li-poly batteries bursting and starting fires if not properly charged.

My procedure has been to check the temperature of my batteries before charging. I don't have a scientific method for this, I simply hold them in my hand, and if it feels warm, I wait to charge it. I have been told that Li-poly batteries hold a charge for a very long time, and unlike other types, do not need to be peak charged prior to flying.

JR XP-6102-UL FM Radio

My cousin recently asked about the JR XP6102UL Radio. I don't personally own this radio, but I have owned several JR radios including the JR XF631, which appears to be the baby brother to the X6102, and it has been one of my favorite all purpose radios.

The UL version of the 6102 comes with 3 - S241 Servos. These are sub micro servos that I have used on many occasions in small aircraft where every ounce counts. I have also found them to be almost bullet proof as they have survived one accident after another.

Also included in the package is their well know R610UL 6CH Receiver. This too has proven to be a durable, light weight solution.



Full Specs - 6102FM, R610UL & 3-S241, MD2

# of Channels: 6 Modulation: FM/PCM Band: 72 Servos: 3-S241 Receiver: R610UL Programming Features: heli/Aircraft Model Memory: 10 Modes: 2 Transmitter (Tx) Battery Type: 600 mAh 9.6 volt Charger: NEC-221 Output Strength: approximately 750 mw

Tech Notes System Features - Select Key - On/Off Switch - Channel 5/Gear Switch - Rocker/Hover Throttle Lever - Throttle Cut Button - Trainer Button - Aileron D/R Switch - Digital Elevator Trim Lever - Aileron/Elevator Control Stick - Increase/Decrease Programming Buttons - Clear Key - LCD Display - Elevator D/R Switch - Digital Spoiler Trim Lever - Flap/Hover Pitch Lever - Digital Aileron Trim Lever - Neck Strap Eyelet - Channel 6/ Flap Switch - Throttle/Rudder Stick - Digital Rudder Trim Lever - Up/Down Scroll Buttons Program Features - Wing Type Selection - Flaperon Wing Type Selection - Elevon Type Selection - V-Tail Type Selection - Switch Select - Trainer Function - Modulation Selection - Model Copy Function - Model Type Selection - Model Name Entry - Model Selection - Function Mode - Dual Rates and Exponential - Servo Reversing - Sub Trim - Travel Adjust - Elevator to Flap Mixing - Aileron to Rudder Mixing - Throttle Cut Switch - Flap System - Programmable Mixing - Fail Safe - Servo Travel Screen - HELI Specific - Dual Rates and Exponential - Servo Reversing - Sub Trim - Travel Adjust - CCPM Swashplate Mixing - Throttle Cut Switch - Throttle Hold - Throttle Curves - Hovering Throttle - Pitch Curves - Revolution Mixing - Programmable Mixing - Fail Safe - Servo Travel Screen

Radios Receivers and Servos

Just like asking someone what car is the best, ask any RC pilot what radio is best, and you will get a little different answer from each one. Some of the most popular are JR, Futaba, Hitec/RCD and Airtronics.

I know that there are other brands, but these are the ones that I have the most exposure to. I own all of the above radios, and they have all performed as expected. I do have my favorites, but it has more to do with personal preference than anything else.

My most well used radios are the Futaba Super 7 Series. This is a dated radio at this point in time, but has been a great programmable radio for my purposes. It holds data for multiple aircraft and has done all that I have asked of it, vtails, flying wings, sailplanes, many types of warbirds and the typical 4 channel type aircraft.

While the Futaba brand has been the most used in my experience, I do however prefer the JR brand. JR seems to have a more balanced feel, and the variety of receivers is outstanding. If I were to purchase a new radio today, it would be one of the new JR 7 Channel radios.

Hitec/RCD has been a good work horse as well. I have put it through the paces. There is no doubt that this is an adequate radio, I just don't prefer the user interface for programming and setup.

Slow Stick - Building Tips

The first tip in building the slow stick, is to purchase a 3' (approx) piece of balsa that will fit down the center of the fuselage channel. This will provide extra strength to the aluminum fuselage.

Some kits indicate that they ship with a fiberglass fuselage channel. None of the kits that I have been exposed to have had this type. If yours does, I would imagine that it would still be a good option to add the balsa for reinforcement. This simple tip has prolonged the life of many fuselages during those early training flights.

The second tip is to wrap each leading edge (wing and tail) with a light packing tape. It may add a bit more weight, but the foam surfaces will be greatly reinforced by doing this. Once again, creating a more durable trainer.

The third is to replace the stock main wheels with some that are larger. I believe I was able to find some that were 3 1/2 or 4". This is not a vital step, but makes it easier to take off from grass runways. Once I have a picture, I will include it for reference.

Happy building

Brushless Motor Guide

The following information has been very beneficial in helping me understand the differences of all the various motor and propeller combinations. My thanks to headsUpRC for this vital information. When choosing a brushless motor for your plane, keep in mind that you will usually get better efficiency with larger propellers. Determining what size propeller you will use, the approximate all up weight of the model, and what kind of performance you desire are good starting points for selecting a brushless motor. Please see the individual motor listings for more information and suggested uses. Motors with less than 15 ounces of thrust: 2210-25: 0.8 ounce 2500KV motor providing up to 12.5 oz of thrust at 8.5 amps using a 5 inch prop with a 3 cell Lipo battery. Nice for use as a pusher motor, and for small, fast, sleek models. Works well with 2 cell Lipos and 6 to 9 cell nimh packs as well. 2210-21: 0.8 ounce 2100KV motor providing up to 12.5 oz of thrust at 8.5 amps using a 6 inch prop with a 3 cell Lipo battery. Also works with the GWS 7035 (7 inch) prop if you avoid contant wide open throttle. Nice pusher motor, and great for use with small, light weight models up to about 16 ounces. Works well with 2 cell Lipos and 6 to 9 cell nimh packs as well. Motors with 15 to 20 ounces of thrust: 2712-17: 1.0 ounce 1700KV motor providing up to 15 oz of thrust at 7.5 amps with a 7 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. Very nice for small fast planes when using a 3 cell Lipo, and an excellent choice for small slow flyers using a 2 cell Lipo or 6 and 7 cell nimh packs. 2712-12: 1.0 ounce 1200KV motor providing up to 17 oz of thrust at 9 amps using a 9 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. Often referred to as 'The Blue Wonder', this sweet little motor works great for smaller parkflyers like the GWS Pico series, and as an upgrade to the GWS IPS motors. Works well with 9 and 10 inch props and a 2 cell Lipo or 6 to 8 cell nimh pack as well. 2410-12Y: 2.1 ounce 700KV motor providing up to 19 ounces of thrust at 7.5 amps using a 12 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. This low KV motor uses 11 to 12 inch props and is often used for slow flyers and 3D planes. Motors with 21 to 25 ounces of thrust: 2826-19: 1.7 ounce 1900KV motor providing up to 22 ounces of thrust at 16 amps using a 7 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. Will provide 20 oz of thrust with a 6x4 prop, and pitch speeds up to 79 mph with a 5.25x4.75 prop. A very good choice where high speed is desired, and works well in pusher configurations. The APC 6x4 speed 400 propeller is especially well suited for use with this motor, and can be used in many applications where you need maximum thrust with a 6 inch prop. This motor works great with a 2 cell Lipo and 6 to 9 cell nimh packs as well. 2826-10: 1.7 ounce 1000KV motor providing up to 22 ounces of thrust at 11.5 amps using a 10 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. This 370 class motor is a good choice for small 3D flyers, slow flyers and sport aerobatic models. It works well with 8 to 10 inch props. 2408-21: 1.6 ounce 1600KV motor providing up to 22 ounces of thrust at 14 amps using an 8 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. This motor is best used for medium to high speed parkflyers, and is widely used on the GWS Warbirds with the GWS 8040 prop. With it's ablility to produce plenty of thrust with 7 inch props, it is often used as a pusher motor. It works quite well with 2 cell Lipos and 6 to 9 cell nimh packs, and is the lightest motor in the 2400 series. 2410-12D: 2.1 ounce 1200KV motor providing up to 23 ounces of thrust at 12 amps using a 9 inch prop and 3 cell Lipo battery. This has become one of my best sellers - and rightly so! It matches up perfectly with the GWS 9050 prop, and makes for an excellent GWS Warbird motor. It works well on many models where a 9 inch prop is desirable. Best used with 8 and 9 inch props. 2410-08Y: 2.1 ounce 950KV motor providing up to 23 ounces of thrust at 11 amps using a 10 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. This motor works great with the GWS 1060 prop, and is a good choice for medium speed parkflyers and sport aerobatic planes. If you can use up to a 10 inch prop on your model and are looking for longer flight times, choosing this motor makes a lot of sense. This is my motor choice for the GWS BEAVER and ESTARTER. It's also a good choice for the smaller 3D flyers when matched with the GWS 1047 or APC 10x3.8 props. Uses 9 and 10 inch props. 2410-09Y: 2.0 ounce 850KV motor providing up to 24 ounces of thrust at 11 amps using an 11 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. This has become my most popular seller due to the fact that it's an excellent choice for the GWS SLOW STICK. You're not likely to find a better value in a brushless motor that works so well on the 'Stick'! It's a good choice for small to medium size 3D planes as well, and is one of the most efficient motors in the 2400 series. Works well with 10 and 11 inch props. Motors with 26 to 30 ounces of thrust: 2409-18T: 2.3 oz 1000KV motor providing up to 29 ounces of thrust at 15 amps using a 10 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. A great choice for the bigger sport/aerobatic flyers and 3D planes. This is a really impressive motor on the GWS Slow Stick using the TP 10x5.5 prop! I also like this motor on the GWS Warbirds using the GWS 1060 prop, as it gives unlimited vertical performance with good flight times. Best with 9 and 10 inch props. 2830-10: 1.9 ounce 1000KV motor providing up to 30 ounces of thrust at 16 amps with a 10 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. Great for use on medium to high speed park flyers where an 8 to 10 inch prop is required. This 400 class motor is suitable for a wide variety of models, and is probably the most versatile motor that I sell. Provides slightly more power than the 2409-18T, and is nearly half an ounce lighter! 2830-09: 1.9 ounce 850KV motor providing up to 27 ounces of thrust at 12.5 amps with an 11 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. With it's high 'power to weight' ratio and excellent efficiency, this 400 class motor is an excellent choice for 3D planes, slow flyers and aerobatic models. Works well with 10 and 11 inch props. Motors with 31 to 40 ounces of thrust: 2409-12T: 2.3 ounce 1400KV motor providing up to 32 ounces of thrust at 22.5 amps with a 9 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. With it's combination of high speed, high thrust and low cost, this motor has become very popular for warbirds and sport planes. Makes a great pusher motor on the Parkzone Stryker, Multiplex Easy Star, and Zagi. Uses 7 to 9 inch props. 2836-09: 2.6 ounce 850KV motor providing up to 40 ounces of thrust at 16.5 amps with the TP 13x4 prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. Works great with 11 & 12 inch props too! This is a 450 class motor, and is superb for aerial photography with the GWS Slow Stick. Also a good choice for mid-size 3D planes. 2836-11: 2.7 ounce 1100KV motor providing up to 37 ounces of thrust at 19.5 amps with a 10 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. This 450 class motor is a good choice for Warbirds and sport planes. Provides a great combination of speed and thrust using 9 and 10 inch props. Motors with over 40 ounces of thrust: 3530-10: 2.6 ounce 1000KV motor providing up to 42 ounces of thrust at 25 amps with an 11 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. A 480 class motor that is a good choice for sport aerobatics and 3D flying. Best performance is with 10 and 11 inch props. 3548-10: 5.8 ounce 1000KV motor providing up to 80 ounces of thrust at 45 amps with a 14 inch prop and a 3 cell Lipo battery. This motor can also be used with a 4 cell Lipo. The 3548-10 is a good choice for many planes in the 3 to 6 pound range. Best performance is with 11 to 14 inch props when using a 3-cell Lipo, and 9 to 11 inch props when using a 4-cell Lipo. For reference purposes: 350 brushed/geared motor: 2.2 ounces and will produce up to 16 ounces of thrust at 8.4 volts. Using a higher voltage usually results in a very short motor lifespan. 400 brushed/geared motor: 3.3 ounces and will produce about 19 ounces of thrust at 12 volts.

Slow Stick by GWS

• GWS - ICS-300li ESC Speed Controller (Brushed Motor/Li-poly Battery)
• EP 10x6 Propeller w/prop saver
  
• Li-poly 1800mah 18C 26 amp 11.1v 3-cell battery
• (2) SG50 5 gram Ultra Micro Servos
• Hitec 6 Channel Radio & Receiver

I recently was asked about a good starter plane for some family members. It was quite easy to respond with a quick answer....the Slow Stick by GWS.

I have owned a Slow Stick for several years and have watched my father, brother and uncle each learn to fly with a Slow Stick after attempting to learn on several other types. They have now each mastered the basics of flying and at one point flew 5 days a week! They simply fell in love with RC and the Slow Stick. It was while watching them have so much fun with this plane that I decided to go back to something low and slow. I have loved every minute of it.

With two cousins interested in starting their adventure in flying, and not being in close proximity, I wanted to give some stats and helpful tips about this great little plane. There are many who have "modded" their slow sticks, but I simply chose to fly a stock model.

My stock plane came with a "brushed" Speed 400 type motor and gear reduction drive. I opted to purchase a speed controller made for brushed motors and Li-poly batteries. This allowed me to use the Li-poly batteries that I already owned and test the stock motor provided by GWS.

I have found the setup to be quite acceptable. I am able to take off in just under 5 feet and climb out at a reasonable rate. I normally experience flight times of 30 minutes or more.

With that being said, there are many different configurations for the Slow Stick that will work very well. As I previously stated, both my father, brother and uncle all fly Slow Sticks, and each is setup a little different. They each replaced the stock motor with a brushless outrunner motor and brushless ESC controller. They get phenomenal performance out of their planes. It is almost a hover craft with the right propeller combination. They also each fly with 3-cell li-poly batteries, but all are of different capacity.

I would consider the brushless setup to be the ideal for this plane. This is especially true if you can find the "slope glider" version of the kit that does not come with a power package, and then add your own motor and speed controller. I have seen this kit priced between $19.00 and $21.00. This is about a $10 to $15.00 savings over the standard kit price.

I have found the website www.headsuprc.com to be very beneficial. I have purchased many of their products, and have received quick service and all components have arrived timely and as described. They also have helpful information in regards to understanding the Li-poly batteries and the different C ratings, along with stats on the different brushless motor combinations so that you can make an educated decision based on the application.

Recommended Setup:

Slow Stick - Slope Version (no motor provided)
2410-9Y Outrunner Brushless motor and 20 Amp ESC
2- SG50 Sub Micro Servo
11.1v 1300mah 20C Lipoly Battery
6 Channel Radio - Hitec/RCD or JR (radio links are for reference only)


If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.