The Turnigy LCD Tachometer is used to measure the RPM of just about any rotating object.  It’s shown here being used by Tony Iannucilli to measure the head speed of Martin Cohen’s main rotor blades on a beautiful fall Florida day.  However, it can also be used on airplane propellers, calibrating timing belts, dynamic balancing […]

The RCATS Smart Lithium Glow Driver (shown here with optional orange protective glove), as well as their complete line of radio control accessories, are developed by fliers with years of experience in our hobby, are assembled in the US and backed by fantastic support, and are battle tested by R/C enthusiasts worldwide. This glow driver […]

Years ago everyone was using ni-cad batteries, so choosing the right battery for you helicopter was easy. However, now with the advancements in li-po batteries, it can sometimes be difficult to know which battery is best for your application.  My TREX 700E shown here uses a 2-cell lipo for the receiver and servos, and a […]

Simulators do exactly what their name implies: they simulate. This means they are not true to life, but very close.  At least this has been the case until now. The Great Planes RealFlight 6.5 R/C Flight Simulator with InterLink Elite Controller and Heli Mega Pack with 47 extra helicopters is as close to real flying as you can get without being at the […]

Idle Needle Valve (NV) Adjustment – The photo shows the three needle valves on the OS 90 HZ engine. The main needle valve is on the bottom by the fuel tubing, with the mid-range needle valve on top.  The idle adjustment is the one in the center. Once the main NV is adjusted, it’s now […]

The ACE RC Ripper OBL outrunner brushless motors are the latest series of helicopter motors designed for electric conversions or stock e-powered models ranging from medium-size helis to 3D aircraft.  Configured with curved magnets, all OBL motors deliver high torque & high RPM at maximum efficiency for longer flight time and cool temperatures. Although this series of brushless motors do not require  any […]

The new Futaba GY430 single axis helicopter gyro is one of the smallest and lightest (3.5g) gyros available.  It uses a trimmer that limits servo travel or gain adjustment, although gain can be adjusted from the transmitter using the remote gain function.  Dip switches select gyro direction and mode (heading hold or normal), while information […]

Once the engine is started, don’t be concerned with the idle mixture as long as the engine will run close to idle. This is because the main needle valve does exactly what its name implies – it is the primary adjustment by which fuel enters the engine, and all other adjustments are a subset to […]

The FY-30A uses a three-axis gyro and three-axis accelerometer for inertial sensing. The other major components are an inertial navigation platform and strap down attitude algorithm designed for fixed wing aircraft stabilization.        •  Level flight– The FY-30A will automatically control the aircraft for smooth and easy flying. For beginners it makes flight easier […]

Every so often we come across an experience that we had before, and have to relearn something we already knew. I call that reinventing the wheel. And this is exactly what happened to me a few days ago. For those of you who have been flying helicopters for a period of time, I’m sure you […]

Dual Eyewear (dualeyewear.com) has a complete line of sunglasses for those of us who also have a need for reading glasses. Their Dual X12 with white rim is a nice sport pair, while their Dual FP-2 Polarized has extended side and brow area. This is especially nice while flying because now I can turn my […]

The 2012 IRCHA Heli Jamboree is now available on video from SKS Video Productions. Recently held at the AMA National Flying site in Muncie, IN this is the largest helicopter gathering in the world, with over 1,000 registered pilots. If you are into helicopters, this is the place to be to see not only the […]