RC Boats

Maker Faire 2009 Report

Daniel Switkin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:31:23 -0500

The 2009 Bay Area Maker Faire was held in San Mateo, California on May 30th and 30st. This unique event combines electronics, robotics, radio control, crafts, sculpture, and much more, and has some of the coolest things you can find this side of Burning Man. I'm going to concentrate on the radio controlled projects I saw.

Some of the RC naval vessels, ready to fight.

A detail of the gun turrets.

One big feature of the show is radio controlled naval warfare. Scale modelers from a local club brought their World War I and II cruisers, destroyers, and battleships to duke it out in a makeshift lake. These feature working, CO2-driven weapons which fire BB guns and ball bearings in an effort to sink enemy ships. Some of the larger boats featured rotating gun turrets, automatic reloading, and water pumps to stay afloat as long as possible. The battle I saw had about ten ships fighting in two teams, as Axis vs. Allies. It was pretty entertaining to watch and we did see one boat completely sunk.

Some of the kites used to lift the camera rigs.

A home-made KAP mount.

Wireless video from the kite (must be on a different frequency than the transmitter).

Another larger SLR rig.

In one of the indoor exhibits there were a variety of kite aerial photograph RC rigs. Most had two servos giving pan and tilt control, with a third servo or an infrared trigger to trip the shutter. Several systems also had realtime wireless video transmission back to the ground to aid in composing the shot, using the digital camera's video output jack. The cameras ranged from small point and shoots to digital SLRs, presumably according to the lifting power of the kite and the budget/risk the photographer wants.

The Maker Store was also fun to browse. They had a seemingly endless variety of electronic kits, some radio controlled, some autonomous, and some just fun. I also met some guys from DIYDrones.com, who had a Multiplex Easy Star on display with an Arduino-powered autonomous setup. It was able to fly between GPS waypoints and even return automatically to the launch coordinates if the radio signal was lost.

An amusing dust buster robot.

Battlebots!

One well-armored vehicle.

Finally, I saw a few more unusual projects. There were several battle bots, each weighing more than 200 pounds. There were also some amazing metal spheres roaming around an outdoor area, playing music, avoiding obstacles, etc. Then there was the enormous, hydraulic-powered Electric Giraffe, which can both roll and walk. It was controlled by a Spektrum DX7. And maybe most impressive to your average Star Wars geek, were near-perfect, full-size, radio controlled R2-D2 models. These were easily realistic enough to be used in the movies themselves.

The roaming metal spheres.

The Electric Giraffe. Did I mention it was big?

R2-D2, with and without the skin.

I've only scratched the surface of what goes on at Maker Faire - it's well worth attending yourself. You can check out Gizmodo's Maker Faire coverage for more from the show, or check out some YouTube videos.
read more »

WRAM Show 2009 Report

Daniel Switkin — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:14:28 -0600

The show floor just after the doors opened.

The 41st annual WRAM Show was held in White Plains, NY from February 20-22nd, 2009. This mid-winter event has historically been the largest indoor trade show on the East Coast.

This year WRAM was noticeably smaller than the 2008 show. A number of vendors did not return, perhaps due to the economy or the performance of the show last year. In particular, Great Planes/Hobbico and Hobby Lobby were conspicuously absent. QuiQue's Aircraft Company, Hirobo, Eagle Tree Systems, and FMA Direct did not return either.

As a result, all the vendors and booths were consolidated on the main floor this year. That left the basement level open for a car track, and offroad rock climbing track, and the huge static display.

The rock crawling course.

The race track in the basement.

One of several tables in the static display.

There were a number of standouts among the scale models. There was an outrageous looking Crosby CR4 with impossibly small wings built by Keith Shaw. It weighed 7 pounds with a 48 inch wingspan and a length of 65 inches, and was powered by a geared Astroflight motor using eight A123 cells. Another beauty was a scale F7F Tigercat, with not only scale landing gear but a full working lights system. This twin used Axi outrunner motors.

The Crosby CR4.

An immaculate F7F Tigercat.

Next was an unusual subject, a Fieseler Storch by Sal Iasilli. The pilot figure was especially great on this 94" wingspan model.

The Fieseler Storch.

Fieseler Storch cockpit detail.

And then came the 1921 Postal Service Series Jalopaplane by Faye Stilley. This outstanding brass and copper colored finish is actually Monokote! There were no seam lines visible at all, even from six inches away. Hands down the sexiest plane at the show.

The Jalopaplane.

So pretty it deserves another shot.

Finally, there were two P-51 Mustangs from Matt Lupri. The darker finish Prudence model was a wood kit from Nick Ziroli plans, while the aluminum finish Miss Ethel was molded. Both are quarter scale and weigh close to 50 pounds. I have never seen detail like this in person before. The wheel wells weren't just painted - they had fake hydraulic lines! The weathering job and cockpit details on these were simply fantastic. The Prudence model had droppable fuel tanks, scale retracts, flaps, and a motorized sliding canopy. Just amazing.

The Miss Ethel P-51.

The Prudence Mustang.

The Prudence cockpit.

A little after noon saw the beginning of the indoor flight demos. There is a small space with a 20 foot ceiling which is enough for micro helicopters and indoor foamies. We caught a great demo by Justin Chi, who repeatedly touched the head button of his Gaui 200 on the floor in an inverted hover. Did I mention Justin is only 6 1/2 years old?

Justin Chi flying demos.

Kyle Stacey during the noon demos.

Kyle Stacey also flew the Gaui 200 in a duet with another pilot whose name was not announced. They took turns performing stunts over each other's helis, and then flying maneuvers together. At one point, both young pilots landed inverted on the ceiling together and held them there while they waved to the crowd. Great job guys.

Team Futaba and Team JR followed with 3D and precision indoor foamies, but we decided to move on and give other people a chance to see. This year there were no bleachers, so it was standing room only.

The VTOL standard RC Bug.

So what about the booths? Ron from Lightflite was back at the show with his range of RC Bugs. These indestructible EPP flying wings are still the most fun for the money I've had in this hobby, and I say that without any business relationship or compensation.

Ron had two one-of-a-kind prototypes at the show. The first was a standard size Bug that had been modified for VTOL. Many of us already launch our Bugs straight up by hand, but why not try it from the ground? Apparently the tricky part is landing vertically without tipping over. I just may have to try this.

Ron and the 36" prototype RC Bug.

The other cool prototype was a 36 inch wingspan Bug, with a fully symmetrical airfoil in the center section. Flat wing foamies tend to either climb or descend, and are difficult to fly level especially at higher speeds. This experiment is designed to address that problem, and also adds side force generators to improve knife edge performance. I hope this larger airfoil RC Bug makes it into production, as it looks like a blast. The current motor is an E-flite 450.

I stopped by the Castle Creations booth and got to chat with Lee Estingoy, who wrote a great article on building an LED nightflyer. I also got to check out their upcoming line of brushless motors, as well as the new Phoenix Ice speed controllers. These ESCs feature switching BECs good for around four amps and can handle 6S LiPo input. They also feature integrated data logging, which I believe is a first.

Castle Creations upcoming brushless motors.

Castle Creations Phoenix Ice ESCs.

At the Hitec booth I saw a prototype of the upcoming Aurora 9 transmitter. This 2.4 GHz radio uses the more robust frequency hopping system, but is only compatible with Hitec receivers. These will be labeled Optima and come in 6, 7, and 9 channel models at first. The Aurora 9 is a modular system and a 72 MHz unit is planned.

The Hitec Aurora 9 2.4 GHz radio.

The back of the Aurora 9.

The Hitec 2.4 GHz receiver lineup.

Perhaps the Aurora's most unique feature is a backlit touch screen. All the menus and programming are accessed this way, and it makes you wonder why no one else (except the $2300 Futaba 14MZ) has done it yet. I thought the ergonomics were very good with rubber grips on the back, although it's a shame the 2.4 GHz module has an external wire to the antenna.

Sharing a booth with Hitec was Multiplex, who had a number of planes on display, but unfortunately did not have the one model I really wanted to see: the new fixed pitch EPP Funcopter. I was told the first and only prototype in the U.S. had arrived the day before the show, and they weren't ready to display it. I was promised that it would make an appearance at the Weak Signals Toledo Show in April though.

I was happy to see AirfoilZ at the show, as I've been itching to try one of their planes. Jim Vigani, the designer, told me they were moving more towards the full fuselage models recently. Along those lines, he was showing the Yak 54, the Extra 260, and the new Edge 540. All three are around 40 inch wingspan and 24 ounces AUW, and share the unique plywood structure and Depron skin design. They are the most rigid foam planes I've seen to date. I caved in and picked up a Yak, to use with the newly-liberated electronics from my Reactor.

The AirfoilZ Edge 540.

The AirfoilZ Yak and Extra.

A vendor I hadn't seen before was Easy Tiger Models, who were showing a beautiful foam SR-71 Blackbird. This receiver-ready model included the dual EDF power system, all electronics, and even retracts for $289. The molded panel lines and scale details were great, and only minor assembly is required. You can watch a video of the Blackbird taking off from grass on YouTube. Easy Tiger had a number of other attractive jets as well, including a 48" wingspan F-22 powered by a 70 mm EDF engine.

A foam SR-71 Blackbird from Easy Tiger Models.

The Easy Tiger Models booth.

There were a bunch of cool odds and ends too. Thunder Tiger was showing a RTF submarine called the Neptune SB-1. Desert Aircraft was showing off their monstrous, four cylinder DA200 gasoline engine due in April. Finally, Polk's Hobby showed off a prototype of their 2.4 GHz transmitter, based on the Tracker design, along with an eight channel receiver.

The Thunder Tiger Neptune SB-1 submarine.

The Desert Aircraft booth.

The Desert Aircraft DA200.

The Polk's Hobbies Tracker 2.4 GHz radio.

An electric JR Vibe heli.

The Blade mCX under black lights.

WRAM also offers a series of lectures in the second floor conference rooms. This year I attended a great presentation by Tom Hunt, the organizer of the NEAT Fair and someone who knows more about electric power than almost anyone. The talk was on how to choose a propeller for electric flight. Tom's deep knowledge and high energy presentation made it quite worthwhile. He was also kind enough to post slides from this talk and from previous years on the SEFLI club's website.

Unfortunately this was the only talk I could attend. Dean Pappas, a Model Aviation columnist, gave a presentation on the history of spread spectrum which I would have liked to see. If anyone has video or slides from this talk, please let me know.

Lastly, there was the annual swap meet in one of the side rooms. It ranged from cars to planes and from junk to scale.

One view of the swap meet.

Swap meet continued.

Swap meet triplane for sale.

The 2009 WRAM Show was not as impressive as in the past, but there was a lot more to do than shopping the booths on the main level. I enjoyed it as a day trip and plan to return - hopefully some vendors will return for 2010. One key to getting the most out of the show is planning your time. In particular, the seminars are worth while and the demo flights are fun to watch. I think I'll schedule around them next year.

Looks like a turbo prop fuselage.

Beautiful seaplane.

Nice weathering on this Corsair.

Dan Landis's giant scale Yak 54.

It's not just an air show.

Scale kits on the show floor.

The Internet And The Hobby Shop

Daniel Switkin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 21:46:47 -0600

Sales of radio control products, like many other categories, are moving more and more online. There's no disputing that this has taken a heavy toll on local hobby shops, which are struggling, and often closing.

There's an assumption that internet shopping is taking over solely because of lower prices. I'd like to dispute that. Certainly online stores can and often do have better prices, but I've been to local stores which are competitive, and the online shipping usually cancels out the local sales tax.

For me, a much bigger issue is selection. The hobby shops I've visited carry vastly fewer products than the big online retailers, and inevitably a number of things I need are out of stock. This negates one of the best reasons to go to a local store: instant gratification. I think most of us would pay a little more to have that new toy today.

To see how bad the selection problem is, I tried an experiment. I currently own six planes and four helicopters, ranging from a $100 RTF to a thousand dollar all-up heli. They come from a variety of major brands and are all fairly popular. I wanted to see how many of these ten I could purchase locally, regardless of cost:

ElectriFly Reactor
E-flite Taylorcraft 450
E-flite Enticement
MS Composit S2 Bulldog
Multiplex AcroMaster
LightFlite RC Bug
Esky Lama V4
Esky Honey Bee Fixed Pitch
Align T-Rex 450S
Century Swift 16

First, I had to locate some local hobby shops. This is difficult in-and-of itself. Searching for "hobby shop" on Google Maps gives some results, but it also turns up crafts stores, model train dealers, and the like. There are also dedicated sites like US Hobby Shops which can help. The AMA web site has a hobby shop finder, but none of these are complete. One surprisingly good source was to visit Horizon Hobbies and search for local dealers.

I was surprised to see how many listings were old and wrong. Those that were current often had only an address and a phone number. It's hard to believe that so few local stores have a web site with a few pictures, directions, and their hours posted. I'm not talking about a shopping cart - just a minimal presence to let people know you exist.

In the end I located and visited five local hobby stores in northern New Jersey. (The nearest was a 25 minute drive away.) Many were dominated by cars and trucks, which is surprising because there are AMA clubs in the area. Most had only one out of my ten models, the ubiquitous T-Rex 450. Even then, I had trouble finding the 450S kit with the plastic head.

The best store carried 3 out of my 10 models, and had only limited parts for them. In other words, if I was starting from scratch, I couldn't buy my fleet locally if I wanted to. I'd have to buy online just to find the planes and helicopters I prefer.

So why is the local selection problem so bad? No doubt carrying a lot of inventory is expensive, but I've been to a hobby shop in northern California that carries the majority of what I fly. I've seen one trend that explains this. In an effort to attract business, two stores near me have installed large, indoor tracks for racing small cars.

These tracks are great for RC car fans, but they take up a lot of floor space.

On one hand, bringing in customers to do something they can't do online, and getting repeat business from it, is smart. On the other hand, these tracks take up a ton of room. In both stores, the tracks occupy about 75% of the floor space. That's exactly where all the products I can't find would be! For every person who comes in to race on the track, there's another like me who can't find what he needs, and doesn't come back.

If selection is a problem, that means no instant gratification, so what other advantages do local stores have? A big one is the ability to get advice. This is still true for a lot of people, however the web is encroaching here too. Sites like RCGroups have an almost endless supply of good information. For helicopters, the Finless Bob build videos are better than the manuals. It's just not as important to ask questions face to face as it used to be, although I still enjoy the conversations.

The last big advantage to local stores is being able to see a product before you buy it. Depending on the item, this can be invaluable, and I'm willing to pay a little more for it. In practice, this doesn't always work out. For example, I'm in the market for a high end radio at the moment. Let's put aside the selection problem and assume I can find a store which carries the transmitters I'm considering. In my experience, retail stores tend to hide things like this behind the counter. I'd much rather be able to look them over by myself. Because the units are expensive, they can't afford to have a demo model, but the employees are also reluctant to crack open a factory fresh box. In the end, I'm not that much better off than buying online.

There is a flip side to this, for which consumers are to blame. Many people check out a product at the local store, then go home and buy it online. The store owners hate this, and I don't blame them. Unless the store is really overcharging, I think you owe it to them to buy the item locally. If the local price is higher, ask if they can come down to the minimum advertised price (MAP). That way, you get a fair price, and the store does too.

I wish I had a large hobby shop near me dedicated to planes and helicopters. I'd be happy to support them, and would probably spend $1000 a year there. Perhaps the situation is worse in the Northeast U.S. where the flying season is so much shorter. If you have a great local store, please give them your business and keep them going. Otherwise, for better or worse, the internet may soon be the only way to buy RC products.

Aquacraft Paradise RTR RC Sailboat Overview

fastie — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0500

Aquacraft Paradise RTR RC Sailboat

Need a relaxing RC model to spend a quiet day with your girlfriend or family at the local park? The Paradise RTR Sailboat is just the ticket. You would be surprised at home much fun it is watching a sailboat cruise around the pond with wind power, and these RC models are great for kids to experience some RC fun without worrying about crashing into the ground or can they handle the speed of the car or truck. Just show them how the wind powers the boat and they seem to take to this quickly and are amazed at what a simple breeze will do to the boat.

Comes with different colours of sails

Having built a kit sailboat and even testing the hull design in a flow tank while in college, I can quickly see that this design is simple and has just the basics for a sailboat design. But, it's performance should be adequate for a day at the park and just having some fun while you wait for the batteries on your hydroplane to recharge. Also, at 26" in length it's a good size for most ponds and not too small. One caution would be that the ballast weight is on a long keel, which you need to consider if you have weeds or grass in the area you plan on using your boat. This could quickly get snagged compared to having a larger hulled sailboat with a shorter and heavier keel. Overall, for being a RTR sailboat, Aquacraft have put together a nice system that will get you on the water quickly. The boom and mast are made of strong aluminum and the lines are numbered for easy set-up. See all the details and even a video on Aquacraft's website.

Aquacraft Paradise RTR RC Sailboat

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 26 in (660 mm)
Height: 50.5 in (1283 mm)
Beam: 5.25 in (133 mm)
Weight: 3 lb (1360 g)
Requires: 12 "AA" batteries

Aquacraft: Rio 51 RC RTR Gas Vee Racing Boat Overview

fastie — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0500

AquaCraft Rio 51 RC Gas Boat

The exciting AquaCraft Rio 51 is an “enormous” RC gas boat with an overall length of 57 inches. This RC model is a ready-to-run (RTR) and comes complete with 28 cc gas engine and a 2 channel FM radio. The design of the this boat includes many performance features with the included GrimRacer performance parts. Also, this model is available three color schemes - blue, yellow and red. Ready to make a big splash at the local pond, this boat has what it takes.

Includes a performance GrimRacer prop

Highlights of the Aquacraft Rio 51

The Aquacraft Rio 51 R/C RTR Gas Vee Racing Boat is a larger size RC boat ready to demonstrate some exciting performance. The complete system includes the Rio 51 boat with all electronics including a high-torque rudder servo, a 28 cc Fuji-Imvac gas engine, and a 2 channel FM radio. The features of this boat include a GrimRacer Cu-Be-Ti metal propellor, CNC-machined aluminum turn fins, GrimRacer stainless steel trim plates, a black anodized CNC-machined aluminum surface drive system and a water pick-up tube for cooling the engine and exhaust header. The included marine gas engine uses regular gasoline and 2-cycle oil and includes a recoil starter so no special equipment is needed to operate. See the specifications below for some accessories needed for the model.

Showing scale of this larger RC Boat

Model Specifications

Hull Length: 51.5 in (130 cm)
Overall Length: 57 in (145 cm)
Width: 13.5 in (34 cm)
Height (including rudder): 13 in (33 cm)
Weight: 13.75 lb (6.4 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 26 oz (768 cc)
Run Time: Approx. 30 minutes per tank
Engine: Fuji-Imvac 28 cc gas marine engine (included)
Radio: Tactic 2-channel FM radio w/high-torque rudder servo (included)
Requires: Standard gasoline, 2-cycle oil, AquaCraft cable oil (AQUB9550), 12 “AA” batteries

For more information, checkout the AquaCraft website.

AquaCraft Mini Rio Electric Boat Overview

fastie — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0500

AquaCraft Mini Rio electric RC boat

AquaCraft has produced a great small boat called the Mini Rio. This electric RC boat with it’s offshore boat styling is ready-to-run with an electric propulsion system and 2 channel RC radio. The design will provide some exciting thrills on your neighborhood pond. Featuring some great performance and handling characteristics, even seasoned boat enthusiasts will enjoy this model.

Included charger and battery pack

AquaCraft Mini Rio Electric Boat Highlights

The AquaCraft Mini Rio Electric Boat features a ready-to-run electric RC boat complete with 2 channel FM radio, 380 size electric motor, electronic speed control, 1100 mAh NiMH battery, 12V DC peak charger and pre-applied decals. The model is available in four awesome colors with excellent graphics applied to a white hull including blue, yellow, orange and red flame-style patterns. This model include some excellent performance and design features such as an easy-access, waterproof compartment, a lightweight ABS hull, a 380 motor with a water-cooling jacket, a “Dual Wedge” rudder steering, a micro-flex drive system and protective side rail cushions. Also included, is a stand to showcase your model. Imagine seeing four of these models screaming around your local pond, tell your friends and get ready for some exciting RC racing action.

Exciting mini size fun

Model Specifications

Hull Length: 14.25 in (362 mm)
Overall Length: 16 in (406 mm)
Width: 4.75 in (108 mm)
Height: 2.5 in (63 mm)
Overall Height: 3.25 in (82 mm)
Includes: 2-channel AquaCraft FM pistol grip radio with waterproof receiver and 1 mini servo; 380-size water-cooled motor; waterproof electronic speed control; 1100mAh NiMH battery; 12V DC charger
Requires: 8 "AA" batteries for the transmitter

See AquaCraft's website for all the details.

Traxxas Nitro Vee RC Boat Overview

fastie — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0500

Traxxas Nitro Vee RC Boat

At 31" long the Traxxas Nitro Vee RC Boat is a great size boat for easy sport fun at your local pond. With it's Deep Vee - ocean racing - hull design it looks great and looks like it cuts the chop well as it carves through the water. The boat is powered by the Pro .15 marine engine that is easy to start and protected by a good warranty.

Front View of Traxxas Nitro Vee RC Boat

The Traxxas Nitro Vee is a good sport boat for your introduction into nitro boats. Many are also upgrading this boat as time goes on with other engines and accessories to increase performance. The boat has a some great features to help you easy out onto the water such as the EZ-Start elecric starting system, an in-line clutch for allowing boat to idle and manuever gently near shore and also a patented Return To Shore (RTS) feature which couples a small electric motor to the prop drivetrain so that when you run out of fuel you can easily return the boat to shore - no fishing for the boat or need to have a jon boat handy to retrieve your model. In addition, the boat comes full assembled and ready for action.

Model Specifications

Included Radio

Hull Type: Offshore Deep "V"
Dead Rise Angle: 22 Degrees
Hull Length: 31 Inches (787mm)
Beam: 8.5 Inches (216mm)
Weight: 60oz (1.7kg)
Draft: 4.5 Inches (114mm)
Speed Control Type: N/A
Engine: TRX Pro.15 Nitro
Drive System: Direct Drive
Outdrive: Adjustable Surface-Piercing

Checkout the awesome video and warranty info on Traxxas's website.

Duratrax 7.4V LiPo Car Battery Packs

fastie — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0500

Duratrax 3700 7.4V LiPo Car Battery Pack

With some of the newer RC cars on the market, even sport drivers are now moving over to LiPo batteries to handle the powerful brushless motors like on the Traxxas Rustler VXL. The new LiPo batteries are generally lighter and much more powerful than the comparable NiCd and NiMH batteries. A note here is to make sure your motor is capable of handling these batteries and you should check with your manufacturer before using. LiPo allow motors to draw more amps quicker and this also generates more heat and of course power and speed for your car or buggy. So use as recommended.

Duratrax 5400 7.4V LiPo Car Battery Pack

With that said, Duratrax has two battery packs available which may suit your needs. They have a 3700 model which stands for 3700mAh at 7.4V which has a max charge rate of 3.7A. Also, they have a 5400 model which is rated at 5400 mAh at 7.4V and a max charge rate of 5.4A. Both packs are built securely with impact and puncture-resistant ABS case. This is important becuase of the special handling that is needed with LiPo packs which may catch fire when damaged. You should read all safety instructions before using to make sure you understand how to discharge and charge your battery packs. In addition, the battery packs come with gold-bullet connectors for the terminals and have standard connectors. Other connectors are available as well such as Deans or Traxxas style connectors.

Oynx 230 Charger

Duratrax's website also recommends a quality charger such as the Onyx 230 or the Intellipeak ICE that are specially made for LiPo batteries. In addition, you will need a balancer for these packs which make sure each cell is conditioned properly. Duratrax recommends the Team Checkpoint Pro Balancer.

Duratrax Onyx AC/DC Charger Overview

fastie — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0500

Onyx 200

Duratrax has introduced a new line of chargers called the “Onyx” series of chargers geared to “sport level performance”. But, don’t let that description fool you, these are some nice chargers with excellent features for the price. With five different models to choose from, these chargers are sure to be a hit at your local RC raceway. Duratrax Onyx Chargers standard features include: AC/DC input, AC power supply built-in, peak detection for NiCd and NiMH packs, auto trickle feature, a wide range of currents, a higher charge current, solid-state overload and reverse polarity protection, audible indicators and a 5-year warranty.

LCD Display

Available Onyx Chargers

The line of Onyx chargers is sure to include a charger to meet you needs. The models available include the AC/DC Sport Peak Charger which is a great entry level chargers geared more to cars and boats. The AC/DC Peak Charger adds a custom LCD display and the ability to charge at lower amp settings. The AC/DC Programmable Peak Charger features an advanced reverse-backlit LCD, fully adjustable amp settings, has built in battery memories, can charge receiver and transmitter batteries and has many programmable features. Now, the AC/DC Advanced Charger further kicks-up the features by providing the ability to charge the latest Lithium battery packs including LiPo, LiIon and even LiFe (A123) cells. It also has all the advanced programmable features and even a built-in fan to keep all the electronics cool. The last charger on the list is the AC/DC Dual Peak Charger. This charger features two independent outputs and is designed for NiCd and NiMH battery users who alternate between various packs at the track. Go to the website for more details and a nice comparison chart on the different chargers.

Onyx 210

Duratrax Onyx 220

Onyx 240

Specifications:

AC input: 110V AC 60Hz
DC input: 11-15V DC, built-in lead with alligator clips
Battery types: 1-8 NiCd or NiMH cells (1.2-9.6V)
1-3 LiPo, Li-Ion, or LiFe cells (3.7-11.1V)
Battery capacity range: 50-9900mAh
Fast charge current: 0.1-7.0A linear, adjustable (AC 50W, DC 70W, 2C limit for lithiums)
Fast charge termination: peak detection for NiCd/MH, cc/cv for lithiums
Fast charge safety timer: off-300 minutes
NiCd/MH peak sensitivity: 3-20mV adjustable
NiCd/MH trickle charge curent: auto mode (1/20 fast charge setting), or manual set 0-250mA
Controls: 4 pushbuttons
Battery memories: 10
Display type: 2x8 reversed LCD with backlight
Setup tones: on / off
Audible melodies: 5
Output connection: banana jacks (includes standard adapter)*
Protective devices: solid-state reverse polarity and current overload
Case size: 6.0 x 5.28 x 1.69” (153 x 134 x 43 mm)
Weight: 23.5 oz. (666 g)

Aquacraft Alligator Tours Airboat Overview

fastie — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0500

Alligator Tours Airboat in action

Looking for something a bit different in RC modeling? Here you have it - it's the exciting Aquacraft Alligator Tours Airboat. This is a nitro powered ready-to-run RC airboat complete with a SuperTigre G34 engine, a 2 channel radio and a handy stand which also aides in carrying the model. Aquacraft designed this airboat to handle like the real model for fun over water, lily pads and marshes.

Showing complete system

Details of the Aquacraft Alligator Tours Airboat

Aquacraft Alligator Tours Airboat

The Alligator Tours Airboat includes some nice features such as the large air rudders, strakes on the hull’s bottom to aide in better control, and great looks. The details of the boat even include a realistic looking driver and passenger seat. The model is available in both green and red color schemes with nice graphics. The model does come with the nitro engine which doesn’t require and special fuel or glow plugs and a 2 channel Tactic 27 Mhz radio. Included is also a DVD which will help in proper tuning and break-in of the SuperTigre engine. There are a few required accessories which are the glow fuel (10-15% nitro recommended), glow igniter, fuel bottle, electric starter, 12V battery for starting, and 12 AA batteries. This is one unique model and is sure to make an impression at your neighborhood pond. See below for all the specifications.

Model Specifications:

Aquacraft Alligator Tours Airboat

Length: 30 in (770 mm)
Beam: 11.25 in (285 mm)
Height: 14 in (355 mm)
Weight: 6 lb 5 oz (2.86 kg)
Includes: SuperTigre G34 engine w/exhaust, Tactic™ 2-channel 27MHz radio
Requires: 10-15% nitro aircraft glow fuel, glow igniter, fuel bottle, electric starter, 12V battery, 12 "AA" batteries