Zero RC - Radio Control News and Information

HPI Racing Brama 10B RTR 4WD Overview

Zero — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0600

All components of the RTR kit

One of the latest releases from HPI Racing is the Brama 10B RTR 4WD buggy. This 1/10th scale is designed for low maintenance and has a good price for a 1/10th-scale 4WD. Unlike Hot Bodies, which is the racing division for HPI Racing, this car is more for the novice or sportsman as an entry-level 4WD RC car. It claims good durability, but has extensive use of mostly nylon/composite plastic components. Some seem very durable, but this car probably would need some upgrades for serious off-road competitive racing. For fun in the neighborhood and just getting started, it looks like a great choice and has some great features.

Tough Nylon Front Bumper

HPI Racing Brama 10B RTR 4WD 1/10th scale buggy is a sharp looking RC vehicle. It has some nice features for an entry level 4WD buggy. Based on the E10 chassis, this vehicle should have great handling characteristics. The video on the HPI Racing website shows the vehicle handling nicely and taking curbs and jumps with ease. Being a RTR, you just need to install the AA batteries in the transmitter, charge the vehicle's battery and your ready to run. One feature I really like, is the enclosed 4WD drive shaft, as they claim it helps protect from rocks and loose dirt getting into the drive train and slowing you down. This will keep your car running great in the harshest conditions. It has oil-filled shocks, ball bearings in the drivetrain, a nice tub chassis, a double wishbone suspension, good shock adjust abilities and much more. With a low street price, this should be a great buggy to get started in 1/10th scale 4WD.

Shaft Driven 4WD

For more information, check out the HPI website.

Great Planes Cherokee Sport-Scale ARF Airplane Overview

Zero — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0600

Great Planes Cherokee Sport-Scale ARF is a 60 in model which could be rigged with either glow or electric power. This scale model is ideally suited to those interested in a scale-looking low wing model and is a great step-up after your first trainer. Being an ARF, they claim 4-6 hours of assembly and your off to the field. This model will perform the basic aerobatic maneuvers and should be an ideal first low wing airplane for the serious RCer.

The cockpit area lifts off providing access to the electrics

Construction features and details on this model are no in short supply. Great Planes has a real winner on their hands with both a great looking scale plan in the Cherokee ARF as well as what should be a good performer when using electric or nitro propulsion. Great Planes explains all the great features on their website, but some of the highlights include: a bolt-on wing and tail for easy assembly and transport, tricycle landing gear, fiberglass wheel pants look great while providing low drag, and with a 5 channel radio you can even operate the included flaps. You will need at least a 4 channel radio (5 channel for the flaps), servos, and electric or nitro power to complete this model.

Specifications

Can be fitted with Electric or Glow power

Wingspan: 60 in (1520 mm)
Wing Area: 606 in² (39 dm²)
Weight: 6.75-7.25 lb (3.1-3.3 kg)
Wing Loading: 26-28 oz/ft² (79-85 g/dm²)
Length: 46 in (1170 mm)
Requires: 4+ channel radio system (5-channel required for operational flaps) w/4-7 standard servos
Electric Power Requirements:
- ElectriFly™ RimFire™ 42-50-800 Out-runner Brushless Motor (GPMG4700);
- ElectriFly Silver Series SS-60 Brushless Electronic Speed Control (GPMM1850);
- 18.5V 3200mAh LiPo battery (GPMP0622 or GPMP0623);
- propeller (10x5E or 11x5E)
Glow Power Requirements:
- 2-stroke .40-.46 cu (7-7.5cc) or 4-stroke .52-.56 cu in (8.5-9.2cc) engine

All the components of this ARF

For more information, check out the Great Planes website.

Century Swift 3D 6-Channel 2.4Ghz RTF Overview

Zero — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0600

The complete package

Swift has produced an excellent 30 size electric ready to fly helicopter. This is a fine model and has been test flown and ready for the experienced 3D flyer or with training gear would be an excellent choice for the first single blade helicopter. Similar to other 30 size models on the market, but it also includes a 2.4Ghz 6-channel radio which will provide awesome Spread Spectrum technology so you don't need to worry about someone on the same frequency taking out your heli. With a length of 105 cm, this is a good size to get started and Century Helicopters produces some nice quality models so you are backed by a company with good access to parts for repair. This is critical for any helicopter flyer.

Century Swift 3D 6-Channel 2.4Ghz RTF

As far as the details and construction, this isn't an all graphite model; but being a ready-to-fly helicopter it has good quality. Also, for a beginner composite plastic parts are much more forgiving in a crash and many new pilots make the mistake by trying to learn on a fancy graphite model that is much more expensive to repair.

Features

Powerful 550 sized outrunner motor
High speed tail mounted servo
heading lock gyro
nicely integrated tail system
eCCPM control geometry
Thrust bearing supported blade grips
2.4 GHz control radio
1700-1800 rpm for blades - easy for beginners to control

Specifications

Century Swift 3D 6-Channel 2.4Ghz RTF

Main Rotor Blades: 520mm
Tail Rotor Diameter: 21cm
Length: 105cm
Height: 34.4cm
Weight: 1.56kg
Speed Control: 75/95 Amp
Motor: 1440kV
Battery: 4S Li-Po 20C/30C
Pinion: 10 tooth
Head Speed: 1600 - 2100 RPM
Radio System: Elite 2.4GHz 6 Channel
Flight Time: 12-15mins
Charger: Standard AC Wall Charger

For more information, check out the Century website.

CEN Racing 1/8th GSR 5.0 Nitro Monster Truck Overview

Zero — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0600

The GSR 5.0 on the dirt

Light-weight 23 mm hex 6 spoke wheel with super soft all terrain tire

This is one monster truck ready and willing to tear-up the track. CEN Racing claims a 2nd Place finish at the 2007 Monster Truck Nationals and their website exclaims that they were the only truck that didn't break in the A-main finals. Sporting a 5.0 cc Corsa engine and a 2-speed transmission, this truck is claims to reach speeds of about 45 mph. That is some Monster truck.

The CEN Racing 1/8th GSR 5.0 Nitro Monster Truck is loaded with some nice features which makes the claim of durability very believable. It has features like the Corsa 5.0 cc engine, a two speed transmission, Aluminum chassis, Aluminum shock towers, a protected radio box, "MTM" metal brake system which sports 4 disc brakes, and much more.

Downforce Racing Wing

Additional Features:

New super stiff shock springs to launch your GSR off ramps and dirt jumps!
Light-weight 23 mm hex 6 spoke wheel with super soft all terrain tire
Light-weight composite two piece tuned pipe
All new racing wing and wing mount with adjustable down-force! Provides added stability while jumping and traction at high speeds.
Powerful and durable rear exhaust 5.0cc Corsa engine with tons of power!
Newly designed body scheme that comes pre-painted and decaled.
Heavy duty Metal to Metal Brake system for superior stopping power.
Extremely lightweight composite drive-train for reduced rotating mass
Equipped with easy to use Allen hex screws
Machined one-piece engine mount with cooling fins suitable for most big block engines
Front and rear racing differentials with super hard steel gears for extreme durability.
Dual Vertical Chassis design that provides ultra rigid support
High impact skid plate bumpers to improve durability (front and rear)
Hardened steel 8 mm constant velocity axles
Heavy duty spindles and caster blocks with alloy wheel hubs
Protected radio box and battery case
Oil filled shocks with functional reservoirs to absorb all types of terrain.

Specifications:

The GSR 5.0 on the dirt

Length: 22.4 inch / 570 mm
Weight: 12.5 lbs / 5.7kg
Engine: CORSA 5.0 engine
Width: 16.5 inch / 420 mm
Wheel size: 3.7inch / 94 mm
Transmission: 2 Speed Forward
Ground clearance: 3.15 inch / 80 mm
Tires: 6.2inch / 157 mm
Drive System: V Shaft Driven, 4 wheel drive
Overall Height: 9.84 inch / 250 mm
Wheelbase: 15.63inch /397 mm
Radio System: FM Digital Spec Radio
Fuel tank capacity: 220 cc
Chassis type: Dual VPC (Vertical Plate Chassis)
Differential type: Sealed 6-Gear Differential

For more information, check out the CEN Racing website.

Carl Goldberg Products Protege ARF Airplane Overview

Zero — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:13:52 -0600

Carl Goldberg Products Protege ARF Airplane

The Carl Goldberg Products Protege ARF Airplane is a great ARF for the beginning flyer ready for their first trainer. Maybe you have flown some park flyers with the sailplane like wings and now your ready for some training at your local field but want something already assembled - well this would be a great choice. You will need to install the engine, radio and make all the adjustments; but after that you will have a quality balsa plane that most instructors will enjoy flying as well.

At 71.5" in wingspan, this plane gives you the size you need as a beginner or immediate to keep track of the orientation. This is important for many flyers since even experienced flyers sometimes loose the orientation during maneuvers or when the plane gets a bit out of sight. This model has nice hardware included as well as features quality balsa construction. You will enjoy this airplane as you advance and who knows it may remain a favorite for years to come. Check out all the specifications and details on Carl Goldberg's website.

Carl Goldberg Products Flight Boxes Overview

Zero — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 04:09:50 -0500

The Electro Tote with Quick Chill Batter Cooler

The Quik Chill Battery Cooler

The Carl Goldberg Products has announced some nice new products for handling your organizational and storage needs at the field. The first is the Electro Tote which is a great box for the electric flyer. This box even features the new Quik Chill Battery Cooler to keep those hot LiPo in top condition. They also announced the Super Hold'em which is a great holder for your airplane wing as you do service or get ready for that next flight.

The Carl Goldberg Products Flight Boxes feature wood construction and they come in kit form so you are able to paint or cover to your own color choices. No electronics are included except for a fan and banana plus for the QuiK Chill Battery Cooler. The website has all the complete information. Take a look and get better organized as you prefer for your flights at the RC field.

Lots of storage space

Features of the Electro Tote:

2 Power panel compartments accept most popular brands.
4 sliding drawers for wrenches, connectors, and other items.
Customized compartment for drivers, props, glues and other items.
Large battery compartment for storage and transporting.
Includes Quik Chill Battery Cooler™ compartment
Includes cooling fan, banana plugs, and female adapters
Removable top tray great for carrying your transmitter.
Decals included
All laser cut parts

The Super Hold'em

Features of the Super Hold'em:

Decals included
Length adjusts from 13¼” to 26½"
Cradle adjusts from 2½” to 7½”
All laser cut parts

Carl Goldberg Products 67" Edge 540 ARF Airplane Overview

Zero — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:46:50 -0500

Carl Goldberg Products 67" Edge 540 ARF

The Carl Goldberg Products 67" Edge 540 ARF Airplane is an exciting 67" aerobatic nitro plane. The website has a great video showing the awesome performance and looks of this plane. As an ARF you will be flying it quickly and with Carl Goldberg quality you know you will have a excellent results.

Built for a 4-stroke 1.2 size engine, but you could also use a .6 to .9 2-stroke, the Carl Goldberg Products 67" Edge 540 ARF Airplane is a good choice for an advanced weekend flyer or the serious 3-D pilot. The plane has been built with laser cut parts and features an all-wood airframe. It also has aluminum landing gear, fiberglass cowl and fiberglass wheel pants.

The video below comes from the official website where you can also take a look at the instruction manual which shows all the components you will need to complete the model.

Specifications

Wingspan: 67"
Wing Area: 854 Sq. In.
Fuse Length: 64"
Flying Weight: 8-9 lbs.
Power: 2-stroke .60-.90 or 4-stroke .90-1.20
Radio:
4 - Channel Radio
6 - Servos

Team Associated TC4 RTR Touring Car Overview

fastie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0500

Team Associated TC4 RTR Touring Car

Some critical characteristics to an excellent road racing car is weight-distribution for good balance and handling, excellent power to weight ratio for quick acceleration, and an efficient drive train system for getting good range for sustained performance. Wait, we are talking about RC cars right? Well, even in RC racing, these are some key characteristics to winning races and the Team Associated TC4 RTR Touring Car comes well prepared for competitive RC racing. It has some of these race winning design features such as an efficient shaft drive system, good weight distribution of the motor versus the battery pack and excellent use of graphite components for low weight for good acceleration, but the strength and stiffness needed for good handling.

Reedy Radon 17-turn motor

Built to improve on the race winning design of the TC3 chasis, the TC4 provides some nice design features to give you a competitive edge in your touring races. Looking at the layout of the components on the chasis, Team Associated has thought about the centerline balance for good roll characteristics of the car as it transitions through the turns quickly. Having better balance makes the car easier to tune and the oil-filled shocks help dampen the motions on your most challenging tracks. More grip from good tuning, equals better power to the tires and the on-board Reedy Motor provides good power to the driveshaft 4WD system. Also, included with the car is a LRP digital speed control, Team Associated XP2 Radio system installed, and many factory team parts as well. All that is needed is a 6 cell battery pack and charger to get your model on the track. One downside is that in the configuration as shown, this model is not set-up for using LiPo battery packs. Also, as of this post Associated also has a TC5 model in kit form which is worth considering. But, for RTR action the TC4 is tough to beat and will get the beginner out racing in no time.

Specifications:

Team Associated TC4 RTR Touring Car chassis

Scale: 1:10
Power: Electric
Type: Touring Car
Length: 373mm
Width: 190mm
Weight: 1375g
Wheelbase: 273mm
Internal Gear Ratio: 2.5:1
Drive: 4WD

Features:

Treaded tires mounted on chrome 8-spoke wheels.

Body Painted V-Type Touring Car (190mm)
Electrical Motor, speed control, radio system
Shocks Composite-body VCS
Differential Carbide-ball Associated differential
Wheels & tires 8-spoke chrome wheels (standard 12mm hex) & treaded tires
Driveshafts Composite CVDs
Turnbuckles Steel
Ball bearings shielded bearings

See Team Associated's website for all the details.

O'Donnell Z01-B Nitro 4WD Buggy Overview

fastie — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0500

O'Donnell Z01-B Nitro 4WD Buggy in action

Designed and built for competitive 1/8th scale nitro buggy racing, Steve O'Donnell crafted an exceptional platform. Being a kit and made for serious competitors, this model will require your choice of radio, engine, and even racing tires. The parts and materials chosen are first class for this type of RC buggy, positioning of components on the chasis are ideal for excellent performance. With it's race proven chasis, O'Donnell's Z01-B would be an excellent choice for the serious buggy racer looking for an adjustable, race-capable platform moving up from the RTR models popular in your clubs.

O'Donnell Z01-B Nitro 4WD Buggy in action

O'Donnell Racing's website has detailed descriptions for this competition capable 1/8th scale buggy platform. The features of this model include CNC-machined and hard-anodized aluminum parts, nickel-plated drive components which reduce wear and friction, carbon fiber mounting plates for servos and accessories, and nicely crafted aluminum full bodied shocks. A good race car comes with adjustability for the track and environment you are racing at, and this car has adjustable caster, camber and rear ride-height. If purchasing this kit, please also make note of the "tech notice" advertised on the Z01-B website it refers to some construction tips missing from the issues manual. Below are also some of the specs on the buggy.

Specifications:

O'Donnell Z01-B Nitro 4WD Buggy

Length: 20 in (510 mm)
Width: 12 in (305 mm)
Height: 7.5 in (190 mm)
Weight: 6 lb (2,720 g)
Wheelbase: 13 in (330 mm)
F/R Track: 10.25/10.5 in (260/275 mm)

DuraTrax Mini Quake 4WD RTR Truck Overview

fastie — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0500

DuraTrax Mini Quake 4WD RTR Truck

The DuraTrax Mini Quake is a 1/18th scale 4WD truck with Monster Truck styling. It should have good performance with it's 8 oil filled shocks and a simple, but effective chasis layout. DuraTrax also offers the 1 year Stress-Tech Guarantee on i's plastic components. This model is an excellent choice for someone just starting out in RC or even a seasoned RC racer looking for something to run around the yard for fun.

Custom Multi-color Body

DuraTrax has combined some nice features in this a value based 4WD Monster truck. You have a choice of 6 nicely detailed body colors, the chasis is already assembled and Ready-to-Run (RTR), a 2-channel Radio, electronic speed control, and even the 6-cell NiCad battery and wall charger. So, with this kit it isn't just RTR, but everything is included - just charge and go. At just under 10" long, the performance of the truck should be pretty good with the included 380 sized motor. And, when your ready the list of hop-up parts is impressive including some graphite components which should reduce the weight quite well.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Length: 9.5 in (240 mm)
Width: 7.4 in (185 mm)

Factory Assembled Chassis

Height: 4.7 in (120 mm)
Weight: 25 oz (725 g)
Ground Clearance: 1.25 in (32 mm)
Includes: 2-channel DuraTrax® pistol radio made by Futaba® with RX-100 receiver, SX-100 servo and 8 "AA" batteries, ESC5000 Electronic Speed Control, 6-cell, 600mAh NiCd, AC Wall Charger

For more information, check out the DuraTrax Website.

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

L-39 Ducted Fan Airplane Overview

fastie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:43:25 -0500

Ready for action

The L-39 Ducted Fan ARF Airplane from ElectriFly is a sport scale ducted fan rc airplane with excellent performance and awesome scale looks. The power system included is an efficient and powerful in-line brushless motor mated with the ElectriFly "Hyperflow" system. As the videos show on the ElectriFly website, this is an easy to build and impressive performing model complete with a nice display stand for your office or home.

L-39 has a convenient magnetic hatch

Looking at the construction characteristics of this plane, it has some very nice features which contribute to it's sport flying capabilities. First, it is constructed of "Aerocell" foam which keeps the weight lower, but this foam also has good strength which equals an airplane with good strength-to-weight ratio. In modeling airplanes, this is key to top performance. A side benefit of this foam is that you can easiely repair a mishap with regular CA glue and not have to use foam safe CA as per ElectriFly's website. Second, the model has an excellent ducted-fan system complete called "Hyperflow" complete with using an Ammo brand brushless motor. These motors are efficient and you then have a powerful, yet light propulsion system. The L-39 has good attention to detail with it's nice finishing scale looks and also some detachable armaments for when you have the plane on it's stand. For the field the L-39 has easily accessed battery compartment with convenient magnetic latches. The only downside I see to this plane, is that you probably need to be an advanced intermediate to an expert RC pilot to handle the speed and snappy performance. Beginners should stay away from this model until they gain some flight time with a sport trainer. Be sure to checkout all the details and videos on ElectriFly's website.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Showing components in kit

Wingspan: 25 in (635 mm)
Wing Area: 141 in² (9.1 dm²)
Weight: 17.5-18.5 oz (500-520 g)
Wing Loading: 17.9-18.9 oz/ft² (55-58 g/dm²)
Length: 31 in (780 mm)
Includes: HyperFlow Ducted Fan Unit with 20-40-3500 Ammo In-Runner Brushless Motor
Requires: 3-channel radio w/3 micro servos, 25A brushless ESC, 910-1250mAh 11.1V LiPo battery

LADO 60-1 Electric Retract Review

Paul Osinski — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:15:14 -0500

The Aero-Modeler traditionally had two choices for their models if they needed retractable landing gear. Pneumatic air and servo assisted mechanical retracts. Now our third choice is electric. LADO Technologies has developed an extensive line of electric retracts. For this review, I will be critiquing the 60 sized, 85 degree drop in replacements for Hanger 9 planes.

First impressions:

Underside with integrated controller board

When I opened the box of my first 2 LADO retracts, my first thought was that of incredible craftsmanship. The outside casing is machined from two blocks of aluminum that fit together with pin point precision. The control circuit board is integrated into the bottom of each retract. The lead wire has a universal connector of high quality with a custom rubber seal to hold them in place. Located on the inside of the brass pivot stud, are stainless steel setscrews for fastening the strut. On the top side of the retract units is an adequately thick mounting plate with countersunk holes for screwing your retract to your wing mounts. The casings and circuit board are held together with high quality socket head cap screws. As the units come shipped with the mechanism set at a 45 degree angle for testing before they leave the factory, the brass jackscrew can be seen from the opening. This model retract can be ordered with 5/32 or 3/16 opening for your struts. The total weight of a pair of these units is just a tad over 6 ounces. In my opinion, a well built piece of equipment.

Installation:

3/4 view

Installing the LADO retracts are very straight forward. Fit them to your wing with your strut trimmed and aligned and screw them down. Join the lead wires with a Y adaptor and plug the end into your channel 5 pins on your receiver. Turn on your transmitter and receiver and flip the switch. The units are powered by the receiver. The LADO’s come to life with a sweet motor sound, then a forceful locking sound can be heard as the built in motors labor slightly. Current draw is .3 Amps during movement and .5 Amps for about 1/4 second during locking. Movement is slow compared to mechanical or air retracts. Using a regulator set to 6 volts, it took about 6 seconds for them to fully deploy. Great for modelers that want realistic retract speed. You can even purchase an accessory board to replace your Y adaptor that will stagger the retracts for even more realism.

Practical operation:

Side view

I installed my LADO’s in a 9 pound War Bird with 3/16 spring struts. Simply put, they work flawlessly. I start to retract the gear right after the first turn after liftoff so I can watch the gear slowly tuck under the wing as the plane is flying level above the runway. What a joy to watch! I do the same for landing as well. Special attention should be paid for landing. It is going to take around 6 or 7 seconds for the retract gear to lock down so plan ahead to avoid any mishaps. On landing, the retracts are solid. Not a single budge.

Durability:

Side view with wire strut and wheel

I can not say I have had hundreds of flights using these retracts. I will however share an experience. On my maiden flight of my War Bird, one of the struts got a tad bent on landing. Since I had blocked my gear mount bay with bass and plywood I figured it would be alright to try to bend the strut back without taking out the retract or causing any damage to the wing. I retracted the gear till the strut was about at 10 degrees to the wing and turned off the receiver to stop the retracts from further travel. I then grabbed the wheel and tugged till the strut was strait again. After that I cycled the retracts several times to be sure they would be fine. Not a single problem then, or ever since. From that experience, I am convinced the durability of these units is far more than need be.

Maintenance:

According to the manufacturer this model may need a little light machine oil after 2 years.

Overall conclusion:

If you want worry free retracts this is the way to go. Imagine not having to worry about a stalled servo, bent rods, having to pump air into your system or concern yourself about a loose air line. LADO retracts are built with the highest quality standards for years of service.

Company history:

Lado Technologies

Lado Technologies is owned by Doug Pientak. Located in Orville California. Like many great company’s it all started in a big garage.

The idea for electric retracts was a result of a conversation with Kalvin of Keleo Creations. He wanted some trouble free retracts for a plane he was working on. Doug, an Aero-Modeler himself thought it was an awesome idea as he was not happy with mechanical or air retracts either. Early in the 1 ½ year development, Doug realized that a Jack Screw design was the best way to design the new equipment.

Doug is an Electrical Engineer with a background in Product Development. With that experience it still was not a smooth beginning. “I am not a machinist by trade”, as a result he had to learn how to work a milling machine. “It was very frustrating in the beginning because I started with an old machine”. In retrospect, the end product was worth the frustration.

Much has happened in the last three years for LADO Technologies. Just after 8 months of development his Father, Larry partnered with Doug. In September of 2007 the company moved to its current facility. Shortly after the move a new lathe was purchased to help with production. The beginning of 2008 Doug’s wife, Lanae joined the team to help with electronics assembly, bookkeeping and to answer the phone. A HAAS Vertical Mill was purchased with high volume capabilities. “The HAAS is a joy to run. Simply input the parameters and push the button” Doug told me with obvious excitement in his voice. The latest change was made on 8/5/08 which is LADO’s web site. It has a new look and is much more user friendly than the original. “An account must be setup and has many advantages for the customer with this feature”. The improvement to the web site lets the customer get actual shipping costs, lets the customer check the status of their order and if an order is shipped that has a tracking or delivery confirmation number, the buyer can get that as well. If an item is not in stock the web site will not let you place an order. This eliminates any backorder problems. Another one of the site’s great improvements is the ‘Gear Finder’. This feature lets you match your plane or gear with the appropriate LADO equipment. Doug informed me that the only thing missing from the web site is the LADO Guarantee. He will Guarantee LADO Retracts for a one year period, including parts and labor.

During my phone interview with Doug, he also told me: “Business is booming, the economy has had no effect on the volume of orders”. Building LADO retracts are his only source of income. LADO Technologies is actively developing new products and will add them to the product line as they become available. The LADO facility also has a company mascot, an African Gray Parrot. Doug, how about a picture of your mascot on your site? Aero-Modelers, as you know have great senses of humor.

My overall conclusion:

LADO Retracts are well designed and durable equipment well worth the price. The owner of this small business is dedicated to Aero-Modeling as well as producing a quality product.

But wait, there’s more!

LADO Technologies produces a wide variety of retract products. Products like; Actuators that transform your air retracts into electric and controller Actuators. Check them out today.

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.