Check out the video on HobbyZip here, The RC Report, Episode 3

Or, watch it now:

]]> http://www.rcslot.com/blog/the-rc-report-episode-3.html/feed 0 http://www.rcslot.com/blog/rcslot-launches-hobbyzip-hobby-videos.html http://www.rcslot.com/blog/rcslot-launches-hobbyzip-hobby-videos.html#comments Wed, 07 May 2008 06:15:58 +0000 RCSLOT.com http://www.rcslot.com/blog/rcslot-launches-hobbyzip-hobby-videos.html After much awaited anticipation, RCSLOT is happy to announce the launch of our new website:

We need your help to grow the HobbyZip community. Upload a video today and share it with friends, clubs, racers, pilots, and more.

HobbyZip has been created to become the ultimate source for Hobby Videos. From R/C racing, flying, crawling, and bloopers to product reviews, updates, how-to’s, and more, if its hobby-related then we want it.

Do you have video clips of a recent competition, quick shots of your airplane spiraling out of control, or tips and tricks others could benefit from? Create a free account today and start sharing your fun with the world!

If you do not see six videos above, make sure you have the most up-to-date Adobe Flash Player. Oh yeah, in addition to the above HobbyZip launch, for those who received the RCSLOT.com May coupon code in a recent purchase or anyone that missed it, use the code MAYNITRO now through 5/31/2008 to save $10. Simply enter the coupon code during checkout with your next purchase of $149 or more and $10 will be subtracted from the total. Thank you for your help and support, RCSLOT.com – Hobby Shop HobbyZip.com – Hobby Videos

]]> http://www.rcslot.com/blog/rcslot-launches-hobbyzip-hobby-videos.html/feed 0 http://www.rcslot.com/blog/saito-fa-40cl-control-line-engine.html http://www.rcslot.com/blog/saito-fa-40cl-control-line-engine.html#comments Sun, 04 May 2008 04:31:09 +0000 RC Cheesehead http://www.rcslot.com/blog/saito-fa-40cl-control-line-engine.html Saito’s Smallest Control Line Engine

The new Saito FA-40CL model SAIE040CL is a purpose built 4 stroke rc engine certain to appeal to modelers who fly smaller control line models. Its carburetor venturi is intended and designed specifically for control line flying.  Get ready to get your hands on one of these mid-May.

• Standard needle valve location makes for easy transition to control line flying
• Very lightweight muffler
• Modelers can easily adjust the venturi size to fit their particular application

Check out all Saito RC Engine items available from RCSLOT.

Have you heard about the Saito G36 gasoline 4-stroke engine? It shares the same case as the FA-220a glow 4-stroke and features an electronic ignition and Walbro carburetor. Its valve seats have also been directly hardened for long life with gasoline fuels. And like its glow fueled Saito cousin, the engine is very receptive to different size propellers which gives you many different options.

With this new engine, many different projects are possible. The G36 will fit almost any 1.20 to 1.50 size airplane – so what airplane do we like? Hangar 9 has recently re-released their P-51 1.50 in a new trim scheme. This RC airplane has traditionally been an exceptional match with the Saito 1.50 or 1.80 glow engines. Plus, Saito engines perform wonders with large diameter propellers which only add to the scale appearance of a Mustang. And of course, the sound of that Saito humming away up front just makes the experience all that much better.

Making it Fit:

Does the Saito fit the Mustang 1.50? Yes, but with a little modification that is not to difficult. Two options are available for the engine mount. The G36 includes a very nice machined aluminum mount, or you can use the universal mount that comes with the Hangar 9 kit – both work well.

With either mount used, a modification to the firewall is required as the G36 is longer than the glow FA-180 normally used in the Hangar 9 P-51. The fix involves cutting part of the firewall away and installing another firewall on the back side of the factory piece. Other items you will need to make room for in the fuselage include the ignition battery, the electronic ignition module, and a smaller than normal fuel tank – gas engines use less fuel. Also, it is recommended that you use a True Turn 5″ spinner when setting up the engine-to-cowling spacing.

Cut Template
Cutout Template
Firewall Template
Spacers template

Field Setup:

When you are ready to go to the field, check everything over in the radio installation and gas engine setup. Make any adjustments to the control surfaces and remember to secure all screws and bolts. Your new DX7 will provide all the functionality this model needs.

Fly Away:

The flight characteristics of the Hangar 9 P-51 1.50 have always been exceptional. A 2007 Nationals Scale-winning entry is proof of that. The G36 provides all the power a pilot is going to expect from a model of this type. There is no longer any concern about the fuel consumption of the previous glow engines with the gas ignition Saito on board. A smaller gas tank can easily provides 10–15 minutes of flying time.

Related Product Categories:

Hangar 9 RC Airplanes
Saito RC Gas and Glow Engines
Spektrum RC Radios

Gas pilots looking to power their 1.20 or 1.80 scale or sport airplane will find the new Evolution 26GX model EVOE26GX a tremendous success. The attractive new low-profile head design lets the 26GX squeeze into smaller cowls. Plus, the ignition system allows 2-cell Li-Po packs.

Quick Feature Look:

• New low-profile head design fits easily into small cowls
• Canted spark plug allows for easy installation
• Ignition system ready for 2-cell Li-Po packs

This purpose-built engine brings the clean and economical operation of gas to any 1.20 or 1.80 size sport or scale airplane. The Evolution 26GX is part of Evolution Engine’s outstanding line of gasoline powerplants. Every Evolution engine is purpose built for model airplanes. Superiority porting technology, ball-bearing supported crankshafts, Walbro carburetors, and modern electronic ignition systems are all hallmarks of this quality line.

Specifications:

Type: Two Stroke Gasoline Engine
Displacement: 1.55 cu. in. (25.5 cc)
Bore: 33.0 mm (1.30 in)
Stroke: 30.1 mm (1.17 in)
Cylinders: Single
Engine (Only) Weight: 936 grams (33.106 oz)
Crankshaft Threads: M10 x 1 mm
Benchmark Prop: 18×6 @ 8,700 rpm
Prop Range: 16×8 thru 18×8
RPM Range: 1,400 – 9,500 rpm
Fuel: oil w/gasoline mix 1:40
Mounting Dimensions: 146 x 70 x 99 mm
Muffler Type: Side mount EVO30943410
Cylinder Type: Ringed
Starting System: Electric Ignition EVO3314L (GT2 type Igniton ICU-L
Carb Type: Walbro EVO30943224

Visit the full line of Evolution Engine products available at RCSLOT.

The Radio Control industry’s most reliable manufacturer of top-quality glow 4-stroke engines, Saito, introduces its first gas-powered engine, the Saito FG-36 (SAIEG36). This engine is the gas equivalent of the 220 glow engine with regards to size and dimensions, though it gives hobbyists the cleaner, lower operating cost of gas with 36cc of power. Above and beyond the advantages of a 4-stroke gas engine, this is the RC engine for those who like to run clean and efficient engines. Accompanied by the power and precision craftsmanship of Saito, the distinguished look and sweet sound, this is the engine many have been waiting for.

As an expert in reliable 4-stroke, Saito has spent more than two years developing the best-built 4-stroke gas engine. The power-to-weight ratio of a Saito creates a one-of-a-kind flying experience. For the serious modelers, the long awaited arrival of a high-quality, powerful, and precision craftsmanship gas engine is here.

Experience four-stroke power perfected on a whole new level!

Key Features

• 4-stroke gas engine from one of RC’s top brands
• 36cc displacement rivals similarly sized 2-strokes
• Includes ignition, muffler and Walbro carburetor
• Built for the utmost in reliability and performance
• Brings the Saito experience to gas enthusiasts
• Available in traditional silver case
• Comparable in power to Saito FA-220 glow 4-stroke
• Purpose-built machined motor mount also included

Specifications

Type: 4 Stroke Gasoline Engine
Displacement: 2.20 cu in (36 cc)
Bore: 35mm (1.49 in)
Stroke: 32mm (1.26 in)
Cylinders: Single
Total Weight: 66.2 oz (1760 g)
Engine (Only) Weight: 48.2 oz (1252 g)
Muffler Weight: 3.0 oz (86 g)
Crankshaft Threads: M8 x 1.25
Benchmark Prop: APC 18 x 6W @ 8,300 rpm
Prop Range: 18″ – 19″ x 8″ – 9″ ,  20″ x 8″ (Bolly or Mejzlik)
RPM Range: 1,700 – 9,000 rpm
Fuel: Gas oil mix of 20-30: 1 (20:1 for break in)
Mounting Dimensions: 7″ x 2 5/8″ x 6 5/16″ (124mm x 85mm x 173mm)
Muffler Type: Cast
HP: 3.5
Cylinder Type: Ringed
Starting System: Saito Ignition 4.8v – 6v (capacity more than 1,000mAh)
Carb Type: Walbro/Saito
Crank Type: Ball Bearing

Checkout the full line of Saito Engine products RCSLOT has available.

If you want to get off the ground, you’ve got to have an engine. The most common powerplant for radio control airplanes has been a 2-stroke engine burning glow fuel-a methanol/nitro-methane/oil mixture. But, depending on the model you fly, you can also choose a 4-stroke engine, or an engine fueled by regular gasoline. You can even use an electric motor to power your plane.

The size and type of engine is, of course, determined by the size and type of model. And it’s important to keep the engine in proportion to the plane. Most trainers, for example, use a .40 size 2-stroke engine. You can boost power by moving up to a .46 or even .48 size, but too much power can be as bad as too little, so it’s always best to stick within the recommendations that come with your kit.

As an alternative to the commonly-used 2-stroke, many modelers prefer a 4-stroke engine. A 4-stroke engine has a different rhythm in its operation and produces a distinctive sound (think sports car rumble vs. motorcycle whine). The more “realistic” aircraft sound produced by 4-stroke engines, like Saito, is especially prized by scale modelers.

Giant scale modelers can also opt for engines fueled by regular gas instead of glow fuel. More economical to run, they are also large and powerful. Zenoah, the top name in gas engines, offers sizes ranging from 2 horsepower/1.37 cubic inches to a whopping 6 horsepower/4.45 cubic inches. They are definitely designed for the “big birds.”

Click RC Airplane Engines to checkout the Plane Engines RCSLOT has available.

Big “Comm” & Small “Comm” Generally speaking, big commutators provide more torque while the regular size commutator provides more rpms. Big comms: high load, high current applications, good for Off Road racing. Small comms: high rpms, lower current applications, good for On Road racing.

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Number of Turns Refers to how many times the copper wire is wound around each pole of the armature. Basic guide:

More Turns (e.g. 19T) = Higher torque, less rpm, longer battery life. Slower but easier to drive. May provide more acceleration but lower top speed.

Less Turns (e.g. 12T) = Less torque, more rpm, shorter battery life. Faster but more difficult to drive.

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Number of Winds The number of winds refer to the number of wires wound around the armature. Basic guide: Single Wind = Most bottom end power, great acceleration. Power is achieved at lower rpms. For short racing tracks with a lot of turns.

Double / Triple / Quad = Less bottom end power, less acceleration. Power is achieved at higher rpms. For long racing tracks with long straights, higher top speeds.

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Comm Drops Usually designed to increase power in stock motors, and usually increases rpms. But using commutator drops would require frequent motor rebuilding. Use only a few drops before each run, and clean the motor with a high quality motor spray after each run.

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Hand Wound versus Machine Wound The method of wrapping wires around the armature is either done by a machine or a human. Hand wound is more precise, more power, more expensive. Machine wound is less precise, less power, less expensive.

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Balancing The typical RC electric motor has 3 poles, with each pole having wires wound around it. If each pole is properly balanced, then the armature can rotate smoothly, providing maximum power. There are two methods used to get a balanced armature. One is by removing material from the armature pole. This method will also reduce the motor’s power. The better method is to apply epoxy to balance the armatures. This is better because it will not affect the magnetic field, and not reduce power.

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Heat Sinks

Heat is the major enemy, especially in electric motors. So to get the maximum power it is important to keep your motor as cool as possible. Aluminum heat sinks help dissipate heat and keep your motor cool.

- Team Associated