This article is about model RC airplane crashes, and how to repair the damage caused by them.

Crashing your RC model airplane is normal, and it happens to everyone when learning how to fly. Because of this, the Vortex Extreme RC model airplane has been specifically designed to survive crashes with minimal damage. Follow this procedure to assess the damage caused by the crash, and repair your RC model airplane easily.

Right after the RC model airplane crash:

1. Do a search - Get all of the parts from your RC model airplane, including all broken pieces of foam and plastic. Most of the time, the broken RC model airplane parts can be repaired by re assembling these fragments.
2. Find all the parts - Do a thorough search of the crash site to make sure that you find all of the parts.
3. Take them home - Put the RC model airplane parts in a box or other container, and take them home. Don’t attempt to repair the RC model airplane at the flying field.

Assess the damage to your RC model airplane and make repairs:

1. Find a place to work - Now that you have all of the parts from your RC model airplane, go and find a place to work on repairs. You will want a large flat table, so that you can lay out all of the parts.
2. Check the wing and tail - Look at the wing and tail sections of the RC model airplane, are they damaged? Small chips and cracks can usually be repaired with epoxy and packing tape. If you find a chip, place the missing part back into the wing or tail, and lay a strip of packing tape over the top and bottom. Larger cracks and bends generally require the replacement of the wing. A rudder cracked at the root can be repaired using epoxy and packing tape.
3. Check the control surfaces - Are the rudder and elevator control surfaces still attached to the tail of the RC model airplane? If they have been knocked loose, just use some packing tape to re attach them. Bends in the pushrods can be corrected using a pair of pliers.
4. Check the tail boom - Is the tail boom of the RC model airplane broken? If it is, you will need to replace it. Get a replacement tail boom, and remove the old one from the airplane. Put the pushrods from the old tail boom into the new one, making sure that they are straight. Bends in the pushrods can be corrected using a pair of pliers. Hot glue the new tail boom into the fuselage, and screw it in place.
5. Check the RC model airplane landing gear - Bent landing gear can be repaired by bending it back into shape with your hands.
6. Check the RC model airplane propeller - If it is broken, replace it using the spare that came with your airplane. More spare propellers can be ordered through our website.
7. Test the RC model airplane radio - Do the throttle, rudder, and elevator respond to the transmitter? Check to make sure that they move in the right direction. If the radio does not respond, it has probably been damaged on impact. A replacement fuselage is available which includes a new radio system. Get this and install the non broken components of the airplane.
8. Perform a pre flight check to make sure that everything works correctly. Refer to Part III of this article for the procedure.

You have now completely repaired your RC model airplane, so that it is ready to fly again. If you want, you can print off this article, and keep it as a reference to use when repairing RC model airplanes in the future.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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RC Model Airplane Flight - What You Need To Know:

By this time, you are probably excited to go out and fly your new RC model airplane. Before you read further, please make sure that you understand the information presented in part I and part II of this article. It is important to understand the basics of RC model airplane flight before going any further.

This article will show you what you can expect when you first fly your model, and will provide some checklists you can use to ensure that your RC model airplane is ready to fly. From now on, it is assumed that you have chosen Vortex Extreme as your first RC model airplane, but this information should still be useful when using other similar RC model airplanes. A good example would be the Multiplex Easystar RC model airplane.

Pre Flight Check List for Your RC Model Airplane:

After you assemble your RC aircraft using the included instructions, follow this checklist carefully. It will make any problems with the RC aircraft apparent before you fly.

Perform A Visual Inspection of your RC model airplane:

1. Inspect the airplane for any signs of damage. Check the RC model airplane’s wing and all foam parts for cracks, and make sure that the fuselage and tail boom are attached securely. Make sure that the wing and tail section are straight relative to the fuselage.
2. Check the rudder and elevator. Are they attached to their respective pushrods (the silver wires coming from the rear end of the tail boom)? Do they move freely?
3. Center the trim tabs on the transmitter (highlighted in blue), and push the elevator (vertical) trim tab several clicks down.
4. Make sure that the RC model airplane’s main landing gear (wheels) and tail wheel (the smaller wheel on the back) are attached securely. Does the airplane sit flat on the ground? If it doesn’t, bend the main wheels gently to correct this.

Test The Radio of Your RC model airplane:

1. Place a fully charged flight battery in the RC model airplane.
2. Place eight new AA batteries or 8 fully charged NiCd Batteries in the transmitter
3. Turn on the transmitter by moving the switch to the right. The two LEDs on the transmitter should light up. If they don’t, replace the batteries in the transmitter.
4. Move the stick on the transmitter in several full circles. Do the rudder and elevator move in the right direction? Test this by moving the stick to the upper right. The elevator should move down and the rudder should move to the right (when viewed from behind). If they don’t move in the right direction, use the reverse switches found near the bottom centre of your transmitter.
5. Collapse the antenna, and walk away from the aircraft while moving the control surfaces. If you can still control the elevator and rudder effectively at a distance of about 30 ft with the antenna collapsed, the radio is functioning correctly.

Test the Motor of Your RC Model Airplane:

1. If the propeller is installed on the RC model airplane, remove it.
2. Press the red arming switch on the side of the fuselage.
3. Increase the speed of the motor using the throttle control.
4. As long as the motor shaft spins relatively fast, you have a properly working motor.

Understanding Your RC Model Airplane Radio:

In order to fly your RC model airplane, you will need to be familiar with the different controls and features of your radio system. This color coded diagram shows all the different control functions, and where they are located on the transmitter.

• Red - Elevator and rudder control. Left and right motion controls the rudder, while up and down motion controls the elevator
• Green - Power switch. Moving the power switch to the right turns the transmitter on.
• Blue - Trim tabs. Move these to the centre before your first flight. They are used to make small adjustments to the elevator and rudder, so that the RC model airplane flies straight and level without additional control inputs.
• Yellow - Antenna. Make sure that it is fully extended before flying your RC model airplane, and collapse it for storage. You can do this by grasping the top part, and pushing or pulling it from the transmitter case.
• Pink - Servo Reversing switches. These will reverse the motion of the aircrafts control surfaces. They can be moved either up or down. Use these only if the default motion of the control surfaces on your RC Model Airplane is incorrect (I.E the elevator moves up when the stick is moved up.)
• White - Indicator lights. The red light is the power indicator, and turns on whenever the power switch is on. The green one is the battery indicator. It remains on as long as the batteries are full. As soon as it turns off the batteries will need to be replaced. Check that both are lit before flying your RC model airplane.
• The throttle is a small lever found on the back of the transmitter, on the opposite side of the main control stick.

Before you fly your RC Model Airplane

The RC model airplane flight battery will need to be properly cycled before flying. All of the NiMh batteries that we sell are new, so they will need to be “broken in” before they can be used to their full capacity. This can be accomplished via this procedure:

1. Charge the NiMh battery fully.
2. Plug the NiMh battery into your aircraft, and turn on the aircraft and the transmitter.
3. Remove the propeller, if it is already attached to the motor shaft.
4. Apply full throttle, until the aircraft runs out of power.
5. Repeat this procedure until the motor runs continuously 8 to 15 minutes.

This procedure will normally need to be repeated 3 to 5 times, and will need to be done once for each new battery that you use.

Your First RC Model Airplane Flight - How to Make It A Success

The first step to flying is to choose a suitable flying field. Football and soccer fields are ideal, especially ones with few surrounding trees. The Vortex Extreme RC model airplane is quiet enough to be flown inside cities, so you can find a park near you and go fly there. Get all of the batteries, spare parts and repair materials you will need, and go to the centre of the field. This will make it easier to keep the airplane away from trees and other obstacles. Follow this procedure to make your first flight a success.

1. Takeoff - This is actually the easiest part of flying RC model airplanes. Turn on the aircraft and transmitter, and then press the red arming switch on the side of the fuselage. Increase the throttle to full and throw the RC model airplane into the wind. It should fly itself upwards, and in a relatively straight direction. Correct any small deviations in the flight path of the RC model airplane using the elevator and rudder, but leave the throttle at full for now.
2. Straight and Level Flight - Level off from your ascent by very slightly pushing the control stick upwards. Keep the wings level using the rudder, and decrease the throttle to about 75%. Decreasing the throttle will slow the airplane and make it easier to control.
3. Turning Back - Turn the aircraft around by very slightly pushing the control stick to one side. If the aircraft is flying away from you, it will turn in the same direction as the control stick is moved. If it is coming towards you, then you will need to move the stick in the opposite direction of the desired turn. Don’t think to hard about this while flying, just move the stick and turn the airplane.
4. Flying - Try experimenting with some more turns, and use the elevator to climb and descend as needed.
5. Landing - This is the most difficult part. Line the aircraft up with the field and reduce the throttle to idle. Use the elevator to slow your descent, and correct any side to side movements caused by the wind with the rudder. As you approach the ground, slow the descent even more, and then gradually let the plane land. Any large control movements at this point are likely to cause a crash, so be careful not to issue commands too abruptly.

Congratulations, you have just succeeded in flying your first RC model airplane! Go recharge the batteries, and fly some more. Part IV of this article will cover crashes, and how to repair damage from them.

——
Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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RC Model Airplanes - Learning How to Fly

Now that you have a basic understanding of how RC model airplanes work (discussed in part I of this article), you are ready to choose your first model and begin learning how to fly it. Before you make your decision, you should consider these two different methods of learning how to fly.

1. Learn to fly a Model Airplane with an Instructor

   One of the oldest and most popular methods is learning with an instructor.
   This usually involves using a large fuel or electric trainer, and two radio transmitters linked together via a training cable. The training cable lets the student control the airplane, while the instructor holds down a switch on his / her transmitter. If the airplane is in danger of crashing, the instructor lets go of the switch and takes control of the aircraft. Most radio systems used on four channel trainers have this feature included, but make sure before you buy.

2. Learn to fly a RC Model Airplane by Yourself

   Learning to fly your RC model airplane without the help of an instructor is also possible. If you choose to learn to fly solo, we recommend that you don’t use a typical four channel trainer. It is almost certain that you will crash at least once while learning how to fly. You will need to get an RC model airplane that can be easily repaired and has replacement parts available. Instead of a balsa and covering model, find a RC model airplane constructed out of one piece foam and plastic parts. Balsa shatters on impact, while foam breaks evenly into two pieces.

Choosing your first RC Model Airplane

Most beginners don’t have a huge budget to spend on their new hobby. If you plan on getting a four channel RC model airplane, and learning with an instructor you can expect to spend at least $400 on the airplane itself, and another $100 - $200 on additional tools and equipment. Fortunately, you can learn to fly model RC airplanes for less than half this amount!

Instead of getting a large and complicated four channel RC model airplane, why not start with a simple one and go from there? Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a four channel model, and an instructor willing to teach them, so we have designed an ideal first model for beginners to learn how to fly.

Introducing the Vortex Extreme RC Model Airplane

The Vortex Extreme is an ideal first RC model airplane, for several reasons:

• Easy to fly - The Vortex Extreme is designed to be a stable and reliable RC model plane
• Repairable - Since the Vortex Extreme is constructed out of foam and plastic parts, repairs are easy. In the event of a serious crash, replacement parts are available.
• Small enough to fly anywhere - Why drive out of town to fly your RC model airplane? The Vortex Extreme is small enough to be flown in soccer fields and parks.
• Electric power - A clean, quiet and powerful electric motor provides the reliability and ruggedness needed in a trainer aircraft, at a fraction of the cost of a comparable fuel engine.
• Fly solo - Because the wing of the airplane provides stability, first flights can be done without the help of a more experienced pilot. As long as you keep the wings level, the plane will fly in a straight line. An included DVD will tell you everything you need to know for your first flight.
• Stress free flying - Why worry about crashing an expensive airplane on your first flight? Crashing is normal, and it happens to everyone while learning how to fly. You can replace every part the aircraft is made of, due to it’s modular design. Even after a major crash, you can make repairs and be flying again in a couple of days!
• Low cost - As previously mentioned, a first RC airplane should be cheap and durable. There is no need to use a fancy radio system, and built up fuselage when you will likely crash anyway. The Vortex Extreme will teach you how to fly, where you go from there is up to you.

If you choose the Vortex Extreme RC model airplane, be sure to get some of the replacement parts you will eventually need. We sell all of the most frequently broken parts in an accessory kit, available on our website. This kit includes all the foam parts, a spare battery, and a plastic tail boom. It has all the parts required to repair damage from even the most severe crash.

We hope that you choose a Vortex Extreme, because we believe it is the perfect beginner RC model airplane. In part III of this article, we will cover your first flight, and the initial preparations necessary to make it a success.

——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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RC Model Airplanes: Where to Begin?

Like any other hobby or sport, getting into RC model airplanes can be a daunting task. There are many ways that you can learn to fly. Endless different types of model planes are available. This can make learning to fly confusing for a beginner, due to the sheer amount of information available about RC model airplanes. This article will provide the reader with a basic understanding of the hobby, and a direction to follow when first learning how to fly RC model airplanes.

How an RC Model Airplane Works

Before you learn how to fly an RC model plane, it is useful to understand how they work. This will make it easier to repair and fly your RC model airplane. Every RC model airplane is subject to four basic forces, which control its flight:

1. Lift – This is the upward force that causes the airplane to fly. Lift is created by the aerofoil, a special shape built into the wing. The aerofoil will create a difference in pressure between the top and bottom surfaces of the wing, which will result in lift.
2. Thrust – This is the force that causes the RC model airplane to move forward. The propeller on the front of the plane spins, and causes air to move over the wings. Thrust is changed by increasing or decreasing the speed of the engine. The throttle is the control function used to accomplish this.
3. Drag – This force is the opposite of thrust, caused by friction between the RC model airplane and the air it is moving through. Drag is the force responsible for slowing the airplane down in flight.
4. Weight – This is the force of gravity, which is constantly pulling the airplane towards the Earth. This force does not change, except for when the airplane burns fuel.

The four forces of flight (lift, thrust, drag, and weight) need to be balanced in order for the airplane to fly. All of these forces (except for weight) can be changed through the controls found on the RC model plane. Learn more about aircraft theory and control.

RC Model Airplane Control Surfaces

The direction of the plane is controlled by using control surfaces. Control surfaces are sections of the wing and tail that move, resulting in a change in airflow. Every control surface operates on the same principle – for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Because of this if the airflow from any part of the airplane is tilted downwards, the resulting opposite force will push that part upwards. By adjusting the amount of each force the RC model airplane is subjected to, flight can be controlled. A typical RC model plane has all of the following control surfaces:

• Ailerons – These two control surfaces are movable sections of the wing. By moving one of them upwards and the other one downwards, the amount of lift produced by each side of the wing can be changed. Applying aileron will result in roll, which is a spin around the horizontal axis of the plane.

• Elevator – The elevator is a movable section of the horizontal stabilizer (the horizontal part of the tail). When the elevator is moved upwards, the airflow from the tail pushes the tail down, and the nose up. The opposite happens when the elevator is moved down. By using the elevator, the pitch of the airplane can be controlled.

• Rudder – The rudder is a movable section of the vertical stabilizer (the vertical part of the tail). By moving the rudder left or right, the horizontal direction of the nose can be changed. Think of the rudder like a vertical elevator. It works in exactly the same way, but is mounted at 90 degrees to the horizontal plane of the aircraft.
• Throttle – The throttle controls the speed of the engine. In a fuel powered aircraft, the carburetor is opened so that more fuel is burned. An electric aircraft will increase the electric power sent to the motor. When the engine runs faster, the propeller will spin faster, and will move more air over the wings.

Conclusion

If you understand the four forces of flight (lift, drag, thrust, and weight) and how they are controlled, you are ready to pick out your first RC model airplane. Part II of this article will discuss how to choose a good first model.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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The GWS Dream Starter is a basic flight simulator controller, designed to accurately simulate a four channel model airplane or helicopter transmitter. It works exactly like a regular computer joystick, and has a standard USB interface. This lets it work right out of the box, without installing any drivers.

Confusing Packaging - An Explanation

The box containing the flight simulator controller can be slightly misleading. The picture on the back of the package shows several chargers, cables, and a battery pack. The only thing the box contains is the actual controller. It would seem that the company who builds the simulator controller uses the same box to package several different products. Please note that this is not a problem, because the USB cable lets the simulator controller draw power from the computer. No battery packs or chargers are needed. The picture also shows a blue transmitter. Each simulator controller is black, so that it looks like actual RC transmitters. Don’t be alarmed when you only find the transmitter in the package. You don’t need anything else to fly using the simulator.

FMS Set Up Instructions

The GWS Flight Simulator Controller requires some configuration in order to work properly with the Flying Model Simulator. Here is a step by step procedure showing how to configure and calibrate your controller.

1. Install FMS. An installation CD-ROM is included with your controller. Just insert it into your disk drive and follow the on screen instructions. If you don’t have a CD-ROM, you can download FMS here. If you are using Windows Vista, some additional installation steps are required.
2. Before you run the program, plug your controller into your computers USB port.
3. You should see a message pop up. Windows is informing you that it has found a new USB controller.
4. Start FMS by double clicking the icon on your desktop.
5. Click “Controls” at the upper part of the simulator window.
6. This will open a drop down menu. Click the “Analog Control” entry to proceed to configuration.
7. A small window titled “Control” will open. Click the “Joystick Interface” entry.
8. Press the calibrate button, on the right side of the window.
9. Centre all of the trim tabs on the controller (except the throttle, which should be at idle), and move the sticks in full circles several times.
10. Click the next button, and centre all of the sticks. (This includes the throttle.)
11. Click Finish.
12. Click the checkboxes found on the left side of the screen, and change the numbers in the channel fields as needed to create the configuration shown in this picture. This will reverse some channels on the controller, which operate in the wrong direction by default.
    
13. When done, click the OK button at the bottom of the configuration window, then close the smaller “Control” window.
14. You should be able to adjust the simulated models trim by using the tabs on the controller. Please be aware that the engine of your simulated model will turn off, if the throttle trim is set to idle. You will need to move this trim tab upwards slightly, to achieve a good idle speed.

Congratulations, you have successfully configured the flying model simulator to work with your new simulator controller.

——
Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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The Mach IIIz is an indoor electric RC blimp, which uses helium gas in a mylar inflatable envelope for buoyancy.

Mach IIIz RC Airship Features

The Mach IIIz blimp features three channel radio control, which allows it to fly in any direction (up/down, left/right, and forwards/backwards, and spin in 360 degrees). Each channel controls one of three fans, which are mounted on the gondola. The gondola is the white plastic cabin, which is mounted on the bottom of the inflatable balloon envelope via clear tape. Two of these fans are attached side by side, and control the direction of the blimp. An additional fan is mounted on the bottom of the gondola, which controls altitude. Learn more about how RC blimps work.

The Mach IIIz blimp uses a small 3v lithium battery for power. Lithium batteries are very lightweight, making them perfect for usage in RC blimps. The battery is mounted in the gondola of the Mach IIIz, and provides power for both the electric motors and the radio receiver.

MachIIIz blimps also come in different frequencies, colors, and styles, so two blimps can be flown at the same time. High lift envelopes are available for customers above 4000 ft. If you’re into sc-fi, a UFO / flying saucer version is also available.

Mach IIIz blimps are perfect for flying indoors, but they will become lost if you attempt outdoor flight. Remember that the Mach IIIz is essentially a powered helium balloon, so even slight winds will carry it away. Because the MachIIIz is durable and easy to fly they make an ideal RC toy for kids. The MachIIIz is great for advertising when equipped with a plain silver balloon, or a white high lift envelope. You can print your own stickers, or use a soft felt tip marker to decorate the balloon. Flying this RC airship over any event is sure to get attention, and printing your own labels on the blimp envelope is easy.

Where to Buy an RC Blimp

Get RC Blimps, parts, and accessories at www.rctoys.com.

——
Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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The DF-POWERSUPPLY is an AC to DC adapter that converts AC (wall outlet) power to DC for use with 12 to 13.5V electrical devices. This is useful for powering chargers and electronics.

This power supply features a standard 5.5mm OD (2.0mm ID) center positive barrel plug. This can be used to power any electrical device with a matching input that requiring 13.5V DC at any current up to 2.2A.
The DF-POWERSUPPLY automatically detects and operates off of any input voltage from 100 to 240V AC. It can be used anywhere in the world, requiring only a pin adapter for outlets other than standard North American ones.
Use this to power small battery chargers requiring 12 volts (chargers intended to be operated off of a standard car battery) such as the Thunder Power 425 charger. This power supply can also be used to replace any supply with the same voltage and current ratings even if the old one had a different plug. All that is needed is to remove the existing plug and solder on the plug from you old adapter. For this conversion, rosin core solder and heat shrink tubing is recommended.

——
Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
RSS: www.rctoys.com/pr/feed