Spread spectrum technology represents the latest advancement in RC radio control systems. This article will show you how spread spectrum technology works, and introduce you to some of the technical terms which you may encounter.

Unlike conventional PPM (pulse position modulation) and PCM (pulse code modulation) radio systems which operate on distinct frequencies, spread spectrum radios broadcast over a large range of frequencies simultaneously. These frequencies are all members of the 2.4 Ghz band, which removes them from the frequencies often used by other communication devices. Because of this, spread spectrum radio systems are already immune to interference caused by non RC radio systems.

Spread Spectrum technology has another advantage though: there is no need for frequency control.
Spread spectrum radio systems broadcast over a multitude of radio frequencies, and the user is never aware of what they are. This works because:

1. The transmitter is assigned a unique identification code when it is manufactured.
2. The receiver is programmed to seek and lock to this same code.
3. After the transmitter is powered on, it encodes the signals it sends with its identification code.
4. The receiver scans for this code, and locks to the frequencies that the transmitter is operating on.

Each identification code is globally unique, meaning that no other radio system is using it. Because of this, the individual frequencies that the radio is operating on are irrelevant, so as a result an unlimited number of spread spectrum radios can operate simultaneously.

The most noticeable consequence of this technology is that spread spectrum radios are immune to radio interference. Spread spectrum radios also allow an extremely fast servo response time, because the entire encoding, decoding, and execution of radio commands happens in milliseconds.

Spread spectrum technology is becoming more prevelant in RC radio systems, and will shortly replace conventional FM radio systems entirely.

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Takeoffs are one of the easiest maneuvers to perform with your RC model airplane, but some pilots still have difficulty executing smooth and consistent takeoffs. This article will show you a surefire way to perform smooth, controlled takeoffs – no matter which model you’re flying.

1. Plan the Takeoff – All takeoffs are performed into the wind. Most flying fields have a windsock near the runway so that pilots can accurately judge the direction and intensity of the wind. Be sure to check the windsock before flying and position your RC model airplane accordingly. You should also look for a landmark (a bush, tree, or other object) over which to complete the initial turn after climb out.
2. Position the Aircraft – Position the RC model airplane on the centerline of the runway so that it’s nose faces into the wind
3. Choose a Pilot Station – Some RC model airplane flying fields have marked positions for RC model airplane pilots to stand on when flying. If this is the case at your location, choose one close to your RC model airplane.
4. Advance the Throttle – Smoothly and rapidly advance the throttle to full. Advancing the throttle quickly gives you better control during the takeoff, because it moves air over the control surfaces faster.
5. Accelerate – As the RC model airplane accelerates down the runway keep it aligned with small taps of rudder. If you are flying a tail dragger, then hold a small amount of up elevator during your initial takeoff roll. This can prevent the RC model airplane from nosing over into the ground.
6. Climb – After your RC model airplane gains sufficient speed pull back gently and begin climbing. Do not climb too steeply, or you risk inducing a low altitude stall. Just hold the RC model airplane in a straight and gradual climb. Correct any bank by tapping the aileron (or rudder) stick briefly. Plan your climb so that you have sufficient altitude to make a turn over the landmark chosen earlier
7. Begin the Initial Turn - After your RC model airplane arrives at the target location, level off and reduce throttle to ½. Turn in the desired direction by banking the aircraft and letting it turn while maintaining altitude.

Take a look at this video, which shows a takeoff done by the above procedure.

We hope that this procedure helps you perform great takeoffs, every time.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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You should always balance your RC model airplane propellers before using them. Running your RC model airplanes with properly balanced propellers will increase motor or engine lifespan, prevent fuel from foaming, and even extend the life of your electronic components. This article will show you how to balance your RC model airplane propellers using simple and inexpensive equipment.

The best way to balance your RC model airplane propellers is to use one of the many prebuilt balancers available. Blade balancers usually come in two varieties:

1. finger prop balancers - sufficient for most modelers, you can get good results using a simple blade balancer for 5 to 10 dollars depending on the supplier. Great Hobbies has a balancer which works sufficiently well to balance most model airplane props.
2. magnetic prop balancers - produce highly accurate results and are usually more expensive than finger balances.

Use the blade balancer by unscrewing the two metal rings and then placing your propeller in between them. Tighten the metal rings so that the prop doesn’t move and support the entire apparatus with one finger tip on each hand. The prop is balanced if it remains motionless. If it tips forward or backward then you will have to adjust it according to the following procedure:

1. Mark the heavy side (which tips downwards) with a felt tip pen.
2. Sand one side of the propellers heavy end with medium to fine grit sandpaper. Do not sand the propeller tip - this will cause a dynamic imbalance when the engine is running.
3. After removing a very small amount of material from the heavy side of the propeller, test it again using your blade balancer.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the propeller remains motionless while held in the blade balancer.

This procedure will balance your propeller accurately enough to eliminate the most severe vibration during flight. 3D aerobatics, racing, or other demanding flying requires propellers to be balanced more precisely. You can get a higher end magnetic balancer for 20 to 30 dollars. It’s usage is about the same as the finger balancer except that the propeller is held between two magnets.

Check your propeller’s balance using the above method and be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions when putting the propeller in the balancer.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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We all know the phrase “a good landing starts with a good approach”, but what exactly does it mean? This article will answer that question and show you how to consistently make accurate approaches and great landings with your RC model airplanes.

Mastering the Approach

If you can approach the runway straight on and at the right altitude, then landing will be extremely easy. Follow this procedure to get your models properly lined up for landing and avoid some of the common mistakes which can lead to crashes:

1. Before flying, walk to the center line of the runway and face into the wind.
2. Try to judge the best location to start your descent; and look for a tree, hill or other easy to see object near the spot that you choose.
3. Plan to turn towards the runway as soon as your plane crosses the reference line you chose.
4. Judge how much wind there is, and correct your approach path during during your descent as needed.

One major mistake that pilots make is beginning their descent so that the RC model airplane doesn’t face into the wind. When this happens, the wind blows the airplane off course and you will have to correct for it.

You can prevent having to make any corrections at all by properly lining up the RC model airplane with the field before you start your descent. The key is to “crab”, or turn the plane slightly, into the wind so that it flies straight. This way, you can focus on maintaining a good approach speed and altitude, instead of constantly correcting for deviations caused by the wind.

We hope that this article helps you make great landings every time.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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The BR-ADAPTER is a power supply for charging your BladeRunner, Micro Mosquito and Firefly RC helicopters.

This power supply can be used to charge your RC helicopters, without using C batteries. Because C batteries have a limited lifespan, using this adapter will save you money over time. The BR-ADAPTER plugs in to either the transmitter, or the charging base station. When using the BR-ADAPTER, you don’t need batteries in either the transmitter or the base station.

The BR-ADAPTER plugs in to any standard 120V AC outlet, and provides 500 ma of current at 6 volts. Please note that you need to have either a base station or transmitter to use the BR-ADAPTER. Both of these products are available separately on our website.

Use the BR-ADAPTER to power your indoor RC helicopters, and save money on batteries.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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There are many fun games that you can play using RC model airplanes. This article shows you how to set up and play some of the most interesting ones.

Aerial Combat

You can simulate aerial combat with your RC model airplanes without excessive risk to your models. Here’s how:

1. Find as many friends with RC model airplanes as possible.
2. Divide the available RC model airplanes into teams
3. Attach different colored streamers to each RC model airplanes tail, depending on which team that it’s on.
4. Have all the RC planes take off at once
5. The object of the game is to use your RC model airplanes propeller to cut the streamer off of our opponents.
6. After a set amount of time all of the planes land and the length of their streamers are measured. The team with the most streamer remaining wins.

This game can be played with any number of RC model airplanes, but keep in mind that the risk of a collision increases with the number of RC model airplanes flying.

Flying the Limbo

This is one of the easiest games to play, but it’s also the most risky. To play,simply find a large football or soccer field and fly your models through the goal posts. Make sure that you are allowed to fly your models in the field that you’re using, and that there are no people in the field that could get hurt -should the airplane crash.You can also construct a makeshift goal post out of PVC pipe, found in most hardware stores. Cut the pipe to a decent length, and then friction fit it together using PVC fittings.

Bomb Dropping

RC pilots frequently modify their aircraft to carry and drop payloads. If you would like to add this ability to your RC model airplane, follow this procedure to construct a launching apparatus:

1. Find a rectangle of balsa wood, at least as long and wide as the payload that you intend to carry on your RC model airplane.
2. Horizontally mount a spare servo to the end of balsa wood. Make sure that the servo arm points upwards and rotates 90 degrees when activated.
3. Stretch a rubber band over the two corners of the balsa rectangle opposite the servo, and then loop the rubber band over the servo horn.
4. Mount the whole apparatus on your RC model airplanes fuselage, and connect the servo to your receiver.

After the servo moves, the rubber band slips off the horn. If you place your intended payload under the rubber band, you can drop it from your RC model airplane at the flick of a switch. Take a look at this picture, which shows one such design completed and loaded with plastic parachute toys.

You can make bombs to drop out of Styrofoam cups, rubber cement, and talcum powder. Here’s how:

1. Place one Styrofoam cup on a flat work surface, and fill it with a few tablespoons of talcum powder. Take a small paint brush, and coat the Styrofoam cups rim with a small amount of rubber cement.
2. Place another Styrofoam cup on top of the first, lining up the rims.
3. Let the cups dry
4. Take a hobby knife and cut a cross section into one of the cups.
5. If you like, spray paint the bomb and add cardboard fins.

After the bomb hits the ground, the cross section that you cut into the nose will cause it to shatter, releasing the talcum powder it contains. When it works, this looks a lot like the cloud of smoke and debris that real bombs leave after exploding. After you drop the bomb, be sure to watch your airplane and not the resulting cloud of powder.We hope that you enjoy playing these games with your RC model airplane. Be safe,and have fun.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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Many RC model airplanes lack a conventional landing gear and need to be hand launched. This article will show you how to properly hand launch an RC model airplane.

When you’re learning to fly try to find a hill to launch your RC model airplanes from. This will give you a bit of altitude right after takeoff, which provides more room to maneuver during the initial climb. Follow this procedure to successfully hand launch an RC model airplane:

1. Turn both the transmitter and the receiver on.
2. Hold the RC model airplane at it’s center of gravity (balance point) with your throwing hand and hold the transmitter in your other hand.
3. Make sure that the RC model airplane’s nose points downward slightly and that the wings are level.
4. Increase throttle to full.
5. Toss the RC model airplane forwards like you would throw an overhand baseball.
6. As soon as the RC model airplane leaves your hand, quickly move your hand to the transmitter and begin flying.
7. The initial climb should be straight and gradual, using only small control inputs.

Some RC pilots prefer to launch their aircraft by taking a running start. There is nothing wrong with this method, just make sure that there is nothing in your path that you can trip on. Take a look at this sequence of pictures, which shows what a good hand launch looks like.

Now that you know how to properly hand launch an RC model airplane, get one on RCtoys.com and go flying!

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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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