Product Announcements

The K-DF-MINIHELI-ROTOR-2 is a set of two main rotors for your micro RC helis.

These rotors are able to fit any palm size mini two channel RC helicopter, just remove the broken rotors and then press the new ones on to the main shaft. Be careful while doing this, if you push or pull them too hard, you can damage your helicopter and break the rotors.

Each rotor is equipped with a pair of small weights on the bottom of the top section. These weights help stabilize the helicopter, so you will need to replace the main rotors if they are missing.

Use this set of main rotors to replace the rotors on your micro RC helicopters if they break. It is a good idea to buy the replacement rotor set ahead of time, so that you have them when you need them.

The K-DF-MINIHELI-TAILPROP-2 is a set of two upgraded replacement tail rotors for your micro RC helicopters.
The mini heli tail propellers are an improved version of the ones included with the micro RC helicopters. Spice up your mini heli by replacing the tail rotor with a red, yellow or blue tail prop! The tail propellers are made with a more flexible plastic, which lets them survive crashes better. The increased flexibility also makes it easier to replace the propellers.

The mini infrared helicopter tail propellers fit all of the micro RC helicopters available, including the PicooZ and it’s clones. They will also fit our popular Bladerunner Black Ghost micro RC helicopter.

You can use the tail props to replace any broken or damaged tail rotors for your micro RC helicopter. Just remove the old propeller, and push the new one on to the shaft.

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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 Multiplex EasyStar RTF is a simple 3 channel electric RC plane for beginners, intermediate, or RC aerial photography enthusiasts.

The MultiPlex Ez* RC airplane now sports a new color scheme. The wings and horizontal stabilizer are gray with orange decals, and the fuselage is still plain white. This color scheme is now incorperated in every Easystar that we sell.

The MultiPlex Easystar is a great RC plane for learning how to fly. It is constructed entirely out of durable foam, so repairs are easy. Just apply some super glue and hold the broken parts together. The wing has been specifically designed to self stabilize. This means that if you let go of the controls, the plane will return to a straight and level position.

A three channel radio system (elevator, rudder, and throttle) allows for a high degree of control. You can even do tricks like loops when you are confident with the aircraft.

Read this excellent thread on RCGroups.com discussing the Easystar RC airplane.

Use the Multiplex EasyStar RC plane to learn how to fly, or just have fun flying in a local park. You can buy a Multiplex Easy Star at RCtoys.com.

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© 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

Every radio control aircraft (nitro and electric) uses an electronic system to control its flight. This article will explain how radio systems work.

Radio Control System Components

The radio system is what is responsible for moving the control surfaces of the RC aircraft. The individual components vary among different systems, but here is a list of the basic components which are common to all radio systems:

• RC Aircraft Transmitter - The transmitter sends the radio waves which control the RC aircraft. When the pilot moves a stick on the transmitter, the transmitter emits a series of radio signals which control the RC aircraft.
• RC Aircraft Receiver - The receiver is a device mounted inside the RC aircraft, which intercepts the radio signals sent by the transmitter. It then decodes these signals and moves the different control surfaces of the aircraft by telling the servos how to move.
• RC Aircraft Servos - Servos are small electric motors which move the control surfaces of the RC aircraft. Each servo consists of an electric motor, several gears, and a plastic case. Servos are mounted inside the fuselage of the RC aircraft, and attached to the various control surfaces via push rods (linkages, usually made of a plastic, wood, or flexible nylon rod).
• RC Aircraft Battery - Both the transmitter and the receiver need a power source. Normally, NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) or NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) batteries are used. Newer radio systems use lithium polymer batteries due to the increased capacity. Make sure that both the transmitter and receiver batteries are fully charged before flying.
• RC Aircraft Crystals - The transmitter and receiver use a crystal, which determines the frequency that they operate on. Radio control aircraft are limited to the 72Mhz (72 million cycles per second) band, but there are various sub frequencies within this main band. As long as RC aircraft are operating on different frequencies, the can be flown together. Newer radio systems use a 2.4 gigahertz freqency. The transmitter and receiver scan for an unused band, and then lock to that frequency. This eliminates the need for frequency control, and also prevents crashes caused by two transmitters using the same frequency.

Radio Control Functions

Each radio system uses a number of channels to control its servos. The term channel can refer to either the frequency that the radio system operates on or the number of control functions available. Usually, the number of channels equals the number of servos. Here is a picture showing the different control functions on a typical RC transmitter.

• Red - Antenna . The antenna is the long telescopic wire at the top of the transmitter. The radio signal that controls the RC aircraft is sent over this wire.
• Green - Left Control Stick. The left control stick controls the rudder and throttle. Moving the left control stick upwards increases the throttle, and moving it downwards decreases the throttle.
• Likewise, moving this control stick to the left will move the rudder to the left. Moving it to the right has the opposite effect.
• 
• Yellow - Right Control Stick. The right control stick controls the elevator and ailerons. Moving it to the left will move the left aileron up and the right aileron downwards. This will result in a roll to the left. Exactly the opposite occurs when this control stick is moved to the right. Pulling the right control stick downwards will cause the elevator to move upwards, causing the pitch of the aircraft to increase. Pushing the right control stick downwards will cause the aircraft to pitch downwards.
• Purple - Power Switch. Use the power switch to turn the transmitter on or off.
• Left Blue - The left blue switch on this transmitter lets the pilot teach a student using a buddy box. When this switch is held down, the student has control of the RC aircraft. As soon as the instructor senses trouble, he / she can release this switch and take control.
• Right Blue - This switch controls an extra channel, for dropping payloads, controlling landing gear, etc.

Your radio transmitter will come with a manual that clearly describes all of these functions. Refer to it when installing your radio system in your RC model aircraft.

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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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Electric RC planes are becoming more popular, due to improvements in technology and their clean, quiet, and reliable nature. There are many different kinds of electric RC planes available, and each is designed for a different purpose. This article will show you the different types of electric RC planes available, and explain how they work.

Benefits of Electric RC Planes

Electric RC planes have many benefits over fuel planes. This list shows some of the many reasons that you should choose electric power over fuel:

• Cheaper than fuel RC planes - In many cases, electric power is cheaper than a comparable fuel system.
• Just as powerful as fuel RC planes - Brushless motors are just as powerful as their fuel counterparts.
• Safer than fuel RC planes - Electric RC planes are safer than fuel. A hot nitro or gas engine can do serious damage to anyone who accidentally touches or gets to close to it. Electric RC planes use motors and propellers which do not inflict as much damage in the event of an accident.
• Electric motors are reliable - A good brushless electric motor is far more reliable than any fuel engine. Why waste time adjusting the mixture, idle speeds, and other settings when you can just plug in a electric motor and fly?
• Great way to get into RC - Electric RC planes are a great way for a beginner to learn how to fly because of their low cost and durability. Several beginner electric RC planes are available.
• Practical for 3D / Foam - Electric power is the only form of power that makes sense for 3D and foam electric RC planes. Fuel engines cannot be build small enough to power these models effectively.
• Indoor flight is possible - Many electric RC planes can be flown indoors. This is not possible with any fuel model due to the noise, mess, and danger.

Examples of Electric RC Planes

There are many different kinds of electric RC planes, so here is a list summarizing the basic types you will find.

Simple 2 Channel Electric RC Plane

Some electric RC planes use only a two channel radio system. These planes are a great way for kids to learn about RC planes, due to the simple design and low cost. The Vortex is a great example of this type of electric RC airplane. Everything needed to start flying is included in the box, and spare parts are available on our website.

More Advanced 3 Channel Electric RC Plane

More advanced Electric RC planes use a three channel radio, letting the pilot control the altitude, yaw, and pitch of the aircraft. The Vortex Extreme is a good example of this design, with a proportional radio system and a powerful electric motor. We recommend this electric RC plane to anyone interested in learning how to fly. Check out these articles covering everything from the basics of RC flight, to choosing your first electric RC plane.

4 Channel Electric RC Plane

Electric RC planes aren’t just for teaching beginners how to fly, there are many full control models available for serious pilots. These types of electric RC planes use a proportional 4 channel radio system, allowing the pilot to control the bank, pitch, yaw, and throttle. An excellent example of a 4 channel electric RC plane is the Multiplex Minimag. This airplane is perfect for anyone who wants a dependable plane to fly anywhere.

3D Foam Electric RC Plane

One of the most common uses of electric power is in 3D foam electric RC planes. 3D model airplanes are able to hover, due to their large power to weight ratio, and are an excellent choice for indoor and backyard flying. The Southern X-3 is a great example of this type of electric RC airplane, and is maneuverable enough to be flown inside a house! Indestructible takes on a whole new meaning with this airplane, due to it’s flexible foam construction it is able to survive almost any crash without damage.

How Electric RC Planes Work

Electric RC airplanes use several different approaches to radio and motor system design. Here is a list of some of the most basic components that all electric RC planes use:

1. Motor - The motor is one of the most important components of any electric RC plane. It is used to spin the propeller and generate airflow over the wings, which causes lift and allows the airplane to fly.
2. Battery - The Battery is what provides power to the motor and radio system of the electric RC plane. There are two main types of batteries used. The NiMh (nickel metal hydride) batteries are readily available, and are used in several electric RC planes including the Vortex and Vortex Extreme. Lithium polymer batteries use a different chemistry, and provide many times more power than NiMh batteries. Special chargers are required to charge lithium polymer batteries, due to the flammable chemicals that they use. Make sure to supervise these batteries while charging, and get a fire retardant sack to charge them in.
3. Radio System - The Radio system is used to control the electric RC plane. Radio signals are sent from the transmitter to the receiver in the airplane, which tells the control surfaces how to move and the engine how fast to spin.
4. ESC (electric speed controller) - The electric speed controller is used in electric RC Planes to control the speed of the engine. This is similar to the throttle on a fuel airplane, which opens or closes the carburetor air intake to vary the speed at which fuel is burned. The ESC varies the amount of power sent to the motor of the electric RC plane by altering the voltage of the current that passes through it.
5. BEC (battery eliminator circuit) - Some electric RC planes have a battery eliminator circuit. This is a device which powers the radio system of the electric RC plane using current from the main flight battery. Without a BEC, an electric RC plane needs a separate battery to power the radio system.

Electric RC planes can use other components, but these are the most common found in nearly every model.

Why Choose an Electric RC Plane?

You are beginning a great hobby, one which will require patience and dedication to be successful. Electric RC planes are a great way to begin, and experienced pilots will appreciate the fantastic 3D capabilities of electric foam planes. Have fun with your electric RC planes!

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© 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

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.

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© 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

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.

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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