Information Articles

The Evo Flight Mini Stinger can be described as the sister RC Helicopter to the Blade MCX. The Evo Flight Mini Stinger shares many of the amazing features that made the Blade MCX unique from other indoor micro RC Helicopters.

Included with the EVO Flight Mini Stinger

The EVO Flight Mini Stinger includes everything you need to fly, right out of the box. Here’s what is included:

• The EVO Flight Mini Stinger Micro RC Helicopter
• A 2.4 GHz, DSM-2 Spread Spectrum Transmitter (requires 4AA Batteries)
• A Portable Lipo Charger built into the transmitter
• 1 cell 3.7V 110mAh Li-Po Battery

The Evo Flight Mini Stinger is great for beginner and experienced pilots, because you do not have to buy any additional parts. You can use this helicopter to get experience and practice your orientation indoors when you cannot fly outdoors because of the weather.

Main Features of the Evo Flight Mini Stinger Indoor RTF RC Electric Helicopter

Like the Blade MCX the Evo Flight Mini Stinger has a proportional four channel radio. Four channel control means that pilots can fly the helicopter with four dimensions of freedom. The Evo Flight Mini Stinger can fly up/down, rotate left/right, pitch forwards/backwards, and bank left/right. With a four channel radio you can precisely control the Evo Flight Mini Stingers’ movement through all three dimensions. With a rotor size of 188mm (7.4”) and a length of 213mm (8.4”) this helicopter can easily fit in the palm of your hand.

The coaxial rotor design of the EVO Flight Mini Stinger provides this helicopter with great stability, and eliminates the need for a separate tail rotor to control yaw (rotation about the main rotor axis). The main rotors spin in opposite directions, canceling out rotor torque caused by their rotation. Coaxial RC helicopter are great for flying indoors, because of their stability and the precision control provided.

The Evo Flight Mini Stinger uses a tiny 1 cell lithium polymer battery for power. Unlike most micro RC helicopters, the battery is removable and interchangeable. Each cell provides 3.7 volts of power with a capacity of 110 mAh (Milli ampere hours). You charge the battery using the included transmitter, which runs off four “AA” alkaline batteries. A typical charge takes about 30 minutes and provides an average flight time of 6 to 8 minutes. Because the battery is interchangeable, we recommend that you purchase an extra so that you can use one while the other is charging.

Weighing only 1 ounce, the Evo Flight Mini Stinger is virtually crash proof. A sudden drop from a few feet above the ground won’t damage it, and in most cases minor collisions with walls are not a problem. Although it is not indestructible, the Evo Flights durability makes it an ideal present for anyone over 12 years of age.
If you want to get into the exciting world of RC helicopters, the Evo Flight Mini Stinger makes a great starting place. It will show you all the basics of RC helicopter flight, and can be used as a starting place to more advanced models. If you’re already an experienced RC helicopter pilot, you’ll like the Mini Stingers control and stability. Watch our site for tutorials on the Mini Stinger, including a how to for installing replacement parts.

NorthStudio.com used pictures they got from the Draganflyer X6 to make this visually stunning aerial 360° panoramic interactive virtual tour. Play around with this virtual tour and you have the ability to control where you want to look.

Draganflyer UAV Helicopter Virtual Tour Panorama

To build one of these panoramic virtual tours aDraganflyer X6 or Draganflyer X4 is flown to the desired altitude. At which point aerial photos are taken at every 20° for a total of 18 aerial photos. Then a photo is taken with the camera facing directly down. Then the photos will be combined by using panorama tools graphical interface (PTgui) software.

For more information on how to get your Draganlfyer X6 or Draganflyer X4 pictures made into a virtual panoramic tour we recommend you check out the PTgui forums or contact NorthStudio.com.

We’re pleased to announce the release of 4 brand new Thunder Power Lipo batteries. We pride ourselves on carrying every Thunder Power battery manufactured. These recent additions represent some of

Thunder Power’s coolest new developments.

New Thunder Power 7.4V 2S 5400 Saddle Pack

This new battery from Thunder Power RC features a saddle shaped design, with two individual battery packs wired in series. This allows for greater flexibility and increased capacity. ROARR approved, this saddle pack lipo battery is perfect for all your RC cars and trucks.

Specifications for the Thunder Power TP-5400-2SPRSD Lipo

• Voltage: 7.4 V
• Cells: 2-Cell (2s)
• Capacity: 5400 mAh
• Max Continuous Discharge: 25C
• Max Burst Discharge: 50C
• Max Continuous Current: 135A
• Max Burst Current: 270A
• Weight: 331g
• Dimensions: 28 x 46.5 x 69 mm Saddle Pack
• Series: Pro Race Series Surface Pack
• Balance Connector: Thunder Power RC 4 Pin
• Connector: Deans Ultra
• Case Type: Standard

New Thunder Power Sport Race 3s 8000 Lipo

Expanding the Sport Race Series is the new 8000 mAh 3 cell 11.1 V pack. Capable of providing 22C continuous and 45C burst current, this battery is perfect for larger RC model airplanes. As with all our thunder power batteries, the 3s 8000 is fully compatible with our Lipo battery chargers. New to electric RC? We’ve got a great selection of Thunder Power compatible balancers and chargers available. This battery pack also features standard Deans connectors, so you can use it easily with your other standard RC equipment and ground vehicles.

Specifications for the Thunder Power RC TP-8000-3SSRD LiPo:

• Voltage: 11.1V
• Cells: 3-Cell
• Capacity: 8000mAh
• Max Continuous Discharge: 22C
• Max Burst Discharge: 45C
• Max Continuous Current: 176A
• Max Burst Current: 360A
• Weight: 530g
• Dimensions: 139 x 41 x 39mm

New Thunder Power Sport Race 2s 8000 Lipo

Designed specifically for ground vehicles, this battery pack is ROAR approved and fully compatible with all our Thunder Power chargers. Standard Deans connectors allow you to use this pack with all your RC ground vehicles.

Specifications for Thunder Power RC TP-8000-3SSRD LiPo

• Voltage: 7.4 V
• Cells: 2-Cell (2s)
• Capacity: 8000 mAh
• Max Continuous Discharge: 22C
• Max Burst Discharge: 45C
• Max Continuous Current: 176A
• Max Burst Current: 360A
• Weight: 382g
• Dimensions: 30 x 46.5 x 138 mm
• Series: Sport Race Series Surface Pack
• Balance Connector: Thunder Power RC 4 Pin
• Connector: Deans Ultra
• Case Type: Medium

New Thunder Power Pro Race 4s 5000

This brand new Thunder Power battery adds to the large Pro Race Series. Pro Race series batteries are specifically engineered for optimal racing performance. Capable of providing a maximum burst discharge of 80C, this battery adds incredible performance to your RC cars, trucks, and other electric surface vehicles.
<h2>Specifications for Thunder Power RC TP-5000-4SPR LiPo</h2>

• Voltage: 14.8 V
• Cells: 4-Cell (4s)
• Capacity: 5000 mAh
• Max Continuous Discharge: 40C
• Max Burst Discharge: 80C
• Max Continuous Current: 200A
• Max Burst Current: 400A
• Weight: 564g
• Dimensions: 46 x 46.5 x 138 mm
• Series: Pro Race 40C Series Surface Pack
• Balance Connector: Thunder Power RC 4 Pin
• Connector: Deans Ultra
• Case Type: XX-Large

New Thunder Power RC TP-5000-1SPRD Lipo

Featuring an extra large 5000 mAh capacity, this new Lipo battery is perfect for smaller RC cars, trucks, and other ground vehicles. This one cell battery provides 3.7 volts at a maximum burst current of 80C. Tested and approved at the ROAR lab this battery is officially approved for usage at ROAR sanctioned events. The TP-500-1SPRD Lipo battery also features standard Deans connectors, allowing you to use it with all your standard RC equipment and surface vehicles.

Specifications for Thunder Power RC TP-5000-1SPRD LiPo

• Voltage: 7.4 V
• Cells: 1-Cell
• Capacity: 5000mAh
• Max Continuous Discharge: 40C
• Max Burst Discharge: 80C
• Max Continuous Current: 200A
• Max Burst Current: 400A
• Weight: 145g
• Dimensions: 135 x 45 x 17mm
• ROAR Approved

Do you need chargers, balancers, connectors and other accessories for your lithium polymer rechargeable RC batteries? We carry a huge selection available for purchase online or over the phone.

We are pleased to announce the release of our latest UAV helicopter, the Draganflyer X4. Several hundred hours of research and development went into its design, bringing about a sleek, sophisticated UAV. The Draganflyer X4 features much of the same technology as the Draganflyer X6, but is available at a much lower cost. Designed for commercial, government, and military applications, the Draganflyer X4 provides affordable aerial photography and videography.

Diverging from our larger 6 rotor design, the Draganflyer X4 features the same quad rotor design used by our older helicopters. Four brushless motors independently drive four carbon fiber rotor blades, all controlled and monitored  by an advanced flight computer.

The flight computer uses SteadyFlight technology to process the inputs of seven individual sensors, including:

• A barometric pressure sensor
• Three accelerometers
• Three gyroscopes

The flight computer reads sensor outputs and precisely determines the motor outputs required to keep the helicopter flying straight and level. If selected by the pilot, the barometric pressure sensor is used by the helicopter to maintain altitude. Properly trimmed and balanced, the helicopter will hold its position in the air allowing you to get excellent aerial photographs and video.

Four different cameras have been customized to work with our UAV, including:

• A 12.1 MP digital still and video camera
• A micro color video camera
• low-light black and white video camera
• A FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red) video camera

All of these cameras transmit wireless video via a 5.8 GHz transmitter built into the mount. Wireless video can be received using either the handheld controller (which includes its own flat patch video antenna) or the optional base station. Video glasses plug directly into the handheld transmitter, allowing you to see what the helicopter is seeing and get perfectly aimed aerial photographs and video. The optional base station is compatible with any modern PC running Windows and features three standard RCA output jacks. This allows you to use your own recording equipment with the cameras or even re-transmit the video stream if needed.

Because all wireless communication is subject to interference, all of our cameras now feature a built-in DVR that records a pristine, interference-free copy of your aerial video to an SD memory card. After you finish flying, plug the SD memory card into your computer and edit the video using the software of your choice. Each camera also features a custom designed mount with a remote tilt feature (adjustable via the handheld controller). Designed to give you the best quality video possible, each camera mount features balanced, oil-filled shock absorbers. The shock absorbers keep the recorded video free from vibration, guaranteeing that you get the best possible results.

The Draganflyer X4 UAV features an innovative case system that makes transporting the helicopter easier than ever. The entire Draganflyer X4 helicopter presses neatly into its pre-cut slot in the case. Each part and accessory fits into molded high-density foam inserts for safekeeping during transport. The transport case features a dual layer design with flight accessories in the top layer and the base station in the bottom layer. A patented, load-bearing system clips on to the transport case allowing it to be worn like a backpack, and transported just as easily. Built from flexible Cordura™ nylon, the load-bearing system is securely attached using Fastex™ hardware and adjustable carry straps.

The entire transport case fits neatly into a rugged ATA (Airline Transport Association) certified hard case, rated to last over 100 flights as airline baggage. The padlockable, all-metal, carpet-lined ATA case allows you to safely transport the helicopter anywhere in the world without worrying about damage caused by the rigors of travel as airline baggage.

Designed for small enterprises and projects on a budget, the Draganflyer X4 is our most affordable unmanned aerial vehicle ever. Use the power of a full featured VTOL UAV  for your project – the Draganflyer X4 makes professional quality aerial photographs and video easier to obtain than ever before.

So you’ve crashed your new Multiplex Easystar or Minimag. Now what? Don’t throw your model out, it’s extremely likely that it can be repaired to like-new condition. It turns out that the Elapor™ foam Multiplex planes are built out of is extremely crash resistant, and can even be re molded with heat. Elapor™ is also CA glue safe, making repairs simple and economical.

Gather Parts and Assess the Damage

After a crash occurs be sure to retrieve all the parts, no matter how small. Foam can be fitted back together like a jigsaw puzzle and glued in to place. So you want to make sure that no parts are left at the crash site. Put all the parts you retrieve in a bin and store them in a safe place until you’re ready to begin repairs. It’s generally a good idea to wait for a few hours or days before repairing damaged models. This gives you time to think about exactly what needs to be replaced, and how you would like to proceed.

Repairing Cracked and Broken Foam Parts

Repairing broken foam is very simple. Done correctly, you can hide the cracks and make your model look just like new. Here are the supplies that you will need:

1. Thick CA Glue
2. Clear Tape
3. Popsicle Sticks

Apply a generous amount of CA glue to the broken parts, then use the Popsicle sticks to smear the glue around and cover the entire broken surface. Hold the parts together under pressure and then wrap the clear tape around them so that they stick together firmly. Let the glue cure for at least one hour and then remove the tape. Repeat for all your broken foam parts.

Fixing Bent, Compressed, and Distorted Foam

Unlike Styrofoam, Elapor™ can be heated and re-molded to its original shape. There are two ways to do this, both are outlined below:

1. Hot water method – Boil a large pot of water, and then dip the distorted part for approximately 10 seconds. You will notice all of the foam cells enlarge and expand. This is what needs to occur for the remolding to take place. Using gloves or other thermal protection, bend the heated parts back to their original shape. Smooth out any bumps or surface defects using a metal spoon.
2. Blow Dryer Method – This method works well for smaller dents and bends. Simply take an electric hair dryer (not a heat gun), and gently heat the damaged area for a few seconds. After you see the foam cells start to expand, bend and smooth out the damaged area back to its original shape.

Replacing Electronic Components

Both the Multiplex Easystar and Minimag are compatible with Hitec’s radio components.

Need More Help?

Although we can’t exchange aircraft that have been damaged in a crash, we’re still here for you and can talk you through most repairs. Feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to help you.

Have you ever wanted to mod your RC airplanes, perhaps to carry an explosive payload? Too bad – it’s illegal. Don’t worry though, here at Draganfly Innovations, we’ve found the next best thing: you can mod inexpensive RC planes to carry containers of inert powder, which will shatter and make a super nifty effect on the ground. All you need are 5 minutes and some common household materials:

What You Need

• Toothpick – We’ll use this to make a mount for the payload, and a mechanism that lets us deploy it remotely.
• Plastic Easter Egg (or similar container) – Plastic Easter eggs work best, because they split in two easily. You can find them at almost every craft store. Improvising here is fine, just make sure that your container is a reasonable size, and will open up with minimal force.
• Cellophane Tape – This mod isn’t permanent, just peel off the tape when your done with it.
• Plastic Drinking Straw
  
• Vortex Extreme RC Airplane – You can get one on our website. Similar models will also work, but if they’re of a different design, you’ll have to adapt these instructions accordingly.
• Talcum Powder, Flour, or any (safe) Powdery Substance – Basically, anything that spreads out in the air and makes a big cloud will do.

How to Mod Your RC Airplanes

1. Start by taking the wing off your RC airplane. You need it out of the way, because your going to be building the drop mechanism on the bottom of the plane. Besides, breaking foam wings is no fun – store it in a safe place until your finished these steps.
2. Cut about a 1 inch length of straw, and tape it to the tail boom, 2 inches back. You want to get the straw aligned parallel to the tail boom, and hanging right on the bottom. What we’re trying to do won’t work if the payload rubs against the tail and gets stuck. You might want to click this picture, to get a closer view.
3. 

   Tape the toothpick to the round end of the plastic egg. The aim is to give the toothpick an upward slant, so that the egg hangs on to your RC airplane under gravity.Try to leave as much of the toothpick as possible free – this gives you a more secure mount. It’s very important not to tape the Easter egg shut, because the whole point is to get it to split open on ground impact.

4. Fill the Easter egg with powder, and then snap it shut.
5. Slide the “bomb” onto your drinking straw launcher apparatus (see the picture on the right), and get the plane ready for flight.

Dropping the Bomb

The Easter egg you mounted is held on the airplane by gravity and wind resistance. To drop it, simply take off as usual, fly to a safe area (free of people, pets, and vehicles), and put your RC airplane in a nose dive. The “bomb” should slide off the mount, hit the ground, and produce a nice puff of smoke. Watch Out: many RC planes have crashed because the pilot was looking at the payload being dropped, and not paying attention to flying. Let spectators enjoy the bomb, and concentrate on landing your plane safely.

Here’s what the result of a properly detonated “bomb” looks like (the best explosion occurs at about 1:12 into the video):

Need RC airplanes for this project? Get a Vortex Extreme online. Perfect for beginners to learn how to fly, and affordable, it makes the ideal first RC airplane.

ROAR (Remotely Operated Auto Racers) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting rc cars and trucks. ROAR also provides liability and bodily injury insurance for it’s members who race at ROAR sanctioned events and keeps a database of approved lithium polymer batteries. Tested at ROAR’s laboratory, approved lithium polymer batteries need to meet criteria including safety and performance. If you’re racing your electric car or truck at a ROAR sanctioned event, you should use approved batteries. We carry all of ROAR’s approved Thunder Power RC batteries, listed below:

You can browse through our huge selection of Thunder Power RC lipo batteries on our site. We pride ourselves on carrying every battery that Thunder Power RC manufactures, so if you see one that we’ve missed, feel free to contact us.