We have published a handy reference comparing the different toys on our website. If you are unsure about the technical specifications of a toy, you can look them up in the tables.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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Thunder Power RC has released new pre-assembled, impact resistant, Lithium Polymer Battery (LiPo) race packs for RC cars & Traxxas RC trucks that are drop-in replacements for existing 6-cell 7.2V NiMH and NiCd battery packs.

The new batteries are factory matched ‘Race Series’ packs with 3300mAh, 3900mAh, 5000mAh, 5100mAh, and 5400mAh capacities split into three sub-categories:

• Thunder Power Pro Race LiPo packs have a maximum discharge rate of 30C
• Thunder Power eXtreme Race LiPo packs have a maximum discharge rate of 25C
• Thunder Power Sport Race LiPo packs have a maximum discharge rate of 20C

These Thunder Power LiPo packs for RC cars are an upgrade for any 1/10th scale electric vehicle: off-road monster trucks, rc stadium trucks, r/c buggies, on-road rc touring cars, pan and oval rc cars.

Advantages of Converting to LiPos in RC Cars & Trucks

When converting from NiMH or NiCd to Lithium Polymer packs, there are a number of advantages.

• 2-cell LiPo packs are rated at 7.4V which will give increased power compared to old 7.2V NiMH and NiCd batteries.
• LiPo batteries don’t suffer from the ‘memory’ effect, and can be recharged at any time. This means that when you finish a race, you can simply top the battery up again and be ready for another use. With NiMH or NiCd batteries, the packs had to first be discharged before charging in order to preserve the full capacity.
• LiPo batteries are lighter than NiMH and NiCd batteries meaning your RC cars and trucks will go faster!

Li-Po batteries have the ability to supply current at a high rate, measured in terms of multiples of their capacity. This is referred to as a ‘C’ rating. A lithium battery rated at 1C can transfer its entire capacity your RC vehicle in as little as one hour. A lithium battery rated at 10C can supply its entire capacity in as little as 1/10th of an hour. The new 5400mAh pack is rated at 20C, which means it can supply 20 times 5.4A for 1/20th of an hour. That’s 108A continuous for 3 minutes!

Thunder Power RC Race Series LiPo Packs are Impact Resistant and Approved by ROAR

A special hard case makes these packs different from previous Li-Po packs. Li-Po batteries are composed of individual cells, added together in series to reach the desired voltage, and in parallel to reach the desired capacity. In their natural state these cells are soft, with a surface of metallic foil, usually protected by an external layer of flexible heat-shrink plastic. As a result, impacts can dent the cells and possibly cause damage. For use in competitive racing, the official ROAR (Remotely Operated Auto Racers) specifications require a factory installed hard shell around all Lithium Polymer battery packs for impact resistance.

Thunder Power RC Surface Lithium Polymer Battery Packs:

The New Thunder Power RC Car Lipo Battery Pack Configurations Include:

• TP-3300-2SXRD (THP33002SXRD / TP3300-2SXRD)
  7.4V 3300mAh 25C eXtreme Race Li-Po Pack with Deans connector
• TP-3900-2SPRD (THP39002SPRD / TP3900-2SPRD)
  7.4V 3900mAh 30C Pro Race Li-Po Pack with Deans connector
• TP-5000-2SPRD (THP50002SPRD / TP5000-2SPRD)
  7.4V 5000mAh 30C Pro Race Li-Po Pack with Deans connector
• TP-5100-2SXRD (THP51002SXRD / TP5100-2SXRD)
  7.4V 5100mAh 25C eXtreme Race Li-Po Pack with Deans connector
• TP-5400-2SSRT (THP54002SSRT / TP5400-2SSRT)
  7.4V 5400mAh 20C Sport Race Li-Po Pack with Traxxas connector
• TP-5400-3SSRT (THP54003SSRT / TP5400-3SSRT)
  11.1V 5400mAh 20C Sport Race Li-Po Pack with Traxxas connector

Where to Buy Thunder Power RC Car LiPo Packs

Draganfly Innovations Inc. www.RCToys.com is the best place to buy Thunder Power LiPo batteries. We have free shipping world-wide and carry the complete line of Thunder Power batteries, chargers, balancers and accessories. We have all the current Thunder Power RC Li-Pos for RC cars already listed on our site. Keep watching our Thunder Power RC News Page and Thunder Power News RSS Feed for more information and when we expect the first shipment of these exciting new Thunder Power RC Car & Traxxas Truck Lipos to arrive.

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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 12 inch DF-1245CR, 10 inch DF-1045CR, and 8 inch DF-8045 CR are pairs of counter rotating propellers. Counter rotating propellers are useful for experimental and twin engine aircraft, because they cancel out torque and p factor.

When an aircraft’s propeller or rotor spins, it generates torque. Torque can be described as the tendency for the aircraft to move its nose in one direction, due to the motion of the propeller.

Torque can be eliminated by using a pair of propellers, each spinning in opposite directions. Each propeller is curved in opposite directions, so that they both provide forward thrust while spinning in opposite directions.

The Lockheed P-38 lightning is one of the most famous applications of the counter rotating technology. During world war II, engineers needed a way to ensure that their fighters remained on target while using their weapons. They eventually settled on the counter rotating design, because the torque caused by each engine spinning in the same direction made it difficult for the plane to remain on target.

Because they eliminate torque, counter rotating propellers are an ideal choice for quad rotor and twin engine RC aircraft. A great example is the Draganflyer RC helicopters, which use the counter rotating design to prevent torque. Counter rotating propellers are difficult to find, so get some for your RC aircraft today.

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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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Use this handy reference to locate replacement parts for your Bladerunner RC helicopter. Please note that the Firefly and Micro Mosquito main rotor blades are the same, except for the color. Also, all of the rotors that we sell (with the exception of the Firefly) are solid black. If you are unsure which rotor blades to use, please call us at: 1-800-979-9794 and we will be happy to assist you.

Helicopter Name	Main Rotor Diameter	Replacement Main Rotor	Replacement Tail Rotor	Replacement Parts Kit	Repair kit item #
Micro Mosquito	6.25 inches	BR-MM-ROTORSET and BR-FF-ROTORSET	BR-MM-TRP-UPG and BR-MM-TRP	BR-MM-REPKIT	45003
Micro Mosquito V5	6.25 inches	BR-MM-ROTORSET and BR-FF-ROTORSET	BR-MM-TRP-UPG	BR-MM-REPKIT	45003
Firefly	6.25 inches	BR-FF-ROTORSET and BR-MM-ROTORSET	Not available	BR-FF-REPKIT	45004
Black Ghost	5.5 inches	BR-BG-REPKIT	BR-BG-TRP	BR-BG-REPKIT	45007
The Incredible Hulk	5.5 inches	Sold with replacement parts kit	BR-BG-TRP	BR-BG-REPKIT (includes main rotors)	45007
Iron Man	5.5 inches	Sold with replacement parts kit	BR-BG-TRP	BR-BG-REPKIT (includes main rotors)	45007
Bladerunner Search and Rescue	9.5 inches	BR-SR-ROTORSET	Not available	BR-SR-REPKIT	61218
Bladerunnner 2	11.5 inches	BR-ROTORSET	BR-TRP	BR-REPKIT	40326
Bladerunner 2 channel	11.5 inches	BR-ROTORSET	Not available	BR-REPKIT	40326
Bladerunner	11.5 inches	BR-ROTORSET	BR-TRP	BR-REPKIT	40326
Bladerunner Spiderman	11.5 inches	BR-ROTORSET	Not available	Not available	Not available
Micro Nano	5.5 inches	BR-BG-REPKIT	BR-BG-TRP	BR-BG-REPKIT	45007
Bladerunner 3	9.5 inches	BR-SR-ROTORSET	Not available	BR-SR-REPKIT	61218

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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 lighter you make your foam RC model airplane, the better it will fly. This article will show you how to trim weight and increase the flight performance of your RC model airplane.

Use the right glue – Using the right glue is of critical importance during the construction of your foam RC model airplane. Use foam safe CA glue, and apply it very sparingly. It only takes a tiny drop to attach two parts properly. By using the right glue in the right amounts, you can reduce the overall weight of the RC model airplanes fuselage.

Make the radio system lighter – Choose a radio system with the lightest components possible. Find lightweight servos with weights between 4.7 and 7.8 grams, such as our Hitec or Draganfly brand micro servos. Try to get the lightest servos possible. You can reduce the weight of your radio system by removing the bottom portion of the servo case. In most cases, this can simply be unscrewed. The plastic receiver case can also be removed quite easily. As a last resort, you can attempt to directly solder the servo wires to the receiver. This will save the weight of the connectors, but only attempt this if you are very comfortable soldering.

Choose the right lipo battery – The battery is one of the heaviest components of any foam RC model airplane. Look at the different sizes of battery available, and compare brands to find the lightest. Choose a battery based on the physical limitations of the model and the flight time that you want. In most cases, a 350 Mah battery is sufficient.

Modify the landing gear – Most foam RC model airplanes come with plastic wheels. If you will only be flying your foam model indoors off of a smooth floor then you can remove them. There are several lighter landing gear systems you can use, but we recommend using a skid made out of piano wire or a spare push rod. This procedure shows you how to make one:

1. Cut the wire to the length that you want. You can save even more weight by making the wire as short as possible.
2. Using a pair of needle nose pliers, bend the end of the wire into a U shape.
3. Use CA glue to attach the wire to your models landing strut (usually made of carbon rod.)
4. Wrap the entire joint with Kevlar thread. Do not use too much, or it will offset the weight loss gained from removing the wheels.
5. Cover the area with a small amount of CA glue.

You can also add small foam wheel pants as decorations – the weight gain from this is minimal.
Follow these tips to reduce the weight of your foam RC model airplanes.

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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 Minimag is a durable foam RC model airplane. It has a 4 channel proportional radio system, and a brushed motor / NiMh battery power system. Many users of the Mulitplex Minimag add brushless motors and lithium polymer batteries for increased flight performance. This article will show you how to do these modifications yourself.

The RC Components You Will Need

We have put together a list of the best RC components to use for modifying the Minimag RC model airplane. You will need:

1. A Brushless Motor - A Himax 2815-2000 works well for this application.
2. A Speed Controller – Use a Castle Creations Thunderbird 36 amp ESC. It will provide plenty of power for the recommended motor, and will run off a variety of lithium polymer batteries.
3. A Lithium Polymer Battery – A Thunderpower 3 cell 2100 is a great battery to use. You can get up to a half an hour of flight time (depending on throttle management), and it fits neatly underneath the Minimag’s wing.
4. A Propeller - The brushless motor will need a different propeller. We recommend a 7 x 5 APC propeller.
5. A Charger – You can use either a Thunderpower 535C or a 610C charger. Each will allow you to quickly charge your battery at the flying field using a 12 volt power source.

Eventually we will sell all of these components in a kit. Until then, you can order them by clicking on the above links and pictures.

RC Components Installation Procedure

Many of these components will seamlessly drop in to the Minimag RC airplane where the original parts were. Follow this procedure when installing your improved power systems.

1. Remove the brushed motor, and install the brushless version. Be very careful not to damage the motor wires. All of the bolt holes from the old motor should match the new one perfectly, so just push in the brushless motor and bolt it on.
2. The 3 cell 2100 lithium polymer battery can be placed under the wing. Make sure that it doesn’t move in flight, and route its wires to where the electronic speed controller will be installed.
3. Connect the speed controller to the motor, battery, and receiver.

We hope that you enjoy the increase in power and flight time that this upgraded power system will give you. Feel free to post comments describing your own ideas, and let us know how this modification works for you.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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The Multiplex Easystar is a 3 channel, powered RC glider. The multiplex Easystar comes with a great set of equipment, including a 400 size motor, NiMh rechargeable battery and a proportional radio system. It has become very popular among RC aerial and UAV enthusiasts, because it is very easy to modify.

One of the coolest modifications involves replacing the included brushed motor with a brushless motor, and replacing the NiMh battery with a lithium polymer pack. Using a brushless motor will increase the speed of the Easystar, and let you carry payloads (such as cameras for aerial photography.) The lithium polymer battery will let you fly for up to a half an hour, or even longer if you can catch some thermals (warm, upward currents of air.)

Parts You Will Need to Modify the Easystar

There are several different combinations of brushless motors, ESCs, and lithium batteries that will work for this modification. Here is a list of the parts that we recommend. They have been chosen to minimize cost, and maximize performance. You will need:

1. A Himax 2815 2000 brushless inrunner electric motor
2. A 35 amp Castle Creations Thunderbird ESC
3. A 6 x 4 APC composite propeller
4. A Thunder Power 3 cell 2100 lithium polymer battery
5. A Lithium polymer battery charger. We recommend either a Thunderpower 535C or a 610C. Both of these chargers can use a 12 volt battery, or a 12 volt AC adapter. Suitable AC adapters are available on our website.

We will eventually offer these components in a set, but for now you can order them individually by clicking the links or pictures above.

Procedure for Modifying the Easystar

One of the great features of the Easystar is that it is easy to modify. Every component that we mentioned should fit perfectly, and the foam the Easystar is made of is superglue safe.

Follow these guidelines when installing your new hardware in the Easystar.

Motor - Remove the brushed motor by unbolting it. The bolt holes will match the new brushless motor, so simply insert it and bolt it in. Be extremely careful to not damage the motor wires when doing this. Feed them through the fuselage to where they will connect to the ESC.

ESC - Place the ESC in the fuselage, and then connect it to the brushless motor using the wires. It’s always a good idea to tape over the connection, so that it won’t accidentally disconnect in flight. Also connect the ESC to the Easy star’s receiver.

Battery - Use Velcro to secure the battery in the fuselage. Then connect the battery leads to the ESC.

Rudder - Because of the huge increase in power that the brushless motor provides, you might want to increase the effectiveness of the rudder. You can do this by simply gluing a business card to the rudder, and then trimming it to shape. Here is a picture of one such modification:

Benefits of Using a Brushless Motor and Lipo Battery for the Easystar

• Using a lithium polymer battery will allow you to fly the Easy star for very long periods of time.
• Lithium polymer batteries can be charged quickly and easily at the flying field.
• The brushless motor will provide much more power than the regular speed 400, and will last longer too.
• The increase in power from the brushless motor will allow you to carry payloads, such as a digital camera for RC aerial photography.
• The aircraft will perform better in all aspects of flight, giving you a more enjoyable flying experience.

This article has barely scratched the surface of the possible modifications to the Easystar. If you would like to learn more about these modifications, or learn how to do others, we suggest you read the rcgroups.com forums.

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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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