In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores the world of park flyers – small, electrically powered planes you can fly almost anywhere. First, Chianelli shows the steps in building a model known as the Tipsy Trainer™ from Hobby Lobby™ – an easy-to-build model that is an excellent choice for beginner flyers. In later segments, he shows how to fly this style of RC flyer. One aspect of park flyers that make them so appealing is that they take only a few hours to build, and you can be flying them on the same day. This segment focuses on the initial steps in the assembly – installation of the Tipsy's motor, speed controller and noise-suppression capacitor. Important: This demonstration shows the basic instructions for assembly and operation of this particular model of park flyer. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with your flyer, whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the engine can be found in the manufacturer's instructions. Materials: Tipsy Trainer™ park-flyer kit
Soldering gun and wire solder
Wire cutter
Hobby or X-acto knife Motor and Speed Controller - The Tipsy Trainer™ components come in a kit. The body is made from resilient foam material (figure A), and the parts are manufactured precisely so that they fit together easily.
- The Tipsy uses an RC motor known as the Graupner Speed 280 ™ (figure B ), a motor that is specifically designed for the Tipsy. In addition to the speed controller, the installation includes a small noise suppression capacitor.
- The first step is to attach the speed controller (figure C) to the motor. On the motor side of the speed controller, clip off the plastic connector at the end of the wire off using wire cutters.
- Using a sharp hobby knife, carefully strip away the insulation at the end of the black wire (figure D).
- Repeat these steps for the red wire.
- With the insulation stripped from the ends of both wires, the ends of the wires will next be soldered directly to the motor, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Tip: Soldering these connections is a fairly delicate procedure. To make the job easier, use a support block made from plastic foam to support the motor as you work.
- With the motor supported from underneath, thread the wire ends of the noise-suppression capacitor through the tabs at the top of the motor. The capacitor helps eliminate any potential radio interference that can be emitted by the electric motor while it's operating.
- With the capacitor in place, apply some solder to the connectors (figure E) and wire ends using the soldering gun.
- Since this motor functions as a "pusher," connect the red wire to the side of the motor marked as the negative side (figure F).
- Solder the black wire to the positive side of the motor.
- With both solder connections complete, clip away any excess wire from using wire clippers (figure G).
The segment that follows shows installation of the radio and control linkages, and assembly completion.
RESOURCES :
Hobby Lobby International
A retailer of radio-control model planes.
www.hobby-lobby.com/diynet.htm
Hobby Lobby International, Inc.
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: 615-373-1444
Fax: 615-377-6948
Website: www.hobby-lobby.com
Tipsy Trainer park flyer
www.hobby-lobby.com/diynet.htm
Hobby Lobby International, Inc.
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: 615-373-1444
Fax: 615-377-6948
Website: www.hobby-lobby.com
RC Modeler magazine
RC Modeler magazine
Sierra Madre, CA 91025
Fax: 626-355-1476
Website: www.rcmagazine.com
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