Electric Flight - September 2013

SHOP

T IPS

Easy Markings

It has always been troublesome for me to use a stencil mask and spray paint to apply markings to my models. Paint al ways seeps under the edge and the markings don’t come out great. To improve the looks of my models, I have started to use a permanent marker and a reusable stencil to draw the outlines. ;en I fill in the stenciled markings. ;is method works great on foam, Depron, film, plastic, and any other type of electric powered model surface.

Conrad Rompala, Green Lake, WI

Fine-Tuning Control Horns

When it comes to using a pull-pull control system, it is extremely important that you set up the geometry correctly. Measure the distance between the attachment points on the two-sided servo arm and make sure the distance between the attachment points on the horns on the control surface are the same. Oftentimes, standard control horns will be too short, so to solve the mismatch, use thin plywood shims between the control surface and the two horns. If the distances are not the same, the pull-pull cables will become slack on one side or the other as the servo moves the control surface.

George Underwood, Poughkeepsie, NY

Heli Holder When running up your helicopter, you need a sturdy and solid base. My solution was to bolt some metal brackets I had onto the top of my metal toolbox. Any metal bracket will work, as long as the bolts you use go around the skids to hold them in place. Tightening down the bolts secures the heli and you can safely check your heli’s blade tracking, check for vibrations, or whatever else you need to do to adjust your model. I also put extra bracing under the toolbox lid to ensure that vibration is eliminated. It works great! Steve Stresman, Perth, Ontario, Canada

Secure Bullet Connectors

When it comes to doing the hard wiring for large electric motors like this Hacker A60-16L, which powers my giant OV- 10 Bronco twin, I don’t take any chances with bullet connectors. Even the best-performing model can have some vibration issues. Although bullet connectors are very tight fitting, I apply some heat-shrink tubing over the connectors. ;ey hold everything securely and it’s easy to remove in case I need to do maintenance on the motors or the wiring. ;is will serve as cheap flight insurance! Rich Uravitch, Grant, FL

SEND IN YOUR IDEAS and if we pick your tip, we’ll send you an Electric Flight baseball cap! You can send in a photo or sketch describing your favorite shop trick to: “Shop Tips,” c/o Electric Flight, 88 Danbury Rd., Suite 2B, Wilton, CT 06897 or email us at electricflight@airage.com. Be sure to include your name and mailing address. We’re sorry to say that due to the number of hobby-related ideas we receive, we can neither acknowledge each one, nor returned unused material.