Category Archives: Radio Controlled Aircraft

RC helicopters and airplanes. Anything having to do with the hobby. Talks about transmitters, aircraft, and having fun.

Red Bull Zivko Edge 540 Build (Part 3)

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Welcome to another edition of the Red Bull Zivko Edge 540 build. Stop by the first and second build threads to check out the whole story! Tune-up So when we left off I was have some serious issues with the Magnum XL 70 RFS. It wouldn’t run right when mounted to the airplane. I’m not a small engine expert so I basically threw my hands up at the whole situation and dumped the plane in my dad’s lap. One point that was mentioned to me was that the tank was sitting a little high compared to the carb. The first … Continue reading →

Magnum XL 70 RFS 4-Stroke Engine (Red Bull 540 Update)

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I blasted out an update on the Red Bull 540 build rather quickly. I am stuck trying to get the plane in a fly-able condition. This is why I haven’t had another update on the plane. I can’t fly it! I ordered a Magnum XL 70 RFS 4-stroke glow engine from HobbyPeople.net. If you read the update post you’ll know that ordering from HobbyPeople.net was a pleasure. However, getting the engine to work has not. I am having some trouble getting this engine running correctly. After searching around with Google and looking through posts here and other forums I cannot find a … Continue reading →

SPMReader Update

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Here is a quick update regarding the SPMReader application I created for Spektrum RC Aircraft Radios. It’s been about a month since I announced the SPMReader application. The amount of work that I’ve been able to put into the application hasn’t been as much as I hoped. The biggest updated is that the application now supports the following radios and features: DX18 Converts the SPM to a standardized XML format. DX8 Converts the SPM to a standardized XML format. Currently working on the conversion. It doesn’t look like much now, but the first two points under each radio is important. Once … Continue reading →

Airfoilz Foamie Planes

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I just ordered and received an Airfoilz Edge 540 NX plane. This isn’t the build thread. While waiting for the plane to arrive I wanted to familiarize myself with how it was built. Turns out I couldn’t find the manual online. Here are the manuals that came on the CD. Hopefully your Google search will land you here! Airfoilz NX Series Airfoilz NX Manual Bipe NX Manual Ver 1 Full Fuse Planes Bearcat Bearcat Manual Bearcat Part Sheet Rev 1 Edge 540 Edge 540 FF Manual – Ver 1 Edge 540 Part Sheet Extra 260 Extra 260 Manual (DropBox) Extra … Continue reading →

Red Bull Zivko Edge 540 Build (Part 2)

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Red Bull Zivko Edge 540

Part Two of the Red Bull Zivko Edge 540T build. Continue reading →

Red Bull Zivko Edge 540 Build

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Initial Fitting

I fell in love with the Red Bull Zivko Edge 540 planes from the Red Bull Air Race World Championships. They invoke the feeling of speed and performance, not to mention they look amazing. After some searching I found a RC model of the planes. This is my build thread for the plane. Continue reading →

Announcing SPMReader

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So after a few comments on the DX18 Template Editing Application showing some interest I decided to create a quick POC type project on GitHub. The application is called SPMReader. This application reads the SPM files from Spektrum radios (currently only the DX18). Currently it is written in .NET 4.5.1. There’s no reason that it couldn’t be compiled in a more Mono friendly version of .NET, though. If you’re on a WinOS or have access to a Windows VM I suggest grabbing the latest version of Visual Studio Dev Express and trying it out. I’m not ruling out a Java port. I’m … Continue reading →

Value Hobby Aviator 60 ARF Build

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Value Hobby Aviator 60 ARF Build This past Christmas my dad decided to feed my model addiction by giving me a Value Hobby Aviator 60 ARF. If you’re looking for a good high wing aerobatic trainer or just a good lazy afternoon plane then look no further! At the time of this post this ARF cost $100. To my dad’s house it was less than $130. You read that correctly, the ARF to your door should be less than $130! Now, you’re probably think that for only $130 it has got to be a piece of junk. I can say … Continue reading →

Open Flight Stabilizer Update

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Recently I wrote up an article about how to flash the Open FlightStab software to the Orange RX RS3X. I’ve sense flashed the open source program to another standalone stabilizer and one integrated receiver/stabilizer combo. Each one was pretty easy. With the cost of the RS3X and DSM2 receiver being so low it doesn’t hurt having a couple of these around for that next “project” that comes along. How Does It Fly? Flashing the Open FlightStab is one thing, but how does it fly? Today I got a chance to fly two of my airplanes with the stabilizers. I’ve been … Continue reading →

Open Flight Stabilizer for the Orange RS3X

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Update July 14th, 2015: I originally wrote this article 2 years ago. I’ve gone through and updated some of the links and text. Most notably there is much more in terms of availability for some of the parts such as the USBAsp and flashing tool. Also, Orange RX now has more product in the US warehouses including a stabilizer combined with a 6-ch RX. Open Flight Stabilizer I recently purchased a V2 version of the Orange RS3X from HobbyKing.com. It’s a pretty nice little stabilizer for the price. My only real gripe after trying it is that Hobby King takes … Continue reading →