D645MW vs ProModeler DS180DLHV
Amongst dominant brands like Futaba, Hitec, and Spektrum, the 800lb gorilla is Hitec. Since their D645MW is the world’s best selling servo, then for basically the same reason it’s said; ‘To be king, you have to beat the king’, it’s become our target. Let's compare!
Servo motors 101
Wondered about differences between iron-core, coreless, and brushless servos? It's down to the motors - we cut them open on a lathe to show you what’s inside!
Servo motors 102
What's inside your servo motor-wise is what determines torque, speed, and most important to folk, the price. We detail the differences in how they're made.
Throttle servo issues
Modelers often agonize for months over getting a model and mull over things like engine, retracts, control surface servos, but then give short shrift to the throttle servo.
Rip Van Winkle; returning to RC
30 years is a long time in the world of technology, and RC has been no exception in advancing at a rapid pace. This how-to brings you up to speed on what you've missed!
On-the-fly fuel mix
At last, servo controlled fuel-mixture adjustments! Fine tuning in flight, whilst hearing your engine going rich or lean under load? Now that's a game changer!
New engines
When it comes to propulsion for your model, you're going to need an engine and muffler. For most folks, this means a new engine, so let me share a few thoughts.
Protecting your investment
Finally, a common sense way to protect your engine against damaging airborne particles, dirt ingested during a chicken dance, and clutch liner dust.
Exhaust system
Your build requires an exhaust system. While the clear engine of choice is an OS 55HZ Hyper, their PowerBoost III muffler is pricey. We have a couple of alternatives.
Baby gasser
Cheap gas/oil premix doesn’t offset heavy-ass Zenoah engines ripping a model to shreds on impact. A lightweight GT15HZII changes the calculus, we show you how!
Four-strokes
Curious about four-stroke engines? Ready to experience a different type of torque delivery? Could be you're a prospect for a big thumper and their fascinating sound!
Big blocks
Power corrupts, and absolute power, corrupts absolutely! If you think an .55HZ is fun, a taste of a P6 with a big block like an OS MAX 70SZ-H will spoil you rotten!
Carb teardown
So the engine's running poorly, bolts are tight, bearings are good, tried fresh fuel, plus a new glow plug, but it still runs like crap? Time for some carb troubleshooting!
Engine repairs
New engines are over $400, yet refurbing (usually an inexpensive set of bearings, plus maybe a new ring) is easy. We’ll show you how to R&R yours on the cheap!
Used engines
Shocked we’d guide you to a used engine? Don’t be because there are plenty of deals out there and most used engines can be brought back with new bearings plus ring.
Kit contents
You’ve mulled it over, decided a Pantera P6 is right for you, and pulled the trigger to build yourself one. While you wait, questions include, what have I let myself in for?
Tooling up
Gathering up the tools to build your model helicopter begins with metric Allen and nut drivers. Here we review the contents of an experienced builder's tool box.
Servo selection
Hobby grade servos good enough? Consideration for these servo packages goes beyond weight, torque, speed, and price, so don't waste your time with this.
2S flight packs
2-cell lithium batteries power most models. Do you rely on cells comprised of plastic bags to save weight, or rugged steel shells? Choose wisely!
RF systems
When it comes to RF systems, guess what? We don't have 'religion' regarding brands (and helis don't care) but we do have a few thoughts.
Rotor blades
Selecting a set of blades for your 600-class model may seem confusing. Ranging from $20-120, in order of increasing price, materials include wood, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Our advice if you're new is start off with a set of woodies.
Flybar head
Whether your model relies on a hybrid-gyro (mechanical 2-axes gyro for the head plus single-axis for the tail) or 3-axis FBL-gyro, the model flies the same. Here's how-to fine tune the mechanical gyro like a pro!
Building my first heli
We all have to start somewhere. It's always nice to benefit from the experiences of others. Hope this helps.
Hughes 500
Do thoughts of flying an airborne hot rod leave you cold? If that's the case then this brief photo-driven history and background regarding the Hughes 500 won't fly.