AR7600 Receiver

Looks like pilots have another option for a RX. I usually use the 921 RX or 9300 RX for sailplanes. They fit fine. I have seen a number of AR7000 installs with the antennas folded along the RX. Not good for getting a good signal. The antennas just stick out the wrong way for a small sailplane fuselage.

The new AR7600 looks like it might be good for pilots who want a less expensive RX with the antenna oriented better for installation in a sailplane.

Remote Relays for Base B Buzzers

I have a solution that I like to replace the base A to base B cable. It's a Spektrum transmitter, receiver and Dimension Engineering PicoSwitch. The Picoswitch plugs into a servo output providing a nice remotely operated relay. See http://www.dimensionengineering.com/PicoSwitch.htm

Tool has new home

My other F3b Tool now has a new home. I still have a Ceres, Ceres Lift, Freestyler, and Tanga in the F3b collection....

LSF Nats 2010

The proposed 2010 Nats schedule is out. F3b is missing from the list. F3k was moved to the weekend when F3b is usually run at the same time as XC.

So F3b will now be an unofficial event that will be held at the same time as 2M on July 27, 28. Make sure you get on 2.4 so that there aren't any conflicts with 2M.

Since it's not an official event, then there can probably be a contribution to the F3b team fund in place of the regular entry. Next worlds will be in China.

Who wants to make the trip to Muncie for 2 days F3b, 2 days Unlimited, 2 days F3k or RES, F3b, Unlimited?

Packing, packing....

All the models are cleaned up and polished and packed.

Sorting out which tools and spare pieces to take and pack.

The team has a lot of "stuff" to get there. Fortunately with the help of 3 pilots, 3 helpers and team manager.

Checked the seating and the flight is not really full. Now only if we can convince Delta that the US Team should sit in those empty business class seats......

Practice complete

Finished another long day of F3b practice. I probably have in 500-600 launches the past few months getting ready for the WC. Must be ready now. This week will be getting everything packed and ready to go.

More tweaking

I have more DS378's so I changed out the flap servos on the first Freestyler. Now both of them have DS378's in flaps, get plenty of travel, and have the horns all inside the servo covers. Spent some time measuring throws between the two models too and have them matched even better.

Tungsten ballast fits the joiners. Now I can put an extra 10 oz max ballast into the model. Some evening flying today. cross wind, just a few MPH so I could not really load up. Thursday afternoon will be another practice day. Distance and speed flying planned. Depends on the help.

Won't have to worry about the sun in the afternoon. Should be light east wind, 5-7MPH. Temps in the 70's. Not expecting any killer lift. Also makes it easier to unload at the field. Won't have to drag all the batteries as far.