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F-16 1:5 by Pilot-RC

Written by Robin
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Markus Rummer flew many events in 2023, also at our jubilee airshow, convincingly with the 1/5 F-16 from Pilot-RC and made me thinking…
In addition to the flying, the handling with the divisible fuselage, all electric retractable landing gear and the price of this F-16 is quite interesting… After I having a chat with Tony Tan from Pilot-RC and his information that the F-16 in the X-Tiger Scheme would soon be available, I placed the order for the F-16 in this scheme by the end of 2023 and half a year later the huge box was here.
Overall, the plane has a very well thought-out design, is quite light, neatly painted and all the necessary acessories are included and individually packed in bags. The electric JP landing gear with electric brakes are included in the scope of delivery plus the finished cockpit, tanks and the vector thrust pipe. The canopy on my F-16 was broken during shipping, but a new glass was quickly glued in. Compared to the standard kit, on the recommendation of Markus Rummer, the main landing gear was moved 20mm forward; I created a 3D printed part for this. In addition, the air duct to the turbine was completely removed, which not only reduced the weight but also provided more air supply for the turbine.
I also built the plane so that it can be easily transported in a standard car despite its length of over 3m. The fuselage sections are screwed together using 4 clamping screws and the central rudder screw. It´s devided directly after the turbine. A Click-Connector by Hacker automatically connects all the servo cables in the rear fuselage section. All the necessary servo extension cables were crimped to the right length using Hacker premium.
The F-16 is fully equipped with CHASERVO. A total of 5x of the lightweight HV3512 are used on the rudder, the flaps/ailerons and the vector thrust tube, and 2x HV5013 are used on the tailerons.
The main landing gear doors are moved by 2x DS20 and the nose gear and its door by a DS165. The RX-system consists of a JETI/duplex CentralBox 220 with 2x RSat2 and a 900mHz backup receiver. Between the two RSat2s there is a Bavarian Demon Cortex Pro.
The turbine is a JetCat P250 ProS V2, one of the hottest turbines in the jet circus, which has been absolutely convincing in my father’s UltraBandit for 2 years!
Unfortunately, I was only able to make 5 flights with the model last season, but I’m all the more excited about the coming season with the F-16.
Here are a few pictures of the assembly and the rtf model (more will follow):
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JETI model / duplex DC-24 II

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Since the 30th anniversary of JETI in Benesov, CZ in September 2023, I have been the proud owner of the new JETI DC-24 Generation II. I have flown the transmitter for over half a year now and played with it a lot. I would now like to share my experience here and justify it accordingly.

What I particularly like is that it´s not a completely reinvented new transmitter, it is mainly based on the proved and successful JETI DC-24 with the addendum of a few new cool features. The design has remained simple and has only changed slightly due to the larger screen. To make the switch from “old to new DC-24” as easy as possible, JETI has chosen the dimensions of the new transmitter similar to DC-24 I so the transmitter fits in the old tray of DC-24/16/14.

The most noticeable innovation is the larger and, above all, super bright display, which can still be read perfectly even in direct sunlight. However, the transmitter’s battery life also suffers from the super bright display, which is noticeably shorter than that of the DC-24 Gen. I. Club colleagues and friends who have also switched to the DC-24II have one point to complain which is the shortened battery running time before need to recharge. Now you must charge again after roughly half of the battery running time of the old DC-24.

The icons and the design of the menu navigation have also changed slightly, making everything a little more logical and clearer. The individual receivers are shown at the top left corner of the screen, and it is shown whether and which receivers are connected.

Some software news are in progress and currently not available. The transmitter can already do this and will be available with a subsequent software update.

A helpful new feature is the ability to connect the transmitter to a smartphone. Another person has the real-time telemetry data from the flight on their cell phone and can check and monitor all values ​​directly.

Modern wireless headphones can now also be paired with the transmitter. A great solution to give the pilot and the caller each one headphone when practicing aero musical sequences. Or simply listen to the Vario comfortably on the slope.

In addition to all the technical news, the new, red anodized aluminum transmitter case is a real eye-catcher. Although it is only a transport case for the transmitter, it is still a proof that style and design play an important role at JETI model. As beautiful as the case is, the inscription (JETI, duplex…) will probably not last forever and it remains to be seen how quickly the beautiful suitcase will “wear out” during airport and transport use. As an option there is a transmitter case foam insert that neatly centers the transmitter in the transport case.

In my club there are now a few DC-24 IIs, all working great and the trend is towards more DC-24IIs or the soon coming DS-24II.

Summary of what has changed compared to the DC-24 Generation I:

  • USB-C charging port like all common tablets and smartphones
  • 900 mHz NG installed
  • Larger and brighter display therefore suitable for airfields even in bright sunlight
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for future updates and pairing with smartphone or wireless headphones
  • iOS/Android APP for visualizing telemetry data on smartphone/tablet
  • Visually redesigned symbols for even clearer menu navigation
  • Battery runtime has become significantly shorter compared to the DC-24 Gen. 1
  • Beautiful red aluminum transport case

INFO: JETI recommends only using the included USB-C charger to charge the transmitter. And, for example, not to use an inexpensive USB-C charger from the set of a cheap electric toy.

Partner, RT DESIGN, Tipps & Tricks

Segelflugmesse + Bücker 2024

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After the crash at the 2023 Segelflugmesse due to the engine overheating, I promised to try again this year and ideally do it better.

The incident last year motivated me to find an optimized engine system that works more reliably, especially in hot temperatures.
One year later we were ready…
The engine is still the same, a Fiala / Valach 250cc 5-cylinder radial engine, but no longer with the classic Walbro carburettor, but from now on with a fully electronic fuel injection.

We are currently in the testing phase with this system and as soon as we have completed this, I will report in detail here. It absolutely convinced me!

I also adjusted my flight program a bit and equipped my Bücker with smoke on the wingtips… check the video below 😉

Thanks Pawel for making the video!

The Segelflugmesse 2024 was again an absolute highlight for me this year. It’s just a shame that the weather didn’t cooperate on friday for the airshow. Saturday was great for that.
A big thank you to Lukas and the hard-working helpers in Schwabmünchen!

After the crash at the 2023 Segelflugmesse due to the engine overheating, I promised to try again this year and ideally do it better.

The incident last year motivated me to find an optimized engine system that works more reliably, especially in hot temperatures.
The engine is still the same, a Fiala / Valach 250cc 5-cylinder radial engine, but no longer with the classic Walbro carburettor, but from now on with a fully electronic fuel injection.

We are currently in the testing phase with this system and as soon as we have completed this, I will report in detail here. It absolutely convinced me!

I also adjusted my flight program a bit and equipped my Bücker with smoke on the wingtips… check the video below 😉

Thanks, Pawel, for making the video!

The Segelflugmesse 2024 was again an absolute highlight for me this year. It’s just a shame that the weather didn’t cooperate on friday for the airshow. Saturday was great for that.
A big thank you to Lukas and the hard-working helpers in Schwabmünchen!

 

Events, RT DESIGN

GP-14 VELO by Multiplex double carbon

Written by Robin
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I thought about writing a short construction report about this MULTIPLEX plane for a long time and finally decided to do so. Because the new GP-14 VELO by MULTIPLEX is significantly better than its reputation. In a german forum the aircraft and the construction are being trashed, which I personally cannot understand. I built the plane and I`m absolutely convinced by the quality and the flight performance. I think the development team at MPX did a great job with this model, and that’s why I’m sharing a few pictures of the building and nice flights in the mountains.

First of all, it is very commendable that there is a detailed, illustrated instruction manual available for the GP-14, which is a rarity these days. Various installation options are described, whether landing gear, FES or retract EDF, all information can be found in the instructions. The cockpit tub including panel is available as an option from Multiplex. Also a special carbon spinner and a white painted carbon prop is available. For this prop, the hacker service recommended a suitable engine for 6S setup, the A50-16S.

For the linkages in the wing, I didn’t use the standard linkages with Z-wire and fork head, but rather the extremely high-quality installation frames including rudder horns and pushrods from heizkoffer.de. It couldn’t be more playful, rigid and elegant!I still had a pilot in 1:3.5 from Tailored Pilots which fits perfectly into the GP-14 VELO. I drew the rudder pedals in CAD and simply printed them out of PLA and painted them. Thae same I did with the linkage and control horn covers on the wings, they are also printed from white PLA.The 5000 battery is located directly in front of the wing joiner and with the pilot in the cockpit, not a gram of ballast is necessary in the nose for the correct CG!The finish is entirely realized with plotted vinyl stickers.

The power unit by Hacker allows very easy hand launchs and in headwinds, two steps for takeoff were enough. The A50 offers enough power to climb a good 45° with a current consumption of approx. 70A. So with the 5000mAh battery allows 6-7 climbs per flight.

The GP-14 performs fantastically both in thermals and in aerobatics and the pulling power is also very good for a model of this weight and size. With the help of the ACL glider lights on the bottom of the wing, the model can be perfectly recognized or found even at high altitudes or when flying on a slope with a changing background.

All I can say about the GP-14 is: Well done MPX!

RT DESIGN, Tipps & Tricks

25 years of Hacker Motor – Congratulations!!!

Written by Robin
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When I received my first F3A motor from Hacker in 2007, nobody would have thought that a few years later this small company would become THE reference brand in rc-aeromodelling. In addition to many of its own top products for electric flying, one of the leading remote control manufacturers, JETI duplex, is also exclusively in Hacker’s programme. And Rainer Hacker was the guy that I finally came across JETI at the 2016 toy fair.

I’ve been a pilot, partner and friend of Hacker Motor GmbH for over 15 years now – and I’m proud of that. During this long time, there have been many wonderful encounters and successes together with the team. I have summarized a few of them here:

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30 years JETI model – Happy birthday!

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For JETImodel’s 30-year jubilee they invited for a celebration and an airshow to Benesov, CZ. Next to all big european dealers such Hacker Motor from Germany, JETI UK, JETI Italia… there were also a few JETI-toppilots like Gernot Bruckmann, Markus Rummer or Roy Puchtinger invited. The famous Youtube-aeromodeller, RamyRC with his Airbus A350 airliner was there as well.

The friday started with a short and interesting review by Mr. Tinka (Jelen = JE, Tinka= TI) who showed how JETI started with 2 hobby enthusiasts around 30 years ago and is now a world leading manufacturer of high-class RC-radio systems with around 50 employees. It started with handmade ESCs for electric models, followed by 35-mHz receivers and the development of their own 2,4Ghz system and finally the duplex DC-16.
After the review it was time to hand over the birthday gifts from some guests to JETI and open end with good conversations.

On saturday was a big airshow with thousands of visitors. JETI joined this airshow with their celebration by traditional reasons. Benesov was the field where around 30 years ago the first JETI ESCs have been presented and sold to the first customers.

Events, Partner

GeeBee R2 Restauration!

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My passion for the GeeBee started at the age of 12 and has not changed since then. For a few years I flew an electric powered GeeBee equipped with a Hacker A200 and 2x 12S 5000mAh but sold it in 2019. Last year I had the chance to get another damaged R2 and decided to restore it and install a Fiala 250ccm 5-cylinder radial engine, the same engine I’ve been using in my Bücker for the past 2 years.

 The fuselage was damaged in different areas and it turned out to be much more work than expected. My procedure was as follows:

  • Opened the compressed areas with a cutter until the inner side of the sandwich. Removed the compressed and crumbled support foam.
  • Filled up the opened areas with thick epoxy and sanded it down
  • Put a layer of glass fabric above and sanded again
  • Puttied and sanded all
  • Fillered all fixed areas, sanded and reworked the panel lines with a fine rasp
  • Made rivets out of white glue
  • Repainted red
  • Slightly weathered with black oil color

 The effort was well worth and I am super happy with the result. I hope the model lasts long.

 When I bought the GeeBee I contacted FALCON to produce a scale prop in the correct size for the radial engine. And the result is a stunning 34×18 prop which fits and looks excellent. Even the measurements are almost correct compared to the full size.

 The equipment of the GeeBee is proven in my other models:  Hacker DITEX EL-3214 servos, JETI CB-220 with 2x RSat and RCSW. 2S Hacker ECO-X batteries, ClickConnect for the motor unit, EMCOTEC smokepump and 2 kevlar tanks by CM-Jets.

 In this model I used a gyro for the first time. The Cortex Pro by Bavarian Demon was my choice as it is the best system working with JETI model and can be set up directly from the transmitter, no computer needed. And it is connected straight between the 2x RSat and the Central Box. So easy!

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RT DESIGN Acrostar mk2 INFO!!!

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The Acrostar 60E and XL is a very famous and well-flying aerobatic model. The produced batches of both version are sold out and no more available. Due to persistent requests for both models I checked together with Hacker Motor the possibility for a new batch of both models. But the price for the plane plus shipping and the high MOQ make it not possible to bring back these models.

So If you are a proud owner of a RT DESIGN Acrostar, take care of it 😉

Robin Trumpp, February 2023

Partner, RT DESIGN

Flugtag MFC Untermünkheim

Written by Robin
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Nachdem wir 2 Jahre Pause machen mussten, war unser Flugtag 2022 endlich wieder zurück – und wie!

 

In vielerlei Hinsicht sicherlich der beste Flugtag aller Zeiten in Untermünkheim!

Kurzum: Eine große Besucherzahl, jede Menge Toppiloten der Szene und kein nennenswerter Absturz.

Besten Dank an Andreas Maier und Oliver Büsing für die Erinnerungen!

Wir freuen uns jetzt schon auf ein noch größeres Fest 2023 bei uns:

50-jähriges Vereinsjubiläum am 24.+25. Juni 2023

Weitere Infos folgen.

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Events

cool guys and classy airplanes!

Written by Robin
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Bücker Meeting 2022 in Landshut, Bavaria

The annual Bücker FlyInn took place on the 18th of June in Landshut. This event is a meeting for all full-size Bückerpilots and fans from all over Europe with their Bückers.

Herrmann Diebold, who is the key point of the Bücker scene in Europe, invited me end of last year to attend this event after seeing my video with the 50% Bücker from Friedrichshafen.

Luckily my friend Andreas Golla from Hacker Motor lives quite close to the airport Landshut and invited us to his house for a delicious BBQ and some hangout in his pool. An excellent refreshment during the hot summer day and good preparation for the Bücker FlyInn in the evening.

A real highlight was the Hangar 69 at the airport Landshut. There are some very nice airplanes including the original “Liesel Bach” Bücker Jungmeister. I was sitting inside the cockpit for a short time to feel the spirit of Bücker Jungmeister… but it´s better I stay on the ground with my radio 😉

Thank you very much for this amazing day with you!

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