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Marco Polo Ultralight Drone/UAV/Model Rocket Location and Recovery System – Product of the month.

/ Spencer Gould
The perfect solution to help find a lost Drone or Rocket.
Everything is self contained and needs no external GPS or Cell signal.
 
  • Simple to setup and use, single button-push to begin searching for lost RC model with real-time distance and direction feedback
  • Works anywhere, totally self-contained, no GPS or cell network required, no monthly service contracts, ideal for remote areas
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery in transceiver tag gives you up to 15 days to find your lost model
  • Super small, compact tag transceiver easily fits on even small RC models, weighs only .42 oz. (12 g)
  • Does not interfere with RC radios – Marco Polo only transmits when you activate search mode from the handheld locator

Protect your RC aircraft investment with a Marco Polo RC Model Recovery System. Marco Polo is the only long range, up to 2 miles line-of-sight, tracking system that works everywhere you fly – or unintentionally land – with no need for GPS reception or cellular service and no monthly fees. The Marco Polo tag transceiver weighs just 12 grams so it will not affect your aircraft’s performance yet it gives you up to 10 days to locate your model. Marco Polo will not interfere with any of your on-board radio systems because it does not transmit any RF energy until activated by the hand-held locator from the ground. In the case of a long-range fly away you can place the locator into search mode and head off in the general direction of the crash or perform a grid search, Marco Polo will search every inch of the surrounding area as you move and then guide you to the exact location, within inches. Up to 2 additional tag transceivers can be added to the system at any time and the Marco Polo locator is compatible with both RC and pet tracking tags.

 
 
 

Wittman Tailwind – Aircraft of the month

/ Spencer Gould

The Tailwind is one of the more older Home built designs that is still being flown in numbers today. It proves you can get a lot of performance out of simple shapes and simple construction. Visually the fuselage has very similar lines to the Hyperbipe

I can’t think of a Oshkosh or Sun-N-Fun I’ve been to with out seeing at least one of these aircraft at the show.

You can still build a tailwind today with plans & components from Aircraft Spruce

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/kitspages/wittail.php

Steve Whittman was one of the pioneers in the Home built aircraft movement, read more at: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Wittman

and a nice documentary

The landing gear on the SP-500 was highly influenced by the tailwind for its simple construction, read more at: https://gouldaero.com/eaa-e-ab/sp-500-e-ab/sp500-construction-photos-toc/sp500-landing-gear/

RC option:

https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=7831

https://outerzone.co.uk/images/_thumbs/models/7831.jpg

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ANYCUBIC Chiron 3D Printer – Product of the Month

/ Spencer Gould

 

I found quite the interesting large capacity 3D printer for home and small business use.

In the late 90’s / early 2000’s I got some exposure to stereolithography 3d printing at ERAU. while a novel concept making small desk display models the technology has advanced greatly since then.

What really got my attention recently on this is a video from flitetest on using 3D printers to make full RC aircraft built in sections and bonded with CA glue. This can open up all kinds of possibilities for RC aircraft, Drones & even parts on Home Built aircraft. Contour, trapped features, complex geometries are a non issue with this technology. There are also some online sources where you can buy or freeware the .stl files to make these aircraft. more details below.

More info on the Chiron printer:

  • Extra Large Build Volume, ANYCUBIC Chiron 3D Printer comes with one of the largest build volume of 15.75 x 15.75 x 17.72 inches, you can print models that 90% of other printers could not, The unique high precision nozzle of 0.4mm hot end with straight through design reduces the weight on the X axis which delivers better performance even on very tall prints, Your creativity will be maximized
  • Semi Auto Leveling and Resume Print, Equipped with an auto leveling module which automatically detects 25 points, supports real time adjustment compensation of nozzle height, Chiron 3D Printer can resume printing after power outage or any other unexpected stoppage, One click to resume from the last recorded position when suffering power outages, And the sensor pauses prints and sets off an alarm when you run out of filament which greatly saves time and material
  • Easy to Assemble and Use, Full metal body, stable and durable, modular design and only take 5-10 minutes to assemble, TFT Touch Screen with brand new friendly UI to preview model and printing process on screen, offline printing, We use high grade Titan Extruder, smooth feeding and not easy to plug, which can provide you a better printing experience of flexibility
  • Printing Precise and Safe, Equipped with Y Axis Dual Sideway and Z axis dual screw rod design, the height on both sides of the Z axis will be recalibrated before each printing which can reduce the probability of releveling before each printing and our Chiron 3D Printer’s print precision is greatly improved, 24V DC high power heated bed, heating up to 100℃, Independent high-power mosfet drive, taking into account safety and heating effect
  • More Function, Ultrabase Pro, Coated with a special composite coating make the printed large model not easy to warp and easy to demold, All ANYCUBIC 3D printers backed with lifetime technical support and 24 hours professional customer service

PLA seems to be the main filament or “stock material” for the printers, here is a good starter option:

  • 【Premium 3D Printer PLA Filament】Clog-Free, Bubble-Free, Tangle-Free, Low warping, perfect 3D Printer PLA Filament 1.75mm for smooth and stable 3D printing experience, making printed parts an outstanding surface finish.
  • 【4 Colors 3D Printer PLA filament】Comes with 1KG/2.2 lb 1.75mm 3D Printer red, white, blue and black PLA filament bundles, 0.25KG/Spool 4 Colors. Note: The roll hole in the middle of the filament is 1.26 inch/ 32 mm, please check whether it fit on the holder of your printers before you order it, the spools may not fit on the holder of some printers.
  • 【Dimensional Accuracy & Consistency】LABISTS 3D Printer PLA Filament, 1.75 mm in diameter, Minimum demission tolerance +/- 0.02mm to ensure consistent feeding and smooth printing.
  • 【3D Printer PLA Filament Using Tips】 Recommend Printing Temperature: 190℃-220℃. Recommended Print Speed: 50-100mm/s.
  • Note: The roll hole in the middle of the filament is 1.26 inch/ 32 mm, please check whether it fit on the holder of your printers before you order it, the spools may not fit on the holder of some printers.

Some more info on the flitetest P38 build

https://www.flitetest.com/articles/3d-printed-p-38-lightning

Beyond Flitetest, Troy McMillan’s YouTube channel has a ton of 3D printed aircraft content, as you can see from this Tucano video the level of detail is only limited by your imagination

Some sources for ready to go stl files:

Payware:

https://www.planeprint.com/shop

https://3dlabprint.com/

https://www.eclipson-airplanes.com/

Rotor Riot’s Le Drib has a video on a drone frame he 3D printed

He got the file for this frame from: https://www.thingiverse.com/

This is a freeware site with many kinds of 3D print files

 

Last mention is GrabCAD, they also have many kinds of CAD files that can be converted into stl and other printable file formats

https://grabcad.com/

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Aviators Gift Guide

/ Spencer Gould

#1 Bose A20 Aviation Headset

“You wanted the best your going to get the best”

  • 30% greater active noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets. Connectivity Technology: Wired/Wireless
  • 30% less clamping force than conventional aviation headsets. The ergonomic control module includes an auxiliary audio input with intercom/AUX priority switching, ideal for dedicated GPS and traffic warning systems
  • Clear audio with active equalization. Simple, intuitive headset operation—plug it in, turn it on, go flying
  • Now with Bluetooth audio and communications interface for connectivity with your communications and navigation devices
  • Customizable audio prioritization control lets you mute an audio signal when receiving a communication, or mix the two together

 

#2 Corkology Aviation Set Flight instruments Coasters

A must have for any bar in a pilot man cave

  • Made in the USA
  • Flight instruments cluster Illustrations
  • Interesting story of each illustration on back.
  • Made of natural cork
  • Hand printed on letterpress
  • Each coaster measures approx. 3.75″ dia.

#3 Mike Busch on Airplane Ownership

Some light reading if you want to take the plunge into aircraft ownership

Mike Busch on Airplane Ownership is the much-awaited sequel to his previous books Manifesto and Engines. In this two-volume set, Busch distills his wisdom from his more than 50 years as an aircraft owner. He brings his refreshingly commonsense and often outside-the-box approach to every aspect of owning and operating a general aviation aircraft.

Volume 1 covers selecting, purchasing, insuring, and maintaining an aircraft. Busch emphasizes that it is the aircraft owner—not his mechanics—who bears the regulatory responsibility for airworthiness. He discusses how to choose the right mechanic or shop and how to manage the maintenance they perform. Busch dissects the much-dreaded annual inspection, and how owners can keep it from spiraling out of control. He offers guidance about the all-important post-maintenance test flight, and how to deal with an owner’s worst nightmare: a mechanical breakdown far from home.

#4 Hudson Baby Aviation Onesie

The perfect gift for future aviators

  • 100% Cotton
  • Imported
  • Snap closure
  • Machine Wash
  • Set includes coordinating long-sleeve bodysuits
  • Made with 100% cotton
  • Soft, gentle and comfortable on baby’s skin

#5 2021 General Aviation Calendar

Kiss 2020 goodbye with this 2021 Calendar

A must for the General Aviation enthusiast! Month after month, you ll enjoy seeing the top dogs of general aviation, from single-engines to corporate jets. This calendar s sure to be a big hit! Size: 15.5 x 20 (open)

#6 Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Action Cam Bundle

Record & Share 2021’s crazy aviation adventures with this 4K Camera 

  • Ultra HD 4K/30fps footage with 1.75-inch touchscreen display that lets you see what is being recorded
  • 3-axis image stabilization captures smooth and steady video in unsteady flight conditions
  • Includes headset audio cable overlay of the cockpit conversation/ATC audio on the video and a prop filter to remove propeller from the video
  • Capture your position, attitude, speed and much more and overlay them onto your video; then easily create and share your video using a smart device and VIRB app
  • Wirelessly record HD audio in flight from Bluetooth-compatible headsets and audio panels

#7 I make airplanes fly Mug

Yet another perfect addition to the aviation man cave

  • IT’S THE PERFECT GIFT IDEA – We know that its really hard to find a cool and unique gift on a budget. That’s why your mom, dad, girlfriend, boyfriend, friend, or work colleague is going to LOVE this ceramic coffee mugs! Buy Now!
  • 100% Total & Complete Satisfaction, No Questions Asked, Money Back Guarantee. Shop with Absolute & Complete Confidence that you’re making a very smart decision! Buy Now!
  • The Coffee and Motivation Mug can be used for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soup or any liquid of your choice. It’s specially designed with a large handle to provide you with a comfortable grip while preventing you from burning your hand
  • HIGH QUALITY – The imprinted design is printed on both sides of the mug and guaranteed to last. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special.
  • This great mug is sure to be a hit among your friends, colleagues or family. Just a great way to start a conversation. The text on the mug reads: Pediatrician – Making a big difference to little people.

#8 Airplane Clock

 

  • Metal airplane desk clock featuring a large display designed as an altimeter.
  • Great gifts for pilots and the aviation industry.
  • Product Size: 2-3/8“ x 3” x 3-38”

#9 Josh Bach Men’s WWII Fighter Planes Silk Necktie

 

Show up in style in your next formal meeting

  • Silk
  • Made in USA
  • Mustangs, Warhawks, Wildcats, Thunderbolts, and Lightnings all on one great silk necktie. Perfect for the history buff, the WWII enthusiast or the aviator.
  • Length of 57.5″, Width of 3 1/8″
  • Understated, whimsical, design. Hand finished in New York City.
  • Comes in cool tin can, ready to gift.

#10 Yaesu FTA550L Handheld VHF Transceiver w/Li-Ion Battery

  • Aviation Airband Transceiver NAV/COM with ILS and VOR Navigation
  • Li-Ion Battery
  • AA Battery Tray
  • Comes with Antenna
  • Comes with Headset Adapter

 

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LoPresti Spectra – Aircraft of the Month

/ Spencer Gould

I’ve known about the Spectra since I got started in RC aircraft in the early 90’s, I would all ways look through the RCM plans catalog, searching for the next scratch build and this aircraft was a real stand out.

LeRoy LoPresti a former Grumman engineer started the the Island Aircraft Corporation based in Florida. He developed and flew the aircraft in the late 60’s

This aircraft pioneered the engine mounted in a T tail nacelle concept a full 13 years before the Seawind

Photos & Videos of the actual aircraft are rare, Roy LoPresti posted this unique video on his YouTube Channel.

Of course the RCM Plan that I noticed all those years ago can now be downloaded for free on Outerzone

This one is from 1971, 2 years after the 1st flight of the Prototype, has 73″ wing span and was designed by Don Haines & Paul Rhe.

https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=9154