To Gyro or Not?

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Now that most of us are into our flying season, it’s time to dust off those old models that have been hanging around for the last few months.  If you’re like me, spring is a time for me to update those older models and decide which ones are going to get my attention.  Often, I will break out a model that hasn’t seen the air in years.  There is no better time than now to equip a model with a stabilization system of one sort or another.  I can hear some of you griping at me already.  “I never needed a gyro thingy, why do I need one now?”  The answer to this question is, of course, you don’t.  We don’t need a gyro in the plane to go fly it.  For many people, the idea of stabilizing electronics in model aircraft is akin to cheating.  Whether it’s building, flying, or bench-racing that you enjoy most, the point is to enjoy it.  Stabilization systems, or gyros as most pilots call them, can improve the enjoyment that we experience when we go out to fly.  All of us have been through the dreaded maiden flight.  Our hand shaking with the thought of all those hours spent completing a new model.  This fear becomes one hundred times worse when it’s a scratch-built model or something of our own design.  A well-tuned system can help alleviate these fears, knowing that even if the model is a little out of alignment or the cg is a little off, the system will help us keep it in one piece.  Most modelers I know have had a model that is more difficult than others on take-off or landing.  A stabilization system can take your worst nightmare and have you greasing it in like a pro.  And let’s face it, there is no better tool for the new pilot to gain confidence than a model that will always return to level flight.  We, as a community, have to embrace technology for its ability to improve the quality of our hobby experience.  Do yourself a favor; get out there and try one of these systems for yourself.  There are stabilization systems available at multiple price points and varying degrees of complexity.  Shoot us an email at support@esprittech.com for more information on what might be right for you.

-Written by James Shupe

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Field Kit Necessities

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With the flying season upon us, many of you are anxious to get to the field and start logging hours on your aircraft – I know we are. Amidst all the excitement, let us not forget to get all the basic field necessities ready, as it is easy leave without, but hard to go without. Here is a recap of what our guys make sure they have in their field boxes as they head out to fly.

  1. CA and Kicker – Great for those on-the-go fixes. We recommend the performance of Zap Adhesives.
  2. Double Sided Tape – This is great to add a little extra hold to your devices as they undergo the stress of flight. We recommend the 3M adhesive for a secure hold.
  3. Velcro – Perfect item for the parts that you will need access to. Velcro adds a great hold, but not as temporary as the double sided tape or CA.
  4. Tools (Wrenches, Screw Drivers, Cutters) – As we fly things need adjusting, either from initial set up, tuning, or flight vibration. Multi-Tools like the GorillaGrip Wrench or the Multi-Driver Set Duratrax offer several sizes in one convenient package.  Don’t forget your basic Xacto #1 Knife and spare blades!
  5. Battery checker and spare batteries / Fuel and spare glow plugs – Whether  you fly Gas/Glow or Electric, you need to make sure you have backup power, so you are not left grounded.
  6. Spare Props/Blades – These are a must for those accidental nicks and chips that may happen.

Best in Town!

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Be the talk-of-the-town when you show up at field with one of these water proof, dust proof, and crash proof transmitter cases.

Uncertainty always strikes when bringing your equipment into extreme weather conditions. From the sweltering-hot vacation beach to the violent desert dust storm, you will feel safe knowing that your precious equipment is fully protected. Our cases are designed to resist deformation and fatigue, the waterproof seal ensures a long-lasting watertight fit. With rounded corners, stainless steel hardware, thick wall construction, and oversized details these durable hard-sided cases are built to absorb shocks and keep water and dust out without sustaining damage to the case or more importantly your equipment. Available for DS and DC series transmitters and offered in three colors.

Check out more information below.

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Software Suite For Graupner Servos

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If you have viewed our site recently, you may have noticed that we now carry a total of four different series of Graupner servos. Although each series offers a slightly different performance factor, ALL of the Graupner servos we have are programmable! Simply download the software suite found here, and update your servo firmware via the cable (coming soon). After installation go to the link tab on the bottom and look for the servo setup link.

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More From Graupner Servos

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In addition to the new  HVS line of Graupner Servos, we have added Graupners line of brushelss servos! Manufactured with high-quality components such as ball bearings, the Graupner HBS Servos provide the same great performance as a common standard servo. Optimized for high voltage and specially designed around a high-performance brushless motor, precision cut metal gears, and heat sink case to provide lower operating temperatures and longer run times, these servos will blow any standard servo out of the water. Fully programmable and a 2048 high resolution to meet your unique specifications (via the free Graupner Servo Setup Software) the HBS Line is ideal for all model types.

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New Graupner Servos Coming Soon!

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Introducing the HVS series servos by Graupner. These digital servos are optimized for higher voltage input (up to 8.4V) with an aluminum heat sink for lower operating temperatures and longer run times. The HVS servos provide speed and holding power with low dead band technology for extra reliability and can be programmed to your unique specifications with our PC-based servo software.

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*Diagram pictured for GRSJ7970