Things Just Got a Bit Cooler

Falcon ESC Cooling Fan

We love our line of Falcon ESCs, so much so that they get run hard. So hard, that a little extra cooling adds a HUGE benefit.

Elite Falcon ESC Cooling Fan

The Elite Falcon ESC Cooling Fan improves air circulation and heat transfer even under less than ideal installation conditions. The cooling fan has a 5-8.4V operating range and consumption of 0.2-0.5A. Easily install the ESC Cooling Fan, with included installation hardware, by mounting the fan directly on top of the ESC.

Simply install the cooling fan to the top of the heat sink on the ESC and plug in a standard JR-type connector to any free channel of the receiver.

Check them out here!

Finishing Touches

Secraft Bling

“Details matter. It’s worth waiting to get it right.” – Steve Jobs

Well…Wait no more! Secraft parts are rolling in!

These anodized aluminum parts will add the perfect detail to any project! Made out of aluminum, these products are sure to hold up. Vibrant colors and sleek designs will draw your eye and make for the most excellent finishing touches to your model.

Get yours now!

Secraft Fuel Accessories
Secraft Retaining and Securing Systems
Secraft Receiver and Servo Accessories

Esprit Elite Device Firmware Updates

Multiple Firmware Updates Just Released

Firmware updates have just been released for many different Esprit Elite products. Read below to learn what is new and head over to the MAV Manager to update your device.

Find the entire line of elite products here.

Elite AMS Competition Altitude Motor Switch, Variometer & Altimeter w/Telemetry 

  • AMS RELEASE NOTES: VERSION 1.07
    • PowerBox P2Bus telemetry support has been added. Available telemetry values: Altitude, pressure, temperature, throttle output, off-altitude…
    • Configurable telemetry slots in S.Bus2 telemetry mode. Use the MAV Manager software to change the configuration. After changing the slot range please choose the “VARIO-1672” sensor type on the appropriate slot in your Futaba transmitter.
    • Configurable telemetry slots in Multiplex MSB telemetry mode. Use the MAV Manager software to change the configuration.
    • In the RC-E7 mode you can now change the shutdown altitude. Default shutdown altitude is 120m
    • PC Configuration support using the MAV Manager software has been implemented. Use MAV Manager version 1.6.0 or later.

Elite Falcon ESC

  • FALCON/IBEX ESC RELEASE NOTES: VERSION 1.10
    • Improved on-the-fly startups (When the propeller is spinning).
    • Optimized PC configuration.

Elite EX5 Serial Bus & Servo Channel Expander

  • EX5 RELEASE NOTES: VERSION 1.04
    • Improved compatibility with JETI EX Bus 24-channel mode.
    • Added PowerBox P2Bus support on Rx1/Rx2 inputs, including telemetry.
    • Added stabilization gain tuning. Using spare Bus channels, it allows you to assign up to 3 channels to control the stabilization gains of each model axis during flight. After you assign the channel operated e. g. by a potentiometer, the behavior will be similar to a standard gyro:
      • Potentiometer in the middle (0% ~ 1.5ms) effectively disables the stabilization since all gains will be set to zero.
      • Potentiometer to the left (< 1.5ms) activates the “Heading Hold” mode. o Potentiometer to the right (> 1.5ms) activates the “Normal” mode.
Gain Tuning

Elite SE4 Servo Channel Expander Serial Bus to PWM

  • SE4 RELEASE NOTES: VERSION 1.03
    • Improved compatibility with JETI EX Bus 24-channel mode (in connection with EX5, SE6 or additional SE4 devices)
    • Added PowerBox P2Bus support on the Rx input, including telemetry (voltage/temperature).
    • PC Configuration support using the MAV Manager software has been implemented. Use MAV Manager version 1.6.0 or later.

Elite SE6 Servo Channel Expander Serial Bus to PWM

  • SE6 RELEASE NOTES: VERSION 1.03
    • Improved compatibility with JETI EX Bus 24-channel mode.
    • Added PowerBox P2Bus support on the Rx input, including telemetry (voltage/temperature).
    • PC Configuration support using the MAV Manager software has been implemented. Use MAV Manager version 1.6.0 or later.

Elite Telemetry Sensor High Speed GPS

  • GPS LOGGER RELEASE NOTES: VERSION 1.03
    • Configurable telemetry slots in S.Bus2 telemetry mode. Use the MAV Manager software to change the configuration. Available slots: 8 – 15, 16 – 23, 24 – 31.
    • Configurable telemetry slots in Multiplex MSB telemetry mode. Use the MAV Manager software to change the configuration.
    • PC Configuration support using the MAV Manager software has been implemented. Use MAV Manager version 1.6.0 or later.

Elite Telemetry Sensor Micro Variometer & Altimeter

  • MICROVARIO RELEASE NOTES: VERSION 1.07
    • PowerBox P2Bus telemetry support has been added. Available telemetry values: Altitude, pressure, temperature.
    • Configurable telemetry slots in S.Bus2 telemetry mode. Use the MAV Manager software to change the configuration. After changing the slot range please choose the “VARIO-1672” sensor type on the appropriate slot in your Futaba transmitter.
    • Configurable telemetry slots in Multiplex MSB telemetry mode. Use the MAV Manager software to change the configuration.
    • PC Configuration support using the MAV Manager software has been implemented. Use MAV Manager version 1.6.0 or later.

Elite Telemetry Sensor Micro Temperature T125

  • T125(ID) RELEASE NOTES: VERSION 1.03
    • PowerBox P2Bus telemetry support has been added.
    • Configurable telemetry slots in S.Bus2 telemetry mode. Use the MAV Manager software to change the configuration. After changing the slot number please choose the “T125” sensor type on the appropriate slot in your Futaba transmitter.
    • PC Configuration support using the MAV Manager software has been implemented. Use MAV Manager version 1.6.0 or later.

Oh My Multiplex!

Multiplex Connectors w/Solder Couplers are great for any project!

Our solder coupler sets provide a larger area for solder contact than soldering directly to the connector pins. They also provide strain relief for your power leads (or servo leads) at the connector. With the servo leads, you can easily connect up to four independent signal servo wires. If space is an issue, consider using the vertical solder couplers! Vertical solder couplers are a great addition to the straight power solder couplers for multiple connection.

Best part – they are easy to install! Check them out here!

Wing Harness made w/Multiplex Solder Connectors

Limited In The State of Iowa

Brian “Chappy” V.’s Turbine Helicopters

In a search for Emcotec’s DPSI Ampere and magnetic switches, (since battery redundancy was a must for these helicopters) I was lucky enough to have an opportunity to chat with “Chappy” of Chappy’s Hobbies, and he was kind enough to share with us this photo of his beautiful Helicopters, including two giant turbine helicopters. According to Chappy, “These… are the only turbine helicopters in state of Iowa,” which is quite a neat fact to know – let alone be the one to have them!

The large blue helicopter on top is a Vario EC120, modeled after the Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) EC120 Colibri. The EC120 is a multi-purpose helicopter that runs a single engine and can seat up to five.1 The EC120 by Vario Helicopters is a 1:4 scale model designed to run either electric mechanics or turbine.2 Chappy’s runs a Jakadofsky Pro5000 Turbine Engine. With massive rotor blades (1050mm according to the manufacture), the EC120 has an eight foot rotor diameter, and weighs in at about forty-two pounds.

On the bottom and to the left, we see a XLV Benzin by Vario Helicopters. Another large helicopter, the XLV Benzin also has an eight foot rotor diameter. Its cabin is constructed of GRP (fiberglass) with a carbon glaze3, and the entire helicopter weighs about thirty-six pounds. For this helicopter, Chappy has chosen to run a Jakadofsky Pro5000 turbine engine as well.

The smaller orange and white helicopter (on the bottom to the right) is an Agusta A-109 running Align mechanics. It is modeled after the Agusta Westland AW109 – another multi-use helicopter developed in the late 1960’s as a commercial helicopter.4

Sources:

1“Eurocopter EC120 Colibri.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 02 February 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Statistical_hypothesis_testing&oldid=1090223185.

2“H120 (EC120) 1:4 – Fuselage Kit”. Vario Helicopters, 02 February 2023, https://www.vario-helicopter.biz/be/Fuselage-Kit/H120-EC120-1-4-Fuselage-kit::200477.html#horizontalTab1

3“XLV Benzin Pod & Boom Kit”. Vario Helicopters, 02 February 2023, https://www.vario-helicopter.biz/us1/Pod-and-Boom/Pod-Boom-for-Hobby-Use/XLV-Benzin-pod-boom-kit::35466.html#:~:text=The%20XLV%20Trainer%20is%20a,with%20a%20special%20silencer%20system.

4“AgustaWestland AW109”. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 02 February 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgustaWestland_AW109

5Photo from Brian “Chappy” V.

New Hacker Ditex EL Series Servos

Hacker Quality for a Steal!

Hacker Ditex Servos

Starting in price at only twenty-six dollars, these coreless digital servos are an economical solution with the quality we have come to love and trust from the Hacker name. This new line of servos from Hacker offer ultra-efficient coreless motors, soft start, steel gear trains, an aluminum case, low current consumption and constant output power. These features make it the perfect match for almost any high performance or racer pilot.

Learn More

You Have A Challenging Project, We Have A Comprehensive Solution!!!

Jeti Central Box, Elite EX5/SE6/SE4 Channel Expanders w/Telemetry

Get yours here!

The Dual Input Servo Channel Expander EX5 is an intelligent bus manager compatible with several radio control systems. The device converts serial bus signal from up to two receivers to either standard PWM servo outputs, or configurable bus outputs. It offers up to five configurable and high-power servo ports with optional period and fail-safe setting.

The EX5 is a perfect choice for models with complex wing or tail mechanics where multiple servos may be connected to a primary receiver/receivers using just a single cable. In addition, if you are running out of receiver channels simply connect additional SE2/SE4/SE6 to the EX5 serial line/s and freely assign any channels.

The EX5 offers flight stabilization (Optional) using the integrated MEMS gyroscope/accelerometer. Up to three configurable flight modes can be used, each with different stabilization gains and settings. In connection with other devices from our production, such as SE4 or SE6, you can create a complex installation with just a few signal/power cables.

Specifications and Features
– Supported Protocols: Jeti EX, Multiplex M-LINK, Graupner HoTT, Futaba S.Bus/S.Bus2
– Small dimensions and high current throughput via the integrated MR30 power connectors.
– Telemetry (RC system dependent): Temperature, Voltage, G-Force (+/-30G), Attitude (Roll/Pitch/Yaw).
– Gyro-stabilized servo outputs, EX Bus, SRXL16ch. or S.Bus.
– Flight stabilization offering 3 configurable flight modes (Manual/Acro/Horizon).
– Automatic detection of serial data/telemetry after startup.
– Configuration through the transmitter or external terminal (JETIBOX/SMART-BOX).
– Firmware updates via USB interface.

Advance Model Installation
Attach the required servos or additional bus devices (SE2/SE4/SE6) to the EX5 (ports 1-5). Connect up to two receivers through their bus outputs. In case of a single receiver, always connect primary RX to the RX1 port of the EX5. Turn on the transmitter and apply the appropriate power source to the EX5. The status LED starts blinking as soon as the EX5 detects signal on the serial line. Please note that both receivers have to use the same data protocol (S.Bus, EX Bus, etc., ).

Introducing Elite Falcon Line of ESCs with Live, Realtime Telemetry, Battery Capacity (mAh) Monitoring & Easy Throttle Stick Programming for Spektrum SRXL2 RC Systems, (Plug & Play System)!!!

The brand new line of Elite Falcon Opto & SBEC ESCs target mainly professionals and pilots looking for uncompromising precision and quality. The Elite Falcon ESCs combine new revolutionary design, system upgradability, almost unlimited flexibility with state of the art telemetry capabilities.

The Falcon product line represents advanced speed controllers for exclusive use in airplanes, drones, sailplanes or any kind of radio control application. With integrated telemetry and various possibilities of optional user configuration, the controllers offer high efficiency, low weight and precise motor control. The telemetry system in the Elite Falcon ESC lets you monitor in real time the Amperage (Amp), Voltage (V), and Capacity (mAh) consumed from the battery, ESC even calculates Power (W) output of the system.

Specifications and Features
– Supported Protocol: Spektrum SRXL2
– Over and under-voltage protection, overtemperature protection, motor-stall protection
– True High Power switching BEC 15A Continuous/30A 2s Burst
– Fully integrated receiver battery backup with LiPo or LiFe preselect
– Real-time telemetry data stream and min/max value data logging
– Configurable current limiter, safety shutdown when the throttle impulse is lost
– Configurable acceleration, timing, electromagnetic brake, prop positioning
– Firmware updates via USB interface

Live Telemetry with Battery Capacity (mAh) Monitoring for Any Type/Brand of Batteries (No SMART Battery Needed)!!!

Realtime, Wireless Transmitter Throttle Stick ESC Programming for Any Application and Type/Brand of Brushless Motors (Hi/Low Pole, Inrunners/Outrunners)!!!

The Brand New Line of Elite Falcon ESCs Target Professionals and Pilots Looking for Uncompromising Precision and Quality!!!

Get Yours Here!

The Falcon product line represents advanced speed controllers for exclusive use in airplanes, drones, sailplanes or any kind of radio control application. With integrated telemetry and various possibilities of optional user configuration, the controllers offer high efficiency, low weight and precise motor control. The telemetry system in the Elite Falcon ESC lets you monitor in real time the Amperage (Amp), Voltage (V), and Capacity (mAh) consumed from the battery, ESC even calculates Power (W) output of the system. You can also measure the ESC Temperature and add external Motor Temperature and Propeller Positioning sensors. We have created a more robust hardware platform including increased cooling capability, smaller overall packaging, and selectable sensitivity to allow you to use any brushless motor that you choose. No matter which size you choose, the Elite Falcon series brushless speed controllers are right for your next project.

The USB programmability allows you to update the ESC to the latest firmware right from home using Jeti or Elite USB Adapter and your PC with MAV Manager. Fine tuning of your power system has never been easier.

Specifications and Features
– Supported Protocols: Jeti EX, Multiplex M-LINK, Graupner HoTT, Futaba S.Bus/S.Bus2
– Over and under-voltage protection, overtemperature protection, motor-stall protection
– Real-time telemetry data stream and min/max value data logging
– Configurable current limiter, safety shutdown when the throttle impulse is lost
– Configurable acceleration, timing, electromagnetic brake, prop positioning
– Firmware updates via USB interface

Active Freewheeling (Active Motor Breaking)
Brand new feature of the speed controller that reduces heat generated by the ESC during partial load operation. This mode is useful for 3D extreme and F3A precision aerobatic pilots who want not only fast acceleration, but also rapid deceleration. The motor follows throttle stick input in both ways and the pilot feels more completely in control.

Current Limiter (Active Power Monitoring)
The current limiter is a part of safety controller features. It does not stop the motor but rather continuously monitors the immediate current consumption and adjusts the motor power. You can enable this feature, specify the maximum allowed current and the ESC will reduce the motor power immediately as soon as the current threshold is exceeded. After the current returns back to the safe level, the motor power is restored.

Propeller Positioning (Hall Effect Magnetic Sensor)
The positioning feature allows moving the motor/propeller to the exact position required for safe landing, or which is just comfortable for further flying. With just a few external components (Hall-sensor and a small magnet) you can enable this feature and prevent the risk of damaging your propeller during landing or (Scale Sailplane) motor pod/folding prop retraction. The magnet needs to be properly fixed to the rotating part (either motor or the propeller), and the Hall-sensor has to be located in the fuselage, so that the magnet matches the Hall-sensor at the target propeller position. After enabling the positioning feature in the menu, set also the positioning PWM, so that the motor spins slowly but smoothly.