RC Models Magazine

CONTROL LINE BASICS

2009-04-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS CONTROL LINE?
Control line offers an inexpensive alternative to radio control as flying is executed close to the ground in relatively small spaces. The aircraft is connected to the operator by a pair of lines, attached to a handle, that work the elevator of the model. This allows the model to be controlled in the pitch axis. Little or no maneuverability or even lift is required, as once at speed the model's altitude is maintained by centrifugal force. It is constrained to fly on the surface of a hemisphere by the control lines. The control lines are usually either stranded or solid wires of anywhere from 0.008" (0.2mm) to 0.021" (0.5mm).
The controls of a conventional 2-line/"U-Control" system consist of lead-out cables, a bell-crank, push rods and control horns. These are connected so that differential motion of the lines rotates the bell crank, causing a pushrod to move either forward or aft. The pushrod is connected to the control surface with a control horn that moves the elevator (and flaps, if used) up and down. The pilot holds a handle to which the lines are attached. Tilting the handle with the fingers, wrist, and/or elbow motion causes the differential movement in the lines. By convention, tilting the hand so the top is closer to the pilot than the bottom results in "up" elevator, much like pulling back on a full-scale airplane control stick. Also by convention, most airplanes are flown nominally counter-clockwise as viewed from above, with the lead out cables exiting the left wing

But the name most associated with the promotion of control line, and the inventor of the formerly patented system known as "U-Control" (which was a trademark) was Nevilles E. " Jim" Walker. Aero-Sports offers a Ready to Fly Control Line Model “Ajay” and you can place orders for it with us.

R/C BASICS

2009-04-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS RADIO CONTROL?

Radio control (often abbreviated to R/C or simply RC) is the use of radio signals to remotely control a device. The term is used frequently to refer to the control of model vehicles from a hand-held radio transmitter. RC electronics have three essential elements. The transmitter is the controller. Transmitters have control sticks, triggers, switches, and dials at the user's finger tips. The receiver is mounted in the model. It receives and processes the signal from the transmitter, translating it into signals that are sent to the servos. The number of servos in a model determines the number of channels the radio must provide.

The number of channels a plane requires is determined by the number of mechanical servos that have been installed. On smaller models, usually one servo per control surface (or set of surfaces in the case of ailerons or a split elevator surface) is sufficient.

Ailerons - controls roll.
Elevator - controls pitch (up and down).
Throttle or, if electric, motor speed.
Rudder - controls yaw (left and right).
Retracts - controls retractable landing gear.
Flaps - used to steepen the landing approach angle, let the plane land at a slower touchdown speed, and get the plane off the ground slightly faster during takeoff.
Auxiliary 2 - controls lights, cameras or other device.

Our R/C Plane “Playboy” for example has four channels and uses 4 servos. The various R/C cars and Boats in the museum have 2 servos. One servo controlling the throttle (Speed) and the second servo controlling the Rudder (Direction).

R/C BASICS

2009-04-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

This page is for beginners to the Hobby and Sport of Radio Control Modelling. If you are into Model Airplanes, Boats or Cars you will need a transmitter, receiver and servos to control your models speed and direction. These radio systems can be expensive ranging from a simple two channel set (US$ 100) to a more expensive four channel set (US$ 200) from a quality manufacturer like Futaba or JR. There are quite a few places in India where you can buy these items. As of now, I am not aware of any restrictions in the purchase and use of radio systems. We plan to show you what systems you will need for various activities, how they work, what they cost and where to get them from.

FIRST EDITION!

2009-04-16T11:34:00.006-07:00

Hello!

This E-Magazine is for those aspirants in India who are new to various forms of Radio Controlled Modelling and Control Line Model Airplanes. A real magazine is very expensive to publish and so I thought of taking this route.In each issue you will useful information and real life articles that will help you to enjoy this fantastic hobby and sport. We focus mainly on Airplanes, Cars and Boats. Should you have any questions or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me. A prompt reply is assured.

Thank You & Best Regards,

M.R.K Menon

Editor