Some may have heard of it, others may of not heard of this new system, but its the one to watch upon release. The system is called the ProBar. Its a 2 Axis Flybarless system, featuring a led/button type programming options…no laptop needed, which is nice for those who dont have access to one, or own one. Ive personally flown it a few times, the way he had it set up was for a moderate 3D guy, decent throws and a nice overall feel. I remember saying “Man this feels like a flybar”….both times! This thing should be a hit when it hits the market. Its made here in the USA, in Florida actually, and has been tested this past year, maybe even longer. It looks like its about ready for the masses and to be released.

A flying buddy of mine recently converted his RJX X-treme 50 to flybarless with the Skookum Robotics SK-360 “Digital Flybar”. After seeing the maiden of his X-50, I got interested and started reading up…Along the way, I found this article of converting a Align 700N head to flybarless. What got my attention was that this method of conversion allows the user to switch back to a mechanical flybar quick, without costing anything.

[ click here to see videos, photos & rest of story ]

XPS has annouced a V3 firmware upgrade for their modules and receivers. Existing owners can send their receivers and modules back for the upgrade at a flat price a USD30 for each order, regardless of the number of receivers and modules. [ click here to see videos, photos & rest of story ]

Not too much information, but Spartan is working on their new governor, incorporating a mixture control, and a collective management features all into one box. The collective management feature works as the following, “The iGV will use the target rpm to manage the throttle as you would expect. Once the engine has reached it’s maximum output and HS is still sagging, the system will then reduce collective to maintain the targeted rpm setting. All indicators are that you are better off maintaining HS vs having a lot of pitch in the blades and lower HS.”

Looks interesting, and waiting for more information to become available.

Looks like it’s on between old-timers Mikado of Germany and Vancouver-based newcomer Skookum Robotics when it comes to the pricing or their Digital / Virtual flybar systems. Mikado has been the major player in this area for a long time, but their device has historically had a pretty high price tag. More recently, Skookum has come on the scene with their own product, which has only a 2-axis internal gyro, allowing Skookum [ click here to see videos, photos & rest of story ]

About two weeks ago, I did a “Box opening” post on the 10C. I have spent quite a bit of time with it, playing with the menu and exploring the new features(not that there are that many…). Since I got this as a replacement for my old 9C, I will be comparing it to the 9C in this review. Because I don’t fly any plane that requires complex mixing, I will only be covering the heli functions of the TX.

[ click here to see videos, photos & rest of story ]

Whether you have an Eagle Tree data logger or not, now you can add the ability to measure your maximum airspeed and altitude to your model.

The new standalone Altimeter and Airspeed sensor modules [ click here to see videos, photos & rest of story ]

Got a Futaba 10C set this weekend. I got the 2.4 version, there is also a PCM version which comes with the 149DP rx that. This thing does not work with G3 PCM. To use pcm1024 on a 2.4 set, a PCM module from the 9C is required. I tried the pcm module off my old 9C and it works flawlessly.  Initial feel is great. Smooth gimbals although they are not quad bearing ones. Menu is the same as the old 9C and 9C super, except for a few changes(good ones), so it is still very easy to use and program. Only complaint is that the antenna for the 2.4g module goes behind the tx handle. Review to follow. Some photos for now.

[ click here to see videos, photos & rest of story ]

Now showing on the Horizon Hobby site, is the Spektrum AR7100R Rev Limit RPM sensor and bracket assembly available separately. Currently not in stock (which is Horizon’s way of saying “not yet available”), the site shows availability by mid-September 2008.

[ click here to see videos, photos & rest of story ]