Neil James

I haven’t tried updating my MZ-24 Pro yet but for my MZ-16 using the update studio is definitely the way to go, maybe you will have more success through their own software. I’ve got a vague recollection that to upgrade to the Pro software requires sending your Tx back to a service centre. Not sure about that though. You might have found this already but there’s some resources here: https://www.controlhobbies.com/graupner-mz-18-mz-24-product-support.html

Thanks for that. I got one and was going to ring them later about it, no doubt they’ll be pleased to get at least one fewer calls 😆

I’d also recommend the 4-max Maxlock connectors, I’ve been using them for a while, they have a good latching mechanism too. Crimping up your own wiring is the best and most cost effective way to use them.

I use one of these in the shed, it’s battery powered and you can read the device from a distance via Bluetooth. That might not work in a metal box but assuming you’re not looking for real time alerts it’s very quick to download the stored data to your phone. At least then you will know the max and min temperatures. https://www.amazon.co.uk/SwitchBot-Temperature-Thermometer-Hygrometer-Bluetooth/dp/B09QBR7XJD/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2OF7ASQY2AXQI&keywords=Switchbot&qid=1690967123&sprefix=switchbot%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I’ve been crimping up my own servo leads and extensions for a while now but so far I’ve only ever found the plug/socket shells available in black. Being able to colour code connectors would be very useful in some circumstances so has anyone come across a supplier of shells in different colours?

I’ve never had one myself but several years ago someone turned up at our flying site with an electric glider in the back of his car with the battery already installed. As he was unloading smoke was spotted so the glider was quickly yanked out of the car and onto the grass where the smoke turned into a cheery conflagration, destroying his model! I think he was very lucky not to lose his car. On the other hand, I had a large electric glider crash into the tarmac sufficiently hard to mangle the battery but there was no subsequent temperature increase or flames. I carry my LiPo batteries in a containment bag on the passenger seat of the van so if anything happens I can drop the window and sling the whole lot outside.

We take this sort of idiotic behaviour pretty seriously in the IOM. https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/courts/man-who-flew-drone-near-the-tt-course-spent-a-night-in-the-cells-619479

I’ve found the addition of some fluorescent trim extremely useful. All my gliders now carry orange wing tips on the upper surface for general orientation, and a strip wrapped around the leading edge which helps a lot when the model is nose on, especially during landings. light on top and dark underneath with some contrasting stripes seems to be a good general style. BTW the RAF did trials for a colour scheme to improve visibility of their training aircraft which is why they are now painted all black!

Despite lots of hype, drone delivery schemes are finally bumping up against the restrictions of the real world: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/11/amazon-prime-air-drone-business-stymied-by-regulations-weak-demand.html?futusource=news_headline_list

How about a link to the briefing sheet?

We managed a bit of slope soaring last week in rather overcast conditions and planning another trip this afternoon.

Made the most of the nice weather on Tuesday to fly a mixed bag of models. Most surprising was the number of thermals around, enough to keep my Edge 1500X flying for 30 minutes on only 3 minutes total motor run. Got attacked by a Kestrel too which kindly hung around afterwards circling to indicate lift for me!

I’ve still got mine stored in the shed, although it’s looking a little battered now! There’s an SC36 engine still in it too and probably a 35MHz receiver. I wonder how easy it would be to retrofit it for electric?

At last, the answer is found: Answer provided by https://xkcd.com

Thanks guys, that was very useful. I found Sarik have a Towrag plan although they say the designer was Keith Humber, or is Mike the builder? It also ticks all the right boxes with two wings and the third wheel at the back like it’s supposed to be but it might be a bit big for our purposes. The V-tail is a good design feature too. Battery life shouldn’t be a big issue as there’s likely to be only a couple of gliders on site at a time and it won’t be asked to tow up my 1/4 scale Fox. I like the fun cub which comes ready to tow and looks like fun to fly anyway so I’ll look into that and similar models. Thanks for the suggestions.

Has anyone any experience of using an electric motor powered tug for towing gliders? We have a couple of petrol powered tugs but I’m looking to find something that can tow relatively small gliders - perhaps up to 3Kg - off a grass field without making a lot of noise! Are there any kits designed for electric power and are able to be converted to towing duties? What have other people designed or converted?

I built one many years ago. Straightforward build and flew very nicely. There’s a pic here: http://www.iom.org/dad/models/

Thanks for the info John, I hadn’t come across those before.

Nobody’s perfect, Steve 😆

Actually it’s nothing to do with whether or not they have an engine, aircraft are tracked by responses from a transponder, an electronic device in the cockpit which replies with identification and other information, such as altitude, when interrogated by a radar pulse. They are compulsory in controlled airspace but only recommended when outside CAS. They can be battery operated for aircraft without a motor to generate power and so sometimes pilots will turn them off to save battery capacity even though they are the basis of the electronic anti-collision system, TCAS, which commercial traffic relies on and is very useful for private pilots even when flying VFR.

I’ve been out for a second flight this afternoon on the same slope but much lighter winds which it handled very well, staying up without too much effort using the suggested thermal flight settings. I could tell the CoG wasn’t quite right though so I obviously hadn’t compensated enough for my new pilot, he must need to diet!

There’s a video of the ASH26 maiden on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neil.james.7906/videos/1463826564060529/

I’ve just maidened mine and I’m very happy with it. There were a few problems with the delivery time, not helped by staff shortages caused by covid, but the company offered compensation for the delay. The model is well finished and assembly was straightforward, although connecting up the spoilers was a bit fiddly, but the supplied accessories and wiring harness made it very quick. The instruction sheet could be improved but then this is not a model intended for an inexperienced builder. All controls were set to the recommended movements and the first flight went very smoothly with no trim changes required. It’s a very high aspect ratio wing so I was initially a bit dubious about how effective the tiny chord ailerons and flaps would be but there were no problems and a good roll rate, especially with ailerons and flaps linked. Likewise despite the apparently small size the crow brakes and spoilers slowed the model down nicely for landing. All in all I was very happy with its flight performance and it looked very nice in the air. I’ve only had time for one flight on the slopes so far but I have a tow release fitted so I’ll be checking out its thermal performance soon. I bought an Edge 1500 electric RTF from them at the same time and I have no complaints about either the model or the assembly of it. The company were very easy to deal with and emails were always answered promptly and I’m fairly sure I’ll be buying from them again.

3rd model maidened in the last month - I’ve been catching up on building which was delayed by bad health last year! This one is an ASH26 from Composite RC Gliders, 1/6th scale at 3m wingspan and mostly carbon fibre. After being set up exactly to the instruction sheet flew off without requiring any trim adjustments. Very happy with its performance in 15kt wind and the wing has both flaps and spoilers which were very effective in slowing it down for landing.

First of 3 new gliders this month. This is an Albatross 2.4m from TopmodelCZ. A great kit, all it needs is gear installing and it flies really smoothly. The crow brakes work really well too.