HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Re: radios and computers
From: kaiser@elec.canterbury.ac.nz (Chris Kaiser)
Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1992 23:34:01 GMT
Organization: Electrical Engineering, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

In article <1992Sep25.131630.14478@aio.jsc.nasa.gov>, goza@norm.JSC.NASA.GOV (Mike Goza) writes:
> Hello modellers and electronic wizards!  I have a question that maybe someone can answer.  I was
> thinking the other day about flight simulators on computers (PCs and WorkStations) for helicopters.
> I know there are a number of them out there for PCs, but I own a workstation which won't run the
> packages.  Being a graphics programmer by trade and an aero engineer by degree, I decided I could
> probably write one myself given enough time.  I realize that it is not as easy as it sounds!  Anyway
> my biggest problem with the systems today is the transmitter interface.  None of them use the 
> transmitter that you are most familiar with (ie your own!).  I have a Futaba 9 channel heli version
> which has a direct servo controller output cable capability.  Since the signals to drive the
> receiver are coming down the white wire of this cable, I was wondering if there was a way to
> convert the signal into something that could be read from a serial port on a computer.  It seems
> like a simple analog to digital converter would do it if you can decode the signal in software on
> the computer side.  The idea behind this is to plug a cable into your existing transmitter, then
> into a black box and then out to the serial port on the computer.  The computer I own can handle
> 38.4 KBAUD serial input though a RS422 port.
> 
> My questions are these:
> 
> 1.  Am I dreaming or is this possible?  (I know only enough about electronics to get me in trouble)

Sounds like its very possible to me.
 
> 2.  Could the decoding and the conversion be done in the "black box"?


> 3.  Are the data rates coming out of the transmitter going to fast for the computer?

I very much doubt it. Assuming 10 channels encoded to 10 bits each and a repetition rate
of 50 times a second (pretty typical I think), then the bitrate is 5 Kbits/s. Also,
considering that the RC channel only has a bandwidth of about 10 KHz, then the maximum
bitrate possible (without using complex and expensive modulation techniques) is about
10 Kbits/s.

> 4.  Would this cost a fortune?  Any guesses?

Nah, it should be possible to build out of standard cheap components. Probably the single
most expensive item would be the case to put it in.
 
> 5.  Anyone interested in helping???

I don't have the time to do any experimental work at this end, however I'd be happy to
make suggestions and attempt to answer any questions you have on the electronics stuff.
 
> Thanks for your attention.  You can either post or mail to goza@cheers.jsc.nasa.gov
> 
> Mike Goza


Chris Kaiser

Postgrad, Elec. Eng. Dept.
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND

Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
From: ntaib@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Iskandar Taib)
Subject: Re: C/L Combat Nats article in MA
Organization: Indiana University
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1992 17:41:02 GMT

Also, did anyone notice the pictures of the DEC soaring 
team who have been posting here?



-- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iskandar Taib                          | The only thing worse than Peach ala
Internet: NTAIB@SILVER.UCS.INDIANA.EDU |    Frog is Frog ala Peach
Bitnet:   NTAIB@IUBACS                 !
Xref: sparky rec.models.rc:4057 rec.radio.amateur.misc:16465 rec.video:11960 sci.electronics:16546
From: rbono@necis.UUCP (Rich)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc,rec.radio.amateur.misc,rec.video,sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Airborne Kreepie Peepie Advice
Date: 5 Oct 92 01:26:31 GMT
Organization: still seeking it

In article <1992Oct2.153721.1764@phx.mcd.mot.com>, hbg6@phx.mcd.mot.com (John Schuch) wrote:
> In article <1736@necis.UUCP> rbono@necis.UUCP (Rich) writes:
>>In article <1992Oct1.101827.12142@uxmail.ust.hk>, coggs@Cogwheel.COM (Bob Coggeshall) wrote:
>>> No, Kreepie Peepie is not some kind of pervert, it is ham-radio television
>>> transmitter...
>>
>> By the way, some of the small hand held TV's will directly tune these
>>amateur TV frequecies..... It is easy to find out though.... Just set
>>your transmitter and camera in your car and turn on the transmitter.  Then
>>go walking into the store and as the salesman to show you the handheld TV's.
> 
> What would you tune the TV to to receive the ATV signals?
> 
> John

  You would switch the TV to the UHF mode (if any) and tune to the bottom of
the UHF band just below channel 14. 

  The Amateur radio TV frequencies on the 70cm band are just below channel
14 of the USA television band.  Note that VHF channel 13 is not near these
frequencies, so trying to tune above this channel on the VHF band won't work.

 Also keep in mind that all commercial TV receivers won't tune this range.  This
is why it is important to test one before purchasing a unit.

 If a 'CABLE READY' TV is found, in cable mode, this frequencies are on or
near cable channels 57, 58, 59, or 60 (I forget the exact channels.

 Hope this helps,

  Rich

-- 
 /**************************************************************************\
 * Rich Bono                     IMRICH         UUCP:rbono@necis.ma.nec.com * 
 * (508) 635-6300                 NM1D          AMPR: nm1d@nm1d.nh.usa.noam * 
 \**************************************************************************/
From: seanm@terapin.com (Sean McCaskey)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Landing gear placement question.
Date: 1 Oct 92 16:24:32 PST
Organization: BBS


  In my quest for a different and fun plane to fly, I now have a Beast kit that
I am planning to modify for land flying.  The Beast is a kit that is designed
as a single main float with small tip floats type of thing.  It is a very nice
simple float plane kit at a reasonable price.  The Beast has a constant cord
semi-symetrical (thick) wing with ailevators (combined ailerons/elevators) and
rudder.  The fuse is about the same length infront of and behind the
wing.....getting the picture yet?

  Now the question:

  I want to remove the floats and make it fly from land....the problem is where
to place the gear and if it should be a tail dragger or trike.  Remember, it is
pretty much a flying wing.  I can place the mains either infromt of the wing or
behind the wing.  Wing attachment is out of the question...foam wing with no
attachment points (don't want to install wood to hook the mains to in the
wing).  Am I going to have problems if the mains are FAR bhind the c/g (behind
the wing) in the trike config?  Will I be able to take off and land OK this
way?  If I place the gear infront of the wing I will have to tail drag it...but
the plane is SO short that the angle of attack while on wheels will look
rediculous.  What to do????


---Sean---
seanm@terapin.com
From: lesb@hpsad.sad.hp.com (Les Brabetz)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Suggestions in updataing RC system
Date: 28 Sep 92 16:06:53 GMT
Organization: HP Signal Analysis Division - Rohnert Park, CA

Greetings

   I am beginning to fly again after a two-year delay in having
fun. But, my radios are now outdated and I need to upgrade them. I
realize that this is probably a FAQ but would like to share the
nets experiences and advice.

   I have two Futaba F4G AM radios and an Airtronics 6 channel FM
radio.

1. Futaba checks out the transmitters and has an exchange program
for a new double confversion receiver. Is this program still
active? And how much?

2. RCD? Independent supplier of receivers with no checkout of the
transmitter for NB certification?

3. Some place in Arizona who supplies either AM or FM and will
convert transmitter to either for about $75.

Please respond to me directly or post here. 

Many thanks

Les

     --------------------------------------------------------------
     | Les BRABETZ                 |  Hewlett-Packard Company    |
     | lesb@hpsad.sad.hp.com       |  Signal Analysis Division   |
     | Tel: (T or 707) 794-2842    |  1212 Valley House Drive    |
     | FAX: (T or 707) 794-2883    |  Rohnert Park, CA  94928    |
     --------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
From: Matthew D Marks <mmarks@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
Subject: first flight - Q500
Organization: The Ohio State University
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 17:16:20 GMT
X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.3 PL11]

Hello Net!

Flew my little Q500 plane yesterday for the first time.  I only have an
Enya .20 in it so it't not quite ready for the pylons, but it' enough
for a lazy Sunday afternoon flight.  :)

We were flying over at the corn/soybean farm (you know, the one where my
father-in-law lost his plane.  He finally found it 2 weeks later, with
only a broken prop.)  So anyway, the Q500 (I think it's a Scat Cat)
had to be hand launched due to its small dia. wheels.  Roll rate was a
little slow, about 3 secs per roll, and elevator was tooooo touchy.
Once I learned not to feed in all the elevator (unless I WANTED to snap)
the flight went well.  Rolls, loops, immelmans(sp), split-s's, inverted,
etc.  Unfortunately, it's not quite set up for that headache maneuver. :)

After about 10 minutes on the four oz. tank and a few landing approaches,
the engine ran out of gas.  NO PROBLEM...I greased the landing.

All in all, a good day.  I now have a plane to fly for fun ( that is when
I'm not out flying and trying to sell the EU-1A.

Keep those landings tangential!!!
Matt
-- 
=======================================================================
Matthew D. Marks                  ||"Standing in the middle of the road
Mechanical Engineering Department || is very dangerous: you get knocked
The Ohio State University         || down by traffic from both sides."
e-mail: marks.23@osu.edu          ||              - Margaret Thatcher
=======================================================================
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1992 09:47:15 EDT
From: <N42@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Re: Pulse Jet Home Brew
 <52070003@hpscit.sc.hp.com>

You definatley DON'T want to use Titanium in the construction.  Sure it won't
melt, but, it will react with air and become brittle in a very rapid fashion.
Ti is only used at temps below 1000F when exposed to air.  The best material
for the job would be cheap lo carbon S.S. such as 316L or 304L.  Both these
materials are suitable for this application.  A big bonus is that it is MUCH
cheaper.
Regards Scott Gregory
From: rbono@necis.UUCP (Rich)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Re: Minerature TV cameras/transmitters for RC
Date: 28 Sep 92 15:30:23 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: still seeking it

In article <27SEP199219574527@mars.lerc.nasa.gov>, tidedu@mars.lerc.nasa.gov (William T. Dedula) wrote:
> Hello All;
 [ deleted interesting paragraphs on a fun sounding robotics project]
> 
> I understand that minerature, low cost, Battery Powered TV Camera's 
> and video transmitter's are available for Radio Control Airplanes and 
> other models. If these are available for your hobby, I'd be interested
> to know who manufactures such systems as well as if plans (In magazines),
> or kits are available. If possible, please provide the address, and/or
> phone number of any suppliers.

  Yes, there are several sources of these (one of which is PC Electronics
in California.  The 'problem' with most of these is that almost all transmitters
that you will want to use require an Amateur radio license to use.  There are
some transmitters (marketed as wireless video VCR extenders and such) that
don't require a license, but they don't work very well sometimes.

  You may want to look into getting some Amateur radio operators to help
you with your project.  Look for someone with ATV experience (you can try
rec.radio.amateur.misc).

  I hope this helps... it sounds like a FUN project!!!

> 
> The many students who take part in this exciting project as well
> as myself and the other robotics contest coordinators at the
> Lewis Research Center and Ohio Aerospace Institute will be very,
> very appreciative of any assistance you can give us with the above
> information.
> 
> Tim
 

   Rich
-- 
 /**************************************************************************\
 * Rich Bono                     IMRICH         UUCP:rbono@necis.ma.nec.com * 
 * (508) 635-6300                 NM1D          AMPR: nm1d@nm1d.nh.usa.noam * 
 \**************************************************************************/
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc,rec.radio.amateur.misc,rec.video,sci.electronics
From: coggs@Cogwheel.COM (Bob Coggeshall)
Subject: Airborne Kreepie Peepie Advice
Reply-To: coggs@Cogwheel.COM
Organization: Cogwheel - Boulder * Hong Kong
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1992 10:18:27 GMT

No, Kreepie Peepie is not some kind of pervert, it is ham-radio television
transmitter...

We are about to purchase a (son of) Kreepie Peepie, a TXA5-RC ATV Transmitter 
from PC Electronics and a Chinon miniature CCD video camera from 
High Technology Flight. We intend to attach it to a flying model plane.

What I know so far is that several places sell these extremely cute little
CCD video cameras; The board measures 2.2" x 4". It runs on 8-14volts, puts 
RS170 1VP-P video, and draws 78ma of current. They cost approx $200.
High Tech Flight also sells a character generator overlay board which 
places telemetry data on the video signal.

There are a few choices for the TV transmitter board - the TXA5-RC can 
put out up to 1 watt.  is also 2.25" by 4",  You need a ham radio
license to use it (got one), but I heard about there being one that
doesn't require it. 

Would anyone care to share their general experiences with airborne video ? 

Specific q's:

	Do cable-ready TV sets receive on the 462mhz frequency used 
	by the normal ham-tv transmitter board ?

	The little CCD camera is mfr'd by Chinon. Anyone have a Chinon
	data catalog on their shelves ? 


PS) Doubtless I'll be asked this so here are the phone numbers for these places

High Tech. Flight: (313)482-2670

PC Electronics: (818)447-4565

Thanks

Bob Coggeshall
coggs@cogwheel.com
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
From: ansis@iunet.ann-arbor.mi.us (ansis_upatnieks)
Subject: Re: Pulse Jet Home Brew
Organization: Innovative Concepts
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1992 02:54:03 GMT

Dyna-jets can be bought from Curtis Dyna Products Corporation
                             17335 U.S. HWY. 31 North
                             P.O. Box 297
                             Westfield, Indiana 46074
                             Phone 317-896-2561
                             or    317-896-3788

I have two phone numbers, the first is likely from 1975, the second is
from 1991, but I am not sure.  In any case, it is one or the other.
    The Dyna-jet is a tapered tube constructed of thin stainless steel
and aluminum, just over twenty inches in length and about two and a 
half inches in diameter at the widest point.  They are guaranteed to
develop at least 4 1/4 pounds of static thrust.  List price (this
may be old) is $260.00.
    I ran a Dyna-jet as an experiment at the local university.  We
only got about 3 1/2 pounds of thrust in stock form with gasoline
fuel, but there could be many reasons why we did not reach the 
specified 4 1/4 pounds.  The noise was incredible.  Ear protection
is an absolute necessity when running a pulse-jet!
From: trljim@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (JIM SONNENMEIER)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Re: C/L Combat Nats article in MA
Date: 5 Oct 92 12:31:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

In article <BvLyGE.sK@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>, ntaib@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Iskandar Taib) writes...
>Also, did anyone notice the pictures of the DEC soaring 
>team who have been posting here?
> 
> 
> 
>-- 
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Iskandar Taib                          | The only thing worse than Peach ala
>Internet: NTAIB@SILVER.UCS.INDIANA.EDU |    Frog is Frog ala Peach
>Bitnet:   NTAIB@IUBACS                 !


I did, having met and flown with Kay Fisher, it was kinda neat to complete 
the circle (thermal circle??) grin

Jim
From: rgoers@gumdrop.Xerox.COM (Ron Goers)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Re: R/C Gas truck Ni-Cad batterys.
Date: 5 Oct 92 15:19:46 GMT
Organization: Imaging Science Engineering & Technology, Xerox Corporation

In article <1992Oct2.131625.30509@europa.asd.contel.com> chapin@ssvax.gte.com (Barry Chapin) writes:

...  My Brother uses
>Ni-Cads with a recharger.  What is the best brand of Ni-Cads to invest
>in?  I have heard that the Ni-Cads do not last (stay charged) as long
>as a set of store bought normal batteries.  Is this true?  Should I
>Buy two sets, so I can use one set, and charge the other.?  Most
>importantly again, what is the best brand of battery, and brand of
>charger?
>
I use rechargeables exclusively in both radio and receiver.  No, they don't last
as long, so I do have 2 sets of them.  One trick to remember is to keep enough
'regular' batteries in your field box, so that if your nicads die, you won't
have to pack up and go home! 

>Also, I wish to put a small light on the truck somewhere.  Maybe a
>few of them.  Where could I get the power for these?  Engine as a
>generator or Batterys?  I want to run the car in a softball field at
>night.  Could an LED on top of the antenna be ok, if drawing battery
>power?  How about a brighter light, mounted to the Lexan body?
>

I have a Kyosho Big Brute (which is in the shop for repairs right now) but just
wanted to mention that Kyosho sells both a light bar kit, and a headlight kit
for the big brute.  It may fit yours too.  The kits come complete with a battery
holder which mounts on the body, and holds (2) AA batteries.  I had to attach
a velcro strap on my battery holder to keep the batteries from flying out during
my episodes of off road 'truck-abuse'.

rlg

-- 
Ron Goers @ Xerox Corporation     Email: rgoers@iset.scan.mc.xerox.com

"Time flies like an arrow ...
 fruit flies like a banana"
From: irie@husc11.harvard.edu (Robert E. Irie)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Help with RC Model car interfacing!
Date: 30 Sep 92 08:07:03 GMT
Article-I.D.: husc11.IRIE.92Sep30010703
Distribution: rec
Organization: Harvard Arts and Sciences Computer Services, Cambridge, MA

Hi all!
	I am new to this group, and RC in general. I am an engineering
major, and for my senior thesis project, I would like to add an
onboard microcontroller to a RC car that will intercept the control
signals from the receiver on the car to the motrs/servos/steering control.

	Basically, what I want to be able to do is to control the car
normally using the hand held controller, but to have the
microcontroller "kick in" at special times to take control over the
car. One possible goal is to make a "crash proof" car that will not
crash into walls.  Another is to make a car that can parallel park (I
am using a RC car as a model for a real automobile)

	I suspect that cheap Radio Shack like RC cars will not be
able to be controlled finely, so I am prepared to spend 100-300
dollars for a "serious" car (am I being too optimistic?) that
has digital proportional control. Basically, the closer the car
is to digital electronics, the better.

	Can anyone give me any suggestions on this project? Is it
feasible? Are there any good sources of information on the electronics
behind RC model cars? Where can I get one? Are the cars themselves
accurate enough to allow precise control (for parallel parking) in
terms of steering and forward/reverse?  I am pretty experienced with
analog/digital electronics, and know a little about RF communication,
but know close to nothing about RC cars. Any help will be truly
appreciated. If there is any interest, I will be glad to post the
schematics/report for the final product which should be done by April.

Thanks!

Robert


--
File: AW esome .sig            REVIEW/SEE/ADMIRE              Escape: Reality
=====|====|====|====|====|====|====|====|====|====|====|====|====|====|====|=
Robert E. Irie                                         irie@husc.harvard.edu
Senior ES Major, Harvard College                       irie@husc.bitnet
Harvard Robotics Laboratory                            irie@hrl.harvard.edu
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type mail or use rn commands          Line     Column    8M, 20Mhz CPU Wanted
From: v064myby@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Christophe J Quaranta)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: Pulse Jets.
Date: 2 Oct 92 02:24:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41


	I'm interested to know just how these pulse jets keep running when
they're on the ground.  I thought ram air was necessary to keep them from
flaming out.  The V-1 used some sort of catapult launch to get sufficient
airflow so it sould attain flying speed.
						Latre,
						Chris Q.
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
From: ntaib@iugate.ucs.indiana.edu
Subject: Re: Wing failure
Followup-To: rec.models.rc
Organization: Indiana University
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1992 01:18:54 GMT

In article <BuKuEv.EtC@acsu.buffalo.edu>, v064myby@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu
(Christophe J Quaranta) wrote:

> 	Please note that this plane did not have a glassed wing center
> section.

Apart from glassing the center section, you can also try putting in 
shear webs. 





------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iskandar Taib                          | The only thing worse than Peach
ala
Internet: NTAIB@SILVER.UCS.INDIANA.EDU |    Frog is Frog ala Peach
Bitnet:   NTAIB@IUBACS                 !
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
From: ntaib@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Iskandar Taib)
Subject: Re: Pulse Jets.
Organization: Indiana University
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1992 05:00:46 GMT

In article <BvH2pB.K8H@acsu.buffalo.edu> v064myby@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Christophe J Quaranta) writes:

>	I'm interested to know just how these pulse jets keep running when
>they're on the ground.  I thought ram air was necessary to keep them from
>flaming out.  The V-1 used some sort of catapult launch to get sufficient
>airflow so it sould attain flying speed.

Its got something to do with resonance. The stuff ejected has some 
inertia so it continues on its way, setting up a vacuum in the tube,
which draws in fuel+air through the valve. The size and length of
the tube determines the frequency.

To start it you do need ram air... most people use a compressed air
cylinder but I've seen it done with one stroke of a bicycle pump.



-- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iskandar Taib                          | The only thing worse than Peach ala
Internet: NTAIB@SILVER.UCS.INDIANA.EDU |    Frog is Frog ala Peach
Bitnet:   NTAIB@IUBACS                 !
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
From: ntaib@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Iskandar Taib)
Subject: Re: dentists/dremels/servos
Followup-To: rec.models.rc
Organization: Indiana University
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1992 01:25:06 GMT

> In article <9209211532.AA03195@top.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>, Matthew D
Marks <mmarks@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu> writes:
> > Thanks for the responses about the dremel bits I got from the dentists.  I 
> > purchased two collets from the hobby shop (1/16th and 3/32nd), and I am now in 
> > business.  Anyone for a ROOT CANAL???  :) :) :)


There are also tiny chucks available. At least here in the US. Look in
Model Aviation for ads. I think Micro-Mark carries one.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iskandar Taib                          | The only thing worse than Peach
ala
Internet: NTAIB@SILVER.UCS.INDIANA.EDU |    Frog is Frog ala Peach
Bitnet:   NTAIB@IUBACS                 !
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc