Bert Kammerer R/C Helis

Spektrum DX8 Video

Bert — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:26:49 +0000

I just put together this video of the Spektrum DX8 transmitter, hope you guys enjoy it!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT6LxN3Elbs

New Spektrum DX-8 Transmitter

Bert — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:44:20 +0000

I received a pre-production DX-8 transmitter a couple of days after IRCHA and have been flying it for a few days now, this radio is awesome! In addition to having an extra channel, it also introduces many features, including telemetry! It also has a vibrate function, which is awesome because from now on you can’t just not hear the alarm!

I will post a video and full review very soon!

[View with PicLens]

SmackTalk RC will be at IRCHA!

Bert — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:00:12 +0000

Bobby and I will be at IRCHA along with some models passing out free swag, including t-shirts, stickers and DVDs. We will also have two seminars (one Friday and one Saturday), please stop by and ask questions or simply say hi.

Our Episode #7 is now also available. Learn some tips and tricks that will make your life easier and keep your helis in top shape! We also have a new segment with “Brother Rick” and an interview with Ray and Kyle Stacy. The bloopers on this episode are very funny also! You can download at http://www.smacktalkrc.com/archives/390

SmackTalk RC Episode #6 Available

Bert — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:10:18 +0000

This is a great episode, if you are looking for tips on how to conquer your nerves, fly to music, perform a demo or even compete, this is a must see! More info available at http://www.smacktalkrc.com/

Here is a teaser video!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwrEBcImbJc

T-Rex 700E ESC Setup and Data Graphs

Bert — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:21:34 +0000

I have received numerous emails and PMs asking to share my Castle ICE 80 HV setup as well as my data and graphs. I am currently running the ESC in fixed throttle mode. However, it can also be configured to run in governor mode. I prefer fixed throttle because I get crazy head speed in the beginning, which suits my flying style well. The only drawback of running fixed throttle mode is that the head speed decay is obviously way more pronounced towards the end of the flight.

ESC Settings:

Vehicle Type: Helicopter
Throttle Type: Fixed Endpoints
Cutoff Voltage: Auto Li-Po
Current Limiting: Insensitive
Cutoff Type: Soft Cutoff
Auto-Lipo Volts/Cell: 3.0 Volts/Cell
Motor Timing: Custom 8
PWM Rate: Outrunner Mode

If you prefer to run governor mode, then simply change the throttle type to “Helicopter Governor Mode” and use these settings:

Settings for Governor Mode: Set RPM
Initial Spool-Up Rate: Medium
Head Speed Change Rate: Medium
Governor Gain: Medium (you will need to adjust this)
Battery Pack Voltage: 3.70 (adjust settings for 12s)
Motor and Gearing: (adjust settings for 115T main and 12T pinion, 510KV motor, 10 poles)
Desired Head Speeds: 1800, 1950, 2050 (you’ll get an error on 2050, don’t worry! It works fine at 96.4%)

Keep in mind, your throttle curves on your transmitter need to be set at 30% for normal mode, 70% for idle/stunt 1 and 100% for idle/stunt 2 in order for the governor mode to work correctly.

As for the governor gain, start at “Medium” as indicated above, hover your heli and if your tail is smooth go fly, if the tail shows a bit of a glitch or inconsistent wag, reduce the gain. You can keep increasing your governor gain until the tail starts to act up, then back it down from there. The goal is to have the highest gain you can get without causing tail problems.

Gear Ratio!

Do not attempt to run a larger pinion on this motor, increasing the pinion size will decrease the life of the motor and possibly even burn it! If you want a higher head speed and more head room for governor mode, I recommend going with a different motor and gear ratio. KDE I believe is making an upgrade kit for the 700E that allows to move the motor back and forward to accommodate different motors and gear ratios.

80 Amp Controller Enough?

I get this question a lot. Yes! It is more than enough for this setup, the highest current I can push through this controller with this setup is about 120 amps and that is just a peak lasting less than 1 second. The average current is well below the 80 amp rating. The highest internal temperature of the controller is 175 degrees with an average temperature of 150. This controller can handle up to 212 degrees. If you are not comfortable with these numbers, then you should get the Castle ICE HV 125, your call! I prefer the 80 because it is light and small.

Graphs:

Here are the graphs of one of my harder flights, if you have the CastleLink Graph Viewer, you can download the raw csv file here.

T-Rex 700E Video

Bert — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:51:17 +0000

Here is a video of the 700E I had made this past weekend, not too happy with the audio and the camera had some focusing issues, but it gives a pretty good idea about the power. This is a fully stock setup with Align 700M motor, stock servos and ThunderPower 6s x 2 5000 MAH 45C packs.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROq0IvgmVBw

RC Heli Nation Interview (Updated)

Bert — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:46:46 +0000

I was recently interviewed by Asid and Dan from the RC Heli Nation podcast and I must say that I had a great time taping the interview, these guys are a lot of fun and most of all, they have good chemistry going on, which in my view is essential to be able to run this type of show. I see a lot of success in their future if they keep it up. Good luck Asid and Dan!

To download the podcast, click here for part one and click here for part two or search for “RC Heli Nation” on iTunes.

“Weak Signals” Show – Toledo, Ohio

Bert — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:37:32 +0000

I was in Toledo a couple of weeks ago representing HeliWholesaler, this is the largest trade show for the R/C industry in the United States. Take a look at these videos courtesy of AllMYRC and Crackroll.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7wOo3rUg8Y

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM4qP1Nli1o

Here are also some pics of our booth courtesy of AllMYRC:

[View with PicLens]

T-Rex 700E Officially Announced!

Bert — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:21:11 +0000

The new T-Rex 700E from Align has been officially announced, the model will ship in two different versions, flybar and flybarless. The flybar version will include just the motor and the flybarless version will include the motor, all servos and the 3G unit.

Click on the images below to see a PDF file with full details and pricing.

SmackTalk RC Episode #4 – Having Fun in Vegas!

Bert — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:14:43 +0000

Episode #4 of SmackTalk RC is now available for download at http://www.smacktalkrc.com/archives/343

In this episode, Bobby and I take you on a fun trip to Vegas, you’ll watch some amazing flights from Nick and Alan, learn a few things about Curtis’ new 90 size helicopter, watch some interesting interviews with Nick, Finless Bob, Alan and more! It is a fun and entertaining episode lasting a full hour and 10 minutes!