[RCSE] Digital Camera - Final Update, I chose the Canon EOS Rebel
I'm astonished that this was such a productive topic on these groups, but I received a large amount of emails on this topic, and I really appreciated each and every one of them. In addition to comments and opinions, and some excellent reference sites, many people sent me sample images from the various cameras that I was considering, and these were very helpful in making an educated and informed decision. Ultimately my decision was forced on me by an ill-timed and expensive computer problem. The EOS Rebel with all the gear I needed was $600 cheaper than the Nikon D70. So that's what I went with. I was really leaning toward the Nikon D70 based on it's phenomenal feel and speed. But the sample images sent to me by a number of people (boy did I get a lot of images - thanks guys!), left me a little disappointed. They weren't quite as crisp as I'm hoping for, and there was a lot of noise above ISO 800 that I could visually see. Granted, none of the D70 users I talked to had the very nice pro-level lens with Vibration Dampening, so perhaps that $2500 lens would have made a dramatic difference. But since my budget was already forcing the issue, I felt pretty comfortable going with the Canon and it's $400 dollar 75-300mm Image Stabilized lens, plus the kit lens, a 1GB high-speed CF card, a bag, spare battery, etc... Did I mention that the EOS now comes in black (limited edition model), which really helps add a more professional look to it. My deliberations about the various cameras are posted here: http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/blog/2004/11/digital-revolutionor-is-that -revolt.htm My final decision is posted in more detail here: http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/blog/2004/11/digital-resolution.htm My first photos with this camera are posted here: http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/blog/2004/11/new-camera-test-photos.htm Clearly, I have lots to learn with this camera, and I need to get better at getting sharper images, but for these hand-held shots, I'm pretty satisfied. Now I just need to get my percentage of keepers somewhere up above 5% ! Cheers, Nathan Woods RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
RE: [RCSE] Digital Camera - Final Update, I chose the Canon EOS Rebel
Good choice. Image quality is vastly superior on the Canon's. While the Rebel is bottom of the line, it's an incredible value for the price. Enjoy R. Kramer - 30 year pro photographer Ultimately my decision was forced on me by an ill-timed and expensive computer problem. The EOS Rebel with all the gear I needed was $600 cheaper than the Nikon D70. So that's what I went with. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
[RCSE] Foam Worms (Again)
Update on the foam 'worms' question raised several weeks ago. Many helpful hints were posted and most have been run to ground. The problem is definitely in retreat so it seemed appropriate to share what's been learned. One source of the problem appears to be defects in the foam - either inherent or introduced by me in handling before bagging. When coupled with vacuum above ~ 15in Hg, the surface of the foam appears to collapse slightly along sinuous tracks, primarily in the spanwise direction. Keep in mind that this observation is limited to Foamular 150, which has a rated compression strength of ~ 15psi. Thanks to Phil Barnes for noting that baking the wax probably wasn't the root cause. I've gone back to a single wax application with no deliberate delay before bagging and the release is just fine and the 'worms' appear to be relatively unaffected. Subsequent evaluations indicate the initial favorable outcome was fortuitous. After following the method in Phil's video in detail, the problem persisted. The one exception I'll note is I mix the epoxy while standing but I doubt that's it. I'll also suggest that using anything less than 4 mil for the release behind the breather is not a good idea - too easy to wrinkle. Those wrinkles don't get through the mylar but it's easier to work with 4 mil or thicker anyway. I'll also note that working with anything but 3M77 is a pain - especially when setting up the breather. Photo-Mount adhesive doesn't have the tack and Elmer's spray contact doesn't do much of anything at all. Go with the good stuff. Suggestions about epoxy mixing and keeping the layup dry were evaluated. No problems there. The layup was so dry that you couldn't really sop anything out of it anyway. The breather arrangement was worked over some more. As noted, the method in Phil's video is a lot easier than laying down the layers separately. But all breather arrangements seemed to give about the same result. Layups were tried with the beds inside and outside the bag. No difference. I took a sample to the recent KCSE 'Turkey Fly' (pctures posted on their web site, by the way: http://www.kcse.us/). Jim Frickey suggested the tracks looked a lot like problems he had with defective foam when he was bagging a few years ago with Mark LeVoe. Pat McCleave took a look and thought that might be it as well. So we tried a third batch of foam - and had the same problem. Following the thought that this was mechanical damage, older samples were hit with a heat gun and all the 'worms' popped back out. Now I've got all these great looking samples but still lacking an appropriate solution! Meanwhile, lurking in the corner of the basement is the old CST Mighty Mini-Vac which pulls ~ 6in Hg. A vague memory stirs about using this level of vacuum for white beaded foam and obechi and anything higher would cause damage. Hmmm. Bottom line - after two cycles of DLG wings with the Mighty Mini, I've got two of the most gorgeous sets wings I've ever made. No worms, no dents, no errors. I'll allow as how I may have gotten lucky but one of these wings has the old foam in the root and the new foam in the tip and both sections are in great shape. So a potential solution is excess pressure for this foam. It is possible - maybe even likely - that some of this may arise from handling, especially when de-fuzzing the surface while prepping the cores. However, a very close inspection of the cores after sanding does not show any obvious dents on the surface. If it's handling damage then it's incipient until enough pressure is applied to stress concentrate the weakened foam in that area. A trial was run (at 20in Hg) in which no attempt was made to clean the core surfaces before layup. It had 'worms' also. Another was run with typical handling and sanding but 6in Hg - no worms. As soon as I can get to Tulsa and get some 25psi Dow or Owens product, we'll try it again with full vacuum. However, from others' experience, and the comments in Phil's video, this should be successful. Regarding Foamular 150, full vacuum is right at the compressive strength of this material. Partial vacuum may be within the variability of the strength of this material in localized pockets. But one result here is that using 6in Hg or thereabouts seems to take care of this problem with this type of foam. Since the core weight is not a large part of the final wing weight, the only reason to use 150 is that it's the only thing readily available at hardware outlets like Home Depot (at least in this part of Oklahoma). Thanks for many suggestions from many folks. If this observation is significantly at odds with other experience, I'd appreciate comments. - Dave R PS - One solid conclusion - the vacuum bagging process as taught in Phil's video is incredibly robust. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe
[RCSE] supplies
Greetings! We are in the process of doing a mess of remodeling of our new home. Some observations are worth noting. If you need bits of foam rubber of a nice firmness for packing/protecting electrical gear in carriers or planes, go talk to the people who install carpeting. They use foams of 1/4 and thicker for padding and every job ends up with enough scraps to last the average plane builder a couple of lifetimes. These scraps are invariable taken to the local dump and are free for the asking. The nice man who is making our kitchen cabinets generates in any one month waste barrels full of small pieces of straight-grained, defect-free birch or maple. A visit with a bag or small box will net you all the small chunks of hardwood you'll need for a dozen or more planes. Cheers, Bill -- The man who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The man who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been. Alan Ashley-Pitt Bill Johns Cheryl Greenstreet Colton, WA
[RCSE] Pike Superior For Sale
Pike Superior F3J Carbon For Sale New out of the wrappers once for pictures. I will post a picture on RCGroups soon. $1300 can deliver to Sacramento or LA area. Thanks, Kasra P.S. Sorry about the multiple posts on Tragi. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
[RCSE] FS: Multiplex Profli 4000
For Sale Multiplex Profli 4000 Like New condition, Latest Software, Side slider added Ch 24, additional modified Syn module, extra battery pack Shift selectable Original manuals and box All work done by Ernie Pritchard $625 plus shipping Please email me for any questions and pictures Mike [EMAIL PROTECTED] RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
RE: [RCSE] Battery food-Charger
Efficient cells like the KAN's do not induce a voltage depression adequate enough to trip the peak-detect, so the charger keeps pumping in the current. That explains why the packs got hot. The above applies to NiMH cells used for normal(?) operation, as opposed to propulsion applications (F5B, etc). So, is there a truly automatic charger for Efficient NiMH cells? Regis -Original Message- From: Simon Van Leeuwen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2004 5:30 PM To: Cameron Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [RCSE] Battery food-Charger Since the A4 was released, the charge protocol for NiMH has changed significantly to better represent the characteristics of the cell chemistry. If memory serves (I owned one, then ditched it) only the peak overvoltage was dropped by a few mV as compared to the NiCD algorythm. The current accepted regime for NiMH is similar to: Stage 1: Charger algorythm applies a zero (slope) delta, essentially turns off the charge phase as soon as the fully charged state is reached (based on a V value, no overcharge above rated V). This brings the cell to ~80-90% of rated capacity (this value will decrease the more current pushed into the cell, as the rated V is reached sooner with an elevated charge V) Stage 2: Same charge current (or another lesser rate) is pulsed (duty cycle) to bring the cell 95% of rated Stage 3: Maintenance rate - same charge current (or another lesser value) is pulsed (shorter duty cycle) to maintain a fully charged state. The above applies to NiMH cells used for normal(?) operation, as opposed to propulsion applications (F5B, etc). Quoting Cameron [EMAIL PROTECTED]: To quote Litco Systems directly from their manual for the Alpha 4 charger: PLEASE NOTE: ALL DEVICES ON A-4 EXCEPT W DEVICE ARE INTENDED FOR NI-CADS. ONLY V AND W DEVICES MAY BE USED WITH WET AND GEL CELLS (LEAD-ACID BATTERIES). ALL DEVICES EXCEPT A,S W ARE SUITABLE FOR NIMH BATTERIES (NICKEL-METAL-HYDRIDE). TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE USE ONLY I AND C CHARGER WITH NIMH CELLS. :-) *smile* Cameron -Original Message- Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2004 11:43:28 -0800 From: Simon Van Leeuwen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] com [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [RCSE] Battery food-Charger Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] That's the probelm with employing a NiCD charger that peak-detects for NiCD instead of NiMH. NiMH are endomthermic, while NiCD technology is exothermic. This means as an NiCD becomes fully charged, the increase in heat causes an increase in internal resistance, which lowers the charge V, which trips the peak-detect circuitry. Efficient cells like the KAN's do not induce a voltage depression adequate enough to trip the peak-detect, so the charger keeps pumping in the current. NiCD chargers are great at ruining perfectly good NiMH cells. Then the cells get blamed for poor performance... RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
Re: [RCSE] NiMH Peak
Efficient cells Isn't the peak to which we're referring here dependant upon only the battery chemistry? Thus, a NiMH will always peak the same? The rate of charge does change the peak. Particularly the slope. Possibly this is what they were relying upon to create some promotional verbiage? Bill Swingle RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
[RCSE] RE: Foam Worms (Again)
Sorry but I haven't followed this discussion but only read your conclusion post. I may have been covered butt... I see that you talk about applying pressure at the edge of compressive strength of the material. In Norway, and possible the rest of the world, the compressive strength is given as short time pressure allowing for 10% deformation in the material. It is also given a long time pressure allowing for only 2% deformation. The long-time pressure is approximately 30% of the short time pressure which often is part of the product name. EPS 150 (kpa) has a long-time strength of 45kpa. Some deformation in the material is bound to happen when applying pressure and you are maybe applying sufficient pressure to show some differences in the material, and local parts that get larger deformations shows up as worms. Regarding the lengthwise worms, I suspect this is due to the curvature of the bagging materials. Try to bend a sheet of paper to an airfoil shape (top surface) and then try to wrinkle it/bending it in the other direction. The small difference in bending resistance is the reason you only get lengthwise worms. Just my humble opinion. Create some nice wings and go out flying. --- Hilsen / Regards E. Wikran Tromso, Norway --- RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
Re: [RCSE] NiMH Peak
The best way to picture this is to remember that NiCD cell's reistance (R) increases when near full charge/fully charged. As a result, for a given current (I), and an increase in R, the voltage (V) drops...to the point that the algorythm shuts off the charge process (it varies from MFG to MFG, but ~8mV/cell, which is reduced as cell-count increases). With NiMH cells, as their internal temperature increases, there is a reduction in resistance (up to a point). This is why those who employ NiMH for racing purposes (F5B/D cars, etc) like to operate the cells immediately off the charger (@ ~50-55C - FWIW can stand to hold in my hand a pack that is at ~60- 65C, but just barely). So, as a charger with a peak detect designed for NiCD charges a NiMH the temperature within the cell rises after reaching a fully charged state (now in overcharge), which pushes their internal resistance down, which moves further away from the peak detect V, which heats the cell(s) more, which...you get the picture I'm sure. The end result is cells that have eventually kicked off the peak detect, have been overcharged... Quoting Bill Swingle [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Efficient cells Isn't the peak to which we're referring here dependant upon only the battery chemistry? Thus, a NiMH will always peak the same? The rate of charge does change the peak. Particularly the slope. Possibly this is what they were relying upon to create some promotional verbiage? Bill Swingle RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. Radius Systems Cogito Ergo Zoom RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
Re: [RCSE] NiMH Peak
Forgot to mention, actually the rate of charge does effect actual peak detection on quality (key word here) chargers. It's a give and take scenario, the more cells in the pack means one has to be a little more conservative by reducing the peak-detect value (in mV/cell - designed into the algorythm). This is so to alleviate inconsistancies from cell to cell (at start of charge, every cell in a pack is gauranteed to be sitting at differing V), which would have one or more cells reaching capacity before others, and being slightly overcharged as the rest catch up. I tolerate chargers with options for NiMH, but still employ the peak-detect method, essentially the designer has reduced the mV/cell to, say, ~4-5mV, or as the Triton does, leaves it up to the end-user to set any value they desire. The reason I tolerate them is that I monitor my packs...and take the time to understand them (we go for coffee regularly :^). I like the fact that when to ceases charging, I have a full pack which has been knowingly abused with the understanding and acceptance of loss of cell life. The algorythm I spoke of the other day nicely charges the cells, but when it kicks off, the pack is not full...yet. You must them wait a lengthy (too lengthy for me) period of time for the cells to go through maybe two more stages to reach actual peak... Quoting Bill Swingle [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Efficient cells Isn't the peak to which we're referring here dependant upon only the battery chemistry? Thus, a NiMH will always peak the same? The rate of charge does change the peak. Particularly the slope. Possibly this is what they were relying upon to create some promotional verbiage? Bill Swingle RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. Radius Systems Cogito Ergo Zoom RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
[RCSE] STYLUS Transmitter For Sale
Up for sale is my Stylus transmitter. I bought it from a fellow on RCU in January, 2001. Other than the usual scuffs on its bottom the radio is in excellent shape. I've upgraded the TX pack to 1650 mAh. The Stylus is a bit of a battery hog, and the stock 700 mAh pack would die after a couple hours of usage. With the 1650 NIMH pack I can fly all day without recharging! Included is a module on channel 18, the blue-and-white logoed neckstrap and the original manual. No servos, receivers or chargers are included. Asking $200 for everything. Email for quickest response! -==- Barrett RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
[RCSE] Dream catcher close out sales
Roy Simpson has some personal kits he is selling at reasonable prices ie Grand Espirit for $300.00, Grand Aquila etc. check it out. www.dchobby.com sorry to see another resource go away. KEVIN KAVANEY [EMAIL PROTECTED] RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
Re: [RCSE] Dream catcher close out sales
--- KEVIN KAVANEY [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: sorry to see another resource go away. Me too. Look, I know people hate this but the fact is he was a rude intolerant jerk to his customers and to his *potential* customers. Sounds like a great business plan to me? NOT. And I hope I *did* cost him sales here on the net. Business people need to learn it's not just ONE customer's money they throw away. Either hire someone with a personality to do your customer service, take a charm course, or suffer the consequences. Sorry to see his kits, but not him, go. Obviously YMMV greatly, J RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
RE: [RCSE] Foam Worms (Again)/thoughts about vacuum
There are still mysterious and unexplanable things going on with your bagging efforts. I'll just give you some more observations from my bagging experience and I won't try to reconcile it with your experiences. Back in the dark ages, around 1994 when I learned how to do vac bagging, I was taught to use Dow grey foam and I wasn't taught to use a regulator on my vacuum pump. Grey foam is about as punky (my word) as extruded foam gets, about the same as Foamular 150, actually. My vacuum pump in those days (and today too) could pull about 26 ( one atmosphere =about 30 for any eurodudes reading this). I figure I must have made a few hundred wings for Frank Weston, all from grey foam and all subjected to the full fury of my unregulated continuous duty vacuum pump. Today I still use a continuous duty vacuum pump without a regulator. I do use a bleed valve, however, when I use any foam lighter than Foamular 600/Hi Load 60/ spyder foam. I crack open the bleed valve until I get about 22 on my vacuum gauge. To this day I still don't bag anything with less than 22 of vacuum. It is my experience that lots of things turn out better with lots of vacuum and not much that's bad happens with lots of vacuum. The foam I use today is exclusively Foamular 250 and Foamular 600. I agree that it makes no sense to use Foamular 150 or the equivalent blue foam (Dow score board) if Foamular 250 or Dow square edge are available. There is almost no difference in weight but a noticeable difference in strength. In all of my high-vacuum bagging experience I have never seen a foam worm. So for me, the mystery remains. My main purpose for this post is to avoid the beginning or propagation of a mythology about the hazards of high vacuum in the vac bagging of foam core wings. Phil RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
Re: [RCSE] Dream catcher close out sales
I first met Jim Simpson at the 1995 Nats. We shared a tent and spent many hours watching the rain and discussing his plans to manufacture classic sailplane kits. He had a custom giant scale sailplane that he was selling and had just completed the first run of 50 Sailaire kits. I had just started flying my Sailaire again when the Nats started including Nostalgia. I bought one of the first 50 kits to have a backup just in case my Sailaire came to an untimely end. The kit was much better than the original Tom Williams Sailaire that I built back in 1978. I found Roy to be very pleasant to deal with and know many people who have had equally high opinions. For several years, Roy contributed heavily to the workers raffle for the Nats. I haven't seen Roy since he quit attending the Nats. Wonder how much having to deal with obnoxious customers had to do with his decision to get out of the kit manufacturing business. Whatever the cause, we have lost another kit manufacturer. Wonder who will be the next to go. Chuck Anderson RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send subscribe and unsubscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
