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Your Reviewer

My Credentials
So who's doing this reviewing then?

Well I've been building and flying or driving radio controlled models for over 40 years and during that time I like to think I've built up a reasonable amount of knowledge.

I'm also a qualified electronics engineer who has worked in radio frequency, analog, digital systems and software for more than three decades. In fact I designed and built my first RC set back in 1969.

For the past nine years I've also been involved in the design and manufacture of some rather sophisticated engine technology and UAV flight control systems.

So, chances are I've been there, done that and have a huge pile of tee shirts to prove it.

Right now I'm heavily into 3D flying and enjoy all aspects of the RC hobby. I may be old but I don't feel it.

In the Pipeline

Here's just a little bit of what's to come on this site...

RC explained: Demystifying terms such as PCM, PPM dual conversion, single conversion, full-range etc., this feature will explain it all.

Cheap Chinese Engines: Just how good are those cheap Chinese glow and gas engines that sell for half the price of their "brand-name" equivalent? I put several to the test.

Build your own radio gear?: Back in the old days, building your own RC gear was not uncommon and now the arrival of 2.4GHz has made it practical again.

 

DIY: The RCModelReviews AXN Build

THE BITS YOU'LL NEED

Build an AXN

Dated: 16 Feb 2012

If you're building an AXN by following the build videos on the RCModelReviews YouTube channel then here's a list of the major items you'll need, in addition to the basic AXN kit.

The ESC

You'll need a 25-30A ESC and one of the most important features is that your ESC should have a 3A BEC built in to it.

ESC

It's been my experience that a 2A BEC is not always able to provide enough power to drive the four servos and receiver if you plan to throw the model around a bit.

The ESC I use is either of these (depending on which is in stock):

Servos

Although almost any 9g or 10g servo will work just fine, the best value on the market right now is probably the orange servos from HobbyKing and they're a great fit in the AXN.

Servo

You can use either of these servo types in your AXN with confidence:

Battery

Although the advertising suggests a 3S battery between 1600 and 2200mAH there's really not much point in using anything but a 2200mAH. It results in the perfect CG position and maximum flight-times.

ESC

I've had very good success with the Zippy and Turnigy lipos. Here are my preferred choices:

If both of those are out of stock, you could also try these:

Miscellaneous bits

You'll likely need an XT60 connector to put on your ESC and some heatshrink tubing.

Other items you may want:

Of course there are many other places on the Net where you can pick up equivalent items and if you're worried about substituting things then feel free to drop me a line or ask in the RCModelReviews Forums

Related links

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Discussion Forums

 


The Blog

Updated: 20 Sep 2012
Here's a blog that will keep you informed just what's going on behind the scenes at RC Model Reviews and also tells you a little more about myself.

How compatible are 2.4GHz RC systems?

23 Mar 2010
How come there's no compatibility between different brands of transmitters and receivers? Why can't you use a cheap Chinese receiver with your Futaba FASST radio?

How to get a product reviewed here

4 Mar 2010
Since this has become a very frequently asked question, I've posted this simple guide to getting your product, or a product you're thinking of buying reviewed here at RCModelReviews

How servos work

Useful information on what's inside your servos and how they work.

The Good Oil

Important facts you should know about the oils that are used in our model engine fuels.

Heads-Up: 2.4GHz RC systems tested

How well do five different 2.4GHz systems stack up when hit by interference? The answers are here, with more to come.

Review: Bushnell's $80 Speed Gun

Yes it does work on model airplanes but there are some limitations involved with this bargain-basement radar speed gun.

Review: TowerPro MG995 servo

These are possibly the world's worst servos, find out exactly why you should avoid these boat-anchors at any cost.

Review: SK90

2.4GHz

It's cheap but can it really stack up against other glow engines in the .90 market? Find out in this review.

Review: iMax 9X 2.4GHz radio

How does this cheap 9-channel 2.4GHz radio system perform when compared to big-name systems that can cost two or three times as much? Have the Chinese finally developed a real contender with the iMax 9X?

2.4GHz Explained

Does all this 2.4GHz stuff have your head spinning? 2.4GHz

I've done my best to demystify the whole subject so if you feel like a bit of learning, this is the stuff for you!

Fix That Engine!

How can you tell when your engine needs new bearings? Who has the best prices and service on replacements? Just how do you change them? Get all that information and watch a great video tutorial anyone can follow.

Chinese Servos - How do they stack up?

Servos

The Chinese are now churning out a huge number of very reasonably priced no-name servos. But are they any good?

Baffled by batteries?

Batteries Nicad, NiMH, Li-Ion, LiPoly, LiFePO4, A123... the range of different battery types has never been greater. So how do they differ and what type should you be using?

Possibly useful: