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.
New Product Showcase
NEW PRODUCTS IN THE RC WORLD
Updated: 20 Aug 2010
This area is where manufacturers, distributors and resellers can announce the availability of new products aimed at the RC marketplace.
Note that appearance in this section of the RCModelReviews website does not imply any endorsement by RCModelReviews and the appearance of a product or service here will soon be done on a paid placement basis (as a way of boosting the review budget without compromising my independence and objectivity).
Please mention RCModelReviews when inquiring about these products
If you'd like to announce your new products through this page, drop me an email.
FEIYU Flight Stabilisation System
FPV and UAV enthusiasts rejoice, now there's an alternative to the more common infra-red stabilization systems that are often used in such craft. Himodel are selling this gyro and accelerometer-based stability system which won't be affected by the same environmental factors which can cause problems with IR versions.
A review of this may be in order!
ModelGuard - model-match for non-Spektrum users
This is a simple device which, if it works as advertised, might make flying a whole lot safer for anyone who's ever taken off with the wrong model selected in their transmitter memory. This English chappy has built the ModelGuard device that just plugs into an unused servo channel to alert you if you've forgotten to select the right model memory.
FPV Transmitter & Video Camera 1/3-inch CCD camera
HobbyKing says: Compatible with most 2.4Ghz video receiver systems this FPV camera and transmitter system is very versatile as well as light and very small. The camera uses a quality glass lensed SONY CCD camera system
React-A-Pack 5 Minute Epoxy 3 Pack
Radical RC says: "Amazing little package of epoxy for field repairs. No room in your field box for a full size set of bottles? These little packages are just the right amount for typical field repairs. Both parts are in one container. (it's magic!). You knead them together thoroughly, cut the corner off the pouch and sqeeze out enough for your repair
Autopilot
A sophisticated autopilot system that includes an infra-red horizon-sensing stability system combined with a 10Hz GPS guidance system and OSD.
Turnigy V-Bar Flybarless System
The Turnigy(R) V-Bar 600 is an extremely high quality precise controller and stabilizer for the swashplate and tail rotor of a model helicopter flight control system. It has super-stabilization and highly responsive-to-control input. This makes for incredible stability and agility. The programmability allows for performance settings from smooth scale to sport or hard 3D flying.
New: XCore Digital Servos
Claiming to offer ultra-high performance at reasonable prices, the new coreless metal-geared digital servos from Team Xcore certainly come with some impressive specifications. Eight different servos are available to suit model cars, boats and aircraft.
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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
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?
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?
The Chinese are now churning out a huge number of very reasonably priced no-name servos. But are they any good?
Baffled by 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: