Turnigy Model Be Found
Going by the name of the Turnigy "Be Found" device, I get the impression it supposed to help you find your model if in the event of a mishap, it goes down somewhere hard to find. I've got a number of issues with this which I'll outline below. But then take a look at the website description (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=20578) and it describes it more as a pre-flight safety check device to audibly warn you if either your battery voltage is low or you lose the radio link during the pre-flight check you do before every flight (right - every flight).
From the website:
"This Handy unit will emit a loud beep if your receiver loses radio signal or when the voltage of your models radio system drops below 4v. Perfect for testing ground range of receivers and ensuring that your radio system has not dropped to an unsafe voltage before each flight."
Let's assume the low voltage part of it works (I'll have to assume because I didn't bother testing it), let's take a look at the worse case scenario where the model is lost in-flight and has to be retrieved in thick bush. Here are the drawbacks and why I reckon it won't work;
- It didn't beep when I switched my Tx off. That's a pretty drawback as number one. Am I doing something wrong? Check the youTube video for how I tested.
- Of all the models I've seen crash, the battery pack is quite often not connected to the receiver anymore (ie no power to the buzzer).
- I reckon it introduces another likely point of failure. The in-line connector for the servo was a bit dicky and bent and the plastic cover stopped me from plugging it in properly the first time.
- If I have to rely on the low voltage buzzer to go off while I'm searching for a lost model, I could be waiting a while for the pack to drop below 4V.
- Even as a pre-flight check device, if I'm standing 10-15 meters away from my model at a busy club field, and it did start beeping, I'm not convinced I'd hear it.
Overall, as a safety device, I don't think it adds much value and your radio setup is probably better off without another point of failure being introduced (even if it is only on one channel). This one is a Pass.
Using the HobbyKing servo tester to setup servo arms
Installing servos and getting the arms in the right position can be a pain if you haven't got around to setting up and connecting your transmitter yet. A servo tester like this one http://bit.ly/xUeoyB means you can find the centrepoint and test the throws all without the Tx. In the photos and videos below I've got three Hextronik HX5010 servos installed and pretty much centred without using any radio gear.
uReview – HobbyKing HK450 Tail Boom w/ Custom Laser Text
The purpose of the uReview (micro review) is to provide a short, sharp review of some RC products bought online. Often I've found product pictures are ok but there's no telling really what you're getting till you hold it in your hands. So the first candidate for a uReview is a fairly simple one, the HobbyKing HK450 Tail Boom w/ Custom Laser Text.
The "HobbyKing HK450 Tail Boom w/ Custom Laser Text" is potentially an alternative replacement part for my MWC quad arms. I say potential because thankfully I haven't needed to replace any booms on the MWC Quad yet. The MWC Quad booms are 12mm aluminium so the HK ones should be suitable. The photos below show;
- Outside diameter 11.98mm.
- Inside diameter 10.93mm.
- 1.05mm thickness.
- Length: 345.5mm.
- A 'Cold Blue' colour with white text.
- The text is etched on both sides of the boom.
- A small notch about 8.43mm at one end. I guess to hold it while the etching is done.
- Weight about 12grams.
- Two Scratches / Dents.
Pretty much got what I expected. Disappointed with the ugly scratches and dents but for five bucks I'll put up with it.
