My Park Jet workshop video

Hi everyone -

As I was shooting the step by step build video on my recent FRC Foamies Su35 MK2 build, I kept thinking maybe I should just do a detailed video discussing more of the materials and components I use in all my builds.  If you have already watched the build video, much of it might be a bit of a repeat for you, but I have done a pretty detailed section on props, motors, ESCs and batteries that you might find helpful.  In the power system portion I also demonstrate how I like to balance my props and how to set the throttle points on your transmitter to get maximum potential from your setup.

I certainly don't claim to be an expert at anything, but have gained considerable experience over the last two years of building and flying park jets.  I also did considerable testing last year on several park jet motors and how different props, ESC settings and batteries effect how the power system performs and how in turn that affects how my planes perform.  Much of this is gained through trial and error over the last two years...heavy on the error... :/  So again, not that I am an expert, but hopefully learning from my mistakes it can help you keep from making the same ones.

Some of the stuff is pretty basic and some more advanced, so again I hope that whatever skill level you are at, you might find something of use in this video.

I have set the video up in parts to make it easier to navigate to what you want/need -

• Intro, starts at 0:21;
• Part 1 - Foam and carbon reinforcement, starts at 3:43;
• Part 2 - Basic tools, starts at 19:51;
• Part 3 - Glues and tapes, starts at 33:55;
• Part 4 - Transmitters, receivers, servos and linkages, starts at 49:31;
• Part 5 - Power systems - props, motors, ESCs and batteries, starts at 1:15:29;
• Part 6 - Finishing and paint, starts at 1:58:20;
• Part 7 - Miscellaneous (things that were missed previously in the video), starts at 2:07:32; and
• Part 8 - Flight box goodies and field repair, starts at 2:21:05;

Here is the video

As mentioned several times in the video, here are some links to materials and components that I use.  I have tried to arrange the links in the same order as they appear in the video.  Unless otherwise mentioned, all Hobby King links are to the international warehouse.  Where I have listed the same item but from different vendors, I have included the price to help with comparative shopping depending on your budget.  As mentioned in the video, shipping from RC Timer, Focal Price and Deal Extreme is free, but can take several weeks to get to you depending on where you live.

Foam and carbon

6mm depron - http://www.rcfoam.com/depron-and-epp-foam-suppliers/6mm-depron/6mm-white-depron---case-p-343.html

3mm depron - http://www.rcfoam.com/depron-and-epp-foam-suppliers/depron-foam-sheet/3mm-white-depron-p-1333.html

Dollar store foam - I can buy this at local retailers, but if you want more information or to order online, here is the RL Adams website http://www.adamsplasticsinc.com/index.php/readi-board

4mm carbon rod - http://www.rcfoam.com/carbon-fiber-sheets%2C-carbon-rods-and-tubes/carbon-rod/carbon-rod-p-744.html

3mm carbon tube - http://www.rcfoam.com/carbon-fiber-sheets%2C-carbon-rods-and-tubes/carbon-fiber-tubes/carbon-tube-p-769.html

2mm carbon rod - http://www.rcfoam.com/carbon-fiber-sheets%2C-carbon-rods-and-tubes/carbon-rod/carbon-rod-p-737.html

Basic tools

Long bladed razor knife - http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9806__Hobbyking_8_Point_snap_knife_1pc_only.html

Replacement blades for long bladed knife - http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9336__8_Point_snap_off_spare_blades_10pcs_set_.html

#11 style exacto knife - http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9332__X_BLADE_Precision_knife_with_replaceable_SK_5_blade.html

Replacement blades for #11 knife - http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9333__X_BLADE_Spare_SK_5_Steel_blades_10pcs_set_.html

18" x 12" cutting mat from Hobby King - http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__17618__HobbyKing_Cutting_Mat.html

Long shaft 1.5mm hex driver for adjusting servo connectors.  The long shaft works better than the regular shaft driver to be able to adjust the servo connectors when on the plane I have found from experience. https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__11085__Turnigy_1_5mm_long_shaft_Hex_Screwdriver.html

Glue and tape

Most of the glues and tapes I showed in the video are available at local retailers for me, but I do have to order the Foam Tac online.  Not all distributors will ship it to me here in Canada, but I have found some that will do it without problems if they ship via ground.

Foam Tac glue (all US distributors) -

RC Foam - http://www.rcfoam.com/glue-for-foam-rc-planes/foam-adhesive/beacon-foam-tac-glue---2-ounce-bottle-p-1243.html

Headsup Hobby - http://www.headsuphobby.com/Beacon-Foam-Tac-Adhesive-2-oz-bottle-H-425.htm

Grayson Hobby - http://www.graysonhobby.com/catalog/foamsafefoamtac-p-1313.html

Transmitter/receivers/servos and accessories

Turnigy 9x transmitter (Mode 2, throttle on left stick) - http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8992__Turnigy_9X_9Ch_Transmitter_w_Module_8ch_Receiver_Mode_2_v2_Firmware_.html

If you prefer Mode 1 - http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8991__Turnigy_9X_9Ch_Transmitter_w_Module_8ch_Receiver_Mode_1_v2_Firmware_.html

Smartieparts board you will need for er9x upgrade - http://www.smartieparts.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=331  This website also has good links for installing and setting up the board and flashing er9x firmware.

Another good site I used for setting up my transmitter, has a couple good videos on installing the smartieparts board and flashing the er9x firmware http://parkeflyer.com/

8 channel receiver for the Turnigy 9x - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=12339

6 channel receiver I show in the video that I use on most of my planes - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=12901

After market sticks I use on my transmitter, they have sharper tips to help keep better contact with my thumbs - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=23763

Big thumb sticks I like for colder weather flying - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=19247

LiFe battery I use in my Turnigy radio https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=14076 , you may have to adapt the connectors to use it, I have a JST connector for my charger, so I made this little JST setup so I can just take the battery out and charge it without too much hassle.  Here are a couple pictures showing the battery connected and disconnected.

Hobby King does not seem to carry the GWS mixer that I showed in the video any longer.  A quick search on ebay found this vendor from China that sells them for $11.82 USD http://www.ebay.com/itm/GWS-V-TAIL-MIXER-II-Promotion-/281431710490?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4186a31b1a

Same GWS mixer also available from Grayson Hobby (US) for $14.99 USD - http://www.graysonhobby.com/catalog/gwsvtailmixer-p-918.html

Headsuphobby mixer - http://www.headsuphobby.com/V-Tail-Mixers_c116.htm $7.95 USD

Servo Signal Reverser - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__17033__Turnigy_Servo_Signal_Reverser.html

RC Timer 9 gram metal gear servo - http://www.rctimer.com/product-525.html

RC Timer 9 gram nylon/plastic gear servo - http://www.rctimer.com/product-458.html

Y harnesses - These are JR type from RC Timer, it is what is compatible with my receiver http://www.rctimer.com/product-256.html  10 for $6.99 USD

Hobby King Y harnesses - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9691__JR_Y_Servo_Lead_15CM_Length_5pcs_bag_.html  5 for $4.52 USD

Servo extensions - 15 cm/6 inch - RC Timer - http://www.rctimer.com/product-268.html 10 for $3.99 USD

Servo extensions 15 cm/6 inch - Hobby King - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9697__15CM_Servo_Lead_Extention_JR_26AWG_10pcs_bag_.html  10 for $2.99 USD

Nylon clevis for making carbon fibre pushrods as shown in the video - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8421

2mm quick connects to attach pushrod to servo - Hobby King - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8519  10 for $1.37 USD

2mm quick connects RC Timer - http://www.rctimer.com/product-181.html - 10 for $2.99 USD

Props

6x4 APC style props - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=22423

6x3 EMP style props - RC Timer (best deal I have found) - http://www.rctimer.com/product-218.html  Come in packs of 5, cost is $0.90 per prop

Headsuphobby 6x3 EMP props if you need them a bit faster and live in North America - http://www.headsuphobby.com/EMP-6-x-3E-Composite-Propeller-ONE-Prop-B-690.htm  $1.95 per prop

Prop balancer similar to what I used in the video - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__50287__HobbyKing_8482_Universal_Propeller_Balancer_For_T_Style_And_Std_Propellers.html

Motors

Focal Price 2700 Kv motor - http://www.focalprice.com/YO090X/A2212_2200KV_Outrunner_Brushless_Motor_for_Airplane.html

Deal Extreme 2700 Kv motor - http://www.dx.com/p/a2212s-2700kv-outrunner-brushless-motor-45134#.VD2AcmddXkV

Prop collet that can and should be used with both the Focal Price and Deal Extreme motors as the prop attachments that come with them are not of sufficient quality in my experience - http://www.rctimer.com/product-580.html

NTM Prop Drive 2700 Kv motor - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=21482

Accessory pack you must order to mount the prop on the motor and mount the motor in your plane - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=16719

ESCs

Turnigy Plush 40A ESC to use with Focal Price and Deal Extreme motors - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2165

Turnigy Plush 60A ESC to use with the NTM Prop Drive motor - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__2166__TURNIGY_Plush_60amp_Speed_Controller.html

Turnigy Plush ESC programming card - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__2169__TURNIGY_BESC_Programming_Card.html

3.5 mm bullet connectors for motors and ESCs - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=68

XT60 connector with wire attached factory soldered as shown in video - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__10254__XT60_Male_w_12AWG_Silicon_Wire_10cm_5pcs_bag_.html

Extension wires between ESC and motor as shown in video - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=27062

Batteries

Turnigy 1600 battery shown in video - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=9456

Turnigy 1800 battery shown in video - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=9369

Zippy Compact 2200 (yellow) shown in video - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=21346

Zippy Flightmax 2200 shown in video - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9942

Watt meter shown in video - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__10080__Turnigy_130A_Watt_Meter_and_Power_Analyzer.html

Battery monitor for checking individual cell and overall voltage, very handy to have at the field in the flight box, handles from 2 cell to 6 cell batteries - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__6589__Battery_Monitor_2_6S.html

Miscellaneous

I was not able to find the link on ebay where I purchased my rare earth magnets for holding down my hatch, but this is the size that I use for example http://www.ebay.com/itm/50x-Neodymium-Disc-1-4-X-1-16-Super-Strong-Rare-Earth-Magnet-N35-D6x1-5mm-/181556354334?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a459a1d1e

I hope that I have covered everything that is available online from the video, if I have missed anything, please let me know and I will post it.

I hope the video and all these links might be helpful to you... :)  Good luck in your Park Jet workshop!

Cheers,

Scott