Do you need equipment to monitor glider performance?

Do you need to comply with competition rules?

From our shop in South Australia, Glider Gear can help with these accessories for your glider.

Drop Greg a line to order any of the products shown here.

gpotter@opalibusiness.com.au

mob: 0413 588906

Links:

Mini Plumes
European Manufacturer of fine scale gliders. Kits/ accessories from F3J to large scale.

Chin Model Aircraft
Hankering for a quality smooth flying balsa scale model? Get a model with character from:
www.thaiscalemodel.com

silver twin-engined cessna

Chin Model Aircraft also offers laser and CNC router cutting from your files. The service is excellent and so is the cutting. Shipping from Thailand is not expensive. Turnaround times are good.

NNE Winches
If you're after a World-Class glider winch made in Australia, Bernie Sizer can help: www.nnewinches.com.au

The MAAA (Model Aeronautical Association of Australia) is the leading authority in Australia governing flying model aircraft:
www.maaa.asn.au

eSoaring.net is a forum to discuss eSoaring height limited competitions, models, and tactics.

Gerry Carter designs and produces Glider Score. If you want to run a glider competition this software will help. Used at most competitions in Australia. (email Gerry for info).

 

  • Altis V3
  • TX Harness
  • Airtronics Servos
  • FrSky 2.4GHz
  • FrSky - Futaba
  • Servo Frames
  • CAM
  • RAM 3
  • Chutes
  • Wing Wiring
  • Accessories
  • Product Reviews
  • Flying Glasses
  • Repairs/ Building

Altis V3

Recording & Competition Altimeter for R/C modellers

$99.95 per unit if you're quick! (limited to first 5 customers)

$119.95 ex post

Specifications:

  • Memory : 128kB (approx. 3 h. / 0.1s sampling)
  • Sample time : 0.1 - 25.5s (user selectable with step 0.1s)
  • Dimensions : 27 x 14 x 6mm (1.07 x 0.55 x 0.24 inches)
  • Cable length : 20cm (7.84 inches)
  • Weight : 4.5g with JR cable (0.01 pounds)
  • Power supply range : 4 - 12.6V
  • Integrated altimeter switch
  • FAI F5J rules compatible
  • Temperature record
  • Record of repeated motor switch on during competition flight
  • Indicating LED (sample time / F5J max altitude)
  • Upgradeable firmware
  • USB interface with USB cable

 

Altis V3 Flight Manager PC software
for flight data anlaysis and for settings of Altis v3 device

Specifications:

Altis Flight Manager PC SW serves to communicate with the device and to display and process the flight data.

Requirements:

  • Windows XP or higher
  • 256MB RAM or More
  • min 20MB of free disk space
  • free USB port
  • .NET Framework (2.0. or higher)
  • 1GHz Pentium III or Athlon, or better
  • 1024x768 pixels screen resolution

Transmitter Shoulder Harness
These harnesses suit both tray-type radios and handheld radios.

Material: aluminium 6061-T6 (anodized)

black straps, anodised orange frame harnessFour-point length regulation lets you adjust the strap exactly to your body. The strap is 37mm wide. It makes using it as comfortable as possible, even for many hours.

I’ve been using one for some time now and it is extremely comfortable. The clips are metal not plastic like some other brands.

Preorder : $60 plus postage

sanwa servo in packagingSANWA Airtronics 94761Z
Digital Sailplane Wing Servo
Good for flaps or ailerons on F3J / F3B competition gliders. Strong, light and reliable. Recommend using Servo Frames to fit them.

Torque:

  • @ 4.8V: 55.0 oz-in (3.96 kg-cm)
  • @ 6.0V: 66.0 oz-in (4.75 kg-cm)

Speed:

  • @ 4.8V: 0.15 sec/60°
  • @ 6.0V: 0.12 sec/60°

Weight: 0.81 oz (23.0 g)

Dimensions:

  • Length: 1.06 in (26.9 mm)
  • Width: 0.47 in (11.9 mm)
  • Height: 1.18 in (30.0 mm)

Motor Type: 3-pole
Gear Type: Metal
Rotation/Support: Dual Bearings

$65 each plus postage.

FRSky 2.4GHz
Glider Gear can supply the entire FRSky range at competitive prices.

FRSky 2.4Ghz systems have been fully tested and approved for use by the MAAA.

Highly rated by testers, and supporting TX modules for JR, Hitec and Futaba and a Universal DIY module.

Offered with or without telemetry and your choice of 4, 6 or 8 channel receivers.

Newly-released is a Universal TX module which incorporates an LCD screen to display data being sent from the remote receiver.

Telemetry Options
Monitor a range of parameters such as rpm, fuel level, battery voltage, GPS coordinates, variometer, temperature and three axis accelerometer.

They also have a wide range of 2.4ghz accessories such as extended receiver aerials, coaxial connectors, TX antennae etc.

See the FRSky website for full details and new product announcements.

http://www.frsky-rc.com

Note# The new FrSky Futaba-compatible 4 channel receiver available.


FUTABA FASST compatible 7 channel receiver from FrSKY.

Compatibility:

  • FASST 2.4G: Air Systems (7CH Mode/Multi Mode)
  • FrSky TF Modules: TF-8M, TF-14M

Specifications:

  • Number of Channels: 7
  • Operating Voltage Range: 3.5V~10V
  • Dimension: 37*22*8mm
  • Weight: 7.8g

Features:

  • Lighter weight and physically smaller
  • Two selectable failsafe setting options

 

The absoulte best way to install your precious digital servos into a wing has to be with a servo frame and the best ones are from Glider Gear. Sourced from Europe used widely in competition, these won't let you down.

yellow estrella wing servoframes on topEasy to fit, strong, light and easy access to your servos for removal, the servo frame is the best solution. Stop gluing your servos in and glue servoframes in instead.

Plastic-injection production leads to precise frames and constant quality at low prices. Easy replacement of servos on the field by removing 2 to 4 screws.

Frames available for

  • JR 361/362/368
  • JR 3401
  • JR 171
  • Airtronics 94761
  • Hitec HS 81/82


AUD$25.00 per pair ex post.

Competition Altimeter for Models

Get ready for the growing number of Altitude Limited Electric Soaring competitions.

The Competition Altimeter for Models (CAM) is designed for the new 200m altitude limited electric soaring format.

The CAM is small, light, and easy to install. Just plug it in between your receiver and ESC.

The CAM automatically shuts your motor down at 200 meters or after 30 seconds per the emerging altitude limited soaring rules. This new competition format promises to put the "soaring" back into electric sailplane contests. Even inexpensive RTF models can compete.

shrink-wrapped PCB thumbnail-size CAM2 unitThe CAM has selectable cutoff altitudes of 50m, 100m and 200m, and does not require a computer to program or use. You can easily change the cutoff right at the field.

With the CAM you can make multiple climbs to cut-off without having to land. Great for practicing! Designed and built in the USA.

Price: Aus $75.00 ex. post

US penny alongside RAM3 unitRecording Altimeter for Models

RAM3 Specifications

  • Size: 3/4" long x 5/8" wide x 3/8" high
  • Weight: 2-1/4 grams
  • Resolution: < 1 foot
  • Sample Rates: 1, 2, 5, or 10 samples/second
  • Memory: Over 18 hours at the 1 sample/second rate
  • Interface: RS-232, cable included
  • Power Supply: 3.1 to 15 volts
  • Current Draw: 5 milliamps
  • Operating Temperature: -4F to 140F (-20C to 60C)

Comes complete with everything you need including PC interface cable, FlightView software on CD-ROM, breathable anti-static protective foam wrap, and instruction booklet.

Small, light, and easy to use, it installs in minutes and plugs into your receiver using the detachable lead (or use a separate battery).

cd, cable and manual includedWide supply voltage range lets you power the RAM2 from a single LiPoly cell all the way up to a 12 volt battery.

Fine-tune winch & hand launches, motor/battery/prop combinations, camber settings, climb & sink rates.

Large memory holds a whole day's worth of flying.

Requires PC running Win 98/Me/XP/Vista/W7 with serial port, or USB port with adapter (see below)

Price: Aus $99 ex. post.


USB Serial Adapter

blue cased adapterDon't have a serial port on your PC/Dual-Boot Mac?

This USB serial adapter is designed to make serial port expansion quick and simple. It connects to a USB port on your computer or USB hub, and adds a serial communication port to your system with easy plug-and-play and hot-plug features.

This USB Serial Adapter allow you to connect to any RS-232 communication device. It works well with the RAM3.

Specifications & Features:

• Adds a high speed RS-232 serial port via a USB 1.1 or 2.0 connection

• 384 byte receive buffer.

• 128 byte transmit buffer for high speed data throughput.

• Requires no IRQ, DMA or I/O port.

• Data rate speed range: 300 bps to 921,600 bps

• Serial Connector: DB-9 male connector

• RS-232 data signals: DCD, RxD, TxD, DTR, GND, DSR, RTS, CTS, RI.

• LEDs which show transmitting and receiving of data.

• Uses an FTDI brand chipset.

• Cable Length is 10 inches (25 cm).

• RoHS compliant.

• Virtual COM port drivers provided for Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, 7, Linux 2.4.0 & later, OpenBSD 2.9 and later & MAC OS8 & later.

 

Package Contents:

• CD-ROM disc with drivers

• User Manual

Price: $25 when purchased with a RAM3 or $33 ex. post if purchased separately.

Winch Parachute

Fluorescent Orange for high visibility. FAI compliant. Rip-stop nylon, with strong cord. Designed for European (not US) towhook attachment where the chute isn't part of any towline stress.

Price: AU$10 each or 3 for $20 including postage Australia-wide.

For International prices inc. shipping, contact Greg.

Wiring Looms

Make a hard task easier when buidling a modern competition glider.

We have ready-to-install wiring looms made to measure.

Produced using high-current, silicon-coated twisted servo cable throughout.

Either Computer 9-pin D plugs or MPX 6 pin plugs provided.

Price: AU$45 ex-post for an average full house glider.

For other models please contact Greg.

 

Servo mounting screws

bunch of screws on white tableThis screw has become a widely used fastener in model building. It really does have a million uses! You can mount your servos, but it's also great for canopies, cowls, hatches, landing gear straps and much more.

It has a self-contained flange that completely covers the servo grommets and acts as a normal washer on other applications.

It has a deep non-slip socket head that takes a 5/64  (2mm) Allen Key or Ball Driver. 11mm (7/16") or 14mm (9/16") lengths available.


Price: 100 screws per pack for $10 ex. post.

Product Reviews

The SparcLaser 30% DH-82 Tiger Moth Short Kit

This kit is based on the Gary Allen Giant Scale Tiger Moth plan available from the Airage Store. Mind you my copy of the plan never arrived but fortunately I had a set in PDF and JPG format that I could have printed locally to use for building on.

I believe this plan was featured in an issue of Model Airplane News. The plan is fairly detailed but does show signs of having been copied many times. A few lines are distorted but nothing serious.

All required parts are drawn on the plans and all wood sizes and types are documented.

The SparcLaser short kit is beautifully cut from quality materials (except parts such as the firewall and motor mounting box that should be from birch ply but are only cut from Lite ply).

However once you get started on building you quickly realize that most of the parts are inaccurate or just plain wrong. It was most disappointing. I’m happy to accept a few discrepancies between parts and plan but when you find almost every part you try to use does not match the plan it gets quite frustrating.

For example the wing ribs are all 3mm short between the two main spar positions so when you lay them on the plan they don’t match the drawing. This then makes them 3mm short overall compromising the scale outline.

All of the supplied fuselage ply gussets are wrong, not one is actually usable without modification. The wing tip parts don’t fit, some I had to modify and others I had to cut again by hand.

Some of the cowl parts don’t fit together as they should without significant modification. Some of the fuselage top formers are the wrong shape. In addition several sets of parts which are clearly drawn on the plans are not even provided. For example the plan shows all the parts required for the optional upper wing slats. However the kit, whilst providing all the small parts, does not include the slats themselves.

The rear hatch cover for the fuselage is missing. The top half of the cowl hinging setup is missing. All of these missing parts are clearly shown on the plans.

Templates for the smaller brass fittings are provided, cut from drafting board, but many are missing even though they clearly appear on the plan. I’ll continue the build and fabricate the missing parts myself and modify the inaccurate parts to fit but my enthusiasm for an accurate large Scale Tiger Moth has been dampened somewhat. I should have drawn all my own parts and had them cut to order then any mistakes would have been my own.

 

yellow lens rx-bale sunglassesDaisy USA Military
RX-able Sunglasses

Glider Gear sells the Daisy range of RX-able sunglasses. RX-able means you can fit your prescription lenses in the specially-designed frames.

These wrap-around sunglasses filter out distracting light wavelengths and help you maintain your focus on your model. Especially useful when flying at great distance. Swap the lens colours to suit the nature of the light.

UV400 protection and 3 lenses included, grey, brown and yellow tints. The tinted lenses fit in front of your prescription lenses using an innovatively designed frame.

 

Price: Aus $59 ex. post.

Testimonial (click to open)

For those who have to wear prescription glasses it is difficult to find a good pair of flying glasses.  I have been through this over the past 15 years.  Initially I used Zurichs over my normal glasses.  Once I started needing graduated lenses this did not work well. Plus wearing 2 sets of glasses was often inconvenient and uncomfortable.

I then purchased a set of Modelglasses Innovations which allowed the fitting of prescription lenses and had a set of interchangeable flip up coloured lenses for different light conditions i.e. grey, yellow and amber.  I had the prescription lens holder fitted with my long distance prescription which worked well initially.

There were two problems.  Firstly with these on I could fly but I could not see my Tx screen or do any close-up repairs/adjustments etc.  Secondly I had a string of technical problems with these particular glasses.  I had 4 frames break for no obvious reason.  Three had one arm break off and the fourth cracked one side of the clip that holds the prescription lenses in.  I also had about 6 broken centrepieces that hold the coloured lenses to the main frame.  Modelflight who supplied the original set were very good and provided 3 replacement sets over time – at no charge.  However the manufacturer didn’t want to know about the issues.

So I started the search again and found two possible alternatives, one proved unsatisfactory because they did not have clip on coloured lenses, they required the replacement of individual lenses in the main frame – too hard to do at the field.  The other set looked promising.  They were strong in all the areas that the Modelglasses Innovations were weak.  The arms are thicker, the Rx lens holder is more robust and clips into the main frame in a more reliable way.  The clip-on centrepieces are also more robust.

So when my last set of Modelglasses became unusable I had prescription lenses fitted to the new ones and this time I had a small section at the bottom fitted with my close-up prescription and the rest of the lens fitted with my long distance prescription.  So I have overcome both of the problems I faced before.

The ones I use now are the Daisy USA Military set that I am offering for sale on this website.  So far they have proven to be a good choice.

Greg Potter

 

Repair Service

busted yellow e4 fuzDon't bin that molded aeroplane!

For pilots with no time to mend their ships, Glider Gear offers a repair service. Let us bring your favourite molded machine back from the brink and get it airworthy again.

Call or email for a quote. Send in pictures of the damage to assess feasibility & estimated cost.

We can fix just about anything.

 


Building Service

red estrella wing buildHave your latest ship built and ready for you to fly. Years of experience in building and flying gives us the know-how to ensure your glider is built right, with the right gear inside.Call or email for a quote. We can build just about anything.