There are some great youtube video about yak 54 rc airplanes, here they are:

Yak 54 before and after Assembly

Finally my new Yak 54 Big Electric Foamy has arrived. Nothing much to say, this thing is simply beauty. Check out the kit before assembly and the ready to fly plane after assembly.

Art-Tech Yak-54 RTF

The Art-Tech Yak-54 RTF Rc Airplanes , ready to fly including a 2.4GHz radio system, geared brushless inrunner motor, and a 3 cell LiPo battery.

Yak 54 Maiden Flight

Finally Yak 54 Big Foamy Electric Planes just rose up in the skies beautifully, flew well, did its maiden little aerobatics rolls and loops and landed well despite of its being tail heavy. 2nd Flight is coming up soon. Plus many more flights you will see on my channel.

Yak 54 2nd Flight after adjusting CG

Here is the 2nd Flight of Yak 54, big electric Foamy RC Plane. We tapped one Hex wrench lol onto nose to add some weight to the nose and balance the CG. It went very well. More videos from Dalang airport will be posted soon. This Sunday we plan to bring the colorful big baby out to public and see how many we can sell there hehehehe.

Thisnk to but rc airplanes?, you can get YAK 54 ARF or YAK 54 RTF.

About buy your first rc airplane model: just buy rc airplane model that recommend by many experience rc airplane pilot. Beginner rc airplane model are commonly simple, it’s not too complex. As beginner rc flyer you should learn and understand how to fly rc airplane as well. Just find some training kit and instructional DVDs and watch it, this will give you some great flying tips.
Just learn to fly step by step carefully and add to flying practice with Flight Model Simulator ( FMS), this software will help you to learn fast and more save(don’t worry if you crash your rc model in FMS because you don’t need to repair it, just fly it again and again). If you get better flying then you can jump to next rc airplane flying level.
Just enjoy evetime you fly. Do not push your self as skilled rc airplane flyer. Just Keep in mind that nothing is perfect, so just do the best as you can. You must learn step by step and you will more understand the sense of rc airplane flying.

When you can flying and have a good control of you rc airplanes, i think it's the best time to more care about how to safe flying. As we know although if our rc airplane got crash, the pilot is not get hurt, except you bewail your rc airplanes crash. Maybe our rc airplanes crash when we flying is something that can't be avoid but we can minimize it only. Here are some of the checklist about safe flying your in rc airplanes :
1. rc radio range : this will impact in how far you can control your rc airplanes.
2. rc battery : long life battery is neded here, more good quality you get more good in price. You must have a good care of your rc battery( see the manual). The battery durability will impact to your rc airplanes flying time(especially you use electric motor) and controling time and rc radio range too (in your rc radio).
3. radio frequency : make sure that there are no same radio frequency when you flying your rc airplanes.
4. never flying rc airplanes near the vehicles park
5. keep fly your rc airplanes in your sight, although you have a good radio signal, but how you control your rc airplane in certain direction when you can't determine your rc airplanes direction?
And the last thing is just concentrate with you rc airplanes model, it's important when you flying with many rc airplanes model together, some beginner rc airplanes pilot are sometime lose control with their rc airplanes and even air crash.

If you buy BNF rc planes model, you will get a 2.4GHz DSM2 technology compatible receiver, notably from the Spektrum range, and a battery pack. I think you maybe think that the BNF rc planes model is just like RTF rc planes model too(try big rc planes?)?...This is maybe the reliable answer: a BNF rc planes model is closer to an RTF rc model one in terms of what you get in the box, you actually still need a DSM2 compatible transmitter to complete it.

I think this is the most important news, we know that a 2.4 transmitters are increasingly popular and more widely used, it is logical that more people are being attracted to aircraft BNF. Like a typical RC RTF model, there is plenty to do for the other model that some final assembly work and very link the receiver to your own transmitter. Once this is completed, usually a few seconds later, you're ready to go.

The transmitter receptor binding is a critical part of flying in a 2.4GHz system, and allows the RX and TX to lock together to form impenetrable signal systems has made the spread spectrum radio reliably.

The bonding process should be conducted as directed by your Tx, but basically involves inserting the bind plug supply (right) into the proper slot and the receiver can be changed while the Tx is enabled of binding. On my Spektrum DX6i transmitter, for example, this means holding down the 'switch Trainer' while turning on the Tx.

Turn the receiver Rx and Tx and then communicate with each other and unite after a few seconds, the success of union is indicated by the LED blinks orange light going on to a solid. Once bound, should not have to do it again for that model.

If you buy PNP rc airplanes, in most case you will get some rc parts such as the motor, ESC if electric, and some of the radio gear installed but is missing the transmitter, receiver and motor battery pack (& charger). Actually it just like RTF rc airplanes, because it comes 99% assembled. So you still need to supply your own transmitter, receiver and battery pack. I think pnp rc airplanes is good for rc airplane beginner too.

About the PNp manufactures, such as ParkZone, E-flite and Hanger 9 are the principle brands offering PNP airplanes, here are some the list of the rc model:

ParkZone: J3 Cub,Super Decathlon Brushless E-flite Apprentice PNP,Radian powered glider,T-28D Trojan,Corsair,Messerschmitt ME Bf109G and Habu EDF
E-flite:Mini Pulse,4-Site,Ascent powered glider and Alpha 450
For more detailde model, you can go to the certain site above.

A regular airplane components hanging from wings wings to help the movement forward. Shear respectively. Thrust required to fly the plane and go forward, because this will be done against the wind and drag needs. Only if you have more power, against gravity and drag to fly the plane. Location of aircraft wings for your flight is essential. To it is stable, the wings are shaped a little on the higher side, because it would be the floor of the aircraft heavier and better to make stability. In the wings a little under, so providing better maneuverability, because the weight is concentrated at the top of the aircraft.

To fly an rc airplane is, the aerodynamics is very important. This is where the wings come into play, because the gravity and the power of the crane has to happen. Must be greater than the weight of the aircraft, which will help the country. This can be achieved when the airplane is standing still. It is necessary to maintain the momentum to move on the front wings to create lift. The momentum is calculated from the wing, in ounces per square meter. A wing of the light is recommended for beginners, because you better control the larger wing. The resistance depends on the thickness of the wing. A wing is thicker for lower speeds and lighter wings for racing and aerial acrobatics.

V-position, the angle of the wing is tilted upward from the body of the rc model aircraft. This contributes to the stability of the aircraft when they move. The engine of a conventional remote control airplane is a two-stroked engine that uses fuel to light up. There are four stroke engines as well. Engine smoke does not radiate power and is relatively clean and quiet. The scope of a plan for distance control is about a mile, and that's good enough to be thrilling and exciting than flying. We fly RC airplanes-rc planes!

At the gathering, there are a competitions often. They usually fly their rc airplanes model one by one to display their maneuvers ability and their flying skills. There are combaat flying too, two rc airplanes are flying together and it's carrying a streamer each. They trying to cut the opponent streamer with their propellers or any rc airplanes sections inorder to cut their opponent streamer. They flying in certain flying zone, so they must be make it sure. The winner is the model that stiil have long streamer, so when they landing, the judge will check the streamer and the longer length of streamer are judged as the winner.

They usually build their rc airplanes, but there are just make it from ARF rc model. Most of rc planes are available in hobby store and you can purchase it. But if you don't have any experience to build your own rc planes, you can buy RTF model, you just need to install such as the battery,receiver,plug some connectors and done.

Learn all the steps and pictures to build your own rc planes directly from your browsers toolbar. How to build radio control planes toolbar for internet explorer. You can find the download rc airplanes software page in software112.com

As i know that Balsa wood is the lightest wood matterial in the world. The density of dry balsa wood ranges from 100–200 kg/m³, with a typical density of about 140 kg/m³ (about one third the density of other kinds of hard wood). What it would be if we build an rc airplanes model with haeavy matterial?
As we know that the light matterial will make our rc model more light and will be more stable in flight than heavy rc model one. More weight mean it need more power(rc engine) to make it fly.

Magnum XLFS70ARblue November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm

New in box never mounted No trades shipped only to the lower 48 Includ | Price: $140.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009

75 AX OS 2- Cycle Engine November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm New in the box OS 75 AX engine. This engine was mounted on a Hangar 9 Pulse 60 XT that I purchased from a friend at my club. I believe the | Price: $150.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Wild Hare R/C Extra 260 33% November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm I have the Tail horizonal. fin w/eleavitor. and Wing. Plane was in a crash. and these parts are fine. call pete 609 290 8513 leleft left side wing | Price: $60.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Multiplex Jumbo mc/V2 November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm I have one giant scale Mutiplex Jumbo mc/v2 servo and two Mutliplex Power servos. I will leave the mouting plates on all of them. I have tested all of | Price: $100.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 35% Godfrey Extra 300 November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm Selling airframe only. All other components selling separately. Still prefer local pickup. Will drive to meet someone. Tha | Price: $700.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 US Engines 41cc 2.5 RC CH electronic ignition November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm us 41 cc engine with ch electronic ignition with spark advance,weighs about 13 oz less than stock.good running strong engine no spring starter needed | Price: $250.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 E-Flite Extra 260 3D 480 November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm up for sale is a E-Flite Extra 260 3D 480. it has only been flown five times. there is some damage from the factury shipping. it has all been fixed by | Price: $300.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Yellow Airccraft P-47 Retracts November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm I have a set of yellow aircraft P-47 retracts from Bert Baker.....They are used excellent and i am asking $200.00 shipped qustions call 301-791-9734 | Price: $200.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Zenoah GT-80 Twin November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm This engine is one of the finest used engines you will find on rcu. As you can see in the pict. twin stacks spring starter VERRY VERRY clean. Has only | Price: $650.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 RCGF 100CC Gas Engine (Side Intake CNC Crank Case) November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm Displacement 100 cc / 6.1 c.i.d. Bore x Stro | Price: $699.99 | Listed: 11/07/2009 PETE models carbon 4in Ultimate spinner November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm this is a pete models carbon fiber 4in ultimate spinner. its cut for a 22x10 zinger. as u can see in the picture it only weighs 2.6oz. the back plate | Price: $40.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Top Flite P-47 Thunderbolt - 61 November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm FOR SALE: A NIB TOP FLIGHT GOLD EDITION P-47 D WITH OPTIONAL TOP FLIGHT BUBBLE CANOPY CONVERSION KIT #TOPA0135. I DIDN'T GET A PICTURE OF THE BUBBLE | Price: $130.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Spektrum AR6000 November 7, 2009 at 9:04 pm Ar6000 reciever in like new condition. Came in a trade and I fly futaba is the reason for selling. I know it is a good reciever however, If it does no | Price: $30.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 O.S. Engines O.S. FS-52 Surpass Ringed November 7, 2009 at 6:04 pm NIB OS .52 4 stroke. Shipping $15.00 in the lower 48. | Price: $185.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Yellow Aircraft AT-6 Texan November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm Finely detailed Canadian Harvard. Yellow kit, retracts, Brison 4.2, all servos and balanced, RTF less receiver. All questions will be answ | Price: $2,400.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Troy Built Models Shokjet - rtf with your receiver November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm this is a great beginer jet....its ins excellent condition - only flown a few ttimes..looks new......the turbine was used in another plane but it only | Price: $2,300.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Carl Goldberg Finesse Kit November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm Carl Goldberg Finesse Kit 120-140 class. New in Box. W/S 72.5, Lenth 74.5. FRP Fuse and Form Wings. | Price: $150.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Great Planes Lancair ES EP November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm READY TO GO ADD RECEIVER AND GO !!!! CALL BILL 509-308-2094 | Price: $250.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Futaba TP-T8SGA-P November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm Futaba TP-T8SGA-P systems Very hard to fine new sytem. Mode 1 type. Brand new.. never used. TX battery was changed by Radio South, too. Ever | Price: $180.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 40 - ARF November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm Twist 40 with OS 70 Surpass, all servos and battery. The plane flies great and never any problems with the motor. Never crashed or any damage. J | Price: $250.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Hangar 9 Extra 330S ARF November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm For sale Hangar 9 Extra 330S About 20 Flight. It is almost new. Just airframe only. It was installed 3W-80XiCS. 97" wing span. No Damage no s | Price: $500.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Cermark Yak-54 with MLD-28cc Gas RTF November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm I've decided to sell my Cermark 70" Yak-54. It features: Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style D | Price: $500.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 E-Flite Deuces Wild NIB ARF November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm For sale is 1pc E-Flite Deuces Wild ARF. This is NIB as rec'd. Catalog number EFL4550. Airframe only. No shipping! Pickup ONLY. Cash ONL | Price: $130.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Great Planes Super Sportster EP ARF November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm BRAND NEW NEVER FLOWN ADD RECEIVER AND GO CALL BILL 509-308-2094 | Price: $250.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Futaba R6014FS November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm I have brand new never touched R6014FS Futaba receiver for sale that came with my 12FG system. I use the HS units and have no need for this model rece | Price: $139.99 | Listed: 11/07/2009 38% Christen Eagle Kit Full Build All Wood November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm New in box 38% Precision Eagle Christen Eagle kit 82" top win 74" bottom wing 74' lenght 2025 Sq in wing area 20-24 lbs 85CC- 100cc can be b | Price: $650.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 CMPro Cessna 182 - 140 November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm CMP Cessna 182 140 class. Installed YS 120 SF. Engine is also excellent condition. Never flown. No more interested in glow. W/S 2100 mm. Leng | Price: $380.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 1/3 Scale Tri-Pacer November 7, 2009 at 4:31 pm 1/3 Scale Tri-Pacer. Built from Hostetler Plans. Kit cut by Larry Katona of PCK. Plane is built and covered w/Sig Koverall. Al | Price: $1,100.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 BAe Hawk 15 November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am hi i have a Brand new bae hawk with a Brand new castle creations Phoenix 80amp and 4 futaba servos Brand also the recommended brush-less motor | Price: $490.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Futaba 9CHP PCM Air November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am hay i have a nice futaba 9c Helli pcm radio with campak and 3 receivers and charger i have never had any problems with this radio it is adult own | Price: $400.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Pilot Figures From Pilot Portraits November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am Hand Carved Pilot Figures From Pilot Portraits© Now, you can have a personalized, one-of-a-kind pilot for your R/C Airplane from Pilot Portraits©, | Price: $119.99 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Fuji - Imvac BT-64A November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am Bought new from hobby shop for warbird project that is on hold so don't need call 303-709-1522 or e-mail at vmosmith@aol.com | Price: $375.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Hitec Optic 6 FM 72mhz. Transmitter System w/8ch November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am This listing is for a brand new in the box never been used Hitec Optic 6 72 mhz. Radio System. This is the system with Supreme 8 Rx | Price: $145.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 RCS 140 November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am runs very well tho a little low on compression call 303-709-1522 or e-mail at vmosmith@aol.com | Price: $200.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 ASP .52 S-NIB-$60.00/Shipped November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am ASP .52 S- ABC...NIB-All Original..NEVER Run or Mounted..Is New...Box and Everything Included..$60.00/ Shipped..Bank MO or Postal MO Accepted..Stephan | Price: $60.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Hitec Laser 4 FM 72mhz. Micro Transmitter System w November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am This listing is for a brand new in the box never been used Hitec Laser 4 FM 72mhz. Radio System. This is the micro system with micro 4ch Rx. & (2 | Price: $75.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Magnum XLS-46 BB ABC November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am FOR SALE: 4 new in the box Magnum XLS .46 engines. Were going to be put on a C130 but sold the plane to a club member. He went with 4 stroker's. These | Price: $60.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 ZDZ 80 B2 RV-L November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am Not run since complete major overhaul at RCShowcase-over 1200.00 invested new rings, bearings,prop bolts, ignition new Pitts muffler this motor is | Price: $600.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 ASP .46 ABC-$45.00/Shipped Excellent Cond November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am ASP .46 ABC Airplane Motor..$45.00/ Shipped..Excellent Running, Strong Motor..Cosmetically 100%..Accept Postal MO or Bank Draft..Stephan Wolf in Fla.. | Price: $45.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Ridge Ignition November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am This is a used and working Ridge Machine ignition system that was on a First Place 2.4 engine. Worked fine just wanted to up date the system. Comes co | Price: $45.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 AeroWorks Yak 54 .90 - 1.20 QB November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am flown 25-30 times and in great condition includes: Super Tiger 2300 HS-5625 s all around local pu or meet in Tampa area call 303-709-1522 | Price: $450.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Thunder power Pro Lite TP-6000-3S3PL Li Poly Batte November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am For Sale, Thunder Power (TP-6000-3S3PL) Thunder Power RC Pro Lite MS 6000mAh 11.1V 3 Cell Li Poly 3s3p 6000 Lithium Battery. This Battery is in good c | Price: $100.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Goldberg Super Chipmunk - 45 November 7, 2009 at 11:55 am This airframe is just framed up. No covering. Rest of parts are in box. Good winter project. Negotiable. | Price: $85.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Proline type receiver. November 7, 2009 at 7:22 am Proline type receiver Used with a Proline Transmitter,W/deans connectors. Made by Consumers Hobby corp. Model Vl In a black metal case, on 72mhz. 6 ch | Price: $15.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Dave Patrick Models Edge 540T ARF - 1.20 November 7, 2009 at 7:22 am Dave Patrick Edge with 7 flights new condition. Air frame only. Was set up with Os160 | Price: $375.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Carden Aircraft Edge 540 - 40% November 7, 2009 at 7:22 am Carden 40% 540 Blue and White Kirby scheme. Comes complete with JR servos, recievers, batteries and switches, DA 150 for power. The plane is about 8 y | Price: $2,500.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 AeroWorks Ultimate - ARF November 7, 2009 at 7:22 am New in Box. Paint scheme is the red and black version (not the colors in the photo). i will trade for guns, bow or jet stuff. | Price: $1,200.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Hangar 9 Extra 330S ARF November 7, 2009 at 7:22 am New in box. I will deliver within a resonable distance. | Price: $600.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009 Hangar 9 Cap 232 1/3 Scale - 3.0 November 7, 2009 at 7:22 am Complete ready to fly with all JR elctronics, and BME 110 motor. plane has about 20 flights, never crashed, engine was new when installed on this plan | Price: $1,500.00 | Listed: 11/07/2009

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The Ultra-Micro P-51D Mustang can be up and flying in as little time as it takes you to charge its battery! This little Mustang boasts features typically found only on much larger park flyers.

The P-51D Mustang RTF comes out of the box completely assembled and flight ready with everything needed to fly. No additional equipment is needed.

An Ultra-Micro P-51D Mustang Bind-N-Fly Version is available for RC pilots who already have a 2.4 GHz DSM2 transmitter.

Ultra-Micro P-51D Mustang RTF Features:

* Completely assembled and flight ready
* ParkZone 4-channel transmitter with Spektrum™ 2.4GHz DSM2™ technology
* Fully proportional throttle, elevator, aileron and rudder
* Spektrum 2.4 GHz DSM2 AR6400 receiver - installed
* 3.7V 120mAh 14C Li-Po battery
* Portable DC fast charger
* 8 AA batteries
* Realistic paint and trim inspired by P-51D's of the 118th Fighter Squadron
* Optional landing gear with a steerable tail wheel

Ultra-Micro P-51 Specs:

* Wingspan: 15.8" (401mm)
* Length: 14.3 in. (363mm)
* Flying Weight: 1.22 oz. (34.6 g)
* Motor Size: 8.5mm brushed motor (installed)
* Radio: ParkZone with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM2 and Spektrum AR6400 receiver - installed
* Servos: Spektrum 1.5-gram
* CG (center of gravity): 35mm from leading edge of wing at the fuselage
* Prop Size: 5.1 x 2.75" (130mm x 70mm)
* Recommended Battery: 3.7V 120mAh Li-Po (included)
* Ailerons, Elevator, Rudder, Throttle: Fully proportional
* Control Throw (Ailerons/Elevator): High - 7mm up/down, Low - 5mm up/down
* Control Throw (Rudder): High - 10mm left/right, Low - 6mm left/right
* Charger: DC single-cell Li-Po (included)


If you want to buy this rc airplane, the price is about $129.99. You can get it in hobby-lobby, Have a nice flying!

Many type of rc model you can find, from RTF and ARF. After you buy your rc airplanes model, you should know hoe to operate it and how to fly it, Operate mean that you must know about your rc airplane hardware and how to operate you rc radio of course.About the rc radio, there are known as channels, more chanel you need more difficulity you get, so as a beginner, you should choose the lower channel and i suggest at least 3 chanels. For beginners, i suggest that you choose the RTF rc airplane model with electric motor, RTF mean that yoour rc airplanes is in Ready to Fly conditions. One of the famous rc airplanes model for beginner is Cessna rc airplanes. Many people said that the Cessna is good in fly and easy to fly. Using electric rc airplanes is easier than the others, this because beside electric rc airplanes there are nitro rc airplanes. The nitro rc airplanes need a glow engine and a fuels, so i think it's more complicated to operate than the electric rc airplanes ones.

Another 3 Channel(3CH) electric rc airplanes:

• Dragon Radio Remote Control Electric RC Airplane RTF
• The Fly Dragon Electric RC Airplane delivers plenty of flying fun in one convenient package. Within minutes of opening the box, the Fly Dragon Electric RC Airplane is ready for flight. The Fly Dragon Electric RC Airplane features a design that delivers the stability needed by new pilots, yet allows experienced pilots to perform loops, rolls and other stunts.
• 360 Degree J-3 Cub Grasshopper Radio Remote Control Electric RC Airplane RTF
  • For the eager aviator, this Radio Controlled J-3 mt look like a dream come true. The J-3 3ch Electric RC Airplane delivers plenty of flying fun in one convenient package. Within minutes of opening the box, the J-3 3ch Electric RC Airplane is ready for flight. The J-3 3ch Electric RC Airplane features a design that delivers the stability needed by new pilots, yet allows experienced pilots to perform loops, rolls and other stunts.

The next tips is, you should wasting your time to fly with Flight Model Simulator(FMS).
Related articles:

• rc battery tips
• JR rc radio
• Free download FMS
  

So the idea sat untouched while I learned how to program stuff on the iPhone for other nerdy purposes. My roommate requested I make a chadwick balancer for him using the accelerometers. (For those who don’t know, this is a device they use in real and model helicopters to find out if something is not balanced. Main blades, tail blades, shafts, gears etc…) While I was learning about the accelerometer functions in the iPhone, the idea pinged me again, and I thought, How cool would it be to fly an R/C model using the accelerometers inside the iPhone?! Alas, still no receiver.

IMAC Season came and went, and so did indoor season. I was busy practicing for contests I knew I’d be beat at, and building planes I knew were way to good for me. =) Then, one fateful day, I deleted some PHP program I was working on by accident. This was a LOT of work, and I was exceptionally pissed off about it. I was distracted by some girl in my bed (Don’t EVAR program PHP with a girl(s) in your bed!) and maybe a beer or six in my blood. I was writing a series of test programs for a SOAP interface, and had named one of them 8.php. (The more seasoned nerds among you can probably see where this is going). The program had turned into a complete disaster and was causing “internal server errors”, and I wanted to delete it. While girl was yammering in my ear I typed rm *.php instead of rm 8.php, and hit enter. Deleting every php file in the folder. Hours of hard work gone into the void.

The next day I went and bought a time capsule from Apple so this would never happen again. The side effect of this was that I had a Linksys 54 to play linksys routeraround with. I always had this grandiose idea of building a WIFI sniffer/jammer. I figured there may have been some people playing around with these routers. And gosh, was I right.

The DD-WRT project is a group of people who have reverse engineered many popular brands of routers and have managed to load a small linux distribution. As soon as I saw that they had independent programs running, it hit me like a bolt of lightning: My planes and helis don’t need a receiver if they are carrying around the server. If I could carry around the router on board, I could fly my stuff.

So I started scheming. There were a lot of problems to be solved, and I am only just so nerdy. I made a list:

1. How do I get the router to talk to the servos? How much current can ethernet handle?
2. How do I control throttle with no stick?
3. What is the latency going to be like from iPhone->Router->Program->Servo?
4. What is the range of WiFi? Good enough for RC?
5. Can I fly with the accelerometers? I’m a stick banger. BIG time. How does one add expo to this?
6. Whose planes can I test this on? >=)

So I had my basic idea down. iPhone joins the Linksys router network. It gets an IP address. Then, I open up my pilot program. The pilot program interfaces with the router via SSH (I couldn’t think of a better way that has redundancy, and speed, and was already buily by someone else). The pilot program interprets what the iphone is doing, and outputs data to one of the ethernet ports of which there are conveniently 4. Rudder, Ailerons, Throttle, Elevator....further reading