Author Topic: Sources of electric stuff please? (Read 2186 times)

Ward Van Duzer · « **on:** April 07, 2011, 02:18:07 PM »

OK, so after much reading, asking questions, and the help of a couple of buddies I’ve decided to join the electric revolution! (With fear and trpidation!) I think I’ve selected a group of commonly used (good quality, reasonably priced) components for classic sized airplanes. The next issue is…What are your sources for this STUFF! By way of information I’m looking to get:

an E-Flight Power 15 motor,
an ICE 50 BEC and programmer,
and Gen-Ace battery(s).
Still up in the air over the charger.
Will Hubin gets to send me an FM-2 Timer.

I located Todd’s Hobbies at ToddsModels.com as he sells much of this stuff (even with some discounts!) But he doesn’t seem to be answering his phone or his voice mails…Hmmmmm. Not a good sign.
Logically, I’d like to get as much from as few sources as possible so I don’t run up $50.00 - $60.00 in postage and handling charges.

So where do you folks get your goodies?

Ward

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2011, 02:28:21 PM »

Man, I feel lucky -- my local hobby shop has all that stuff, with the possible exception of the battery (and they'd have suggestions for the best possible battery for my application, which would, interestingly enough, be sitting on the shelf). (Well, and the definite exception of the timer). I don't think you're in NW Oregon, but if you are it's Coyote Hobby -- 503.656.2172. He may even mail order, but I have no clue if he does or doesn't. I do know that you could waltz in there with intentions and a credit card, and leave with everything you need except for the timer.

Don't mention control line though -- it makes his brain fall out in astonishment.

Tower hobbies should have it, with the possible exception of that particular brand of battery -- and the timer, of course.

John Witt · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2011, 03:39:50 PM »

I've been buying stuff on line from Hobby King/Hobby City in Hong Kong, with good results, however the shipping is a little pricey, net price is still quite good. They now have a US warehouse, but I haven't gotten anything through them yet.

My local shop, Galaxy Hobbies in Lynnwood WA, has a moderate selection of stuff. I bought my last three ESCs from Todds. He has a small storefront shop and I've not had any problems with him. He has the best prices I've found on Castle ESCs.

Also some components and systems may be gotten from Brodak, as well as Randy Smith's Aero Products,

http://www.aeroproduct.net/

I'm sure others can be added to this list. YMMV.

John

John Cralley · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2011, 03:55:34 PM »

Ward,

You can get the E Flite motor and the CC ICE 50 from RC Planet. They also have a selection of chargers to choose from.

http://www.rcplanet.com/

You will have to go elsewhere for the batteries. Hobby Partz have them.

http://www.hobbypartz.com/gens.html

Hope this helps.

John

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2011, 05:49:21 PM »

I just ordered some batteries from Hobby King from the USA Warehouse and paid 1 cent shipping. 1 day to pack the order, the next it's on its way.

Allan Perret · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2011, 06:14:14 PM »

Quote from: Crist Rigotti on April 07, 2011, 05:49:21 PM

I just ordered some batteries from Hobby King from the USA Warehouse and paid 1 cent shipping. 1 day to pack the order, the next it's on its way.

Do they let you specify that you only want the item if available from USA warehouse ?

John Cralley · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2011, 07:55:24 PM »

Chris,

It takes some finagling but you can get into a listing of the USA Warehouse as they call it. If you order form that listing it will come from that warehouse. Be aware that the stock offering in the USA Warehouse is much less varied than their Hong Kong establishment. Go to their web site (hobbyking.com) and scroll down the left to "Search". In the search box enter USA (not USA Warehouse) and you will get a listing. If you enter "USA Warehouse" you will not get a listing all of the items available there (don't ask me why).

John

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2011, 09:44:08 PM »

Quote from: Allan Perret on April 07, 2011, 06:14:14 PM

Do they let you specify that you only want the item if available from USA warehouse ?

Yes, you select USA Warehouse on the right side about midway down of their homepage.

JohnPrator · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2011, 07:04:15 AM »

Hi Ward,

I've been getting some of my stuff from the following vendors; Get my GensAce batteries from HobbyPartz.com and they ship free. I get my Ice Lite 50 ESC's from http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=A0780192&pid=D3265071 for $77, just click the "Make an offer" box and type in $77, that's the lowest they'll take for it and they don't charge much for shipping. I use Scorpion motors and if you spend $99 or more at http://www.rcdude.com shipping is free.

What plane are you setting up for electric?

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2011, 01:46:34 PM »

Going to start off with a KISS. Mikeys P'Force.

W.

William DeMauro · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2011, 02:15:41 PM »

"I located Todd’s Hobbies at ToddsModels.com as he sells much of this stuff (even with some discounts!) But he doesn’t seem to be answering his phone or his voice mails…Hmmmmm. Not a good sign."

I've dealt with them a number of times and have had nothing but great and fast service from them. I will say that I have placed all my orders over the internet and none by phone. They have a great reputation over on the RC message boards too!!!

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2011, 02:18:09 PM »

Quote from: Ward Van Duzer on April 08, 2011, 01:46:34 PM

Going to start off with a KISS. Mikeys P'Force.

W.

Ward,
Here is a link on when I electrified my P-Force.

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=10458.0

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #12 on:** April 10, 2011, 08:10:25 AM »

Crist,

Tanks a heap! Very helpful...What holds the Controller & timer on? Sticky velcro or ?

W.

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #13 on:** April 10, 2011, 09:27:49 AM »

3M Dual Lock
SJ4570
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=SJ457010C-1-ND

John Cralley · « **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2011, 10:55:45 AM »

Crist,

Hey, the Dual Lock sounds great from their Data Sheet. I've been using Velcro but the sticky back kind does not seem to adhere long term to the shrink wrap of the ESCs, the Ultracote on the fuselage and the epoxy that I apply to the back side of Will Hubin's timers. I'm going to give the Dual Lock a try.

Thanks,

John

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #15 on:** April 10, 2011, 12:41:11 PM »

Dual Lock gives a more solid mounting. I found with velcro, there was always some "sway" or mushiness. Once you start using Dual Lock, you'll never use velcro again.

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #16 on:** April 12, 2011, 08:39:30 AM »

Crist,

Where did you buy the Dual Lock? Been all over here, no can find!

w.

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #17 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:36:35 AM »

Quote from: Ward Van Duzer on April 12, 2011, 08:39:30 AM

Crist,

Where did you buy the Dual Lock? Been all over here, no can find!

w.

See post #13 for a link.

JohnPrator · « **Reply #18 on:** April 13, 2011, 06:50:17 AM »

I love that Dual lock-great stuff! I need more too, thank you for the link!

ETA: Crist, do you know which one is the best/strongest? Turns out there are several different types, stuff isn't cheap that's for sure!(I think I've been using the SJ3560) http://www.shop3m.com/3m-dual-lock-reclosable-fasteners-c2m4lmqlvb.html?WT.mc_ev=clickthrough&WT.mc_id=shop3m-AtoZ-3M-Dual-Lock-Reclosable-Fastener Seems digikey is out of stock but several different types are in stock here; http://www.itapestore.com/3mduallockfasteners.aspx

John Cralley · « **Reply #19 on:** April 13, 2011, 07:31:03 AM »

John,

I just ordered some from DigiKey with no problem. They are NOT out of stock but rather than stock the 1" by 3' option, they make up a roll when they get an order (I presume by cutting off a piece from a large roll). They list it as a "Value Added Item":

This is a value added item which we custom assemble or package. In most instances we can assemble or package this item specifically for your order and ship it the same day. If you place this item on your order it will show up backordered. We will contact you if we are unable to fulfill your order.

John

JohnPrator · « **Reply #20 on:** April 13, 2011, 08:12:48 AM »

Well damn. I thought it was out of stock and ordered it from ITape, paid 3x the price too! Well as you can see I get a big fat F at paying attention and reading the fine print.

Oh well, I now have 3 yards at about $36 worth of Dual Lock coming to me....

Thanks John, I should've clicked the link and read the description better.

John Cralley · « **Reply #21 on:** April 13, 2011, 08:33:51 AM »

John,

If they have not processed your order you may be able to cancel. Worth a try!!

John

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #22 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:28:12 AM »

Quote from: JohnPrator on April 13, 2011, 06:50:17 AM

I love that Dual lock-great stuff! I need more too, thank you for the link!

ETA: Crist, do you know which one is the best/strongest? Turns out there are several different types, stuff isn't cheap that's for sure!(I think I've been using the SJ3560) http://www.shop3m.com/3m-dual-lock-reclosable-fasteners-c2m4lmqlvb.html?WT.mc_ev=clickthrough&WT.mc_id=shop3m-AtoZ-3M-Dual-Lock-Reclosable-Fastener Seems digikey is out of stock but several different types are in stock here; http://www.itapestore.com/3mduallockfasteners.aspx

I don't know which one is the strongest. you can go to the #M website and they ahve a lot of technical data there. I just use SJ4570 and it works well for what I use it for.

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #23 on:** April 15, 2011, 07:59:50 AM »

This product is now on the shelves at ACE HARDWARE. Is packaged in red blister packs labeled "Scotch Fasteners - Dual Lock Reclosable". The product comes in Black or white, 3" strips. You should find it next to, or near, the Velcro assortment!

W.

Oh yea, $3.99, currently on sale for $3.49!

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #24 on:** April 15, 2011, 08:03:46 AM »

Quote from: Ward Van Duzer on April 15, 2011, 07:59:50 AM

This product is now on the shelves at ACE HARDWARE. Is packaged in red blister packs labeled "Scotch Fasteners - Dual Lock Reclosable". The product comes in Black or white, 3" strips. You should find it next to, or near, the Velcro assortment!

W.

Oh yea, $3.99, currently on sale for $3.49!

there are some variations of "Dual Lock". I've seen the hardware stuff and it is not the same as SJ4570, unless I'm mistaken.

Bill Hodges · « **Reply #25 on:** April 20, 2011, 10:30:30 AM »

Ward:

Check out http://www.gravesrc.com/Default.asp . They carry anything you could need except maybe the timer. If you have questions, call and ask to speak with Marker or Neal. They know electrics inside out and are honest as the day is long. Better yet, take a day trip and visit the store. They are on Orange Blossom Trail just a few minutes off I4 in Orlando.

Bill Hodges