Have you ever wondered what Balsa USA uses for equipment in our prototype models? Here is a quick recap of what we used while building the ¼ scale Junkers D-1.

Radio Equipment For our transmitter we choose to use our Spektrum DX9 Black Edition. This allowed us every program option we needed to include a separate channel for each aileron servo, aileron differential programming, telemetry, and many other fun options like our LED lights in the two Spandau guns. We used a Spektrum AR9110 Power Safe Receiver for a few different reasons. The Power Safe Receivers allow you to use one or two batteries to power them. It will draw equally from both batteries if you are using two. This receiver also has what is called a soft switch. In essence, this is a switch that works in the opposite way that a conventional switch works. When you complete the circuit, the receiver will actually power down, and when you break the circuit it will turn on. Most switches are rated at 2 – 3 amps. One stalled servo can draw two amps, and the average high torque servo will can draw more than ½ of an amp just moving 60 degrees with no load. This means that you are only able to move 5 or 6 servos under NO LOAD before you are running the risk of going over the rated amps on your switch. Now remember that this is only if you are constantly moving them back and forth all at the same time. But with airplanes using 2 aileron, two elevator, and one rudder servo doing a simple snap roll could be drawing more amps than your switch is rated for. Another reason I like the idea of the soft switch is that when a switch circuit goes bad, it normally opens your current path as a part inside the switch will melt. On a normal switch this will cut the power to your receiver. On a soft switch it will turn your receiver on. The worse that can happen is you drain your battery while you are not flying and realize you have a low battery when you check the voltage before you fly. I am also using the Spektrum Telemetry. The sensors that we decided to incorporate on the Junkers is the Head Temp Sensor, and RPM Sensor. With just the use of the telemetry we have the most import reading of all the receiver voltage. The RPM and Temp sensors are just plain fun to play with and see what really happens to your engine while in the air. I am running a complete High Voltage setup in the Junkers. To do this you need to make sure that ALL of your equipment is capable of being run at High Voltage. I used 3 Fromeco Relion Batteries. Two for the receiver and one for my electronic ignition.

For my servos I used Hitec HS-5665MH servos for everything but the throttle. For the throttle I used a Hitec HS-430BH. We have had quite a few people ask us about gyro’s, so we decided to try one in this plane also. The Gyro we chose is the IGyro by Power Box Systems. For fun I installed an Electro Dynamics LED Gun Kit. I modified the Spandau Guns that we sell to accept the LED’s, and boy are they fun and attention getters. For power we are using a DLE 35RA. I like to use an Optical Kill Switch. This allows you to shut off the ignition from your radio. Here are a few pictures of my install. The accessories that we used in completing our kit are the Dubro ¼ Scale Vintage Wheels, The Balsa USA Gold Pro Single Servo Tray, a Balsa USA Gold Pro T-Fitting, 2 Balsa USA ¼ Scale Spandau Guns, and a ¼ Scale Full Body German Pilot in Jacket.