Club News
Posted 12th June 2008
Just a reminder that the Club BBQ is scheduled for Saturday 26th July at Newchapel.
The food will be served from 6pm onwards and will be the high quality produce
from Bristow's buthchers in Outwood, plus all the usual extras.
The Club will partly subsidise the cost so the tickets are only 3 per person
available from our Treasurer, Ian Dinan.
There will be flying during the day and there may even be some ligh hearted
flying competitions during the afternoon.
Don't worry that the British July weather may be a cold as we can get the
stove going as we have plenty of wood fuel.
Keep an eye on the forum/website for updates
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 3rd June 2008
The password on the members area has been changed.
please note if you get the password wrong and keep getting it wrong then
there is a likelihood that your IP address will be blocked by our website
hosting company this will mean that you will not be able to get to any of
the website not just the members area
(and you will have to cross my palm with much modeling goods to get it fixed)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 8th May 2008
Membership Subs is now Due
R remember that if you don’t renew your membership by the end of May
you may be liable to pay a joining fee or even lose your place to someone
on the waiting list.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 11th April 2008
Ripmax have announced a free replacement scheme for the affected TM-7 modules.
http://www.ripmax.com/notification_futaba.asp
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 8th April 2008
Clubs AGM May 7th
Full details will be sent to members by post in the next few weeks
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 14th March 2008
Next winter club meeting in on 2nd April
Sausage sizzle and Glider Guide.
This year there will be a distance and duration competition
Starts at 7.30 at Fernhill Riding just off the Balcombe road near Gatwick
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 4th February 2008
Next club meeting - along with the usual Noggin and
Natter
I plan to do a presentation on how to use the Draw Function within Microsoft's(c)
Word
for creating Decals and Painting Masks
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 28th January 2008
!!! IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ !!!
The following text gives the Felbridge Flyers RMFC committee's
requirement for all members and their guests who wish to use the relevant
Futaba 2.4 ghz equipment at any of the clubs fields.
These requirements should be considered as club rules until further notice.
These requirements have come about due to the recent problems experienced
elsewhere with this equipment and the need for us to continue operations safely.
Briefly the Tx or Tx module could have been programmed at manufacture with
a 'common code' or during use the code could have been corrupted to a 'common
code' by switching the Tx on then off within 5 seconds. The use of two sets
both with the same common code at the same time is equivalent to two 35mhz
Tx's on the same channel number. IE you will crash or cause a crash. At our
club we have had no such problems so lets keep it that way.
1. Equipment Involved.
Futaba 6EX 2.4 ghz TX
Futaba 7C 2.4 ghz TX
Any transmitter fitted with a Futaba TM-7 2.4 ghz module.
2. Members Known to have this Equipment.
Mike Dyke, David Partington, Chris Searle, Chris Wise, Max Woodhead.
If you have any or all of the Futaba equipment above and your name is not
listed above you must make it known to the committee and others on the list
above that you are an operator of this equipment.
3. Model Shop Check.
Before using your TX or TX's again you must take it / them to a model shop
and have it tested for the presence of 'common code' . The test is simple,
takes only a minute and it is free. If you pass the test you will be given
a sticker which you must display on your transmitter.
If you fail the test you must not use that Tx again until it has been sent
back to Ripmax and repaired.
If you buy new equipment ensure that the shop do the check. If you buy second
hand equipment get it checked even if it has a sticker.
The test can be carried out at Sussex Models or Mick Charles Models. If you
want to go somewhere else then check with them first.
4. Loss of Bind.
If you find that your model which was previously bound to your Tx is nolonger
responding, eg you were testing at home or setting up in the pits, then recognise
this as a serious indication that something is wrong.
This is the strongest indication that your unique code has been corrupted.
If you re-bind and it works DO NOT FLY OR USE IT ANYWHERE. Loss of bind is
not normal operation and means you are now on the 'common code'.
Send it back to Ripmax for repair.
4. Operation at Club Fields.
It is assumed that you will be using equipment that has passed the 'common
code' test and not suffered any loss of bind.
On each and every occasion you arrive at a club field if you are the only
one present with the equipment involved then continue as normal.
On each and every occasion you arrive at a club field if there are others
present with the equipment involved then you must all carryout the test procedure
below and all do it again as new arrivals turn up.
On each and every occasion you arrive at a club field if there are others
present with the equipment involved and they are operating a model DO NOT
TURN ON YOUR SET. Wait until they have stopped flying and you all perform
the test procedure below.
Only after you have all performed the test successfully should you fly at
the same time within the normal club limits of 'three models at one time'.
This is why it is important to know whom are the other members with the equipment
involved. There are not that many so this will not be much of a hardship.
5. Test Procedure at Club Fields
Assume two people A & B each with a Futaba 6EX 2.4 Tx, 7C Tx or TM-7 module
equipped Tx and model with matching Rx that have been previously bound and
known to work.
A & B ensure models are restrained preferably, or that IC or electric
motors are disabled in such a way that they cannot start.
Ensure that Tx's are not powered off within 5 seconds of power on.
Test 1 Objective - check for parallel operation.
Switch TxA on, RxA on. Check for positive response.
Switch TxB on, RxB on. Check for positive response.
Check for any interference on either.
Test 2 Objective - check that an Rx that has not already linked will not link
to the wrong Tx.
Switch on TxA
Switch on RxB
Check that RxB does not glitch or allow control from TxA.
Switch off RxB
Switch off TxA
Switch on TxB
Switch on RxA
Check that RxA does not glitch or allow control from TxB.
Switch off RxA
Switch off TxB
End of tests.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 17th January 2008
Important Notification - Futaba 6EX and TM-7
Futaba 6EX and TM-7 Important Notification
This notification affects only owners of the Futaba TM-7 module and 6EX FASST systems. Each FASST transmitter contains a unique eight digit identification code, programmed at the factory to identify the respective transmitter and to allow a receiver to be paired only to that radio's signal. Recently we have learned that a very small number of the TM-7 modules, and 6EX FASST systems were incorrectly coded with a common code number during the manufacturing process. These units were subsequently sold prior to our awareness of the situation.
If two or more units, utilizing this common identification code, were to be in use simultaneously, they may cause interference with one another. Please note: Units which utilize the correct identification code will not be affected by these units.
We're extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem, however, to give you peace of mind that your system is not affected, we will soon be setting up test points at participating model shops throughout the country where you will be able to go to determine -- within a matter of seconds -- whether or not your transmitter is affected, at no charge to you. (We anticipate that all shops will have been advised and that this testing system will be starting in participating shops very shortly, so please contact your local shop to arrange testing.)
Precautionary Measures and Information
1) As with all radio control equipment, we strongly suggest that you pre-flight your aircraft thoroughly prior to flying. When flying at a location with other FASST owners, particularly prior to all units having been checked, we suggest that prior to flying all pilots briefly activate their systems simultaneously to check for any interaction between units. If any interactions should occur, do NOT fly. Please return the unit to the Ripmax Futaba Service Centre immediately.
2) Each time that your transmitter is turned on, it is imperative that you allow the FASST system an adequate amount of time to thoroughly boot-up completely before shutting down the transmitter. The system requires at least five (5) seconds boot up time prior to turning off the power to the transmitter.
3) If the transmitter and receiver have lost their binding which required them to be re-linked, we recommend returning them to the Ripmax Futaba Service Centre for analysis. This is not expected behaviour and should be investigated accordingly.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 7th January 2008
Please See the Clubs forum Re Drainage work.
http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/index.php?boardid=12855 (under club chatter)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 13th December
Added a Video of Club Field and surrounding area from the Air in the Images area
This was taken 12-12-07 a sunny Wednesday lunch time.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 6th December 2007
Seasons greetings to all members
BMFA Subs are due 31st December so you will need to send a Cheque to Bob
Cutter made out to the BMFA not the Club.
(His address is in the Member area)
Please remember all members are required to have BMFA
Membership to fly at any of our fields
Fees for 2008 are
Seniors: £28
Juniors: £15
Family members:
First Senior £28
Partner £18
Family Juniors £11
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 26th November 2007
Winter Parking is now in force at Newchapel .
The track across is quite hard at the moment but we don't want it getting
cut up.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 3rd October 2007
Club Winter Dates
3rd October
7th November
5th December
6th February
5th March Bring a Model
April Sausage Sizzle and Glider Guide (date to be fixed)
7th May AGM
Evening programs to be confirmed
If you have any suggestions the please contact a committee member
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 30th August 2007
CLUB STICKERS
The club has purchased some Felbridge Flyers stickers and two of these will
be provided to each existing member free. Thereafter additional stickers can
be purchased from Max at 40p each. The stickers come in two sizes 64mm and
75mm diameter. These can be attached to flight boxes / models but should be
positioned where there is least likely hood of coming into contact with raw
fuel or exhaust residue. It would be a good idea to add a coat of fuel proofer
of your choice to the sticker to reduce contamination and fading.
The stickers will be placed in an envelope with each members name on and left
in the shed for you to collect. Those that are not collected after a reasonable
period will be posted out .
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 9th July 2007
The weather was very kind to us for the Club's BBQ.
Big thanks to Max for organizing the excellent Food and Clive and his wife
Helen for doing the Cooking.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 30th July 2007
The Club BBQ is going ahead as planned this Saturday 4th August starting at 13:00 till late.
The club is providing the food Meat, Salad, Etc Please bring something to Drink, sit on, and proper cutlery if you don't want plastic ones
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 10th July 2007
The Club is arranging a BBQ for the 4th August starting at 13:00 till late.
If you have supplied us with an E-mail Address you will have received an E-Mail
from me with full details.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 18th May 2007
The Club Noise/RPM list is now available in the Members Area.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 21st March 2007
Next
winter club meeting in on 4th April
Sausage
sizzle and Glider Guide.
Usual rules
( made up by the Club Chairman as it goes along)
Starts at 7.30 at Fernhill Riding just off the Balcombe road near Gatwick
Come and see Chris loose his Glider Champion Crown
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 22nd February 2007
Next winter club meeting in on 7th March
It will be a bring your latest creation and a table top sale
(so dig out those old bits you no longer use and get a couple of bob for them
to fund your next project or shiny new 2.4Ghz set)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 17th January 2007
"The subject of 2.4 Ghz system has been discussed by the committee.
This frequency is not, technically, allowed by the current club rules. We can't change the rules until the AGM but the use of the frequency band will be allowed until a formal rule change can be agreed.
There will be a number of black pegs on the peg board that should be used by members using the 2.4 Ghz band.The reason behind this is so that people maintain the practice of obtaining a peg before turning on their transmitters, it also allows other members to see they are using the accepted frequency control system and are on 2.4 Ghz.
They will not have to fly a Black pennant as recommended by the BMFA."
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 5th January 2007
The next Club meeting is on the 7th February
We hope to have 2 speakers
Ian Dinan on Cutting Foam Wings and Mike Dike on EDF's (Electric Ducted Fans)
We also plan to have a few PC's the Model Flight Sims running.
So if you fancy flying a Helicopter with out the cost then make a date in
you Diary's.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 7th December
2007 BMFA Fees run out 31st December.
Please send cheque's to Bob Cutter for the correct amount.
His home address is in the Members Area
Seniors: £27
Juniors: £14
Family members:
First Senior £27
Partner £17
Family Juniors £10
Please Note that if you do not have BMFA membership you are not insured and
not allowed to fly at the club fields.
Newchapel is very wet at the moment so you may want to fly
at the Imberhorne site.
Please be aware of the club rules in regards to flying at this site.
If in doubt contact a committee member.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 21st November
Due to the amount of recent rain the track across and the parking area at
Newchapel is very wet and slippery
therefore Winter parking is now enforce until further notice
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 17th November
Next club Night, Wednesday 6th December
Photo competition,
Aviation subjects, 2 classes: Model and full size, pictures to be taken by
the entrant.
._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 16th October
Next club Night, Wednesday 1st November
.
Robin Wills (no relation) will be giving a talking on free flight, he will
be talking about the different types of free flight aircraft,
the power sources used and how they perform, Trimming /Flying the models.
He will also be bring along a few to have a look at.
._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 1st October
Reminder that Winter club evenings have now changed to the
first Wednesday in the month see Fflypaper for Dates.
._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted 8th August
Members phone numbers updated in members area
If you don't want you phone number in the secure ares then let me know
._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________