Parkzone F4U Corsair first real damage

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Well it was bound to happen, just not the way I envisioned it. It wasn't spectacular it was just a failure to pre-flight check everything as thorough as I should've. I haven't flown the plane or any of my RC planes for a few months. So I grabbed the 11.1v lipos and charged the batteries to capacity after checking that the resting voltage was ok. The lipo's checked out and took a balanced full charge. Next step was to install the batteries and turn on my DX5 transmitter for a flight control check at home. All checked out and control surfaces as well as prop sounded and looked great. So off to run errands and I brought the Parkzone Corsair F4U and 3 batteries and figured I find a new area to fly and dust off some cobwebs.

So after the errands, I went to a huge retail outlet that has empty parking and empty fields galore. Eager to fly, I grab the plane, flight bag, and walk to an empty street that is gated off for new construction. There isn't any pedestrian or vehicle traffic and the adjacent fields look perfect for a few flights. Again performed a visual test with battery installed and radio on, prop runs strong. I set the Corsair on the ground and did a rolling take off (ROG). Not even 10 secs later I lose input control off the plane, throttle and control surfaces aren't responding and she flies left in an arc about 30yards away to the ground. WTF just happened! First crash of the Corsair and I would of expected it to be a lot more brutal than that. With all the aerobatics, flights carrying video camera, many times losing visual orientation, stalls, inverted close calls and other crap I have done since I purchased it and I crash on take off. Pretty damn wimpy! After standing over the plane and taking note of the extent of damage it received I'm somewhat relieved that I get away with so little. I damaged a wing, the landing gear tore off, and little dings here and there.

The PROBLEM: Transmitter/radio batteries! There are LED lights on the radio that indicate the power level of the batts. It was still within green and I was using the included stock AA's batteries. But when I arrived home and was trouble shooting the problem the LED's went to red. A quick test of refreshed AA's batteries in the radio solved all the range problems and connection issues.

The SOLUTION: my favorite glue, Gorilla Glue and a little patience. The damage was minimal

After allowing the glue to set I was out flying that evening in my main flying area. The plane flew great and it was fun to get back in the air again. I have since been using the DX5's range test feature which allows you to decrease the transmitter power and then you walk 30 paces away to simulate reaching the range limits of the radio. Better safe then sorry and another learning experience not to always rely on the DX5's led indicators for batteries.

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7.62x54r Ammo 182 grain FMJBT Ball arrives

My order of Yugoslavian 7.62x54r ammo just arrived and I'm interested how this will run through my rifle compared to the steel core that I have. The majority of the firearm ranges here in California have banned the use of steel core ammo based on it's tendency to spark when hitting metal and igniting fires in the hillside. Not to mention the penetration of the steel core has given a reputation of "armor piercing" which scares the un-informed to believing it's illegal. The ammunition that is most prevalent on the market just happens to be steel core so you have to locate and then pay a premium for this lead core ammo that just arrived.

Here are some pics of 2 different ammunition. Steel core 150 grain(green) VS Lead core 182 grain(brass).

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HDTV's and Samsung LN52A650 shopping

I have been following the pricing fluctuations on several HDTV models including the Samsung 52" LN52A650. The Samsung LN52A650 has received a lot of great reviews as well as the little brother the Samsung 46" LN46A650.



So I'll add some websites that I have found beneficial not only for a HDTV purchase but other items I have purchased online. Amazon has gained a lot of my business due to the low pricing and no tax and excellent shipping. Click to continue below



priceprotectr

Allows you to add items and Pricewatch for changes, also gives a detail history and will email you when price lowers or changes. Several different setup options.


Amazon Price Watch



And additional pricing comparison sites:
pricegrabber.com

shopzilla.com

slickdeals

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