Genesee Valley Aero Modelers

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 7 Genesee Valley Aero Modelers Editor: Glenn Crocker 21 Highview Trail Pittsford, NY Prez Sez This is my last time writing to you as president. During our last meeting in November club elections were held. Our new officers are as follows, Jim McBride, President, Max Wright, Vice President, Joe Prato, Secretary, and Glenn Crocker, Treasurer. Congratulations to all. Also, I would like to take a second to thank Eric Higham for his service as our Vice President for the last 4 years. Yes, that's right, I've dropped down to Vice Pres. However that does not mean you will not hear from me anymore, as part of the arm twisting to get Jim to run for President, we had to promise him that this monthly editorial would be shared. We have not worked out how this will happen yet but we will. Also, I'm not sure Joe knows that he is still secretary; He was not at the last meeting so we voted him back in. For those of you who have been following my job situation, as I am writing this I am still unemployed. I tried a job for a couple of days but it did not work out so I am continuing to look. The good side of that is I have had time to work on my Hawker Hurricane again. It's actually looking like it might get in the air next spring! I should be able to start working on the covering soon. How is your winter project doing? You haven't started yet? What are you waiting for, Spring? At the last meeting I mentioned I had requested use of the Honeoye High School gym for indoor flying this winter. We have approval for four dates. Dec. 17th, Jan 21st, Feb 18th and March 18th. These are all Saturdays from 3:00 to 6:00pm. Please remember if there is a conflict between us and the Sports Department, we loose. We'll try and let everyone know if there is a problem. Also, this is only for club members and one guest each. Thanks for making my time as president a very enjoyable one! Max At The Field

2 Page 2 of 7 By Glenn Crocker This time of year you should be deep into the dark recesses of your workshop studying plans for this winter s project. Charlie says he is looking at a 25 year old new in the box plane. Only Charlie would have something like that. Joe Prato is still resuscitating his full size plane for his winter project. We may see him again next summer. He has been like the Wood Chuck that saw his shadow. He did bring a sample of the tail feathers in to show us and the workmanship was outstanding. At the November meeting Max said he is negotiating for some indoor flying this winter. He will let us know how he makes out. We enjoyed the indoor activity last winter. My problem with these little guys is that I can t handle them without crushing something on them but they sure are enjoyable to watch. Eric has his indoor planes in training now. As you will see we elected new club officers. During this process someone identified a new position and nominated Tom Brown, aka "The Titusville Terror. The position identified was someone to pick up after the Geese next summer. Tom won in a land slide. As far as I know we will still be able to fly off the snow at the RAMS Macedon field on Tuesday mornings this winter. I will confirm this with Tex Mantel. I will see you at the Frozen Finger Fly on January 1 st. If you fly between now and then watch for the Honeoye snow snakes. New Club Officers The club held elections at the November meeting. The club officers are locked in for the next two years, so it is safe to start attending meetings again. The secretary and Treasurer agreed to serve another term. Max was nominated for Vice President and Jim McBride was nominated for President. And The Envelope Says: President Jim McBride Vice President Max Wright Secretary Joe Prato Treasurer Glenn Crocker

3 Page 3 of 7 Spread Spectrum By Steve Kalut, Technical Director AMA Frequency Committee Coordinator On October 20, 2005, Horizon Hobby and Spektrum RC announced the release of a new 2.4 GHz radio control system utilizing digital spread spectrum (DSS) technology. This system is designed for flying smaller park flyer and micro/mini helicopter-type aircraft. This is exciting technology that we will see integrated seamlessly into our flying site operations. It is very important for AMA members to understand that the operation of this type of system has no effect on the operation of our other systems operating on 72 MHz. Additionally, it is very important for members to understand that there is no plan to phase out the 72 MHz band or any other bands currently authorized for radio control air and surface models. It is our hope and apparently that of Horizon and Spektrum that this use of the spread spectrum technology will grow within the park flyer, foamie and micro/mini helicopter ranks with the release of this current system. This means that those operating that type of aircraft will no longer have to worry about interfering with flying sites operating aircraft within the 72 MHz band. They will be able to fly safely and securely anywhere there is enough room and permission to use the site has been granted. Additionally, those flying on 72 MHz at the more traditional flying sites will not have to worry about those flying with spread spectrum systems regardless of where they are flying. It also appears that the introduction of this system for aircraft (and last year s introduction of a surface system) is the beginning of a new era for radio control. We fully expect to see systems designed for the operation of all other aspects of radio control model aircraft to be introduced. The time frame for additional new systems is not known at this time. It is reasonable to expect that most radio control system manufacturers are working on systems with this technology. AMA has been involved with the use of the 2.4 GHz band actively since At that time the AMA attorneys who represent us before the FCC helped us determine whether or not the use of this band, and spread spectrum technology within this band, was legal for the unlicensed operation of surface and air models. We were advised at that time by several manufacturers that they were working on systems utilizing this band and technology. In July of this year, AMA published the article Digital Spread Spectrum, The Story So Far by AMA Frequency Committee member Dan Williams in Model Aviation. The article included a sidebar on Milestones in Radio Control written by me. This is an excellent primer on DSS. You can access the article on the AMA web site. AMA has spent several months testing the surface systems released last year. A new

4 Page 4 of 7 spectrum analyzer was purchased that does a better job of looking at this technology. AMA is now involved in testing the new aircraft system. Extensive test flying and bench testing is planned. AMA s purpose in this testing is to gain more knowledge about the operation of this type of system and impart any knowledge gained to the membership. Rest assured AMA will continue to explore this technology and help guide members as needed in the use of the technology. Keep an eye on the AMA web site and Model Aviation magazine for more information. A new feature article on DSS is planned in the near future. Additionally, I will continue to publish information as I obtain it in my Technical Director s column. As Dan Williams wrote in his first article in July enjoy the ride, it s going to be fun! 22 nd Annual Frozen Finger Fly Our 22 nd annual FROZEN FINGER Fly will be at Coye Field (The club flying field). We usually park on the road and fly from the edge of the road. Date: January 1 st Time: Flying starts officially at 10:00 AM After: Adjourn to the Country Skillet in Honeoye, aka "The Funky Chicken", for breakfast, lunch, etc. The food is on the club. Andrew Hughes getting ready for a flight. Dell Link getting things ready to go.

5 Page 5 of 7 Eric retrieving his plane. I believe it is a free flight Jim is flying the spool on Thursday evening. USS Boston at Olean this year (2005). This was a scratch built project. I believe this is a Cruiser Another view of the USS Boston. This is an outstanding project. Olean Max s electric Cub, Max s shinny P-40, my P-47 and Jims Antic. Max on takeoff with his Hanger 9 P-40.

6 Page 6 of 7 Olean I believe this is a Tiger Moth. Eric and Dave taking it easy. Waiting for the wine and cheese party. Tom of Performance Hobbies fame making the maiden flight of his B-25. It flew great. Some people really get into Giant scale. It is an RV something at Olean Airport.

7 Page 7 of 7 G.V.A.M. Newsletter c/o Glenn Crocker, Editor 21 Highview Trail Pittsford, NY 14534