Pioneer takes to the air to finish last months project. See the articles section for the full 25 year old Pioneer story from restoration to first flight.

This month I am looking at my new Transmitter. Not the latest JR have to offer but a no fuss update for my current system.

XP652	I got my first transmitter along with my original trainer as part of a second hand deal a couple of years ago. It was a JR XP642 which to me looked awesome as I had only ever handled Accoms or Futaba 2 channel buggy controllers. Not daunted I began to learn how to program the basic functions and set up a new model etc. Having flown with this radio set quite happily I soon realised I was running out of aircraft memory space. It has only 4 models. I doubled a couple up The Scolded Cat & the PicoJet shared one as they were both elevon mixed controls. The T33, T-77 trainer and Topic 400 shared another. To ensure no problems between models all trims & sub trims were set to neutral or zero and the servos & clevices adjusted on each model to make sure all neutral positions matched. This worked well but then I wanted another spare model to enable flap/brake/aileron mixing for the WOT 4 & Unlimited. Whilst browsing the local model shop I spotted a brand new XP652 in his display cabinet and asked how much. He knows of Bumpy Green and I usually spend my months budget every time I see his stall at the shows so he gave me club discount. I looked over the supplied accessories and totted it all up and found his deal was most favourable. Getting the XP652 has one advantage that all the setup and control adjustments are exactly the same as my XP642 so I didn't have to learn a whole set of new instructions. I now use a combination of the two, using the XP642 for my PCM mode primary trainer, my elevon mixed models (Pico & Twin Jet) & the last model is reserved for a training configuration on the buddy system. I have not used either set with a helicopter so can't report on that & I am still learning what all the mixers do. Supplied with T/x & r/x battery packs with charger to match, 4 ball raced servos, R600 6 channel receiver, T/x & r/x crystals & full instructions.
XP652 6-Channel Computer Radio
Specifications: Transmitter     Transmitter (Aircraft / Helicopter)     5-model memory     6-channel computer system     PCM (S or Z) or PPM / FM Modulation Receiver     Model: NER-R600     6 Channel  FM-ABC&W     Frequency: 35MHz     Weight: 1oz Servos     4 x NES-517 Servos Battery Pack     8N600 Tx-Battery     4N600 Rx-Battery	2 ITEMS 5 MODELS 6 CHANNELS S-Z PCM/PPM SELECTABLE Computer designed, economically styled Aircraft / Helicopter Selectable 6-channel, 5 Model Memory PCM (S or Z) or PPM / FM Computer Radio System with adjustable length control sticks, all-channel servo reversing, trainer system that is compatible with all JR radios and an easy-to-read LCD graphical display. Precision digital computer radio with features for every flyer R600 6 channel FM Receiver with JR's remarkable interference protection patented ABC&W noise rejection system that is compact, lightweight in design to provide easy installation into most models. Summary of Features Dual Pulse Code Modulation featuring both S-PCM and Z-PCM modulation as well as standard FM modulation. Five Model Memory w/3-character model identification. Dual Drive Rates For Aileron & Elevator channels Exponential Control For adjusting the response around the stick neutral position. Direction Reverse On all stick control channels. Programmable Mixing so you can "dial out" any unwanted pitch or roll. Ball-Bearing Servos for silky-smooth control movement.
Overall I am very impressed the XP642 & XP652 in both terms of features & performance. Had I not spotted this bargain I might well be still saving for an X3810 ADT and having to reprogram half my models each week. A very suitable 6 channel computer transmitter for a reasonable price. Deals for the T/x & NiCad only around £125 and the full setup as I purchased up to £200 which if you add up all the parts is actually really good value. I would recommend this set to anyone wanting a modern 6 channel programmable transmitter.

What was going on in December 1975 in the modelling world. Take a look back at some snippets from a magazine of the era.


Another gorgeous model adorns the Christmas edition of RM along with a rather cute Mother Christmas.
The editorial for the last month of 1975 comments on the growing interest in large models and how they were affected by the Air Navigation Order. Any model weighing over 5KG was subject to the ANO and permission had to be sought from local air traffic control etc, proof of insurance was required & a fail-safe mechanism was required.


Very interesting snippet that I spotted lurking at the bottom of one of the pages, requirement for a Home Office licence to operate radio control aircraft. Costing £1:50 for 5 years it was a bargain really. Does anyone know when this stopped being a legal requirement?


Plan #1 review & build sequence is the Blue Jay mid-wing sports plane. Designed by Brian Peckham, 39" span for .15 to .20 engine & 4 channel r/x. Very nippy & capable aerobatic plane that looks a little like an early pattern ship with it's short nose & wide wing chord.


Sketch tips featured a variety of tail wheel fixing methods from the very straight forward to the overkill mechanical linkage version


Featured Plan #2 was this huge delta soarer designed by Keith Thomas. The Pecker III was an unusual shape for a model aircraft as they had no computer radios for elevon/delta mixing. To that end the plan even included a diagram of a simple 'gate type' mechanical mixer to use for elevon control.



Some of the club pictures featured showing groups large & small. Represented here are in picture order:
Top: Teeside MFC thermal meeting
Left: A group from Nicosia Cyprus
Right: Swansea & DRCC Scale day winners.

Recognise yourself from any of these pictures, we'd love to hear from you at Bumpy Green.

With the epic that was last months Cambria Pioneer project and having Christmas just around the corner I am taking a month out to finish up some other stuff so there will be no project for this month. Even so I am sure I will find something to write about. Until next time then, have a Happy Christmas and lets hope we can all get some flying done.

That's it for another month,
See you in January.

Article by John Kent from Bumpy Green Model Aerodrome
14th December 2001