Converting a free-flight into a micro R/C

[NPedeInsanity]

Can anyone give me tips on how to convert a balsa free flier into an electric R/C? I know it can be done, but I just need some tips on how. I know I need a micro flight pack, but I need stuff like setups and equipment. Thanks for looking.

[Dave Robelen]

Hi,
Your best bet is to head over to www.smallrc.com and check out the specific equipment. They also have a chat group dedicated to micro r/c that will be a help to you.
Cheers, Dave

[balsaguy]

You are dealing with smaller then average RC's, but if you want to get one flying on RC on the cheap, yank the guts out of a toy RC plane of comparable size and weight. You are of course paying for the limitations going that route. If you get the largest ones, you can just breach the threshold into using regular RC gear on the light mini "not micro" everything weight and scale, just keep your motor and battery along the very light end regardless if it means it's not geared with the reccomended present RC package and flight times as well as performance..

I liked that other site, it shows where this end is going, I feel it's quite cutting edge and has a vast future as well as kinda a peak into the future of this market.

[Mike Taylor]

I know this thread is old, but R/C conversions of FF models is near and dear to my heart...

Unfortunately, the web site listed above is dead; the company went out of business.

Currently, the state of the art micro systems available are the Falcon line of products (my favorite); see: http://www.falconmodels.uk.com/acatalog/Radio_Equipment.html for a few examples. 5.8 gram systems with RX ans 2 integrated servos make for incredibly easy mounting of your gear, and they are real servos.

JMP and MicroInvent also make servo (or actuator) capable Rxs in the ~1 gram range.

Here are some photos of FF models converted to R/C. The 'Spicy Wings' are Cox/Estes kids electric FF toys (14" WS). After conversion to R/C, they weigh 10% LESS than the stock FF weight. 'Mr. Mulligan' (17" WS) is a Dumas kit, The 'Baby Ace' is from Pecl-Polymers, The Sopwith 'Bee' is from FAC drawings (theirs was balsa but I used an exotic foam), and the Curtis Hawk and the Sampe are No-Cal models converted to R/C.

It is doable and it is fun. Expect to spend ~$200 for gear, batteries, chargers, etc. to get started.