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We're getting ready for RCX 2006 this weekend (May 6 & 7) in Anaheim, CA, and this year's expo is shaping up to better than ever for the aircraft crowd! Highlights include the first-ever Pro Pilot Face-Off--a timed obstacle course that will test the thumbs of even the best pilots!--demos of the latest micro helicopters and indoor flyers, hundreds of exhibitors and a Hobby People retail store, as well as seminars from well-known airplane designers and pilots like Mike McConville of Horizon Hobby, Jason Noll of Great Planes and Mike Mayberry of Hitec. For information on show times, directions and more, go to www.rcx.com.

If you can't make it to RCX this year, check back throughout the weekend for live updates from the show!

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This ARF design features a two-section main wing on a mid-wing fuselage. It's capable of high-performance aerobatic and 3D maneuvers, and is designed for electric brushless power or a .50 engine (both glow and electric versions are available).

Right and left halves of the wing are attached with metal pins so the fuselage doesn't need to be cut. In addition, the film on the rear of the fuselage is attached to stringers for a lightweight structure.

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This aerobatic ARF is designed for 50-class electric brushless power or a .50 glow engine. It features lightweight balsa and ply construction and a two-piece wing for easy transport. Both electric and glow versions are available.

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This new, complete line of brushless outrunners and speed controls from Xtra just arrived and will soon be available from Global Hobby Distributors.

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Magnum's new XLS .15 engine boasts more efficient porting and a carburetor that can be mounted on the back of the engine for increased safety while you're tuning it. For more information, go to www.globalhobby.net.

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Less than $100 from Global Hobby Distributors; see www.globalhobby.net for more information.

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The latest from Electrifly:

Introducing a quantum leap forward in LiPo technology. LiPo packs that are balanced (where the voltages of all cells are within a very tight tolerance of each other) reach their fullest possible safe voltage during charging, which means more power to the motor and packs that typically last longer. That’s where ElectriFly Power Series batteries with Balancing Circuitry and the Equinox Cell Balancer come in. This complete system represents the absolute best in high-discharge cells.

All cells can be fully charged to 4.20V, ensuring maximum power. Balancing conditions the cells better to last longer, and they are typically less expensive than non-balanced packs. Overall, it’s a safe way to handle LiPo packs.*

Cell Balancer for Lithium-Polymer Batteries-Equinox: an equally important part of the balancing system!
•Regulates voltage levels from 2 to 5 cells in a LiPo pack.
•Features maximum current handling capability is 3 amps during charge or discharge (6 amps with custom connectors).
•Includes 2S and 3S battery adapters; additional adapters for 4S and 5S packs and higher current applications available separately.
•Also includes gold-plated banana plugs on input for easy charger/discharger connection.
•Automatically checks for poor quality cells.
•Provides a safe platform for charging.**

Unlike some balancers, Equinox offers the flexibility of two different
Modes:
1. “Quick-Balance” mode, the Equinox is connected only to the LiPo pack, gently balancing all the cells with a small discharge current.
2. Equinox can also be used in conjunction with a LiPo-compatible charger or discharger in “Interface” mode. In this mode Equinox allows power transfer to and from the LiPo pack and the charger/discharger, while controlling which cells should (or should not) be charged or discharged.

* Packs must be balanced using a dedicated cell balancer or a properly equipped charger. **Equinox cannot be used with LiPo batteries which have built-in charge protection circuits.

Battery packs will cost from $25 to $180; the Equinox cell balancer is $35.

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This series of inrunner brushless motors is designed specifically for all Speed-400 helicopters, such as Kyosho’s Caliber 400, the Align T-Rex and Heli-Max MX 400. Aon-sponsored pilots Danny Szabo, Alan Szabo and Erich Stolz use this motor – fly what the pro’s use! It costs $75.99.

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The Aon Monstro Series of outrunner brushless motors features patented designs that allow maximum torque and performance. They’re ideal for 3D and scale applications. The smallest motors in the series will fly 7-ounce airplanes; the largest a 16-pound 3D plane.

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Kyosho's precision aerobat Oxalys is now available ready for electric power with this beefy motor mount (Hacker motor not included!).

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The latest from GWS:
Designed specifically for micro helicopters and aerobatic airplanes, this servo has been refined and tested many times at GWS HQ by our R&D team. As its description indicates, NARO HP BB is a high-performance servo. It also comes with longer lifespan than you might expect -- 6 times longer than similar servos!