F3F - simple yet captivating

Interesting post on F3F from Taiwan slope forum , i thought will be good to translate for non-chinese audience.

"F3F simple yet captivating

100meters, 10 laps, 9 corners

Exactly how many variables are there? Been involve for so many years yet unable to fully master..  yet its the same reason why its so captivating.

The following is a personal view :

1. Aircraft Selection
Find a aircraft that can perform in all wind conditions
In any wind conditions, it can take a corner strong, accelerate in the straights, unaffected by turbulence, sensitive to thermals, explosive with power.
Able to find any? Afraid there is no such thing

2. Remote Control Setting
Aileron Differential, mixing, control surface movement, more or less is better?
How much setting to go fast yet remains controllable?

3.Center of gravity
Some guys fly at 98mm, some at 95mm, some at 92mm. Which CG position is best?
This depends on each person's own flying style

4. Ballast
Some guys use 6 pieces, some use 4 pieces, some use 2 pieces, some never use. What is the optimum amount to use? This also depends on each flying style.

5. 30 seconds climb
Some use pendulum/swing method, some climb slowly. How to maximise the climb/energy in 30seconds so that the entry dive down will be ferocious.

6. Optimal Flight path
Is it better to fly close to slope edge, fly higher or fly outside?

7. Precise cornering
Pulling up before the turn, when to pull? How high to pull?
Rolling before the turn, when to start rolling?How much to roll? Split S or side turn?
Turn further out to capture more airflow or to do a tight corner and pull back immediately after the turn?
After taking a corner, when to start pulling elevator? Is it single pull through or 2 stage pull?
Steal a turn and risk a cut or stay conservative and fly further?

8. Wind conditions, buoyancy, competition venue
Adaptability of different wind conditions,buoyancy, venue
In unfamiliar grounds, yet able to perform to high standards.

F3F is a race against time.
Time = Distance / Speed
So the shorter the flight path, the faster the speed are guarantees for a good timing
For a short flight path, turning on the point is a necessary skill for the "master thief"
Since Speed is king, how to accelerate fast after a corner is the goal to pursuit.
Continuously spend money on a new machine or to keep the old aircraft and continue to cultivate feelings.

In addition to the above, the confidence is very important, how to build confidence is itself a profound knowledge

Looks like have to spend a life time to slowly learn."

Hobby Expo China Beijing May 2012

I have the privilege to attend the Hobby Expo China 2012 held in Beijing this week.

There were about 200 exhibitors :
-The bigger brands like Futaba, JR, Hitec were represented by their China Distributors or office. Mostly showing their latest transmitters, Futaba 18mz, JR transformer lookalike DMSS series of TX, Hitec/Multiplex with their profi line.
-Big Distributors from China, Hongkong , they showcased the many brands they carry.
-The bigger Chinese brands, like Nine Eagles, SkyRC, Esky,Arttech,etc.
-Smaller companies offering OEM/ODM from servos, escs to micro helis.
-A few companies offering raw materials, magnets, carbon fiber products, etc

Products
- The main product line up were foamies, micro helis, RTR cars, Toy planes/helis. Many companies offering about the same things, however not much new innovative designs.
- Of course the hot trending multi-rotors, lots of emphasis on multi rotor stuff, AP/AV, with products customised and designed specially for multi-rotor use, e.g. high-freq ESCs, motors with extra long leads. Many companies with their own frame, board, gimbals.


Enjoy the pictures