Tools

15:1 Ratio Winder $20.00

Built by K & P in England (smooth, high quality - yellow) and is the winder of choice of most top competitors. A quality winder is essential to “feel” the torque of the rubber while winding to achieve maximum performance. Shown is the 15:1 Ratio Winder preferred by flyers that use rubber motors usually less than .125”. Notice that it can be identified by the blue tip at the output shaft.

ELG Launcher $18.00

More repeatable results in launching your ELG can lead to more competition wins. The launch angle, as well as the bank and the length of the draw, are important factors in getting the longest flights from your gliders. Each glider, launched for a specific height, will have a different set of parameters to allow the best transition from the high-speed launch to the graceful glide back down.

Many aspects of aerodynamics are speed related. These gliders go through a dramatic range from fast to slow during each flight. To get consistent results, it is important to find the best solution of launch parameters for each glider. If you keep the solution for each glider and set your launcher to help launch the same way that you found already worked well, you will find yourself ahead of the competition! There is no substitute for practice ahead of time, and practice MUST include writing down your results (with pertinent notes) FOR EACH GLIDER.

It is necessary for you to supply your own yard stick (1/4” thick) for this launcher (available at the big home supply stores for $.098). This launcher includes laser-cut parts as well as two Mylar covered protractors, hardware, extra rubber and a binder clip to use as a draw stop.

10:1 Ratio Winder $20.00

This is the same winder as shown above except that it has the 10:1 ratio gears that is favored by flyers using slightly thicker rubber up to about 3/16”. Notice that it can be identified by a white tip at the output shaft. It works fine with thinner rubber as well, it just takes more turns to get the same results.

Scale $22.00

This large platform Mini Digital Scale is accurate to .01 gram with a maximum capacity of 500 grams. It is excellent for evaluating the weight of individual pieces of balsa as well as completed weight of your model. But you may find its primary use is weighing rubber to make motors, as this must be done accurately in order to expect consistency. Plastic cover doubles as handy weighing tray. Bright LCD read out. Comes with AAA batteries.

Digital Winder Counter $19.00

This kit provides a laser-cut frame and all the components needed to add a digital counter to your K & P Winder.

The counter has an auto on function when used and an auto-off after about 3.5 minutes of non-use. A simple push of the button re-sets to zero. This counter does not reverse the count when going backward, each time the cam goes past the micro switch, a count will register.

It includes the counter, laser-cut components, micro-switch, hook-up wire, mounting hardware and full instructions. This kit WILL REQUIRE SOLDERING four simple connections. Super glue (not included) is best to assemble frame. This does NOT INCLUDE the winder and would need to be purchased separately.

20’ Telescopic Pole - No Longer Available

These collapsible poles have 6 sections to telescope out to approximately 6 meters. They were originally manufactured for crappie fishing rods but are perfect for model retrieval to dislodge planes from the rafters or basketball goals. Their approximate wall thickness of the segments is .032” with a maximum pole diameter of 1.25”.

Torque Meter $29.00

This tool is valuable to quantify how much torque is in your wound rubber motor. It is always best to wind off of the airplane to avoid damage if the motor should break while winding. This tool is used by hooking one end of the rubber to the meter and the other to your winder, then stretch wind to maximum torque, reading the scale on its face to observe the inch ounces of torque applied. If the rubber breaks, you learned from the experience and nothing else was broken.

However the most valuable use is to observe the torque left when De-winding to control altitude. Can help to build confidence and consistency. Designed with a winder box to hold our yellow K & P winders (winder NOT included). It has all hardware for mounting to a board (not included – shown is a 1 x 3 x 33”).

31’ Telescopic Pole - No Longer Available

Heavy duty, 10 segments, 4 pounds 6 ounces. Maximum diameter almost 2”, wall thickness varies to over .070” to make a very sturdy pole. This pole can extend your reach 9.5 meters to help retrieve planes stuck in the highest rafters.

Pitch Gauge $6.00

New and improved. Now constructed of basswood with a larger protractor to allow easier measurement of the broad blade propellers. Designed to be used with the Ikara propeller assemblies. Allows you to easily slip your propeller off of the airplane and onto this gauge. Used to accurately measure pitch (angle) of the propeller blades after bending the plastic hub. This is an important tool to maximize flight performance by matching your propeller pitch to the rubber band that you are using for the size of the building that you are flying in.