Light is faster than sound. That explains why some people appear bright until they open their mouths!

Spektrum DX5i Centre Position Joystick - How to change the throttle to stick from centre position detent.  The throttle is set for a model aircraft. Checking several shops, I could find no rework kit but was advised that if I removed the ratchet it would probably have a centre zero. Well it does. I emailed Spektrum and they supplied the parts to modify it and I have now converted it. It’s a simple spring and plastic part that could easily be made as it just sits on the centre shaft detent, having first removed the ratchet metal part. The attached file show how easy it is to do.   PDF FILE shows the sequence

2.4ghz vs budget radios

Should I buy a 2.4ghz radio set? Having first bought the Spektrum DX5e for £60, I decided to buy a budget radio for the yacht, paying £35 for the Acoms 40mhz Techniplus at Westbourne Models. I now have a radio that seems to be on the same channel as every other radio and need to buy some crystals to give me options at the pond. At £10 a pop, I would only need two additional frequencies for the radio for it to have cost me as much as the Spektrum, or run the risk of interference at the pond. Another modeller has suggested the 40mhz suffers more interference than the 27mhz? I wonder, is that due to the number sold or a technical issue?

Planet Radio control 2.4ghz, budget 2.4ghz radio set

This budget radio control set is now available at £39 and this will surely lead to a lowering of costs for this important radio development that reduces interference and the need for crystals. This is ideal for a model boat. More

Really Great Customer Service Recognition

I really hate bad service; why the hell would you be in business and treat your customers badly? We’ll here’s a really GREAT company that were so on the mark with their service. I ordered a new sail winch and then remembered I needed a small component but didn’t know what it was called. Emaild and they called me back, identified a solution and added it to my order free of charge. The next day when I queried the connector to the servo, because I didn’t want to cut the loom, they put one of those in the post too. This is really great service and I will give them any future business. That’s what customer service is all about! cornwallmodelboats.co.uk. Elsewhere here you’ll see how disappointed I’ve been shopping in Windsor so this made my day. I have since purchased the Graupner Trueblue model yacht and this was influenced by their service.

My interest in model boats started in in early 80’s when I lived in Swindon and we had a local pond built within a retail store. I quickly went from a simple sailing boat that the local kids would send back and forth across the pond and built a large radio control yacht that has sat un-used in my loft for over 25 years.

In 2009 my interest was rekindled at the Basingstoke boating pond and I have now undertaken a complete build, have a high speed model speedboat and have resurrected the yacht which I have now renovated.

I suspect I am hooked again and want to build a J Class yacht style yacht in the coming winter or buy something like  the rather expensive Robbe Emerald kit.

Basingstoke Model Boat Club

I host their website (link here) and hope to play an active role in the club. Why not join us?

Radio Control Model Boats and Yachts

Fairey Huntsman R/C Model Boat

Cyclone R/C Model Boat

Scratch Built Model Yacht

Other Modelling Stuff

Robbe Smaragd (Emerald)