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Click the mailbox above to send an e-mail to Jason Chan Copyright 2002 by Jason Chan, Hong Kong
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05/2002 Shizuoka Hobby Fair
The Shizuoka Hobby Fair is one of the two bi-annual hobby trade fair in Japan. This fair previews the latest products that will be released in the coming year. This particular fair spanned four whole days from 16th to 19th May, 2002. Now, let's take a look as to what's new and different. Click on the image for a larger image. Futaba
Futaba once again joined forces with OS, but this time Futaba did not have anything new for us helicopter pilots, not even a new servo. They are pre-occupied with their new FP3PK car radio. OSOS released 70SZH, a new engine specifically designed for 3D in minds according to OS. Below is the technical data of the 70SZH: Displacement: 11.50cc Normal RPM range: 2,000-18,000 RPM Output: 2.5ps/16,000RPM Weight: 553.5g This new 70SZH is designed specifically for 3D flyers, who wanted a more high reving engine than the OS91. The mounting and exhaust pattern of the 70 is basically the same as OS61, but near the front there are additional mounting positions for two more screws to further strengthen the engine mounting. I believe that more helicopter manufacturers would adapt to this type of six lugs mounting style, and in fact Kyosho's Caliber 90 already featured this type of mounting. This new 70 engine is based on the prototype 61SZH as displayed in 2000 Tokyo Show. The good thng about this new engine is that it comes with a new 3 needle carburetor, which allows adjustment on the mid range. Why goes back to a 3 needle design from the 2 needle OS90 carb? If I am a 3D pilot I would be happy to have one needle less, cause I don't need it anyway, but in F3C the mid range is very important for hovering, which weights twice the score of each maneuver compared to aerobatic ones, and the fact is this smaller engine is designed to aim for 3D......Personally just by looking at this engine, I would think that this engine would be a much better engine for F3C than the 91. Price for this 70 engine is the same as the 91.
Hirobo
This time, Hirobo have lots of new scale helicopters in their booth. However, let's look at their aerobatic line of helicopters. Hirobo released the Shuttle RG-EX, a final upgrade to their very aerobatic Shuttle RG. The RG-EX is basically the same as their Shuttle RGM, but with updated clutch mechanism borrowed from the Sceadu parts bin. Hirobo released a new contest fuselage, the Glaze-on, which looks like a slimmed down Nova 3 with a flat belly pan. Price is not set for the Glaze-on yet. Also on display is a fully hopped up version of the Sceadu 50, with all upgrades installed. Of interest is a set of prototype push-pull control system for regular mixing installed on this helicopter, and the new SZ-III rotor head. No set plans to release this set of push pull upgrade, but the SZ-III rotor head should be released in very short time.
To say Hirobo booth this year is "Scale City" is not an overstatement. Hirobo displayed several new fuselages, of which a Long Ranger for the Freya, another Long Ranger for the Sceadu, and an Agusta 109A for the Sceadu. These fuselages are designed to fit easily to the Freya and Sceadu. A new EC135, which uses the drivetrain mechanics of their very successful Dauphin, Panther and Tiger, is shown. The EC135 could use the same hop up option parts of the Dauphin, Panther and Tiger, and comes as a full kit. The little co-axial rotor head mini Lama, which sat silently on the side in the previous shows, is in final stage of production and ready for release. Like the Flying Saucer, the mini Lama comes with a dummy radio type controller that connects to the helicopter via wires. Power is from a transformer plugged to an AC outlet. I tried hover the helicopter, and found that it is very stable, with control a bit on the numb side. This should be a very interesting product when it finally comes to the market.
Hirobo also showed two pieces of what they called "Executive Line" of products, both prototypes that showed what Hirobo could do. There is a Big Bell 430 the size of their Big Lama, and uses a 50cc gas engine for power. Also shown is a r/c boat that features outboard drive unit that has a patent pending drive system. Both are on-order basis, and according to Hirobo staffs they would come with a very big sticker price.
JR Propo Helicopter Division
In the middle of JR booth is again a netted area that JR used to display the flying of their new EP Voyager. JR officially released the Venture 90, which is the 90 class version of their Venture 60. Unlike thye Venture 60, which is based on their Voyager GS, the Venture 90 comes with a re-designed main frame that resembles much of the Superio. Also on display is their Sylphide 90, fist debut in 2001 Tokyo Show.
A new version of JR's Venture series helicopter, Venture 50, is released. Basically its a souped up version of their Venture 30 CP, with drivetrain parts strengthened to adapt to a 50 class engine.
JR Propo Radio DivisionThe only thing that draws much attention at the JR Radio Division is their introduction of the G660T and G480T gyros, which are the economical line of their flagship G6000T. Not much technical data were released for their gyros, other than that they features the same circuitary of the G6000T.
Kyosho
Kyosho displayed their new flagship, the Caliber 90. The Caliber 90 featured very different design than the prototype Caliber 90 as shown in the 2001 Tokyo Show, in that the box type construction was retained, but with much of the drivetrain and control system are changed. The Caliber 90 is scheduled to be release in mid this year, and list for around US$2,600-.
Also on display is a fully hopped up version of their Caliber 30.
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Copyright 2002 by Jason Chan of Hong Kong. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication of all or any part of this page is prohibited.