Tips For Every RC Pilot - Model AV8R Episode 101

In Model AV8R episode 101, we have put together some tips we use around the hangar and shop that make being an RC model aviator much easier. There's always a lot to do before you take the model to the flying field, and these things have saved us time, money, and headaches over the years. Hopefully some of these tips will help you as well! Happy Flying!
Link To The Lipo Safe Test Video: • LiPo-Tresor im Test
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Keeping Up With Airplane Assembly Hardware
02:48 Transmitter Trim Settings
05:06 Hatch Checklist
07:59 Why You NEED To Learn To Solder
10:25 Easy, Precise Way To Cut Cooling Exit Holes In Covering
12:36 Bind Port Extensions
14:27 The Nicest Tool In The Shop
16:38 Protect Your Planes From Fading
17:55 RX Antenna Placement Made Easy
20:45 Tidying Up those Wires - Cheap And Easy
22:28 VERY Safe Lipo Storage
#rc #tips #aviation

[@chadgibbs137]

Great job, kiddo! Dad is so proud of you. Thanks for working with him, Dustin and Adam!

[@TwoBrosRC]

This needs a lot more views. It's a shame the algorithm doesn't see this as the Bob Ross of RC.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

LOL! Bob Ross was the man. Now all I need is an Afro, some happy little trees, and a squirrel in my pocket...

[@jjames5928]

The dremel Flexi shaft is highly underrated tool to have.

[@RubyS.1]

The zip-tie tips a great one. I like to glue a magnet to the plane to stick the screws too.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey thanks Ruby! The magnet idea is great! I never would have thought of that...

[@raymondgagnon2737]

Thats what i like to see on KZbin

[@JN24185]

Great tips from an experienced veteran. Thanks Adam, fantastic vid as usual!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@user-gw2ms7kx1n]

I love the tips you gave. I just started to this hobby I learn lots of stuff from you thank you very much and I keep watching your site again.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much, glad it was helpful!

[@lelzie]

Good call out on the trim setting. I was not aware that was available. Thank you.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks!

[@stitch1007]

I a bit new to your channel. I've seen some reviews but I am starting to go back and watching your other videos. That wire loom idea is fantastic. I zip tie my wires but never thought to glue it in place. That is a very smart tip.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad you are enjoying the channel! Yep, I'm always learning new things, and we wanted to share them.

[@delboy1727]

Been flying for a number of years, but these are some great tips. Thank you.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

Just great common sense tips Adam. Especially the last one. 👏🏻😉

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Brad! Sometimes I have sense, but not when I have the Bubba teeth in...

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

@@ModelAV8RChannel 😁👍

[@Airsally]

Great tips Adam. Even a old guy like me can use some of those.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

You and me both! Thanks!

[@tughillrc6327]

Enjoyed the Tips Video, The Dremmel is No,1 tool for sure in my hanger, Enjoyed watching

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Tug! Yep, Dremel tool is awesome!

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Adam I picked up the Weller soldering iron back when you suggested I get it, now I can solder anything. Storing LiPo batteries in a fire proof container is just a safe bet. Great tips. Jeff in LA USA

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much brother Jeff!

[@itzjoeylo4501]

I have a stack of manuals that I refer back to when I fly models less often.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

That's another way to do it!

[@itzjoeylo4501]

@@ModelAV8RChannel but I love your idea of a data sheet, I only have one transmitter that’s used for line of sight RC Flight.

[@SlowFlyer85]

Really good advice Adam specially on the storing of the lipo batteries👍👍👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Frank!

[@stephensowell9578]

Thank you for those tips. A lot of which I will use and have never heard, even with all the tips and tricks I've read.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad it was helpful Stephen!

[@MikeErwin-fpv]

Been in the hobby since 2020 and I learned so much here great video on things not immediately thought of

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FlankerTanker]

Exactly what I do with all my Screws and bolts needed for assembly at the field... I actually keep a flight log I made using MS Excel, not only does it keep battery type, size and aircraft info such as Make, Size, Etc.... I also record Number of flights , dates and have links to KZbin video imbedded into it , it also help if you Number each aircraft and have that number at the start of the Aircraft name on the TX... I learnt to solder at my local hobby store - we were talking about how to do it and my store proprietor, slapped a soldering iron on the counter and switched it on - we then did some practice in the shop - good old days.... a lot of good hints and tips - Nice video Adam..

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Wow Martyn! I keep flight and battery cycle logs as well, but not as detailed as you! Ahh Hobby shops...a dying resource unfortunately. I miss when they were everywhere. We have a pretty good one about 45 min away.

[@jcb6713]

great tips !!! 'heat sinks' for soldering, are my favorite :-) ...I've ruined too many connectors; also keeps the excessive heat from electronics...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@airhammer6203]

Great tips and tricks video AV8R. I also have been using Sentry Safe to store my lipos in for quite a few years now. I even went so far as to get in touch with them to find out if they were fireproof from the inside out rather than outside in. They are.....👍 AirHammer out!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Hammer! Yep, the Safes are the way to go in my opinion.

[@IansRCExploits]

Some great tips there Adam!! I always use the empty plastic bags for wing bolts and keep them guess where? Yep on the battery tray are wrapped up in the Velcro straps!! Definitely saves a lot of head scratching, very informative video!! Thanks Guys 😀👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much Ian! Hey man, did you ever figure out the mic issue? We still want to chat at some point soon if possible.

[@IansRCExploits]

I will have a look again tomorrow Adam to see if I can get it sorted 😀👍

[@gazzabyerun9048]

Nice tips Adam, thanks for sharing! Happy flying! ☠Semper Fi!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@JustwingitRC]

THIS is an absolutely FANTASTIC video!! A WEALTH of information and tips for RC model aviation enthusiasts of ALL skill levels! Thanks so much for this rare gem Adam!! THIS is what KZbin is all about!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks brother John! I bet you knew most of them...

[@JustwingitRC]

@@ModelAV8RChannel I did, but you still helped me grow my knowledge a bit more, which is always a good thing my friend 😁!

[@KetilDuna]

Nice tips! +1 for checklists... Thank you for this.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@odwatchguy]

Great tips Adam, something cool for wings. I took 20 years off and came back last year, my how things have changed and the club I fly with all use ammo boxes but I think I will take your advice and change to a fireproof box. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Tony, glad it was helpful!

[@davidsnyder238]

Lots of great tips for beginners or experienced modelers alike Adam. Many of these are older school things that I have done or used myself over the years. As always, well done, well spoken, informative, and helpful my friend!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

David, thanks very much brother!

[@keithrinehart809]

Great video Adam! There are some tips in here that I will definitely use in the future.😎👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Keith! Glad it was helpful.

[@CR5rc]

Lots of great tips Adam. Thanks

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Chris!

[@jayaustin3096]

Great tips bud. I didn't know about the trim adjustment feature, I will check it out. I use lipo bags but I don't know how good they would work in a event like a reactor melt down. I like your boxes. I have way to many batteries, hard to keep track of the voltages. Thanks again. We need all the tips we can get.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jay! We really enjoy sharing the cool things we learn with the community. There are some Lipo bag fire tests on YT...not pretty.

[@mikessi]

Lots of very good and useful info. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Mike!

[@epoweredrc]

Great video Adam, lot of useful info for folks. Along with bags and servo boxes for hardware I use medicine bottles, We always have a ton laying around we take off the labels and I normally will put them in where the battery goes. Don't know if i ever seen anyone using those Safes for lipos, we use lipo Saks and ammo boxes with the rubber gasket removed. Good tip about the LED lights, I always forget about that one. Going to try my best to keep my new planes I buy looking good so will try to keep those away from the fluorescent lights.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Chris! Ammo boxes may work, but I'm not sure how much intense heat they can take, or for how long. I do know from test videos that Lipo bags burn, usually quickly.

[@trondaustad8617]

Good tips there mr. Even for and old carpenter . Like the part of how to store lipo. For me that el. Things are new. Since for me was the glow must of the time. Thanks for making this tips video. Have a nice day on the other side of the duck pund mr.😊

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful.

[@jollyroger2226]

Thanks for sharing some great ideas and some very nice models. I loved the detail applied to the motor and prop of your Sopwith Camel. That plane looks like a museum piece!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! Love the Camel. It needs flying wires, I've been avoiding doing that, Lol. The LeRhone dummy engine was 3D printed and painted by Dags designs. The prop is a Xoar WWI Scimitar.

[@deanedeane4318]

Thankyou for the useful tips Adam.... good job 😉😎

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks, glad they are helpful!

[@marinrealestatephotography]

Lots of great tips. Thanks!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@my66gt350]

Really enjoy your videos.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! I saw your name and had to look...awesome Mustang.

[@my66gt350]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Thanks hope to meet up and fly some trime! Just getting back into the RC hobby again!

[@rlbutterfield]

Great video, Adam!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Randy!

[@Productive-RC]

Definitely a lot of great tips to make your whole experience better, thanks Adam.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much, glad it was helpful!

[@davidking8255]

Thank you Adam for all your time and effort to inform and entertain. I’m always happy when “Something Cool With Wings” pops up in my You Tube RC info inbox. I just ordered the Sentry Safe you recomended from Amazon. I looked for a link to it on your video, but unfortunately all I Found were the general hobby store links 😟. Sorry if I missed it. The fastener tip was also great, vs screwing them back into the plane after disassembly. Are you going to review the new Flex Innovations Twin Otter? I think that I remembered you alluding to it in a E Flight UMX review.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks David! We really appreciate that. So glad you are enjoying our channel! We actually didn't post a link, but Amazon works. Not sure on the Twin Otter. We aren't planning on getting one, but if one of our flying buddies does, we'll get our hands on it.

[@rotormasher]

Excellent tips!❤

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! We hoped they'd be helpful.

[@Tallguysrc]

Great info my friend.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@AL-RCjunkie]

Great stuff, Adam. I hope to have some the "problems" you've solved, one day. You definitely had me at, "cheap and easy" on a few of those tips. Those the two sexiest words in RC for me, right now. 👍 BTW, I wonder what Bubba uses for lipo storage... paper bag?? Propane tank?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Al! Nope, Bubba uses a Coors Light box...Lol.

[@Danpstew1]

Setting the High-Mark once again ! Great video ! Tips and suggestions to make Model Life much easier ! Thank you Adam. God Bless you and family !

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Dan! God bless you and yours!

[@tedmoss]

Please note that zip ties not cut down to the end are very sharp and have poked peoples eye out. (Really just caused cuts that needed stitches). Might be a good use for that soldering iron to smooth over the sharp edges.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

YES! And also try not to stick your finger in an electric socket either...Lol.

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Superbly helpful video, Adam!Watching this whilst glueing lumps of foam back into the shape of an aircraft, and some of your tips will be incorporated, for sure. Thanks!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much Gina! We hoped some of these things might be helpful to folks. Good luck on the repair.

[@gwrrolan]

Great info. 👊👊👊👊👊👊😊😊

[@SteffenRC]

Outstanding tips Adam. Lots of pearls of wisdom. Thanks for sharing

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Will!

[@rolandsaffy7719]

Thank you Adam for all your support of the hobby and your subscribers! All of the tips were great, but the one I took to heart was getting the SentrySafe fireproof safe box. I literally got on amazon earlier this morning and before noon it was already at my door! Couldn't find it cheaper than $39.99, but as you said, that's pennies in comparison to losing a home. Thanks again.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much Roland! Really glad it was helpful. We enjoy sharing what we learn with the community.

[@RichieRich980215]

Adam, I store all my Lipo’s in separate LI-Po bags, and I have five of them and some little ones for the 1S and 3S. They are all smart batteries and G2 spectrum. I did pull the trigger and order 3 of those fireproof cases that you suggested. My plan is to use the bags for transportation to the field and use them to charge the batteries. My question is should I separate the Li-Po’s into the safes by putting different types of Li-Po’s in one case, some like a few 1S, 3S, 4S 2200mAh G2’s 4S 3200mAh G2 and 6S 5000mAh G2. Also do you suggest me lining the safe with the foam that comes with Li-Po’s? That is what I have in the Li-Po’s bags now. I just glue them together and make separate sizes to fit the size of the bag. I been using one foam for the bottom of the bag then put as many as I can fit into that first rack. Then I use another prepared foam to lay on top of those batteries and so on. Thank in advance Adam! 👍😃

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@RichieRich980215 The foam probably isn't necessary in the safes. You can load them many different ways, but I see the value in mixing it up. The chances of you ever having a fire from storage is slim if you are paying attention and making sure you store them in a good state (In other words...storage charged.) That said if you ever did have a fire it's going to nuke all the batteries in that safe, so it would be nice not to lose all of your batteries of one type. If you mix them up among all your safes you're still left with at least a few packs for all your planes.

[@ironmover5800]

Good info ! Thanks

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@txdave2]

Good stuff. I appreciate the tip on the fireproof safe. My wife and I are full-time RV travelers. A battery fire would be a major disaster for us.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks David! Glad it was helpful.

[@busmanrc5020]

Thanks for the tips, like most who are experienced already using most and great to see a different take on some similar solutions. A great vid for the new to the hobby. I have been using ammo cases with holes drilled for storage for years. But like you said it only takes one to cause an issue. Impressed with the vid on the sentrysafe, fire chest. Thank you! Going to convert, as I currently have five ammo cans some packed solid with 6s packs. For estimating, how many 6s packs can you get into a single fire chest? Even though my charging station will remain a cement board lined ammo can as I am always present when charging or discharging, still going to convert to senrysafe fire chest for storage, and find other use for the ammo cans. Many thanks!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! Glad it was helpful. I can get 5 6s 6000mah in one safe, and there's still room on top for 5 4s 3200's. I've seen a lot of modelers use Ammo cans. They might be fine, but I just don't know how much intense heat they can take, or for how long. I know I feel better knowing I have them all in those safes.

[@SunriseRCAviator]

Great tips Adam! You always learn something new.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@Bellairvideo]

Amazing & informative presentation Adam. Just love it & learned so much. I do store my lipos in a home safe in the garage. Love the soldering tips . I also use heat shrink tubes for connectors, which i am sue you do. Well done indeed✔️✔️✔️

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Noel! We were hoping folks would find some of this helpful!

[@looneytunes47]

My E-flite Beechcraft D18 1.5m came with attenia tubes already installed in it and it was a plug n play version

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yep, mine too, but they run parallel to each other rather than having one vertical and one horizontal for dual diversity.

[@looneytunes47]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Yeah i 90% degree my anntena wiskars too

[@williamhoodtn]

Great tips sir! Those fire resistant safes are fine (I didn't know about them early on) but I like my Bat-Safe model for LiPo storage due to several features it has (soot filter). Not cheap, but really good!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you William! The Bat Safe is pricey like you said, but an excellent option.

[@dalezesiger9873]

Adam, have you checked out the new FMS 80mm Saber? I want one, but I think I will wait until you are able to provide one of your awesome reviews! Dale.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Dale I have asked them to send us one. We're a bit new in that relationship so I don't know if they will. I hope so, the F-86 is one of my favorite all time jets. I love the planes from that early jet age era. If they won't, I may just buy one. They look very well done.

[@dalezesiger9873]

Sweet! I will be waiting for your review - I trust them. @@ModelAV8RChannel

[@marks7445]

I like the fire safe. Currently using a sheetrock lined ammo can. Is there a model number on that label inside the lid of your unit? Unit looks like the model 1200 at the Sentry site. Looks like Walmart carries that for $30. I also see a model 1160 that has a bit more capacity. I assume it should be functionally about the same as the 1200. The couple of fires I know of were due to charge adapters being left connected. Specifically, those with banana plugs that can easily short.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yep, ours are the 1200. I think they have specs on all of them. As long as its rated for 1/2 hour at 1550 deg. I would think thats a win.

[@dalezesiger9873]

Adam, thanks again for all your expert advice and the help you have given me. Could I possibly bother you for one more question - I'm a little stumped. I have a V1 Avanti, and I am installing a new 12 blade fan unit and inrunner motor from a broken L-39. I was intending to use the 130 amp Avian ESC from a crashed 90mm Viper in the new setup. There is a lot talk about the out-put voltage on the BEC being 6v versus 5.2 from the stock FW 100 amp ESC. The voltage range listed for the stock gear and servos on the Avanti indicated 4.8 - 6v. I hooked up the Avian to Avanti and everything seems to work fine, including reverse thrust. Am I going to be ok with this setup, or am I asking to fry something? Thank you. Dale

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I'm glad to help when I can Dale. Given the posted rated voltage of the gear and servos you should be fine. Most standard voltage servos today are good up to about 6.6 volts (Life RX Battery voltage). That said, if folks are talking about it there could be some issue with the Freewing components I'm not aware of. If you're concerned, you can use the Avian programmer to adjust the BEC output voltage. If you're not familiar with the programmer, in episode 96 we use the programmer to adjust the differential thrust on a Twimber. We cover how to use it and the features in detail.

[@DadsRCHangar]

Great tips Adam, also some sexy planes. I use ammo boxes without the seal, so gases can escape. Do you think I should the boxes you use?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Chris! Man I honestly don't know. Ammo boxes sure beat putting them in a drawer. I guess the question is how long can the ammo boxes withstand that much heat, and how long will the batteries burn. Seems like they burn extremely hot, but for a short time. The boxes we use are pricey I admit, but they make me feel better knowing we have them. Cheap insurance when you think about it.

[@DadsRCHangar]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Yup sounds like a good idea, I will have to look and see what I can use. I never have them in the house, in ammo boxes within a metal cabinet. Have a great weekend Adam👍🏻

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@DadsRCHangar You too brother Chris!

[@CraigEmmons]

Hi Adam, I'm not sure how to contact you other than in the comments but my question is this--- do you ever use a mix for ailerons and rudder? Your flying is always on rails and I'm assuming that you just use the rudder with your left thumb. Please advise and if there is a different way to contact you please let me know. Thank you for your time and opinion.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Craig. Thanks for the kind words. I don't use a aileron to rudder mix. Nothing wrong with using one if a pilot prefers, but in my opinion learning to use the rudder independent of the ailerons makes you a better pilot. If you haven't watched our "Becoming a better RC pilot" episode, check it out. There are some good suggestions on how to improve your left stick skills.

[@ghoward6797]

Thanks for the tips... do you do troubleshooting

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

You are welcome, thanks for watching! It is hard to troubleshoot sometimes in a comment section, but I'll give it a go...what you got?

[@ghoward6797]

When switching from safe select to manual flight I'm so far out of trim.... get it trimmed and flying fine go back to safe select and ohh crap it's going everywhere but straight. On the ground switching from safe to manual no visible changes????

[@ghoward6797]

PS all my planes are doing this... thanks in advance

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Try mechanically adjusting the surfaces so that you only have a few clicks...and maybe even no electronic trim in it. Do this in AS3X mode. Often when a plane is trimmed in AS3X mode...and there are a lot of trim clicks involved, when you switch to SAFE it is a hot mess. To mechanically adjust...make a note of where the control surface is when trimmed, put the trim back to center in your TX, then take the clevis out of the control horn and turn it in or out (whichever is required) so that the control surface is where it needs to be to be in trim. Do this for each surface.

[@DaninVA]

Great tips and video. However, I really cringed watching you press in that antenna wire in with a square, sharp edges screw driver. An old "baby spoon" with round edges works much better.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Baby spoon is a great idea...or even a sanded small piece of 1/16 balsa or ply. That said...you don't have to push very hard at all, and I've done it with a screwdriver about 100 times with no ill affects.