A simple on / off switch with an option for a charging jack

Christo vd Merwe posted this on the MGSA list. It's a fine piece of aeronautical engineering, simple, light and effective.



A small and light (1g total) "switch" can be fashioned from a pair of Deans Micro Plugs. Embed one plug in the fuselage and short out the 2 pins on the mating plug. Just plug in to switch on.


Change these 2-pin micro plugs into non-polarized plugs. That way, there won't be a sharp pin sticking out of the fus when it's not switched on.


And here's a way of using three-way plugs as charging jacks.

Christo

2008 Gliding Nats, bulletin 1 and program -- Izak Theron

Bulletin 1
Program

SEARCH FOR A 1960'S FAI POWER MODEL -- Sean McCullagh

The most successful South African FAI free flight power model was the "Ultimeter", a 60 inch wingspan model designed by John Swallow in the 1960's. This design was used by both John and Robby Rowe as members ofthe RSA team who attended the 1965 World Free Flight championships in Vaase, FINLAND.

In spite of atrocious flying conditions, the team, consisting of Pete Visser, Swallow and Rowe acquitted themselves vary well considering that they had just flown A2 Towline Glider, and FIB Wakefield rubber powered events on the two consecutive days prior to the power event.

In 1993 I was fortunate to obtain Pete Visser's Orbiteer FAI power models which I am now restoring. I am looking for plans of the Ultimeter to complete my research. Robby Rowe gave me the fuselage of his model, plus the Cox 15 MkII special motor, which Jack Lemkus Sports had specially ordered from Leroy Cox in the USA. It was one of the first production models and performed exceptionally well on the hot fuel loaned to the RSA team by the Canadian and US teams. But for a dubious timing decision (the motor run was timed twice over the 10 second limit) during two attempts the the first round resulting in a zero score, Robby Rowe would have had a much higher placing and the team score would have advanced to 13th place.

In a worldwide nostalgia revival via the Internet, a website called is bringing together world famous design of this period. I would like to present the Ultimeter as the best South African FAI Power design. So if any of you out there have any information on the Hey Day of South African Free Flight, and the Ultimeter in particular why not contact me with your information

Best wishes
Sean McCullagh
smmccullagh@oldmutualpfa.com
021 799 5921

PS John Swallow's own designed A2 glider placed 15th at the 1965 champs, the highest placing of any South African at any World Free Flight Championships.

David Ndawonde -- update from JOMAC

Hi Guys,

Attached is a photo of David's final tuition. He has one exercise left which will be spin recovery, and to complete a loop and rolls. If he is succesful, he will be declared solo.

Roly

Bob Skinner

The word from an unofficial but reliable source is that Bob has been elected president of CIAM.
Well done Bob and South Africa!

2008 KZN Thermal Champs -- Denis Bird

Report and photos here.

2008 Control Line Nats -- Keith Renecle

Hi All,

For those of you that could not make the Nats this time, all I can say is that you missed something special. For those that were there, I'm sure that you all know what I mean when I say this. The weather did not always play ball, but we managed to finish all of the events. The five rounds of expert stunt had to be spread over all three days, but we did indeed get through all of the rounds.

The Goodyear team racing even managed a 3-up final, with some good competition from all. Combat this time, had five entries, mainly due to the last minute arrival of Lionel and Alan Smith, plus Alan's step-son, Phillip Jones. Needless to say, many of the bouts were really exciting.

I'm busy with a full report, but in the meantime, here are the results.

Goodyear team racing:
1. Conrad Cloete/Dirk Meyer
2. Henry Kurowski/Nic van der Westhuizen
3. Derek Walker/Roston Dugmore

Novice stunt:
1. Nigel Hill
2. Rosten Dugmore jnr.
3. Derek Walker

Combat:
1. Lionel Smith
2. Phillip Jones
3. Henry Kurowski

Expert Stunt:
1. Keith Renecle
2. Loren Nell
3. Nic van der Westhuizen

Thanks again to all of those folks that helped to make this a memorable Nats.

Regards,

Keith Renecle