K.C.'s Garage

This morning my inbox exploded with articles about the FAA's recent Interpretation of the rules for R/C flying. Specifically with their consideration for "First Person View" (FPV) flying. (Flying by reference to a video transmitter on board the model aircraft.) http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-faa-is-trying-to-ban-first-person-view-drone-flights http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=16474&cid=TW223 http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/media/model_aircraft_spec_rule.pdf Summary: According to the FAA, FPV flying in the US is not legal, even with a spotter. Details:   [14 CFR Part 91 ,  Docket No. FAA-2014-0396, " Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft"]: Under the criteria above, visual line of sight would mean that the operator has an unobstructed view of the model aircraft. To ensure that the operator has the best view of the aircraft, the statutory requirement would preclude the use of visi...

Update :  Have one?  Building one?   Click Here: Donkey Quad Manual A while ago I bought an inexpensive HobbyKing F330 frame, thinking I would use it with some SunnySky X2212-9 1400KV motors and 8" props I had.  Unfortunately, that turned out to be a very unstable combination.  It was fast as hell, and good at aerobatics, but I couldn't tune the shakes out of it.  I decided those motors were just too big for that small 330mm frame. On a whim, I was looking at the cheapest 3S capable outrunners that HobbyKing sells when I ran across these ugly duckings here: The Donkey ST2004-1550kv , "When pulling power matters and looks.. well.. just don't." HobbyKing Donkey ST2004-1550kv The mounts are nonstandard ugly aluminum tangs with holes in them.  The sticker oddly says "ST2204-1550kv" whereas the website part number os "ST2004-1550kv".  They have 3mm shafts, but don't include any collets or prop adapters. But, they're dirt ch...