Author Topic: Smoke Generators  (Read 9764 times)

Happy Days

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« on: January 11, 2011, 23:01:12 PM »
Been watching some videos of  full size aerobatic gliders. Some of them have smoke generators on their wing tips to leave a trail, to very great effect, as they perform their routines. 8)

Does anybody know if it’s possible to get them for model gliders as well?
If so......., where, and how much do they cost??

Keith
Try not to run out of airspeed, altitude and ideas....... all at the same time.

Fred

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« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2011, 11:20:22 AM »
Hey Keith,

I found a company in the US that does that. Can't remember the link, but I'll post it if I find the link again.
Otherwise, in France, in Model shops.

Miniplanes do a bunch (Smoke system = Fumigene in French) 15 euros for 5.
Fumigene type are AX60 and AX18 and gives around 4mins of smoke.

You also have accessories for the wings etc etc.

http://www.miniplanes.fr/accessoires-avion-rc/fumigenes-c-76_360.html

A Google search might gives you more answers  :D
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Happy Days

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« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2011, 15:18:09 PM »
Well, what do you know,……….with your help Fred I’ve found a UK supplier…. http://www.robotbirds.com/catalog/images/productpages/smokesystem.html


I gotta try this, 8)  it looks great on full size birds. I might stick a couple on my 4mtr ASW, just to see what it looks like.  :D

Only problem……………………..If I crash in the trees of Mt. Lienster it could burn the entire forest down! :oops:
Try not to run out of airspeed, altitude and ideas....... all at the same time.

Fred

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« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2011, 15:23:07 PM »
Good stuff !  :D

Hmmm... A forest fire in Ireland ??
Does that mean it might stop to rain for a few days ??  \:D/
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Richard Boyd

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« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2011, 17:49:25 PM »
Hi Keith, for a professional smoke system then contact my friend Aleksey  :D
I have the fire starter system and it is amazing !
I can ignite 6 rocket from a plane ! :shock:

This is his site http://www.myresearch.lt/production/Firestarter/firestarter.phtml
Aleksey is a wizard, if you need help then give me a PM
ENJOY THE VIDEOS

I am visiting Lithuania in March so if anyone is interested in a system from Aleksey then give me a PM and I will get it for you.

Richard
Richard Boyd
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billscottni

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« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2011, 19:03:53 PM »
Think you might have problems bringing that sort of thing back on an aircraft these days! :?:  :?:

Happy Days

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« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2011, 23:13:49 PM »
Hey Richard,
I just received the “smokers” from Robot Birds today.

Compared to your friends’ arrangement these are very basic. I can either light them and then launch the plane, or use some small slow burning fuses which can be attached to the smokers so the smokers ignite after a period of time. I just hope they don’t catch the plane alight!

Turning to your friend:
I’m a little worried that the pyrotechnics might be illegal in RoI. Fireworks are considered explosives here, and can only be used in licensed, official displays.

I’ll keep Aleksey in mind though and let you know.

Thanks for all the info Richard.

Keith
Try not to run out of airspeed, altitude and ideas....... all at the same time.

Fred

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« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2011, 23:23:36 PM »
Hey Keith,

A while ago, I spent hours scratching my head to find a way to ignite rockets remotely (for the Opel Rak).
Found loads of systems on the tinternet, but they were or expensive, or over the top (and expensive  :P ).

And I saw the light one day on my workbench... Simply use an old esc!
The ones for brushed motors.
Simple!

For Estes rockets, the igniter works on 9 volts (on top of my head).
Esc, lipo battery for power, plugged on the igniter.
Command is on a switch on the radio... Et voila  :D
Flick the switch, send the current, and ignite  :D

Then watch your pride and joy burn  :P

I don't know how your ignite, but might be a lead.
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Happy Days

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« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2011, 12:07:37 PM »
That’s a possible idea Fred. Have to say I’ve never used brushed motors/esc’s before……….bit before my time. After all, I’m only a new kid on the block! :roll:

Here’s what arrived yesterday. I’d hoped to try them today, but all is dead calm here.
This is one of the wing tip clips. It fits over the trailing edge with sticky tape.






This is the closed end of one of the smoker cartridges.






This is the “open” end of the cartridge, along with a fuse retaining cap





This is one of the fuses, I've tried one at home, they burn very quickly. Don't give you much time to launch before the smokers start burning!!!










Hopefully the winds will pick up a bit soon. I’ll let you know what happens

Keith
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DaveMc

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« Reply #9 on: January 18, 2011, 12:18:40 PM »
BOOOM!!!!! :lol:
At least we walk towards our crashes and not run screaming from them ;)

Richard Boyd

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« Reply #10 on: January 18, 2011, 12:56:19 PM »
Hi Keith , they look good !
Looking forward to your report.

Bill , I have taken serveral starters back over the years with out any questions.
Nail clippers or tooth paste now thats a different story lol   :roll:

Richard
Richard Boyd
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Fred

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« Reply #11 on: January 18, 2011, 13:22:41 PM »
"Going down in flames" might have another visual meaning!  :P

Photos and videos!!!
Education is important, but flying RC planes and gliders is importanter!

billscottni

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« Reply #12 on: January 18, 2011, 17:03:16 PM »
Quote from: "Richard Boyd"
Hi Keith , they look good !
Looking forward to your report.

Bill , I have taken serveral starters back over the years with out any questions.
Nail clippers or tooth paste now thats a different story lol   :roll:

Richard


And isn't that just the stupidity of the whole security thing :shock: No  toothpaste allowed, shoes off, explosives in your bag, no problem Sir :!:  :!: