Team JR NATS Setups: Learning From the Pros

Don Szczur
3rd Place FAI Finals

Equipment Used

Transmitter: JR 10X
Receiver: JR 955
Aileron Servos: 8411 (2)
Elevator Servos: 9411 (2)
Rudder Servo: 8611

Comments

I used lots of different mixes—the JR throttle curve, throttle to rudder mix, throttle to aileron mix, throttle to elevator mix, rudder to elevator mix, rudder to aileron mix and most of all a smooth exponential curve on all control surfaces, particularly the rudder. I believe the expo curve on the JR 10X is the best out there. It’s hard to explain in words, but easy to feel in the air. Whether it’s on the third quarter of a rolling circle, exiting a stall turn without a wobble, or initiating a clean snap entry, the expo curve gives me better control of my plane.

Andrew Jesky
7th Place FAI Finals

Equipment Used

Transmitter: JR 10X
Receiver: 770 PCM
Aileron Servos: 9411SA (2)
Elevator Servos: 3421SA (2)
Rudder Servo: 8611A

Comments

I ran electric this year and, with weight being such a big issue, I had the confidence in JR to run smaller servos and a smaller receiver and still have great confidence in my equipment. I feel that the JR helped me in the Nationals because everything worked flawlessly, and it never crossed my mind to worry about anything breaking or failing. It was a great feeling having 6 out of the possible 8 guys in the finals flying JR. This contributed to a good atmosphere for the Final day, with everyone trying to help one another—whether it was helping with the unknowns or just keeping everyone laughing.

Troy Newman
8th Place FAI Finals

Equipment Used

Transmitter: JR 10X
Receiver: R770 SPCM Rx
Aileron Servos: 9411SA
Elevator Servos: 8411SA
Rudder Servo: 8611
Throttle Servo: 3421SA

Comments

The 10X is so easy to program that it gives me confidence and a feeling of connection with my model. I used the R770 RX because it’s lightweight, small, and performs. I really feel SPCM is the only way to fly a competition model. It gives the security and assurance that is needed when trying to compete on a world-class level. The SA servos provide tight gear trains and the ultimate in precision. The performance and precision of JR digital servos helped to make me look good, and they allow someone like me to compete on the level of world-class pilots like QuiQue Somenzini. With so many great pilots all gunning for the top spot, you can't have the equipment hold you back. JR again proved that 6 of the 8 top finalists could "Feel the Difference!"

Thanks JR for the great equipment!

Curtis Youngblood
1st Place FAI F3C Finals

Equipment Used

Aircraft: JR Vibe 90-size helicopter.
Radio Equipment:
JR PCM 10X
JR 8311 servos
JR 7000 gyro sensor

Comments

All of the JR equipment performed flawlessly and made it possible for me to win all the competition rounds. There was no special programming or tricks. I just used the standard JR radio equipment and it performed at a very high level.

Dan Kane
10th Place Q-40, 8th Place Q-500

Equipment Used

Transmitter: JR 9303
Receivers: 649 Q-500 and 770 RX in QM40
Receiver Batteries: Expert 720mAh Ni-MH
Elevator and Aileron Servos: 3421
Throttle Servo: 321
Rudder Servo: 312

Comments

I competed in both QM-40, where I placed 10th and Q-500, where I placed 8 th. I used planes that I have designed. The Polecat, which I used in QM-40, has won the Nats 2 out of the last 3 years, and has held the fast time for the past 3 years.

Mike Helsel
1st Place Q-500, 4th Place Q-40

Equipment Used

Transmitter: JR 9303
Receiver: R770 PCM
Servos: 3421 and 3121
Engine: Jett BSE Q500
Airplane: Vortex Q500 by Chuck Bridge

Comments

The AMA Q500 is a very competitive racing event where you race three other airplanes around a quarter mile course for 10 laps at speeds of up to 170 miles per hour. A strong engine, well built aircraft and reliable, precise control systems are essential. JR fills the bill for the control system. The 9303 transmitter provides excellent mixing functions to allow precise trimming of the airplane to fly through the tight pylon turns at 170 miles per hour without losing any significant speed, which is critical in competition at this level. The small and light R770 receiver not only saves room in the tight airframe, but also helps save weight, which is also critical. The 3421 digital servo on the aileron and 3121 servos on each V-tail elevator provide the precise centering required to maintain a smooth flight path and provide the necessary power when you make those tight pylon turns. The best thing about the JR equipment is you don't think about it while flying, allowing you to concentrate on getting to the finish line first in each heat race! Reliability, flexibility and the power to win!

Dave Lockhart
4th FAI Finals

Equipment Used

Transmitter: JR PCM10X
Receiver: JR 770
Aileron Servos: JR 9411SA
Rudder Servo: JR 8411SA
Elevator Servo: JR 8417*
Throttle Servo: JR 3421SA
Mixture Servo: JR 3421SA

Comments

The engine is a Webra 160 MC that requires the use of two servos - one for the "air valve" and one for the "fuel valve" (mixture). I use the 3421SAfor both the air and fuel valves. I would say the competitive advantage of my setup is the light weight. The JR radio components, Webra engine, and Vivat composite airframe are all very lightweight, resulting in a very high power-to-weight ratio without sacrificing any precision, durability, or consistency.

Peter Goldsmith
2nd Place F3J, 6th Place 2-Meter

Equipment Used

Comments

I love the accuracy of the JR Digital servos for soaring. With most of the modern airfoils, you need extremely accurate camber settings. In some cases, only 1mm of camber or reflex is all that is required for optimum efficiency. JR digital servos give such great resolution and centering, it makes it easy to set up the modern competition thermal duration model.

Tom Kiesling
1st Place F3J Soaring, 1st Place 2-Meter

Equipment Used

Comments

There was nothing unique about the programming on the 9303. In fact, I did not have to use any of the programmable mixes, which is noteworthy.

All of the built-in functions met my requirements. As to models flown

Mike McConville
2nd Place Unlimited Class

Equipment Used

Carden Aircraft 40% Extra 260
Desert Aircraft DA-150
Transmitter: JR 10X
Receiver: JR 945
Rudder Servos: JR 8611
Aileron Servos: JR 8611
Elevator Servos: 8611A
Throttle Servo: JR 8101
3 x JR Matchboxes (1 on each aileron, 1 on rudder)

Comments

I used four 4000mA Duralite Li-Ion battery; two on receiver, one on the rudder matchbox and one on the ignition

Gary Freeman, Jr.
5th Place Q-500, 8th Place Q-40

Equipment Used

Comments

I would have to say that without JR products for my setup, I just wouldn't feel in the grove. I have helped many other pilots test fly planes with different name brand radios and nothing comes close to the feel of JR radios and the quick response of JR servos. Thanks for the great support through the 12 years of sponsorship.

Randy Bridge
3rd Place Q-500

Equipment Used

Comments

This was the 6th year in a row that I've won the "Overall Pylon Champion" award. Finishing 3rd in Quickee500 and 2nd in Q-40 gave me enough points by accumulation to win. The reason I use this particular equipment is mostly to keep the airplane close to minimum weight. The digital 3421 servos, (which I prefer) are a bit heavier than the 3121's. However with the 3121 I still get the high torque rating and lots of speed. I like fast servos! The 770 SPCM receiver is a no-brainer. Lightweight and small, easy to pack in our smaller type race planes. Best receiver on the market for Pylon Racing, hands down! I use all the same stuff for Q-40, except I use the Digital 3421's on aileron, elevator and rudder. Very fast servo, centers precisely, and returns to center quickly. My transmitter...another no-brainer. I use the new 9303 9-channel radio. I race a lot all over the country, and in racing we crash more frequently than in other disciplines. So, I usually own about 15 racers at any one time.