Ray Hostetler

[Steve]

When I first started flying helis many years ago, my club mentor told me to buy the book 'Ray's Authoritative Heli Manual' as it is the 'Bible' and tells you all you need to know about RC helis.

I did buy it, but being a bit of a philistine, I never bothered to read it. I think I read the first couple of chapters but then got bored and thought I knew better........ so it's been stuck on the shelf for quite a few years now collecting dust, and I've built up my own idea of how RC helis should be setup.

Anyway, I just recently bought the DVD series of the same stuff off KnifeEdge on the forum for a measly sum, and have watched the first two discs out of five. All I can say, is I can't believe how much stuff I don't know, and my club mate was right all along!

Ray Hostetler is a gem, and I would recommend this to any/all new - comers into the hobby.

I couldn't be bovvered to read the book, so I bought the film instead - what a revelation.

[acwman]

..Could I have the 'flim' when you're finished with it?

[Steve]

..Could I have the 'flim' when you're finished with it?

Maybe.

[acwman]

Maybe.

..I've got the book, but I think you probably went through a few more chapters than I did

[Rctintin]

I totally agree with you. I got vol 7,8 & 9 on dvd before I got my 450 pro and DX7 because I had that book over 15 years ago when I first started in Heli's with a Shuttle ZX.

After a lay off from the hobby when I had to finance our first house, the advent of Lipo's and 2.4Mz had passed me by.

Now I am back into it again, those dvd's got be back upto date in no time, and now I have over 50 flights on the 450 and now a 500 with not a hitch.

I would recommend to all newcomers to buy this series of dvd's as they give you a very clear grounding of this great hobby of ours

Amen

[Bruinbear]

I too was sold on his original book by a friend. I couldn't get my head around some of the stuff in there until I bought the DVD's. Everything then seamed to click into place. It makes it far easier to take in when you see it being done, as oppose to just reading about it.
I now have all his DVDs and his latest book. In fact I was one of the first to buy it and Ray even signed it for me. How sad am I ?
I have learned a huge amount over the past couple of years and are now finding my own way, but still use the info for reference.
Highly recommended reading/watching.
Thank you Ray !

[Grant85]

I started out with Volumes 7,8 & 9 (Electric helicopters & eccpm) when I started in this hobby and all I can say is,it was an excellent buy.They have helped me out loads.Then I got the rest of the volumes last christmas,
Volumes 1,2 & 3 were £34.95
Volumes 4 & 5 were £22.95
Volume 6 (building & balancing rotor blades) was £13.95
Volumes 7,8 & 9 were £34.95
now I have the full set.
But they weren't cheap by any means So Steve you got a right bargain there from KnifeEdge
Cheers Grant.

[Brian Gifford]

I was reading the latest MHW last night, and John Bottomley was reviewing the AVRO BLitz, and says this: -

"Using the "High Points" rotor head balancing technique pioneered many years ago by Ray Hostetler."

I did a google search, but didn't turn up that much info. Looks like I'll be putting the book & DVDs on my Xmas list. In the meantime, can any Ray fans cast a bit of light on this setup method?

[Janek]

I purchased the book, may moons ago, and read quite a bit of it, but eventually put it down when I got totally pi$$ed off with his patronising writing style.

The classic photo was the guy wearing a crash helmet, with his heli strapped to a step ladder, ready to tune his engine, with the blades spooled up . . . . . . . where are the "safety police" when you need them ?

I still have that copy of the book, collecting dust somewhere !

[trvo]

I've got a copy of the "Ray's Authoritative Heli Manual" book and had the same opinion as Janek when I read it - some of the stuff in there was scarey!

If anyone wants it PM me, I'll send it posted for £15 - it's in good condition as it was hardly used...

Trev

[Brian Gifford]

Interesting! two very different schools of thought on Ray's book.

:lurk5: Any more views?

[trillian]

The classic photo was the guy wearing a crash helmet, with his heli strapped to a step ladder, ready to tune his engine, with the blades spooled up . . . . . . . where are the "safety police" when you need them ?

I still have that copy of the book, collecting dust somewhere !

Ah! I have heard about this. I remember now reading something on another forum about the stepladder thing but I had forgotten who it was.

[Asid]

I was reading the latest MHW last night, and John Bottomley was reviewing the AVRO BLitz, and says this: -

"Using the "High Points" rotor head balancing technique pioneered many years ago by Ray Hostetler."

I did a google search, but didn't turn up that much info. Looks like I'll be putting the book & DVDs on my Xmas list. In the meantime, can any Ray fans cast a bit of light on this setup method?

You need:
High point balancer
Longer main shaft or counter balance

The longer shaft or counter balance is needed to ofset the weight of the head when its on the high point.

Place the head assembly with shaft or counter bal shaft horizontally on the High point.

Now you can balance the head like a fan or hub/flywheel.

You can add weight to the flybar to balance. This can be done with collars, weights or tape on the paddle.

The flybar must be straight or it will change the weight.

This is how i believe its done.

Regards

[Brian Gifford]

Thanks, Asid. Just one question, what's a "High Point Balancer" ?

[Asid]

Here you go

Prop Balancer

Counter Balance Shaft - H7030 (midlands)