In Part 1 of my Toledo Trip 2011 Wrap-Up, I was pretty down on how much unadulterated junk there was at the show this year. But there were a few good things there this year as well. I'm not talking about product specific stuff; that strikes me as pointless at this point (I'm really late getting Part 2 up). But there are still a couple of points I want to hit.
Talking with the Horizon guys
The good folks at Horizon were more than generous with their time. We got to spend roughly an hour at the Horizon booth, and talked to some very smart people about various things. The hot topic of the time was the Blade mCPX issues, and one of the helicopter experts explained to us, in a very detailed but simple manner, what the problem was and how they were fixing it. A Spektrum guru walked us through the difference between DSM2 and DSMX, and why the change was made. I know those guys took a slight beating on the issue, and my heart goes out to them. It's not a very fun thing to admit your radio system needs to be changed, even if it's a small minority of cases that causes the problem. And finally, we talked with one of the lead developers of the Ultra-Micro F4U Corsair project, and he went through all the trials and tribulations of that particual aircraft. It was a major highlight of the trip for me, spending all that time with people that are knowledgable and friendly. Hat's off to them!
The central model display
It's always a highlight - the models on display down the center asile are amazing. The amount of work that goes into one of these models is astounding. You can check out the various pictures I took of some of them - the images are worth more than my words of praise.
Chatting it up with other companies
Between Bob Smith Industries, Sig, Great Planes, Castle Creations, and more, it was nice seeing the usual cast of characters at the show. But without much new to discuss, it wasn't as useful as it could have been.
And there you have it. Not nearly as long as Part 1, but not as much to talk about, either. Hopefully next year brings more legitimate hobby products to the Toledo Show. Only time will tell.
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What is Bind-N-Fly (BNF)?
Bind-N-Fly is much more than just another category or completion level of RC aircraft, like ARF or RTF. It's a revolution in ready-to-fly convenience that RC enthusiasts everywhere have been waiting for. A revolution that is only possible because of Spektrum 2.4 DSM technology.
One Transmitter Endless Possibilities
With a single Spektrum or JR DSM aircraft transmitter you hold the key to the whole world of Bind-N-Fly aircraft that includes everything from tiny Blade helicopters to powerful ParkZone warbirds. That's because all Bind-N-Fly aircraft come out of the box with a Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM receiver built-in. All you have to do is:
Choose a Bind-N-Fly airplane or helicopter
Bind it to your DSM aircraft transmitter
Fly!
New Bind-N-Fly aircraft are appearing all the time from the biggest names in RC flight such as E-flite, ParkZone and Blade.
Be With the One You Love
If you've already invested in a sophisticated Spektrum or JR DSM aircraft transmitter, you're probably reluctant to fly with anything else. After all you've got the stick tension just the way you want it, you know where all the switches are and you love the programming features. For you, your DSM transmitter is as much a part of your flying enjoyment as what you fly with it.
Used to be, enjoying the fun and convenience of ready to fly meant having to use a multitude of different transmitters. That is unless you were willing to risk an aircraft's warranty by swapping out receivers or crystals so you could use your favorite transmitter. Bind-N-Fly makes it possible to have all kinds of exciting ready-to-fly experiences using the DSM aircraft transmitter you've become attached to. No new control configurations or ergonomics to get used. No extra transmitters taking up space in your field box. If you're a one radio pilot, this is ready to fly the way you always dreamt it could be.
Don't Pay for What You Don't Need
Bind-N-Fly aircraft reduce the cost of ready-to-fly fun because they don't include a transmitter that you don't need. You only get the airplane or heli you're interested in and any accessories necessary to get it flying. You'll save money and space on your transmitter shelf at the same time.
Discover the Precision of DSM
Maybe you don't have a DSM aircraft transmitter yet and have been looking for a reason to make the jump. Bind-N-Fly aircraft are the ideal reason to invest in the unparalleled precision and response of a Spektrum or JR 2.4GHz DSM system. And there's a system for every budget and experience level, from the unbelievably affordable Spektrum DX5e 5-channel transmitter all the way up to the amazing JR 12X 12-channel system.
Monday, May 2, 2011 at 11:57PM 
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