Precision Pro Handles

When Ted announced that he was making handles available to the general stunt kingdom, I sent him a "C" note and a request for the fat ones. Within a week, a nifty package containing four handle kits arrived! The assembly is very straight forward. I shaped them by "knocking the edges" (remembering that taking too much away makes things tough). I finished mine with a couple of coats of polyurethane.

The instructions alone are terrific! Ted expresses the why's and wherefores of his thinking very well!

Flying proved to be a new experience.....the big difference was in places where the aeroplane might be "light on the lines"...the initial plane demonstrated this at the top of the vertical eight...Ted's handle put some real "feel" andcertainly instilled confidence that I was, in fact, steering the aeroplane! The only annoyance with the handle was that my fat knuckle hit the top metal piece...easily rectified in my case by flipping the piece upside down, as I required a bit more handle spacing.

A true joy is to be able to quickly and easily adjust the spacing....this helps in trying to obtain equal turns.

I think that anyone that is trying to improve their stunt skills would benefit by one of these handles and by reading the instructions that accompany.

Thanks, Ted, for such a fine product!

See Ya

The only annoyance with the handle
>was that my fat knuckle hit the top metal piece...easily
>rectified in my case by flipping the piece upside down, as I
>required a bit more handle spacing.

>Thanks, Ted, for such a fine product!
>
>See Ya
>
>Peabody

Rich,

thanks for the nice words. Glad you like them. FYI and others, the new batch of parts has taken your complaint to heart. The shape of the steel adjusters has been altered so that the line on the back towards your knuckles is tapered, thus providing some additional clearance.

Before you ask, these are not replacements for the originals. They are also made of slightly thicker steel (stainless 0.060" vice the original cold rolled 0.055" variety). The original handles required a considerable amount of hand work to reduce the 1/16" ply core down to between 0.057-8" so that the fit between the handle and the adjustors wouldn't be too sloppy.

The new versions give an automatic 0.003" clearance between the handle and the adjusters and saves me a whole lot of time.

thanks again, rich.

Ted et al. Maybe I should try a "Precision Pro Handle".. But I am used to handles without any 15 degree down-bias. Maybe my hand (the left one) was made with no down bias?

Floyd Carter: in Oregon

Floyd,
Ted's handles don't have any bias. I am assuming the bias you are refering to is like that in the Tom Morris handle.

Ted,

Do have any handles in-stock?

I am new to this neighborhood. I have flown RC pattern competitively for a number of years, but this year I am planning to try my hand at competition CL aerobatics. One thing I have been searching for in the way of equipment is a good adjustable handle. I would like very much to have some information on the Precision Pro, what are its features, cost, etc.

>I am new to this neighborhood. I have flown RC pattern
>competitively for a number of years, but this year I am
>planning to try my hand at competition CL aerobatics. One
>thing I have been searching for in the way of equipment is a
>good adjustable handle. I would like very much to have some
>information on the Precision Pro, what are its features,
>cost, etc.

First off, you will find us CL Stunt guys to be just as nuts as the folk in the RC Pattern community. But welcome to you, there are more ex-RC fliers in CL than one might at first imagine.

I do not have Ted Fancher's number with me, but he lives in Foster City, CA. I am sure he is listed. You might also try signalling him on the Main Forum, as he does hang out there frequently.

I do not believe you can do any better than to get at least one of Ted's handles. I've made some good ones of my own, seen dozens of different designs. Finally had to swallow my pride and just make the switch; now have five of Ted's handles, am no longer in the market for any others.

And as long as you're making a beginning, pay very careful attention to what the instructions say about using no bias in the handles. Resisted this for years, have since made amends.

Dan

P.S. In talking to Ted, also get signed up for PAMPA. He is on relatively good speaking terms with the person who handles our membership-related duties.

Here is a link to try.

http://www.clstunt.com/htdocs/dcforum/DCForumID9/66.html

>One thing I have been searching for in the way of equipment is a
>good adjustable handle. I would like very much to have some
>information on the Precision Pro, what are its features,
>cost, etc.

You should know that the Fancher handle is NOT adjustable in the same manner as a typical handle. You can adjust the line spacing but there is no adjustment to compensate for line or leadout length differences. You need to have a dedicated set of lines for each plane.

My personal suggestion is to buy a fully adjustable handle to start. You will probably go thru a few planes before you get to the point that you don't have a few crashes. When you get beyond that stage, the the Fancher handle would make sense. JMHO.

>You should know that the Fancher handle is NOT adjustable in
>the same manner as a typical handle. You can adjust the line
>spacing but there is no adjustment to compensate for line or
>leadout length differences. You need to have a dedicated set
>of lines for each plane.(snip)

There is some adjustment, Dick. Both the top and the bottom arms can be moved in and out to some degree. Of course, this being a hard point handle, you do not wish to do this too far as it will throw off the ratios of "up" and "down" control. In an ideal world, the "bar" needs to be as close to vertical as possible. However, if you work to get your leadouts as close to equal length as possible (which you should) and your line length as close to equal as possible (which you should also do) then there will be very little adjustment needed at the handle to get the perfect feel.

I would suggest having separate handles for different planes if you plane to go back and forth simply because you not only need to adjust for line length (even if it is a very small amount) but also for line spacing. By having two handles or three (or whatever, for the planes you fly the most) you can use the same set of lines and simply switch handles.

I just used my Precision Pro Handle for the first time yesterday and I really like it. You really can feel more through this handle. Simple to assemble and Ted provides some great instructions and flying tips!

Thanks Ted for providing this product, it's well worth the money.

Ted!
We (Aaron and I) are using the handles, and really like them! Aaron had never used a hard point handle and he used one yesterday on his new big piped ship. He kept talking about how much he likes it. The small one I got was for him. I can't get my hand in it, but the large ones are doing fine for me! Now I am finding out just how much error I was making in my lines! LOL!! Got to make up some different length clips to get them just right.
All in all they are wonderful, the "feel" is great!
Bill <><