RC Supplies

• 1. Batteries (this is growing)
• 2. Nichrome Wire
• 3. Mechanical/Video/Electronic/Surplus Parts
• 4. Carbon fiber
• 5. Over-Sized Servos and (sail) Winches
• 6. Custom foam wing replacements

1. Batteries (this is growing)

Mr. Nicad
E.H. Yost & Co.
7344 Tetiva Rd
Sauk City, WI 53583
Tel: (608)643-3194
Fax: (608)643-4439

They sell all sizes of nicad cells and battery packs and battery rebuild kits. (cell phone, laptops, HT's, cordless phone, camcorder, etc, oh yeah, lithium, sealed lead acid, and alkaline too!)

2. Nichrome Wire

Most physics supply companies carry nichrome wire in small quantities. Probably not the cheapest of sources, though. Here are two of the bigger supply companies:

• Central Scientific Company
  Orders: 1-800-572-3626

• Frey Scientific
  Orders: 1-800-225-3739

3. Mechanical/Video/Electronic/Surplus Parts

These lists, courtesy Arrick Robotics, list vendors that deal with the above-mentions items.

You can read about a very inexpensive video camera made by I. Stirling in UK

Another source of Electromechanical Components is from PRODUCT.COM -- Worldwide Internet Product Information

This is a list of a large number of Electronics Mail Order List from my Sci.Electronics FAQ

4. Carbon fiber

For carbon fiber cloth in many weights and weaves, try:

Composite Structures Technology
P.O Box 642
Tehachapi, CA 93581-0642
Tel: 1-800-338-1278

They have a variety of other supplies for modelers, too.

(From Bryan Keil)

Aerospace composites has some good stuff for all composite work:

Aerospace Composites
14210 Doolittle Dr
San Leandro, CA
Tel: 510-352-2022
Fax: 510-352-2021

5. Over-Sized Servos and (sail) Winches

Condor R/C Specialties
Attn: Cliff Rausin 1733 Monrovia Ave
Costa Mesa, CA, 92627
Tel: 714-642-8020
Fax: 714-642-8021

They are importers and distributors for Tonegawa Seiko and have a heavy duty servo model SSPS-105 with a starting torque of 5,278 oz-in. Holding torque is a function of the frame rate. At highest frame rates about 100 Kg-cm. Other models are listed.

(From Bob Parks)

RC Model Yachts and Accessories
675 SW 238th Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Tel: 503-649-7707

They sell several types of drum winches with varying power levels, and I imagine that one will be adequate a sailboat. Price is $85 and up, however. I have found it best to call them at night or on a weekend.

6. Custom foam wing replacements

For those who are interested in custom foam wing replacements for standard kits such as the Spirit and Gentle Lady you should contact:

RA Cores
P.O. Box 863
Southbridge, MA 01550
Tel: (508) 765-9998 (E-Mail preferred)

E-Mail: racores@world.std.com

URL: http://world.std.com/~racores/ (RA Cores Home Page)

I have nothing but praise for this company who have been very helpful to a potential customer more than 10,000 miles away. Give them a try - very helpful and excellent references from some happy customers.