New Products

Ultra-Nano, Coreless, Low Profile Wing Servo

Hitec now offers their 8.5 mm, ultra-nano, slim wing D131MW servo. Featuring a low profile, machined aluminum case, high-efficiency coreless motor, and dual ball bearings, this competitively-priced servo is the most durable, longest lasting in its class.

Its robust technology is perfect for pilots and drivers needing powerful torque in a nano package, and is ideal for high-performance, thin-wing aircraft and hand launch gliders. The D131MW’s quality engineering, enduring power, and precision will impress the most discerning of modelers.

Features include:

Wide Operating Voltage: 3.5~8.4V
1~2 Cell LiPo Compatible
Coreless Motor
Durable Metal Gears
All Aluminum Case
Dual Ball Bearings
High Response, High Resolution Circuitry
Smart Sense Technology for Servo Analytics
Full Programmability w/Hitec’s DPC11 or HFP-30 (sold separately)
M25T Micro Output Spline

Verified specifications include:

Speed: 0.14 sec/60º at 6V and 0.11 sec/60º at 7.4V
Torque: 33 oz/in at 6V and 40 oz/in at 7.4V
Weight: 0.35 oz/9.8g
Dimensions: 0.87” x 0.34” x 0.59” (0.91” w/motor protrusion); 22 mm x 8.5 mm x 15 mm (23.2 mm w/motor protrusion)

Estimated street price is $69.99.

AC/DC Dual Port Charger/Discharger Power Supply

Hitec is also offering the RDX2 1000 with boasts a sleek modern design and easy-to-transport handle. It’s an AC/DC powerhouse that charges high-capacity battery packs at rapid rates.

The dual output ports each offer 20 amps of power to simultaneously charge two batteries of any chemistry; or, you can pair the outputs to charge at rates up to 35 amps.

The RDX2 1000 features an easy-to-use LCD interface display and handy pushbutton controls, while the front-panel XT60 connectors and XH balance ports help keep wiring uncluttered. Its high charge and discharge rates for lowering resistance and improving power make it perfect for competitions.

Accepting both 12V DC, and 100-240 volts AC, the RDX2 1000 is ideal for charging at home or in the field, and perfect for all hobbyists needing ultra-fast charging of their larger battery packs. Internal circuitry allows discharge rates up to two amps, and 40 amps when paired with the companion AD350 discharge module (sold separately and described next).

The RDX2 1000 key features include:

User-Friendly Interface
Balance, Standard, Storage, and Cycle Modes for All Lithium Battery Chemistries
Battery Meter
Internal Resistance
Terminal Voltage Control
Re-Peak Charge Mode and Delta-Peak Sensitivity for NiMH/NiCd Batteries
Capacity Cut-Off Limit
Smart Ventilation Fan
Intelligent Power Distribution Between Ports
USB-C Socket for PC Interface and Firmware

RDX2 1000 technical specifications include:

100V-240V AC Operating Voltage Range
LiPo, LiFe, and Li-ion Cell Count: 1-6 Cells
NiCd/NiMH Cell Count: 1-15 Cells
Pb Lead-Acid Based Cell Count: 2-20 Volts
Charge Circuit Power: 450W A/ 1000W DC
Discharge Circuit Power: 10W (350W w/AD350 Discharge Module)
Charger Current Range: 0.1A-20A x 2/0.1A-35A Parallel
PC Interface with Downloadable Software
12V Power Supply Mode Runs other Devices
Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.0 x 3.9 in/190 x 152 x 99 mm
Weight: 3.0 lb/1.36k

Estimated street price is $279.99.

Analyzer and Charger

The high-power AD350 from Hitec is ideal for discharging and analyzing both Nickel and LiPo batteries. Its PC interface and higher capacity offer extended capability and convenience to help you maintain ultimate battery performance.

AD350 key features are:

High-Power Analyzer Discharger for Cycling NiCd/NiMH and LiPo Batteries
PC Interface with Downloadable Analyzing Software
All Aluminum Case with Built-in Fan

AD350 technical specifications are:

Discharge Power: 350W
Discharge Current: 0.1-40.0A
Over Temp. Protection: >203ºF
Working Temp.: 32º ~ 104ºF
Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.1 x 3.7 in/158 x 104 x 94 mm
Weight: 2.7 lb/1.22 kg

For further information, contact:
Hitec RCD
www.hitecrcd.com

Hitec RCD is celebrating their golden anniversary as a world-renowned and influential electronics manufacturer. Founded in 1973, Hitec RCD began as an exporter of light emitting diodes, with a mission to bring burgeoning technology to a worldwide audience. Their founders quickly recognized the fast growing pace of the radio control industry. Hitec then set their sights on researching and developing radio and servo system technologies.

Happy 50th Hitec!

Motor Breakout Board

Andymark now offers a motor breakout board that is handy for use with DC motors and is simple to install. Connect your motor to the OUT terminal block. Power the board with 6.5-45 VDC power on VMotor and provide the H-bridge input control on IN1 and IN2.

You can even PWM the inputs and the driver chip will do the right thing. The 30K resistor (~2A current limit) can be removed and replaced with a resistor of your choice for resistance and limit. Price is $8.

Specifications are:

Dimensions: 1” x 0.8” x 0.4”
Manufacturer: Adafruit Industries
Manufacturer Part#: 3190
Motor Power Voltage: 6.5V to 45V
Peak Current: 3.6A
Weight: 0.1 oz

JST PH Six-Pin Connection Board

If you’re looking for just a little bit more length for your NEO encoder wires and/or are tired of encoder connections coming apart mid match, use this handy board now available from Andymark with a JST-PH six-pin extension cable (qty. 4) and two cable ties to get a longer cable that will fail at the crimps before it ever comes disconnected. The optimized design of this board includes two notches that will hold cable ties to help secure attached wires.

Price is $4. Dimensions are 1.9” x 0.9” x 0.3”.

Diamond Plate

Also available at Andymark are sheets of aluminum stamped with a diamond pattern. Pricing ranges from $12-$15. Tolerance is ± 1”.

For further information, contact:
AndyMark
www.andymark.com

CyberCrawler Robot Kit

OWI’s CyberCrawler Robot’s Kit 76 assembly pieces are the ideal level of difficulty to take a user’s assembly skills beyond rudimentary snap together type kits.

A simple press-button programming keypad embedded on its cranium provides immediate feedback as CyberCrawler Robot’s LEDs illuminate and the robot executes programmed animations. There is no need to download codes from a PC or tablet via USB or Bluetooth connections; the technology required is onboard.

This kit challenges several levels of thinking skills with simple and basic maneuvers (forward, backward, left turn, and right turn), with each command powering the robot for timed intervals. Builders use mathematical time measurement distance coding methodology to travel from point A to B.

Graduating to the next level, users can apply advanced reasoning skills by designing obstacles or maze courses. With a maximum storage capacity of 64 tasks, CyberCrawler Robot is a terrific tool to teach the joy of coding. It’s easy, entertaining, and fun just by effortlessly pushing a few buttons.

Four AAA batteries (not included) are needed. Dimensions of the assembled product are 9.35” x 5.72” 2.75”. Price is $29.95

Cyber Hand Kit

The Cyber Hand Robotics Kit also available at OWI is a unique and engaging way for children to learn about robotics and promote STEM education. With this kit, your children can create their own robotic hand that moves and interacts with objects, providing endless hours of fun and learning.

Pick up small objects, pet a dog; you are in complete control. Four spring-loaded flexor control abductors with an adjustable palm plate allow you to flex Cyber Hand’s joints. No motors, water, or electricity required.

The kit has 125 pieces and batteries are not required. Dimensions of the assembled hand are 16” L x 7” W x 7.5” H. Max bearing is 600g; a single finger is 60g. Price is $29.95.

The Cyber Hand Robotics Kit is a recipient of the 2023 Family Choice Award. The Family Choice Awards recognize the finest products and services that enrich the lifestyles of children and families.

Ozkar Vacuum Robot

OWI’s Ozkar Vacuum Robot is an infrared sensor detecting mini trash can cleaner robot kit that scans its surroundings by using AI (artificial intelligence) and IR (infrared sensor) which allow it to seamlessly complete obstacles.

Once this 40-piece STEM kit is constructed, builders will quickly realize this is no ordinary robot. Ozkar offers a stimulating insight into how its commercial cousins navigate their surroundings to “clean up” small particles of dust.

The kit has 40 pieces and uses four AA batteries (not included). Dimensions of the assembled product are 3.46” x 3.74” x 4.84.” Price is $21.95.

For further information, contact:
OWI Kit
https://owirobot.com/

New PCB Gerber Viewer Online

HQ NextPCB has announced the release of their HQDFM Online Gerber Viewer and DFM Analysis Tool. With HQDFM, NextPCB hopes to empower designers with the DFM tools and knowledge to perfect their designs as early as possible, where problems are the least costly.

The PCB manufacturing industry has and still relies on the Ucamco Gerber standard to communicate PCB production to manufacturers, which are often located overseas. While the 2D image format overcomes language barriers, the language of PCB Design for Manufacture (DFM) is still ambiguous to many inexperienced designers and the division between PCB design and PCB manufacture remains an expensive obstacle leading to missed deadlines, hit-and-miss runs, and quick-to-fail products.

“There are still many designers that send off their production files without any knowledge of what the files contain. Resolving issues with the fab house becomes a challenge for both sides without the appropriate tools and knowledge to debug the design, which is something we hope to change for everyone’s benefit,” said HQ NextPCB CEO, Alex Chen.

HQDFM Gerber Viewer is a completely free online tool for displaying and reviewing PCB Gerber files and OBD++ files. It incorporates HQDFM’s DFM algorithms which are based on NextPCB’s 15 years of manufacturing expertise and current industry standards.

Unlike EDA software’s built-in DRC checks, HQDFM allows designers to navigate and analyze the production files and check for design issues that may impact manufacturing or cause long-term reliability issues.

With HQDFM, designers are given a manufacturer’s perspective and have valuable insights into how they can improve their designs.

Based on the free desktop version, the cross-platform, online HQDFM makes the easy-to-use Gerber Viewer function and DFM analysis available to everyone, including Mac and Linux users with no download or installation and no sign-up.

Anyone can freely upload PCB production files to the online interface and view their design in seconds.

HQDFM supports X2 and RS-274x PCB Gerber formats, Excellon drill files, and OBD++ files, and works with Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera browsers. Features include:

Check for over 20 Design for Manufacture issues
Navigate your PCB layer by layer
Free downloadable DFM Report for more detailed analysis
Easy, one-click ordering with HQ NextPCB
Absolutely free, no sign-up or obligation

Design for Manufacturability — Whether PCB elements are within the capabilities of most manufacturers in the industry, from low-cost quick turn services to advanced services: