Starship Modeler Discussion Forums

Are you wiring in series or parallel?

Yep, as stated, go with a headphone (aka phono) jack. 1/8 inch shold be more than enough for most low power requirements.

en'til Zog wrote:I'd like to suggest using a 9 volt REGULATED wall wart only.

VERY good point. I cannot point out how many people order these things, unregulated. But I'd never steer a brother wrong. My linky is for a regulated wart...

Silly Puddy...

As many have read, I am a HUGE opponent to 9V batteries. Their current capacity (as stated) is woefully low; the only modern use for them I can think of is in DC operated smoke detectors. As far as connecting them together, BE CAREFUL. If 3 are wired in series, that would apply 27 volts to your circ...

Or make sure the tank condensation drain is tightly closed...

Without knowing what components and their circuit configuration, it would be difficult to say. For most low current applications you should be fine,..

Why cut them? Why not just sink them to the depth you want...?

It may be rated at 12 volts, but it's current capability is for short pulses, as in small RF bursts like a car alarm remote. Essentially, you are draining the battery quickly, giving it a chance to rest, reconnecting it with a small bit of current left, lighting the first few LED's. In a parallel ci...

Does anyone have experience with using the aerosol sprayers you dump liquid paint into and charge to spray? I have a hot job and the foreman has suggestes using this. While in Finishing, what happens when you add paint thinner to laquer? I tried to thinn what I thought was enamel with thinner and it...

You want your surface to be shiny to begin with. After decal application, apply Micro Set for a few minutes. Blot any away and apply Micro Sol and...DON'T PANIC, it'll wrinkle it good, but will settle down after a few hours. If it is still not flat, reapply Micro Sol until it does. The AMT kit I'm w...

Nix the 9 Volt battery and resistor. Replace the battery with two AAA's. You'll simplify the circuit and add additional current capacity.

Yes, I hate the 9 Volt battery; it is virtually useless in today's circuitry...

My understanding is side lit fiber requires higher power LED's like Luxeon Star. I'm told they do need to be heat sunk for heat dissipation. If so, probably not the best for the interior of a model...

This may be heresy to some, but I've never washed commercially mass-produced styrene kits and I've never had a problem with paint adhesion. If you feel you should wash, I suggest buying distilled water from your market and use that.

Acrylic over enamel is A-okay. Enamel over acrylic, break out the Easy Off. I prime with Wal Mart equipment grey primer and airbrush Tamiya acrylics, Testors acrylics and even cheap craft paint acrylics over it.

I would guess neodynium. Seems logical the number would indicate strength...

I've done them all and the oil/turpenoid wash is the best, hands down.

My mom used to make these when we were kids.

And I've made these for special dinners.

They may not meet your exact needs, but it may give you some inspiration!

:o I am looking for what power supply to use on my new polar lights 1/350 enterprise kit i will only use the sock system from trekmodeler so if some one can post a link for me to use? if it's out there... trekmodeler sent me an email saying to use a 9v sc/dc 1.2a of 1200ma center possitive system s...

This should do.

Nine volt adapters are difficult to find with that kind of current capacity due to the devices produced for that voltage. Most require less than half an amp. Shame the kit isn't 12 volt; lots of adapters with that kind of current capacity...

It is not a must, but something I do. Primarily the primer coat will show any imperfections on the surface. If you use acrylics (as I am doing more and more), I always prime with an enamel to prepare the surface. Additionally if I paint an acrylic coat, I always topcoat with Future. That way there i...

BTW, if you need coraplast for making mold boxes, I have a ton you are welcomed to!

Great story!

Where in Norfolk did you find Smooth On products? Are their prices comparable? I much rather make the trip through the tunnel than waiting for it to be delivered!

Dean's connectors are common and can be found at any R/C hobby shop.

Gloss
Decal
Gloss
Dull

This can vary depending on how you weather your model

If it works successfully for you, then keep with it! The drawback, in my mind, is CA bonds the pieces and could become more brittle over time (temperature variations, handling, etc.). Whereas liquid cement creates a single, solid piece and is dirt cheap if you use something like MEK. The 'string' cr...

I use Scotch 2080 (blue tape with an orange label inside the roll). I lightly burnish with a finger and shoot. I do get better results airbrushing rather than rattle can painting.

Every line and number on this was painted using Scotch 2080...

I've used Testors' Clear Parts Cement Window Maker to make small windows.

I diffuse light using Fiberfill.

Here's something I just finished yesterday.

Yep, that's 13 LED's.

Diffusion using sanding and paint blocking on clear parts.

I've ordered LED's from eBay for 10 years with no issues until my last purchase. I bought from them because they were stateside. They claimed same-day shipping (shipped after five days) and better quality than Chinese bought equivalents. I bought 20 soft whites at 13,000 mcd. None were that bright, ...

Thanks everyone for the quick and helpful input. The advice really helps me feel more comfortable making purchases online. Now I have seen heat shrink tubing mentioned in several places, but from what I can tell you need a 60$ tool (heat gun or shrink oven) to use it, correct? I had been planning o...