Mini Hobby ALT: APU II

Model Airplane News, Apr 2003 by Yarrish, Gerry

PRODUCT WATCH

AT MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS, we not only tell you what's new, but we also try it out first so we can bring you mini-reviews of the stuff we like best. We're constantly being sent the latest support equipment manufacturers have to offer. If we think a product is good-something special that will make your modeling experiences a little easier or just plain more fun-we'll let you know here. From retracts and hinges to glow starters and videotapes, look for it in "Product Watch."

All-in-one ground support

Let's face it: RC modelers need a lot of support equipment at the flying field. You can quickly fill a standard field box with essentials such as a power panel, a glow driver, a fuel pump and a starter battery. If you fly scale models that are equipped with pneumatic retracts, add an air compressor to the mix. Wouldn't it be nice if someone could combine all this equipment into a single, compact, easy-to-carry unit? Well, that's exactly what the talented folks at Mini Hobby have done, and they call it the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU II).

The APU II is a completely self-contained package that isn't much larger than one of those emergency lanterns you might keep in your car's trunk. The outer case is high-strength, fuelproof molded plastic, and the complete package-including its maintenance-free battery and air compressor-weighs only 10.25 pounds.

On the front of the unit, you'll find the main power switch, the air-- compressor power switch, a 115V charging jack, a 15A fuse, three battery-condition LEDs and a large, 12V receptacle. Below these is the fuel-management compartment that houses the pump that has already been plumbed with Tygon fuel line. On the right side of the case are the 2V glow-driver output jacks and switch, a center-off, reversible fuel-pump switch and the 12V output jacks for your electric starter. The rear compartment contains the air hose, the glow-driver lead and the igniter clip. The air-pressure gauge and molded-in carrying handle are on top. For ducted-fan pilots, the left side of the case has two storage clips to hold a jet-starting wand.

The APU II also includes a 115V AC recharging adapter, a 12V DC charging adapter that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter, a pair of banana clips for your starter, a spare fuse, two air-pump adapter tips and several pages of instructions. For $249.99, the APU II is an excellent ground-support unit for any type of flying you might want to do. From sport flying to giant-scale and ducted-fan sorties, this unit satisfies all your needs. Give it a try; you'll love it. -Gerry Yarrish

Mini Hobby An (954) 746-3094; minihobby.com.