Styrofoam box keeps hands warm

Flying with cold, stiff fingers isn't just uncomfortable—it also significantly compromises flight safety and precision. So that I can fly even in winter without my dexterity being impaired by gloves, I built a heat-insulating Styrofoam box for my transmitter that also provides enough room for my hands. In particularly bitter cold, the whole thing is heated with a pocket hand warmer (available at sporting goods stores and department stores). The sketch and accompanying instructions should help you build your own.

The dimensions depend on the size of the transmitter, the size of your hands, and the builder’s personal remote control style. The figures given refer to a Digi-Fly transmitter. I control the sticks with my thumb and index finger and hold the transmitter with my other fingers. If you steer using only your thumbs, you should position the hand openings (1) slightly higher.

The bottom and side walls (cut to size using a heating wire or a very sharp knife) are assembled using Styrofoam adhesive or white glue. A hinge made of adhesive tape (2) and a closure (3) made of pins and rubber bands have proven effective for securing the lid. A plastic window in the lid is possible, but it reduces thermal insulation. For optimal sealing, the hand openings (1) are fitted with foam rubber sleeves.

To ensure there is enough space for your fingers, the transmitter is mounted slightly elevated (approx. 3 cm) on a narrow Styrofoam plate (4). Depending on the transmitter’s shape, straps or rubber bands (5) can be used for mounting; these are threaded under the Styrofoam support. The gap between the transmitter and the rear or front wall is filled with pieces of Styrofoam.