Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: F22RaptorDude on January 16, 2011, 07:38:39 PM
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I Know I posted on here before when i got the Hellcat. I logged some time in it and didn't work out to well. I moved on the the Firebird Phantom, and was able to keep in in the air until the battery died and come in for an easy landing. I then moved onto the Aerobird3 which was like the Phantom but was a 3 channel instead of a 2 channel. Ended up buying 2 cause one of them crashed doing aerobatics.(Had if for about 4 months before the final crash, tried a loop to low and didn't have enough room to do it) Second one flew great for almost 6 months until the wing snapped in half in mid flight on a windy day. I heard later customer reports that the wing breaking in flight was very common after a good amount of air time. Later I attempted a repair at the hellcat and it worked somewhat, wing was a bloody mess and no amount of toothpicks epoxy and duct tape would work.
Anyway I'm good and think fast so it should allow me to respond to faster control movements but wanted your opinion on this new plane idea. http://www.nitroplanes.com/81a66y-q-1-camodesert.html (http://www.nitroplanes.com/81a66y-q-1-camodesert.html) I have the motor, the speed controller and 2 reliable servo's and 2 others i'm not so sure about. As soon as i get enough money I might consider buying this plane. Please give me some feedback and opinions on what you think and thank you
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(http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20021223_05_mistake.gif)
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(http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20021223_05_mistake.gif)
:headscratch:
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Look i wasn't meaning to sound dumb. I'm good at flying these planes, i just wanted some opinions.
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If you're on such a tight budget that you can't afford 2 more reliable servos, then you might need to consider scratch building your planes from foam. Instead of buying another kit, consider a book (or other teaching material, maybe on youtube?) about how to use hot wire foam cutting. A friend of mine can build 10 planes just as quickly as he can build one, for 1/10th the cost of a kit plane. He just gets wingtip and wing root airfoil templates, sets up a jig, and slice slice slice cuts cheap foam into wing sets. Reinforce them with bits of hardwood, balsa, or carbon fiber if you want to get fancy, glue a $6 microservo in the wing for each aileron, and you're halfway there.
Come up with your own designs for planes, and fabricate them yourself. It's the only way to do it if you're really on that tight of a budget. Also, find a source for cheap small servos. My friend found a place that would sell him 20-packs for about $100, so he never worried about having to use bad servos. If one was suspect or got ruined in a crash, he didn't feel too bad about chucking it in the trash since it was only $5 for each one.
As for that predator model, friends of mine who fly real predators tell me that the plane flies like crap. Maybe the model is better, but the real thing was optimized for endurance and payload rather than handling characteristics. Stick to conventional non-scale aircraft and you'll probably have better results. If you want to get creative, start building your own designs out of foam. That way you can make whatever you want out of foam, and make a whole bunch of spare wings and stuff if you like the results.
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If you're on such a tight budget that you can't afford 2 more reliable servos, then you might need to consider scratch building your planes from foam. Instead of buying another kit, consider a book (or other teaching material, maybe on youtube?) about how to use hot wire foam cutting. A friend of mine can build 10 planes just as quickly as he can build one, for 1/10th the cost of a kit plane. He just gets wingtip and wing root airfoil templates, sets up a jig, and slice slice slice cuts cheap foam into wing sets. Reinforce them with bits of hardwood, balsa, or carbon fiber if you want to get fancy, glue a $6 microservo in the wing for each aileron, and you're halfway there.
Come up with your own designs for planes, and fabricate them yourself. It's the only way to do it if you're really on that tight of a budget. Also, find a source for cheap small servos. My friend found a place that would sell him 20-packs for about $100, so he never worried about having to use bad servos. If one was suspect or got ruined in a crash, he didn't feel too bad about chucking it in the trash since it was only $5 for each one.
As for that predator model, friends of mine who fly real predators tell me that the plane flies like crap. Maybe the model is better, but the real thing was optimized for endurance and payload rather than handling characteristics. Stick to conventional non-scale aircraft and you'll probably have better results. If you want to get creative, start building your own designs out of foam. That way you can make whatever you want out of foam, and make a whole bunch of spare wings and stuff if you like the results.
Good advice, With the servo's, I stripped them out of my last Aerobird, they twitch to much that is why I was unsure. As for building my own plane from scratch I really like that idea. Is there a specific type of foam I need to get and where do i get it at? I Would like some help with idea's and how to use and what to use. If you can thank you so much.
Also thanks for warning me, I was looking at some video's of the predator, doesn't seem to want to fly at all. So I was reconsidering.
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I Know I posted on here before when i got the Hellcat. I logged some time in it and didn't work out to well. I moved on the the Firebird Phantom, and was able to keep in in the air until the battery died and come in for an easy landing. I then moved onto the Aerobird3 which was like the Phantom but was a 3 channel instead of a 2 channel. Ended up buying 2 cause one of them crashed doing aerobatics.(Had if for about 4 months before the final crash, tried a loop to low and didn't have enough room to do it) Second one flew great for almost 6 months until the wing snapped in half in mid flight on a windy day. I heard later customer reports that the wing breaking in flight was very common after a good amount of air time. Later I attempted a repair at the hellcat and it worked somewhat, wing was a bloody mess and no amount of toothpicks epoxy and duct tape would work.
Anyway I'm good and think fast so it should allow me to respond to faster control movements but wanted your opinion on this new plane idea. http://www.nitroplanes.com/81a66y-q-1-camodesert.html (http://www.nitroplanes.com/81a66y-q-1-camodesert.html) I have the motor, the speed controller and 2 reliable servo's and 2 others i'm not so sure about. As soon as i get enough money I might consider buying this plane. Please give me some feedback and opinions on what you think and thank you
Lol this is legoman!!! He had an r/c hellcat that he talked about all the time on here!
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Lol this is legoman!!! He had an r/c hellcat that he talked about all the time on here!
haha yeps :banana:
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RC flyer on a budget? Build your own out of blue fan fold foam. You can buy it from your local Home Depot or Lowes. It is what I do. When I crash the hell out of any of my planes I just hot glue them back together or use clear packing tape or just build a new one and dump all the electronics from the old one into the new one. If you use the blue fff you can build airframes that only cost you penny's per plane. If you do decide to go this route I suggest checking out www.rcgroups.com especially the scratch built foamy section to find more airframe plans than you could shake a stick at. Also, a great way to improve your rc skills without the possibility of destroying something is to download the free software called FMS (flying model sim) to your computer and hook up your transmitter to the PC and fly digital versions of RC planes, google it to find it. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more about scratch building or the RC flying hobbie in general. Good luck F22
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I forgot to metion, try using www.hobbyking.com for really cheap servos/rcvr's/motors/batteries as well as cheap ARF kits. I would also suggest you switch to LiPo batteries and brushless motors if you havent already, just be careful of the fire hazzard LiPos can cause.
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Just got off the phone with my grandfather. Said I needed to find a plan that suits my skills, I'm going to www.rcpowers.com (http://www.rcpowers.com) Since its a site i know by heart. I'm also looking atwww.rcgroups.com (http://www.rcgroups.com) I'm looking towards an F22 easy build, looks easy to fly and they say it is, but i'm not to sure about that either.
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An idea for the F22 Easy build, i'm planning on going ahead with it. Air soft grenade drop system. :lol :lol Its a good idea and its allowed but the plane will probably get shot up
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all the more reason to build it out of cheap blue fff. I actually have a plane that I put a airsoft gun on, was a lot of fun but added a lot of weight, keep that in mind when modifying your planes.
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all the more reason to build it out of cheap blue fff. I actually have a plane that I put a airsoft gun on, was a lot of fun but added a lot of weight, keep that in mind when modifying your planes.
I wish i could add a gun, but its just going to be bombs, might attempt to attach a camera to it also. The F22 plan is $10 and all i need are servo connectors, carbon rods and the foam. Not sure how much that will be though all together. :headscratch:
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Well it is your money to spend how you want. I think it is silly to spend even a small amount like $10 for plans when you can find free ones on rcgroups. Here are 2 threads with PDF file plans for F22 builds.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=795691
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=740049
Also, if you need some insperation check out this thread, http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1333878 it lists close to 500 threads with pictures and plans for different airframes, including the 2 I listed above.
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My dad is going to buy the plans, I'm buying the foam. Now in the RCpowers video he said something about going somewhere after you buy it and it will be printed out for you or something, it wasn't all to clear. If i get the plans and print it out can you take it somewhere and get the overall size increased so it includes more parts per sheet? I'm curious
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It sounds like you will get a PDF file emailed to you once your payment is received. Just copy the PDF file onto a flash drive and head over to your local Kinko's or a store like it. (of course you will have to pay again to have it printed out at one of those places) Most of the time you can get one of the employees there to help you enlarge the plans to meet your specific wingspan wishes. Your other option is to try and print it out at home in a tiled formate and then tape it together then cut out the pieces, that is what I do.
A few more tips - use foam safe contact cement/glue when you can instead of hot glue (hot glue is very heavy by comparison), you can find carbon fiber rods in many weird places like old tent poles, dollar store kites, and old arrow shafts, when using packing tape be sure to bond it to the foam by lightly/quickly rubbing a iron set on low over the surface of the tape after applying it to the foam. Buy and use a fire resistant battery bag if you are planning on use LiPo batteries. Don't use normal spray paint on the foam, the propellent will melt the foam. Paint the top a different color from the bottom to help with orientation in the air. Always to a functionality check on the plane before tossing it into the air.
By the way check out this link for a picture of my plane with the airsoft tank gun on it. Its on page 53 post number 790. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=975833&page=53#post11364993
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It sounds like you will get a PDF file emailed to you once your payment is received. Just copy the PDF file onto a flash drive and head over to your local Kinko's or a store like it. (of course you will have to pay again to have it printed out at one of those places) Most of the time you can get one of the employees there to help you enlarge the plans to meet your specific wingspan wishes. Your other option is to try and print it out at home in a tiled formate and then tape it together then cut out the pieces, that is what I do.
A few more tips - use foam safe contact cement/glue when you can instead of hot glue (hot glue is very heavy by comparison), you can find carbon fiber rods in many weird places like old tent poles, dollar store kites, and old arrow shafts, when using packing tape be sure to bond it to the foam by lightly/quickly rubbing a iron set on low over the surface of the tape after applying it to the foam. Buy and use a fire resistant battery bag if you are planning on use LiPo batteries. Don't use normal spray paint on the foam, the propellent will melt the foam. Paint the top a different color from the bottom to help with orientation in the air. Always to a functionality check on the plane before tossing it into the air.
By the way check out this link for a picture of my plane with the airsoft tank gun on it. Its on page 53 post number 790. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=975833&page=53#post11364993
I go to Hobbytown USA for 5 min epoxy, and carbon rods. Paint also that wont melt foam is available. I'm thinking of Painting my schools colors and sticking the mascot to a wing and flying it at the next football game if possible.
On another note I was thinking of a hinge system for a skid that folds back for landing and the servo will move it forward and lock it down for flight. I don't want any wear and tear on the belly. and if it works out i might try to put some landing gear in with it if i can find a compact one.
Btw the sheets i'm getting for the planes body, how much are they?
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It has been over a year sence I bought foam. It took me that long to run out of it. IIRC it was somewhere between $20 and $30 for a stack of foam that was folded into 4ftx2ft pieces and measured around 30ft long if you unfolded the stack. Also I was mistaken about this blue fff (fan fold foam) being available at Home Depot, you can only get it at Lowes around here. There are many different kinds of foam that work just as well and they all vary in price.
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Sence I am throwing web links all over this thread I will add one more. Proof of how easy it is to to onboard video. I use a $15 pocket cam to film this flight of me flying my stagger wing. Its close to 10 minutes long...srry. I spend a lot of the flight seeing how low I can fly and not crash, I think I even run down my son a little in this one also. He thought it was funny as hell. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKEttDFCuQI&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
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Foam is going to take awhile to get if its around 20-30 dollars. But if there's a ton to spare i might get the planes for an F18 and paint it blue. but i need to take it one step at a time and concentrate on the F22. Also i checked out your video, you fly nice, much better than me lol
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I made 6 different planes with the foam I had as well as using about a third of it for what it is suppose to be used for. I had the plans printed out for a star destroyer from star wars but ran out of foam. Oh well. Thanks for the complement. the plane in the video got destroyed last week. It suffered a rcvr failure after launch and went from straight and level 60 ft off the ground to full power, straight down dive and wouldn't accept any radio commands from me. That was my favorite plane in my hangar at the time. :cry
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What kind of Radio do you use? I have the DX6.... and can you find a source to what went wrong?
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I use a futaba, don't remember the model # though, it can go up to 7 channels but isn't a GHz frequency. As far as what went wrong goes, the rcvr died for some reason not sure exactly why. I just pulled all my gear from the stagger wing and plan to use it (minus the old rcvr) in my next build. I still need to do a full run up on the motor to make sure it isn't screwed up, it hit first and the plane was going full out when it did hit. Go to you local Lowes (if you have one) and price the single 4ft by 8ft sheets of blue foam, they will be much less expensive. Probly around $3 a sheet, if I had to guess.
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I want to go for it, i need to make a call and work out a loan idea with my parents to get the parts.
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No matter how i look at it, its going to be expensive. Need a new motor cause the one i have no will overspin with the 6X4 prop of F22 uses. Thats roughly 35 bucks. I still need the foam, epoxy, plans, tape, and that motor, plus the carbon rods. All ive done so far is realized i can't use the motor i have now and i've calibrated my DX6 to the elevons. Optional rudder is available and i will build on that after i log 5 hours of flight time. :airplane:
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Yeah the initial cost can be big, but once you have all the equipment you can keep building cheap airframes. If you havent already check out hobbyking.com for cheap motors. I have flown a plane similar to what you are going to build (Su-27 instead of a F22) and unless you just really want it there is really no reason to have rudders. Slow or fast these type of profile prop-jets fly fantastic with just elevons. I really liked the one I had because I could fly it out of my back yard and land it easily at my feet, just point them into the wind right over your desired landing zone, cut throtle to match the wind and full up elevator and watch the thing float straight down for a gentle pancake landing at your feet.
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Looks very similar in appearance at first glance. My dad is a lil worried about the prices but i told him once all the stuff was bought i can afford to crash my plane all i want cause all i would have to do is print out that part of the body. I see how this is so cost effective. I'm way in over my head as well, i was thinking of a missile launch system that seemed very interesting when i drew it out and explained it to my friends who don't know anything about planes... :rolleyes:
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You're kidding about the missle launch system, right? You do realize how delicate a system that is, and given your flying style, anything not nailed down is going to snap right off.
-Penguin
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You're kidding about the missle launch system, right? You do realize how delicate a system that is, and given your flying style, anything not nailed down is going to snap right off.
-Penguin
Its kinda like the bomb on the Ju87, but it will have a bomb bay with closing doors. When i press a servo the doors will open, the rocket on a swing will come down coming in contact with an exposed wire and ignite then i just flip the switch and everything closes. I'm still in the planning process but it seems to have the possibility of working. But i seriously need to fly alot before i do that. :lol
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You will also need a foam cutting bow. I used a Radio Shack project box, 12v transformer, and a dimmer switch. This will allow you to heat the wire to what it takes to cut the foam at the density you purchased without burning or melting it.
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You will also need a foam cutting bow. I used a Radio Shack project box, 12v transformer, and a dimmer switch. This will allow you to heat the wire to what it takes to cut the foam at the density you purchased without burning or melting it.
oh god how much are those? I'm hoping my grandfather has one.
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No worries, for the type of foam you will be using and the type of build you are doing all you will need is a sharp knife. I prefer to use exacto knives. The blue fff is only about a 1/4 inch thick and cuts easily with a sharp blade.
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Good my dad groans at the money costs, i keep reminding him how its more cost effective, and he said he will agree when he sees it himself :headscratch:
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Just remind him that you already have the most expensive part of the set up...the radio.
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Haha yep got my trusty DX6 :aok
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I'm going to HobbyTown tomorrow to get the parts. I know what i need. Only problem i can think of is that fact that the length of the battery cord for the build is almost 6 inches longer than mine. Is there a extension available?