Aero Master Sailplane UAV

[Nunno]

Ive been lurking around reading about alot of your projects and got inspired to try my own.

My goals:
Assisted launch with autonomous climb and stabilization, waypoint navigation, position circle, lock on and circle moving target(updated gps coordinates or vision based) POV OSD R/C manual mode and pan/tilt camera system that can operate in either autonomous or manual modes and finally return home with either Manual landing or autonomous parachute drop.

I realize this is a large undertaking and will in no way try to do it all at once. Its an end goal which I would like to shoot for. Some additional thoughts would be the interest in long flight times (Hrs) and the incorporation of flexible solar panels into the wings upper surface structure.

After searching around ive chosen the Aero Master ARC Sailplane for the base. Its a little pricey put has alot of wing, high mounted pusher design and appears to be able to carry a decent load without too much modification.

I would be very interested in anyones input or idea's as im putting together a parts list below:

First stage will be to get it flying under r/c with necessary performance upgrades and look into solar panels:

A few things im looking into now:
AXI 2826 /8 or /10 outrunner motor upgrade: Where can I find complete specs and comparisons between the 2826 motors?

Rangevideo OSD: back order, anything better available in the price range?

Flexible solar panels: collecting output/weight and surface area information

Need to learn about long distance R/C transmitter options

I'll keep progress posted and any thoughts both Neg and Pos are very welcome!

Thanks guys

[stikmunkeyrc]

Good choice on the airframe!

[tekrunner]

Good luck fitting anything bigger then the 2820. Also the prop has problems opening back up sometimes. Nice airframe though.

[stikmunkeyrc]

Good luck fitting anything bigger then the 2820. Also the prop has problems opening back up sometimes. Nice airframe though.

Should be an easy thing to mod the pod and I'd just use fix prop and throw the folding prop in the bin.

[Nunno]

I was under the impression the 2820 and 2826 are the same width. The pod looks to be tight in width but relatively open to some additional length. I ordered the kit last night so I can take a look at it soon enough. Stikmunkey, Do you know of any good reads for me to get an understanding of how to optimize prop/motor efficiency? I dont plan on doing too much gliding (if any) and with a higher output motor and additional weight I assume the recommended prop could be swapped for something better?

[stikmunkeyrc]

I was under the impression the 2820 and 2826 are the same width. The pod looks to be tight in width but relatively open to some additional length. I ordered the kit last night so I can take a look at it soon enough. Stikmunkey, Do you know of any good reads for me to get an understanding of how to optimize prop/motor efficiency? I dont plan on doing too much gliding (if any) and with a higher output motor and additional weight I assume the recommended prop could be swapped for something better?


There are heaps of threads on here about motor/esc/prop combo. You can also get one of these http://www.motocalc.com/ - the software really helps.

You're on the right track with a good airframe that flies well - you will not have problem finding a nice power package to go with it.

Cheers,

[stikmunkeyrc]

I also quite like the APC electric series and the Xoar electric wooden prop series as well.

[BeefStake]

As others have commented on already, very nice choice of airframe.

I also believe the motor designation is diameter - length.
So yep the 28XX motors are all the same width.

Good luck on your project, I would like to hear of your progress. :)

[tekrunner]

As others have commented on already, very nice choice of airframe.

I also believe the motor designation is diameter - length.
So yep the 28XX motors are all the same width.

Good luck on your project, I would like to hear of your progress. :)


I've got both motors, just checked and you're correct they're both the same width.

One thing that Nunno might want to look into is relocating the elevator and rudder servos to the back that way he'd have tons of room for batteries and electronics.

I created a thread looking for info on relocating the servos here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1084161
Hopefully someone will have some advice.

I have an AeroMaster as well and am interested in this being used as a UAV.

Keep us posted Nunno! Oh and let us know what prop spinner combo you go with.

[Nunno]

I have relocation of servo's in mind along with a few mods I picked up from kawika1kalina's thread about his aeronaut.

Mods right off the bat:
Motor
Servo location
rear stab. center rib reinforcement
2" elevator

hobby-lobby dropped the ball on my order so it looks like I wont be able to play this weekend. aw well, next week I guess. The rear servo placement its going to be toughest I think. From pictures it doesnt look like there's any room further back than the main spar.

Do you have an exact measurement of the motor centerline to the top of the fuse? Trying to figure out the absolute maximum size prop I can spin without doing damage. I still havent chosen a motor/prop combo and would like to see if I can get an order out by tomorrow.

My understanding so far(correct me if im wrong) is that for this application (slower speed higher weight) a larger diameter prop with low pitch would be best. This would be matted to a lower rpm higher torque motor and give the plane its efficiency at a slower speed with more power? If this is true Ive read that a 3 blade has 1.414% the loading of the same size/pitch 2 blade and loading is a factor of prop diameter? So my thoughts are to stick with a three blade due to the diameter restriction? If this holds true than now im faced with prop pitch... The stock is 7 but obviously the plane will be much heavier. So what I think I need to know next is the planes drag and weight? Im stuck.. Drag: Is there some kind of generic figures I can use for this based off typical sail planes? Weight: The plane has a 685sq/in wing area with a stock wing loading of 12 oz/sq ft. What would you recommend as a good realistic maximum wing load it can take before it looses all of its advantages of being a UAV platform? (stability and efficiency)

[stikmunkeyrc]

I'd put 2 mini metal gear servos in the rear with one on the fin laying flat and the other on the horizontal stabliser also laying flat - run the wire all the way to the front.

This way also give you more play with your CG as well so you can put more "goodies" in the front :)

[tekrunner]

Forgot to mention. The threads that attach the elevator/horizontal stabalizer to the fuselage are utter crap, just soft plastic threads. You'll need to glue some nuts for the elevator screws to screw into, don't ask how I know :(

I just found this thread/post regarding a mod to keep the prop from closing too far.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9308718&postcount=59

That way we can use the regular prop which happens to look really cool :)

[tekrunner]

I'd put 2 mini metal gear servos in the rear with one on the fin laying flat and the other on the horizontal stabliser also laying flat - run the wire all the way to the front.

This way also give you more play with your CG as well so you can put more "goodies" in the front :)


Hey Stik, I've got some spare HS-65MG's lying around. You know of anything smaller then that and is still strong enough?

[stikmunkeyrc]

65MG's are perfect I think - I mean it's OK if the servos stick out a bit. We have them on giant aerobatic planes all the time. Just have to build some small reinforcement to make sure you have a solid installation.

Cheers,

[tekrunner]

Read that link I posted two posts up. Apparently the center rib of his horizontal stabilizer completely ripped out in flight and his plane was destroyed. He put fiberglass over it on his rebuild, think I'll do the same. I have to rebuild mine after the horizontal stabilizer screws came loose and the plane crashed, everything including fuselage and wings were completely destroyed. We should make a list of upgrades before we start our builds.

[tekrunner]

65MG's are perfect I think - I mean it's OK if the servos stick out a bit. We have them on giant aerobatic planes all the time. Just have to build some small reinforcement to make sure you have a solid installation.

Cheers,


Thanks for the confirmation. I've got some carbon fiber sheets which I can cut some mounts out of.

[stikmunkeyrc]

Thanks for the confirmation. I've got some carbon fiber sheets which I can cut some mounts out of.

Yeah no worry - I mean if you're already doing the mod's then may as well take your time to "beef up" the tail set so they last longer for you. :cool:

[tekrunner]

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/hs-125mg_thin_metal_gear_wing_servo_1118_prd1.htm
http://www.tamiya-model.com/shop/hitec-hs5125mg-digital-super-slim-thin-wing-servo-35125s-glider-wings-hs5125mg-p-90007692.html?currency=USD

check out those servos, they'd be perfect for mounting in the tail

Workshop used them on his Catalina III which is gorgeous, you can check it out here
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1035810

Upgrades for the new Aeronaut;

slim servos in tail
fiberglassed horizontal stabilizer and upgraded mounts for it to screw into
mod to keep props from folding too far

I'm thinking DB9 connectors for the wings to plug into, instead of having to run wire and plug it in everytime. I'd like some sort of locking mechanism like on the Cularis to secure the wings as well but can't think of anything as of yet. Any suggestions?

[Nunno]

Thanks for those servo links.. was trying to find them the other day.

Came home to a nice big box today! Has a ton of room for sure but im thinking about sealing off the canopy and making a lower drop out hatch for the electronics. If go through the trouble I should prob learn how to make a mold.... Project might get delayed lol.

damn it

[hjudex]

Hi

I'am about to star a UAV project for surveillance. After tons of search, like many of you, I finally decided for the Aeromaster.

My Questions: Is the "Everything included" option a right choice? In terms of power?... Is enough power to carry basic FPV electronics? exj: Range Video Gear: Minicamera, OSD, video downlink Tx and bateries?

I saw, some of you are thinking to upgrade the motor, Why? Not to much power from the standard configuration?

I really apreciated your advice.

Regards to all