H9 Funtana 90 [Archive]

bhchan

Oct 23, 2005, 11:46 PM

Just finished a H9 Funtana conversion,

Motor: Actro 32-5
ESC: Jeti Advance PLUS 77 Amp Opto
Battery: TP 8S2P Por-lite 4000mah
Prop: APC-E 17x10

The finished plane is about 9.75 pound. The rudder control is changed to pull-pull with the servo mounted behind the wing joiner to reduce the weight in the rear end. Other than that, it is pretty much stock.

Flew it twice and it has good power. The weather was foggy with 150 feet ceiling, so not really flight performance was tested. Will post some photos later.

Brian, an EAJ

GregG

Oct 24, 2005, 05:42 AM

I'd like to hear your findings on how the Actro performs. :)

bhchan

Oct 25, 2005, 04:00 PM

Greg,

I always like the Actro motors. I have three of them. A 24-6 in the Graupner Dimona, a 24-4 in the GP Chapman 580 conversion(reviewed in RC Groups), and the 32-5 in the H-9 Funtana 90.

The only problem is you have to really careful about balanceing the propeller. I guess that is the same with all out-runners.

Brian, an EAJ

Normg002

Nov 12, 2005, 03:19 PM

Any updates on flight performance etc. Iam thinking of making the same conversion.

Thanks

Geoff

bhchan

Nov 12, 2005, 05:50 PM

Geoff,

The plane flew very nice, The power of teh Actro 32-5 will not be enough for 3D type action. I use it as my entry aerobatic trainer. The control is very good. Clean and crisp on the control surfaces. I added about 4 oz of dead weight to move the CG forward. The CG is about 1" in front of the recommanded location( About 1" behind the wing retaining screws). This makes it easy to fly and land. With the recommanded CG location, the plane tends to drop it's tail when the plane slow down too much. Full static current with the APC 17x10 is about 67 amp. Still within the capability of the TP Por-Lite pack. I will need to add couple cooling hole sin the fuselage to get more air in and out. The pack is warm to touch but not hot. The plane is easy to fly. It can almost fit to use as a trainer, other than the fact it is not "repair-friendly" for beginners. The wing has a constant thickness, even though the chord size is smaller at the tip.

I really like the plane the way it fly. A club mate commented someone should build a man-carrying size of the Funtana to fly in the full scale aserobatic so we can use the Funtana in the IMAA contest!!

Brian, an EAJ

Normg002

Nov 13, 2005, 01:01 PM

LOL. I have seen several of the I.C versions fly and they seem really nice, I just couldnt bare the thought of sticking a horrible slimy lump of metal in one! This model would be a nice stablemate for my little electric funtna. Gonna have to get me one of these and make it go E.

Thanks

Geoff

Bill Hedge

Jun 06, 2006, 02:13 PM

From Bill Hedge

Am considering building a Funtana 90 EP. need all the info on this bird. the New funtana 100X has a lot thinner wing. I like the looks of the Funtna 90 and the nice yellow monocote.

Wathced a Funtana 90 EP fly and even though the CG was right on, the tail dropped on final, and make the plane "snaky" to handle.

I now see that some are moving the CG forward one inch.

I moved the CG forward about an inch on my EP UCD and it make it handle very well.

Everyone moves the rudder servo forward for CG as the plane tends to be tail heavy anyway.

bhchan

Jun 06, 2006, 04:45 PM

Bill,

The 90 is very stable with the thicker wing, that also makes it fly slower. I am not sure what isthe logic behind the 100X, with the thinner wing. I have seen several F 90 with AXI 5330 on 10S 6000-8000 mah Lipo. I use the 8S2P 4000 and it is plenty long enough for me, as long as you manage the power properly. I don't go full power all the time, level flight is about 1/2 stick back off the power on downward manuvers, the 4000mah pack will fly over 10 minutes.

The servos I used is the HS-225MG, they are 1.1 oz each, instead of the 2 -2.5oz larger servos. Also I moved the rudder servo to the front, I think I saved about 5-6 oz in the back. That translated to 12-14 oz at the nose. The only reason I needed to carry the 4 oz nose weight is I have a pretty heavy pilot figure, it sat about 5 inches behind the C.G. It is too cute to leave it out. After all, this is a FUNtana.

Brian, an EAJ

Jocke

Jun 06, 2006, 05:24 PM

Nice conversion.. any pics!?

Converted one with actro 40-5, 10s PQ4000Lipo, Jeti 90, 20x10" prop, extreme power! to much.. wings flew apart during aerobatic.

Have been thinking abaout 32-5 and 8s Lipo would be nice setup in the H90 Funtana, maby you could try 18x8" size for more trust.

Bill Hedge

Jun 06, 2006, 05:56 PM

From Bill Hedge

thanks Brian for the info on the 90 funtana!

did you brace up the stab area with the graphite rods?

I hear that the tail assembly has a habit of fallilng off!

did you use the graphite landing gear?

bhchan

Jun 06, 2006, 06:21 PM

I used the carbon rod for the tail(part of the kti), and change the original landing gear out for a Carbon one(taller fro the bigger prop).

I am using the APC-E 17x10, but thinking about using the RFM 17x10 to see if the RFM prop is better. I will get some 18x8 to try.

I will post some photos.

Brian, an EAJ

bhchan

Jun 07, 2006, 02:23 AM

this is the business end of the funtana. I will gete some more shot tomorrow.

Brian, an EAJ

Bill Hedge

Jun 07, 2006, 02:23 PM

that looks very good! where did you get the motor mount?

bhchan

Jun 07, 2006, 03:47 PM

Bill,

That is 4 pieces of 1/2" round dowels and a piece of 1/4" plywood. Ans 4 long screws to mount it.

Warning: H9 uses liteply for the firewall. I was tightening the screws and the dowels sank into the liteply. I ended up put Cya on the liteply to harden the wood first.

Brian, an EAJ

Lynxman

Jun 07, 2006, 04:04 PM

How many RPMs do you get with that setup?

bhchan

Jun 07, 2006, 04:21 PM

I don't remember, I think it was about 6800 rpm. I have to double check.

Brian, an EAJ

GregG

Jun 07, 2006, 06:11 PM

That safety switch is the best arming switch I've seen yet! :cool:

It's too bad that even with everything up forward all the way you still had to add weight. Great job anyway Brian.

Bill Hedge

Jun 07, 2006, 09:10 PM

From Bill Hedge

Dear Brian, are those wooden dowles??

bhchan

Jun 08, 2006, 02:24 AM

Dear Brian, are those wooden dowles??

Bill,
Yes, normal hardwood dowel from hardware store. Cut to length, and drill on a lathe(or drill press). I normally use alum doweland alum plate to hold the motor, but though I can save weight by using wood...

Brian, an EAJ

FASTALJR

Jun 08, 2006, 08:17 AM

I just started flying my Funtana 90 conversion using the following:

Axi 5320/28
10s2p 5000 duralites
Castle Creations Phoenix 110hv
APC 19x10

The inital flights showed that it has more power than it knows what to do with. I`m still shaking it down to see what she really can do. :D

twest

Jun 08, 2006, 08:35 AM

Brian, can you explain to me how your safty switch works? I can't tell from the picture.

bhchan

Jun 08, 2006, 11:45 AM

Twest,

I have posted disconnect switch here (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=510209)

Pull the shorting plug out (or just half way), one of the battery connection is open. The reason I did that is the high power system and also there are four screws to secure the Funtana canopy to the fuselage. I did not want to have a HOT power system when I am messing with the screws.

I think the power system I have is plenty good enough for my style of flying, I don't "3D" but the Actro 32-5/8S2P can take the plane up two vertical rolls from level flight before it ran out of "gas"! With proper power management, I can fly for 10-12 minute on the 4000 mah pack.

Brian, an EAJ

FASTALJR

Jun 11, 2006, 06:04 PM

:eek: Well After changing my underwear I just removed both aleiron servo`s from my wings. I got bad flutter this afternoon, lost both aleiron servo`s, somehow managed to land the crippled plane in one piece, as the plane touched down both alierons dropped down limp. Dont know how I did it!

I would like to THANK GOD!!!

What a weekend!

bhchan

Jun 15, 2006, 02:34 AM

What servos are you using on the HUGH Ailerons?

Brian, an EAJ

FASTALJR

Jun 15, 2006, 08:08 AM

I had s3010`s on them, 93 oz torque servo`s. I have metal gear s3305`s on the way to replace them! 125 ounce torque servo`s!

Bill Hedge

Jun 15, 2006, 08:43 AM

From Bill Hedge

the Funtana 90 is very notorious for alerion flutter! the big question is, did you gap seal the alerions?? everyone ktht I talked to that gap sealed the alerions had not flutter. those that did not had a HUGE amount of flutter!!! I have seen two flutter in the air at the field! one came out of a split S and on the level part near the runway the flutter began!! tore up everything! but the shop was landed okay!

made a huge amount of noise! no gap seal!!

am assembling my funtana 90 now, and wnat all the info BEFORE a disaster!

Good to know about the AXI 5320/28 and the power it has.

the AXI and the two three cells in series I have in my UCD would probably do, as light as the Funtana is, but would not let the ship go vertical. will use gap seals, but will that solve the problem totally??

Bill Hedge

Jun 15, 2006, 06:08 PM

From Bill Hedge

Subject Funtana 90! this is being built!

I spent all day and all evening sanding the wing spar tube! it is way to big to fit!!

it will not just barely sqeaze in!

Am deciding that it is a beautiful ship!

finally finished the battery tray!

this baby is a GREAT looking ship!

Cannot decide what alerion servo to use!

wing flutter has me scared silly!

bhchan

Jun 15, 2006, 07:13 PM

I use JR DS8231 (88 in oz) and I did everything I know to the Funtana and no lutter yet (I hope). No gap seal but there is minimum gap at the aileron/wing joint.

I also install rocket body(paper) tube as conduit for the servo wire to keep the wire from flopping in the wing under the severe high stress conditions. There are also paper tube in the fuselage to contain the elevator servos wires. I did not have cooling air exit in the fuselage, so I added holes on the under side of the wing in front of the ailerons to let the hot air out.

I also made a wing carrier to carry the wing. Also the wing are stow by hanging them by the handle on the wall.

Brian, an EAJ

Bill Hedge

Jun 15, 2006, 09:05 PM

Do you use the floppy soft super glue type hinges, as in the kit?? Many use the dubro, Sullivan or what ever, instead.

did you use metal geared servos?

Did you use the last hole in the aileron horn??

Bill Hedge

Jun 15, 2006, 09:07 PM

From Bill Hedge

have seen aileron flutter in person, on the funtana 90, so know it is real!!

bhchan

Jun 16, 2006, 03:32 AM

Bill,

I have not heard of the joiner tube is too big for the wing tube. We have 6 in the club, 3 being e-powered and no one had that problem.

The servos I used is nylon gear, and the smae hignes that came in the kit(those Cya type!). Inspection before going to the field and important on the plane's longevity.

The Aileron hron is home made from aluminum, and the linkages are are ball links. No play is the control system.

Not sure if the AXI 53xx with 6 cell will do the job. I know people had used upt to 10S.

Brian, an EAJ

Bill Hedge

Jun 16, 2006, 09:56 PM

From Bill Hedge

six cells would be fine for just cruising around, but for aerobatics it would require more.
that is just a guess.

My UCD does fine on six cells. aerobatics and all.

everyone I know uses 10 cells. I will be using 9 cells. as that is the battery set up I have avaliable. that may change in the future.

Will let you know when I get this baby in the air, how well the nine cell does.

I want everything to be correct and learn from others.

what aileron servos did you use and what was the torque, and were they metal geared??

have seen two funtana's have aileron flutter. this seems to be comon. Gap seals seems to solve the problem. On approach to landing, as th ship slowed, have seen the tail drop abruptly, throwing the approach into jerperdy. the CG was on the suggeted.
this seems to be solved by moving hte CG forward one inch.

The Funtana is designed to hang on the prop and that is all.

I think it is a beautiful ship, and a great subject for E/P and sport pattern. the pattern guys say the wing is too thick and BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!

I like thick wings, they do not tip stall in sharp tight manuvers and handle better at slow speed, the new Funtana 100X has thinne wings and am anxious to see how that works out!

they were to come out in may, then june, then July and then, ??????

have talked to several that had troulbe with th wing tube being too large. this is comon. Allso there are reports of the tail falling off. everyone uses carbon braces on top as will as on bottom, as suggested.

I think many simply fly the ship too fast!

when going down, reduce power!!

many UCD's have blown kapart in high speed maneuvers, and the directions say not to use more than an 8 pitch prop and never full power in level flight. I have flown my EP UCD over a hundred flights with no problem. flying the sportsman pattern. and general fun sport type flying.

keep coming with all the Funtana 90 information! I need it!!

When I saw my first Funtana 90 E/P, is was love at first sight! I KNEW I had to have one! it would be worth it to me, if I just pulled it around on a string! and said, "THIS IS MINE!!"

I love my Mini-Funtana and fly it regularly. it is my favortie small plane! in R/C I only fly E/P! in contol line, I fly (UGH!) gas! that too will change!

bhchan

Jun 17, 2006, 12:17 AM

From Bill Hedge

what aileron servos did you use and what was the torque, and were they metal geared??

JR DS 8231 88 in-oz, nylon gear.

have seen two funtana's have aileron flutter. this seems to be comon. Gap seals seems to solve the problem. On approach to landing, as th ship slowed, have seen the tail drop abruptly, throwing the approach into jerperdy. the CG was on the suggeted.
this seems to be solved by moving hte CG forward one inch.

My CG is about 1 inch forward of recommanded. No problem with tail dropping. I can do all the required manuvers on pattern contest. I fly around with 1/2 throttle, I can go up vertical for tow complete rolls before it pooped out.

At full power, the system pulls 68 amp(static).

Brian, an EAJ

FASTALJR

Jun 18, 2006, 11:39 PM

Here is my whip!

Bill Hedge

Jun 21, 2006, 07:29 PM

what aileron control horn does well in the Funtana??

the ones in the kit looked puny to me, so I installed much larger ones.

also had troube with the aileron rods being too short.

cut them in half and soldered in a joint.

what horns are used on the tail section??

what receiver battery is used? will a 2000 ma nmh job do?? Many are using lipo's for this.

has anyone tried a Goldberg Obsession?? it looks like a very good subject for electric!

FASTALJR

Jun 21, 2006, 07:38 PM

I`m using the dubro control horns, thr .60 and .91 size

bhchan

Jun 22, 2006, 02:03 AM

Bill,

study the photos I posted. I used 5x1700mah Nicad. I needed the weight. The electric motor is too light!! :o

Brian, an EAJ

Bill Hedge

Jun 25, 2006, 03:50 PM

I received a valuable lesson today!

Have seen elevator, rudder exterior braces of carbon fiber on the mini-Funtana! I thought it was for looks, as something that small does not need the bracing!

WRONG!

Today after about my 50' flight, with the mini-Funtana, I heard a loud, "DRRDRR" sound from the elevator! the flutter tore out my elevator horn, and my plane went in at about a 45 degree angle! KERWOP!

MAJOR damage!

the carbon rods are not for looks!

I got by without it for about 50 flights, then, WHAM!

Anyone with a Mini-Funtana, needs these installed!!

A word to the wise!!

Bill Hedge

Jun 25, 2006, 03:52 PM

From Bill Hedge

My Funtana 90 is basicaly finished, and awaiting the motor and speed controller!

bhchan

Jun 25, 2006, 08:58 PM

Bill,

The F-90 has those thingies too. I check on those everytime I assemble the plane. They are epoxied on the balsa wood, so with high vibration of the gas engine, it will come too, also the oil does not help. On the electro powered one, less vibration and no oil. It iwill last long abut I check it anyway. Part of the pre-flight.

Remember, there are only two kinds of airplane, the one had crashed and the one that will.

When you sending a 1500.00 plane up into the sky, better make sure all the parts are where they belong and stay there.

Brian, an EAJ, F-90 driver.

hcuellart

Jun 27, 2006, 11:27 AM

Hello Brian how is the Actro holding? I tried to use the same one you have (Actro 32-5) on a CG Sukhoi but burned the motor I pushed it too much (over propped it).
I basically tried to use a 18-12 and my super Wattmeter showed around 72 amps with a 8S 4000 Kokams, so I went ahead. Big mistake!!! The motor didn't last for 3 flights. Now it is in Germany awaiting a new stator, now I will make it a 32-3 and use it on a smaller 60 sized plane...

I am now using a 40-4 on the CG Sukhoi but now the Jeti 77 will not withstand that much power and am waiting for an Actronic 80 from Germany, I will not make anymore tests, I'm going for a proven setup...

I too love Actros I have several and my next project is going to be a 87" Yak with a 60-175 though I am tempted to sell the 60 and buy the newer 60L for this project.

Good luck!!!
Homero

bhchan

Jun 27, 2006, 03:43 PM

Homero,

The 32-5 is ok, I ran it too hot couple time before I cut more hole in the cowling to let the hot air out. The winding looks like it got really hot once( or twice :) ). It was too hot to touch after I landed befroe the holes were cut. Now the motor is cold. It is a little noisy, I am not sure if it is the prop or the bearings.

I haver several of the Actro too, a 24-6(24 cells) on my 3.5 m Super Dimona, a 32-3 (5S3P) on the GP CAP580. and a 40-4 sitting idle. I like the Actro.

Brian, an EAJ

Bill Hedge

Jul 01, 2006, 03:07 PM

Ed Lyerly

Jul 01, 2006, 03:28 PM

Am trying to drill out an APC E/P prop for my Funtana.

The prop hub is between, a 7/16 and a half inch.

How do I drill it out to fit and keep the center, in the original center! Want a balanced prop! it was balanced before I started the drilling!

How do I drill these odd sizes??

On smaller planes, I have drilled slightly too large, and put scotch tape on the hub to make the difference. Do not want to do that on this big baby!

Bill,
That is what those little plastic bushings that come with each APC-E prop are for. You just ream the hole in the prop large enough to clear the prop shaft (without removing the inner shoulder completely). Then choose the correct plastic bushing for your prop shaft and slip it in the back side of the prop (up against what remains of the inner shoulder). Slip on the prop with the bushing and ....Voala .... your prop is centered :).
Ed

bhchan

Jul 01, 2006, 08:00 PM

Bill

Get a proper propeller reamer. They are made to fit certain diameter. Tower Hobbies also has one for metric size. This is the way I did mine; fine the adaptor that fit the prop reamer, glue that in the hole of the prop, that will be the proper center.(DO NOT RELY ON THE HOLE ON THE FRONT OF THE PROP. THAT IS NOT CENTER OF THE PROP) Then use the adptor as a guide, ream the prop to fit the motor adaptor you for. I re-balance all my prop after I ream them. Most of the time, the original prop adaptor is gone, as the prop adapto is much bigger then the hole in the prop. I am using 17x10 on my F-90 on 8S2P.

Brian, an EAJ.

Bill Hedge

Jul 02, 2006, 11:24 AM

I have wanted a Funtana 90 for years!

Finally built one!

Then I ordered the motor and speed control!

When it arrived, it took me about a day and a half to mount it and finish the plane!

Could not find a drill bit that fit the shaft of the motor! It was between a 7/16 and a half. finally went to ACE hardware and bought a 15/32 drill. The prop would still not fit, as it was too small. I took out a small amount of material with a round file, and it fit snug!

Took it to the filed the morning and assembled it.

I flew my Mini-Funtana to get the feel of the air, and take the edge off!

With a heavy heart, I taxied up and down the runway several times to get the feel of the plane! And to get my nerve up!

my heart was in my throat, pounding away!

I slowly gave it the throttle and it shot down the runway!

The Funtana took the sky with the greatest of ease! It took a little down on trim, but other that that, it flew great, no drastic trim changes needed!

The large Yellow bird looked great against the sky!

I had a very elated, exuberant feeling! A HUGE rush!

I was worried that I had set it up too slow on the throw, but it rolled at a fast rate! I was worried that I would not have enough elevator travel, to flare! as I had desensitized the controls, to a small amount of throw. But I had plenty!

I had seen several funtana's that were too sensitive and hard to land. I was scared stilff!

Mine came in like on a rail, and made a very smooth landing!

I was elated!

Then on my second flight, I heard a DDRRR!

at first I thought it was aileron flutter, but I still had good aileron response!

I landed and found that the monocote had torn loose from the leading edge of the wing!

And flopping in the breeze!

Other than that, little incident, it flew great!

Was a huge thrill!

GregG

Jul 02, 2006, 12:02 PM

I have wanted a Funtana 90 for years!

Finally built one!

.......

Then on my second flight, I heard a DDRRR!

at first I thought it was aileron flutter, but I still had good aileron response!

I landed and found that the monocote had torn loose from the leading edge of the wing!

And flopping in the breeze!

Other than that, little incident, it flew great!

Was a huge thrill!

I lost my everyday flyer last weekend for this very reason. The entire leading edge of one wing peeled back an inch causing an uncontrollable death roll. :( :(

bhchan

Jul 02, 2006, 06:16 PM

Bill,

If you set the CG about one inch in front of the recommanded location, it flys great. If you set teh CG on the recommanded location, it will drop the tail when you come in too slow. If you don't 3D, then 1 inch forward makes it a great flyer. It is a great trainer in my opinion, other than the fact it is a bit flimsy for rough handling as a trainer. It is definetely a keeper.

Brian, an EAJ

Bill Hedge

Jul 03, 2006, 04:49 PM

as of 7-3-06, Flew my 90 Funtana many times this morning and had a great time! a lot of people came over and said, "What is that thing? why is it so quite??

happyness is flying a 90 Funtana E/P!!

having a hard time on landings, because it floats so much! this thing will fly at nealry zero speed!

finally made several really good landings!

this is a really great flying ship! it really looks impresive in the air!

it takes off in a really short distance, at about half throttle!

A guy came by my table and said, "there is no GREASE on your plane!"

looking at it hanging in my room, it really looks masive and impresive! it is worth it to me to just look at it!

I kbalanced it abut an inch and 3/8 ahead of the suggested, used the outside hloe in a giant scale huge control horn, the next to the inside hole on th servo. it has more than enough movement for the AMA pattern and flies like it is on rails, glass smooth. used a little down in trim on first flight, I thought I would need up! have watched other guys fly this bird, and it was all over the sky, and landings were terrible, each one a semi-crash! mine are light as a feather, and glass smooth! it just needs to be trimed out correctly!

bhchan

Jul 03, 2006, 05:18 PM

Bill,
Good to hear that you like it. Enjoy.

Warning: this plane spoils you.

Brian, an EAJ

Bill Hedge

Jul 06, 2006, 07:47 PM

From Bill Hedge

having a ball flying my funtana 90! finally have mastered the landings! I can grease it on! it floats like a butterfly!

having some problems with one of the elevators! it seems to be slowly coming loose!

have checked the hinges and they seem tight, but I have some play in the elevator, somewhere. have repalced a servo and that does not seem to totally solve th problem.

There is a small amount of play somewhere, has anyone had problems with the elevators?? I gap sealed the ailerons, used metal geared over 100 ounce thrust, servos, and have no problem there.

any suggestions???