34% Planes Plus Extra conversion

[KatManDEW]

The 33% Exclusive-Modelbau Katana kit that I ordered from Desert Aircraft LAST SUMMER still hasn't arrived, so I got a 34% Planes Plus Extra for the power plant that I had planned for the vaporware kit.

I have a Neu 2215 "BAM" motor for it. Hitec 5945's on each elevator half, and 5955's on the rudder and ailerons. Batteries TBD.

Here it is with me, and with my Stevens Aero CAP 40E. I'm 5' 10".....

[KatManDEW]

Here's the motor, being inspected by my top test pilot.

[KatManDEW]

As with all the larger planes that I've seen lately, the aileron hard points not not located such that ideal geometry can be achieved. The aileron control horn can't be installed outward enough so that the servo arm can be perpindicular with the push rod when everything is at neutral.

[KatManDEW]

Rudder servo setup test with fishing line. Unfortunately The fuse is narrower at the pull-pull openings, than the width of the rudder control horns, so the pull-pull cables rub the side of the fuse :(

[Ed Lyerly]

KatManDEW,
Great to see your post on this conversion. My friend, Ray Fulks, from San Diego, had praises for his Neu "BAM" motor in his big Extra. I am anxious to see how you like yours :).
On the pull-pull rudder, can you cross the cables and help the situation ?
Ed

[feathermerchant]

Yup they might be expecting that.

[KatManDEW]

Good question on the pull-pull Ed. The rudder control horns are offset from the hinge line, because the control horns don't have enough angle towards the hinge line. When I did a trial with the cables crossed, with straight or offset servo arm, one of the cab les went slack, and the cables still rubbed the fuse. I know some folks fly with slack pull-pull cables, but I don't like the idea in a plane this size, and I don't want to encounter the F word (fluttter). I also like to use coated kevlar to avoid range check problems with steel cable, but I don't want to use kevlar if it rubs the fuse.

Which Extra is Ray Fulks flying, and what batteries?

Thanks!

[Jeff Pfeifer]

Cross the cables.

[kelvin]

Sweet. The BAM motor still looks small compared to the big honkn' gas engines. Who makes your model? What is your solution to the control rods, pull/pull issues? Where does one buy nice after market control horns. None of my LHS seem to carry such only the usual Dubro and Sullivan stuff.

Kelvin

[Ed Lyerly]

Which Extra is Ray Fulks flying, and what batteries?
Thanks!

It's a 30%. 2215 "BAM" 12S4P.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=399548&pp=15
Ray's e mail is ... rwfulks@cox.net if you would like to contact him.
Ed

[mexico]

Beautiful plane. Makes the Cap look puny. That has always been one of my favorite schemes. That motor is pretty impressive looking. .

[KatManDEW]

That's right Ed. I've seen that thread about Ray's Extra. How do you remember all this stuff :) Thanks.

Kevin: It's a Planes Plus (http://www.planesplus.com/) Extra. Same manufacturer as my Dream 110. They also sell those control horns that I'm using, which came with the kit. I'm using Hanger 9 titanium push rods. Still haven't figured out exactly how I'm going to rig the pull-pull. I have some more experimenting to do. I may indeed have to cross them.

For the receiver, I'm have a FMA FS8, with a Smart Fly Power Expander and Batshare, with dual Fromeco 9 amp regulators, dual Apogee 2480 lipoly batteries, and dual Cermark switches reworked with heavy gage wire and deans connectors.

I doubled up the stock CA hinges quantity with Radio South hinges inbetween the stock hinges. I cut the Radio South hinges down to 1/2 inch wide on the elevators and rudder, to save some "meat" in the wood. Didn't want a split to propagate, because I don't trust the "Z direction sandwich tensile strength" of CA hinges.

[sun.flyer]

Kat,

Wouldn't you feel better using pinned hinges instead of the CA style? Seems like quite a big plane for this style of hinges.

Tim

[KatManDEW]

Tim - Yes I would prefer pinned hinges, if I knew the construction of the wing TE and aileron LE was sufficient. Otherwise, there probably isn't enough stock in them for Robart "pin point" type hinges, and flat nylon pinned hinges would probbly extend into the wing and ailerons, allowing glue to push out the back while installing the hinges. When I relieved the stock hinge slots a little with an Xacto knife, the hinge slots appeared to already extend through the wing TE and aileron LE, into open air space.

I use pinned hinges whenever possible, but that's normally only on kits not ARF's, where I can assure that the construction is adequate for pinned hinges. I don't like the idea of CA hinges on this size plane especially, but I feel they are the best choice unless I want to rip covering off and rework the internal structure. And folks are flying this plane with the stock quantity of the stock hinges, so I at least have double that amount of hinge material.

Thanks for the thought.

[KatManDEW]

I'm using removable ball links on the removable stab.

[ElectRick]

Sweet. The BAM motor still looks small compared to the big honkn' gas engines. Who makes your model? What is your solution to the control rods, pull/pull issues? Where does one buy nice after market control horns. None of my LHS seem to carry such only the usual Dubro and Sullivan stuff.

Kelvin

Central Hobbies (http://www.centralhobbies.com/control_linkage/control_horns/chmch-1.html) carries the cool control horns.

There are surely others who do, but Central always has the leading edge cool high-tech stuff like this. The pattern guys that this site caters to always demand the best, coolest stuff. ;)

Rick

[Mike Parsons]

Good question on the pull-pull Ed. The rudder control horns are offset from the hinge line, because the control horns don't have enough angle towards the hinge line. When I did a trial with the cables crossed, with straight or offset servo arm, one of the cab les went slack, and the cables still rubbed the fuse. I know some folks fly with slack pull-pull cables, but I don't like the idea in a plane this size, and I don't want to encounter the F word (fluttter).

Thanks!
Kat,
As long as the cables are taught at center I wouldnt worry about it. The slack side of the cable when the rudder is deflected will have no effect as it is neutral.

-Mike

[KatManDEW]

Thanks for the tips. I forgot about Central Hobbies.

I've seen planes like Morris the Knife, with insane pull-pull geometry, and they have no problem with slack cables, but I was hoping to avoid it on a big bird like this. Someone told me that a 4 inch offset SWB arm, with crossed cables, won't go slack in this plane. I'll give that a try.

[torqeroll]

hello, what 2215 are you ussing? the 1-y, 1.5-y or the 2-y, ??? and how did you pick it??

[KatManDEW]

torqeroll: I'm using the 2215-2Y, because that's what others are using on aerobatic planes this size. Applications this size are new territory for me, so I followed the lead of others who are wiser than me.

[Mike Wizynajtys]

Where is Nerk, Ahia?
I'm guessing it somewhere in Ohio, but I'm not sure of that.

Wiz

[sun.flyer]

Mike,

Newark, OHIO

Tim

[KatManDEW]

Yea. Sorry. It's Newark, Ohio. That's how the hilbillies around here pronounce it :) I should change that.

[torqeroll]

thanks kat, thats why i was asking, how many amps will you be pulling and what controller?? will you have to use a custom prop??

[Mike Wizynajtys]

Yea. Sorry. It's Newark, Ohio. That's how the hilbillies around here pronounce it :) I should change that.

I spent several days at Hocking Hills State Park last summer. Is that anywhere near Nerk...I mean Newark? :)

Wiz

[sun.flyer]

KatMan,

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe Hocking Hills is around 50 miles or so south of Newark, OH. Great place to visit.

Tim

[lazyboyflyer]

I also have this plane with the same setup.

2215 2Y
Castle creations 110
Thunder power 12s 4p 8400
28X24 prop
It draws about 130 amps. I think.
hitec5955s all around

I just flew this plane at the Phoenix, Arizona IMAC and did all right (placed 3rd out of 16 in basic). The plane flys pretty slow on the 30X20 prop that Ray and Pedro use so you might think about switching to something like a 28X24 or 29X22 to get more speed. You will be really happy with your plane KatMan. When are you going to have the plane in the air? Post pics when you do.

Lazyboy Jr.

[Mike Parsons]

I have yet to be able to find a price on this motor. Waldo yes...BAM...no.

-Mike

[lazyboyflyer]

Steve at Diversity Model Aircraft, distributor for Neumotors, wants $ 750.00 bucks for motor and gear box.

[torqeroll]

I just flew this plane at the Phoenix, Arizona IMAC and did all right (placed 3rd out of 16 in basic). The plane flys pretty slow on the 30X20 prop that Ray and Pedro use so you might think about switching to something like a 28X24 or 29X22 to get more speed. You will be really happy with your plane KatMan. When are you going to have the plane in the air? Post pics when you do.

Lazyboy Jr.[/QUOTE]



hey lazyboyflyer, were do you guys buy those props with all that pitch

[Rob Honeycutt]

If I can still find it, I have a new custom Prince Aircraft prop 30 x 21 if anyone needs one.

Kat, Great Project! things are coming along way in the past year!

Rob

[KatManDEW]

I was told this setup pulls 120 amps. I'm leaning toward a Schulze 40.160 controller, just for the "headroom". I got my prop from Tennese Propeller. That's good information about a28X24 or 29X22 instead of the 30/20. Thanks.

I sure am glad to hear this plane flies well with this setup. Congrats on you IMAC finish lazyboyflyer! What rudder servo arm are you using? I hope to have mine in the air as soon as the weather warms a bit. Like a month or so.

Hock'n hills be not that fer frum my parts. We'd love to have ya at my club's Fly-In (http://www.lcrcc.net/images/Misc/Fly-In%20small.jpg) this summer sun.flyer. We'll feed ya fer free. The event will be listed in an AMA mag soon.

[sun.flyer]

Ah shucks may have to take ya up on that there offer Kat. Will mark that date down on the family chalkboard(do not erase). ;)

Actually sounds like fun. Will have to bring the SA Edge 540 with me.

Tim

[Mike Parsons]

If I can still find it, I have a new custom Prince Aircraft prop 30 x 21 if anyone needs one.

Kat, Great Project! things are coming along way in the past year!

Rob
Wow...a blast from the past. Rob, good to see your still kicking. Hope all is well.

-Mike

[KatManDEW]

lazyboyflyer: Are you using the stock landing gear?

[sukhoi26mx]

I also have this plane with the same setup.

28X24 prop
It draws about 130 amps. I think.


Lazyboy Jr.

Holy smokes! I had no idea that the big electric power systems were using that high of pitch props. My giant scale stuff runs in the 8-12" pitches with plenty of speed. What RPM are you seeing from that 28x24 (or any of the higher pitch props for that matter...)?

Scott

[KatManDEW]

The gas engines run smaller props at higher RPM, so they don't need the high prop pitch to achieve the necessary pitch speed. I've not tached mine, but the motor calculator predicts RPM of 3500 with a 30x20 prop. Prop pitch speed of 69 MPH.

[sukhoi26mx]

The gas engines run smaller props at higher RPM, so they don't need the high prop pitch to achieve the necessary pitch speed. I've not tached mine, but the motor calculator predicts RPM of 3500 with a 30x20 prop. Prop pitch speed of 69 MPH.

Right, but for instance, my 35% giles with a BME 110 turns a 27x10 at well over 6000 rpm, so it isn't much of a lower diameter (not dramatically anyway...) I'm just surprised, that's all :) Sounds like a great project!

Scott

[Mike Wizynajtys]

I'm sure you guys have seen the Hacker C50 Quad, but did you also know they had a CF gearbox for running two C50s?

I just found a pic of it and thought you all might like to have a look.


http://www.hacker-motoren.com/images/Catalog06/Hacker-2006-Page-28-29.pdf

[torqeroll]

wow, that carbon gear box is cool,

[sneu]

Right, but for instance, my 35% giles with a BME 110 turns a 27x10 at well over 6000 rpm, so it isn't much of a lower diameter (not dramatically anyway...) I'm just surprised, that's all :) Sounds like a great project!

Scott

Hmmm--20% more disk area and twice the pitch is a huge difference!

Steve

[sukhoi26mx]

Hmmm--20% more disk area and twice the pitch is a huge difference!

Steve
Understood. Is there any benefit to running such low RPM's? Could they be geared to run standard props? I have no experience with the big electrics, so I apologize if my questions are absurd...

Scott

[KatManDEW]

According to the motor calculators, a 27x10 at ~6000 RPM yields ~57 MPH pitch speed. I don't really know, but it seems to me that higher RPM and lower pitch is more effective for speed. The extremely high pitch props are probably stalling to some extent.

[torqeroll]

If I can still find it, I have a new custom Prince Aircraft prop 30 x 21 if anyone needs one.

Kat, Great Project! things are coming along way in the past year!

Rob


how much for the prop ?/ rob

[twest]

According to the motor calculators, a 27x10 at ~6000 RPM yields ~57 MPH pitch speed. I don't really know, but it seems to me that higher RPM and lower pitch is more effective for speed. The extremely high pitch props are probably stalling to some extent.

I think it is the other way around, lower pitch better for static thrust, higher pitch better at full speed- prop may be stalling at hover, not at ~70 mph

Think of a variable pitch prop on a fullscale: low pitch for takeoff and climb, high pitch for cruise.

[lazyboyflyer]

lazyboyflyer: Are you using the stock landing gear?
My son lazyboy jr., is working out of town for a few days, so I guess I can answer your questions until he returns. Stock landing gear, Yes. He has CF landing gear ordered and it should arrive any day now. The new gear should save a pound or more off the total weight. He's using an Air wild set-up,(1) 5955 Hitec, 3" on servo linked to 5 " pull-pull arm.

[Mike Parsons]

My thinking is that unless one is going to be flying the plane at high speeds all the time, you wouldnt want to go with that much pitch. In 3D, the pitch will most likely be very noticable as you will loose some bite.

-Mike

[KatManDEW]

Thanks for the info lazyboyflyer Sr. Which carbon gear? Please let me know how it fits. The Graphtech gear for the 34% Columbo Anderson looks from the specs to be 1-1/2 inch too wide at the fuselage. The carbon gear that most vendors peddle is all manufactured by Graphtech.

[sneu]

According to the motor calculators, a 27x10 at ~6000 RPM yields ~57 MPH pitch speed. I don't really know, but it seems to me that higher RPM and lower pitch is more effective for speed. The extremely high pitch props are probably stalling to some extent.


A prop with a diameter/pitch ratio below .5 is best suited for mixing paint if you are looking for anything more than static thrust for hover! Props for speed planes usually have a ratio of 1. Props for most applications fall between.

Gassers have more limitations on the prop than electrics. With gearing we can use far larger props for the same power than a gas motor which gives us a advantage in efficiency. Even with less horse power similar perfromance can be had.

Steve

[KatManDEW]

A prop with a diameter/pitch ratio below .5 is best suited for mixing paint

Hehehe. I read that somewhere else years ago. Nice analogy.

[sneu]

Hehehe. I read that somewhere else years ago. Nice analogy.


It came from Bob at Astro Flight:)

Steve

[torqeroll]

how would a 30x 15 work in this application ?? it seems readily available?? can any body give me some differnet makers of custom props, web sites or phone #,s

[KatManDEW]

torgueroll: Sounds like a 30x20 isn't fast enough, so a 30x15 would be even worse. Tennessee Propeller is here;
http://www.tn-prop.com/

[torqeroll]

thanks for the web site, im not looking for speed with this prop. not doing any imac just 3-d

[KatManDEW]

torqueroll: According to the motor calculator, you will also take about a 17% hit in static thrust with the 30x15 prop.

[lazyboyflyer]

Thanks for the info lazyboyflyer Sr. Which carbon gear? Please let me know how it fits. The Graphtech gear for the 34% Columbo Anderson looks from the specs to be 1-1/2 inch too wide at the fuselage. The carbon gear that most vendors peddle is all manufactured by Graphtech.


The carbon gear is from graphtech. I did not pay to much atention to the specs so I hope they fit all right. I just saw 34% columbo and tought, score. Now I am kind of worried. I will let you know how they fit when I get them. I don't know that the gear is the same for the extreme rc version so I guess I will go get the tape measure out.

LazyBoy Jr.

[KatManDEW]

Yes, please let me know what you find out about the landing gear. I need to order mine so I have it when I get ready to check the CG.

This picture shows the dimensions that I measured from my stock landing gear, and the advertised dimensions of the Graph Tech gear for the 34% Colombo.

[Ed Lyerly]

KatMan,
You could go with a set of #192, or you could call Mike at Graph Tech and have him cut a set of # 124 a bit wider (profile).
Ed

[KatManDEW]

Ed: Thanks a bunch for the ideas. The Graph Tech gear for the 33% Aeroworks Edge 540, and 31% & 33% Aeroworks Extra's, looks to be a close match at 8.5", 7.675", 21.75" - and 8.5", 8.25", 21.75", respectively. I's usually hard for me to find time for a personal phone call while I'm at work, but I'll try to call Graph Tech and see if they can cut me a set a little wider.

I didn't realize that was a possible option. Thanks for the tip.

[lazyboyflyer]

Hey KatMan,
I recived my Carbon fiber gear today and suprisingly it fits the plane very nicely. I will see if I can figure out how to resize images with out my beloved photo shop so I can post some pics. of it later. Then you can see what you think before looking on for new gear.

LazyBoy Jr.

[KatManDEW]

That sounds great lazytboyflyer. I would love to see how it fits. Thanks!

[lazyboyflyer]

That sounds great lazytboyflyer. I would love to see how it fits. Thanks!

Here are the pictures of the gear. They are about an inch taller and two inches narrower.

[Ed Lyerly]

lazyboyflyer,
That gear looks really good when installed ! I believe that is what you should get, KatManDew :).
Ed

[KatManDEW]

Wow! That looks great! It doesn't look a bit too wide at the top (fuse), where the advertised dimensions are 1-1/2 inches than what my stock gear measures. The extra inch in heght might come in handy with a big electric prop.

It seems that all the carbon gear that would fit this plane is about 2 inches narrower at the axles, so the Columbo Anderson gear it is!

Thanks for the info and the pics! She looks great!

[KatManDEW]

I bit the bullet and took the advice of an old wise pattern pilot, and I fabricated a mockup. I get zero slack in the cables with a 3.5" offset servo arm, crossed cables, and the rudder pivot points on the rudder horns at the hinge line. I can't even come cloose to the hinge line with the stock Chip Hyde control horns that were supplied with my model. Sullivan control horns will reach the hinge line OK, but they're a little on the wimpy side for a model this size, and I've already drilled for the aft hole in the point of the "foot" of the stock Chip Hyde control horns. Soooo, I was thinking that I will fabricate my own control horns from some "T" aluminum stock, with a "foot print" the same as the stock horns, but with a pivot point that reaches the dog gone hinge line. I couldn't find any readily availabe "T" stock today, so I'm planning to machine some from aluminum bar stock. I'm no machinist, but my dad was, so I know which end is up on a milling machine, and I have access to an old Bridgeport.

[Ed Lyerly]

Ha, Ha, Ha, ..... where there's a WILL, there's a WAY ! Great idea doing that mock-up. You are going to get this "right" .... that's for sure! Keep up the good work KatMan, I'm learning some useful stuff here.
Ed

[RMihara]

Hi Kat,

You may remember when Harley and I had to solve the offset problem (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2860936&postcount=284) on our Funtanas awhile back. Modifying a set of Dubro 866 Heavy Duty Control Horn kits by shortening the forward linking arm to suit.

Since you already have incorporated the C.H. arms might I suggest you try what TonyF did in his Funtana. By adding a second fiberglass disk (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2968444&postcount=60) to the rudder servo, he was able to offset the rotation point at the servo by the same amount that the rudder horns are from the rudder hingeline. Zero slop. :)


Love the project, looking forward to reading/seeing more of it.

-Roger

[KatManDEW]

Fantastic information Roger. I forgot about seeing that. I've got plenty of fiberglass laminate, so I think I'll give that a try on the mock-up board.

Thanks!

[KatManDEW]

You da man Roger! Don't know why I didn't think of this, after fighting with aileron offset using a single aileron servo on a foamie, and comming up with a similar solution :o

This was MUCH easier than faricating conrtol horns. I slapped some laminate in the mill, and indexed to the hole locations, and VOILA!

[Ed Lyerly]

Looking good KatMan :).
Ed

[RMihara]

That is great news Kat, congratulations! :)

-Roger

[KatManDEW]

I got my carbon landing gear and wing tube. Great way to knock almost a pound off the weight. They both look great. Here's the landing gear laying on top of the stock gear.

[KatManDEW]

Got her in a balance sling to see which way she was leaning, and thus determined where my electronics needed to go. Not much left to do now.

[sukhoi26mx]

Got her in a balance sling to see which way she was leaning, and thus determined where my electronics needed to go. Not much left to do now.

Congrats! You're going to love the Smart-Fly products. I have 4 different models set up with them, and they've worked flawlessly...

Scott

[KatManDEW]

I move the hatch pins to the front of the forward part of the hatch, which normally screws in place, and connected the two hatch sections, and added a home made hatch latch in the center.

[KatManDEW]

Thanks Scott. I've got 'er comming my way now :)

[Ed Lyerly]

Looking Good KatMan ! I can't wait for your flight report :).
Good luck with your maiden.
Ed

[sun.flyer]

Kat,

Why does your kat(cat I mean) look like he is getting ready to take a dump on your work bench? Might want to keep an eye on that guy.:) Plane is looking sharp.

Tim

[KatManDEW]

Thanks Ed.

Tim - My buddy was sniffing the tail of that big bird in that picture. Kind of a natural instinct :)

[sun.flyer]

Thanks Ed.

Tim - My buddy was sniffing the tail of that big bird in that picture. Kind of a natural instinct :)

LOL :D Copy that!!

Tim

[KatManDEW]

I made some little "panel mount" adapters from circuit board for the Neu bullet connectors, because the ESC wires were kinda short. These will allow me to reach inside the fuse/hatch with one hand to connect the ESC to the batteries, which will make life easier on those hot Summer days. The adapters don't provide any electrical connection. Only a means to mount the connectors.

Unfortunately the ESC died the instant it was connected, and I had to return it for repair, so I'm dead in the water for now.

[Ed Lyerly]

KatMan,
Nice idea on the "panel mount" adapters.
Where can I get some of those Neu bullet connectors ?
Ed

[KatManDEW]

Thanks Ed. Steve Neu has the 6mm connectors that I got here;
http://www.neumotors.com/store/index.html

There are some 5.5mm Neu connectors listed here;
http://parts.rctoys.com/rc-toys-hobbies/Items/157134?sck=47616335

[Ed Lyerly]

Thanks Ed. Steve Neu has the 6mm connectors that I got here;
http://www.neumotors.com/store/index.html

There are some 5.5mm Neu connectors listed here;
http://parts.rctoys.com/rc-toys-hobbies/Items/157134?sck=47616335

Thanks KatMan !
I must have some of these :).
Ed

[torqeroll]

hey kat mandew, dont meen to jump your thread but i thought you guys would like to look at these pics of my own custom belt drive 2215 in my 102 somenzini yak, its ready to fly just need good weather.

[Mike Parsons]

Holy Crimeny!

[KatManDEW]

Holy schmoley! That's amazing! Any idea on the durability and maintenance of a belt drive versus a gearbox? I've gotta figure that maintenance might be easier.....

[torqeroll]

there should be almost no maitenance, because the bearings are sealed units and the belt is like a timming belt on a car, they are smooth and last a long time. the reason i didt use the neu gear box is because first the little shaft it comes with and no real good way to hold a prop that big, the plus on the neu box is that its light. my box is about a pound heavier and its just the first version i might re-make the end plates out of carbon fiber and loose some serious weight. but to tell you the truth i need the weight up front to balance any-ways. i now have my motor down below in the cooling air and a 12 mm gun drilled hardened shaft with a bullet proof prop hub.

[KatManDEW]

Bad range test today. Tried all the tricks but no results to my saticfaction. I'm gonna order another receiver without waiting to send this one back, because I know how that drill works...

Motor seemed extremely strong, and amazingly smooth and quiet. Basically sounded like a massive fan running. The couple times I fired it up, I had different guys kneeling beside it holding the wing, and the guys kneeling and holding it all claim that they have grass stains on their knees because it was dragging them along the ground :)

[mexico]

Wow! That is one amazing-looking plane. Better safe than sorry.

[KatManDEW]

My thoughts exactly mexico. I have a new receiver on the way.

[Larry3215]

deleted - see my blog
Larry

[Ed Lyerly]

KatMan,
Your big Extra looks just GREAT ! Best wishes for an uneventful maiden when your new receiver arrives :).
Ed

[Mike Parsons]

Beautiful Don! I told myself after SEFF that I would sell the 87" and stick to no more than a dual battery type plane (vs a 4 battery steup). I am having second thoughts seeing this one.

-Mike

[KatManDEW]

Thanks guys. She looks prettier in the sun at the field than she did sitting in my shop.

I have three 4s packs in this one Mike. I was fortunate that this plane leans toward nose heavy,(no pun intended). This made it possible to not have to jump through hoops to get the batteries far enough forward to balance the plane. Seems like most of the planes I have dealt with tend to get tail heavy if you look at them crooked, but not this one. I have the batteries in the stock gas tank compartment in this one. I have a few ounces of lead in the nose for the first flights, but it balances at the recommended 8 inches without the lead.

[sun.flyer]

Don,

Very nice indeed, looks great!! Good luck with the maiden. Looking forward to seeing this bird in September at your e-fly-in.

Tim

[mexico]

Mr. ManDew - you might want to check the crystal before chucking the whole receiver.

[torqeroll]

wow kat , thats sweet your lucky about the balance, my quique yak wa real tail heavy and i had to make a carbon tray for my 3, 4s 4p,s so i could put them on top of the motor box in the cowl, good luck with you flight and hopefully i will get a chance to fly mine this weekend.

[KatManDEW]

Good point mexico. I ordered another crystal with the new receiver, so I'll have that to work with as well.

Thanks to all for the advice and well wishes!

[Ed Lyerly]

Don,
Did you get your new receiver ? Any idea of the maiden date ?
Inquiring minds want to know :).
Ed