New X-Twin with full body design

[ChrisP]

Does anybody have the new X-Twin yet ?

What does it weigh in comparison to the pod & boom one ?

Does the Tx have the same 'guts' as the old one with the same modification potential ?

Does the new looking TX work differently ?

Is the gear in the model the same as in pod & boom model ?

Should I be buying a stack of the older ones as they are better ??

Should I NOT be buying a stack of the older ones because the new one is better ?

Will the pod & boom model be discontinued ? Discounted ?! :)

[Pjotrrr]

There is a flightreport in the German forum:

http://www.rclineforum.de/forum/thread.php?threadid=82351&sid=&threadview=0&hilight=&hilightuser=&page=37

Especially the new canard model seems to fly very well.
TX is the same, only with spring on throttle, RX shuts down motors now when out of range.

Even in Germany they are selling them since beginning this week so not many people will have them yet...
www.xufo-shop.de is one of the few places that has them already in stock

[ChrisP]

Pjotrr
Well the first indication seems to be that the one in the picture above flies more smoothly than the 'old' pod & boom monoplane.

But I'm curious to find out if the new equipment is just as well suited to scratch building. If not, I'll order a stock before they dry up.

I see there is mention of a proportional R/C set for X-Twins on :

http://www.xufo-shop.de/sess/utn;jsessionid=15441abcde46ec1/shopdata/index.shopscript

That sounds interesting ! :) Could be an even better bet for scratch builds at €19.99.

[Bluetwo]

The mod on the web site is the one developed by Quax (as far as i can tell), and detailed in the x twin mod thread, summarised at the wiki site below. (look in tx/rx mods). It works with the X-UFO tx.

http://www.eflightwiki.com/eflightwiki/index.php?title=Silverlit_X-Twins_Airhogs_AeroAce

Bernhard's (Quax's) pages detailing the mod are at:

http://home.versanet.de/~b-konze/xtwin/xtwin_en.htm

i've got a tx, may give it a go... €20 for a bit more control!

[Fanboy]

I have two of the canard model on order from the Xufo Shop - my better half will collect them on her way through Germany at the end of the month. I did manage to get one of the older bipes locally last week (RX does shut off, so I assume it's one of the newer prod. runs), but the weather has been too foul for anything more than trimming...

This afternoon I made enquiries about pricing for the newer models and the PiccoZ from a UK distributor. No word on UK retail availability so far.

[relaxr]

I keep one standard rod bipe unaltered as it flies so nice and reliable. The eagle I sacrificed for own designs. The old monowing (eagle) was not of value for me. I hope for the new ones - if they dont perform, they will be "transplanted" in own creations. My goal is to get some for: easy flying, one soarer, and one for fast and tricky flight - I am curious what will come.... :rolleyes:

[dangitman]

Will the pod & boom model be discontinued ? Discounted ?! :)

i dunno. In Australia, Toys'R'Us got a shipment of the new Airlifter cargo plane model - and they discounted the normal X-Twins by $10.

But they also got a large shipment of the X-twins with the Airlifter. So it appears the old model is still in the pipeline. No signs of the "new" small X-Twins yet, just the Airlifter.

[chuxtruk]

If all of the models come to the U.S. I'm going to have file for bankruptcy.
Chuck

[ChrisP]

If all of the models come to the U.S. I'm going to have file for bankruptcy.
Chuck
That's funny ! :D

[relaxr]

As my "Classic" (Bipe) has arrived by mail and my Comboset will arrive tomorrow or so (Mono+Jet) my Heartbeat increases :D . I will post some pics of them and give you a flightreport. The waiting has an end :D

[ChrisP]

As my "Classic" (Bipe) has arrived by mail and my Comboset will arrive tomorrow or so (Mono+Jet) my Heartbeat increases :D . I will post some pics of them and give you a flightreport. The waiting has an end :D
That's what I was hoping to hear !!

I have been delaying ordering myself as I am out of the country next week and I don't want the stuff turning up when nobody is at home.
I'm REALLY looking forward to the details.

Who did you order from ??

Chris P

[relaxr]

I order at Buschflieger.de - they are really kind people there. The classic trainer (bipe) seems to be a bit more fragile and also agile than the old rod bipe. Weight is with 20gr +/- the same. The mock prop is funny and not disturbing performance. The plane looks all in all symmetric and well made. The wing has more continous polyhedral like before. Wings are more staggered. An old modded Tx (channelmod, 2-diode mod + opener) works perfect. Against all - I tossed it after loading right in the rain - :censored: wheather. Short impression: CG ok, very moveable, no purpoising, can be slow, but also fast - good throttle response. The engines seem to be stronger, but maybe my old set motors are only aged :( . The motor housings look different now ! With opened diodes and full turn it spirals in circles of 1,5 m - but recovers just when you loose the stick. Nice! Very stable one. Good climbing. There is more to discover in better airs., hope the wh. forecast is wrong. Its a real all purpose plane - but for rooms its too fast I think. You need min. 6x6m area. All in all improved I would say. It looks like a real small RC-plane - thats the best! Interesting: you can peel off easily all the decals, then its white, ready for every design. But I like it like it is! The A-Channel design is really pretty and "classic".
Now waiting for the other models - thats a real addictive thing ! For the given fun the price is more than reasonable.
Some pics ------>

Bye

[ChrisP]

Thanks relaxr

I had mentally written off the new bipe as it looked 'too toy like', so I'm really pleasantly surprised to hear that it flies as well if not better than the pod & boom bipe.

Keep the reports coming !! :)

[relaxr]

Hi - the old one (rod) was more "toylike" I think. The new one is clearly more turnable and whirlable. Maybe also more sensible to breezes. And - on the lower side of the fuse, in front of the Rx plate is a EPP piece (as I heared) to remove, allowing access to the lipo, enabling slight CG corrections. But I need more tests - the weather looks ok so far (some sun :D ) - I'll do some tosses later... ;).

[relaxr]

Ok - now here the whole family is together - some reports: the last two arrived just today in a deluxe double pack (2 planes / 1Tx /4 spare props). Again they feel and look well made. See pics. They have large spans, all in all they really became bigger. But none exceeds 20gr. From the design the "turbo-tiger" is spectacular, 30 cm span, length 30 cm, looking really "streamlinish". His aileron was a bit bent, was flying just circles. Corrected it - ok. The classic bipe was described just before. The "Eagle-tech" looks also cute, like a real small RC plane, span 30 cm, length 24 cm, with large elevators.

All together they "feel" all much faster, climbing is general strong. I am supposing silverlit increased somehow the power of them (dont want to open them), maybe the motors :confused: . But, all the time we have some wind, therefore the report is influenced, i am waiting still for calm airs.
As reported the bipe is a bit nervous tending to circle but recovers very fast. Its for small areas suited. The turbo-tiger is a beautiful glider and climber, but tends to stall in close turns. Seems to be the most difficult too fly. I have to check this one further, its very sensible too breezes and doesnt want to come out of turns. No chance with opened diode switch. Really unique behaviour. Needs lot of place. And now the star: the eagle tech - my god, this plane behaves like a fully controllable rc plane. After some minutes I shot with power and full (!) authority through my garden - making 8s, sharp turns with controlled stalls, enormous climbs (needed the long bamboo stick, to pick him out of the mouth of the x-twin eating oak) and controlled descends. After one strong climb I throttled down, it recovered in a dive, again full -throttle and believe it or not a cut loop - hey :D . THIS eagle-tech fits PERFECT to a modded Tx. With full turn you reverse direction. Super! I can recommend the eagle absolutely. Go for that one. Ok - now I go outside until its getting dark :D



Bye

[tgg61]

What is the availability in London? My Bro-inlaw will be there in a couple weeks and he had so much fun with my bipe he wants to pick a couple of the new ones up!! (He will be in France also) Thanks, Thomas

[ChrisP]

I guess life just got even better ! :)

[relaxr]

Yes - and in some time we all need psychiatrists :p :p :p . No just jokin' - its really a blast of fun the new ones and too recover the child inside yourself :D :D :D . I am just thinking of batterie costs, as these babies always cry for their Tx. Need a link with the Tx to the standard 220V current - couldn't that be a simple unit giving 9 V mAhs ? Any ideas ?

Bye

[Bluetwo]

relaxr,

see post below for a connection to a 220v ac 9v transformer block (about €5, same as a set of good batteries).

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5011794&postcount=387

I have one tx with the mod, plugged in to charge the planes (no batteries) and use another to fly them.

I use it all the time, haven't replace the batteries in my main tx for a while now.

Thanks for the reports.



tgg61,

I had a look on different web sites yesterday for availability in the UK, none showing up yet... i might have to order form Germany... again.

[ChrisP]

I am just thinking of batterie costs, as these babies always cry for their Tx. Need a link with the Tx to the standard 220V current - couldn't that be a simple unit giving 9 V mAhs ? Any ideas ?
You bet !

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5213877&postcount=682

[relaxr]

Thanks Bluetwo - thats what I looked for. I hope I understand it . . .I am not so in electronics. The diode and channel mods I soldered after pics from here.

I would sacrifice one Tx just as a "loader" connected to 220V. Thats no prob, as I use only my one channel-switch-mod Tx for all planes.

Couldnt I just simply solder a cable (+/-) with a connector to contacts in the batterie box . Which contacts would that be!!! Than one would just link the connector to a 9V supply? I Would like too have it "lazy" :o

Ciao

[ChrisP]

Couldnt I just simply solder a cable (+/-) with a connector to contacts in the batterie box . Which contacts would that be!!!
The tabs with the red wire and the black wire on the back of the battery holder, of course !! :)

Take the back off your Tx and it's obvious. Lead the wires out of the antenna hole.

I'll shoot a photo if you're unsure.

[dangitman]

Need a link with the Tx to the standard 220V current - couldn't that be a simple unit giving 9 V mAhs ? Any ideas ?

I have done this. But you need a 4.5v centre-tap as well. You will need a spare Tx just to charge with.

I used a 12v plug-pack transformer, then I put a capacitor and 9v voltage regulator on the lead that plugs into the Tx. Then, to get the 4.5v centre-tap, I add a second voltage regulator and capacitor inside the Tx.

The voltage regulator gives exactly 9v and 4.5v - so I would imagine that charging is much more reliable and consistent than with built in batteries.

Because it takes 12 volts, I can connect it to my car battery in the field, or a 240v transformer at home.

[Bluetwo]

relaxr,

Sure, really that is all the mod is, except it goes through a socket in the tx, so you do not need to have it plugged in all the time if you don't want.

hey, i got a spare tx i can post you if it goes wrong ;)

- or i could mod one and put it on ebay ;)

[dangitman]

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5213877&postcount=682

That won't work. It needs the centre-tap for the transmitter to turn on, let alone charge. At least in my experience.

I also don't get the previous mod. Why add an external power source if you are still using three AA cells for the centre-tap?

----

If you really don't want to do any electronics, I suggest simply using Energizer Lithium AA batteries in the charging Tx. These are expensive, but provide 1.5v instead of 1.2v like NIMH batteries. They also have very good capacity, so you should get plenty of field charging out of a set, with no extra leads or electronics.

But the voltage regulator isn't difficult to do. The voltage regulator chips are about $1 each here, and the capacitors don't cost much. The best part is you can use nearly any power source available, and still get perfect voltage.

----

Of course, you can also wire connectors on your flight battery, and cut an access slot - so you can then charge them on a dedicated Lipo charger. This will extend the life of your battery over the X-Twin rapid charger, but take longer to charge.

I have done some planes each way. I like to keep a couple of intact X-Twins for the kids, that don't have holes cut in them, or access for little fingers and mouths to wiring.

[Bluetwo]

I have done this. But you need a 4.5v centre-tap as well. You will need a spare Tx just to charge with.
.....

Because it takes 12 volts, I can connect it to my car battery in the field, or a 240v transformer at home.

It does not need the 4.5 v tap to charge with (at least i have had no problems with the 2 sets, or the planes i have used it on). It will need the 4.5v tap if you want to fly with the same tx, and no batteries. -the schematic shows the 4.5v used only for the microcontroller and inputs (it incorrectly shows it also for the transmission circuitry, which actually runs off the 9v -as mentioned previously by Martin

The socket disconnects the +9v to the batteries (if they are in the the tx) when the plug is connected.

A 9v supply means no voltage regulators are needed - simpler?

Charging from the car using the 12v + regulators is neat!

[ChrisP]

Mine works fine.

I have removed all the cells and have 9v from a power pack going to the tabs on the battery holder. The centre tap no longer functional.

It charges !

(I have no problem with 9v as I take my variable voltage power pack along for other models).

[dangitman]

the schematic shows the 4.5v used only for the microcontroller and inputs (it incorrectly shows it also for the transmission circuitry, which actually runs off the 9v -as mentioned previously by Martin

Ahhh, sorry. I tried it first with just the 9v regulator, and didn't get a power light, so I went straight ahead with the second regulator for 4.5v. I was under the impression (mistakenly, obviously) that the 4.5v was used for charging.

Would input voltage change the charging current/voltage, or is there a built-in voltage regulator for the charger? Because most plug-pack transformers vary wildly in voltage. I've seen ones marked 9v that give closer to 12v, or only 8v.


Charging from the car using the 12v + regulators is neat!

Thanks - I recommend making up a lead just for your car, especially if you have a cigarette lighter socket. I'll post some pics later.

[Bluetwo]

Ahhh, sorry. I tried it first with just the 9v regulator, and didn't get a power light, so I went straight ahead with the second regulator for 4.5v. I was under the impression (mistakenly, obviously) that the 4.5v was used for charging.

Would input voltage change the charging current/voltage, or is there a built-in voltage regulator for the charger? Because most plug-pack transformers vary wildly in voltage. I've seen ones marked 9v that give closer to 12v, or only 8v.


That figures, the red power led is run off the 4.5 v part of the circuit!

There is no built in discreet regulator in the tx, so using a regulated supply is a good idea (not sure what all the circuitry does, so there may be some regulation, but not much as the voltage the LiPo charges to does decrease as tx batteries run down). The transformer bricks i use are regulated.

The voltage output of an unregulated supply will vary on input mains voltage, as well as manufacturing tolerances...

Cheers.

[dangitman]

Here's a pic of my regulated charging cable. If anyone wants a schematic, I can post it. It uses:

• 9v voltage regulator chip
• 1000uf electrolytic capacitor
• 1uf tantalum capacitor

You can see I have two input lines - one with a socket for a plug-pack transformer, one with a cigarette lighter plug for the car. Either is optional.

[Rocketman1092]

I order at Buschflieger.de - they are really kind people there.

Relaxr,
Does buschflieger.de ship to the United States? If so, how much would it cost? I can't stand waiting for the new X-Twins, and nobody really knows if Airhogs will be importing them.

[Ibanezjimjim666]

Relaxr,
Does buschflieger.de ship to the United States? If so, how much would it cost? I can't stand waiting for the new X-Twins, and nobody really knows if Airhogs will be importing them.
If they don't ship to the U.S. is there a kind soul who would order them then send them over here? I would gladly pay for such an act of kindness (Cost of package, Shipping and compensation for the trouble of mailing it). I don't want to wait until September either :D . Feel free to PM me.

[relaxr]

Hi all - at first thanks for all the hints and infos concerning linking the Tx for loading with 220V. I have to check all threads and go into action. Will take some time...

For availability of planes I would do the following:

-contact german shops (buschflieger, xufo-shop ...etc), they have Email adresses. I myself ordered sometime before used old SLR lenses in the US. It was a bit complicated - esp. the "Zoll"(=german, dont know, was it "customs"?) was some hazzle - but if one really wants it - it works. The customs make some extra costs. From US too germany it was about 20% or so. You have to work and think for your "deep" wishes :rolleyes:

-Ebay should be the easiest way - try to arrange with european sellers.

-Ask people who visit germany or europe to bring one along

-After some other flying I think really, that the eagle is far the best. The bipe is just a continuing of the old rod bipe. The turbo-tiger is looking good, but stalls fast. But they are all interesting - shure. If one just copies the design of the eagle (selfmade) its the same plane. And its an easy design!
If one wants, I could make detailed pics from all sides and angles. Thats my offer.

-I think, that its possible to get those regularily too USA. It will take some time. Silverlit would be crazy to do it not. AA also will go for them. Why not. Perhaps ask AA to go for them. There was one guy from netherlands, who said "shure you get them in US..." - did he knew more than you? It was in a thread somewhere here....just some weeks ago.

-Perhaps others have ideas concerning this topic

Good luck

[ChrisP]

Here's a pic of my regulated charging cable. If anyone wants a schematic, I can post it.
Please post the schematic. I'll make up a module with the components that I can plug in 'upstream' of the banana plugs for charging off the car battery.

I was also thinking of another variation which would be to 'borrow' the 8x3000 mAh NiMH from my Twinstar and use that as the power source for the dedicated transmitter charger.

[ChrisP]

After some other flying I think really, that the eagle is far the best
Relaxr

It's interesting that you refer to this model as the 'Eagle' and Buschflieger lists it as the 'Sports'. Is there a reason for that ?

The old monoplane was called the 'Eagle Wing'. Kind of confusing ! :confused:

[relaxr]

Yes ChrisP,

the naming is multiple everywhere (ist "dorschenanner" als Hesse :D ) I just use "Eagle-tech" now, as its written on the wing decal . Make a pic "blow-up" and you should be able too see it. Solution should be ok!

The Turbo is named "Tiger" on the decal and the Classic is named "Classic" there.

Bye

[dangitman]

The old monoplane was called the 'Eagle Wing'. Kind of confusing ! :confused:

Even more confusing - Toys'R'Us in Australia labels both the monoplane and the biplane as "X-Twin Eagle."

As for the charger schematics, I will draw them tomorrow. I have to go to bed now.

[ChrisP]

EI GUDE WIE !! (Greetings from Hessen)

There seems to be a definite cost trend now. The original pod & boom monoplane (I know it as the 'Eagle Wing') is definitely the cheapest. Based on my experiences I guess it is also the worst flyer, but that means it's the BEST model to order to strip down for the R/C gear and motors !! :)

I just ordered some of the new models from www.tableracer.de based on relaxr's first impressions. Although the Turbo-Tiger doesn't sound too promising for indoor flying, I ordered a combo set which includes one. The advantage is that I get a model to tear down if it doesn't fly too well for only €10 above the price of a single model. AND I avoid getting YET ANOTHER transmitter to find a storage place for. :D

I also ordered a spare pair of motors (€6.99). I'm really happy that they are now available separately as well as spare props which were a major problem in the beginning.

Dangitman - Enjoy your sleep !

[nolan_griffiths]

Hi,
For everyone not in Germany (the only place it seems you can get these at the moment), www.xufo-shop.de ships to pretty much anywhere in the world. I ordered a Deluke set from them, hasn't arrived yet, just make sure to double check the shipping costs, €27.90 to the U.K. Total cost £45.

relaxr,
thanks for the photos and reports, cant wait for mine to turn up.

[relaxr]

Yes ChrisP - just for getting the guts, the eagle for 22€ or so from tableracer ist the best. They may have lowered the price, beacuse the old eagle is (in my op) a lousy flyer. To my knowledge they have also in the newer ones of the first generation the fail save Rx - thats very important, when the thermals come back. Brrrrrrrrr - hoping soon. I have also orderded two sets of spare motors and all new sets came with spare props.

Nolan, I am happy that you post the xufo-shop info for being able to order them from all over the world. I did not know :( I felt a bit guilty to make you all hot here - but as excuse, I just wanted to share the new infos and the fun. But thats now a good message :) .

I am planning now an avro vulcan with x-t guts - thats a real impressive bird.
But I am afraid it has only a few vertical structures therfore is at high risk of rolling and stalling - will see . . . :cool: But I will try with some add. polyhedral.

EDIT: rumors say that silverlit china has shipped only A-channel deluxe sets for europe, others shall be available not before summer/autumn.

Bye

[Bluetwo]

EDIT: rumors say that silverlit china has shipped only A-channel deluxe sets for europe, others shall be available not before summer/autumn.


I have ordered stuff from xufo-shop previously, good service, just a bit pricey for shipment outside DE.

Channel A only hey?, Won't be long before we start seeing some ex-channel A, Bs and Cs about i bet. :D

Interesting, i think the old mono eagle wing actually does fly well & glides better, given the right conditions -no wind whatsoever, lots of space, and the tighter steering mod.
Certainly the bi is able to cope with rougher conditions, more maneuverable, but not as fast, better dihedral... modded bi is my preferred though...

[nolan_griffiths]

Channel A only would make sense, as according to www.xufo-shop.de, channel B
and C deluke sets won't be available until june. However, www.tableracer.de states that all the deluke sets will be available on the 24th of march.
Glad I ordered the A channel set :)

[ChrisP]

I am planning now an avro vulcan with x-t guts - thats a real impressive bird. But I am afraid it has only a few vertical structures therfore is at high risk of rolling and stalling - will see . . . :cool: But I will try with some add. polyhedral.
If it doesn't have to be a Vulcan ,there are a few interesting designs here :

http://www.luft46.com/

For example the Heinkel P1079B/1

[relaxr]

Beside some (theoretical) lower Tx/Rx refresh the A should work. My new A's are fully ok - no complaints so far. My old A gets sometimes "stumbles", then motor speed shortly goes down, but imediately recovers. The plane then goes a bit down, just close over a tree this could be :censored: . Other times all ok. Anyone ideas? But I feel this stuff ages, the motors looses in every case efficiacy and power with time. Maybe my transplanting also made some effects - unbelievable I had this "guts" in more than 15 planes from dec 2005. Just sometimes had to resolder cables and the antenna.

Bluetwo - my "old eagle" was a bit assymmetric, therfore just curving around. And I didnt trim it so much as my first x-t plane. Then very fast I "killed" it for having the guts to make own builds. Got the same assymmetry probs now with my new "blue" tiger (you see it in the pic threads before, when looking from above). But I will correct that.

I am very intersted if anyone will find out, if the power of the newer planes was increased - it feels so - maybe one can measure this with tools and electronics utilities. That new eagle is a megastrong climber :eek:

Bye - wish you all the mail from germany to the world to be fast ;)

[relaxr]

If it doesn't have to be a Vulcan ,there are a few interesting designs here :

http://www.luft46.com/

For example the Heinkel P1079B/1

ChrisP - NICEish ! Thats what I looked for, a scale with polyhedral and large aileron. Does it matter, if the polyhedral is oriented like this? Normally it stands upside??? But your plan is just printed and goes to enlarging ! I'll check that one too. Now I finish work soon, drive home and open my Hangars at home :D :D :D .

Bya

[Pete P]

Are there any sites from which a person in the US can order an X-Twin (new one) with spare props, without extra-ordonary shipping charges?

[Bluetwo]

none that anyone reading this thread has owned up too, though depends what you consider extra-ordinary i guess.

[nolan_griffiths]

Pete P,
might be worth firing an e-mail of to these people
http://rc-letmathe.de/index.php?cPath=69&osCsid=86055b224f32235fb7d63c919a824d69
(kontact, bottom left) From what I can figure out they might ship out of europe, got to be worth 2 minutes of your time.
Good Luck

[relaxr]

Yes - I just went to that site. They write, that one should contact them via E-Mail to ask for their conditions and costs for shipping out of europe. It seems to depend on some factors. But it looks as they would do send to US. Ask them...

I cant imagine, that AA dont go for the new ones, has no one asked them if they will do sooner or later ...?

Bye

[relaxr]

If standing on my scale in the bathroom, I feel also a bit like "full body design". But only a "bit"! This might explain my love for those new planes . . .

Just a joke for friday :D

[ChrisP]

Does it matter, if the polyhedral is oriented like this? Normally it stands upside???
relaxr

EI GUDE WIE ?!

It shouldn't make a difference.

(If I'm wrong you can always fly it inverted !!) :D :D

[relaxr]

Ahh jo ChrisP - merr mäscht was mer kann - gelle (regional slang, dont try babelfish or so :D )

Inverted ? - but not with x-twins..he he :p (just unwanted/-expected). As to bee seen in the jetthread I work on the avro. But just few of them tell their secrets about CG and motorpositions in x-t jets - means for me another deep round of R&D. One thing works every time - to kick them in the bin. Therefore I am relaxed (what else...). My aunt is also named "Else" - tend to joke today...

Nice weekend t'all

[rcflyrdon]

I have been flying/charging from day one using 2300 Mah cells in my xmtr, and have had NO problems range or otherwise. I carry three sets of six cells, and periodically put them in a wall charge unit made for nicad/nimh Also, when I am not flying, I remove the cells from the xmtr. BTW,checking the voltage coming out of the charge plug I get 6volts!

[Elapid]

i just placed an order for a pair of the combo sets...
not sure what shipping is gonna cost yet, but i couldn't resist!

i have one of the air hogs aero aces with the bottom wing cut off and it's awesome to be able to fly in the front yard! it bounces off anything it hits!
too much fun!

[wrapperworm]

hiya nolan,
i ordered a new bi plane xtwin on the 8th of march and it still hasn't come!!! how long did it take for yours to arrive? Another thing i used paypal to pay for it and they only charged me 29 euros, but my invoice i got thourgh my email said 54euros! 27 for p&p. i hope it comes

James

[dangitman]

Please post the schematic. I'll make up a module with the components that I can plug in 'upstream' of the banana plugs for charging off the car battery.

Here you go. It's really very simple.

The capacitors aren't even strictly necessary. They are just to smooth the supply and output voltages, especially when used with an AC-DC transformer. If you are only using battery supply, it's not much of an issue. The output capacitor doesn't have to be a tantalum, either, but this gives best performance.

The input capacitor value is based on rule of thumb for current handling. 1,000uf per amp. The transmitter probably draws 300mA or less while charging, so 300uf should be fine. But you may want to use a higher value, so you can use the supply with other devices that draw more current.

I just happened to have 1,000uf laying around, so that's what I used.

The regulator usually goes by part number LM7809 but may also be listed as something else. Description is simply "+9v regulator." It can handle a wide range of input voltages (probably more than the 30v I quoted) and is virtually indestructible as long as you don't connect it to reverse voltage.

[nolan_griffiths]

wrapperworm,
I ordered my Deluke set on march the 9th, had an e-mail from them (xufo-shop.de) on the 23rd of march stating that it was now available and would
be dispatched on the 27th of march, hopefully won't take too long to get here (Wales). I also had an e-mail stating that there was a problem with the supply chain, which I stupidly deleted. The p+p costs were clearly displayed when I ordered, and Paypal charged me the right amount, so I can't really help you there, sorry. It might be worth you e-mailing them to find out whats going on if you haven't heard anything from them. I check the site daily to see if there are any problems.
I hope for your sake that it does turn up.
Good luck,Nolan

[relaxr]

Hi Bluetwo - according to your post #19 I soldered this weekend your power supply solution for charging with the Tx on current net (220V) instead of batteries. It works well, was easy, cheap and fast to do. Found a 9 V plug DC supply in the house, bought the connector and the switchplug (3€), soldered it in some 30 min in a spare Tx from my "stocks". The only thing is that the power indicator on the TX doesnt lit red when powered. But the charger LED behaves like regular ! Will now make the charging cable longer and make up a "charging station" - nice one. There is much easy improvement potential in this xt/AA stuff - its real great.

A lot of thanks for your kind hint and plans Bluetwo :)

Bye

[Bluetwo]

relaxr, glad it was useful! :) It would need a 4.5 v regulator as well for the red LED to light. Good luck witht he charging station...

cheers

[iter]

I'll be in Milan in a couple of weeks, and I thought I'd pick up a couple of these planes if they're available. Does anyone know where I should look for them?

Ari.

[Elapid]

well...
hopefully...
my two deluxe sets should ship today!

wonder how long it will take to the U.S.

[ChrisP]

I flew both the new monoplane and the one with the canard foreplanes in our hall last Sunday. Both were 'swoopy' under power and on both of them I finished up putting a couple of screws into the nose until they were more controllable. Both are an improvement over the original monoplane and more manoueverable. The one with the foreplanes does have a strong tendency to spiral down if you hold power on in a turn too long, however.

I flew the old biplane with the lower wing removed for the first time. Man is that thing fast and manouevarable too !! Again it needed more noseweight and had a tendency to spiral down if the turn was held for too long.

I will try outdoors at the weekend.

Chris P

[relaxr]

ChrisP : I found the same as you. The mono with a bit of lead is very cute plane (imho the best original)! The Tiger with the canard (and others) spiralling down, staying in curves can be cured with very small polyhedral wing tips (about 1,5 cm, made mine from very thin "Kebap box depron"). Beware of thermals with the tiger, as it has the largest wing area of all x-twins also making it such a beautiful soarer.

Have fun - and try a Z-surfer (MIT-kid adapted it) mine has 70cm span (!) - an awesome controllable plane with soaring capabilities I never believed to reach with x-twins. And faaaaaast and easy to build (1 hr). I will make another Z-surfer with 40 cm span, should be a fast and nice "xt pylon-racer dwarf".

Have funnnnnn :D

[Bobber Bob]

Hi relaxr...

I notice your change of picture for your sign in info... cooool...

I too have joind the "Cutlas crowd", with a 12" span, and 16.3 gram version. Made from a 3-view, with the wings extended to 128% of scale, and the verticals 6" (15.24 cm) apart.

A nice fast flyer, with about 2.5% camber.

Bob

Bob Reynolds
. ComeUpHere

[relaxr]

Hi BobberBob -
first I am happy that yours is also a fast nice flyer. For 12'' the 16,3 gr speaks for your building abilities - thats a really good value. I think the miracle of this plane is its wing form (delta), the spaced ailerons and the compact CG as all things (mots, Rx and lipo) come so close together in the plane - that makes them turn so swivelish ;)

I also found a strange thing now, my first 10'' cutty has a flat wing - my second has some few airfoil (in the first 1/3 of foil some 2 mm - not more) - veryyy few according your explanations to me ;) . Other specs are completely identical! The flat one flies much much better (its the one on the last vid I yesterday posted) than the foiled one. The foiled climbs less, tends sometimes to stall in curves into spirals and sometimes will not end a turn. The flat one just adheres to the stick like a slave - full authority. What could that be? I pers. would everyone recommend to build a flat one - makes also less work. Maybe you write a flight characteristics report or make a vid of yours - would be interesting to understand more of this foamies aerodynamics. Would be nice if other also would do this for their creations - and there a lots of new nice jets here. My free gear still waits . . .

Its no secret I love the cutty - therefore I changed my avatar pic :) . The best of all is, we have spring in germany. Yesterday I made my first flights with sunglasses :p thats THE feeling.

bye

Bye

[Bobber Bob]

Hi relaxr...

Just came back from the flying field, where the guys talked me into making 5 cutty's for them, so the epidemic has started... Big Smile..

I will try one of your flat ones tomorrow, and fly it along side my cambered one, and give it a head to head comparison.

I am having trouble getting enough turn out of mine to comfortably fly it indoors, but out doors, it is graceful, and scale looking, and THAT is what got everyone's attention today.

Bob

Bob Reynolds
. ComeUpHere

[relaxr]

Bobberbob: Yes make some of them - a squadron :D . Believe me - make them flat, that saves time, and you earn more fun and speed swivels. Just bend the elvators and some part of the wing in front the elevators up. . I did also some flights in the backyard in total calm airs and sun. The fine is, if you fly her often, you get better and better. Climbing rates are awesome, like the real cutty :eek: . Mod the tx's - minimum is 2-diode mod, better with opener. If its lightweighted - go for 17-18 gr and has a portected nose (my foam noses never got any damage, I cut them from my xt-victims - the tigers nose is a perfect 10'' cutty nose :p ) and a protected leading edge (Tesa Film) it will be for eternity. But one should say - no easy flier, but predictible. But then its just megafun - it climbs really proportional to throttle speed. At full throttle it tends to go up - stalls - and sometimes makes a loop. Some days before I was standing for 1/2 minute against the wind just to recover and hold her there. It tolerates a lot of breeze. Yep Bob - make pics and vids of your squadron, I would be megainterested :) . Maybe you all discover also optimisations. Cutties go . . .

I just saw, if its well trimmed it flies with low trottle exactly as in the avatar pic nose up :D

Bya

[Bobber Bob]

Hi relaxr...

Just noticed that we have been posting about the "cutty" in the wrong thread, so, I'll copy your last message here, and continue over in the X-Twin jet thread...

Bob

[Phillybaby]

Relaxr, is it the full body, what Silverlit call the Sport flyer you had in the garden doing all the figure 8's and turns and things?

looking to get one for beered up evenings at shows but not sure whats the best one.
two friends have the canards and seem to be good fun.
blue and green, guess i'd need another colour not to clash frequencies.

[relaxr]

Philly - I think that was the cutty vid - BUT the sports is even more agile. Its perfect for 8s and turns - go for it. You will outturn every fury (canards ) with it :D

[Phillybaby]

thanks, http://www.flyingtoys.co.uk/silverlit.html carries the full range here.

[nolan_griffiths]

Phillybaby,
Sports Racer is the one to get. If you have not flown one before give yourself plenty of room the first few times. Don't forget to have a penny and some tape with you in case you need it, mine is near as damn it unflyable without a little weight up front.
It also handles wind very well, BBc website reckon upto 16 mph today and it flew very well.

[Phillybaby]

which is the sports racer?

[nolan_griffiths]

This one

http://www.crazyfruitbat.com/product.php?productid=127&cat=1&page=3

few more pictures of mine here

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?u=81302.

[Phillybaby]

ok got ya, thanks.