Micro SSX Build

[jkarpy]

This is the start of the Micro SSX Build thread. The intention of the thread is to cover both the kit and ARF version. Post number one will serve as an index to the body of this thread and other related threads. Post number one can change daily as new information and ideas are available. Relevant posts are any thing related directly to the Micro SSX or any product that can be used with the Micro SSX.



Note: This is a work in progress 5/29/07

[jkarpy]

Pull out the horizontal stabilizer and elevator from the kit. Put a long strip of Scotch tape along the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer so that half of
the width of the tape hangs over the trailing edge. Place elevator with beveled side UP and the beveled edge parallel with the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer. Slide the elevator down the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer until it attaches to the tape. While holding the elevator at a 45° angle to the horizontal stabilizer, lift the horizontal stabilizer,
while at the same time allowing the elevator to rest flat on the table, keeping them at a 45° angle. Flip over and secure the tape with finger. Fold both pieces flat onto each other, with the hinge tape on the inside. Cut off excess tape. Take another piece of Scotch tape longer than the hinge edge, and
attach it to the opposite side of the bevel. Again, cut off excess tape from the ends. Roll both pieces over the extended edge of the tape so that now both sides of the hinge are covered.

Rudder Hinge Assembly: Line the top edges of the rudder and vertical stabilizer. Start out with a piece of tape the length of the vertical stabilizer. Using the same method as previously mentioned for the horizontal stabilizer, apply hinge tape.

Aileron Hinge Assembly: Use same method described above for aileron hinges.

[jkarpy]

Servo Mount

[jkarpy]

Do not glue wing mounts to fuselage until after balancing.

[jkarpy]

Many of you have expressed confusion over how the tail mount goes together. This should clear things up.
UPDATE: The best configuration for the Micro SSX is to have the longest tail possible. Build the entire tail section and mount, wing and motor mount/ battery tray assembly. Assemble the entire plane without gluing the parts to the fuselage. That means all electronics installed also. Do not connect the rudder and elevator pushrods yet. Place the tail assembly as far out on the fuselage end as possible. Check the balance. If you are a good pilot, you will want the CG to be neutral. The neutral CG is about ¾” past the spar. Line-up the wing and tail and tack glue in place. Line-up the battery/ motor assembly and tack glue. Check all alignments and do your final gluing. Make sure the P12 is not glued to P12A.

[jkarpy]

Reserved for Landing Gear and Battery Mount

[jkarpy]

Reserved for Motor Mount

[jkarpy]

Balancing requires that the wing not be glued directly to the fuselage. You must be able to move the wing forward or aft on the fuselage for balancing. Install all gear, push rods and the battery before balancing. The balance point is 1/8th inch behind the main spar.

After the model is balanced, check to be sure the tail section is aligned with the wing and then glue the wing mounts to the fuselage using medium CA.

[jkarpy]

Ready for final assembly

[jkarpy]

1. The CG for this model is 1/8” inch to the rear of the main spar. Balance the plane at the CG by holding wings with your fingertips as shown. Try to maintain the distance from the front fuselage to the leading edge of the wing at 2 1/8” by adjusting positions of your hardware first. If necessary, change position of your wing to balance.
Update: The best configuration for the Micro SSX is to have the longest tail possible. Build the entire tail section and mount, wing and motor mount/ battery tray assembly. Assemble the entire plane without gluing the parts to the fuselage. That means all electronics installed also. Do not connect the rudder and elevator pushrods yet. Place the tail assembly as far out on the fuselage end as possible. Check the balance. If you are a good pilot, you will want the CG to be neutral. The neutral CG is about ¾” past the spar. Line-up the wing and tail and tack glue in place. Line-up the battery/ motor assembly and tack glue. Check all alignments and do your final gluing. Make sure the P12 is not glued to P12A.



2. Once aircraft is balanced, adjust the horizontal stabilizer so it is parallel to the wing. Then glue the front and rear wing saddles to the fuselage stick.
3. Position servo, battery and motor mounts. Motor should have 2 ° of right and 2 ° of down thrust. This can be achieved by shimming the motor or by offsetting the motor mount during gluing. Glue the motor mount to the fuselage and battery mount using thick CA glue.
4. Square the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer. Glue the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer by bleeding thin CA into the mount.
5. Glue all control horns with thick CA.
6. Install control linkage. The E-Z connectors are for the aileron servo control horn. Feed the rudder and elevator pushrods through the rear pushrod guide before attaching to servos. Use Z bends for rudder and elevator servos. Be sure to center your servos first.
7. Permanently install receiver, motor and speed control. Make sure your antenna does not touch the carbon fiber fuselage or any metal. Use double stick foam tape to mount speed control to the top of battery mount.
8. Control throws are as follows:
Elevator: 45 ° up and down 20° low rate
Rudder: 45 ° left and right
Ailerons: 45 ° up and down 20° low rate
I recommend using expo if you have it!

[jkarpy]

1. Use the small arms for all servos.
2. Connect pushrods at outer most hole of control horns and servo arms.
3. Micro servo cases are typically press fit. The bottom can easily be pulled apart and if you don’t put it back correctly, you can ruin the servo. I recommend using a piece of clear tape and place it so that it straddles the bottom of the servo. This will keep the bottom from falling off.
4. Use a micro receiver such as the Berg 4L or Micro Spectrum receiver.
5. The spectrum receivers can easily be placed inside the wing between the center ribs.
6. The Berg 4L can be secured to the fuselage with a Velcro strap or tape.
7. Use a Micro antenna with the Berg 4L receiver if possible.
8. Do not allow your antenna to touch the fuselage or pushrods during flight. This can reduce the range of your receiver. The fuselage of the Micro SSX is carbon fiber, carbon is a conductor.
Tip: Run servos for several cycles before first flight. This will improve centering.

[jkarpy]

This is the Micro SSX build it your self Kit. It is identical to the ARF version with some enhancements to make it easier to build. All the parts are laser cut and interlocking so no pins are needed to assemble this kit. The wing can be assembled in ½ an hour by most modelers.

Hardware included in kit:
4 micro control horns
2 Dubro micro light wheels
2 Dubro wheel retainers
Wire for push rods, aileron linkage and tail skid
Preformed wire landing gear
15” Wrapped carbon fuselage
Velcro pads
Velcro “One Wrap” Battery strap (RED)
Servo tape (Used to hold speed control in position)
6 # 0 - ¼ sheet metal screws (Servos)
2 # 1 – ¼ sheet metal screws (Motor)

[jkarpy]

Please, no glue until told to do so.

Cover tail section and wing with light model covering such as World model Lightex or So light.

[jkarpy]

Tail Section:

[jkarpy]

Flight:

[Tom Korn]

Is there a kit for the Micro, or only an ARF?

[jkarpy]

Is there a kit for the Micro, or only an ARF?

I do have complete kits available. However, until I finish the kit instructions, you will have to build from the build thread. I should be able to finish the instructions this week.

[Tom Korn]

Fantastic, will Grave's stock them?

[jkarpy]

Fantastic, will Grave's stock them?
They will soon, contact me direct through e-mail. I have some preliminary build kits available now.
jkarpy@millenniumrc.com

[Tha Hodgehound]

Will you have a version that will be RTF,so the buyer will only have to provide the Rec. and battery? Although I may just have to get a kit this time and finally try to actually build something! :eek:

[jkarpy]

Will you have a version that will be RTF,so the buyer will only have to provide the Rec. and battery? Although I may just have to get a kit this time and finally try to actually build something! :eek:

I have a combo that comes with everything but the receiver. You still have to assemble the airframe. Yes it comes with a battery also.

[Tha Hodgehound]

I have a combo that comes with everything but the receiver. You still have to assemble the airframe. Yes it comes with a battery also.
COOOOLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!! How many pesos will that set an ole gringo back??? So I can start saving up! :D
DUH!!!!! Why don't I just check the website?????? SORRY :rolleyes:

[jkarpy]

COOOOLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!! How many pesos will that set an ole gringo back??? So I can start saving up! :D
DUH!!!!! Why don't I just check the website?????? SORRY :rolleyes:

Your not "STOO-PID!!!". I have not had a chance to update the web site yet.
Here is the product sheet, I have not priced a combo for the build kit yet but it will also be available.

[Tha Hodgehound]

I gotta ebay some more junk and get some "plane change"!!!!!

[fadetoblack]

looks very cool jkarpy.. please let me know when the combo will be available, i definitely want to be on the list for that.

also, i have a dx7 and was wondering if an ar6100 rx would work well with this kit, since thats the only option.

[rcproptester]

Did you say you haven't priced the kit yet?
I've forgotten, but will you offer a kit or will it be an ARF?
I really enjoyed putting the SSX together, and would like to do a mini also.

[Tha Hodgehound]

Yeah I wanna put the micro together from parts too. Looks like it would be pretty easy for a newb at building! It's hard to believe I've never built a plane from wood parts!?!?!?

[jkarpy]

looks very cool jkarpy.. please let me know when the combo will be available, i definitely want to be on the list for that.

also, i have a dx7 and was wondering if an ar6100 rx would work well with this kit, since thats the only option.

I will have a batch shortly. Please e-mail me directly. sales@millenniumrc.com
Looks like the AR6100 will fit nicely in the open area between the center ribs in front of the main spar.

[jkarpy]

Did you say you haven't priced the kit yet?
I've forgotten, but will you offer a kit or will it be an ARF?
I really enjoyed putting the SSX together, and would like to do a mini also.

Complete air frame kit is $44.95 Kit includes: laser cut balsa and plywood parts, carbon fiber fuselage, preformed wire(pushrods and landing gear), wheels and control hardware.

I also have a combo for $154.95 Combo includes: Micro-SSX kit and same parts as ARF combo

[Tha Hodgehound]

Anybody want to buy a slightly crashed Raptor 30 V2??? $154.95 LOL

[jkarpy]

Be careful with the blue bird servos. The bottom can easily be pulled apart and if you don’t put it back correctly, you can ruin the servo. I recommend using a piece of clear tape and place it so that it straddles the bottom of the servo. This will keep the bottom from falling off.

[orlampa]

Just picked up the last one at the LHS. Can't wait to get it in the air! I'll report back soon.

[fadetoblack]

really? they're available for purchase?

[jkarpy]

really? they're available for purchase?
They may still have some at Graves RC. I will have more in a week and lots more mid July. I also have kits coming shortly; I am still working on the instructions.

[R.A.P.]

Hi JKARPY-- Thanks for the fast shipping, I took out my SSX-A this AM to Coronado park and flew it 5 times!Let my friends fly it also, and I'm impressed
with the handling! in and outside loops,spins inverted,rolls etc. all nice round
and crisp, even tried some IMAC fun fun morning. I'm using
Hacker 20-20L
CC 25 ESC
11x4.7 APCE
Hitec 55 servo's (4)
TP pro-lite 3S1230
TP pro-lite 3S2000
I'm enclosing a couple pic's
This plane flys slow like a S.S. and open the throttle and hang on!!! I put an
-A on it because I made some alterations........
Dick

[jkarpy]

Hi JKARPY-- Thanks for the fast shipping, I took out my SSX-A this AM to Coronado park and flew it 5 times!Let my friends fly it also, and I'm impressed
with the handling! in and outside loops,spins inverted,rolls etc. all nice round
and crisp, even tried some IMAC fun fun morning. I'm using
Hacker 20-20L
CC 25 ESC
11x4.7 APCE
Hitec 55 servo's (4)
TP pro-lite 3S1230
TP pro-lite 3S2000
I'm enclosing a couple pic's
This plane flys slow like a S.S. and open the throttle and hang on!!! I put an
-A on it because I made some alterations........
Dick
Wow, At first glance of your pictures I thought someone had copied my SSX. You definitely made it your own! Looks great! So what did the alterations do? The wing is shorter so that’s a no brainer. The tail section is different although I can see that you reduced the size and shape. I will bet its fast. I would love to build one like that just so I can see how it performs. What are the dimensions of the stab?

Can you post this on the SSX build thread?

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=646592

[jkarpy]

I have about 20 ARFs or ARF/Combo available this week. :D

[fadetoblack]

I have about 20 ARFs or ARF/Combo available this week. :D

cool, where can i order from?

[jkarpy]

cool, where can i order from?

Please send an e-mail to sales@millenniumrc.com; indicate that you want to purchase a MRCMSSX if you just want the air frame. If you want a combo it's MRCMSSXCB. More details are on my website.

[fadetoblack]

does anyone have videos of the micro ssx in action?

[jkarpy]

does anyone have videos of the micro ssx in action?
I will try and post some this week. I have some editing to do first.

[Kruzer1]

Hi James. Well I got the Micro covered and will try to post a pic with this. Waiting on the reciever, ESC and battery. They should be here in a few days. This is a very exciting little model. Looking forward to the maiden and the reaction at the field. Plan is to make it portable (some sort of carry box) to take it with me on vacation in August and fly it until the prop-blades droop. :D

[fadetoblack]

wow... the black color scheme looks awesome.

[Kruzer1]

Thanks Fade. Actually that was just what I had LOL. I made a tailwheel from one of the wingtip knockouts hardened with CA. Will post a pic later when I mount it..

[jkarpy]

Hi James. Well I got the Micro covered and will try to post a pic with this. Waiting on the reciever, ESC and battery. They should be here in a few days. This is a very exciting little model. Looking forward to the maiden and the reaction at the field. Plan is to make it portable (some sort of carry box) to take it with me on vacation in August and fly it until the prop-blades droop. :D

That looks great! You are the first to have a kit build Micro SSX, but the second to finish one.

[Kruzer1]

Thanks James. I guess it does look kinda catchy.*(Kruzer1 takes a bow LMBO)*
This will have to be a day plane. Will have to look at doing something for the night. Hodgehound's Night Stik was an absolute eye opener! Gotta get me one of those! We been doing BBQ burgers once a month after flying on Saturday evening. This would be perfect for an "Apres Sundown" session. We call ourselves the Farm 7 Flyers, here's a link to my local flying group's blog (not a registered club as yet).
http://ttsaa.blogspot.com/

[Tha Hodgehound]

Hey! Thanks for the compliment Kruzer! :D

[Kruzer1]

Hodgehound u're most welcome! I am busy on a project (work) until next week or so while the rest of my parts get here, so that works out OK for now.

[Tram]

Lookin' good.. :)

Should be several of these things flying very soon.. I've got a few days off to tinker..

Jeff
www.CommonSenseRC.com

[Diggs]

I received my ARF combo today. Wow, Micro is correct! For some reason I just didn't think it was this small, but it looks very cool. The factory covering job is spot on! I am going to get started on it now, was looking for a build thread and found this and got caught up reading :) Off to build, wish me luck. I hope to take it out tomorrow if the wind will allow. I also bought a vid cam today from newegg.com. So hopefully that will come this week and I can post a vid of this puppy in action.

Diggs

Oh, and Hodge, that is a piece of art you created with the SSX night flyer! I have my SSX up and running and am most happy with it. Feels like a big plane in the air, but is easy and graceful to fly.

[jkarpy]

I received my ARF combo today. Wow, Micro is correct! For some reason I just didn't think it was this small, but it looks very cool. The factory covering job is spot on! I am going to get started on it now, was looking for a build thread and found this and got caught up reading :) Off to build, wish me luck. I hope to take it out tomorrow if the wind will allow. I also bought a vid cam today from newegg.com. So hopefully that will come this week and I can post a vid of this puppy in action.

Diggs

Oh, and Hodge, that is a piece of art you created with the SSX night flyer! I have my SSX up and running and am most happy with it. Feels like a big plane in the air, but is easy and graceful to fly.


Don’t let the wind stop you. The micro SSX has great wind penetration. I have flown it in a 15 mile per hour wind. Just do a Frisbee launch, 45 degrees or more into the wind. It should just keep going strait up.

One mistake guys have made in assembly is not placing the wing and tail at the correct distance from the fuselage ends, hence shortening the distance between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the stab. The correct distance is 6”; 5.1/4” if you measure from the ailerons. The fuselage does not need to extend all the way to the trailing edge of the stab/tail mount.

[Tha Hodgehound]

Oh, and Hodge, that is a piece of art you created with the SSX night flyer! I have my SSX up and running and am most happy with it. Feels like a big plane in the air, but is easy and graceful to fly.


Thanks alot Diggs! Everyone that sees it says what a great job I did! It really makes me proud if it because it was only my second attempt at covering! And the best part of it all is, she flies as good as she looks!!! No bad tendencies with this bird!!! :D

[rcproptester]

You guys please stop it with Richard.....his head is big enough already ;) :D

[Diggs]

One mistake guys have made in assembly is not placing the wing and tail at the correct distance from the fuselage ends, hence shortening the distance between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the stab. The correct distance is 6”; 5.1/4” if you measure from the ailerons. The fuselage does not need to extend all the way to the trailing edge of the stab/tail mount.


Yep, guilty!! I did it too. Mine is very close to being completed and so far all looks great. I do have one question about the rudder/elevator. It doesn't seem there is enough clearance between the elevator and the rudder to allow a full 45 degree lift of the elevator. So pulling up quickly seems like it will be inhibited. I should get her out today, and saw the 15MPH comment in the directions last night. Which told me I was taking her out today and testing :)

Thanks,
Diggs

[jkarpy]

Yep, guilty!! I did it too. Mine is very close to being completed and so far all looks great. I do have one question about the rudder/elevator. It doesn't seem there is enough clearance between the elevator and the rudder to allow a full 45 degree lift of the elevator. So pulling up quickly seems like it will be inhibited. I should get her out today, and saw the 15MPH comment in the directions last night. Which told me I was taking her out today and testing :)

Thanks,
Diggs


Were you able to correct the distance between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the stab?

Make the throws as much as you can get without obstruction; should be close to 45 degrees.

[Diggs]

Were you able to correct the distance between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the stab?

Make the throws as much as you can get without obstruction; should be close to 45 degrees.

Nope, the CA had done its job properly before I realized that I don't follow direction well :) However she just flew her maiden, and with a touch of trimming she flew very well. I only have the one pack at the moment, so I didn't get to do much testing, just getting the trims set and testing how slow I can fly it before the nose drops. You are correct about the wind. I am guessing 5-8MPH as the speed tonight, and it flew fine. A bit jumpy as any plane in the wind, but I was kinda surprised. It sits down nice in tall grass too. Landed it twice and no problems. I am going to like this little thing, and see it being one of my main lunch time flyers.

Great product!!!

Diggs

[Tha Hodgehound]

I see my Nite Stik has made yet another friend jealous (Jeff)! My head is not big! I just got lucky with my 2nd covering job and am very proud of how it turned out! :p :D he he he he I too am guilty of putting the fuse all the way into the tail block! I did not even know it until I read the post about 5 min. ago! It don't matter anyway! She flies great just like she is...really tight loops, but I gotta get the roll rate up...maybe a bigger servo horn. She's kinda lazy on the rolls, I just gotta get some more throw. I might even get another servo on the ails and mix it up all kinda ways! Yippeeeeee :D

[Diggs]

Well, I am now hooked. Took it out again after the pack charged up and was being greedy. Flew it too long and she came down with practically no power. I will say it is certainly durable!! Not even a scratch and it went into the gravel/grass mixed part of a parking lot nose first from a good 3ft up. I am using my DX7 with it, and have the rates cranked down pretty low, it is just too fast for me on high rates. Need to get the expo right and see what she can really do.

Have 3 packs coming from True RC so I don't abuse the one pack I have anymore. Don't normally fly a pack out like that, but just wanted a little more. Love how I don't need a huge area to fly in with it, and how responsive it is. The lack of throw on the elevator isn't a problem at all. I set the travel adjust so the elevator will lightly touch the rudder, but won't interfere with its movement and she will still snap up quick!!

As for the tail section getting installed too far forward, I think I could have balanced her just a touch better if I would have left it back where it should be. With everything as far forward as possible, it is still just a slight touch nose heavy.

A build vid would be great for this product. I hope people latch on to this plane, it is a lot of fun and has amazing performance for its size. I find it to be much more responsive than my standard SSX, but still doesn't do rolls very fast. Like I said, once I get the expo set correctly on high rates, I bet she will do a nice blender :) Hard to get it all setup the way I want with just a single pack. Should have bought a bunch from the get go. I am considering getting the build kit and covering one myself also. I would like another shot at building one now that I know where I messed up, even though it doesn't seem to cause any real problems. Flies well inverted also, and need to see if I can knife with it, although I can't do a knife well on any of my other birds, so I wouldn't be a good test candidate :)

Big or small, the SSX kits are both great, need to get started on my other SSX kit I have here. And I think I will be setting it up for night time flying. Don't have a place here to really use it yet, but SEFF 08 will be here before you know it !!

Diggs

[fadetoblack]

good to hear you guys are having fun with it! unfortunately the maiden for my micro ssx wasnt so successful. nothing wrong with the plane though - the wind was just too much for it to handle. it was just shoving it around all over the place, and after a short one minute flight it plowed it into the ground! i guess it was the wrong day to maiden it, but my friend and i were both eager to see it in action. will have to get on the repair job now, the wing has some major damage.

[jkarpy]

I see my Nite Stik has made yet another friend jealous (Jeff)! My head is not big! I just got lucky with my 2nd covering job and am very proud of how it turned out! :p :D he he he he I too am guilty of putting the fuse all the way into the tail block! I did not even know it until I read the post about 5 min. ago! It don't matter anyway! She flies great just like she is...really tight loops, but I gotta get the roll rate up...maybe a bigger servo horn. She's kinda lazy on the rolls, I just gotta get some more throw. I might even get another servo on the ails and mix it up all kinda ways! Yippeeeeee :D

Diggs is talking about the Micro SSX. Did you buy the one that Hodges had?

[jkarpy]

good to hear you guys are having fun with it! unfortunately the maiden for my micro ssx wasnt so successful. nothing wrong with the plane though - the wind was just too much for it to handle. it was just shoving it around all over the place, and after a short one minute flight it plowed it into the ground! i guess it was the wrong day to maiden it, but my friend and i were both eager to see it in action. will have to get on the repair job now, the wing has some major damage.

I can send you a partial kit so you don't need to cut parts; got lots of extra parts. Take a picture of the damage and I will put together a repair kit. I can also send some of the same covering. Cost should be minimal.

[jkarpy]

Well, I am now hooked. Took it out again after the pack charged up and was being greedy. Flew it too long and she came down with practically no power. I will say it is certainly durable!! Not even a scratch and it went into the gravel/grass mixed part of a parking lot nose first from a good 3ft up. I am using my DX7 with it, and have the rates cranked down pretty low, it is just too fast for me on high rates. Need to get the expo right and see what she can really do.

Have 3 packs coming from True RC so I don't abuse the one pack I have anymore. Don't normally fly a pack out like that, but just wanted a little more. Love how I don't need a huge area to fly in with it, and how responsive it is. The lack of throw on the elevator isn't a problem at all. I set the travel adjust so the elevator will lightly touch the rudder, but won't interfere with its movement and she will still snap up quick!!

As for the tail section getting installed too far forward, I think I could have balanced her just a touch better if I would have left it back where it should be. With everything as far forward as possible, it is still just a slight touch nose heavy.

A build vid would be great for this product. I hope people latch on to this plane, it is a lot of fun and has amazing performance for its size. I find it to be much more responsive than my standard SSX, but still doesn't do rolls very fast. Like I said, once I get the expo set correctly on high rates, I bet she will do a nice blender :) Hard to get it all setup the way I want with just a single pack. Should have bought a bunch from the get go. I am considering getting the build kit and covering one myself also. I would like another shot at building one now that I know where I messed up, even though it doesn't seem to cause any real problems. Flies well inverted also, and need to see if I can knife with it, although I can't do a knife well on any of my other birds, so I wouldn't be a good test candidate :)

Big or small, the SSX kits are both great, need to get started on my other SSX kit I have here. And I think I will be setting it up for night time flying. Don't have a place here to really use it yet, but SEFF 08 will be here before you know it !!

Diggs

Glad to see you are enjoying both my models. Your SSX looks great!

[jkarpy]

I can send you a partial kit so you don't need to cut parts; got lots of extra parts. Take a picture of the damage and I will put together a repair kit. I can also send some of the same covering. Cost should be minimal.

Or you can send it back for repair.

[Diggs]

Glad to see you are enjoying both my models. Your SSX looks great!


Thanks, but I can only take credit for buying it, and putting the covered parts together and slapping that NEW black SSX decal on there. A buddy of mine that loves to build models got wind that I bought one and asked if he could build and cover it. He doesn't fly yet (he is hooked now), but I gave him a slow stick RTF for all the work he did. He is going to build my second kit as well, and we now both know how to avoid a few mistakes he made on the first one. He came out to fly today, but his SS wasn't quite right, and it was breezy. He loved the micro and was envious of the covering job on it. That SSX was his first time covering an RC kit. He has done tissue on actual models, but had never used the iron and heat gun. He did really well I think for his attempt. He has diabolical plans for the second covering job now that he has some skills. :)

Sorry to be so off topic, but.... It kinda fits :o


I see a build kit of the micro in my near future. Although the ARF was really nice. You use great components with this kit. The True RC pack, the hacker ESC/Motor combo and BB servos, all top notch. Again, well done!

Diggs

[Tha Hodgehound]

Duh!!!!!!! I'm so stoo-pid...got my threads mixed up! Na didn't get that one. Bill was gonna take it home and build it but, someone came in that day and bought it. Don't know who. I'm starting to fly my SSX at Macs so they will probably start selling once people see it fly. Hey!!! Maybe I need a Micro SSX to demo out there !!!!!!! ;)

[fadetoblack]

Or you can send it back for repair.

i might just do that, if i dont have enough time to do the repairs. what would the repair charges be (excluding shipping and the actual pieces)?

[jkarpy]

i might just do that, if i dont have enough time to do the repairs. what would the repair charges be (excluding shipping and the actual pieces)?

I need to see how bad the damage is. Can you post a picture?

[fadetoblack]

sure, i'll try to get one up tonight

[jkarpy]

I am working on a build video for the Micro SSX. I will keep you guys posted on the progress.

[jkarpy]

According to the distributor; “Blue Bird sub micro servos are very sensitive, turning the servo arm manually can affect the centering of the servo”.

[Kruzer1]

James, was wondering (duh?!): In my Micro SSX kit I got a few 1/4" x 1/4" triangular pieces (braces of some sort) and some "extra" squares with fuse size holes (like what you make up the tail section for the fuse with). I can think of where I may want to put these for strengthening but wish to build right. Help?

[jkarpy]

James, was wondering (duh?!): In my Micro SSX kit I got a few 1/4" x 1/4" triangular pieces (braces of some sort) and some "extra" squares with fuse size holes (like what you make up the tail section for the fuse with). I can think of where I may want to put these for strengthening but wish to build right. Help?

The square parts are extra. The triangle parts are just in case you want some reinforcement. I use them after I have broken the motor mount and need to reinforce the repair. You really don't need them otherwise. I have been waiting for someone to ask this question. :D

[Kruzer1]

James......Hey I don't mind, glad to accommodate. My one concern was that you were going to tell me they have to go in the wing I have already covered! :(
Spoke with Julie @ Bob's this evening. My stuff's on the way. Should have it by next Tuesday, so I can finish my baby. :)

[jkarpy]

James......Hey I don't mind, glad to accommodate. My one concern was that you were going to tell me they have to go in the wing I have already covered! :(
Spoke with Julie @ Bob's this evening. My stuff's on the way. Should have it by next Tuesday, so I can finish my baby. :)

When you get those Blue bird servos, make sure you tape the case together. It helps a lot. Also use the smaller servo arms; the control surfaces will center better. Also use the outside hole on all horns.

[Diggs]

I have to agree, the outer hole is more than enough. The control surfaces do their job well. I am waiting on the MANY 480mah packs I have on order. Hope they get here soon so I can get more flight time in. My SSX and Micro are making my other planes jealous :)

Diggs

[jkarpy]

This is my new built from kit Micro SSX Demo model.

[Diggs]

Very nice!! Is the other side of the vertical stab white? Looks like it in the belly pic.

Diggs

[jkarpy]

Very nice!! Is the other side of the vertical stab white? Looks like it in the belly pic.

Diggs
one side is red and one side is white.
I maidened it today and she flew great. I ran 5 batteries down to 6V.

[Bayward]

Sweet ! Nice covering job.

How difficult is it to pull the piece off the glass without distorting or tearing it ? What brand / type of covering did you use ?

Bob

[jkarpy]

I used Solite for this one. It is not a difficult process at all. Solite is the only cover I have used so far that actually sticks to the glass well. However, none of the coverings I have used stick to the glass well enough to cause the covering to distort when pulled from the glass.

1. Glass must be smooth and clean.
2. Cut the shapes from the covering with the protective layer removed.
3. Cut on glass.
4. Spread the uncut sheet out on the glass and tack it down with an iron.
5. Use a pattern for complex shapes.
6. Cut symmetrical shaped back to back. Example: Cut sections for left and right side of wing at the same time, glue side down for the right side and glue side up for the left side.
7. When using Solite, do not allow the glue side to touch it’s self. You will not get the two apart easily.
8. You can use different brands of covering on the same layout.
9. When applying the sheet on to the model, do not over heat the seams.
10. Do not place a seam in a location that will require a lot of heat and stretching.

You can do this! It’s easy! :D

[fadetoblack]

I need to see how bad the damage is. Can you post a picture?

sorry it took so long to get pics.. i wasn't able to get my hands on a proper camera so these low res pics are all i could get. basically the top right corner of the wing is damaged, and some minor damage on the bottom of the wing. tail section is fine.

[Diggs]

James was kind enough to be our first guest on the insideplane.com podcast. He talks about the SSX the micro and some cool stuff he is considering releasing in the near future. You can listen to the show here (http://insideplane.libsyn.com/)

Diggs

[Diggs]

Wow, Nothing going on in here. I am about to get my second one of these. going to try a different hacker motor this time and see how it differs.

Diggs

[jkarpy]

Wow, Nothing going on in here. I am about to get my second one of these. going to try a different hacker motor this time and see how it differs.

Diggs

I just got the notice from the freight company. My first shipment will be here tomorrow. 8/2/07

[Kruzer1]

Hey guys! Where is everybody? I thought we'd be at page 12 by now in here. Finally got my parts!! Geeze, customs Dept. here functions slower than molasses. Anyway the micro is moving along again, more pics soon, then it's FLY FLY FLY!

[Diggs]

Yeah, I don't get it. Love my Micro. I think I enjoy flying it more than the SSX. I should have posted this here, since it was my micro that was involved, but the other thread was more active. Anyway, Check post #481 out.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=646592&page=33#post7966027

Diggs

[Kruzer1]

Diggy... Oh yeah.. James is a gentleman. Had the pleasure of meeting him at our flying field a couple times. Loves his job and his flying even more, who wouldn't? LOL

[jkarpy]

Hey guys! Where is everybody? I thought we'd be at page 12 by now in here. Finally got my parts!! Geeze, customs Dept. here functions slower than molasses. Anyway the micro is moving along again, more pics soon, then it's FLY FLY FLY!
You guys are just too nice!

I noticed that you used the large servo Arms. I have learned that is really a bad idea with these small servos. You will have a centering problem with the larger arms.

Plane looks great!

I think the threads are slow because everyone is flying during the summer instead of building. Us southern boys fly year round so were not out flying every chance we get.

[jkarpy]

You guys are just too nice!

I noticed that you used the large servo Arms. I have learned that is really a bad idea with these small servos. You will have a centering problem with the larger arms.

Plane looks great!

I think the threads are slow because everyone is flying during the summer instead of building. Us southern boys fly year round so were not out flying every chance we get.


Oh and move the rods to the outside hole of all control horns. All that extra throw just is not needed.

[Tom Korn]

August is building time in Central Fl. It's 96 degrees and 96% humidity.

[Tha Hodgehound]

Wimp! 101 here 100% humidity. We're still flying! :D

[Kruzer1]

Have not gotten to connecting push rods as yet,,, I mean to change the servo arm, thanks for the heads up though!
I've been out in 97 degree weather flying between drinking bottles of cool water.....
as you get older it does not get any easer.
Hodgehound 100% humidity? (Picturing Hodgehound flying with snorkel) heheheh

[Tha Hodgehound]

ok 98% Walk outside and you sweat immediately. I gotta snorkel! Might take it tomorrow along with the facemask to keep the sweat outta my eyes! LOL

[jkarpy]

ok 98% Walk outside and you sweat immediately. I gotta snorkel! Might take it tomorrow along with the facemask to keep the sweat outta my eyes! LOL

I have been keeping my flying time to the first and last 2 hours of the day.

Hay any word on Macs brother?

[jkarpy]

August is building time in Central Fl. It's 96 degrees and 96% humidity.

Speaking of building, I thought you wanted a Micro SSX kit? They have been on the market with full instructions for over a month now. Got lots of combo packs also.

[Kruzer1]

Here's my tailwheel rig-a-ma-jig installed. :D

[Tha Hodgehound]

I have been keeping my flying time to the first and last 2 hours of the day.

Hay any word on Macs brother?
He's doing better! But, he's still got a LONG road to recovery. They are supposed to do all remaining surgeries at the beginning of the week. They are pretty much keeping him under because of the pain. Mac said they wake him from time to time but he stays under pretty much 24/7. He's still in ICU but doing pretty good!

[jkarpy]

He's doing better! But, he's still got a LONG road to recovery. They are supposed to do all remaining surgeries at the beginning of the week. They are pretty much keeping him under because of the pain. Mac said they wake him from time to time but he stays under pretty much 24/7. He's still in ICU but doing pretty good!

We were all shocked when we heard about the crash. I am glad he is doing well.

[Tom Korn]

I did pick up a kit a few weeks ago, thanks, it looks great!

[jkarpy]

I did pick up a kit a few weeks ago, thanks, it looks great!

Oh you must have bought it from Graves. Thanks!

Are going to post pictures?