Another Topaz S Is Flying

[Kenny Sharp]

I worked all weekend on the Topaz S I got a couple of weeks ago at SUSA's Memorial Day sale, and test flew it this evening in calm to 4 mph. conditions.

I set the cg to 90 mm.
I have 70 deg. spoilers deflection with a hefty amount of up elevator.
It weighs 3 lbs. (48 oz.)

I ran with it at (my 50 yr. old) full speed and felt it lift out of my hand.
I gave it a good toss and it went up a little, then I gave it a little down, and glided it safley to a landing about 100 yards away.

Next throw, I glided out, then turned it around, and landed close.

I did this for the next ten minutes.
The glide on this plane is really good. I think I'll like it.

The only thing I'll change is the spoiler deflection. (I have the travel adjustment turned down somewhat).
Right now, with spoilers fully deflected, it doesn't slow down enough and has a slightly nose high attitude.
With more spoiler deflection and the same elevator compensation, it should drop nicely.

I'm looking forward to trying it out on a winch.

[will_newton]

What's a winch? Stick one of your F5B powerplants in there, Ken!

ZOOOOOOOOOOM! :D

PS- After seeing you at Polecat, I did end up getting a Nike2, just waiting to assemble it all!

[Kenny Sharp]

Nice Will....it should be a keeper. :)

Did I mention that I recieved an electric fuse with the Topas S as well? :D Honestly though, I'll probably just go with a 1506. I'd like to keep the wingloading of the two fuses in the same ballpark.

[Up&Away]

Pics?

[Hoot]

How did you hook your spoilers up? I am having a heck of a time figuring it out on my Topaz. Can you post pictures?

[sailfree]

Try this

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=788386

Sailfree

[Kenny Sharp]

I'll post pics tonight or tomorrow but really, I just winged it.

For the spoilers, Sailfrees' solution looks best.


I decided to do it much more simply.
My solution was to simply wrap the servos in blue tape, and goop them into the servo bays. The servo arms push up the spoiler, and the spring loaded spoiler keeps the spoiler down when the servo arm is retracted.

I taped a small piece of lite ply to the spot where the servo arm rubs against the spoiler to guard against the servo arm pushing through the spoiler.

Then I spliced the two servo wires together, added a simple servo connection, and connected it to the spoiler channel in my rx.
There is no individual control for the servos....who needs it? They're just spoilers.
Simple and effective.

[aeajr]

Congratulations on getting your plane in the air. I know you are going to love it.

I have a question about the weight. The Soaring USA site says it should come in at around 39 ounces. Now, I know they rarely come in exactly at that but I would have expected 41 to 43 ounces. 48 ounces is a long reach from 39.

Do you have some extra stuff in there?

[Kenny Sharp]

I have a lag bolt in there to ballance and ballast. I have heard that many owners prefer to carry 8 oz. of extra weight permanently. (I have no desire to be blown back in windy conditions.)

In the near future, I plan to remove the lag bolt and add my ET recorder and pitot tube. I'll also put in the GPS module and recorder transmitter.

If I still need more weight, I'll increase the battery size from the 1500 mah to a larger one.
Anyway, here's some pics.

[Lenny970]

I don't know if that lag bolt is really a railroad spike, or maybe your scale is off, but 48 ounces just doesn't sound right. I just built one of these for a local guy and it came out at 35 ounces ready to fly.

Lenny

[tonyestep]

"...it came out at 35 ounces ready to fly."
=============
That sent me to the shop to weigh mine. It weighs 43.7 oz. with the empty ballast tube installed. Mine has 4 JR 368 servos, a Futaba 8 ch receiver, and a NiMH pack, no nose weight. The component weights are:
fuse 18.1
left 5.8
right 5.6
center 13.3
stab 0.9

In our club, there are 5 Topazes. My recollection is that members have reported weights between 41 and 44 oz.

[aeajr]

That seems about right. The weight on the web site is 39 ounces, but somehow they never come up that light. The AVA reports the same weight. My AVA with ballast tube, skeg and second servo for split spoilers is 44 ounces and floats like a butterfly.

Your Topaz will rise on a warm feeling! :D

[tonyestep]

To complete the picture, I took out the ballast tube, which had a couple of wooden spacers and a brass keeper pin residing in it. The fuse now weighs 17.2. Therefore the plane's all-up weight without the tube would be 42.8 oz.

[Lenny970]

I just noticed that this is a different version than the one I just assembled. The 35 ounce one has the two spoilers, but just one spoiler servo in the center, and flat center panel. I guess that could explain the weight difference.

Components are 2-Airtronics 761 servos, 1-HS85 servo, Airtronics 8ch rx, 4xAA cell nimh pack, and about 1/4 ounce of noseweight.


Lenny

[ForeverFlying]

:cool:
Hi Board,
How much building work is there to do? Where is the single spoiler servo model sold?
Thanks!
Mike

[Kenny Sharp]

It took me all of a relaxed weekend to complete, which also included a glide test.

First thing I did was sand the elevator hole to accept the stock threaded coupler. This took several hours as I couldn't locate a drill bit that fit exactly.

Then I installed the rudder horn with 30 minute epoxy, screwed the rudder onto the fuse using medium strength loctite, and hooked up the threaded coupler.
Next, I screwed on the elevator.

With the elevator and rudder linkage hooked up, I attacked the inside of the fuse.
I made a servo tray out of liteply. (I didn't have a tool to properly cut the supplied stock tray). Then I installed the servos in the tray.

I soldered up the elevator coupler, and hooked up the elevator servo.
With the linkage hooked up, I adjusted the position of the tray untill the elevator was parallel to the boom.
I then cut the rudder push rod to length.( I cut off an inch or so.) After soldering on the rudder coupler, I hooked up the servo and made the slight adjustments required for neutral rudder with the threaded coupler.

I tacked the servo tray in with thin ca, removed the servos, and glued the servo tray in with 30 min. epoxy. I also ran thin ca down the outside of the pushrod tube to make sure it was fastened securely to the fuse the entire length.

I wraped the rx. battery and rx.with bubble wrap, stuffed them in behind the servo tray, ran the antenna out the canopy, and taped it to the boom. I also included a Volt Watch for safety.

Fuselage complete.

The wings were next and required very little work.

I soldered two servos together and pluged them into the spoiler channel.

Then I wraped each servo in blue tape, gooped each one into a spoiler bay, and adjusted them fore and aft untill the throws were equal. Then I taped some lite ply onto the spoiler where the servo arm rubs the spoiler.

Next, I taped each wing pannel where they joined with 3M Multipurpose clear tape. ( This is to prevent riping the covering off when the wings are untaped during disassembly.)

Wings complete.

Last move was to screw on the main wing, mark 90 mm. on the fuse and add nose weight untill it ballanced out.

I decided to add the tow hook later....after I made sure that the plane ballanced out.

Components I used were 2 Voltz Wing maxx Digital servos for the spoiler (off a Surprise 14), 2 Hitec HSMG 81's for the rudder and elevator, a JR 700 ppm rx., a Battlepacks 1500 4 cell rx. battery, and an 8 in. long galvanized lag bolt cut to length. :)


There are no instructions.
I have several stock parts left over.
I guess I just did things my way....simple, yet (hopefully) effective.

[Kenny Sharp]

I've been thinking a little about the build.

I may opt to remove the servos and cut the middle of the servo tray out.

Then, install the rx. battery and rx. in the nose.

After that, cut the servo holes out of the stock tray and screw it to what's left of the wood servo tray.

This may ballance it out without adding weight. It will also allow room for the ballast tube.

[Kenny Sharp]

I just got finished changing everything over.

I completely removed the liteply servo tray and two epoxy groves were left. I inserted a new liteply servo tray into the groves and I will ca it into place as soon as I confirm the cg.location (tomorrow morning).

I installed the rx. battery as far forward as I could and I tucked the rx. behind it.
I changed the servos from HS81mg to HS85mg.

Hopefully, everything will work out tomorrow morning.

[Kenny Sharp]

I don't know if that lag bolt is really a railroad spike, or maybe your scale is off, but 48 ounces just doesn't sound right. I just built one of these for a local guy and it came out at 35 ounces ready to fly.

Lenny

Thanks for the heads up Lenny.

I checked my scale with some known weights and found the scale lacking.

I used two 1 1/4 weights and an 8 oz. weight to bring me to 3 lbs. It appears my scale measures heavy since it measured 3 lbs. 2.6 oz.......good call.

BTW - Congratulations on making the USA F5B Team and good luck in Kyiv, Ukraine!

[Lenny970]

BTW - Congratulations on making the USA F5B Team and good luck in Kyiv, Ukraine!

Thanks! Good luck with your Topaz. It seems that part of the weight difference is due to the different version (flat center panel w/ 1 spoiler servo vs. dihedral center panel with two servos) and part due to the extra 4 ounces of noseweight.

I've now got this exact model in the shop now to assemble (I think Cody will be flying it at the Nats) so that will be a better weight comparison.


Good luck,
Lenny

[Kenny Sharp]

Thanks for the encouragement Lenny.:)


So, I went out to Davis Field yesterday where all the sailplane gurus hang out and they let me winch launch for the first time.

For all those who have never done it, the first few times are quite exciting...kind of like jumping off the high dive in a swimming pool. (you get used to it after a couple of jumps.)

Let me tell you, these guys are great! With their guidence, a successful winch launch was in the bag.

Before I left for the field, I installed the tow hook at the cg. After the first launch, Fritz suggested I move it back an additional 1/4 in. I did, and no elevator input was needed.

When I got home, I did a few more mods.....I mounted the switch and charging jack.

The magnets and metal for keeping the spoilers closed will wait for a few days...as will the ballast tube.

All in all, I would say that the Topaz S is a great first RES plane for the competent pilot.
A few words of warning at this point:
Keep in mind that control inputs for turning need to be done with some room left for the controls to respond. This is no bank and yank airplane.

[Lenny970]

I've now got this exact model in the shop now to assemble (I think Cody will be flying it at the Nats) so that will be a better weight comparison.



OK, I just finished up the build on Cody's Topaz S. 2 Airtronics 94761's, 2 94091's, a big fat receiver, and 4 x AA battery pack. Ballast tube installed and no noseweight needed for a 90mm CG. 42 ounces.

You can check it out in Muncie. ;)

Lenny

[Lenny970]

@@@@

[Kenny Sharp]

Now that's how a build should be done.
Nice Lenny!

[Ralph Weaver]

I've got an E-Topaz on the way. Can anyone post a picture of their spoiler servo installation? Thanks!

[Kenny Sharp]

Ralph, I think Bob at SUSA has pics of what you're looking for.

It was too complicated for me....and I didn't have ball links handy.

[fritzbien]

Hi Ken,

Did you find your plane after we lest Saturday?

-Fritz

[Kenny Sharp]

Hi Fritz,

Thanks for the spotting, and yes, you were right.

It WAS bahind the tree line AND about 100 yds beyond (in the line of sight you suggested), in the chest high corn field. :)

The whole time I was looking for it, I would move the throttle stick back and forth, hoping the loud sound of the Voltz spoiler servos would alert me to its position.

By the time I got to where it was, I had searched all of the farm rows upwind, and was beginning the search downwind. I was also beginning to get a bit discouraged.

I went around the entire perimeter of the small chest high corn field, and was just 10 feet away when I heard the sound of the spoilers.

Then I prepared for the worst, but to my surprise, the Topaz landed perfectly flat on top of the corn, and was just a foot or two below the top of the stalks.

I was glad I had the presence of mind to deploy spoilers when it was out of sight, and to try and fly it down to the ground.

Just before it disapeared behind the tree line, I remembered what Mark said to me the previous week at the DLG contest.....he told me that if you get behind the trees, there's a nice field behind them. :)

[aeajr]

Plane Locators
http://forums.flyesl.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=237

For $20 to $80 you can greatly increase your chance of finding a plane if you know the general area. When the value of a plane approaches $1000, it makes sense to put something in the plane. And don't forget your name and contact info.

[Kenny Sharp]

Good advise Ed. I'll be looking into it.

Today will be my first RES competition....I still don't have a ballast tube installed...I hope it doesn't get too windy.:)

I'll be flying Sportsman, and I'll let you guys in on the outcome...good or bad.

Whatever right?...It's better than working!

[aeajr]

KKens4,

Are you going to fly in the ESL contest at Charles River in 2 weeks? I will be there. The Topaz would do well.

http://www.flyesl.com/calendar.asp

I also hope you will bring that Topaz to the Eastern Soaring League contest at the LISF field in September. It will be a lot of fun.

A number of pilots fly RES planes at these events. If you add ballast, you will be amazed at how wide a range of conditions you can fly the Topaz. By adding up to 12 oz of ballast to my AVA I have flown it in 15 mph winds with confidence. I am thinking of how I can get that up to 16 oz.

Come down to LISF on Friday and we can have an AVA vs Topaz mini contest. :D

There can be trash talk, girls in skimpy outfits carrying round cards, and all kinds of silliness. It would be fun!

Ed

[Kenny Sharp]

Hi Ed,
Yes, I'm signed up for the CRRC Contest in 2 weeks....I plan on flying the Topaz.
Hopefully, I'll make LISF 2 as well.

Since I'm heading down that way this next weekend for the DLG Contest, I'm thinking of packing the Topaz and flying it after hours like you guys did last year. However, two DLGs, a Topaz, and enough "stuff' for Nick and I for a weekend, may be a bit too much.
But it does sound like a good idea.:)

---------------------------------------------------------

My first contest this weekend was a real treat. Lots of great tallent!
My first round went terrible....I couldn't get the Topaz to settle down.

Two days prior to the contest, I again removed the servo tray. This time I stuffed 1 3/4 oz. of lead ahead of the battery, then reinstalled the servo tray a little more forward.
This changed my linkage throws.
This also changed my cg from 90 to 92 mm.

So, just before the contest, I'm hand tossing the Topaz, tring to get it trimmed out again.
I got real close.
During the first flight, I again struggled to trim it out and settle it down. I got close before I had to land, but not just right.
After the first flight, I added two clicks more of down elevator.

When I re-launched for the second round, It was just the way I like it and I kept it there.
Now I really like my Topaz.:)


I came in 6th out of 9.
I was happy with the way I flew, and I know I'll do better next time.

[aeajr]

Sounds Great!

I may not have the AVA at CRRC. I broke the V mount for the elevator yesterday. I placed an order with Barry Kennedy but he may be at the NATS, so I don't know if I will get it in time. I have the Supra and the Thermal dancer, so I am covered but I really wanted to have the Ava ready to go.

We will see what happens.

Really looking forward to seeing your Topaz.