valenta model Dragonfly [Archive]

Lanpc

Sep 12, 2008, 06:48 PM

Anyone have any history they would like to share on the Dragonfly, Dragonfly Pro, or the Dragonfly Strong made by Valenta Models and sold thru soaringusa.com and Northeast Sailplane.

If you have a model you like that is similar to the Dragonfly, 136" Thermal bird which price range is $700.00. Post it..

Thanks,

Patrick from Jacksonville FL :)

schrederman

Sep 12, 2008, 10:04 PM

I had a Dragonfly Strong and loved the looks and the way it flew. The wing wasn't as strong as advertised, but I'd buy another....

kwmtrubrit

Sep 13, 2008, 03:36 AM

I have the strong but still have not flown it :eek: It is a very well made/finished plane. I got mine from the guys at SoaringUSA. Great guys to work with and great service after the sale.

Keith

regis

Sep 13, 2008, 01:54 PM

NSP only shows the Dragonfly (light). Soaring USA only lists the D-fly Strong. Who sells the D-fly Pro? :confused: But to answer your inquire: I have a NSP D-fly and it is light. More light than I would like and I have not put it together. I do not wish to denigrated the plane and believe it to be well worth the price for sport soaring. I have also seen (and competed against) D-fly Strongs and have been impressed. A great value I think. I would recommend neither one for a novice (A Mantis or a Cularis are the only full house planes I would suggest for a novice). Either one will work well for sport soaring and the Strong is contest capable too. That all said, I will part with my NIB NSP Dragonfly (light) for $525 plus shipping. I just lost my Tsunami do to interference :( and need to replace it (the NSP Dragonfly L. won’t do). :o Regis 301-934-1407

Lanpc

Sep 14, 2008, 08:10 AM

cvanscho

Sep 14, 2008, 09:06 AM

The U.S.A. distributors for the Dragonfly's have been soaringusa.com and Northeast Sailplane. The manufacture of the Dragonfly is V.J.V. Valenta models, website: http://www.valentamodel.cz/

What I have found is; There was the Dragonfly, Dragonfly Pro, and now the Dragonfly Strong. It was called the Dragonfly until a "Floating" elevator was added and then they renamed it the Dragonfly Pro. I read some posts regarding issues with the spar breaking on the The Dragonfly Pro. Apparently the manufacture upgraded the spar...ie beefed it up....so they renamed it Dragonfly Strong...as in strong spar. The Dragonfly and Dragonfly Pro are no longer in production.Yup, that's the way I understand it too.

I had/have the DF-Strong in both leccy and glider form. A very nice glider, excellent value for the money IMO. Certainly one of the most beautiful glider fuz shapes to ever be shaped..(again, IMO!). Great thermal machine and general-purpose glider, but it is not really designed for very high speed dives, etc., where the limitations of an open balsa/film wing structure start making themselves felt.

I would stick my neck out and say I might not agree totally that it is not suitable for beginners to gliding. Sure, it's a big machine, but it is exceptionally easy and forgiving to fly. I have tried moving the CoG back radically, and niothing really upsets this bird. You cannot get her to flick or stall in a nasty way. And she can take a lot of punishment too..

I wrecked my wings recently due to a total loss of RC signal (I had just swapped R'xs to an untried unit..). If I cannot source some similarish wings elsewhere to adapt to the fuz, I think I may have to get another kit.. (and I'm not known for not already having a choice of lots of nice gliders in my hangar)!

Fred Cotten

Sep 14, 2008, 09:40 PM

For 150.00 more, you get a Onyx-l. A better plane and you already have someone who flys one here(who can tell you howto set it up) Fred

Freakflyin

Sep 15, 2008, 08:48 AM

Onyx-L.... good stuff!

Lanpc

Sep 15, 2008, 02:43 PM

I agree Fred, the Onyx is a nice bird for sure. I fly with a JR 9303 2.4 system which in reading the 2.4 has issues with carbon fiber fuselages issues because of the internal antennas of the 2.4. I've read where some have drilled small holes to poke out the antenna's like cat wiskers to fix this issue.

The Dragonfly is carbon fiber "reinforced", which might not be as much of an issue as a fully encapsulated carbon fiber fuse.

Anyone have a Dragonfly on 2.4?
How did you set up your antenna system?
Any problems with range?

Thanks everyone.

cvanscho

Sep 15, 2008, 03:32 PM

There are no signs of carbon tows or tape in the DF Strong fuz TBH. I reckon the "carbon reinforced" refers to the wing only, so I doubt you'll have 2.4 issues... (Insert disclaimer clause here :rolleyes: !). I've attached a pic showing the spar in the wing structure. The joiner slots inside that spar. Pretty tough (but not unbreakable..).

Can't argue with the Onyx though....

Fred Cotten

Sep 15, 2008, 04:09 PM

Pat, caller Bob at USA, and ask about 2.4 in the Onyx. Also go to Multi tash FX3 and look how Mike Lee put 2.4 in the Xplorer/Nan model. this should help. Fred

kwmtrubrit

Sep 15, 2008, 04:35 PM

cvanscho, I have CF tow in my DS. Not much, but it's there around the wing mounting area.

Keith

Lanpc

Sep 15, 2008, 11:08 PM

You just got to love these sites, when I started 35 years ago it was talking to the guys at the local club, or at an event, or reading a magazine to find stuff out like this. I really appreicate it guys. Fred I took your advice and contacted Bob, he told me that the Dragonfly Strong is 2.4 friendly.

I hate to ask what happened Cvan, but I thank you for showing the internal workings...Gave me a good idea of it's construction.

kwmtrubrit

Sep 15, 2008, 11:55 PM

Quote per Lanpc: I hate to ask what happened Cvan, but I thank you for showing the internal workings...Gave me a good idea of it's construction.

Here you go Lanpc. Quote per Cvan

"I wrecked my wings recently due to a total loss of RC signal (I had just swapped R'xs to an untried unit..). If I cannot source some similarish wings elsewhere to adapt to the fuz, I think I may have to get another kit.. (and I'm not known for not already having a choice of lots of nice gliders in my hangar)!"

Keith

ajbhatta

Sep 16, 2008, 11:37 AM

I have been flying one for about 2 years. A very nice flying, nice looking sailplane. I do worry a bit on launch, especially the joiner between the 2 panels. Initially did notice some aileron flutter issues if pushed on launch, but I minimized that by tightening up the linkages. It appears to have a fair amount of flex when you launch into the wind. Still I got my one of my 1 hr LSF Level IV with it. Does OK in terms of penetration in windy condition if you use reflex. Cg is currently at 105 mm behind LE with 5 cell 2450 mAh crammed near the nose. AUW ~70 oz.
AJ
BSS, Lexington KY

ajbhatta

Sep 16, 2008, 11:46 AM

schrederman

Sep 16, 2008, 01:28 PM

Quote> Can't argue with the Onyx though....

Probably just personal taste, but I liked my Dragonfly Strong better, and I felt no disadvantage at the TNT, flying against the moldies. In my opinion, it's flight performance rivaled my Onyx JW. It appears that I will be buying a new moldie this winter, and building a couple of models. If I still have no time to build when it gets cold, I'll be buying another Dragonfly Strong... and modifying it slightly...:D... don't ask... it's a secret... :eek:

I believe mine had a solid hardwood joiner, and the spars were wood beyond the dihedral break. The left wing broke on a hard launch when I encountered a thermal during the ping phase... :( ... The carbon appeared to have a small dry area just before the joiner started. That's where the spar broke. I was pretty unhappy that day, because I had crunched the tip on my JW the same day and destroyed my Yardbird the weekend before... Can you say... SNAKEBIT!!! :censored:

Jack

ajbhatta

Sep 16, 2008, 05:06 PM

Jack:

Sorry you had such bad luck..2 planes on the same day! But thanks for the input re the joiner. I was wondering if strengthening that joint would help, and maybe lay a bit of carbon at that dihedral joint ie over the D-tube skin and then re-cover? I really like the way this ship flies. I was at a loss at our Mid-Am though when i kinda tanked the first couple of flights, mostly because I was too chicken to try a zoom during launch
AJ

cvanscho

Sep 16, 2008, 05:45 PM

Since you have the covering off that wing, what kind of joiner does it have between the inboard and outboard panels?? Thanks
AJThe joiner you can see in my photo has a constant taper, and seems to penetrate about 4" into the outer panel, where it is epoxied onto what looks like a hardwood spar. That part of the wing is strong enough - the weak point seems to be at the leading edge, where the first cracks always occur, just at the diherdral break. A d-box reinforcement there would do no harm. My breaks have always occurred due to pilot error, I have never used a winch, so I cannot comment on that aspect.

mike5656

Sep 16, 2008, 06:38 PM

just a note to jack. both of my dragonfly strong's are still flying great. last week I was working thermals down below telephone pole height. I would setup to land then hit weak lift and go right back up. but after you talked about the dihedral break I have backed off on the hard pedal to the metal launches. I save those for my shadows. we have one guy in the club that really want one. he said it he likes the way it looks and flys . it is a great looking bird.

Lanpc

Sep 16, 2008, 08:31 PM

With all this great feedback, I'm sold. Called Bob today at SoaringUSA and ordered the Dragonfly Strong. I have to say, great customer service, answered all my questions and was very patient.

I'm waiting on the delivery to determine if my 5 cell 2150 "hump" battery pack will work. The HS125mg's were recommended for the ailerons and Hs85mg for the rest, anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks again everyone!

schrederman

Sep 16, 2008, 11:39 PM

I used 225MGs on my flaps. It might have been overkill, and they were hard to get in there and make them removable, but I'd do it again. I am ordering a new moldie about October 10... since my birthday is the 12th...

Anyone have a Dragonfly Strong fuselage that's not busted they wanna sell cheap?

Jack

Lanpc

Sep 18, 2008, 10:45 AM

Have you checked to see if Valenta will sell just a fuselage? If so, how much?
www.valentamodel.cz
:confused:

schrederman

Sep 18, 2008, 06:47 PM

Yep,

Valenta wants $240- for one... last year. I couldn't get just a raw fuse. It comes fully dressed, and if I'm not mistaken, comes with stabs...

soarntz

Sep 22, 2008, 09:26 PM

My experience with this version is that it is a "beautiful" plane in the air, not a windy day plane (compaired to my Artemis). I have experienced wings fluttering if i push the launch. My main "Beef" with this plane is the flaps, they do not hold their position. I suppose it is a mechanical setup thing and any suggestions appreciated. All in all, I will keep this plane just for its aesthetics!

seanpcola

Sep 22, 2008, 10:10 PM

I'll be buying another Dragonfly Strong... and modifying it slightly...:D... don't ask... it's a secret... :eek:
Jack

Winglets? :eek: :D

schrederman

Sep 22, 2008, 11:29 PM

Well, Sean, that part's no secret...:D

JW

ajbhatta

Sep 23, 2008, 10:54 AM

[ My main "Beef" with this plane is the flaps, they do not hold their position. [/QUOTE]
I used Hitec 5245 digitals for flaps and they are pretty decent. I have had to re-glue the flap horn once because the flaps dragged on landing. I think longer flap horns would be appropriate for more mechanical advantage, as the ones that come with the kit are a bit small. I am going to get a set from hilaunch.com and try to improve the linkage. Flew Sun and got some nice flights from a moderate launch.
Cheers
AJ

raceredg

Oct 05, 2008, 07:33 PM

schrederman

Oct 05, 2008, 09:13 PM

Sorry, I'm making a mold with mine...

Jack

raceredg

Oct 06, 2008, 04:23 PM

Jack
When you get the mold done how about selling me a copy!
Edg

cvanscho

Oct 06, 2008, 04:31 PM

Hey Guys
I just got my DF Strong back from a couple weeks in an 80' treetop. Seems repairable but I'm missing the canopy. Any of you who have had mishaps with your DF Strong have a canopy you'd like to part with? Jack? Chris?
Thanks
EdgSorry Edg - I still have the one good fuse and canopy - what I need are a set of wings! I'm reluctant to give up on this fuse at this stage... :(

raceredg

Oct 06, 2008, 04:39 PM

Chris
My wings are waterlogged so I'm going to build a new set using the CF spars and wing joiner. The flaps and ailerons are also reusable. The construction is straightforward built up except for the spar and joiner. I'm in the process of putting the measurements in my Compufoil.
Edg

cvanscho

Oct 06, 2008, 04:58 PM

Hey Edg

Thats sounds great! Way beyond my abilities (the designing of the components, not the building)! Please keep us up to date on that!

Good luck!

Chris

schrederman

Oct 07, 2008, 12:11 AM

Sorry, EDG, but the root airfoil will be changed to a proprietary one. That being said, I've let the cat outa the bag on my mods... and it won't be called a Dragonfly... anything... :D ... I don't plan to release plans or anything else on this one. I may bag it, but it will probably be built up with double spars or something like that.

Jack

Fred Cotten

Oct 07, 2008, 04:34 PM

Well, VADER has started a new DEATH STAR. Let me change the battery in my light Saber. Fred

Wing-span

Oct 07, 2008, 06:35 PM

Have you considered the Valenta Sharp Wind? Like the Dragonfly Pro but with moulded wings.

schrederman

Oct 07, 2008, 08:24 PM

Not the Death Star.... just El Jefe! Wing root chord increased and some other goodies.... and did I mention, winglets? Oh yeah, Sean caught me on that one.... :eek: :D

seanpcola

Oct 07, 2008, 08:46 PM

and did I mention, winglets? Oh yeah, Sean caught me on that one....

Just trying to keep you honest, JW! :p

schrederman

Oct 07, 2008, 11:10 PM

Me..... honest? Did I tell you about my fly-fishing trip in Colorado last week? :D

I fish, therefore, I lie! :p

cvanscho

Oct 08, 2008, 05:06 AM

Have you considered the Valenta Sharp Wind? Like the Dragonfly Pro but with moulded wings.Yeah, but without that sexy D-F Strong fuselage shape!

Ermintrude

Dec 02, 2008, 06:52 PM

Hi all, just taken delivery of a Dragonfly Pro here in the UK after waiting 6 months!! Anyway, very limited details with the plane. What control throws have you found to be the ideal set up? Like to receive any other advice / known problems, if there are any.
Ben

schrederman

Dec 02, 2008, 07:32 PM

Ben,

I just went to Valenta's site, and saw no Dragonfly Pro. What's the difference? Could you post a pic, please?

Jack

Ermintrude

Dec 03, 2008, 03:40 AM

Jack, hopefully pic attached. The Dragonfly Pro is the same as the old Dragonfly but with an all moving horizontal stabiliser so they remaned it the 'pro'. all built up with a glass fuz.

link to Valenta http://www.valentamodel.cz/index-aj.htm

Cheers, Ben

cvanscho

Dec 03, 2008, 05:25 AM

Ben, I may be wrong on this, but my understanding was that the "strong" in the "Dragonfly Strong" refers to a beefed up main spar, due to a few complaints about the Dragonfly wing strength. Not sure where the "Pro" fits into that story. I believe that failures only occurred during "full-pedal" launches, so I guess it all comes down to how you intend to launch her...

As to settings, etc., Valenta usually only supply a single A3 sheet, but that has all the pertinent info. Did you get that with your kit?

Ermintrude

Dec 03, 2008, 06:37 AM

They are obviously on an economy drive as they reduced it to A4. To be fair I have not studied it in full although I did notice a C0fG position on it. Will look closer later tonight. Four of us chose the glider as we saw them used this summer in interclub comps and they flew OK. Gliding for us is secondary to powered flight so we did not want to invest in fully moulded jobs at 2-3 times the price but wanted something better than traditional ply/balsa fuz and veneered foam wings. £ for £ ($ for $) this model fits the bill. Will let you know how the four of us get on. It is unlikely we will fly them for the next two months because of the good old British weather!
Ben

cvanscho

Dec 03, 2008, 01:00 PM

If your Dragonfly's fly anything like the "Strong", I reckon you have made a good choice given your criteria :) . Good luck, and keep us informed!

Jurgen

Dec 03, 2008, 03:07 PM

The "strong" is the successor of the "pro".
DS is stronger, heavier, bigger (wider) fuselage too.
cheers, Jurgen.

Wing-span

Dec 03, 2008, 05:15 PM

IMO the 'Pro' looks a lot nicer than the 'Strong'. Nice choice.

RCGroups Dragonfly Pro Thread #1 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590075)

Just for your info.

cvanscho

Jul 02, 2009, 11:22 AM

Have you considered the Valenta Sharp Wind? Like the Dragonfly Pro but with moulded wings.Back when this was posted, I replied that the problem with the Sharp Wind was that it didn't have the sexy fuz shape of the Dragonfly Strong. Well, seems Valenta have been listening: they're bringing out the "Airon" which has the Sharp Wind wings on a sports fuz (not unlike the Dragonfly S).... http://www.valentamodel.cz/01a.htm :cool: :)