Returning to the game after 3+ year hiatus...seeking advise!

[glidrgidr01]

I have been away from the flying scene for a while but it looks like the old work schedule will finally allow me to schedule some personal time. I'm planning to schedule as many TD contests as I can next year.

I have flown with many of the posters to this forum and look forward to catching up with all of you! I especially look forward to hooking up with Brian, Herb, Kendall, Rob and the rest of the Tullahoma SoarHeads! Hoping to get my $%^# together in time to get some good practice with them this fall...

Gordy...give me a yell next time you come through Nashville...

So as I prepare to get my equipment back in order I have several issues that need to be addressed before I can proceed. I'm hoping that all of your great feedback will not only get me to the winch faster but in better shape...

So here goes...

First I am going to return to a Futaba Radio for my contest ships. I actually won a couple of contests and was placing well in the ones I attended until I switched to a Multiplex Profi 3030. I was never able to really use this radio to it's full advantage and the programming logic is very different from the Futaba setup I was very used to (maybe a German/Asian thing). Anyway due to two crashed glass ships and a steay flow of crappy round scores since switching to the Profi...me thinks I should switch back.

So that being the case I am considering either the Futaba 7C or 9C and leaning toward the 9C in order to be able to run a 6 servo wing (I have a Fusion already, more on that later). Best as I remember that was one of the reasons I wanted to "upgrade" to the Profi since my Futaba 8T would not handle the outboard servos... so I'm guessing that the 7C will not run a 6 servo wing either.

Once the selection between the 7C and 9C is made then it's between the synth and 2.4GHz systems. When I stopped flying and following the technology the synth systems were just becoming readily accepted as stable platforms. The specs on the 2.4 systems make me think that if you are going to start with a new radio this is the way to go. It appears that the 2.4 systems can use the same servos as the older systems...it this true or do all the 2.4 compatible servos have to be digital?

I would appreciate any first hand information on any of the above...

Also if you or anyone you know would be interested in purchasing a fully tricked out Profi 3030 please reply off forum. If I don't get any bites from here I'm thinking eBay would be the best next step unless someone has a better idea...

As to the Fusion...The right wing panel flapped/folded/failed at the outboard servo location on it's last contest launch in Huntsville. I attempted a repair that did not turn out very well and really need another right wing panel. I thought there was a source, other than he who must not be mentioned or purchased from... I see that the NSP thread regarding their fine service record is still in full flame... anyway I have been surfing on the issue of the Fusion wing panel for a few days now and have not been able to locate another source and don't see where NSP is selling replacement panels on their website...(and frankly would rather call Microsoft to ask a question about Vista than call NSP and I wouldn't call Microsoft if it was the only phone call I could make from death row). So if anyone knows where I might be able to acquire a right wing panel for a Fusion I would be very appreciative.

Winch Battery...

I have a little big winch...needs new power source...suggestions???

Can anyone point me to a link page or give me an update of the anticipated contest schedule for next year. I would especially interested in all southeast locations along with Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and MO.

Didn't mean for this to go this long but it is what it is...


Joe Gullett
Spring Hill Tennessee

Lookin' fer lift in all the wrong places...

[D_Ryan]

Joe;

As you are likely aware, most of the wings sold by NSP were bagged by Phil Barnes. I think he grew tired of being a 'manufacturer', and that effectively dried up much of the NSP line.

Phil posts frequently to the DLG forum, and might be willing to undertake bagging a replacement Fusion wing if you were to inquire (no guarantees tho')

r/
Dave Stack

[rdwoebke]

As to the Fusion...The right wing panel flapped/folded/failed at the outboard servo location on it's last contest launch in Huntsville. I attempted a repair that did not turn out very well and really need another right wing panel. I thought there was a source, other than he who must not be mentioned or purchased from... I see that the NSP thread regarding their fine service record is still in full flame... anyway I have been surfing on the issue of the Fusion wing panel for a few days now and have not been able to locate another source and don't see where NSP is selling replacement panels on their website...(and frankly would rather call Microsoft to ask a question about Vista than call NSP and I wouldn't call Microsoft if it was the only phone call I could make from death row). So if anyone knows where I might be able to acquire a right wing panel for a Fusion I would be very appreciative.


Joe,

First, you should post a picture of that wing. I'm sure we can make a suggestion for how to better fix it. I have fixed up two Psykos now, so I'm not an expert but I'd be willing to help make suggestions.

There is a guy somewhere that is making wing sets for these '90s 2 piece wing bagged models. I want to say he is in Michigan, but not sure. If you post on RCSE, I'm sure he will pop up and mention his name.

http://groups.google.com/group/rcse

Ryan

[glidrgidr01]

okay would luv to post the pics...

I have the pics ready to upload but when the insert image icon is clicked I get a scripts input popup box and not a select image box...but then I am running Vista here and it does not play well with others...especially IE...

don't exactly know where to go from here...

[rdwoebke]

OK, here is how the post pictures works for me. First, I start a reply. You have that down, so that is good. Then, I click manage attachments. This brings up another browser window (it could perhaps bring up another tab in Vista). In that window, it has a place where you can browse out and attach files. It looks like this. Do you get that window?

[glidrgidr01]

Damn I missed this kinda stuff...quick replies...good info...

Anyway, pics should now be attached...

[Smurfmacaw]

[QUOTE=glidrgidr01]
Winch Battery...

I have a little big winch...needs new power source...suggestions???

QUOTE]

Personally I think you can't go wrong with an Optima D31 or D34 Deep Cycle Marine battery. Definitely outperforms bargain basement DCM's and you can even get them at Costco (i think I paid about $150 for my D34). I've had several people launching all day off my winch and it hangs in there like a champ. Good warranty too.


Mike

[Jim Frahm]

[QUOTE=glidrgidr01]

So that being the case I am considering either the Futaba 7C or 9C and leaning toward the 9C in order to be able to run a 6 servo wing (I have a Fusion already, more on that later). Best as I remember that was one of the reasons I wanted to "upgrade" to the Profi since my Futaba 8T would not handle the outboard servos... so I'm guessing that the 7C will not run a 6 servo wing either.

I've been flying the 9C Super for several years and it's held up perfectly, but I'm making the switch to a 12Z w/2.4. The 9 channel radios from Futaba are no longer being manufactured (someone correct me if I'm wrong); I'm sure they'll be around for many years to come though. I'd suggest the 10C 2.4 system. Cost is a little more than a 9C, but if you buy a 9C and then upgrade to 2.4 you'll end up spending more in the end. All the analog and digital servos will work with the 2.4 systems. Good luck with your purchases and welcome back. Jim

[nuevo]

About new radios, I'd read the manuals carefully, since your running 3 servos for each wing. Most glider friendly radios assume 2 servos per wing. You'd have to think through the use of the extra mixers required to get the outer/inner ailerons to do what you want in all flight modes.

About the wing. Looks like you have 2 damaged spots. One about 30" out where the spar tube ends, and another one at the outer aileron? Is that about right? Hard to say what the proper fix is without seeing both sides of the wing. It could be fixed, but would take a bit of work, would not be as pretty, and be a little heavier than before. I think it would take a competent person to make sure the wing is not weakened after repairs.

The inner break would take some more carbon as the skin is torn. Can't tell if the foam underneath is crushed or bruised. It would matter, as this is a skin-is-most-of-the-spar type of construction. That said, the wing doesn't need to have "gorilla strength" that far out on the wing. If there are any delams in the skin, especially on the top, I'd inject epoxy in below the skin. Any dents,wrinkles,kinks of the foam on the top skin would affect the strength.

No real strength required for the repair at the outer servo. For that one, I'd route out the foam in the damaged area. Place a new block in there, sand to shape, and cover with new CF or glass. It could look decent if you have any vacuum bagging equipment.

In summary, I think the wing can be repaired. it will take some work, and likely not be full strength. It could still be launched from a winch no problem, if you're not heavy on the pedal.

[glidrgidr01]

Well thats the real issue...the panel failed initially at the high load point when I pulled out of probably the the best zoomie I'd ever had with the Fusion...I consider a boomer launch will put you at least 30% towards the task goal so yea I guess I do have a heavy food on a contest winch and would on my little winch if it would do any good. Anyway the Wife just asked what I wanted for my birthday next month...thinking a new set of panels might be in order and I can see if I can keep this pair together for a couple of seasons. I will probably do a four servo wing...just don't think that extra set of servos makes that much difference in the majority of flying conditions. I haven't seen that many contest days when the wind is very very light. It's usually a matter of trying to determine how many slugs to put in...very light winds with mushy thermal conditions is only time I thought those outboard servos were effective. I had a set up on the profi that allowed only those outboard gears to drive a turn...in light conditions it was pretty sweet. I always thought and still do that cutting out the servo wells that far out on the panel had to have a negative effect on the structural integrity of the panel.

As far as the damaged panel I knew when I tried the first fix without a bagging setup I was doomed to fail...lesson learned and I'm now researching bagging systems and will get it in the shop as soon as I can. Thanks for all the replies...

[ajbhatta]

Hi Joe: Good to see you're back in the hobby. Check out the following link:

www.tdwings.com

regards
AJ
BSS, Lexington KY