Last week I received my SlowHawk 4 -- thanks, Sean!

Because I am totally new to R/C, I also ordered a Radio & accessories kit (FS-CT6B)

Soon, I'll start assembly and figure out how all of this works. No hurry -- I've got a lot to learn.

Today I joined RCGroups, too. Great discussions, answers, and photos here.

If anyone else in the Seattle/Eastside area has a Kinkade ornithopter, perhaps you'd be interested in piloting this bird's maiden voyage. Let me know--thanks

It would also probably be helpful for me to double-check the setup of the bird and radio, and then to observe how to fly before taking the sticks myself.

In any case, I'll likely post some follow up reports. There are sure to be other rookies out there who may benefit as well.

Bob

Welcome to the magic world of SK ornis.

Ditto! Aero

Just got mine up today for the first time ! It was fantistic! Made a few mistakes along the way. With the help from the guys here you will be OK! Other than assembly, battery placement was important!! I don't know much but would be happy to help you so you don't make the same mistakes I did. Buck

Thanks!
I've not yet flown, but am getting close...
Basically, everything is together.

I'm not sure exactly where the center of gravity should be, but currently I've got it set for about 5" behind the wing spar. Does that sound about right?

The thing that will be harder to fix is the replacement of a servo. I installed the one for the elevator and the mounting flanges fractured and are not repairable. I didn't think I tightened the screw too much, but now I think I need to replace the servo.

I'll write Sean and also check with our local R/C store.
Do you have any ideas or thoughts about that servo?

thanks!

Bob

5" sounds good for nose plants!! I have found from the leading edge to the center of a 800mah battery at 9.5" works best for me. 10.75 to the far end!! Were the two seams form a VV on the wing meterial! Buck

Thanks, Buck. I'm glad to get some feedback.

Maybe this picture will help. The battery is right above the receiver and the CG is identified with a Post-It note with an arrow. That point is about 5.25" behind the leading edge. I can move the battery a max of 2" back which would place it at the very back of the Velcro underneath the wing.
QUESTION #1: Do you think I should move the battery back from its current position in the photo?

Also, the angle of the tail assembly when stick-neutral is about 40 degrees from the horizontal line that runs from front to back in the center of the wing. I followed Sean's directions to put the servo arm onto the servo when the stick was in the full "up" position. His directions say the result should be 20-25 degrees of pitch from the horizontal.
QUESTION #2: is that pitch angle too high?

By the way, you may see that I've used a Hitec HS-65MG (metal gear) servo for the elevator because the mounting flanges on the original one (that I got from Sean) broke off. It shouldn't matter though. The distance from the center of the servo shaft to the first pivot is the same as what it was using with the servo & arm that Sean supplied.

thanks for your interest and feedback
Bob

My battery placement is the same and your tail angle looks like mine too. Only thing different is your receiver is further back than mine. It shouldn't make much difference. From what I can see it's ready to go!! Buck

looks fine to me also wind alters your cg more wind further forward but no wind at the back

Thanks for the feedback, both of you.
If weather is good the day after tomorrow, I'll head out to the field
But first, a proper photo session...

thanks again

hg65mg are a great servo they are more expensive but are very long lasting as a couple of birds of mine have done over a couple of 100hrs air time yes a lot of hours

I’ve been using Corona Ds-939’s for a couple of years on orni's and had to rebuild my first one last weekend after a rough landing. The gears were not damaged but rather the connection from the output shaft to the positioning potentiometer started to slip. Rebuild kits are 3$ and the servo’s can be purchased for 15$. The 939 have an output torque of 34.7oz-in as compared to the Hitech 65mg’s 25oz-in. I’ve never heard mention of anyone questioning the power of the Hitech, just putting out some facts. The Corona’s are slightly taller and slight modifications are needed for the rudder servo mounting, the elevator mounting is fine.

cool i will keep that in mind