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Flyzone Calypso Flap Option Review
Flyzone Calypso Flap Option Review
Introduction
Having flown the original Flyzone Calypso without flaps, I could not wait to get the kit to add flaps. Flaps slow flight and increase lift. The two go hand-in-hand: When slowing down for final approach, you also want to decrease stall speed. In other words, slowing down too much will indeed induce a stall, but with flaps and the lift they generate, one can get slower and steeper on approach than without flaps.
What I found with the Calypso was it does not want to quit flying, especially into strong winds. I experienced approach after approach with longer and longer final distances to finally get the bird down on windy days. Into the wind it will literally hover and can land without flaps in a strong wind at almost zero rollout. But not all landings will be in a stiff wind and when flying on clam days the lift and approach control generated by the flaps is appreciated.
MSRP$ 2.25 (FLZA6008)
Installation
The install takes about an hour, but requires:
Kit Includes
- Two Control Arms
- Two linkages
- Two Clevis
- Two Clevis secure screws
Kit Requires
- Two micro-servos
- Hot glue, canopy glue or Shoe Goo
- Two 6-12 inch servo extensions
- One servo lead splitter
- Sharp Excel Hobby knife
- String or other way to grab servo leads within the wing
Start by removing the 1/8” of foam between the interior flaps and the ailerons. Use a straight edge and a very sharp blade to cleanly cut through the material.
The servos must be installed correctly and are both facing the same direction. Take the time to lay them out and make sure they are moving as needed. The placement of the servos is identified on the foam, so there is really no way to place them wrong.
Cut into the foam deep enough so the small piece of foam can be easily removed. You will now have access to two open channels inside the wing. MAKE SURE YOU USE THE SQUARE CHANNEL TO PLACE YOUR SERVO LEAD. Otherwise, you are using the spar channel. Take either a string with a weight or bend the tip of a piece of linkage and slip it up the channel and grab the servo lead. You will have to connect the extension at the wing root and slide it back into the wing as the servo lead can barely turn the corner into the channel and a connected lead will not make the turn.
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The servo into the recess
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The correct channel for routing the extensions
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Push the connector into the channel
The control horns are glued in place and I used hot glue. The Aerocell foam handles the heat fine. It is also removable. The linkages required some adjustment, but were perfectly designed for this installation.
Final setup
I used my trusty Futaba 9cap Super because I like to dial in my flaps. The Tactic TTX404 radio included in the RTF version is a four-channel radio. My setup used the Anylink SLT TX. I used channel 5 on the Tactic TR624 Rx and programmed that channel to the dial I wanted to use. The Tactic Rx is ready to go for the flap option.
Once in place the flaps operate at the maximum suggested movement of 7/8” or 22mm. My servo choice were Futaba S3114 micro servos that work smoothly and provide plenty of torque.
Flying
With a dial, you can infinitely adjust the flaps. I rolled in about half and as one would expect the nose will come up. A little trim and you get the nose down and can quickly realize the new lift generated. You will need to roll the flaps out to climb back up unless you want to keep pushing the nose down. With full flaps the Calypso really catches the wind and even though more elevator is required to keep the nose down the drag from the elevator does not exceed the lift generated by the flaps. All good. When landing the change from a more flat approach angle to a full flap steeper approach, is exactly what the Calypso wants. With full flaps one can place the Calypso on a dime along the runway and have excellent control throughout the approach.
Downloads
Last edited by Angela H; Sep 14, 2012 at 05:36 AM..Discussion
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Sep 14, 2012, 09:37 AM
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TEXAS
Joined Sep 2005
4,300 Posts
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Nice upgrade Dave.
I was wondering if the flaps could now be reflexed "UP" for spoilers? On a lot of high-dollar gliders, the flaps are reflexed up slightly to increase straight line speed when traveling between thermals and then deflected upward a lot to kill lift and come down quickly. With your 9C and many other TXs, you can link the individual flap servos to ailerons and have flapperons and spoilerons. Of course you will need a different receiver with more channels so each flap servo could be plugged into a different channel. McD |
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Latest blog entry: LEDs on my T-28
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Sep 17, 2012, 11:23 AM
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Oak Ridge, NC
Joined Jun 2006
1,159 Posts
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I actually got to see the Calypso up close this past weekend. It was surprisingly maneuverable, and looked like a lot of fun. I noticed the provision for flaps, and wondered exactly what it would take to convert it. Now I know!
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Sep 17, 2012, 06:55 PM
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USA, AZ, Peoria
Joined Aug 2006
264 Posts
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Anyone try making the ailerons a bit longer by cutting the flap at the fuse end, but leaving it connected to the aileron?
Scotty |
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Sep 18, 2012, 05:33 AM
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USA
Joined Nov 2005
1,312 Posts
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Lots of options I would guess. I am sure they can be reflexed. In fact, centered and with programable servos or servo extenders you could move them both ways. The conversion is quick, but like I said do not use the spar channel (as I did first) and then have to redo the whole thing. Maybe a couple of hours. Too much flap is not going to accomplish much in the way of performance. The hinges may also be only molded in for the dimensional design.
This is a really good flying powered glider that can be disassembled and stored back into the box. Not like others that have the tail glued. This keeps it nice and portable. |
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Sep 18, 2012, 10:58 AM
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Stockton, Ca. USA
Joined Apr 2001
8,719 Posts
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Remember that Reflex, moving the flap up, for better penetration, usually only requires a couple of degrees of movement up. Looks like this option a nice addition to the Calypso. Mike H
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Latest blog entry: New receiver packs and asking Castle for...
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Sep 18, 2012, 06:35 PM
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Joined Nov 2003
1,158 Posts
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Hi,
Any idea how it thermals compared to the Radian? Thanks Ray |
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Sep 18, 2012, 08:11 PM
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USA, AZ, Peoria
Joined Aug 2006
264 Posts
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And compared to the Easy Glider?
Scotty Quote:
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Sep 19, 2012, 05:22 AM
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USA
Joined Nov 2005
1,312 Posts
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Seems like years ago I reviewed the Radian. That plane does not have ailerons. The Pro does. So are they different? Certainly. The Calypso can soar in thermals or slope winds. The stability is excellent and the penetration I think is getting as good as it is going to get for foam powered gliders that have to have the bulbous nose to hose electronics. I also thought it tracked better and the airframe is stronger. I cannot remember if the Radian is EPO foam. I know the company that produces this plane and they do some of the best work in China.
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Oct 02, 2012, 02:41 PM
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Joined Jul 2012
16 Posts
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Thanks for the review, although other than thermal chasing, I'm not sure what is the point of flaps on this plane? It's a slow flying powered glider, that can be easily landed without the flaps. What function do they play in this model? Also wouldn't it be essentially the same to change the ailerons to flaperons?
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Oct 02, 2012, 03:35 PM
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Joined Apr 2012
1,444 Posts
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Hi, IIIHorseman.
The Calypso floats and floats and floats so it can be a challenge getting down in a small field and/or a field surrounded by obstacles. Flaperons can be problematic on a glider because they can lead to tip stalls so "spoilerons" are generally a better option. But? It's hard to get enough throw with the foam hinges so separate flaps can be a real advantage. |
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Oct 02, 2012, 06:29 PM
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United States, NC, Richlands
Joined Jun 2011
3,603 Posts
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Sli-i-i-ightly OT here but, for you guys who've flown (or seen) the Calypso at altitude? How's the visibility on that green & black color scheme?
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Oct 02, 2012, 06:46 PM
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Joined Apr 2012
1,444 Posts
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My friend's shows up pretty well but he will probably brighten it up a bit with some fluorescent Rustoleum when he starts finding lift and flying higher. Of course, I'm a big fan of neon orange but the green shows up well too and would look almost stock on the Calypso.
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Oct 02, 2012, 10:28 PM
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Joined Aug 2012
120 Posts
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Some paint makes a big difference, I used rustoleum neon pink and neon green
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Oct 02, 2012, 10:30 PM
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Joined Aug 2012
120 Posts
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I picked up some linkage stuff and 2 s3114 servos today for the flap mod. I have had great luck flying with different chamber setting on this plane so I can't wait to add flaps. Once they are installed I will reprogram my radio for fully adjustable reflex/chamber, flaps and crow.
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