Build Log HX Bird to Cybird mods

[Tweener]

I've repaired my HX Bird after the last unfortunate incident, and thought I'd post some pictures of the modifications I've made from the original. This is now more like a true Cybird P2 in essence.

Receiver: GWS pico for JR shift.
Servos: Tail Rudder - Hitec HS-55; Tail Elevator - Hitec HS-81MG
ESC: Great Planes Electrifly C-12
Transmitter: JR XF421EX - came with my P-51 PTS.

The arrow in the components picture shows where the main frame needed to be cut and filed a bit to fit the HS-81MG. I decided on this upgrade because not only was there a spot with pre-drilled holes to fit it, but the original HS-55 I had installed there got it's gears stripped. The 81 is tougher, and it seems to give more control authority on this channel.

The wing is a replacement wing for the real P2. The spar in the pictures that runs from the ball joint to near the leading edge tip is a salvaged part from another HX Bird wing. After debonding the original broken spar, I inserted this one into the plastic angle piece near the tip, then held it away from the wing while applying a bead of medium CA along it's length. I placed the wing on a piece of wax paper that was on a medium pile rug, then aligned the spar and pressed it to the fabric. I have had a few flights with this repair so far, and it doesn't seem to have any effect on performance even though my alignment is very slightly off near the root from where the original was located.

[alexwa]

Hello,

can you tell me anything, how it flyes???

Is it flying like a CyBird P2? I have also a HX Bird, and it won´t fly original. But I don´t know, if I should rebuilt it or not.

Thanks

[Tweener]

Yes, it flys very well. Up until this past Wednesday, I had only done short trimming flights with it because of the local winds being uncooperative. I would fly about 100 feet straight ahead, and then drop in gently to the grass. But that day the maximum was only 6-7 MPH. I had three sustained flights, reaching an altitude of about 60-100 feet, and catching it on two of the landings. I still want to shoot some video to post here in the forums, but can't find anyone local with a digital camcorder or capture card.

One thing to note is if you're using the original HX Bird wings, check how tight the fabric gets between the wings when they are at full downstroke. If it is too tight and causes a "popping" noise more distinct than the usual flapping noise, it will kill your available power. I'd recommend cutting the wing right down the center and taping it back together with a good kite repair tape on both top and bottom, leaving a small gap between the two halves to loosen it up.

[helifann]

I just gave mine a test flight outside right now. I switched all the electronics and battery w a gws 2cell 1300 mah lipo first thing. I do have that slight "popping noise" w the wings and will be fixing that. Put a paper clip on the right wing before the maiden flight,i heard these have a tendency to turn left so i did that right away. Flew straight and started to climb,so i let her down onto its belly since my yard is only so long. Repeated 3 xs and had the same succesful results and tested the turns on it too. THIS THING DOES FLY!!!

[Tweener]

Here are a couple photos to explain the "slack". The arrow in the first photo points to the slight amount of hinge pin that shows between the plastic hinge base and the wing tube when the wing's snap lock is in the channel on the hinge base. The original HX Bird wing was tight enough to slide the wing tube more over the pin at full downstroke making the clip constantly engage and disengage the channel. The second photo gives a little clearer look at how much slack is on the back of the bird at full downstroke. It's not much, but there should be no tension on the wing at this point.

[Tweener]

Alas, the HX Bird may fly no more. I let it get a bit too far away on the last flight, and lost orientation. I tried using subtle inputs to see if I could get it turned back, but I eventually got it into an unstable situation and had to cut the power and give full up elevator. The resulting pigeon glide usually saves any wing damage; but on this occasion I happened to be too close to a ditch at our field and it went into the steep wall - right wing first. I was lucky in that the bird stayed out of the water at the bottom, but both the leading edge and main spars were broken in two places (four total). I tried to replace the Cybird wing with an Eastern Dragon style the next day, but the darn leading edge spar actually broke just from the flexing of the flapping force! Although I have been satisfied with the overall mechanics of the HX Bird clone, when it comes to that particular style of replacement wing I guess sometimes "inexpensive" is just plain cheap. I see the ornithopter zone store is out of the genuine P2 style wings, so this bird may never fly again.

Ah, well, it was fun while it lasted - P1 here I come!

[helifann]

I think the orni store is getting more,i have found another source and ordered extra nueros wings. I am not at peace w anything unless i have plenty of extra parts!!!

[ross_at_home]

I noticed that this seller sells a copy called thunder ROC in EBAY. I bought one and it looks identical from what I can see.

This is it

3 CH Remote Control Airplane Thunder Roc RTF CyBird RC Item number: 140022612282

this is the full URL
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...2282%26fvi%3D1

I am interested if the wings for the HX bird are the same and could be used as replacements

[SAILORMAN]

Every cybird clone Ive ever seen uses the same wings. The only difference I've seen is the quality of the material and build.
That ebay listing even uses the same photo as a U.S. seller uses to sell another clone, the name of which escapes me. I've never heard ot the thunder ROC, but I definitely recognize that picture. In fact I sold tweener some wings from a clone I had for his bird of another name. They fit.

[helifann]

The hxcybird and the thunder roc are 2 different birds. I had a thunder roc,the quality of the bird is better than the hxcybird. The electronics are not good at all ,and the motor is on the bottom of the gearbox the Hxcybird on top. The wings may or not fit w/o modification to the wing holder(cut about 1/4") But the wings are made of a better material and fit the bird like they should. First thing though,swap the electronics for your own. And make sure you have plenty of up elevator set before you launch. Thge thunder roc was my first bird,and if i knew all that I know now about these things,I'd still have it.

[Tweener]

Originally Posted by SAILORMAN

In fact I sold tweener some wings from a clone I had for his bird of another name. They fit.

Yes, I have attached HX Bird, Thunder Roc and real, original, genuine Cybird wings to my HX Bird frame. The only ones that it flew well with were the true Cybird wings.

[harrisdouma]

recently purchased thunder roc cybird. will be switching electronics, was
wandering if the lipoly batery is ok to use. Or should I switch that also?

[Heavy Chevy]

Originally Posted by helifann

The hxcybird and the thunder roc are 2 different birds. I had a thunder roc,the quality of the bird is better than the hxcybird. The electronics are not good at all ,and the motor is on the bottom of the gearbox the Hxcybird on top. The wings may or not fit w/o modification to the wing holder(cut about 1/4") But the wings are made of a better material and fit the bird like they should. First thing though,swap the electronics for your own. And make sure you have plenty of up elevator set before you launch. Thge thunder roc was my first bird,and if i knew all that I know now about these things,I'd still have it.

I just got my thunder roc 3 ch from ebay and I'm wondering if I can use this battery with it as a backup:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cybird-Cyber-Bir...3286.m63.l1177

The manual says: 2-cell, 1200mAh, Li-Polymer(7.4V, fully charged: 8.4V)

They're both 7.4V but the ebay one for the 'Korean' bird is 700mAh and the thunder Roc is a 1200mAh.

Also, would I be able to use the thunder roc charger with the 'Korean' battery?

So any pre flight tips? Keep the tail angle up and try not to crash it?

[Tweener]

Originally Posted by Heavy Chevy

Also, would I be able to use the thunder roc charger with the 'Korean' battery?

Shouldn't be a problem since the type of battery and the number of cells (voltage) are the same - the higher capacity will just take longer to charge. Be sure to check the polarity, though. My HX Bird pack was wired backward from the accepted norm for the JST connector.

Originally Posted by Heavy Chevy

So any pre flight tips? Keep the tail angle up and try not to crash it?

Take a picture for posterity.

[Heavy Chevy]

Originally Posted by Tweener

Shouldn't be a problem since the type of battery and the number of cells (voltage) are the same - the higher capacity will just take longer to charge. Be sure to check the polarity, though. My HX Bird pack was wired backward from the accepted norm for the JST connector.Take a picture for posterity.

HA!!!!!!!!! Should have taken a picture!!

My wings are trashed....I'm going to build my own rather than try to track some down.

And so it all begins....I guess it's all a part of the hobby.

Anybody have any broken wings kicking around that are destined for the garbage? I'd love them for building replacements.

Let me know