Discussion Micro SSX Build

[jkarpy]

This is the start of the Micro SSX Build thread. The intention of the thread is to cover both the kit and ARF version. Post number one will serve as an index to the body of this thread and other related threads. Post number one can change daily as new information and ideas are available. Relevant posts are any thing related directly to the Micro SSX or any product that can be used with the Micro SSX.



Note: This is a work in progress 5/29/07

[jkarpy]

Pull out the horizontal stabilizer and elevator from the kit. Put a long strip of Scotch tape along the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer so that half of
the width of the tape hangs over the trailing edge. Place elevator with beveled side UP and the beveled edge parallel with the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer. Slide the elevator down the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer until it attaches to the tape. While holding the elevator at a 45° angle to the horizontal stabilizer, lift the horizontal stabilizer,
while at the same time allowing the elevator to rest flat on the table, keeping them at a 45° angle. Flip over and secure the tape with finger. Fold both pieces flat onto each other, with the hinge tape on the inside. Cut off excess tape. Take another piece of Scotch tape longer than the hinge edge, and
attach it to the opposite side of the bevel. Again, cut off excess tape from the ends. Roll both pieces over the extended edge of the tape so that now both sides of the hinge are covered.

Rudder Hinge Assembly: Line the top edges of the rudder and vertical stabilizer. Start out with a piece of tape the length of the vertical stabilizer. Using the same method as previously mentioned for the horizontal stabilizer, apply hinge tape.

Aileron Hinge Assembly: Use same method described above for aileron hinges.

[jkarpy]

Servo Mount

[jkarpy]

Do not glue wing mounts to fuselage until after balancing.

[jkarpy]

Many of you have expressed confusion over how the tail mount goes together. This should clear things up.
UPDATE: The best configuration for the Micro SSX is to have the longest tail possible. Build the entire tail section and mount, wing and motor mount/ battery tray assembly. Assemble the entire plane without gluing the parts to the fuselage. That means all electronics installed also. Do not connect the rudder and elevator pushrods yet. Place the tail assembly as far out on the fuselage end as possible. Check the balance. If you are a good pilot, you will want the CG to be neutral. The neutral CG is about ¾” past the spar. Line-up the wing and tail and tack glue in place. Line-up the battery/ motor assembly and tack glue. Check all alignments and do your final gluing. Make sure the P12 is not glued to P12A.

[jkarpy]

Reserved for Landing Gear and Battery Mount

[jkarpy]

Reserved for Motor Mount

[jkarpy]

Balancing requires that the wing not be glued directly to the fuselage. You must be able to move the wing forward or aft on the fuselage for balancing. Install all gear, push rods and the battery before balancing. The balance point is 1/8th inch behind the main spar.

After the model is balanced, check to be sure the tail section is aligned with the wing and then glue the wing mounts to the fuselage using medium CA.

[jkarpy]

Ready for final assembly

[jkarpy]

1. The CG for this model is 1/8” inch to the rear of the main spar. Balance the plane at the CG by holding wings with your fingertips as shown. Try to maintain the distance from the front fuselage to the leading edge of the wing at 2 1/8” by adjusting positions of your hardware first. If necessary, change position of your wing to balance.
Update: The best configuration for the Micro SSX is to have the longest tail possible. Build the entire tail section and mount, wing and motor mount/ battery tray assembly. Assemble the entire plane without gluing the parts to the fuselage. That means all electronics installed also. Do not connect the rudder and elevator pushrods yet. Place the tail assembly as far out on the fuselage end as possible. Check the balance. If you are a good pilot, you will want the CG to be neutral. The neutral CG is about ¾” past the spar. Line-up the wing and tail and tack glue in place. Line-up the battery/ motor assembly and tack glue. Check all alignments and do your final gluing. Make sure the P12 is not glued to P12A.



2. Once aircraft is balanced, adjust the horizontal stabilizer so it is parallel to the wing. Then glue the front and rear wing saddles to the fuselage stick.
3. Position servo, battery and motor mounts. Motor should have 2 ° of right and 2 ° of down thrust. This can be achieved by shimming the motor or by offsetting the motor mount during gluing. Glue the motor mount to the fuselage and battery mount using thick CA glue.
4. Square the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer. Glue the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer by bleeding thin CA into the mount.
5. Glue all control horns with thick CA.
6. Install control linkage. The E-Z connectors are for the aileron servo control horn. Feed the rudder and elevator pushrods through the rear pushrod guide before attaching to servos. Use Z bends for rudder and elevator servos. Be sure to center your servos first.
7. Permanently install receiver, motor and speed control. Make sure your antenna does not touch the carbon fiber fuselage or any metal. Use double stick foam tape to mount speed control to the top of battery mount.
8. Control throws are as follows:
Elevator: 45 ° up and down 20° low rate
Rudder: 45 ° left and right
Ailerons: 45 ° up and down 20° low rate
I recommend using expo if you have it!

[jkarpy]

1. Use the small arms for all servos.
2. Connect pushrods at outer most hole of control horns and servo arms.
3. Micro servo cases are typically press fit. The bottom can easily be pulled apart and if you don’t put it back correctly, you can ruin the servo. I recommend using a piece of clear tape and place it so that it straddles the bottom of the servo. This will keep the bottom from falling off.
4. Use a micro receiver such as the Berg 4L or Micro Spectrum receiver.
5. The spectrum receivers can easily be placed inside the wing between the center ribs.
6. The Berg 4L can be secured to the fuselage with a Velcro strap or tape.
7. Use a Micro antenna with the Berg 4L receiver if possible.
8. Do not allow your antenna to touch the fuselage or pushrods during flight. This can reduce the range of your receiver. The fuselage of the Micro SSX is carbon fiber, carbon is a conductor.
Tip: Run servos for several cycles before first flight. This will improve centering.

[jkarpy]

This is the Micro SSX build it your self Kit. It is identical to the ARF version with some enhancements to make it easier to build. All the parts are laser cut and interlocking so no pins are needed to assemble this kit. The wing can be assembled in ½ an hour by most modelers.

Hardware included in kit:
4 micro control horns
2 Dubro micro light wheels
2 Dubro wheel retainers
Wire for push rods, aileron linkage and tail skid
Preformed wire landing gear
15” Wrapped carbon fuselage
Velcro pads
Velcro “One Wrap” Battery strap (RED)
Servo tape (Used to hold speed control in position)
6 # 0 - ¼ sheet metal screws (Servos)
2 # 1 – ¼ sheet metal screws (Motor)

[jkarpy]

Please, no glue until told to do so.

Cover tail section and wing with light model covering such as World model Lightex or So light.

[jkarpy]

Tail Section:

[jkarpy]

Flight: