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Flyzone Diablo Ducted Fan Jet Trainer RTF With Advanced Wings And Twin Power Pod
By 78dave
Feb 29, 2008, 06:16 PM
Introduction
Don’t let the name Diablo scare you... the newest offering from FlyZone is far from a devil of a plane to fly! FlyZone has hit the mark in the new Diablo with a brilliant design and the incorporation of AeroCell foam making this the perfect entry level ducted fan. It is a true RTF that, in a few easy steps, is ready to fly, and you can advance the Diablo with an optional set of shorter wings with ailerons and an optional twin ducted fan unit making the Diablo a high speed, advanced aircraft. If you have ever thought about getting a ducted fan, this is the one!
Kit Contents
My Diablo arrived in a huge box. Some items had shifted in transit, but other than a slight rash on the body and the tip of the elevator it was in good shape. As soon as you open the box, you begin to fully understand the meaning of RTF. The fuselage and empennage are complete with servos and linkages all set up and the radio installed. The transmitter is packaged and protected inside the large box as well as the battery, charger and accessories. A comprehensive instruction manual is also provided along with an even more detailed manual for the Hyperflow ducted fan system and operation.
Kit includes:
Kit requires
Note: the Diablo does not have landing gear and is meant to be hand launched and belly landed
Assembly
The Trainer
Let me begin by telling you to get your LiPo on the charger. This build is going to go so fast, that you are going to want to fly as soon as you are finished!
Fuselage and tailThe build begins with installing the power pod under the fuselage. Locate the wires and guide them upward into the fuselage as you install the pod. Insert it into the slots, slide it back, and then insert the pod locks. Be sure you have the pod locks with the taper toward the aft section of the plane. Hook up the leads maintaining the correct color for polarity.
WingTo install the trainer wing, insert the wing joiner through the fuselage and then slip the wings onto the joiners. Continue to slide the wing toward the fuselage until the wings “click” into place. That click is the strong magnets that hold the wings in place doing their job.
Final components
To finish, make sure the trust fan nut is secure and tighten if necessary (the manual suggests you use some thread lock to make sure this screw stays tight). Do not over tighten as you can crack the fan hub.
Electronics
Put the hook and loop material on the battery (the fuzzy loop side attaches to the battery). Place the battery in the forward most area of the fuselage, and then install the nose cone, which is also held in place with magnets.
The manual suggests that you start with the transmitter and install the batteries. Make sure that the batteries are firmly placed into the battery holder, then slide the battery holder into the back of the transmitter. Note that the contacts inside the transmitter must line up. To test, turn on the transmitter, and make sure you have all three LEDs glowing. As the power diminishes, the green light will turn off leaving the yellow LED to warn you to stop flying and replace the batteries. The Tactic transmitter will also accommodate a Futaba FUTM1450 NiMH pack that can be recharged using the charging receptacle on the Tactic transmitter. You will have to purchase the battery and charger separately.
Completion
After the batteries are all installed, it’s time for some ground tests. Turn on the transmitter, and then plug in the Diablo battery. Using the master switch, turn on the electronics. Be sure to keep the throttle stick in the lowest position at all times as you work through the setup. You have the option of unplugging the ducted fan power before powering up the Diablo for these tests. Make sure all of your transmitter trims are centered (except for the throttle which should be all the way down). Using a straight edge, make sure the elevator and the rudder are even with the horizontal and vertical stabilizers using the thumb screws on the control horns to make any necessary adjustments. If you use a screwdriver on the thumb screws, do not over tighten.
Follow these setup recommendations that have been preset at the factory:
Elevator
Rudder
Make sure your control surfaces are moving in the right direction. If they aren’t, use the servo reversing switches. To arm the power pod, put the throttle stick in the lowest position. Move the throttle stick all the way to the top, and leave it there for ten seconds and then back down. You will be required to arm the ESC and motor every time the transmitter is turned off. To complete the kit, use the great set of decals to add some color and detail to the Diablo.
Motor Test
You’ll want to set the brushes, and if any points along the fan blades touch the duct housing we want to give these points a second or two to wear in. The RPM will reach nearly 30,000, and the air that is exiting the back of the ducted fan will be at or over 70 MPH (eflux). The fan blade will expand and may touch the housing momentarily. You will experience about 11.5 amps at 130 watts for the single pod. After arming the ESC, slowly move the throttle to 1⁄4 for about three minutes. Check for any vibration or any kind of noise. Move the throttle to 1⁄2, and check for noise and vibration over a three minute period. Move the throttle to 3⁄4 and listen for rubbing.
Setting the Center of Gravity
The CG should be 2-5/16 inches behind the point at which the wing joins the fuselage. Turn the plane over and mark this point, and using either your fingertips or a balancing machine make sure the Diablo is level when upright at these points. If not, you may have to move the battery a slight amount or add a small amount of weight. Ultimately I added 14 grams to the nose to obtain the correct CG. OK, that’s it! We are ready to fly!
Assembly - the Advanced Version
Wing
Install the optional advanced wings, being careful to guide the aileron leads into the fuselage in the slot provided. You will notice the optional advanced wings align exactly like the trainer wings and secure with magnets. To complete the wing, plug in the servo leads.
Locate the receiver in the fuselage, and note the numbering. Typically, the numbering reflects the following assignments:
Receiver numbering:
Move the former rudder lead from the #1 location to the #4 location. BE SURE TO MAINTAIN THE POLARITY – WHITE WIRE UP. Plug the left aileron into the #1 and the right aileron into the #6. The next configuration change is to provide more movement for the rudder on channel 4. Remove the servo arm from the rudder servo on the port side of the fuselage. Lift the servo arm off, and rotate the arm to remove the rudder linage and move the linkage to the outside hole. Reinstall the servo arm.
Final components
Control Settings:
Install the optional dual fan power pod, and then check your CG again. It should be about 58mm behind the point at which the wing joins the fuselage. There typically will be no change in the CG between the trainer version and the optional advanced version.
Flying
The Diablo as a Trainer
Basics
Flying the Diablo with the trainer wings was just plain fun. The hand launch was easy, and the single pod ducted fan provided plenty of power for climb out. I flew the pattern several times and was pleased when I cut the throttle, and the Diablo had a shallow glide slope that made it seem like a high tech glider. The rudder provides ample control, and with the large wings and angled wing tips the Diablo turned as if I was using ailerons. In the air, the grey paint scheme is easy to see and has that menacing look of a military attack fighter. The trainer version of the Diablo is not aerobatic for the most part. A loop can be accomplished by building speed on descent, but you must take note of the flexibility of the large wings; placing too many Gs on the wings will lead to failure. With no ailerons, the Diablo will not roll in the true sense. Stalls are typical, but the ability to respond is tempered by the ducted fan’s ability to spool up fast enough to build the speed necessary for exiting the stall. The large wings and great glide slope make any stalls gentle. I give the trainer version high marks for general flight characteristics, glide slope and looks. With the single pod drawing about 130 watts and 11.5 amps you should theoretically have approximately 8 minutes of capacity in the supplied 1500 mAh battery (1.5mAh/11.5 amp draw at WOT=.1304 hours). Take the .1304 and multiply by 60 and flight time should be about 8 minutes (7.82) at full throttle. I was experiencing run times of greater than 8 minutes (and closer to 10 minutes) as I managed the throttle and enjoyed the soarability of the trainer wings.
Taking Off and Landing
The hand launch is easy. Throttle up to full throttle and give the Diablo a firm toss into the wind. The plane is inherently stable and stays level as you transition your tossing hand back to the transmitter. Landings are directly correlated to the stability of the glide slope. Once you’re on final approach, landing is pretty much a throttle back and hands off landing. I was pleased with the control of the approach, and there was no tendency for a tip stall. The actual landing on the other hand is a little awkward on grass. The design of the Diablo does not incorporate any landing mechanism. Couple that with the blunt lower edge of the thrust pod, and unless you grease the landing, the pod will grab the landing surface and pitch the nose down. From a grass landing strip there is some give, so the thrust pod is protected. If you land on a hard surface, make sure there is nothing on the surface that could catch the pod. On grass, the pod will pick up debris. Check between flights to make sure the intake is clean and clear.
The Optional Diablo Advanced Version
The Diablo has really cool options that allow you to transition from a very stable trainer configuration to a more aerobatic and faster sport configuration. The change is very simple and is really worth the small investment required to purchase the advanced wings and twin power pod.
Basics
The optional advanced wing setup coupled with the optional twin power pod is distinctly different in flight than the trainer wing. The wing area has decreased from 320 square inches to 243 square inches, and the wing loading has increased by adding the smaller wings and heavier dual power pod from 9.4 oz./in to 16.3 oz.in. Stalls are more dramatic, glide slope is diminished, and tip stalls on approach are now something you need to be ready for. The Diablo in this configuration is fast and quick. I was surprised at the stability of the shorter winged version. As weight is added, the wings are shortened and ailerons added, this becomes a much more aggressive plane capable of rolls and loops.
Taking off and landing
You have to give it a good powerful push into the wind at full throttle to help your airspeed increase as quickly as possible. Once in the air, you need to build altitude without decreasing airspeed. Pilots call this V speed or more precisely, Vy speed or speed for best rate of climb. This provides the best altitude gain per unit of time. Anything more, and you decrease airspeed and push the Diablo towards a stall. The Diablo does not really want to stall unless you really pull back on the stick. Build some altitude before you begin any maneuvers. Most of your flight will be at full throttle. Remember you are now running TWO power pods both efluxing almost 70 mph exhaust. Adding the second pod does not increase the eflux, rather it simply provides two 70 mph outputs. With the dual pod you will pull 21 amps and about 215 watts, and flight times will be less than five minutes. Landings require power right up to the runway threshold. Keep a constant power curve, and avoid adding throttle in bursts as that creates some instability. Keep your speed up to avoid tip stalls. Go lightly on the ailerons and rudder. Just like the trainer, the pod will provide the only landing point and will either slide on the ground or catch and pitch the plane over.
Aerobatics and Special Flight Characteristics
The Diablo is capable of rolls and loops, but does not have great vertical performance. I believe as you become more comfortable with the advanced wings you can experiment with inverted flight, but there is very little elevator movement to work with.
Flight Video/Photo Gallery
Is This For a Beginner?
In trainer mode, yes! And with some help I see no reason why this can't be flown as someone’s first plane. The larger wings provide great stability, flight times are good, and the landings are manageable. The Diablo in this configuration is also very durable. If you roll the plane on a landing, the wings will pop loose but are flexible enough using AeroCell foam to take the abuse. As the Advanced version, in a word - No!
Conclusion
I absolutely recommend the trainer version hands down! It is blast to fly and will give you many great hours of fun. I like the size, paint job, design, stability and overall stability of that version. I can recommend the advanced configuration to those with good piloting skills.
Pluses
Minuses
Last edited by Angela H; Feb 29, 2008 at 06:15 PM.. |
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Thread Tools |
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Feb 29, 2008, 06:48 PM
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#2 |
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Foam Durability Tester
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Southern Maryland
Posts: 1,998
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Great review! Any plans to post the upgrade to brushless pod option? And may I say this goes against what I've been reading here on the boards. I guess newbies are expecting it to balance right without moving the battery around to find the CG, and too steep of a climb angle on launch. This is an EDF, and takes awhile to build speed up.
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Feb 29, 2008, 07:54 PM
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#3 |
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Crash and Burn
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Southern NJ
Posts: 50
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Flyzone Diablo Maiden, by a beginner.
Here is a thread to Diablo Maiden, by a beginner this has some video of adv. wing, trainer wing, brushed and brushless setups. working on modding the beginner wings.
I agree with the very good review, that it needs some sort of landing gear. Evil-Tunes |
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Mar 01, 2008, 10:08 AM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,381
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I enjoyed the review Dave.
The modular approach is interesting for sure. So, could you go with dual power pod and stay with the trainer wing? Just curious. Or would there not be a reason to equip it in that configuration? The advanced wing looks to have very little wing area. Yikes! And belly landing a plane with that much mass hanging below it would seem dicey? You did pretty darn good in the video. I've always thought flying one of the several F16 models designed for belly landing could be problematic due to the F16's intake hanging down below (someday I'll find out when I build the two different models I have awaiting building) but it is nothing compared to that huge meatball hanging off the belly of the Diablo! 
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Mar 01, 2008, 10:48 AM
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#5 |
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"Have Glue - Will Travel"
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Ft. Worth, Texas
Posts: 2,407
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Nice review and video Dave!
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Mar 01, 2008, 04:18 PM
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#6 |
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Dr. Dave
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Howard County, MO
Posts: 861
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Thanks guys. I just reconfigured back to the trainer wings and will try the dual pod. Only thing is the short flight time, but that may be worth the climb out and offset by the glide slope. The advanced setup is quick on the landings and tip stalls are something I wake up to in a cold sweat. I really liked the way the trainer wings carried the Diablo. It is on my flight line.
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Mar 01, 2008, 07:59 PM
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#7 |
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100mph club member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NW O-town
Posts: 1,063
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I bought the advanced setup as a premade package at my LHS. I never tried the single pod or the trainer wings but I'll tell you this... I could never get the advanced package to fly. With a 3cell 2100mah lipo she'd barely balance with the battery all the way forward. AUW was over 30oz. She'd get hand launched fast and just slowly settle into the ground after that tossed speed bled off. Looks like yours was launched off a hill but was kind of doing the same thing. Only your ground wasn't where mine was since you were on the hill. So you had a chance to gain a little more airspeed before contacting terra firma. Curious to hear what your opinion is on that. Do you think yours would fly off level ground?
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Mar 02, 2008, 04:39 AM
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 78
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Very nice review and video of what appears to be a promising airplane for beginning jet jockies, Dave
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Mar 02, 2008, 07:04 AM
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#9 |
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Dr. Dave
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Howard County, MO
Posts: 861
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Turbodriven, getting the twin pods to fly is all about efluxing. If you have a wind speed guide or can borrow one you need to get near 70MPH from BOTH exhaust ports. Your battery may also be too big. If you are are more than 14 grams tail heavy you might have too much weight in the battery. A 1500 11.1 20C is best. I used a 15C that was shipped with the plane, but really think a 20C is necessary for higher discharge rates. So you are too heavy and weak in the eflux. Also if you are not getting enough eflux, check to make sure nothing is rubbing in the duct. Look and see the contact points and if necessary grind that down. Not the blades, but the housing. As the fan rotates if it is making too much contact the plastic heats up and starts to slow down the fan. Anyway, I had similar experiences until I checked the fans and ultimately got them replaced. Let me know how you do.
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Mar 02, 2008, 07:18 AM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 931
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you guys try 4s
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Mar 02, 2008, 08:06 AM
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#11 |
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My frappucinno is wearing off
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Annapolis, MD
Posts: 7,608
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I noticed as well how much it settled after being launched off the hill. Would it have flown if launched of level ground?
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Mar 02, 2008, 10:25 AM
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#12 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 149
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Diablo Advanced Set up
Hi Dave: I read your review and agree with you on the trainer set-up but have no idea what plane you were flying with the advanced set-up. I flew my Diablo with the advanced set up and it was a flying brick. Everything set up as per directions, ballanced, battery charged, the whole deal. I've been flying for over 15 years and have flown .40 sized trainers with more power. I give GP an "A" for effort with this concept but a "D-" for execution. They should have done this brushless but it would have bumped the costs up. It his a huge undertaking to get the motor out and a brushless in.
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Mar 02, 2008, 04:27 PM
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#13 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 931
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Toss The Pod Mount Two Edf's On Top OH Gws 64's Hahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Last edited by space 1; Mar 02, 2008 at 05:18 PM. |
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Mar 02, 2008, 07:49 PM
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#14 |
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Dr. Dave
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Howard County, MO
Posts: 861
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Like I mentioned above, it does fly but has to have 70 MPH exhausting or more. No rubbing in the duct either. Also do not change the elevator setting. If you do you can not build air speed. The advanced setup requires a VERY firm toss. That toss as well has to be level. A running toss is not out of the question.
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Mar 03, 2008, 02:08 PM
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#15 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 97
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I was much happier with the trainer version after removing the exhaust deflector. Might help the advanced version as well.
Last edited by Hoppla!; Mar 04, 2008 at 01:18 PM. |
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