Discussion Sticky: FAQ/Advice/Help with getting started

[dickw]

The contact area for a screw is just the end of the screw, so with 2 screws the contact area is still very small. If you use just one screw it pushes the shaft hard up against the other side of the hole - a much larger contact area. Thats the theory anyway, but it works for me .

If the prop driver is well made like RFM there are no "off centre" or "out of ballance" issues with just one screw.

I grind the flat with a small grinding wheel in a Dremel lined up as in the attached drawing (don't forget to tape up the bearings and any holes in the motor to stop grit getting in). If you grind the flat only where the screw sits then the prop cannot slide forward and off the shaft.

Dick

[Whorges]

Could the experts weigh in on launching techniques for f5b planes. My 1st one is about ready and I don't want the maiden short. Thanks!

[jsnaphook]

Have a buddy launch for you. I think you mentioned in another thread what your power setup is. With that power the plane should climb out almost immediately. A good firm toss with a little nose up should do it. Recruit the bud with a good arm. The only time I had an issue with launching was when my "regular" was out of town. The "substitute" didn't toss it but basically just let go of the plane Luckily it survived the launch and we debriefed his girly tossing arm. I self-launch only when not using oversquare props and always full throttle. Others launch partial throttle and that works for them.

Juan

[jsnaphook]

And, always into the wind.

Juan

[Whorges]

Is the timing of hitting the power trigger critical? Sounds like some people throttle on then throw and others throw then throttle on. Everyone talks about over square props being difficult to launch. Why and how are they different? Thanks, George

[jsnaphook]

I have the launcher count to 3 and he throws on 3. I hit the throttle on 3. With a nice firm toss it really shouldn't be a big deal. Oversquare props just take a few more revs to get in step (cavitation) so it seems like it doesn't get away from the ground as fast. It's producing thrust but not at full. It's kinda like starting a car from a stop in 3rd gear. Once it gets going it'll start to accelerate.

Juan

[plane_tech]

Originally Posted by Whorges

Hmm, this is two votes for a flat and only one screw...
Why not 2 flats and 2 screws?
I imagine if the prop came off in flight and you kept on the motor at all, that the motor is done?
How do you make the flat?

two flats on the shaft is now a weak spot. If and when it fails, thats where it will be. When you cut or grind on the shaft with a dremel or what have you, you are one, taking away some of the structural integrity of the shaft, and two, taking away some of the temper as well, if you grind it too fast or too hard.
One screw, one flat spot, and IMHO, grind slowly, if you see and glowing or discoloration, back off, let it cool under water if need be, and go again. It does not have to be deep, just enough to take some of the curvature of the shaft away.

If you have never done it before, might I recommend practicing on some old pushrods

[jsnaphook]

If you're looking for fast gliders, check into this possible group buy.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...3#post10699859

Juan

[Alan Flockhart]

I have been flying an avionic (4 servo wing) with an 8ch RX on 35MHz. Changing over to 2.4 and wondering if I can get away with using the 7ch RX's..

The way the 8ch was setup.
ch1 - ail
ch2 - rudder/elev (vtail)
ch3 - nothing
ch4 - rudder/elev
ch5 - flap
ch6 - flap
ch7 - ail
ch8 - motor programmed (Pmix) onto a spring loaded switch.

This was all programmed with the glider 2 flap setting in the TX. I use butteryfly on the throttle stick. Looking to get the motor on ch3 so it can be "fail safed"

Does anyone know of a way to have the motor on ch3 and move it off to a switch and then still have the butterfly function operate on the throttle stick?

I was trying various things last night but the throttle stick always seemed to "turn on" the motor when I moved it. Landing on full power would be interesting!

Thanks ALan

[jjmouris]

Noticed a Graupner Speed for sale including a nice setup in the SMC model shop, Worthing, UK.

If anyone is thinking about F5B or hotliners but has yet to buy something, this would be the ticket.

Joe

P.s. it's not mine but i did check it over, seems solid!

[jsnaphook]

I took the liberty of quoting a couple of guys who posted sage advice regarding starting out in pylon (F5D). Here's what they say:

[quote]I'd imagine that all F5D models are pussycats to fly slowly now, due to the low wing loading of this lithium era. If I were starting with pylon racing I'd get the model I want and possibly even the motor too, but power it with fewer cells initially in order to keep the weight and speed down.
The big difference and therefore the skill to learn, is that they can fly slowly

and float a long way compared to pattern/3D models. I've seen many good pilots crash slippery models because they flew it too slow and didn't spot the tip stall or because they tried landing it too fast.

I started with a Mongrel (older F5D plane) with a hot motor and ESC EXCEPT the battery and a conservative prop. It made it such a pleasant plane that I could really slow down but also still do zippy passes. Once comfortable, I just kept increasing the battery size(Wing loading of course also) and I got accustomed to the long, low approaches in addition to the speed. Personally, I wouldn't buy a pylon racing "trainer". Just get the plane you want but keep it light initially.

Any "training" plane will be less of a plane, jump in and hold on. If you're worried get someone with a buddy box but it sounds like you'll be OK.

But if you're looking for "starter" pylon ships, here are some recommended planes from some experts:

Electro Streak
Slipso
Sokol
Sunracer
CSD Twister
Demon (from Esprit Models)
Nooner

[David22]

Does anyone know about a link to the rules and regulations for F5B

and best ways to practice ?

[steveburns]

Here's a link to the UK F5B website which gives the basic rules. If you want more info then there is a link to the FAI site on there too.

Steve.

[jsnaphook]

Not plugging this guy's sale but...

This is the way to get into hotliners. A complete package.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...1#post11253919

Juan

[Hasher66]

Originally Posted by jsnaphook

arocholl, take a look at the Kamelot, Diamond, Absolute in here:

http://www.fvk.de/Englisch/FVK-Model...h-Version.html

Juan

Absolute is great airframe to build on. Can start warm, and go to really, really hot. Very flexible plane. Big fuse, with lot's of power options that will fit. Classic hotliner with great handling.

My $0.02