Just a quick diagram to illustrate the relationship between the chord length of a control surface deflection, the radius of the control surface to the hinge, and the angle. You can use this to calculate the angle of deflection using only a ruler, on many 3D planes at least.




Of course, you could always laser print or buy a protractor, too.

But if you have a calculator, and ruler, and know how to take an arcsine, it is fairly simple. (Warning: Make sure your calculator is in degrees mode and not radians.)

I'm not a big fanboy of castle creations. I've never lost a plane due to CC, so I am not a disgruntled castle customer either. I have a lot of their products in my fleet.

However, I'd like ding them for what I think is poor engineering on their Phoenix Edge 100 fixed end point range, and their fixed end point ranges in general.


I just did some testing with:

Receiver: AR10000 (10 channel receiver)
Transmitter: DX18 Gen 2
ESC: Castle Creations Phoenix Edge 100 Brushless Speed Controller
Programming: Castle Link USB programmer
Software: Castle Link 3.56.21
Firmware: Latest beta as of date of this post.
Servo tester: Hitec HFP-25, accuracy was previously demonstrated using a digital oscilloscope. (My HFP-25 is dead on accurate to less than 0.0005 mS.)
Method: Setting fixed end points



...Continue Reading

With an AR10000 and DX18 controlling a Beast 60e, here are the types of mixes you can get:

crow (0 min 30 sec)

I can't wait to try this on a downline.

I was able to check off another item from my bucket list, and visited Horizon Hobby yesterday including their support center operations, and I have to say Horizon is pretty darn awesome. I should have brought a video camera but sadly I did not, and I am not sure it would have been allowed (but who knows--I should have at least asked).

Horizon spends a lot of money hiring some skilled and enthusiastic guys, and I was surprised at how cheerful everybody was. There was one heli guy who I believe is a well known RC pilot (I vaguely remember seeing him on youtube) who was recruited by Horizon. Since I am terrible at remembering names—I can't recall his name, but I talked with him briefly and boy did he seem to love his job helping other people, all while remaining humble. I also saw Horizon's field returns area and was impressed with the knowledge and equipment their technicians have at their disposal.

Having called Horizon a few times with dumb questions when I was first starting out I can only imagine the patience it takes to keep the kind of attitude they have.

And from what I can tell, they really appreciate customers who keep their heads cool during whatever frustrating scenario the customer has run into, all while seeming to understand that sometimes support issues can be very frustrating for end customers.

Horizon has different levels and sections of support, and the man who runs the support center has a great sense of humor and it seems to be...Continue Reading

See Split elevator roll mix on DX18 at flying giants...just because they are more likely to have dual elevator servos over there.

It was a long build, being my first gas plane, and some required tinkering, but I was able to maiden my 91" Extra 300 EXP from Extreme Flight RC last weekend. Here is some footage, including the maiden take off and landing.

Extra 300 EXP maiden weekend flights (8 min 11 sec)

I still have some issues to work out with the motor and tuning...but I got a Fromeco TNC Tachometer from TopDawg Aviation so I should be good to go if I've been given the proper instructions .

Regarding the funny part of the video (you'll have to watch): It was a brand new never started motor. I did not prime the fuel line by turning the prop with the ignition off. So I had been trying to start the plane for 15 or so minutes, off and on, wondering if I had mis-remembered the choke servo switch direction. All the time the fuel was probably just slowly making its way to the carb. It was the first time I had ever started a gas or glow airplane...up until now I've only flown electric.

By the time it started, I was feeling condemned to prop flipping purgatory. My shoulder was getting sore, and I wasn't very optimistic that the next flip would work, nor the next, nor the next...since the previous umpteen thousand flips hadn't paid off. Every flip it didn't start, so I was surprised when it finally started. I was at the field alone-using a new restraint that I knew would work but still didn't quite trust. I set the camera up just in case something happened. I figured I'd at least...Continue Reading

WOOSH wall on Extreme Flight Extra 300 EXP using ele->ail mixes (0 min 0 sec)

I used an elevator to aileron mix recommended by Extreme Flight on on a 60" Extra 300 EXP.

It allowed very high speed walls at 100% elevator to aileron mix, with little to no alittude gain.

It was fun to try but I don't usually add the mix anymore. The 64" MXS from extreme flight has so much pitch authority that I never bothered to try the mix on it, but I think I am going to give it a try on the MXS and the Edge too.

These mixes would probably make for a cool woosh parachute too.

The video doesn't capture the awesomeness of the sound that is made.

But I'd recommend reinforcing the counter rotation pins if you plan to do this on the torque MKII with 15x7, 15x8, or 16x7 props, and maybe going with slightly stronger aileron servos than is recommended for whatever plane you plan to try it on. In the video I am using the first version of the Torque 4016T/500kv motor on a 15x6 prop.

I tried the mix because it was recommended by in the Extra 300 EXP manual :
...Continue Reading

This was a great plane, and I got a lot of flights on it.

poptopkinginjured (0 min 46 sec)

It doesn't look like it is too much damage but I am going to keep her down for awhile and fly some other planes that have been neglected. At least for awhile. Still debating repair versus replace and if replace, yellow black versus red white and blue.

See below

CornHhuckFest Demo (9 min 55 sec)

My son videod this after a very long day flying...

Go read it!

https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show....php?t=1109771

Aerobeez 57" Extra 330 50EP (3 min 7 sec)

(Watch before the video is disappeared).

I never got a scoop on this plane that made sense, that is, if it was a rip-off or legit or ethical®, but for some reason, sales of the plane of been discontinued. Ethical® issues aside, it looked like a good plane, at a good price, with carbon fiber hop ups included.

I guess that the folks at Aerobeez are not Chinese and are not Australian, based on my reading of recent events--possibly coincidental events, or possibly related events--but recent events in "As the RC forum world turns." Nary a "copybeez" taunt has been heard.

But it is a good week. A dream is getting closer to being fulfilled.

A great man once spoke, and I paraphrase to the extent my fallible memory allows:

...Continue Reading

Long winters make rusty thumbs--especially since I did not fly on the simulator as much this past winter as two winters ago.

Still having fun with the Hobbyking Slick 360, and getting the rust of the thumbs.

Rusty Thumbs on 3DHK Slick360 (4 min 48 sec)

Airframe: 3DHK Slick 360 3D 1300mm
Servos: Savox 0255 (Could use Turnigy TGY-2216)
Motor: Turnigy SK3 3548 700kv
Prop: APC 14x7
ESC: Turnigy Plush 80 Amp
BEC: Castle Creation 10 Amp BEC set at 6.0 volts
Rx: OrangeRx 610 with R100 Satellite Receiver
TX: Spektrum DX18

Motor repair
I had a crash last year, and didn't realize that the Torque 4016T/500kv (V1) motor was out of balance until I put it on my Extreme Flight Edge, with a prop, and spun it up.

Liberty10 and bryansifsof44 , members here on RCgroups, mentioned and recommended that I send it to Ken at Subsonic planes. Since I have too many airframe builds going on, including my first gasser, I thought that was a great idea.

So I ordered the spare parts from Extreme Flight RC (in stock--gotta love Extreme Flight), and sent the parts and the motor off to Ken, after discussing how the inspection and repair would go via email.

And, licity split, I just got the repaired motor back. I think the total time away was about a week. I am pretty sure I could have done the repair (I’ve done similar repairs in the past) but probably not as quickly. Ken also has an ability to rebalance the bell if necessary, which I’ve not done, so there was that additional insurance.

Overall, this was a real time saver. Based on the fact that he fixed a motor that competes with his own line of motors, I do have to mention that it was classy that he agreeded to repair the torque motor. I always order Torque motors and Airboss ESCs with my Extreme Flight planes and have been nothing but pleased with their performance, but I will definitely give Ken's motors a try if I get another brand's plane and am short a motor. But an Extreme Flight plane deserves a torque motor and airboss ESC.

It...Continue Reading

The hitec HPP-21 programmer is pretty neat. It allows one to program end points center for a servo. Programming the center of your servo helps when the splines don't provide the 90 degree servo arm orientation at center. You can do this with programmable radios with sub-trim, but doing so results in losing throw in the direction you subtrim.

Based on my measurements of my HPP-21, this is how it performs in test mode:

HPP21 pulse width range: 900, 1500, 2100 uS (left, center, right)
Accuracy: 0.2 uS
Resolution: 1.0 uS

This is pretty good in my view.

However, using my DX8, with 150% throws and no subtrim, the AR8000 provides this:

Pulse width range AR8000 with DX8 @ 150%: 919, 1504, 2090 uS (left, center, right)

Notice that the center pulse width is 15004 uS and not 1500 uS. This is probably due to temperature effects on the oscillator in the receiver as well as the accuracy of the receiver's oscillator. I've found that different receivers have different offsets, even when the transmitter has no trim or subtrim programmed.

This leads to problems when you take the time to program your radio. If you're using Spektrum (and probably other radio brands) you will find that the center pulse width is not 1500 uS.

solution to pulse width center deviation from 1500 uS


The solution to this is pretty simple.

If your servo is not reversed, add 3R sub-trim to the channel. If the servo is reversed, add 3L sub-trim to the channel....Continue Reading

I own a Spektrum DX18 and a DX8.

For my style of flying (64" and under electric planes), the DX18 is way overkill.

But when I tried a DX18 in the store, I loved the sharp stick ends, and the feel of the radio, so I bought one anyway.

If you're a thumb flyer, instead of a pinch flyer, you will probably agree the DX18 has a great feel.

But recently, I came across some aftermarket transmitter stick ends, sold by Espirit Model, and I bought some.

I still use my DX8 for the flight simulator, and a few other planes, but the DX18 has really spoiled me, so I wanted the same feel for the DX8 I have on the DX18.

Anyway, the transmitter stick ends from Espirt Model are exactly what I was looking for. The tips are very sharp, and you don't need to worry about the sticks slipping even if you fly with light pressure, like I do.

Espirit Model is a great company, too. They really care about their reputation, and, consquently, treat their customers promptly, and are fair. They have many other transmitter products, such as trays and back harnesses, and I've used them as well.

So, if you like the feel of the DX18, but don't want to drop the kind of money it costs, for $5, you can get the same great feel. They also fit the DX6i, as well as hitec and futaba radios.

Transmitter Stick Ends V1 21mm DX6i/DX8/Hitec/Futaba M3

(Disclaimer: Like all of my reviews, this is an unrequested review, and I don't know the owners of Espirit Model, have not been compensated in anyway, and is simply my thanks for a quality product delivered with great customer service.)

I've heard some people concerned about the fact that when you place an order at Extreme Flight's website, you do not know the shipping.

To be honest, I had this same concern, and I do think many other would be first time customers do as well.

But, the way it works (outsider perspective here) is this, assuming you use paypal:

1. You place your order on the website. Shipping charges are not included.
2. Somebody in the office calculates the shipping charges, and totals up the order.
3. They send you a paypal invoice.
4. You have to log into paypal and approve payment for the invoice. If the shipping charges are unreasonable (they have always been reasonable for me), you just don't pay the invoice. (Might be nice to send them a note saying why, though).

Anyway, EF has shipped products to me using a commericial large package shipper, UPS, and USPS. It seems they always pick the cheapest method possible based on the size and weight of what I ordered. From what I remember, they don't mark up shipping at all...what they pay is what you pay.

When I pay by credit card, they just ship it--and I am glad for that.

But I am pretty sure that if you put a note in your order, or your a first time customer, they will let you know the shipping cost before they ship it.

The 48" MXS is the best value in RC in fun/$, with the caveat that I haven't flown an Extreme Flight laser, which a lot of people seem to like.

Here is one of my favorite flights I captured on video...I love the way this has graceful yaw maneuverability during elevators (e.g., at 2:40), how easy they are to get into KE spins (without the racing wing tips), the high beta KE ease of entrance and maintenance (3:25) The video, I'm a little heavy handed on the sticks, and wind was gusty at times, but for some reason I just like the video, and smile after watching it about as much as I was smiling after I landed.

It was about 1 year after I flew my first RC airplane ever.

48" MXS EXP by Extreme Flight (5 min 55 sec)

Of course my money is not involved, and ideas are a $0.10 a dozen.

But, my idea is, wouldn't it be cool if you could order a plane custom covered, using software to design your custom scheme, and that scheme would be cut and applied at the factory by the experts? Sure, there'd be a little lead time, but it would be cool.

Call them. Email them. Go to the vendor section of this site and express your concern. Go to their forum and express your concerns directly.

But, for Pete's sake, don't go to a competitors thread and try to induce others to share their bad experiences too.

A lot of vendors are friends with each other. They don't want your drama. They just want to run their business.

And make no mistake, it is their business, not yours. If you don't like how a company does business, don't spend your money with them. If you have ideas how to run a company better, go start a company. If you want to share a bad experience with a company, have at it. There is a vendor section to this website.

I've had bad experiences with companies. Almost always, it turned out to be a misunderstanding. Sometimes it is just a bad company.

Write up your experience, and then be done with it.

Sometimes companies do very well by 98% of their customers, and 2% have a bad experience. Stuff happens. Move on.