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Quote:
In various postings, some have been able to do loops with a vapor and some not. Some have also had to reinforce the wing to keep it from flexing too much on such manuevers. The same is probably true with an Uberlite. I can loop with my wing airframe, but others cannot. A question on the split-S: since the Vapor is RET and will use the rudder to do the 1/2 roll, how much does it turn sideways to do the 1/2 roll? |
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Time for another instalment in my Uberlite saga.
After I had worked out the bugs with my Uberlites I was beginning to enjoy flying the monoplane as it really is a nice flyer (the bipe is dog, but good for parts). During one flying session the monoplane had a head on midair with a Night Vapor. My Uberlite went in three directions (pod, battery, and airframe) and the Night Vapor just kept on flying. To my pleasant surprise my plane was OK. However, getting one six minute flight in a 1-1/2 hour flying session at the gym was getting old (due to the fact that my one and only battery took a long time to charge). I decided to order three more batteries @ $10.00 ea. and the Wing airframe. When I got the Wing I attached it to the power pod to try out the controls. The left elevon needed to have some material cut off as it was binding on the rudder and one right elevon hinge needed repositioning as the gap was too small causing binding. Once that was done, it was off to the gym and the Wing really flew well...until through pilot error it hit a wall and the power pod was badly damaged. The coil for the front actuator came off, the delicate pivot for the magnet in the rear actuator broke rendering it useless, and one of the carbon fibre rods right behind the motor mount snapped - basically a write off. The Uberlites are just too delicate to handle the sometimes harsh environment of indoor flying. I may at some point attempt a repair to the motor mount and retrofit a spare Night Vapor receiver/servo board to the Uberlite power pod, as my airframes are undamaged. I phoned Hobbico and they claimed they never received my email, but (to their credit) indicated they may replace my Uberlites after all the frustration I have had, but I feel I would end up with a better plane if I did the above mentioned mods. I do not like the actuators at all - servos would be a lot better. I do not write this ongoing review for any vindictive reasons, but in the hope that: 1) Prospective buyers will avoid the frustrations I have had. 2) Hobbico will see this review and sort out not only the quality control problems but also the basic design problems of this product. |
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Actuator controlled planes are not for everyone and I do agree that this is not an ideal plane for a beginner because of the fragile nature of the actuators. I think the plane would be a bit more robust if it was not so versatile. Yes..being versatile has a price and that price is less robust in a crash. However, I believe this is offset but being able to transform into 2 other planes one being a elevon controlled plane which is way cool if you ask me. Comparing this to a night Vapor is like comparing apples to oranges. I think the thing that is being overlooked by some is that this is a very versatile package that will keep you amused longer with the 3 airframes that are available for the power pod. I personally prefer a UM plane that has its own controller. Using a DX-7 with these UM planes in most cases is not required and takes up model memories that are better used in more complex planes. I think this is a great little system and I like actuators and have Plantraco planes with actuators and have never had any issues with them, Like I said actuators are not for everybody and do require a bit more care in handling but thats not an issue for must that are accoladed to actuator controlled aircraft. I will be getting one of these for sure with the optional elevon flying wing airframe. Its something different and isn't aircraft variety a real plus? it is to me
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Keeping the parts near each other in a crash
An Uberlite's parts separating on a crash is probably good in that it helps safely dissipate some of the forces in a crash:
I have collided many times with dirt/grass, trees and my house, but the only damage so far (broken actuator) did not come from a crash. But separating parts can make them hard to find. In post 142 of https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...&pp=100&page=2 I mention how I use tape and thread to keep the various parts from wandering too far from each other. |
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!Quote:
Wow very little upsets me in my 24 years of flying but your compalints about these come from pure lack of knowledge! if a control rod mag keeps popping off glue it on and thats, that stop bitching! I am a sponsored pilot for the Worlds Models and I do not get a thing for reviews, hell they don't even see most of them. All of my ubers fly amazing, biplane cruises along no problem. Yes we all have out opinions but some should be kept to ourselves. If you are having problems with these little guys maybe think about rock watching, just need a lawn chair. |
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If it can only fly inverted for seconds how are you pulling off inverted loops, or inside?
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Hello vizzuleyes,
It would appear you have me in your crosshairs for some reason, but I guess I can expect that for being so politically incorrect. Yes, what gall I have to put up a negative review on a product, thus upsetting the equilibrium of your RC universe where nobody gets a lemon and where there are no poorly designed products. Concerning the Night Vapor, I suggest you draw on your "24 years of flying" and figure out the inverted loop yourself. My son, who has about "6 months of flying" is the one who has pulled off the inverted loop with the Night Vapor. Whether the plane was modified or not is yours to guess. A nicer approach on your part might have gotten you an answer. |
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Quote:
Actually, one may not need to do an upgrade. As mentioned in another thread (post 152 and later), https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...1486246&pp=100 on my second base unit, at full throttle, I could do Immelmans and fly inverted with the wing airframe (could do loops at 3/4 throttle). Another person after lubing the Uberlite gearbox could loop easily. |
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where is a good place to buy these parts cheap? I like the looks of the Uberlites and my lhs is pushing them pretty hard. They had about 10+ in stock. I have not mastered landing yet but i can fly my pz cub good as well as my vapor, now im no expert and my lhs is telling me this is a good beginner set up. WRONG! these things are delicate!! It flies great, but i ended up breaking 2 things at my local fly in due to my lack of landing skills, one was i tore the elevator linkage from the mono plane on a crash landing,on the bi-plane i broke one of the center supports on a hard landing as well. Now both parts i was able to repair with some CA. I definitely want more batteries and maybe a couple of extra parts. Where is the best place to order parts cheaply?
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Ignorance is bliss....Quote:
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does anyone have any batteries they want to sell for the uberlites? or parts? pm me!
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