RGPuk

Posted by Tom Satinet on 17/01/2012 12:06:15   Not sure what he means. What throttle curve? I will have to go back and have another look, it seemed to me that the only way to use throttle, without a work around, was on a switch, in glider mode.  Agreed. It sounds to me that Billy Boy in the US doesn't have the faintest idea what he's talking about.  Ro.

Posted by Chris van Schoor on 16/01/2012 13:49:44: ................ A car brakes on a switch won't be fun.... Although, I do believe that this is what all the 'yummy mummies' in their shiny black, 4 wheel drive school buses/shopping trollies around our way have fitted. .......  Ro.

Mike, I can confirm that with a bit of percentage twiddling to sort the throttle down and full points, and putting the Thro>Aux1 mix on/off on the chosen CROW/Throttle switch, it works a treat. I've just now flown a Radian Pro to test it all - nice to have a propo throttle and not just be all or nothing on a switch. Ro.

Inherited fit-outs can be a bit of a pain when they are only to the limits of the original install components. For expediency it's always worth considering extending a servo-RX lead or two with a new tail and plug fitted properly with solder and heat-shink onto the chopped off end of the original. Tuck the splice away and the 'Ooer. I wouldn't have done it like that!' doom merchants will never know it's there to point at and criticise.  And anyway, the neatest put together and most gorgeous toys are always the first to get bent. ... How about some pics as you progress?  Ro.

With an EP fuz for Luna to accommodate, I had a good fiddle today. The problem is that (assuming mode 2) when THRO has J3 assigned to it, it already has the in-built CROW mix in that slot. You can turn CROW off on a switch, leaving the throttle control on the stick alone - but the converse is not directly possible. However, if THRO is mixed to AUX1 (NULL in Channel), and AUX2 is then mixed to AUX1, AUX2 can then be assigned the same switch (in Channel) that turns CROW on and off, that then at the same time turns THRO off and on. The speed controller needs to be plugged into AUX1 on the RX. The stick operates the ESC throttle via AUX1, which in turn is switched by AUX2. With snap-flap, full span ailerons, CROW, flaps, camber and everything else needed made available with the in-built mixes, there are still all the Pmix's still to play with, and this uses just two of them.  Not elegant but a result.  Obviously, the switched Motor control provided by the standard software set-up can be inhibited.   Ro. Edited By RGPuk on 14/01/2012 02:19:10 Edited By RGPuk on 14/01/2012 02:21:17

To be honest Chris, I've purchased direct from Topmodel Cz (and also got spares - canopy/fin/stab etc) with no hassle. Just sent 'em an e-mail to get the ball rolling, then did a web transfer/PayPal of funds.  Ro.

Posted by Pete Carpenter on 12/01/2012 15:37:15: @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css); Thanks for the input Lee - how was it mounted? It all seems so tight in mine! I've kept the 6 cell (2/3AA 1600mAh) pack that the previous owner put in there to aid the balancing, maybe I could rethink the whole thing and start again. I do have a switch harness crammed in there. Edited By Pete Carpenter on 12/01/2012 15:39:25 Until Lee gets back to you: Early days my Luna had an AR7000 in too - until it was needed for something else and an AR6200 was put in. Fit-out was: front to back - cast nose weight, 4x AAA Eneloop square pack, AR7000 with connectors down and forward at an angle of 45 degrees (stub aerials out either side, folded back a little by the nose sheath), servo tray, switch on the rear of the tray, satellite RX behind that velcroed to the fuz side just in front of the ballast tube and bulkhead. Interestingly, I've just looked at my first 18 month old, rather naive programming sheet for that 7ch (before I'd made the Peewhit Ninja amendment to get the works with) and I never used the Throttle port due to no experience or help. The plug-up and programming was - Thro - Aile - RAile Elev - ElevRudd - Rudd Gear - RFlap Aux1 - LAileAux2 - LFlap  Flaperons - On PMix:1. Thro > Aux2 (LFlap CROW) 2. Thro > Gear (RFlap CROW) 3. Thro > Elev (CROW compensation) 4. Flap > Gear (RFlap camber and reflex)5. Flap > Aux2 (L.Flap camber and reflex) 6. Thro > Flap (Ailerons CROW)  It was my first ready-to-fly attempt with a 6ch glider ever and it didn't give me snapflaps or full span ailerons - but to be fair I haven't used 'em that much since I did have them - maybe they just don't suit what Luna is that much.  Ro.

Posted by Flanker . on 12/01/2012 09:29:05: And again alas the short kit is unavailable. I am looking or a two meter ish cheap thermal glider to play with when I don't want speed n petrol. Doesn't have to be a BD. Could be something else. Not going to go the plan route as I know it will never get built, but a complete kit would be ok .............................  F  Are you intent on a full build or would less work than that be ok?  To revisit a blast from the past and indulge again in an old friend that served me well for years, I'm building another Graupner Amigo. A nice build, classic design, convenient size and a good, simple, relaxed flier. For some well thought out and effective ARF/ ARC machines, I've been pleased with stuff from Topmodel Ro.

Well, a 7ch RX is cheaper than new kit all round and if it spares more head-scratching, frustration and wasted time, maybe it's the wisest route for you. I found some more non-HH info at the following link that relates to the Spektrum downloadable 'sailplane' file which may help too: Spekky 7ch RX Glider Mix info It could be just a paraphrase from HH copy, but it seems a little too involved, knowledgeable and glider savvy for them. Pete C, if it's any consolation guess what I'm meant to be doing next week? Fitting out a 4 servo winged Flying Fish for someone, then putting a Spekky 6ch RX in and programming it with a DX8 ...... ! I had no qualms about it at all - until now ........  Ro

I have come across some on the web, who marry the short kit with components from other manufacturers to ease the build. One in particular built the wings and tail feathers from the lazer cuts and used a new fuselage pod and boom (replacement parts) from a particular model made by Topmodel.cz . I don't know if I'll be able to find the link again, but I'll try. Ro.

..... we could attempt to list all other types of exotic dancers just so your 5000th clocks up on a quality subject! Pole! Ro.

As far as I can tell, only a short kit is available now, from here: Short Kit BD You construct the rest referring to the plans and info from the Charles Rivers site: CRRC/BD  There may have been a more complete EZ (easy) BD kit around at sometime, but I haven't found one after just a quick search. Ro.

Posted by Pete Carpenter on 11/01/2012 09:13:38: Morning guys - ...........  Ah, one more thing PW - I'm still confused as to why I should be selecting flaperon wing type and not 4 servo wing type.   @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css); The flaperon mix setting within the software enables the aileron travel to go same direction for CROW as well as different direction for standard aileron.  Ro.

The 600 is 6ch full range - basically like a 6200 without the provision for a satellite.  More cost effective though for HH to include in PNP/BNF boxes . Ro. Edited By RGPuk on 11/01/2012 00:19:40

Posted by Tom Satinet on 10/01/2012 19:19:14: The hitec a9 is good.You have up to 8 flight phases and all the mixes you need. Every mix can have a different setting in each of the 8 flight phases. It has a simple menu for the mixes and a touch screen.It's not as advanced as some the high end stuff but for the money you can't really go wrong. It's not perfect but then what is, and you are paying not much for a lot of TX.  Tom is spot-on. The A9 is great value and a user friendly dream after the Spekky software. All the mixes I've needed for Luna and Sting are pre-sets within the software and I've not yet had to touch any of the PMix's. RX battery monitoring telemetry is standard with the Optima RX's, with no extra module needed.  You need to get the USB interface box (HPP-22) to apply the firmware updates to TX, RX's and 2.4 module. It's a required extra, but it and the PC software work well. It'll probably be years before my thumbs get near the skills and F3F set-up awareness that might require anything more serious. Ro.

Posted by Tom Satinet on 10/01/2012 17:27:33: Tbh if you are intending to ........  Peewhit went from DX7 to DSX9 and flies Phase 6, Typhoon and Wizard etc etc. I was considering the same change but then Rich at T9 put an A9 in front of me .......  Ro.

Sorry mate. Fingers too quick for my brain. .....  Maybe just order a short kit from the US?  Ro.

Bubble Dancer Short Kit - Micron Ro.

Peewit did achieve all that was wanted here on his DX7 - and I'd virtually got there on a DX7 myself too, with only the FS ailerons missing. Following his pointers that was solved. I still have the 7 for my helis and EP stuff - BUT, the whole convoluted process of sorting Luna out with the Spekky software interface really got to me and I ended up getting a Hitec Aurora 9 for my gliders. Refitting and setting up Luna with A9 gear was about an hours job, as I was learning the software. Programming for an F3F Sting recently took me just 20 minutes or so, with a further 20 minutes measuring and adjusting the throws.  However, the DX7 is a good TX when you've got your head round it - and, as I said before, I imagine that the DX8 with it's almost identical but newer software must actually be more effective and flexible. I'd persevere if I were you, maybe with a bit of hands on input from someone with Spekky experience. I'm sure you'll crack it just fine. If Wiltshire wasn't so far away from Yorkshire I'd have gladly nipped round to help you out.  Ro. Edited By RGPuk on 10/01/2012 13:41:40

Very quick response 'cos I'm working right now - but, have you got the TX inbuilt flaperon / spoileron mix activated? And, when this mix is being used, the normal Spekky standard is to have port aileron into AUX1 on the RX, with the starboard one into AILE. Ro.   

Another consideration is the programming and selection of 'flight conditions'. As part of my strategy, CROW on the stick activation is controlled by the switch assigned to flight conditions, so that whilst flying normally the stick can be positioned anywhere. Actually, flight conditions Launch, Flying and Landing are all controlled from the same 3 position switch and CROW is off in Launch and Flying position.  Additionally, the TX I use (the Hitec A9) affords the facility to apportion any percentage of the stick movement to effectiveness - I have only the last 60% of movement actually bringing in proportional CROW, giving a dead area that allows rudder twiddling without accidental CROW operation. Ro.

Morning Pete. You clearly have good flying experience already and Luna seems to have been to the slope with you and flown ok, so you know her settings.  I would simply try your own mix with another model memory, preserving your existing one for comparison and in case you get in a knot. I always seem to have multiple, experimental mixes on my TX for the same model.  What direction for CROW on stick? That is a really personal decision - and I know as many who have it in one direction as I do the other. Right now mine is set for stick down, clean wing - but I'm finding it counter-intuitive due to my EP flying where stick down is slow and stick up is go. To be honest I'm going to give swapping it over a try - on a copied and altered mix.  Ro.

Posted by Pete B on 08/01/2012 23:59:26: As I said in the thread I linked to in my first post in this one, you go to the 'Model Presets' page on the Spektrum Community site.  That's assuming, of course, that you've registered the DX8 and have access to it! Pete  A problem with presets generated by others, is that they are most likely model specific - something that doesn't matter too much with an average consumer box of bits like a Radian. With a mouldie like Luna, that benefits from such as mechanical offsets on flaps and aileron to achieve required throws, but has no manual or instructions at all, they will always be unique to that build dependant on the person that's assembled it and their assessment of what's suitable. To alter a preset to suit is perfectly feasible, but only as long as it's understood how that preset has been arrived at within the software, and how and where the settings need to be altered to achieve what's required.  I have no idea if this Luna is a fresh assembly or an inherited airframe. If it's the former, the programming decisions will start with servo choice, installation and control geometry planning. If it's the latter, those decisions will have been already made and the programming will need to allow for that.  Ro.

Posted by Peewhit on 08/01/2012 22:44:22: ....... I think that the DX8 has a specific glider program that you can download. (1100h - I can truly understand the appeal of the comfort. But the pain of a monthly 0930h call at The Hole is far outweighed by the excellent banter and the feeling of coming away like your flying has improved yet again, regardless of being at the foot of the results table ...... .......)  Anyway, I'm sure there will be a downloadable DX8 file for Pete somewhere, of someone else's idea of a good programme - perhaps Pete should give it a whirl in one model memory ....... but also, I'm absolutely certain he'll learn more about model set-up, that'll prove invaluable in the long run, by having a damn good stab at his own from scratch in another. Sorting my head out with the fluffy Spekky software helped me no end in dealing with other systems. Methinks you found the same. Ro. PS. I hope to see you on the slope for a fly soon.

....... Thanks for chipping in with additional info Peter (Blimey! 3 Peters on one thread .. .. ) Happy New Year! Why aren't you my adversary in the H of H Winter League 2M class?  Anyway, I guess we need point out too, that for the ailerons to work in CROW, they need to have the in-built DX7 flaperon/spoileron mix fired up too. Ro.