Chuck Plains Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Yesterday evening saw my first flight of any R/C aircraft. It's my own Nine Eagles Sky Surfer. I've done plenty of RC car driving over the last (nearly) 30 yrs, and had checked the plane out myself, using tips read on forums and stuff seen on Yotube. And when the East Devon RCC chairman took it up for me to check trims it was already flying ok under full power. He commented that it was 'ballooning' a bit, and I could see the nose coming up at slower speeds. With the throttle set around half speed, I took the sticks. And I have to say, I didn't really 'feel' that I had much control of it. I managed to make it turn one way and the other, sort of. He said I did alright, but I felt that I was connected to the plane via treacle, as the responses were so vague. All the conrtol surfaces have very limited movements I must say. Perhaps that's considered best for a beginner, but I was expecting to have to finesse the controls rather than having to push fully in any direction and then wait to see if any effect was felt by the aircraft. Haha! I was almost disappointed to see how easily he took control and landed it nicely. :D I do need more batteries, as a single flight never seems enough. Hopefully Whipton Models will have some more in this weekend, so I can show off my lack of skill at the club 'Fly In' on Sunday. Wish me luck! But the evening was so beautiful that I didn't mind. Fantastic weather compared to the last few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area 51 Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Good luck, I am sure you will master all that is needed.. the RC car background will ensure you know the basic's.. only the mysteries of flight remains Grab some more batteries, as you rightly say one flight is not enough, if you can build up to four batteries for the model... one in it, two ready to go and one on charge.. it will see you flying for the whole afternoon / evening with tea/biscuits breaks.. I expect the control settings were set up for a beginner, not a bad idea until some coordination is second nature for you. Any changes to the control surfaces at this juncture will result in overcontrol, and with a model airplane this is very undesirable until your coordiation is good.. so stick with it, you will appreciate the skills you learn now whilst things seem slow motion, especially when you "teak it a bit"... learn how to get it up and keep it up (said the vicar to the young chap reading from psalms) Now that is what its about, getting up there and staying up... enjoy the good weather, it will surely arrival soon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldbaldfella Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I bought 'er indoors one of these. To describe it's responses as sloppy is an understatement. On reflection, I'm not sure it was a good buy. I have a Radian Pro which is much more responsive and may be worth a look for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 Teak it? That's a head scratcher! Thanx guys. Interesting to see another opinion on the Sky Surfer. I already have an Easy Pigeon (elevator and rudder only). But haven't finished sorting it yet as it was NOT 'ARTF' in several areas, plus it was suggested that it wasn't suited to the gusty winds we had until recently. But I'll get some more batteries from somewhere on Friday, and take both planes along to the fly in on Sunday and see what's what. Of course I'm buying these hobbies against a recession starves bank account, but we do what we can don't we? I've just found my local hardware store have 1" and 4" thick exp poly foam boards, so maybe I'll make a trainer that won't cost if I destroy it! Someone please put up a huge umbrella over Devon and keep that blimmin rain orf! Edited By Chuck Planes on 02/05/2012 22:30:59 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Grigg Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Vague control is disconcerting.You want the model to respond at your speed.What you have should help you start and not over compensate.It gives you time a bit like a vintage model and you teach yourself more with lots of stick time and plenty of reaction time,If necessary can you take advice on increasing the throws maybe if its much to slow for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 Thanx Stephen. Unfortunately these are my servos. Reciever/servos Aileron servo No extra throw available for the ailerons unless I drill another 1mm hole in the central arm, and I can tell you there's only one hole lef to go on the elevator horn as well. Rudder is on max throw already. It does have 1.5mm carbon rods inside the fuselage, but I can see the 1mm metal rods bending as they operate, haha! But the worm drive servos are slow to operate and struggle as they try to reach the end of their travel. Oh well, I'll have to grin and bear it for the first few flights. Then get some mini servos and a receiver that I can use with the Hitec 2.4ghz unit which came with the E-Pigeon deal Edited By Chris Bott - Moderator on 03/05/2012 19:31:34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daithi O Buitigh Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Chuck - 'teak it' is Typonese for 'tweak it' (a language we all read and write fluently) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Typonese! Hahahah! I guessed, but have not heard it called that before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Typonese. I really like that. I write it a lot on posts. I keep telling people that my keyboard is dyslexic or my fingers are. but Typonese is better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Bowker Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 You may have more fun out of something like an 'EasyStar' Chuck or the Radian as mentioned above. Keep at it though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Hi Chuck, well trainers are designed to be very stable - unfortunately the natural "other side" of that is they tend to be rather slow on the controls! Most learners need that to be honest. But if its too slow it can get in the way of learning! You could always up the control throws a bit - an 30-50% on elevator and ailerons wont hurt. See what its like then. You're right about batteries - you need more. At this stage in your flying career the more "stick time" you can get in the faster you will learn. May the way - incase you are thinking "rather tame these model planes compared to cars" - don't worry - there are plenty of models waiting for you once you have learnt that will respond to control input at a rate that will scare pants off you! BEB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Smith 1 Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Sorry, off theme but why has the text on this thread disappeared behind the ads again after not having it happened for quite a while. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Posted by Geoff Smith 1 on 03/05/2012 14:17:52: Sorry, off theme but why has the text on this thread disappeared behind the ads again after not having it happened for quite a while. Geoff My view seems ok. But then I my machine behaves in a slightly different way to most peoples, as I only ever use the Ubuntu operating system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Posted by Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator on 03/05/2012 11:46:58: May the way - incase you are thinking "rather tame these model planes compared to cars" - don't worry - there are plenty of models waiting for you once you have learnt that will respond to control input at a rate that will scare pants off you! BEB Do you mean the sort of model cars that I would have sliding fully sideways and with just a whiff of throttle well before a particular corner on a muddy track after applying the 'Scandinavian Flick', sort of cars sort of cars? That type of car BEB? Unfortunately I haven't found out how to post images here yet. Otherwise my primitive servos would have shown above. ^^^ There is basically no extra throw to be had with the standard setup on this model. But, I now realize that the crushed ploystyrene 'hinges' on both ailerons and elevator are quite stiff at the moment. And the aillerons actually bind immediately onto their own actuator pivot tubes under the wing. Plus I can see that none of the 'worm drive servos ever get anywhere near the end of their travel. But it gave me my first ever flight, so thumbs up for that! Hmm, clear parcel tape hinges anyone? I have a feeling I will void the warranty this evening! I tend to modify most of my toys. Even my windsurf boards get altered sometimes. Receiver/servo, worm drive! Aileron servo the same. Edited By Chuck Planes on 03/05/2012 18:58:14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josip Vrandecic -Mes Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Dear Chuck,I think that most of us had a disappointing first flight....but intreresting days coming. continue to fly please... Regards Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Hey Jo. My local club are having a big 'Fly In' day this Sunday. I'll be there with both of my planes. The weather forecast is, 10/11C, sunshine and fluffy clouds, 7mph wind, no gusts, lots of tea and buns. Do you want to buy an RC car? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Chuck I've edited your post that contains photos, because it was messing up the page in some browsers. Could you have a look at the brief tutorials here and use the buttons above the reply box rather than code. Cheers Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Posted by Chris Bott - Moderator on 03/05/2012 19:35:58: Chuck I've edited your post Cheers Chris No problemo Chris. I got used to posting links on some other forums. But I've read the tutorial now. Thanx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Fisher Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Chuck - re the Easy Pigeon. I have one and have flown it in blustery winds exceeding 30 mph. It has always behaved OK in those conditions probably becasue the very heavy NiMH battery in mine acts like ballast. The only problem I have is in getting it down where I want to in calm conditions as it comes in very fast and I often have to go round more than once to avoid a longer walk than I would like. Malcolm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Posted by Chuck Planes on 03/05/2012 20:20:27: No problemo Chris. I got used to posting links on some other forums. But I've read the tutorial now. Thanx Thanks Chuck, we're a little "odd" on here but most people still stick around Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Posted by Malcolm Fisher on 03/05/2012 20:22:19: Chuck - re the Easy Pigeon. I have one and have flown it in blustery winds exceeding 30 mph. It has always behaved OK in those conditions probably becasue the very heavy NiMH battery in mine acts like ballast. Malcolm That's great news Malcolm, as I intend to use up my car race packs in theE-Pij 6 and 7 cell! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Chris, I believe that them as DON'T have a hobby are odd! Oh yus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josip Vrandecic -Mes Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Dear Chuck,thanks for the offer (rc car...lol), but I have too much work by my new extra 330 L....it is enough for me. Happy lendings... sorry for delay reakcion.... Cheers Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Plains Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share Posted May 8, 2012 Ok Jo, They all must go onto Ebay so I can buy planes! Is your Extra 330L full scale? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Cornell Posted September 20, 2012 Share Posted September 20, 2012 I tried to get my wife involved in this fabulous hobby, but whilst it was a beautifully clear, dry day with a slight breeze, she never stopped moaning that it was cold - well in fairness there was a frost on the ground which didn't seem to clear throughout the time we were there! She's now taken up crochet, which suits me as it means she stays indoors in the warm whilst I'm out enjoying a day's flying! Keep up the flying Chuck, I have just recently made a return to the hooby after over 20 years absence and although a little rusty at first, I'm really enjoying learning all about electirc flight now having previously been a very happy "petrolhead". If you get bored over the winter or fed up with the wet weather, try having a go at building your own airframe from kit, many CNC packs available with plans - very rewarding, great pride as your scale model takes shape! My next project is the superb Harvard from Tony Nijhuis that's in the latest RCM&E! Edited By Steve Cornell on 20/09/2012 21:26:37 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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