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Switching to electric gliders from fixed wing large scale electrics


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As a died in the wool large scale fixed wing electrics (60cc + equivalent) I wish to spend some time perfecting electric glider skills. I live in a very flat county and want fly something that is a least challenging all year round as fixed wing and with "room to progress" without having to keep buying a new model every time. 

Now I have been looking at the Gliders UK website and there seems to be quite a choice of electric gliders in the 2.6m-3m w/s which is the area I am looking at.  Any suggestions or experience of a suitable model gratefully received. I appreciate flying techniques are completely different, but I am confident I will be able to adapt and use some of my skills picked up over the years flying fixed wing. Thanks. 

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My own electric glider flying tends to some rather specialised areas so I am not the best person to advise you, but some more information on the type of flying you are looking for may help others make suggestions.

 

Is it a scale glider you are looking for?

Do you want good thermal flying capabilities so it will stay up a long time, or are you looking for a fast aerobatic all weather type.

 

Dick

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Thanks DickW for bring up those points.

Not looking for a scale glider particularly, something generic would fit the bill. The fast aerobatic all weather type sounds suitable as it shares some traits with my FW flying.  I am going show my ignorance here by saying if a balance can be achieved with some thermal capabilities then fine otherwise stick with my first suggestion. I am sure you will put me right.

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I tend to favour the "hotliner" type of model glider. Usually a bit smaller than you specified at around 2m. Very 'chuckable' in terms of aerobatics, but still capable of a reasonable 'thermal' performance when slowed down.

An example would be something like the Robbe Amplitude https://www.probuild-uk.co.uk/index.php?route=product/manufacturer/info&manufacturer_id=181    Available as an ARTF or as an empty airframe for you to fit out to your own specification and power levels.

 

Also have a look at https://www.hyperflight.co.uk/products.asp?cat=RC+Models&subcat=Electric+F5J+Gliders

for a general feel for some alternative types.

 

As gliders get bigger they tend to get more fragile to keep the weight down for thermalling, or they get a lot more expensive, but I am sure others will be along soon to suggest some more options.
 

Dick

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Both of those links are for scale gliders and I don't know how aerobatic the originals are intended to be. They have built up wings, but are fully sheeted, rather than film covered, so may have the strength for some aerobatic ability.

In truth, I have no experience of them so am reluctant to comment on their performance.

Someone must know how they go though!

 

Dick

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Be careful of some of the smaller scale modern gliders, they can have a tendency to tip stall.

 

Shame the Staufenbeil range are no longer available, I was flying my Vegas this morning and it sounds like it would fit your requirement.

 

Also keep an eye out on the BARCS forum classifieds, you can often find some good 2nd hand options.

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  • 1 month later...

I finally decided to take the plunge and took delivery of ASK-21 E 2.6m from Gliders UK. I thought as I am new to this part of the hobby i would detail my building experience here and and all matters pertaining. I am sure I will have questions and hopefully I can get answers here!

She requires 6 servos of which 5 of there are recommended as 9g micro types. The rudder servo being a standard one which I have on the shelf in the workshop.

I bought Etronix 9g 2.5kg/0.10s micro metal geared. I also bought a JP folding prop 11x8 with 38 mm spinner.

The motor is an Overlander plus the ESC was acquired from them too along with a dedicated programming card (which I have tried and works unlike some different ESC makes that supposedly are compatible) 

 

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A quick look at the instructions sheet such as it is didn't frighten the horses.

 

 

Sorry about the side ways photos. I haven't worked out how to correct that yet. The first issue I had is with the hard wood servo blocks which weren't the right size for my chosen servos and I really couldn't see how fix them. Well RCWorld came to the rescue some micro servo wing mounts. 5 delivered within 48 hours. All I will need to do put some white solarfilm on the topside. 

 

 

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Edited by Adrian Smith 1
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I did re-programme a couple of parameters on the ESC. The timing I set to Low, Cut Off voltage to the mid point of 3 volts. I kept the Brake On setting.

The actually kit itself was of reasonable standard although there are no slots pre-cut for the aileron and flap horns. The same for the elevator and rudder. However, for the price of the glider that's probably no surprise.

I will post a few more photos (petrol permitting) when I next go down to the workshop. 

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I have dug out my wattmeter that was used on my 60cc & 100cc electrics to good effect. I know it's a sledgehammer to crack a nut at 180amp rating, but hopefully it will do. I have got to re-solder the connectors on it to match the ESC and lipos of course. I have sourced some 10x6 and 10x8 prop blades to see what effect they have too. More when I post some new photos

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Fitting the servos was a bit of a pig's breakfast and was really fiddly. The servo frames were glued with 5 minute epoxy as I am not sure how good CA glue would be on laser cut ply. Having done that and solarfilmed the covers it was apparent the wing opening needed to be enlarged to accommodate the frame. Even after doing a bit more woodwork the flap servo fitted into the wing, but the wing depth on the aileron servo is too shallow nearest the aileron edge meaning it stands 2mm proud  of the wing surface. Grrrrr....! ?  I am going to have to think how to correct that.

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