MOVED: Full size sailing
Boats - Full Scale: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1856283
Posted on: 12/20/2006 10:20 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5143147

Cheapie brushless...
Hi, This motor appeared in a UK modelling magazine recently, and got a generally positive review. I have to say it LOOKS awful, but for just £15 (the speed controller is the same price), I'm wondering whether it's worth a go. [image]http://robotbirds.com/catalog/images/400099.jpg[/image] The motor is listed on this site: http://robotbirds.com/catalog/index.php Does anyone have any experience with this, or any thoughts to lend? If I get one, I'll definately feed back- It'll most likely be going in my Wattage Mirage which has been gathering dust for two years! Cheers
Posted on: 8/1/2005 5:29 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3219340

Prophang in FMS...
After seeing many screenshots of AFPD/Realflight/Reflex aircraft hovering happily, I was inspired to try this out in FMS, using the stock Su-26. And its hard. In fact, i haven't managed one successful hower, only some extremely slow and unstable flying. Yet AFPD etc make it look so easy!. I'm wondering whether this is due to the fact that i'm using a transmitter-style gamepad, not a transmitter, or due to poor physics in the sim, or due to the fact that i don't have masses of flying experience. In short, has anyone else managed it? While i'm typing... anyone know of any good Tx link cables which will work with most/all sims, and available in the UK Thanks a bundle [:)]
Posted on: 5/17/2005 12:31 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2983715

RE: Contemplating twin gyro
Here it is: [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/Gaffspan/Rotack1.jpg[/IMG] (so can i use flat sheet blades? [:D]) In its defence, the mag says (and i quote): "If he thinks the wing alone is sufficient to provide lift for reasonable flight, never mind slow flight, let him build one without the rotors and see how it performs" Certainly not a true gyro though. I figured that reduced dependency on the rotors would make things a little easier for someone coming from planes. I'd like to build a pure DC gyro some day though.
Posted on: 2/20/2005 5:48 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "AutoGyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2678693

RE: Contemplating twin gyro
Thanks again for the replies, After an hour or so trawling through old model mags, i found a 1996 issue of AMI, with a 'rotack' autogyro by Dave Boddington; twin, lifting surfaces to support rotors. Floridagyro, i notice your gyro has 3 blades per rotor, the plan i have suggests 4. Which would you recommend? (would 4 blades be more draggy?) The plan is intended for a .25 engine- is there anything i should know regarding changing the design for a far less powerful unit. I'm not sure of the AUW of the original but i'm hoping for little more than 150g. Construction will be balsa wings/rotors, with depron fus & tail. Should be interesting...
Posted on: 2/19/2005 6:27 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "AutoGyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2675438

RE: Contemplating twin gyro
Nice to know other people have tried ospreys! All of those gyros look v.good- tango especially was just what i had in mind. All i was planning to do by the way was simply to redesign the fuselage, keeping all lifting surfaces and hopefully thrustlines right in their recommended positions. I dont think altering the shape of the fuselage should have a decisive effect on its performance. Does anyone know of any sites where i might be able to come across tango/gyrace/spin doctor/etc plans for free? I've never seen an autogyro plan in any UK mags. Cheers!
Posted on: 2/18/2005 6:44 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "AutoGyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2671786

Contemplating twin gyro
Inspired by a rock steady free flighter i saw a couple of months back, i thought i'd build a lightweight rc twin gyro (possibly GWS ips150 motor) as a small park/indoor flier. I have no autogyro experience, but plenty of fixed wing and some helicopter building/flying time. I also thought it would be pretty neat to style it as a V-22 Osprey (albeit with a stupid looking tractor prop [:)]). I've read the info on autogyro.com and understand that it is still quite an undertaking. However, i recon building a twin will be easier than a 'pure' auto due to some wing area and zero torque effects from counter rotation. I also understand that flat blades can be used, which will save much effort... Anyway, i was wondering whether anyone could recommend any good (free [;)]) plans to get me started. I've spent a while searching the interweb for them, but have found none which suit me. Its nice to see so many people modelling autogyros! Cheers, help is hugely appreciated!
Posted on: 2/17/2005 10:12 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "AutoGyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2668342

RE: auto gyros dont need wind question
Darn i didnt realise that my typing was that bad [:)] Heavy breeze is probably anything above 10-15mph: i come from a free flight/ indoor background, and the heaviest aircraft i currently fly is just under 400g. I'm pretty keen on a twin for the reasons stated earlier in the thread: also i'd like to style it like an osprey.
Posted on: 2/15/2005 4:12 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "AutoGyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2661796

RE: auto gyros dont need wind question
How do autogyros fare in heavy breezes? I live in the UK, the windiest country in Europe, and have always wanted to build a gyro of small park flier size (200g AUW?). However i always thought that thyey would be more easily affected by winds than conventional planes. My gyro would be ot twin rotor configuration, if that makes a difference...
Posted on: 2/15/2005 5:42 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "AutoGyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2660088

RE: Anybody fly Ultralights?
I considered ultralights for a while... But they still seemed a little big- now i'm looking to be flyin one of these pretty soon: [image]http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/flylight/images/DoodleBug/bug_P4.jpg[/image]
Posted on: 2/14/2005 8:23 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2656467

How to connect!
Hi, Just wondering how you guys connect your transmitters. I used to have a VERY dated CSM RC flight sim, which had a serial-type connector. I think it was encrypted though so it could only be used with that software. Does anyone know of a place where these leads can be bought (UK based is ideal), or how the lead i have (which goes into the transmitter fine, the other end being an audio type jack which plugs into the serial adaptor) can be modified to work with any software. Can they be wired from scratch? Thanks!
Posted on: 10/16/2004 10:21 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2258932

RE: Appreciation for quality-please reply!
I'm not an expert on CP helis, but going by the quality of the FP version, i'd say hummingbird. Mind you, the Hornet has led the way and is seen as a bit of a thoroughbred.
Posted on: 10/1/2004 3:24 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2218045

RE: Over-sensitive gyro
Its not that the tail is overpowered, its just oversensitive. It will hold a line pretty well. By the way, do you mean the mixer in the transmitter? I dont use computer radio...
Posted on: 9/30/2004 3:01 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2215280

Over-sensitive gyro
Hi, Ive been flying the hummingbird for about 9 months now, and its been perfect on stock packs. On Li-Poly though, the gyro seems extra sensetive, revving the tail motor. I could try adjusting it, but i'm worried that the higher voltage (11.1v) is damaging it. Any ideas would be great! Cheers
Posted on: 9/29/2004 2:27 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2212407

RE: Will this work?
Wow! cheers for all the replies & interest in the idea! I remember i made a ff rubber canard biplane, which was VERY touchy. It was fine (soe of the time) under power, but as it dropped off it began to make a flat vertical descent. Acropilot, good idea about using x-plane, i am trying to get hold of it at the moment. Coincidentally, the pic is a screenshot off x-plane i found on the web...
Posted on: 9/12/2004 4:25 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2168107

RE: Will this work?
How will i land it, good question... upside down? Good suggestion- i'll build some scale models, cheat on the fin size, get the weights in the right place etc... I'm doing this now to prove you wrong, hanson!
Posted on: 9/10/2004 4:25 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2163349

Will this work?
[image]http://www.x-plane.org/users/nyc/dev4.jpg[/image] Some may recognise this as the 'Devastator' from Crimson Skies. It is actually one of the more aerodynamically feasable planes in the series, but could still prove tricky. I'd be building it probably from foam, as a small electric jobby. Yay or nay? Cheers
Posted on: 9/9/2004 3:30 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2160587

Mundane sim question...
How do you guys connect your Tx? My cable fits has a plug not entirely unlike that on a pair of headphones, and it fits into the soundcard port fine; though this is obviously just coincidence. Any ideas? Also, does FMS have a reasonably accurate flight model? Cheers
Posted on: 8/2/2004 1:34 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2046465

Darn seperation!
This morning i was treated to dead calm conditions- a rare chance to take the Hummingbird outside. However, i spent most of the pack trying to get the blades tracking correctly, and gave up in the end before any decent flying. I've tried tightening the blades, I've tried loosening them, yet i'm still having to give them a twist before every flight to get them tracking correctly. Does anyone else have this probem? What should i do? Cheers
Posted on: 7/22/2004 3:45 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2013950

RE: TURBINES ARE RUINING AVIATION
TLH... I can tell you're from the USA. Here in the UK our piston engines are sleek, and purr into life with that smooth merlin-esque sound [:D]!
Posted on: 7/12/2004 1:51 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1983457

Computer vs standard transmitter...
The other day I had someone recommend a computer transmitter to me to replace my VERY basic skysport 4. Obviously lots of people have computer radio, I was ust wondering what the advantages were (apart from model memory) to justify the extra cost. Cheers
Posted on: 7/12/2004 1:33 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1983407

Most impressive EDF ever...
...or possibly even the most impressive rc aircraft ever. Saw this at the UK Wings & Wheels show last Sunday, this 200mph+ DF made the ic ducted fan look lumbering! I feel a new age has dawned... [image]http://www.shredair.com/pics/vector1a.jpg[/image] http://www.shredair.com/vector.html
Posted on: 6/29/2004 1:34 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1945680

Hummingbird Elite?
Saw this in a model mag yesterday (yes, i know i'm slow!). What is the difference between the Hummingbird Elite FP and that they now call the 'Hummingbird classic' (i.e. the one i have). Cheers & sorry for my incompetence.
Posted on: 6/5/2004 7:51 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1874945

Full size sailing
Anyone here sail full size? I love to combine full size and model sailing when i can; here is my model yacht on the Norfolk Broads with our Cornish Cormorant... http://www.rcuniverse.com/gallery/galleryimages/lg-6294.jpg
Posted on: 5/29/2004 1:41 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Boats - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1856283

Seadolphin build time
Crikey... This is more of a task than i had first thought. Certainly not 'ready to run' as often described. So far, i have needed to... -Reinforce the inside of the hull at the join with ABS; removing the seam would make this dangerously thin. -Trim away the seam itself- lucky i reinforced it, as a small hole appeared in the hull. -Fill the many grooves and dimples in the hull, especially around the join between top & bottom of hull. -Glue the hopellessly fitting bow section onto the hull, filling the seams with excess glue. -Filing, sanding, and polishing the bow to attain a near original finish. This has taken ages... it had better be worthwhile!
Posted on: 5/22/2004 3:34 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1837147

RE: Aerodynamic phenomenon
Thanks for the replesponse, I'll give those a try when i next fly outside. I was stupid enough to let myself get into this situation four times, two of which I managed to fully recover. One resulted in a heavy landing, the other in the heli upside down on the ground. I learnt my lesson after that. Having only really flown in the living room where i can't do much more than hover, circuits are beyond me at the moment. I'm still grappling with nose in hovering, but i'm getting there! [8D]
Posted on: 4/13/2004 1:47 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1719507

ABS & sunlight
I was wondering whether ABS plastic is affected by sunlight in anyway, i.e. discolouring or degrading. In other words, should I paint the hull of my Kyosho Sea Dolphin? Cheers
Posted on: 4/13/2004 6:52 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1718454

Aerodynamic phenomenon
Calm weather gave a rare chance to fly my Hummingbird at our local park yesterday– the first real time I’ve flown in any space larger than my living room. Having the chance to take it high, I took it to a height of about 30-40 feet. When I backed off the throttle to bring it into a gentle descent, the tail rose and an anticlockwise circular oscillation began in the helicopter. The nose remained in the same direction. This was extremely difficult to counter, especially as I am a newbie to helicopters. Anyways, I was wondering what this might be caused by. Is it possible that it could be due to the blades trying to auto– rotate as it descends? Thanks
Posted on: 4/13/2004 6:50 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1718452

Hormet blades on a HB?
Just a thought... Looking at the HB, it seems that A LOT of weight can be lost (mainly throught the use of LiPolys). As the head speed of a fixed pitch heli likes to remain high, i'm thinking that using stock blades on a lighter HB would give poor control and stability, but that the lower pitch of the hornet blades may suit it well. Would this work? Has anyone tried it? Cheers
Posted on: 2/19/2004 1:33 PM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1543952

Hummingboard
[font="Verdana"][/font] A quick question about the hummingboard... When i increase the throttle over 3/4, the light changes from the usual green to red (not alternating). The light returns to green when the throttle is reduced to less than 3/4. It does this also when the battery is running down (when full throttle is no longer enough to lift it). What does this mean? Is it anything to be concerned about? Cheers.
Posted on: 12/27/2003 7:44 AM by Author "Gaffspan" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1380262