RE: 150 meter rule.
My experience is if you don't feel a little bit busy and have some free time between manouvers to think then you are likely at or further out than 175m. I know when I am flying and I feel a bit busy and rushed at times, then I am usually at the right distance, or close to it anyway.
Posted on: 9/14/2012 10:11 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228434

RE: Am I the only one who flies pattern with no mixes in their plane ??
Do you drive your car with anti lock brakes and traction control turned off?
Posted on: 9/8/2012 4:34 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11222133

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Roughed it up with 100 grit and then medium CA!
Posted on: 8/31/2012 8:50 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11212612

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
[quote]ORIGINAL: danamania Without getting too personal about the pilots who flew their pants off, please what precisely happened at the Nats this year with the conditions that so sorely tested the aircraft? Anything we truly learned that informs improvements for the future? [/quote] It was windy. I learned three things.... a) I need to practice more b) Flying right after Andrew when he is kicking our asses really sucked, which turns me back to point a) c) Don't assume that a "rolling horizontal eight with 4 rolls" is really in the horizontal plane....they are just messing with you. Its actually in the VERTICAL plane! If in doubt ask [b]before[/b] you get to the Nats! Doing it in the VERTICAL plane makes it MUCH MORE DIFFICULT!
Posted on: 8/8/2012 7:16 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11185448

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
[quote]ORIGINAL: nonstoprc Is it true that the brushless motors used in pattern planes are mostly AC motors? The torque curve of an AC motor can differ from a DC motor. Check out this URL: http://www.jmag-international.com/catalog/68_ThreePhaseInductionMotor_SpeedTorque.html. [/quote] They are brushless DC, our motors are not AC induction motors, which would be more typical of industrial large motors. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushless_DC_electric_motor All the motors we use operate on that principle, and are all essentially the same with the exception of # turns, winding wire, #poles (which dictates #magnets) and physical size. Someone can correct me if I got it incorrect.
Posted on: 8/8/2012 7:12 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11185434

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
I never charged more than 4100 in any flight in the finals, and used the same pack from the beginning of the semi's to the end of the finals, always charging at 20amps.
Posted on: 8/7/2012 4:55 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184814

RE: NATS 2012 : Let the journey begin!
My warm up for the Nats yesterday, involved a sun burn, and a lot of falling lol
Posted on: 7/15/2012 6:06 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11155838

RE: Nuance
[quote]ORIGINAL: danamania Right now, I have the MK 70mm SuperLights from F3AU. The lightest foam DuBro wheels also work. Just like any model this size on thick grass, 2.75-3'' wheels rule. To save weight and improve ground handling, I leave off the wheel pants on all my models. Just don't see the need for them and they eventually break flying off of grass. True the supplied wheels and pants will probably work just fine off of hard surfaces, hard pack, or putting greens; I hear that the manufacturers fly off of roads or streets over there so they don't get what accessories Americans typically need. [/quote] I would disagree that wheelpants break on grass, I have always used wheel pants, with 2.5" and sometimes 2.25" wheels on rough grass fields and have never had one come off. Its all in the installation, if you capture the end of the axle in a donut glued into the pant and secure the pant to the gear leg you can drive through a gopher hole with it and it wont come off.
Posted on: 7/10/2012 9:03 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11149994

RE: Composite-ARF Integral, kinda build thread
[quote]ORIGINAL: gaRCfield My other 1st choice is the Xtra 30-10. I don't see the need for the Advance - everyone seems to be dialing it back, so why would it be worth the extra oz (for me)? [/quote] Advance had better bottom end, more efficient, runs much cooler, mounting is lighter and more rigid, and it will swing a bigger prop than the evo without getting unhappy.
Posted on: 7/4/2012 4:08 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11143132

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Hi Bob, That would be an interesting experiment if you dont mind doing it I would very much like to know the results.
Posted on: 7/4/2012 6:14 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11142401

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Hi Bob, Were you having trouble with cooling? Or just added the outlet for your own comfort? I have no additional outlets except the fuse sides, and was just flying down in Toronto in some very hot weather (~90-95F) without any troubles. Motor and batteries were fine, ESC was pretty warm but operated fine all weekend, so just curious if your setup requires more cooling.
Posted on: 7/3/2012 2:25 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11141699

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
[quote]ORIGINAL: cmoulder I will try that. I have a tiny bit of up elevator trim which results in a bit more push than I am used to when inverted. [/quote] Hi Bob, Generally I trim to get the KE as close to 0 coupling as possible, and adjust rates/expo to get the inverted feel I want.
Posted on: 6/27/2012 11:02 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11133974

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Should be fine there, adjust stab to take any trim out and that should get it very close, that is where mine is, and I carry no pitch mix in knife and just a little roll at high rates for the F stuff.
Posted on: 6/26/2012 7:45 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11133234

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
[quote]ORIGINAL: cmoulder [quote]ORIGINAL: danamania Bob, the gear plate defects aside (sucks at this price point), how do you like it after Pocono? Almost pulled the trigger on this one, sure is a pretty bird in many respects and I enjoyed watching you fly it. Working for you? [/quote] Yes, back on topic, I like the plane but it is a long way from being set up. CG needs to be a bit farther back for my tastes and the throttle curve is totally wack. The rates are OK but expo needs a lot of work. In short, there is a lot left to sort out and it was way too early to bring it to Pocono, but it was impossible to resist the urge to play with the new model. This Sunday I will take a more sober and methodical approach to ironing out the setup. The LG issue got me a bit off track. [/quote] Bob Where is your cg now?
Posted on: 6/26/2012 6:58 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11133176

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Hey Joe, The gearplate was supposed to have been improved based on my plane as I had an issue with it, I was told all the planes after mine had the issue fixed (only Dave's and mine should have been the ones needing any mod)....but obviously that didn't happen. So if you have a gearplate that looks like Daves with only two bolts then you absolutely need to change it or you will break the plate. I will reiterate to JP that this is still a problem and needs to change.
Posted on: 6/25/2012 7:55 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11130953

RE: Running Futaba servos at 7.2V
I have been running the BLS153 servos at 7.0v this year without any problems yet. Maybe around 100 flights so far.
Posted on: 6/20/2012 3:49 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11124827

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
[quote]ORIGINAL: cmoulder Chad, with a 21-inch prop mine has very little clearance, and even with feather soft landings I can get a little prop strike with the smallest of irregularities in short grass. I may have to find some taller gear! [/quote] Hi Bob, I just bent the tailwheel as low as possible, and use 2.5" wheels. Been flying with the 22x12 on grass for a couple months without a problem using the stock gear.
Posted on: 6/18/2012 7:37 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11122285

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Hi Bob, I tached mine today and on a 22x12 I was getting about 6200 rpm, keep in mind I am at 3500' ASL
Posted on: 6/17/2012 12:00 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11121354

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Hey Bob, Sounds like you are ready to go! I hope that your first flights go really well and you enjoy the plane! I will post some pictures soon how I put the winglets on to allow them to be easily removed for transport, yet still secure for flight.
Posted on: 6/11/2012 6:07 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11114993

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Hi Bob, I will have to check if I have any pictures, but I know the packs start at the front of the gear plate. They are the TP 5000's G6 which are about 1180 grams. When running the 4400's I shove them about another inch forward of that position, they are about 100g lighter.
Posted on: 6/7/2012 8:55 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110041

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
There is a former at 165, you cut them ino the former and glue them there. That is exactly where mine are and working fine. Don't put them at the bottom.
Posted on: 5/29/2012 5:07 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11098312

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Hi Bob, Picture of my gap sealed, just some tape or vinyl and roll it into the gap. Fairly easy once you do it, and works fine. For the horns, the ailerons and elevator have big blocks you can easily feel with your fingers, and the rudder has a support at 165mm from the bottom. Just cut the slot, put some poly u in the slot, spray the horn with water and stick it in.
Posted on: 5/28/2012 6:18 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11097934

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Gents, If you scroll to 8:05 in this video you can see a P13 I flew at the last contest with the Caelestia! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37JOllSq6TU&feature=g-all-s
Posted on: 5/25/2012 7:17 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11094891

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Hi Bob, Sorry I missed your last post! The links are all 4-40, using H9 links. I think the length was either 1.5" or 2", but I would have to check to be certain. Yes the CG is on the center of the tube, that is where I have been flying mine. I don't have any templates for a firewall. For the rudder tray ZN did the tray, and I didn't take a trace of it before I installed it so I don't have a template for it. Sorry! For the cooling, I added one small hole maybe 1/2"-3/4" round in the chin just under the spinner to help get more air to the ESC. Otherwise it has been fine. I have been flying in as warm as about 80-85F with it, so its not Muncie heat yet, but to date no issues with the stock exits and the small extra inlet. Hope that helps!
Posted on: 5/23/2012 8:15 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11092488

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
[quote]ORIGINAL: gaRCfield You know, I just have not been into many of the new F3A airplanes, but I actually like the looks of this one! Gonna check out F3AUnlimited's site and take a look (and see how over budget this plane is). [/quote] Thanks Joe! I am really glad that you like it. Hopefully it's in the budget for you!
Posted on: 4/15/2012 6:18 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11043414

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
I now have about 30 flights on the Caelestia! The weather here has been hit and miss, so it has taken a while to get some decent days to really test the plane out properly. As I mentioned earlier I built the model completely stock, I didn't change any of the incidences etc. from the factory for the first flights. Factory wing incidence is about 1/2 positive, stab is zero, and motor is 0.5 down and 3.5 right. I used the same throws that I used on my Xigris models which are, Normal Flight / Snap Rate / Spin Rate Aileron Up 10° / 26° / 10° Down 9° / 22° / 9° Elevator Up 8° / 12° / 14° Down 10° / 12° / 14° Rudder Left 38 mm / 36 mm / 55 mm Right 38 mm / 36 mm / 55 mm Rudder is measured at TE top of rudder This gave me a good place to compare to the Xigris. CG was set right on the wing tube which gives around 28% of MAC if my memory serves me well today. Initial flights were made without the winglets installed. First flight was extremely close, probably the closest that I have ever had a model be. I needed a little up trim to get the model nice and level, also spent some time making sure the roll and yaw were also trimmed out right. This is always very important before checking anything else. From there proceeded to try out some verticals and KE to check how close it was. Uplines were very straight both in pitch and yaw, downlines had a small pull the canopy, and KE with right rudder needed no mix, and KE with left rudder had a small pitch to the belly. No real noticeable roll coupling in either direction which was one thing the Xigris always had. Since it was so close at this point, I decided to adjust the stab down slightly to take the bit of trim out and see what the results were, I dialed in one turn of negative on the adjusters. Since the plane does not have wing adjusters I didn't want to add them unless I really needed to. I flew again with the stab adjusted slightly and was even happier. The slight pull on the left rudder KE was now gone, and with a bit of down mix the plane was flying very well everywhere. I have since flown through the patterns a little bit (still bad weather so hard to really practice), and am very happy! The model snaps really well, as the Xigris did as well. Knife edge performance is better than the Xigris so going through the new KE maneuvers in FAI requires less effort, and it also makes the rolls more axial and nicer looking I think. The plane is not as draggy as the Xigris, so it accelerates quick and goes through the wind without adding a lot of extra power. You need to have some more braking set on the downline to keep it from accelerating. I have been using the Falcon 20.5x14.5 V2 prop, so possibly with a different prop you will not need the ESC braking. With the Falcon prop and the Advance the plane has no end of vertical performance! I have been trying other props in my box of props, but this is IMO still one of the best! I have also added the winglets to the model. As I have noticed before the winglets really seem to help the plane lock on in bumpy weather, which we have a lot of where I am. These are not required on the plane, so if you like them use them, if not then dont. They do not affect any of the model settings at all. I am still dialing in my 18mz for the throws and expos, and when I get it to where I really like it I will post the model file for anyone who has a 14/18 to use. I am away for work this week so that will probably be a few weeks yet! Some new pictures,
Posted on: 4/15/2012 3:31 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11043183

RE: Curious about e-powered Integral
[quote]ORIGINAL: cchariandy Only if I get to return the plane if the weights suck. Colin. [/quote] Colin Wouldn't be a need for that.
Posted on: 4/11/2012 9:03 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11038446

RE: Curious about e-powered Integral
[quote]ORIGINAL: cchariandy Interesting...I considered another Int last year and contacted my ''new'' sales rep as it was no longer Jason. All I asked for was matching wing panels as my current Int panels differ by more than 50gms forcing more weight on the lighter panel. The new guy told me that he was not prepared to open boxes and hand select parts, making weight was entirely my risk. My response...keep your $1040. These arent toys, we'd like to use them to compete...unless the reps are helpful (read not A$$holes) they arent worth the trouble. Colin. [/quote] Hi Colin, 50gms is for sure not acceptable, all three of mine were pretty close, 5-10 gms different which is fairly normal difference to me. Too bad you had such a bad experience. Try a Caelestia next, much better ;-)
Posted on: 4/11/2012 8:16 AM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11037541

RE: Curious about e-powered Integral
I had an Integral that I specifically requested to be made very light when I ordered. My sales rep at the time (Jason S.) probably helped out in that regard, but the plane (stock scheme with some color mods) was 4760g RTF with 5000's, pletty etc. Very light plane, flew really nice. So it is possible, just work with your sales rep when ordering, you may have to wait longer since the plane will be custom, but it didn't cost me any extra. It would allow you to be less picky with equipment selection. The Int's had a bit of a history of being right at the limit, so when John Fuqua weighed it at the '08 Nats he had to look sto see what batterie I had in it lol.
Posted on: 4/10/2012 5:46 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11036833

RE: Aerofly 5 choppiness
Hi Mike, Once it starts its every few seconds, 20fps to 40fps to 20 to 40 and on and on...really annoying! There does not seem to be anything running that should be working the computer, here is a list, (firefox and activity monitor are obviously not running while the sim is on) 373 prl_naptd 0.0 3 6.1 MB Intel (64 bit) 237 MagicPrefs 0.2 7 15.7 MB Intel (64 bit) 699 mdworker 0.0 3 7.9 MB Intel (64 bit) 220 UserEventAgent 0.0 3 6.6 MB Intel (64 bit) 37 loginwindow 0.0 2 8.4 MB Intel (64 bit) 700 Firefox 0.0 23 196.6 MB Intel (64 bit) 706 Activity Monitor 1.4 2 24.1 MB Intel (64 bit) 227 AirPort Base Station Agent 0.0 3 5.6 MB Intel (64 bit) 712 aerofly5 42.9 12 526.0 MB Intel (64 bit) 228 BBLaunchAgent.app 0.3 6 2.9 MB Intel 205 Dock 0.0 3 14.9 MB Intel (64 bit) 211 pboard 0.0 1 840 KB Intel (64 bit) 235 WD Quick View 0.0 7 17.4 MB Intel 206 SystemUIServer 1.2 4 18.5 MB Intel (64 bit) 212 fontd 0.0 2 3.5 MB Intel (64 bit) 260 iStatLocal 0.0 3 4.6 MB Intel (64 bit) 201 launchd 0.0 2 936 KB Intel (64 bit) 207 Finder 0.0 6 16.8 MB Intel (64 bit) 31 usbmuxd 0.0 3 2.1 MB Intel (64 bit) 169 coreaudiod 0.0 3 1.9 MB Intel (64 bit) 164 WindowServer 8.4 4 68.9 MB Intel (64 bit) 19 mDNSResponder 0.0 3 1.9 MB Intel (64 bit) 16 distnoted 0.0 2 1.2 MB Intel (64 bit) 0 kernel_task 2.5 66 361.0 MB Intel 71 nmbd 0.0 1 1.4 MB Intel (64 bit) 12 notifyd 0.0 2 564 KB Intel (64 bit) 36 mds 0.0 5 26.1 MB Intel (64 bit) 54 iStatLocalDaemon 0.8 3 2.1 MB Intel 1 launchd 0.0 3 1.2 MB Intel (64 bit) 13 syslogd 0.0 4 680 KB Intel (64 bit) 43 dynamic_pager 0.0 1 740 KB Intel (64 bit) 49 autofsd 0.0 2 900 KB Intel (64 bit) 185 prl_diservice 0.0 16 16.8 MB Intel (64 bit) 173 prl_naptd 0.0 4 7.1 MB Intel (64 bit) 55 coreservicesd 0.0 4 14.1 MB Intel (64 bit) 14 configd 0.0 6 3.0 MB Intel (64 bit) 26 ntpd 0.0 1 1.1 MB Intel (64 bit) 38 KernelEventAgent 0.0 3 960 KB Intel (64 bit) 15 diskarbitrationd 0.0 2 1.4 MB Intel (64 bit) 27 cupsd 0.0 3 6.2 MB Intel (64 bit) 708 activitymonitord 0.6 1 1.2 MB Intel (64 bit) 10 kextd 0.0 2 3.0 MB Intel (64 bit) 28 krb5kdc 0.0 2 1.8 MB Intel (64 bit) 40 hidd 0.0 3 1.6 MB Intel (64 bit) 188 cvmsServ 0.0 1 832 KB Intel (64 bit) 52 BBDaemon 0.0 4 1.0 MB Intel 11 DirectoryService 0.0 5 4.6 MB Intel (64 bit) 17 blued 0.0 3 4.9 MB Intel (64 bit) 23 securityd 0.0 2 2.2 MB Intel (64 bit) 41 fseventsd 0.0 13 1.9 MB Intel (64 bit) 53 sh 0.0 1 812 KB Intel (64 bit)
Posted on: 4/8/2012 6:48 PM by Author "can773" in the forum "Ikarus AeroFly Pro and Aerofly Pro Deluxe"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11033723