RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Test flown mine yesterday with the Falcon 21.5X13 and really liked the speed control...not sure if it's the Shulze, the prop or the motor but with this combination it is amazingly easy to manage the speed. I started with the wing set at 0.6 degrees ( I did add adjusters) and the CG at the middle of the tube. After 4 flights I moved the battery back about 1/2 inch. I still don't feel like it's locked in on 45s so I may try a bit more incidence. This plane seems to need no pitch or roll mix, rolls, snaps and spins very well. It also weather vanes significantly less than the Xigirs...I'll actually have to fly the cross wind corrections. I still have to add the tips...what was that stuff Chad used to make the rails so that the tips are removeable? Update: I've now flown it with the tips and there is a difference...the wing feels a little more stable even as the plane slows down. The incidence was increased to 0.7 deg and the CG moved forward to the the middle of the tube...right where Chad told us to put it. I have 1% nose up with left rudder and 0% for everything else except the usual downline mix. I have basically copied Chads deflections and backed off the Ailerons a little in snap rate as my reflexes are just not fast enough to stop the snap exactly where I want it....particularly in the 1/4 - snap - snap - 1/4...that's a very fast snap. Colin
Posted on: 9/18/2012 11:59 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11207482

RE: 150 meter rule.
I think Chad mentioned in one of the earlier posts...it's more about how busy you are in the sequence than just going more slowly. At 150m you should not have any time to "think" about corrections or the next maneuver. At 175m there should be a second or two here and there. Work on reducing the time that you spend "settling down" for the next maneuver. That usually means cleaner, more accurate exits...fly the plane on the downlines getting set up for whatever comes next so that you exit and you're ready right away. I checked the distance my son (Ethan) was flying at this weekend and he was inside 175m all of the time...and he flies really fast. However he smoothly transitions from one to next manuever so it doesnt look rushed. I fly at about the same distance but started using more brake on the downlines for that extra second here and there. I flew after AC at the NATs and was always amazed by how smooth and flowing his sequence looks at the speed he flies...but never rushed and inside 175m. I was actually encouraged to fly a little quicker. Now...if you're flying WOT you will never fit the sequence into the 175m box...you will still have to back off the throttle. Colin.
Posted on: 9/17/2012 12:48 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11231366

RE: BJCraft Episode
I noticed that in the earlier photos the stabilizer panels do not have a mid span fence. What was the improvement observed after adding them? Colin.
Posted on: 9/12/2012 9:15 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11226167

RE: YGE 90HV F3A
Re-programmed and run this weekend at 10% brake...transitions were flawless. I may try a little more brake and see how it goes. With the YGE the idle can be adjusted so low that we found just running at low idle to provide pretty decent brakes at least for the draggy Xigris. This really is an improvement over the Jeti 90...much smoother with no noticealble performance difference from begining to end of the flight. Colin.
Posted on: 9/10/2012 8:35 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223729

RE: YGE 90HV F3A
At what brake setting (%) is there a risk of mis-fire? I have flown this a few times now with the brake incorrectly programmed (the prop almost stops on downlines) and the acceleration after the downline is fine...I may not have had the acro brake selected. I'm going to re-program it and try again...I want to ensure I stay clear of any risky operating condition. Colin.
Posted on: 9/6/2012 12:52 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11219668

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Ahhh...sometimes I forget the 'basics'. Thanks. Colin
Posted on: 8/31/2012 9:09 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11212638

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Wow that stuff seems CA resistant...just would not stick! Going to try some fresh foam safe CA next...what did Dave and Chad use to glue the rails with? Colin
Posted on: 8/31/2012 8:14 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11212579

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Mine is almost ready to test fly...just checking incidences now. Unfortunately the right wing panel is at 0.8 deg and the left at 0.3. Looks like I'll have to find a way to install adjusters before I fly it. My finished weight with Shulze 32.80, Advance motor, significant gear re-inforcement, carbon spinner, light Falcon and TP 5000 is 4890gms...I have about 1.5" between the battery and motor for middle of the tube CG. Colin
Posted on: 8/25/2012 7:36 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11205422

RE: What is a good ESC for f3a
Any comments on the performace of the YGE 90 brake feature? Colin
Posted on: 7/19/2012 1:15 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11161464

RE: Curious about e-powered Integral
Only if I get to return the plane if the weights suck. Colin.
Posted on: 4/11/2012 7:04 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11038340

RE: Curious about e-powered Integral
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.
Posted on: 4/10/2012 8:05 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11037027

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
It often seems that we do. Colin
Posted on: 1/12/2012 6:58 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10905998

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
JP/Chad....that looks great!! Hope it flies as well as it looks and I hope there's discount available for Canadians!!! What did the wing and stab halves weigh? There is quite a bit of variation in the weight of the Integral stabs/wings....I hope ZN does a better job at controlling that variation. Colin
Posted on: 1/12/2012 1:00 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10905395

RE: How big of a generator do I need ?
I bought a Honeywell 1000W Generator at COSTCO a year ago and paid less than $300. They are much less expensive than the Honda's and run very well. However they are a little heavier...32# instead of 28# and a bit louder but still fairly quiet. I can't find the 1000W version but they seen to have a new line including 800W and 1600W models that are lighter than the original versions. I think they are better value than the Hondas. See this link below. http://www.honeywellstore.com/store/categories/inverter-generators.htm Colin.
Posted on: 12/14/2011 7:18 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10858964

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
I hope there will be a plain white version available. If that can knock 200EU off the price it may become an option for more. Chad, how has the test flights been...did you have to tweak anything? Did you use some CFD to improve the design/reduce iterations? Colin.
Posted on: 12/14/2011 5:19 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10858815

RE: Building a built-up pattern stab and wing
For the panels I built I used 4-6lb sheets and screened all the sheets used for a maximum weight of 18gms. I ordered a box of 10 sheets and got only 4 that were 18gms or less. I'm also not using a hardwood dowel for the horn....instead I'm going with a carbon horn glued into the balsa block. Colin.
Posted on: 12/9/2011 2:10 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10851936

RE: Building a built-up pattern stab and wing
Dave, the Int wing snaps pretty well despite being ridiculously heavy....I can't tell that the Xigris airfoil is significanly better. I'm pretty sure that a light Int wing will be every bit as good as the Xigris. In fact I'm starting to think that the thicker wing is what we want for P13. I find the heavy Int easier to manage speed during P13 than the signifcantly lighter Xigris....I believe the wing is the main reason as I can't really find other sources of drag between these two designs. A direct/reverse Engineered Int wing will allow 'drop in' to old Int with few to no changes. If there is anything I can do to help encourage you in that direction just let me know. Colin.
Posted on: 12/5/2011 1:23 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10844622

RE: Building a built-up pattern stab and wing
Dave I'm just finishing the stabs I got from you and can say that they are very light and were actually fun to build. The original panels were 5.35 and 5.1 oz each and the new panels are tracking to be close to 3.5oz finished with the servo. I would like to consider replacing the Integral wings but am not convinced that I should completly change to the Spark wing due to the additional effort to retune the plane. These kist are very well thought out and not too difficult to build. It would great if you considered direct replacements panels....I would sign up for a set of Integral wings for sure!! Colin.
Posted on: 12/5/2011 10:15 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10844353

RE: MasterSpin 99Opto Vs Spin 99Opto
The datasheets I have seen show the Spin 99 as 110gms and the Master Spin as 100gms. Colin.
Posted on: 12/4/2011 6:16 AM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10842363

RE: Jeti Spin 99 - any updates?
Do the search....motor stops in flight, motor will not start, motor starts in reverse etc. These issues are clearly no longer occuring. Just trying to find out how updated the current version is compared to all new controllers like the YGE. Colin
Posted on: 11/29/2011 5:52 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10835354

RE: Jeti Spin 99 - any updates?
I'm no Historian but if you searched this forum on the Jeti 99 you will find a ton of horror stories regarding issues dating back a couple years. So either users started operating the controller differently, Jeti fixed the issues or this current very relaible, awesome and rock sloid controller is a new version released without anyones knowledge. I was looking at used controllers and have no idea at what point the issues went away. Just wondering is anyone more knowledgeable than the average user and has the details. Colin.
Posted on: 11/29/2011 3:58 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10835216

Jeti Spin 99 - any updates?
I was a little surprised by the popularity of this pretty old controller at the WC. Can anyone comment on updates to the firmware or hardware used on these controllers over the last couple years? Have Jeti solved any problems or improved performance in any tangible way since inception? Colin.
Posted on: 11/10/2011 4:43 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10806210

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Just checked and it's actually showing 1890EU which is 2,678.17 USD at todays exchange rate.
Posted on: 10/27/2011 4:14 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10785657

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Looks good as expected....and I'm sure it will be properly tuned after a few flights by Chad. What is the expected street price? Colin.
Posted on: 10/27/2011 2:28 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10785494

RE: Which batteries?
Chris Moon's (F3A Unlimited) batteries are on sale now...69 bucks. I can't see how that can be beat. These are really awesome batteries. Colin
Posted on: 10/25/2011 4:48 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10782476

RE: New Composite F3A.
Anyone have one these yet (Nuance)? A flight report and interior photos would be nice. Colin
Posted on: 9/20/2011 9:04 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10726774

RE: New Composite F3A.
Some photos of the interior and supplied hardware would be cool. Anyone test fly one of these (Nuance) yet? What about finished weight and can it accomodate firewall mounted outruners? I'm still not sure what's in the "kit". Is the wing built but not finished? Colin.
Posted on: 9/7/2011 5:54 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10706347

RE: D-4 Championships
For #7, can one snap be positive and the other negative? Colin
Posted on: 8/28/2011 8:37 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10691269

RE: Demographics
I think we have to make the first impressions and learning more fun and less dramatic. We tend to overwhelm new members with tons of rules, regulations dos and don't and make flight training overly rigorous often chasing some away after the first few sessions. A visit to a typical flying field on Sunday is also going to scare many off. With the majority of members being less diciplined than typical pattern guys and just about everyone trying to fly 3D like QQ the scene is usually nor very inviting. When done by talented pilots 3D is awesome...otherwise it's just scary!! I think if pattern instead of sport/3d flyinig was more visible popularity would improve. There will always be the issue of cost for the young kids...not sure how many parents would walk into a hobby store to outfit their 10 year old with new gear at $400-500. It's hard to compete with $300 PS3.
Posted on: 8/23/2011 1:08 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10683776

RE: New Falcon 20.5X14.5 V2 Prop - Light just got lighter
So is this slower or faster than the 21X14 Falcon? I'm looking for something that would add some braking on downlines compared to the 21X14. Colin
Posted on: 8/23/2011 12:32 PM by Author "cchariandy" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10683708