RE: BJ Craft - Nuance 120
The other reason I would consider one of these is I have a bunch of 4S 5000s that I could use for an 8S set-up. Now that LiPos are becoming more affordable, probably not as strong a reason as in the past, but if I went with either of these, would definitely go 8S for performance reasons as well.
Posted on: 5/16/2013 12:43 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513427

RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2m Build Thread
Good questions Tony, guys have their preferences for connectors, there are pros & cons to each configuration, like anything else in this hobby. What I have not seen much of is adapters across connector types: Just have not really seen that much out there. Would be more possible failure points, so perhaps not a great idea? Guys just seem to pick one connector to standardize their gear on. Coming from sport flying large electrics (8S quarter scale aerobats), I just stayed with Deans Ultras when moving up to 2m pattern, but that's as much due to convenience and sunk costs as anything else. How's your install coming? Good flying weather this weekend up here and we have a one day contest on Saturday in Jackson NJ.
Posted on: 5/16/2013 8:01 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513147

RE: BJ Craft - Nuance 120
[quote]ORIGINAL: Andy P. Let me know what details you'd like and I'll do my best to take them from my model here. Andy. [/quote] Thanks Andy. BJ's blog lists the dimensions for your new Nuance, so I was looking for the Fantasista's for comparison. Both look so tempting, I look forward to your build here. Cheers!
Posted on: 5/16/2013 7:14 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513100

RE: BJ Craft - Nuance 120
[quote]ORIGINAL: mups53 We'll be getting in the Fantasista 110 in on the next shipment. [/quote] Hi Mike, a few weeks ago I would not have been very interested in a sub-2m size pattern plane, however, the potential need to fly a smaller box at one club has piqued my interest. Say, do you have the dimensions for this one? All I see on BJ's blog is an equipment list. Any other hints welcome. To the OP, my apologies for the detour off the Nuance topic! http://rcone.kr/board/index.html?id=bjair1&no=108
Posted on: 5/16/2013 6:49 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513073

RE: BJ Craft - Nuance 120
Hi Chris, Mike, will F3AU import these? I might just want one!
Posted on: 5/16/2013 6:12 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513036

RE: Oasis (NJ) pattern contest who is going?
If Don and Joseph would please save me a stick plane, I would appreciate that. A Medium size shirt will also be terrific, thanks! Dana
Posted on: 5/16/2013 3:38 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512945

RE: BACKUP/Redundant batteries
+1. These are what I have been using for about 2 years now. Since I had one on-hand, that's what went into the Nuance last summer. They go by the name of PowerBox Sensor in the States, at least that's what mine was labeled. [quote]ORIGINAL: Pablo Kuri https://duraliteflightsystems.com/image/cache/804000-500x500.jpg [/quote]
Posted on: 5/15/2013 2:42 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512529

RE: Oasis (NJ) pattern contest who is going?
Thanks Don, I plan to be there and will buy a shirt. Dana
Posted on: 5/15/2013 4:11 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512021

RE: 150 meter rule.
Yes, Chad's post has been on my mind all weekend! I am going to put that together your observations & comments Colin as well Don's & Arch's above to rethink my approach to 402. I know I have made some progress with throttle management and presenting a more constant speed so I will be solving for baseline distance/altitude and duration/transition between maneuvers over the months before the next contest season. These other ways to think about flying the schedule are really helpful to me as I am trying to be thoughtful and purposeful about the months of practice ahead. Cheers!
Posted on: 9/17/2012 1:30 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11231395

RE: 150 meter rule.
[quote]ORIGINAL: rcpattern ...I think the key is to start a little further out and then as you get comfortable with the sequence then you can start working your way in closer as your time needed to react is much less because you know what to expect. I believe it is very hard to learn a sequence when flying in really close. Much easier to start further out and give yourself some time and then start bringing it in. Arch [/quote] Thanks Arch, I will try this!
Posted on: 9/17/2012 10:41 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11231238

RE: 150 meter rule.
As a new intermediate contestant (2 contests after VA this weekend), I have been attempting to fly a little slower and closer in than I had when I was flying 401 earlier this season. The feedback on my flights was mixed. While slower gave me more time in the box, which got smaller when flying closer in, some observers encouraged me to fly faster next time. OTOH might we consider that a faster, farther out (than the FAI guys are flying) style may look different, than a closer, slower pace which may appear awkward in the lower AMA classes? Of course what I am lacking is the consistency and precision needed to fly close and remain in the box; my impression is that flying at the correct distance leaves little margin for error on the near side. For example, I zeroed an end box maneuver by flying too close. Why share all this out and just what do I know? OK, easy the choice is to revert back to flying faster and farther out to reduce the risk of leaving the box on the near side. The zero on the near hurts the score more than flying too far out for which there is a questionable downgrade, if any (especially if a judge favors the faster flying style). Perhaps that works up to a point, but what if one progresses to Masters or FAI, what then? A few years experience flying a little farther out and faster than FAI wants? At the correct distance and ground speed to score well in the box, much precision is needed and inconsistency is problematic. The road to excellence at 150m is far more challenging and one must be willing to suffer lower scores on the way to developing a consistent and precise skill set to make it work in the box? Thoughts?
Posted on: 9/17/2012 6:56 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230987

RE: East Coast Pattern Championships
I had a great time flying with the D2 pilots: thanks guys for welcoming me to your contest, some great coaching and helpful feedback. I feel like I have made some friends in D2 and will visit again next season, at the FARM maybe... OTOH I do not think it was right for the host club to offer us the left over chicken for sale on Sunday at $1 a piece when I already paid for it ($12) on Saturday. A minor beef, but considering a few other things I am overlooking, this was a bit much. When we spend a few hundred dollars to drive to a contest 6 hours away, a piece of cold left over chicken might have been offered gratis, especially given the fact that too much was ordered and we paid for all of it by buying the $12 meal tickets. That said, the local members are blessed with a truly beautiful property to fly off of! Thanks again D2!
Posted on: 9/16/2012 3:55 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230325

RE: East Coast Pattern Championships
The Fried Chicken dinner with all the fixings was delicious too! A Saturday evening demo flight by a local turbine driver provided dinner conversation.
Posted on: 9/16/2012 4:26 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11229818

RE: 150 meter rule.
[quote]ORIGINAL: 4ptrol Joe, Come on down to Virginia. I have a Contra set up in a Wind Pro you are more than welcome try. Larry [/quote] Larry, Joe, if there is an opportunity at the contest this weekend to demonstrate the distances discussed, that would be most helpful. This from the point of view of someone progressing through the AMA classes (not FAI). It seems to take a bit of experience to estimate these distances, whereas the box boundaries are easier to visualize as one goes from field to field during the contest season. Interesting discussion actually.
Posted on: 9/13/2012 7:27 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227187

RE: Am I the only one who flies pattern with no mixes in their plane ??
Another way to look at the choice to fly without (even minor) mixing is that it is an easier choice to make by the pilot who is not competing?
Posted on: 9/10/2012 10:38 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223866

RE: Am I the only one who flies pattern with no mixes in their plane ??
Go back further, someone mentioned Kaz... When pattern pilots were flying reed radios, did any stick with those when proportional radios came along? If so, did they choose to do so because they already could control their models just fine without the new technology? An extreme example, but we might consider the technology choices pattern competitors have made in a historical context, not compared to what we have to choose from today? And if anyone has an example of a tool or technique that not all have opted into, would be interesting to see if the reasons are similar to those given for avoiding mixing in the radio.
Posted on: 9/10/2012 10:23 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223848

RE: Am I the only one who flies pattern with no mixes in their plane ??
Interesting discussion. Computer radios with mixing capabilities are available to pattern competitors today, should they decide to use mixing, or not... Were there any equipment capabilities (need not relate to mixes) available to pattern competitors in the pre-turnaround era that some chose not use at the time, and if so, why did they pass on that technology? A purist point-of-view where less is more is certainly not limited to today's Pmixing? Any examples of powerful new tools or techniques that were unevenly embraced by the pattern community in the past?
Posted on: 9/10/2012 9:12 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223763

RE: East Coast Pattern Championships
Work schedule and weather permitting, I'm in! Looking forward to my first contest outside of D1. Will try to arrive for Friday afternoon practice. Dana
Posted on: 9/9/2012 3:07 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223026

RE: Am I the only one who flies pattern with no mixes in their plane ??
Word!
Posted on: 9/8/2012 7:11 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221674

RE: Electric Vs Engine.
Bonjour Claude, [quote]ORIGINAL: papaone Danamania wrote :"Oh, and I usually get at least 2-4 flights in while the glow guys are getting set-up and started ..." [/quote] Dana also wrote: "True, most of these are NOT YS" Please let's t's keep my quote in context, svp. Merci! At the contest I entered this past weekend there were no YS deadsticks which was good
Posted on: 8/21/2012 3:42 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11200621

RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2m Build Thread
In general, electric motors are spec'ed for a particular voltage range which we casually refer to as "S." A10S motor would be expected to underperform on 8S unless the mismatch can be overcome with a different prop. If one is going to stick with 8S in the long run (why?), a different motor choice might be considered. When new to large electrics, I always suggest sticking with the recommended set-ups or known equivalents (like the excellent and cost effective Himax 210 kv motor on 10S, for example). Will it be for pattern flying or sport flying?
Posted on: 8/12/2012 10:29 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11190470

RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2m Build Thread
Yup, mounted the Himax directly through the firewall Pletty 3-hole pattern with the EF supplied spacers. Needed slightly longer bolts than supplied with the Himax, got those at Lowe's. The rest of the hardware came with the motor. Works fine, check the bolts every few flights, easy.
Posted on: 8/11/2012 8:01 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11189266

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
Thanks all for the courage and candor in telling your Nats stories and related posts over the last few days. I learned a lot reading them. While the extreme conditions are statistically rare, this year's finals stories gave me insight on the challenges of competition at the top, especially when the winds are howling. Reminds me of a quote I read on one of the threads, don't know who said to first: Most practice till they get it right; experts practice till they can't get it wrong. At my age and experience level, more about inspiration than action LOL as there is only so much free time for practicing pattern, and yet it's a whole different approach to flying models. For example, making weight or making it lighter still; flying in poor conditions when I'd rather be somewhere else, and so on. Thanks again guys, it's been real learning from you here, priceless really. Please keep inspiring us.
Posted on: 8/11/2012 4:24 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11189104

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
FWIW, FAI bulletin EI for the 2013 Worlds in SA lists the field elevation at 4,872 feet. The average daily maximum temp is listed as 22 C (72 F). At standard pressure of 29.92" the density altitude at 22 C (dry) would be 6,777 feet. At 66% RH, it goes up to 7,034 by another calculator (relative air density of 81%). Average sustained wind speeds are listed as 2-4 m/s (4-9 mph), peaking at 2pm. http://fai-f3aworld.blogspot.ca/p/28th-world-championship-south-africa.html?m=1
Posted on: 8/9/2012 4:34 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11187486

RE: Electric Vs Engine.
During the summer months when there is light after work, I can challenge myself to get out to the airfield for a few practice flights. I have been doing this every day, to every other weekday for the last two months straight. The "convenience" of electric makes this possible for me. The practice make it possible to compete AND progress (or at least maintain newly learned skills long enough to stick). The extra practice time is needed to learn the Intermediate schedule while continuing to rehearse the Sportsman one I can fly in a contest today (and those 2 darn loops LOL). I have nothing against IC, but the convenience of electric is an instrumental part of the whole pattern competition effort that is hard to separate out at this point. Last night I got in 3 flights between a DLE dead stick and the arrival of another gasser & sunset. Not pattern planes true, but if it took any more time & effort, practicing after work would not be practical. We might not disparage convenience, or relegate that to the fairer pilots, if convenience is viewed as a competitive advantage. No reason to come over to the dark side really, just the way we roll after work. Cheers!
Posted on: 8/9/2012 1:12 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11187246

RE: Electric Vs Engine.
Electric power is the reason I returned to the hobby as adult. Given the amount that I have spent in the past 3 years, EP must be good for the hobby! I started flying contests last season, a few IMAC basic (didn't suit me), and a few pattern meets. This year I decided to stick just to Pattern. EVERY contest I have been to in these past 2 years has had at least one IC deadstick per contest, and at least two of those this season alone resulted in extensive damage to the model (vs. no electric deadsticks). These were not newcomers to the sport, like me, but experienced, seasoned pattern flyers who are competitive. One fellow I know has made the decision to come over to the dark side and try electric. I guess that is an easier move to make when the glow bird is grounded for rebuild. Over the course of these same 8 contests to date, I have not met or heard of a single pilot talking about going back to YS. True this is anecdote - and a sample of convenience with no statistical power, no doubt - but my observation from within my parts of D1 is that the move FROM YS to electric is still occuring, albeit at a glacial pace. So much for this limited data LOL! Now Matt (MTK) has a gasser or two he flies pattern with, his own designs, and has bought a Vanquish to convert to gas. This interests me much more as I have a stock electric one. As far as IC goes, could it be that gas is the future, not nitro? Anyway, I am not yet inclined to haul a gasser in my used Volvo wagon, but as it ages and starts to smell like old car, who knows right? A slimer? Not likely, I just don't enjoy the mess, smell, noise, etc. Oh, and I usually get at least 2-4 flights in while the glow guys are getting set-up and started. Sometimes I am even done for the day before a glow bird gets in the air. True, most of these are NOT YS, but this repeated experience at the flying field reinforces for me, at my level of experience, that the time is better spent as stick time in the air on electricity, rather than throttle time on the ground messing with glow fuel (after all , I am a flyer not a mechanic). All just my opinion and observations of course, to each his/her cherished own in this great hobby we share.
Posted on: 8/9/2012 4:24 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11186671

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
Contest day in any sport involves a play of chance. This is especially true in aviation (and boating perhaps) where the craft moves through a fluid medium that is not exactly the same for each heat. The competitors accept that, prepare well anticipating both the piloting skills and equipment needed to carry the day, and have their go when their turn comes up to fly. Sometimes things break or fail, as in auto racing, all part of the sport: The thrill of victory / agony of defeat thing we learned about watching TV as kids. Given that the guys at the top who are flying FAI well enough to inspire us all are also experienced enough to select good parts, assemble those into their airframe of choice, tune and trim to near perfection, and practice deliberate technique that compliments their aircraft in the anticipated conditions, I hope we can take those variables off the table for a NY minute (all you FAI flyers are awesome to me): 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? And can this be discussed briefly without undue bragging or painful insults? These stories are great learning opportunities for those of us climbing the classes and I thank all for sharing here with the lesser mortals LOL. Good stuff. You guys rock! Thanks also to Ed Alt for posting that link about electric motors. Very interesting graph giving insight into where peak power is expected. Is that peak power band really so different from IC, in theory? Another topic for another thread no doubt, but it's nice to get some common language cleared up.
Posted on: 8/8/2012 3:16 AM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11185252

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
Figure 1 on the link I posted above depicts a drag curve. The curve for total drag is lowest (assume that lift/induced drag and parasite/airframe drag are optimal at this point) at a particular airspeed. This airspeed might be regarded as "efficient" for the airframe design (so perhaps that airspeed would inform prop choice)? Anyway, a bunch of posts kick around how much drag is designed into the airframe (mono or biplane). What I am wondering now is this low point on the drag curve what the newer designs are driving towards to realize a model that flies "slow" enough to maximize time in box (fit in all the required elements, control downline speed); AND "efficient" enough to make good use of the power plant of choice to fly the schedule in contest conditions (airspeed envelope vs. winds; flight time, etc.)?
Posted on: 8/7/2012 3:56 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184773

RE: Extreme Flight Vanquish 2m Build Thread
Congrats on the wins, awesome! I have a new favorite prop on mine, a PT 20x13. It give a bit more ground clearance, is a bit more efficient and speed a little easier to manage than the 20.5x14.5 had on it before. What prop size is working for you?
Posted on: 8/7/2012 2:06 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184634

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
On the lighter side of things aerodynamic, and taking up the challenge to do a little searching and reading, this imperfect article illustrates a few of the terms and concepts discussed above (thrust, drag, induced & parasite, etc.). The concept of the power curve may also be useful? http://www.aviationschoolsonline.com/faqs/power-curve-article.php Pages ago someone introduced the concept of efficiency as critical to performance at altitude which I found insightful. Anything else on that so we can learn from each other?
Posted on: 8/7/2012 1:04 PM by Author "danamania" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184565