RE: Am I the only one who flies pattern with no mixes in their plane ??
This whole thread is like asking someone if they use Telex (who remembers that), Fax (who still uses that), Mobile Phones or Internet. Bragging that you don't use technology just ages you.
Posted on: 9/9/2012 1:02 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11222923

RE: Idle up Airplane
On the 14MZ they changed the software so that you can put in a negative "idle down". effectively creating an idle up.
Posted on: 7/27/2012 3:42 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11170967

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
Maidened my citrin this morning at JOMAC (Johannesburg Model Aircraft Club) this morning. Final weight was 3788g excluding the Hyperion 4600's. Ready to fly at 4920g. My basic kit started about 40g less than Clint's. Not sure where I made up the other 30g, mostly, I'd guess, by running a 4 wire system to the elevator servos. Pretty much flew off the tarmac without any help. A click of left and she was happy. Both Clint's and my Citrin seem to need some up trim which can be dialled out with the adjustable stab. Last picture shows cartercg's and my Citrin together.
Posted on: 7/22/2012 9:51 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11164498

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
My mount was done in the same way as Clint's. In fact he made most of it and helped me fit it too. My build thread is on Avcom. There is quite a bit of banter but the motor mount starts here http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=96124&start=90#p1097936. You can skip most of the posts and just look out for the photos. My final weight on the front mount (2.5mm plate) including epoxy is estimated at 23g and the rear mount (1.5mm brace and tabs with 2.5mm centering ring) came out at 8.5g (Probably under 9g with epoxy) All in for 32g. This does not include the 3 x 4mm Allen head screws to secure the motor to the front mount. I was really taken by the F3AUnlimited mount and intended to use it. Looks really neat but unfortunately the 41g does not include the fixing structure to secure it to the airframe (another 10g I'd guess) and with the Citrin we just don't have the extra weight spare to play around with.
Posted on: 7/11/2012 11:47 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11152208

RE: 28th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SOUTH AFRICA 2013
Hope to see everyone here next year. A big turnout would be appreciated in our far flung corner of Africa. If you consider that you only have to drive 60km's from your first point of call in South Africa (OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg) it sounds (to me anyway) much easier access than some of the previous World Champs!!!!! If anyone has any non official type questions then Clint and myself (amongst others) will do our best to help. Sunshine is all but guaranteed and after 9am jeans and T-shirt will be fine. Evenings and mornings need a windcheater type jacket and/or pullover. The wind can add a bit of a chill to the air but nothing like what you guys up north are used to. Remember that August in South Africa is the END of winter.
Posted on: 7/6/2012 12:46 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11144906

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
Hi Andre, My "out of the box" weights were: Top Wing: 555g Bottom Wing: 570g Left Stab: 99g Right Stab: 103g Fuz: 929g Screw pack, servo and engine mount: 81g Spats: 26g Gear: 117g Total comes out at 2480g Somehow I score on the fuselage but my wings and stabs seem a lot heavier than yours. Still a net weight difference of 50g and Clint's Citrin was about 40g heavier than mine out of the box !!!! Can you please post your TP5000 weight?? With the TP5000's and the APC it seems a small miracle that you have made weight[:D][8D] Grant PS: Another thought. Did you weigh everything on the same scale? Could you weigh the TP5000's on both scales, if you used more than one? Your weights are consistently about 7% below mine except for the fuselage. Just made me think that you might have used a 2nd scale for the fuselage.
Posted on: 6/29/2012 12:20 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11136090

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
[quote]ORIGINAL: cartercg ..........My son Thomas with his RC toy - fortunately they're cheap at his age......that will change if he ever wants for fly F3A and dad has to equip two planes!!!! [/quote] Da man already HAS two planes [>:] [>:] Wolfgang's Peridot A-plane from the 2011 world champs and now the Citrin[:@][:@] Thomas is well set to inherit the Peridot[:'(]
Posted on: 6/10/2012 12:38 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11113413

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
Well done Clint. Sorry I wasn't there for the maiden[:o]
Posted on: 6/6/2012 9:37 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11108734

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
Looks really nice Clint[8D][8D] All the best for the maiden tomorrow morning. I'm REALLY sorry that I will miss it. Check out everything as if you are me. After all those building hours one becomes so familiar with everything that it is easy to overlook something. 100 bucks on taking off with one click right on the aileron trim and one click down on elevator.[:)] Now, about those Mejzlik extra light props that I am bringing in for you[:D] I am leaving town on business tomorrow. Would be really nice if MY Citrin is finished by the time I get back on Sunday[:D]
Posted on: 6/4/2012 12:19 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11106118

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
[quote]ORIGINAL: flyf3a .........so you received an in spec version............[/quote] Thanks Burt. On that basis mine comes in at 2337g. Only problem is that I ALREADY have an "INSPEC" version[:D] I was hoping for a "CITRIN" version[>:]
Posted on: 6/3/2012 9:55 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11104772

RE: Shinden Down
[quote]ORIGINAL: Silent-AV8R I'm not too sire about that 130 degree self ignition temp. When I was racing electric boats we would warm the packs to 110 before a race and typically ended with temps of around 140, sometimes higher. This was with packs a couple of generations younger than what we fly now. I just looked at the linked page. They have an interesting take on lipos. Not sure I agree with all of it. For instance: [quote] Myth 4: “Our Lithium Polymer batteries have a C rating of 20 with a burst rating of 25C.� Nonsense! Very few Lithium Polymer Batteries on the market have a C rating exceeding 18 and any time the C rating is exceeded it will reduce the battery’s life expectancy by a factor of 6 if it does not trigger the reaction.[/quote] [/quote] Yea, I saw that. I suspect the link is a bit dated. I agree with self ignition temperature being too low. A figure of 70deg Celsius was in my mind, just couldn't find a reference to support it.
Posted on: 5/30/2012 6:47 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11099755

RE: Shinden Down
From the pic it looks like the wires leading from the pack have taken some heat. This may indicate that they were drawing a high load which could point to a stalled servo(s) Your description of the airplane snap rolling and spinning on its own would also point to a servo problem. My feeling is that if the pack merely self ignited then the wires leading from the pack would be largely undamaged. PS: Putting all that foam around the LiPo pack is also not exactly a great idea. According to this http://www.jerseycoastrcclub.org/The%20Six%20Deadly%20Myths%20of%20Lithium%20Batteries%20by%20Bob%20Burtis.htm source LiPo's self ignite at about 130deg Fahrenheit (55deg C) I would have thought it a bit higher. (We fly at an ambient of 95F 35C in summer, not much leeway there) Wrapping the pack in a 'jersey' will just help it to get to the point of self ignition. With electrics I don't know of anybody that still wraps the RX pack. I understand it was a glow model. Not sure what the answer is.
Posted on: 5/30/2012 5:13 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11099650

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
Hey Clint, how can you just say that!!!! My Inspec is a built up balsa wing. Glassed and painted (In fact, I just presume it is glassed. It may be primed and painted - which is why the surface is so delicate). The fuselage is laid up in a mould with a glass outside and balsa inner layer. (Balsa composite, more or less like my Black Magic[8D] ) As far as I am aware it is painted afterwards, by hand. As I understand it, each Oxai is hand made and painted (Looking at the excess epoxy in my Inspec I can believe it!) I'm hoping my Citrin is the same[:D][8D]
Posted on: 5/3/2012 11:27 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11066946

RE: New OXAI CITRIN by Wolfgang and Roland Matt
Mine is shipping too [:D][:D][:D] Clint forgot to mention that he gets to build the prototype and mine gets all the improvements[:)] Pity they won't be ready for the RSA NATS. Any comments on the difference in handling between a normal pattern plane and a bipe??? Anything that one should look out for on takeoff, in flight, landing ?
Posted on: 4/18/2012 12:26 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11047432

RE: Power issue
Check for pitting on the Deans connectors. Especially the male soldered to the speed controller. It may even have a slight black discoloration inside the pits. Compare with a brand new one if you can. In my case I must have had 200 flights on the connector but the symptoms were very similar to your own. The way I rationalised it is that the packs were able to deliver full voltage under no current but the voltage drop under takeoff current was enough to trigger the motor shutdown on the ESC.
Posted on: 4/16/2012 7:58 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11044058

RE: Suggestions for newbie pattern pilot
A personal perspective. Take it slow. it doesn't really matter what you fly. Have fun. Stay out of politics. Take your time. To succeed at pattern is a journey. You need the right equipment at the right time.
Posted on: 3/4/2012 10:12 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10986048

RE: Aluminium bolts
[quote]ORIGINAL: MTK You guys still use bolts to mount your landing gear?? How...old fashioned, hehehe [/quote] Glad to hear that the use of landing gear isn't obsolete yet ;)
Posted on: 2/22/2012 8:24 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10970640

RE: Futaba 18 MZ setup problem
Even the S-Bus channel will work as a battery port. Clinton has been flying like that for some time now.
Posted on: 2/14/2012 2:07 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10958117

RE: Pattern Rules Proposals
[quote]ORIGINAL: pattratt I do agree with doing away with the weight rule but I don't think it will happen for FAI.[:o] Dick [/quote] Sorry to butt in on the USA discussion again but is it necessary to change the rules for FAI? I think that everyone is (should be) more worried about the development of pattern and smoothing the way for the competitors on their way up. Someone mentioned that most pilots flying F3A (Masters in USA, I believe) are still predominantly developmental pilots. If one considers that the bulk of pilots flying P13/F13 are developing their skills then there is no debate that the weight limit should be increased. The argument then changes to how the team selection process should change. I believe that changing the weight limit for Team selection events will be counter productive. Pattern is finely balanced with LSA and by destroying the balance we could end up with a mishmash (not good american, I know) which would be bad. On the other hand I believe that an increase in weight limit right up to the top class is good. In South Africa we have now adopted the FAI sequence of 4 x P's and a 2 xF's for the flyoffs for team selection events. Top three "P" flights are normalised and divided by three to get a score out of 1000. The top 6 pilots then compete in a F schedule fly off. The best two of the F normalised score is added to the final P score to get a total score out of 2000 and determine the winner for team selection events. I feel that pilots qualifying for the fly-offs must comply with FAI rules but that an increased weight restriction for F3A (Masters) pilots not competing for team selection can only improve participation. Pilots moving up to the top class are given the opportunity to compete with their existing equipment and grow while the 'top dogs'can compete for team placings without disadvantage.
Posted on: 2/2/2012 11:01 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10940394

RE: Pattern Rules Proposals
[quote]ORIGINAL: klhoard . BTW - I just made that up . . .<img alt='''' src=''../../punymce/plugins/emoticons/img/trans.gif'' title=''[:)]'' class=''emoticon happy'' /> <img src=''http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/teeth_smile.gif'' alt='''' /> . [/quote] And there I was just thinking that EVERYTHING in the USA was bigger[:D]
Posted on: 1/30/2012 11:12 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10935290

RE: Pattern Rules Proposals
[quote]ORIGINAL: MTK [quote]ORIGINAL: Ryan Smith Still waiting on a response on this. Why do we have the 2-meter rule, and why is it more important than the 11 pound weight rule? [/quote] The AMA followed the FAI paradigm about 20 years ago. There was a time (70's? maybe even a bit later) when size was not a limiting rule [/quote] Please correct me if I am wrong but in the 70's/80's pattern was flown with a 60 size plane BECAUSE that was the technology of the day. A 150cc 3m pattern plane was just a dream...... We have just been through a provincial (state) competition locally where the pattern rules have come under fire. I am not against rule modifications perse but 2m / 11lb is what we currently consider pattern. Locally many LSA pilots consider pattern "expensive" but that is just because of the lack of international participation in our LSA. Size is cost and if you want a bigger plane then fly F3M. IMAC doesn't count (locally in any event) in my opinion as I fail to see the PRECISION in IMAC. I would rather consider weight increases. The current 11lb weight limit is a legacy of the "glow"past. A 12lb ( or 13lb) weight limit would open the field to many more cost conscious 'electric' pattern pilots. Maybe allow a 2lb leeway for electric only? The weight penalty combined with the size limit will be enough to discourage top pattern pilots from following suite, especially at the 2013 world champs at 4000+ feet ASL and 90F and above.
Posted on: 1/30/2012 10:50 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10935261

RE: Futaba 14MZ and Phoenix Flight Sim
Thanks CustomPC, I didn't get the white smoke but that's the type of positive input I was looking for. It will take some guts on my part to plug it into ANY Sim in the near future.
Posted on: 2/14/2011 10:28 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10337031

Futaba 14MZ and Phoenix Flight Sim
Judging from the lack of replies to my post on the Futaba support forum I have gathered that I maybe posted in the wrong place, so, I'll try again! Here's the backround. My 14MZ was brand new and I had put about 10 trimming flights on it when I decided to set up a model on my Phoenix (www.phoenix-sim.com) simulator with the square adaptor supplied by Phoenix. I have been using the sim for 2yrs with my JR DSX9. I can't remember the exact sequence of events but initially the 14MZ would freeze (the screen not the controller) and I would have to remove the battery to switch it off. Sometimes it would be ok after a reboot but mostly I would have to leave it for 4hrs (probably for the software to shut down fully). I also worked out that it was more stable if I switched the TX on before plugging in the sim cable. Once when I was battling I reloaded the software and the problem was solved but a subsequent try did not work. Finally there was a "Loading" screen and nothing, but nothing would make it go away. The PC Board has been replaced and my 14MZ is on its way back to me. I have a friend who plugged his JR DSX9 into a realflight simulator with similar results. This has made me consider the possibility that it was just my bad luck or perhaps the problem was there anyway and I have mistakenly associated it with the flight sim. Over the 3 weeks that I battled with the problem the screen never failed at the field and the transmitter never let me down (not even on the sim). Is there a known problem with Phoenix flight sim? Is there a recommended way to connect to any flight sim? Is there a recommended flight sim? I don't want to be without my 14MZ for another 6 weeks! PS: The reset button doesn't seem to do any more than disconnect the battery. A proper software reset button (to bypass the battery backup) would be a really nice feature. Regards Grant
Posted on: 2/14/2011 6:14 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10334959

14MZ and Phoenix Flight Sim
Here's the backround. My 14MZ was brand new and I had put about 10 trimming flights on it when I decided to set up a model on my Phoenix (www.phoenix-sim.com) simulator with the square adaptor supplied by Phoenix. I have been using the sim for 2yrs with my JR DSX9. I can't remember the exact sequence of events but initially the 14MZ would freeze (the screen not the controller) and I would have to remove the battery to switch it off. Sometimes it would be ok after a reboot but mostly I would have to leave it for 4hrs (probably for the software to shut down fully). I also worked out that it was more stable if I switched the TX on before plugging in the sim cable. Once when I was battling I reloaded the software and the problem was solved but a subsequent try did not work. Finally there was a "Loading" screen and nothing, but nothing would make it go away. The PC Board has been replaced and my 14MZ is on its way back to me. I have a friend who plugged his JR DSX9 into a realflight simulator with similar results. This has made me consider the possibility that it was just my bad luck or perhaps the problem was there anyway and I have mistakenly associated it with the flight sim. Over the 3 weeks that I battled with the problem the screen never failed at the field and the transmitter never let me down (not even on the sim). Is there a known problem with Phoenix flight sim? Is there a recommended way to connect to any flight sim? Is there a recommended flight sim? I don't want to be without my 14MZ for another 6 weeks! PS: The reset button doesn't seem to do any more than disconnect the battery. A proper software reset button (to bypass the battery backup) would be a really nice feature. Regards Grant
Posted on: 2/2/2011 11:42 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10308748

RE: Black Magic VF3 E build thread!
Hi Pete, Is the forum still running? There is a lot of valuable info there that would be a shame to lose. I would be happy to host the bulletin board if you/Mike are prepared to make it available. Regards Grant
Posted on: 1/9/2011 11:54 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10252027

RE: 14mz Can not create process
Here's my experience with the same problem. I created a copy of my model with 6 channels and set it up in 8CH/Student mode to work with Phoenix Flight Sim version 2.5v. Initially the problem started when I plugged in the trainer cord and the 14MZ started to boot up (switch in off position). I discovered that if I switched the radio on first then plugged in the cord the problem seemed to lessen, but not entirely. The only way to clear the problem seemed to be to leave the radio off for 4hrs and let it do a cold start. The problem never happened at the flying field, only on the sim 'model'. I tried creating new models but it never solved the problem. I reinstalled the software and it DID allow a hot restart but the problem still recurred. Finally, one fateful night it came up with a "Can not create process" error. I tried a reboot and it showed "Loading". After that it never got past the "Loading" message. I left it on for 30min, off for 4hrs, resetting, tried reinstalling the software. Nothing. Another thread on this forum seemed to indicate a 'memory fault'. The TX is only 6 weeks old so I'm quite disappointed.
Posted on: 12/22/2010 6:51 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10211356

RE: MasterSpin 99 low voltage cut
Nice to see that I have become an international case study[8D] The thinking behind the 'soft' cut is that you are most likely to experience a low voltage situation while at full throttle. This was not what happened in my case. I was just cruising downwind and the first indication was when I tried to add a bit of power (just a LITTLE bit!) to reach the runway. Hence the decision to change to a 'hard' cut. If there's a problem you want to know about it IMMEDIATELY. Flick the brake switch and nurse the baby home. If I had bothered to learn from our mate who lost his Integral 6 months earlier I would have saved myself some reconstruction work[8|] but I have always maintained that you need to be a real twit (or buy cheap batteries) to experience a dead stick with electrics. Well, I guess I've found out which category I fit into[:D] The lesson learnt is to know what you need to do to reactivate your speed controller BEFORE you have a deadstick.
Posted on: 10/25/2010 2:43 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10092331

RE: Black Magic VF3 E build thread!
Cool Jason, Let's see if we can get the "last two" VF3's in the sky before the end of the year. Finished with the hairspray. About to sheet the left wing. 80grams (2.9oz) for top and bottom sheet together. Edit: the left wing is sheeted and in the shuck. I used 45grams of resin as opposed to the 36grams suggested by Mike. I think I was a bit heavy handed on the 'beading' around the honeycomb section. It is annoying to THROW away even 9grams of of weight advantage when one has worked so hard to reduce weight. I guess I'll have to do the other wing the same, so 18grams gone in total.
Posted on: 8/14/2010 12:43 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9932823

RE: Black Magic VF3 E build thread!
Cut the lightening holes and servo lead tubes. Saved a disappointing 16g per wing, basically 1oz total. As shown in the pic the wings are 112grams (4oz) each. While cutting the wing tubes I was battling to get the last inch of foam from the end of the tube. There was just not enough friction to 'break' the foam off inside the cutting tube. A drop of foam safe cyano INSIDE the cutting tube. Insert tube and leave for a couple of minutes. A quick twist and pull out the offending foam. Be careful you don't get cyano on the OUTSIDE of the cutting tube. Next sheeting, capping and trimming. After that, aligning the wings and stabs on the fuz.
Posted on: 8/9/2010 7:11 AM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9920524

RE: Black Magic VF3 E build thread!
Right, Had a bit of a battle with the 2nd wing tube hole. Cost me a blank but the 3rd one worked out ok. It is 1mm (about 3/64") off center but straight, so I'm going to forgive myself for that. Glued the false rib. There are places where the foam burnt away too much but I'm working on the basis that the bond with the spars and balsa sheeting is more important so rather than adding weight I'm going to leave the gaps. Still waiting for comments from the pro's on this one. Just about to glue the spars. Cutting the slots with a dremel as described in the instructions worked well.
Posted on: 8/6/2010 12:47 PM by Author "grantb" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9914991