RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
SubjectRE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Posted on: 8/12/2008 9:10 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7704994

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
[quote]ORIGINAL: blaiss Hi Scott, I bought my Aerocat from you at the JR Indoor back in November. Perhaps the only thing quicker than Aerocat on the 2212-6 motor is how long it takes to get it built. By far one of the easiest planes I have ever Assembled! One question, though. I've been flying my 'cat as often as possible (50-75 flights since November). Today the Motor (SpinMax 2212-6) started sputtering and 'seizing up'. Bringing the throttle back to idle seemed to restore power temporarily. Have you heard of this happening? Any idea what's causing it? I am using the SpinMax 30A ESC and Dualsky 3S 1800 batteries. Thanks! Steve. [/quote] Check the magnets on the outrunner. I can only speak from my own experience but my SpinMax 2212-6 "let go" of two magnets and I had similar difficulties with the motor. I simply took it apart and glued the loose magnets back in. It seems to work fine again. Let's see if the glue holds up...
Posted on: 6/16/2008 8:46 AM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7624192

RE: Let's start a GWS line.
Starting to clean up the bottom gaps with 3mm Depron foam...
Posted on: 6/14/2008 10:19 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7619705

RE: Let's start a GWS line.
Here's another:
Posted on: 6/13/2008 9:37 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7616667

RE: Let's start a GWS line.
I was initially hesistant in getting a GWS plane due to the "coffee cup" foam construction and cheap price by a Chinese company. After giving a Formosa II a try, I really enjoy this plane. Although I found the assembly to be quite involved, tedious at points as well as poorly written instructions, this bird simply flies like a gem. For $44 and several hours invested, it's worth it. I've got a Himax outrunner (250W) with a 10X7 prop, CC 35A ESC, and 3S 2100 20C lipo. It hauls quite nice and is very aerobatic. I took the landing retract gear challenge and installed some .10 retracts from Great Planes. They look and work quite well, especially with a servo slow down module. I think that the lure behind these planes is the economical price as well as the customization and modification factor.
Posted on: 6/13/2008 1:21 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Foamies! - RC Electric Foam Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7615179

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
[quote]ORIGINAL: HeliTB Hey guys look at what I made. I'm calling it the TB40 X-Eagles Jet. This is a cross between the AeroCat (Scott's Jet) and X-41 (T3chDad Jet). The canards are hooked to servo, so they can move. I will setup mix for them. Let me know what you guys think. Scott...I still love my AeroCat. Yeah yeah, I'm a big time Philadelphia Eagles Fan. Don't Hate :-)!!!! [/quote] Way cool!
Posted on: 6/13/2008 12:13 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7614964

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
My Aerocat was recently shot down by enemy AA fire. I was on a "mission" and took several hits to the airframe with the final/fatal blow hitting the aileron. But seriously though, I had a bad launch into heavy wind and I did a nose dive into the ground. I ended up doing a quick repair and turned the badly damaged Aerocat into a flying wing. It flew very different but it still flew ok without a nose section. I was at a friend's house when this all happened. He's on several acres so his backyard made for a nice flying field. He then challenged me that he could hit my plane with his paintball gun. I quickly took the challenge. Initially, no one was able to hit the Cat, not even close. High speed passes proved that this fast moving target could not be hit! I won! LOL. Well, I wanted to make it interesting and slowed the Cat down. It started to take hits but kept on flying! Eventually the shooter was able to strike a final hit to the aileron and the Cat went into the earth. It was an exciting venture. I'm going to get a Yardbird YB-22 as my next jet project. Still love the Cat!
Posted on: 6/13/2008 12:12 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7614962

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Mission aborted. After spending many hours on the work bench getting the retracts to work, real world testing revealed that this gear set up is not practical for this type of plane. A few problems surfaced: 1. The nose of this plane is not designed to support nose gear with a battery located directly above the gear. This resulted in a "floppy" nose gear that flexed the nose as well as the gear itself. 2. The added weight of the system significanly impedes the performance of the Aerocat. Although it looks way cool watching the gear go up and down in flight, it's not worth the loss of speed and agility of this craft. 3. I need a paved runway for tricycle gear! I'm always flying in the park or at the school yard! What was I thinking! During the second flight test, I bend the front gear wire and then broke the front gear linkage as a result of hitting a patch of grass... It was an interesting project to fabricate a retract system on this craft. I learned a good deal. It was a real work for me considering that I'm a pure ARF guy! Now I have gear mounts epoxyied onto the bottom on the plane. They will have to stay there. They don't look to good. I also beat up the bottom on the plane from all of the work I did. I'll just have to fly this plane at a distance, oh I forgot, it flies at 70mph...I won't see a scratch or dent! Keep 'em flying!
Posted on: 5/8/2008 9:44 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7473475

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
[quote]ORIGINAL: Crash One I belly-land my fleet of 200 + planes in tall grass. The one's that have wheels have never been flown. A few have mechanical retracts. [/quote] I know what you mean. It is nice to have a runway. My park field and club fields are all bumpy grass...
Posted on: 4/25/2008 7:37 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7419870

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
[quote]ORIGINAL: Crash One An air retract system. I assume air for one direction and springs for the other, but how does it maintain air without a compressor? That's too high-tech for me[&o] [/quote] Oh yea, it includes a small tank that needs to be pressurized with an air pump...
Posted on: 4/25/2008 7:36 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7419868

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
[quote]ORIGINAL: Crash One Forgive my ignorance and old age, but how does a system like that work and for how long? [/quote] Which system do you refer to?
Posted on: 4/25/2008 7:27 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7419833

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Perhaps I'll break down and order that microair retract system that Scott recommended...
Posted on: 4/25/2008 7:18 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7419802

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
The "retract project" has hit some bumps. The nose gear is a weak link in the system. The turning mechanism is poorly designed with weak plastic. It's got too much flex. Being that the battery is located right over the front gear, there is too much give in the gear as it wobbles around. This is also due to the flex of the fuse as it was not designed to hold a wheel along with a battery out front. I would roll the plane out and the front gear would just walk around like a broom in a barrell. I ended up breaking the front gear from hitting a bump on take off. I need to rethink this whole project. Maybe move the nose gear further back from the battery, not sure. I've got a lot of time in it and hate to give up now. I removed the retracts, pulled the two extra servo plugs, just so I could fly and enjoy the Aerocat today.
Posted on: 4/25/2008 6:38 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7419682

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Forgive the pun: It's a jet with the 2212-6. Literally out of sight vertical flight in 10-12 seconds (3S 2100)...don't fly on a cloudy day with low lying clouds! Scott: Can I run 5 servos on the ESC that came with the 2212-6? [quote]ORIGINAL: Galloping Ghost [quote]ORIGINAL: ckoerner I currently have the parkjet motor on mine. I want more speed. Which motor do I need? Thanks, Craig [/quote] Hi Craig, The fastest motor and best value I have found is the 2212-6 I sell under the Spin Max name and they also are sold under the Suppo, Welgard, and a couple other names (mine are from the Suppo factory). I clocked 75 mph with it on an AeroCat. You can't beat it for the price. I know some here on the forum are running the motor, maybe they can chime in. Scott www.ModelAero.com [/quote]
Posted on: 4/23/2008 8:31 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7411125

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
[quote]ORIGINAL: Galloping Ghost Ken, that is looking very good. I like where you put the servo better than mine. Also, I did not have the neat steerable nose wheel. I had to rig up a pivot for the entire servo. Nice work! One little problem I had with the AeroSport retracts. I mounted the gear pretty far aft of the CG, and the plane did not want to rotate on takeoff. In hindsight, the gear should have been much closer to the CG. I overcame it by putting a couple small clear plastic deflectors on the canards to help lift the nose. I don't think the AeroCat will have the problem because it has a much longer tail moment and the elevator should have plenty of authority to lift the nose. Scott www.ModelAero.com [/quote] Thanks on the compliments! I did not think about the rotating on take off, I was actually concerned with prop clearance on take off. I've got it set so as the the tail of the plane may hit the ground, the prop won't strike. I may adjust the front gear so that the nose has a higher angle of attack. As far as the rear "pivot" goes, I simply used a servo mounting screw along with a brass servo mount bushing and two washers on the base. I added a two pieces of balsa, re-connecting the fuse to the motor mount. (see pic) The Aerocat feels much heavier now, I'll have to put it on a scale later. Routing all of the wires was a trick with the gear. Will I need a separate BEC due to the five servos on the plane? I'm almost thinking of figuring on how to attach the steering to an aileron servo, to save the weight and headache of adding more equipment to the plane. I'm waiting on a pair of new wheels to complete this project. I still need to consider the servo slow down module... The steering is tricky as it sometimes binds when the gear goes up...all these bugs to work out!
Posted on: 4/23/2008 5:17 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7410641

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
[quote]ORIGINAL: HeliTB I have a few odd questions. When looking at the AeroCat or AeroSport from the back, which direction should the prop turn? Clockwise (to the right) or Counter-Clockwise (to the left)? [/quote] Looking from the rear, clockwise. That's why she torque rolls left on take off.
Posted on: 4/21/2008 9:51 AM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7400128

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
[quote]ORIGINAL: Crash One How long are your retract rods down to the wheels? [/quote] Do you mean for the uncut rods or the length that I need?
Posted on: 4/21/2008 9:49 AM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7400113

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Some close up shots:
Posted on: 4/21/2008 9:47 AM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7400105

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Here is a quick video of the system "working." Thumbs down to Youtube for killing the video quality. [:'(] [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpSVF4AXhi8]Retracts in Motion[/link] They move real fast, so I plan on adding a "servo slow down module" from Hobby Lobby: [link=http://hobby-lobby.com/hookup.htm]module[/link]
Posted on: 4/20/2008 8:53 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7398131

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
I still have a good deal of work to do: Getting the links adjusted so that there is no bind and so that the gear will lock when it's down. I also have to trim the landing gear rods and hook up the steering servo. I need new wheels as one is cracked and I'm short one as well...I do like the orange wheels... I mounted the rear gear directly over the main CF spar. I mounted the HS-65 servo in the fuse, closer to the "rotunda" as compared to Scott's design.
Posted on: 4/20/2008 8:38 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7398092

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Well, after many, many hours in my "lab" I have working retracts on the Aerocat. Pics and details to follow...
Posted on: 4/20/2008 4:55 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7397180

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Heli TB, Congrats on the maiden! Now that the weather is looking up, more flights will follow but I'm in pieces right now with the retract mod. It's a very involved project that's moving quite slow. Not sure if it will actually work. Right now, I have one rear retract installed, linked up to a "rear rotunda" (see pics in prior post). I need a dremel to cut the landing gear wire. So costs are increasing. Those micro air retracts are looking better and better!
Posted on: 4/18/2008 2:01 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7389420

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
ORIGINAL: Galloping Ghost [quote] You guys may want to check out these micro air retracts: http://www.advantagehobby.com/product.php?productid=50701 Scott www.ModelAero.com [/quote] Scott, Those look like some real nice retracts. The only problem is that they are $58 too much for my AeroCat!
Posted on: 4/10/2008 10:48 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7363842

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
OK, here's what I've ordered so far re the retracts: GWRGP003 - GWS MICRO MAIN RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR (GWRGP003) $9.95 http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?products_id=3627&osCsid=7450ed363a6c418cca2db2c7e6f34f16 GWRGP004 - GWS MICRO MAIN RETRACTABLE NOSE LANDING GEAR (GWRGP004) $9.95 http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?products_id=3628&osCsid=7450ed363a6c418cca2db2c7e6f34f16
Posted on: 4/9/2008 8:22 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7358235

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Yes, I will break down the process as well as the cost and part numbers...
Posted on: 4/9/2008 10:51 AM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7355818

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
[quote]ORIGINAL: HeliTB ken1.8t I'm with you, weather been very unfavorable here as well and doesn't look like it's going to change much in the near future. We have a place we fly our indoor flyers on Wednesdays, so it's not too bad. I fly my IFO which is blast to fly indoors. [/quote] HeliTB, I see the possibility of a break in the weather for Thursday. That may be the day
Posted on: 4/8/2008 10:27 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7354119

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Nice display Scott! How did you guys fare at the show?
Posted on: 4/8/2008 10:17 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7354082

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Any Aerocat action going on here? The weather has not been nice, so I've been grounded...
Posted on: 4/8/2008 8:23 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7353470

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
So now I'm into foamy pusher jets! Look at tonight's reverse engineering project: I took a balsa kit from Aerocraftrc.com, it's a 12" profile F-15: http://www.aerocraftrc.com/planelist.php?title=Educational%20Kits&desc=Educational%20Airplane%20Kits&type=chuck Made templates from the balsa and traced them onto the foam. I hooked up an Airhogs Aero Ace power system. I'll see how she flies tomorrow! Sorry if it's off topic, I just had to share! [:D]
Posted on: 3/28/2008 11:01 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7299157

RE: AeroCat Fast Pusher *70 MPH*
Now hopefully you will land it on a dime!
Posted on: 3/28/2008 10:56 PM by Author "ken1.8t" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7299132