RE: Bad Jitter On 6V (Futaba R138DP)
Alan, thank you very much for your thoughtful response! Yes, there is still jitter after the surface charge on the 5-cell pack has diminished. Using my variable power supply (& Fluke meter), I observed the following; Jitter always occurs from 6.35 down to 5.60V and then gradually diminishes as the voltage is further reduced. There is NONE at 5.10V. As expected there is no jitter with a freshly charged 4.8V NiMH pack. The jitter occurs regardless of the distance between Tx and Rx. The only extensions are for the (2) aileron servos and the jitter is there even when the ailerons are disconnected. I have not changed any of the extensions or servo leads since I originally assembled the airplane. I did try disconnecting the servos one at a time to see if I could identify a single bad one and I even tried plugging in a brand new 645MG and it jittered too. I will try cleaning the servo pots with some tuner cleaner and see if that helps. Good tip! The strange thing is that this problem has shown up after several years (probably 100+ flights) of trouble free operation. I do understand that the 6V flight pack may have caused accelerated wear on the servos... but I am surprised that this issue appeared so suddenly. Seems like the simple solution will be to switch to a 4.8V flight pack... though for a aerobatic plane like this one it will be a shame to lose the speed and torque of the higher voltage battery. Happy Thanksgiving, -Mark
Posted on: 11/26/2010 2:20 AM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10160242

Bad Jitter On 6V (Futaba R138DP)
I have a problem that suddenly appeared this week... My receiver is glitching/jittering badly when powered with a 6V flight pack but doesn't jitter on 4.8V. I have tested this with multiple battery packs and my bench power supply. The receiver is a Futaba R138DP (Tx is T7CHP) and the servos are a combination of HiTec (rudder & elevator are 645MG's, ailerons are 475HB's) and Futaba (throttle). ALL of them are rated for 6V. The 6V battery is a 5-cell AA 1650mAh NiMh pack. The problem is most pronounced when moving the sticks to their extremes and then quickly returning them to neutral. The snap-roll switch really exacerbates the problem. When the servos return to neutral it is as though they completely power-down for a second and then power-up again. There is also a consistent jitter about 1X per second. The crazy thing is that I have been flying with this exact configuration for 4 years; Same airplane, same battery, same servos, same Rx! Suddenly this week I power up the plane at the field and... JITTER! Needless to say, I'm frustrated and not flying until I get the issue sorted-out. Not that it matters but the plane is a Fliton Extra 330 freestyle powered by a Saito FA-82 . Any help would be appreciated. Thanks -Mark
Posted on: 11/25/2010 2:38 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10159336

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
This is one FANTASTIC airplane! I maiden'd my Fliton Extra back in November 2006 and have flown it almost every single weekend since then... literally hundreds of flights. I've never had a crash or any other incident and I haven't had to replace any components... still flying with the original cowl, wing tube, landing gear and airframe. (I do fly at a field with a smooth asphalt runway). IF I were in the market for another .40-.60 size airplane (I'm not) this would be the one. The only thing I would change a thing about the plane is my choice of engine... I installed a Saito 82 and if I did it again I think I'd go with the 91 or 100. I certainly hope that Fliton brings this kit back to the US market. Are you listening Fliton? I suspect that I'll continue flying my Fliton for a long time to come... but its replacement is sitting on my workbench right now; A Pilot RC 26% Extra.
Posted on: 5/14/2010 3:47 AM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9732782

RE: Pilot-RC 26% Extra 260 - Who's got one???
[quote]your case its just one maybe, i have read see like 10,000 post in forums about that airplane and no issues. So i think Mark need to worry about it. Pilot RC is a great option and Tony is really good in costumer service[/quote] I have been searching all over... Where are all of these 10,000 posts ?!?!? In general I have heard good things about Pilot-RC stuff. I do realize that ANY plane can be broken during shipping and I am not at all concerned about that. Thanx -Mark
Posted on: 4/20/2010 5:29 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9676033

Pilot-RC 26% Extra 260 - Who's got one???
I am considering Pilot-RC's 26% Extra for my next plane... I'd like to power it with a Syssa 180HP. I have been looking all over for a review or build-thread but there doesn't seem to be much information about this bird here. Anybody build one yet? What motor are you using and how does it fly? Any build tips? Photos? Video? Thanx! -Mark
Posted on: 4/20/2010 12:59 AM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9674461

Pilot-RC 26% Extra 260 - Who's got one???
Moved to 3D forum.
Posted on: 4/20/2010 12:59 AM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9670597

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
Hi Mark, As others have suggested, it is probably a better idea to upgrade your control horns rather than use the weak aluminum ones. However, if you really want the stock ones, you can have the horns that came with my kit for free. E-mail me directly at msiminoff AT yahoo DOT com so we can exchange addresses. Cheers -Mark [quote]ORIGINAL: mfinz8 HELP !!!! I've built up my extra 330s, I'
Posted on: 12/12/2006 2:15 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5107231

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
[quote]ORIGINAL: RVM msiminoff how'd you mount your canopy? [/quote] The canopy turned out to be easier than expected. I just screwed it in place around the perimiter with #2x7/16 servo screws from RTL Fasteners. Along the front edge (where's there is no room to fit a screw) I used a 1/4" wide strip of Blenderm hinge tape to prevent the canopy from lifting up at speed.
Posted on: 11/13/2006 3:33 AM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4989154

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
[quote]ORIGINAL: RVM msiminoff, you were hovering at 3/4 throttle with your .82? Was this with a linear throttle set up in the computer? What prop were you running? I didn't have a chance to really test the vertical with mine today, but I barely have 1/4 gallon through it. I figure once it hits 2 gallons it should really put out some power. I tached it at 9300RPM with an APC 15x4w and right
Posted on: 11/13/2006 3:27 AM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4989146

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
I just got back from the field... the maiden flight went perfectly. The Extra trimmed out nicely and flies GREAT! It was a real show stopper with the other pilots too, most had never seen a Fliton up-close before. I did learn a few things; - I had the control rates set WAY TOO HIGH on the low-rate setting. I re-adjusted all the linkages a bit at the field, but I will also need to turn on expo' in the Tx. High rates seem fine, but need expo' too. -This plane/engine does not need the 16oz fuel tank that I have in it. I got three 12 minute flights in and each time used only about half a tank... I think I'll to switch to a 10oz tank. I should mention that I just added the velocity stack to my Saito 82 and it seems like it has made a huge difference in fuel consumption. With this engine in my Funtana40 I was getting only 9 minutes on a 10oz tank. - The Slimline Pitts muffler is surprisingly quiet... sounds about the same as the stock one and looks much better. - With the CG at 130mm the plane requires just a touch of down elevator when inverted. I'm gonna move the CG back another 10-15mm before next weekend. - Hover is at 3/4 throttle. Pullout is fine, but not ballistic. For now the CG is too far forward for any low altitude hovering YES, those are Du-Bro hatch latches. I picked them up at my LHS. They were easy to install (just CA 'em in place) and work great. Happy Landings, -Mark
Posted on: 11/12/2006 3:39 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4986859

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
Whew, I finally finished the Extra last night... I wouldn't call this a difficult build, but it certainly was time consuming considering this is an ARF. My all-up (dry) weight came in at 6lbs 13oz which is about 5oz heavier than I had initially guessed. This weight includes the on-board glow driver (2 oz). The CG is currently at 130mm behind the LE. I think this is a good starting point and I have lots of room to move the Rx battery back as I fine-tune the CG. It's supposed to rain all day today so the maiden flight will have to be tomorrow. I'll report back after that. Below are a few pics of the Receiver & glow-battery mount, a dash-panel I made to hold a voltmeter and glow driver status LED and also the latches I used on the hatch. RVM, where did your weight come in?
Posted on: 11/11/2006 4:47 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4983437

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
[quote]ORIGINAL: RVM I only have a few more items to install. Fuel tank, fuel regulator and its associated T's and valves, two fuel dots, receiver and battery. The fuel tank will be mounted with its center point around 12cm (where is the best CG anyway?) behind the leading edge of the wing. This should put it slightly in front of the final CG. I have to make some supports for it. The front part of the tank will be above the receiver and throttle servo. How are you guys mounting the cowl and canopy? If I install some blocks to bolt the cowl down to I'm going to have to sand off a bunch of epoxy to glue it down, unless I glue it with epoxy. I haven't decided how to secure the canopy yet. Or the front hatch for that matter. I'll probably just use clear tape for the hatch. How are you guys fueling/defueling your plane? [/quote] RVM- With your fuel tank in that location it will block access to the wing-bolts. Are you planning to remove the tank every time you assemble the plane? I agree that it's niice to have the tank at the CG, but for me it's not worth the hassle. Seems like most people are putting the back of the tank against the wing tube. I added some small blocks for the cowl to mount to (you can see them in the pic's in post #1292). For the hatch I am using a pair of Du-Bro "RC Hatch Latches". I haven't sorted-out the canopy attachment yet. For (de)fueling I am using a single Slimline Excel fuel-dot. I am not using a pump (yet another reason to get the tank closer to the motoe) so the tank is simply vented though the pressure line & muffler. These dots & fuelers work great and don't spill... except for the overflow that triclkles out of the muffler (BTW- I'm using a Slimline inverted Pitts) -Mark
Posted on: 11/6/2006 9:37 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4963875

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
[quote]ORIGINAL: RVM msiminoff I really like your set up. Have you flown it with the .82? I think that's the powerplant I'll be using. Got an all-up weight for your bird yet? [/quote] Thanx! No, I haven't flown it yet. Hopefully I can get down to the field for a maiden flight this weekend. I'm guessing the weight will come in at 6-1/2 lbs (plus 16oz of fuel)... ceretainly
Posted on: 11/1/2006 5:41 AM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4941100

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
[quote]ORIGINAL: RVM What spinners are you guys using? I can't get a standard shape (don't really like the Ultimate style) 2.25" TruTurn or Vortech that will fit a Saito .91 (or .82, or 1.00). [/quote] I'm using a TruTurn 2-1/4" Ultimate Wide Blade. Since you don't like the Ultimate style you could try their 2-1/2 Standard Wide Blade, but it will be a little big for your cowl.
Posted on: 11/1/2006 5:29 AM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4941085

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
Before I glued the horizontal stab in place I epoxied in a piece of 1/4 ply to the floor of the fuselage for the tailwheel mount to screw into. Also I made a new axle for the tailwheel from a piece of 1/8" music wire.
Posted on: 10/31/2006 12:15 AM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4936361

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
I machined the belcranks from a piece of (6061) aluminum, the axle is a piece of 5/16" K&S brass (I made an aluminum one too but I don't trust it), the bushings are turned from ABS bar and I made doublers to strengthen the fuse' from 3/32 plywood. I used a fiberglas pushrod with 4-40 rod ends. Assembly was fairly straightforward; -Carefully measure the fuselage to dedtermine where to place the axle/belcrank assembly -Drill a hole all the way through the fuse' -Slide the doublers through the opening for the horizontal stab' and glue place in with thick CA -Fasten the bushings to the outside of the fuse'with wood screws -Slide the axle into one bushing and then pass one belcrank (with the clevis on it) through the stab' opening while holding it with a hemostat. -Push the axle through the belcrank and through the far bushing -Tighten the pinch-bolt on the belcrank with a long hex driver -Slide the pushrod down the fuse' and thread into the clevis Here are a few more pic's so you can see the details. I am still trying to figure-out the best way to attach the @^%&'ing canopy [8|] !!!!
Posted on: 10/30/2006 11:52 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4936285

RE: Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle Who's Got One?
Thanks to all of you for the great build ideas and tips! I have been lurking on this post for quite some time and my FL Extra is nearly done. All I have left to do is attach the canopy, so I am looking for some photos of how you all have fastened yours. It seems like there's no room to get a screw in along the front edge. ?!? Please post your pics so I can see what's working for you (and what's not). In exchange, here are a few photos of some of the things I have done so far. Cheers -Mark PS. I am going with the Saito 82... I hope it's enough.
Posted on: 10/30/2006 7:23 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4934912

RE: SIG Rascal 40 (forty) with flaps ?
Yes.. I have a report, unfortunately it's not a pretty one; This past Saturday was a magnificent day at the flying field. Quiet, 70 degrees, zero wind. It was the 11th flight for the Rascal and my third flight of the morning. I was really having fun practicing knife edges and spins, the Rascal was flying like a champ! As I was making a fairly low pass from left to right when an older gent' flying his T-34 at at least twice the speed I was flying. flew up my tailfeathers and slammed into me from behind. It was a devastating midair that resulted in both planes fluttering to the ground in a heap of balsa. Sadly, my Rascal is not repairable... major damage to the fuselage and both wing halfs. Our flying club has a no-fault rule with regard to mid-airs, which is fine with me (after all it's just an airplane), but the old bastard didn't have the common courtesy to apologize... and he was obviously the one who caused the crash. That part has me pretty upset. Anyway, the Rascal Forty was a FANTASTIC plane and a pleasure to fly, and somedy I will get another one... but it's time for a change so I stopped by my local hobbby shop on the way home from the field and picked up a new plane... a Hangar 9 Funtana 40 ARF. As far as the flaps/airbrake on the Rascal, here's what I did: I set up a three position switch on my radio with both flaps (mid position) and airbrakes (third position). With the flaps down the Rascal could fly along at a snail's-pace. I could easily land at speeds slower than a walk. Once on the ground I flipped the switch to the third position (ailerons up, elevator up) to keep it planted on the runway. This was especially helpful at faster landing speeds. This is the setup I used: Flaps: Right Aileron +70% (down) Left Aileron +60% (down) Elevator +14 (up) (right and left aileron were different to get the plane to trim correctly with flaps down) Airbrake: Elevator +90% (up) Flaps -80% (up) Happy flying -Mark
Posted on: 11/21/2005 3:44 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3574136

RE: SIG Rascal 40 (forty) with flaps ?
Thanks for all the advice. I'll have installed an OS AX46, turning an 11x5... should be plenty of power. The steel motor mounts are a very good idea! I will definitely make a set before I go flying. The approach is fairly short at our flying field (www.sccmas.org)... definitely not 400 yards. So, considering what I have been reading (here and elsewhere) about this plane floating, and given the fact that I cannot have inboard flaps; I have set up the plane/radio to use spoilerons and programmed the air-brake setting. I'll report back after I get a few flights in. Cheers -Mark
Posted on: 10/25/2005 6:11 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3489572

SIG Rascal 40 (forty) with flaps ?
would be great. Cheers -Mark msiminoff AT yaho DOT com
Posted on: 10/24/2005 4:37 PM by Author "msiminoff" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3485871