35% Aerotech Build thread
03-01-2005, 02:24 PM
#226
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
I don't have smoke in mine, but didn't have a CG problem with the tail at all. My ignition battery is on the engine box and my two receiver batteries are in the right side just behind the main firewall. got plenty of room to move things around if I ever decide to put smoke in her. I really want to; but every time I calculate it out I figure I will be adding, at best, a little over a pound of weight. But one of these days I probably will not be able to help myself 
.
PS: for newbees considering this kit and reading this for the first time. Don't! I'm not a kit builder, but if I was I know I would need a great deal of experience to build one of these Aerotech kits. They are not for the first time or second time builder in my opinion. That being said, man this is one well designed, strong and sweeeeet flying airplane. One more pic just to make me feel good
.
.PS: for newbees considering this kit and reading this for the first time. Don't! I'm not a kit builder, but if I was I know I would need a great deal of experience to build one of these Aerotech kits. They are not for the first time or second time builder in my opinion. That being said, man this is one well designed, strong and sweeeeet flying airplane. One more pic just to make me feel good
.
03-01-2005, 03:06 PM
#227
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
I have not built that many kits and have not found my build too bad. It has been a slow process but I take my time. The main thing is the instructions are not newby friendly but John has cleared up things whenever I needed. I have built from the prints primarily and 3DRC pages detailing his build. The biggest problem so far for me is keeping everything true, the fuse is pretty good but my rudder has slight warp, decided I hate sheeting foam. I have a Vac bag coming for the wings to help me out. If I had it to do again I would probably order it with pre-sheeted foam parts and the surfaces pre-cut. Not sure John sells them that way but I am sure he would if asked.
Mat
Mat
03-01-2005, 05:04 PM
#229
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
Here are a couple of pics of the componants moved to balance the plane. I am still waiting for my 3.5 inch tiller bar. The 5 inch was just too big. The servos would travel about 25% and give full deflection to the rudder. Do any of you guys use RF filters? I put a couple on the long leads. (Maybe I should stop adding so much S#%T Hay!) I just don't want to have any problems.
She sure is pretty.
She sure is pretty.
03-01-2005, 05:13 PM
#230
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
You'll have a lot less problems if you rip out all that electronic/Lipo stuff and run two 2000+Nimah 4.8v batteries straight through two EletroDynamic HD switches to your receiver 
As an added bonus you'll save about two pounds of weight.
As an added bonus you'll save about two pounds of weight.
03-01-2005, 11:45 PM
#231
RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
How does ripping out a lithium battery and regulator which would weigh as much as a 2000 pack NIMH take out weight?
Not only that, you'd be losing voltage.....going from 6v to 4.8v..........I'd at least up it to a 5cell 6V NIMH pack, but I'd stay with lithium.
I haven't tried the RF filters.......though I probably should.
Not only that, you'd be losing voltage.....going from 6v to 4.8v..........I'd at least up it to a 5cell 6V NIMH pack, but I'd stay with lithium.
I haven't tried the RF filters.......though I probably should.
03-02-2005, 12:04 AM
#232
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
I weighed the batteries. My setup is 18 oz. That is not the issue. I am keeping the batteries. I know I will be able to fly my pig all day long without charging. I have never used the RF filters before. I have all Airwild 22g twisted leads and that should do the trick with any problems. Just one thing I don't want to worry about. You know what I mean Sweetpea? Just kidding. I know it is a B$%^CH when you don't know what the problem is.
One thing I may do to lose some weight is move the switches back and get rid of some extentions. I thought I was going to need a bunch of nose weight but that is not the case.
I have never used the RF filters before. I have all Airwild 22g twisted leads and that should do the trick with any problems. Just one thing I don't want to worry about. You know what I mean Sweetpea? Just kidding. I know it is a B$%^CH when you don't know what the problem is.One thing I may do to lose some weight is move the switches back and get rid of some extentions. I thought I was going to need a bunch of nose weight but that is not the case.
03-02-2005, 08:34 AM
#233
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
Actually I was kidding a little. I forget what engine you are using; but from the few pics you have posted I would guess that most of the difference between my 29 pounds and your 33 pounds centers around the smoke setup. Thats why I haven't don't it yet. Those big batteries, regulators, etc contribute a little, that dual rudder servo tray a little more, the metal landing gear a little more, it all adds up. My plane flies so good at 29 pounds I'm thinking yours probably will be ok at 33, just not great I had an Extra I tried to lighten a while back. Boy it's easier to add weight than take it away, that's for sure. My plane has a pretty light aluminum wing tube; but replacing that and the gear with CF would probably save you over a pound. Also the original pilot I had weighed 8oz!, the one I have now weighs 3oz.
PS: have you, or anybody for that matter, flown their DA100 with a 24oz gas tank? If so how much flight time do you get. I have been thinking about your side by side setup for my smoke system. Also with two 24oz tanks, do you get the smoke to last pretty much the entire flight?
thanks, Steve
I had an Extra I tried to lighten a while back. Boy it's easier to add weight than take it away, that's for sure. My plane has a pretty light aluminum wing tube; but replacing that and the gear with CF would probably save you over a pound. Also the original pilot I had weighed 8oz!, the one I have now weighs 3oz.PS: have you, or anybody for that matter, flown their DA100 with a 24oz gas tank? If so how much flight time do you get. I have been thinking about your side by side setup for my smoke system. Also with two 24oz tanks, do you get the smoke to last pretty much the entire flight?
thanks, Steve
03-02-2005, 02:39 PM
#234
RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
Could also be the amount of paint you used on your cowl/wheelpants adding to the weight.
my smoke added maybe a pound. Sullivan system, tubing, tank, lithium battery, switch.
Of course if you had a 3W106 you wouldn't worry about power[X(]
And I'd love to know what causes the CH17 interference on this plane, but not my funtana.
my smoke added maybe a pound. Sullivan system, tubing, tank, lithium battery, switch.
Of course if you had a 3W106 you wouldn't worry about power[X(]
And I'd love to know what causes the CH17 interference on this plane, but not my funtana.
03-02-2005, 05:14 PM
#235
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
I didn't build it so I am not sure how much paint went on it. I will say it is built nice. I am not going to worry about it. I have a DA100 strapped to the nose and should be plenty of power, It almost pulled my basketball hoop out of the ground.
03-02-2005, 06:10 PM
#236
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
ORIGINAL: splais
You'll have a lot less problems if you rip out all that electronic/Lipo stuff and run two 2000+Nimah 4.8v batteries straight through two EletroDynamic HD switches to your receiver As an added bonus you'll save about two pounds of weight.
You'll have a lot less problems if you rip out all that electronic/Lipo stuff and run two 2000+Nimah 4.8v batteries straight through two EletroDynamic HD switches to your receiver
As an added bonus you'll save about two pounds of weight.
03-02-2005, 11:27 PM
#237
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
Aerotech's landing gear are very heavy. You can easily save over a pound by swithching to CF gear and Kavan wheels, probably closer to 1.5 lbs. If you use Graph tech gear make sure you use the 40% Carden edge gear, the others are too small and delaminate. If I remember correct, Aerotech's stock gear weigh around 25oz and the cf 40% edge gear weigh 10-12oz. Add some Kavan wheels drop the smoke and extra batteries and you are easily 29-30lbs. If it is any consilation my carden edge weighed 31lbs till I put it on a diet. I got my edge down to 28.5 lbs and it flew much better than 31lbs. You also may want to weigh the plan on something more accurate than a bathroom scale. I have never got an accurate weight using one, not even close.
03-06-2005, 10:23 AM
#240
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
Sorry if you guys already talked this up... don't have time to read through all the posts.
I'm building a similar plane... have any of you tried a single 8611 on rudder or all of you using 2 servos?
I'm building a similar plane... have any of you tried a single 8611 on rudder or all of you using 2 servos?
03-06-2005, 10:45 AM
#242
RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
I think one servo would hold........but your better off using either 2 or getting the Seiko (sp?).
Like we said.....its a big rudder. And last thing you want to do is skimp on that.
Mike I'll try to get some video, or at least some pics of my bird flying today
Like we said.....its a big rudder. And last thing you want to do is skimp on that.
Mike I'll try to get some video, or at least some pics of my bird flying today
03-06-2005, 11:58 PM
#243
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
ORIGINAL: splais
Mikerc, you got a lot of "stuff" added to that plane with all those huge batteries, smoke, etc. My plane weighs 29#'s and I think that is a more honest weight than the advertized 25-27 pounds.
She is set up as follows:
(2) 2500mah 6v 4/5A receiver batteries on receiver
(1) 1800 mah 4.8v 4/5A ignition battery
CF gear
(8) 5945 servos plus choke and throttle servo
DA100 engine w/standard mufflers, menz 27x10 prop and Nova 4.5" spinner
light pilot
rudder pull-pull
32oz tank
Dubro913 HD Control horns and titanium pro-links all round
(3) EletroDynamics HD combo switches
Airwild servo arms and twisted wire servo leads.
Desert aircraft wing retention studs
A bunch of decals on Monocoat covering
I've flown her as many as four times and never had to recharge at field. I don't use regulators, battery backers, matchboxes, etc, or any other kind of "electronics" in her. Just two GEM2000's on both the reciever and ignition. To be honest I'm not sure were you can lighten the Aerotech substantially. It's a pretty skimpy design as it is. Jeeessh! and I thought mine was heavy But it does fly like a dream at 29 pounds - floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee. This plane flies so good that I have relagated my other giant plane, a 35% Giles w/ZDZ, to an "only fly it when I have to" status.
Mikerc, you got a lot of "stuff" added to that plane with all those huge batteries, smoke, etc. My plane weighs 29#'s and I think that is a more honest weight than the advertized 25-27 pounds.
She is set up as follows:
(2) 2500mah 6v 4/5A receiver batteries on receiver
(1) 1800 mah 4.8v 4/5A ignition battery
CF gear
(8) 5945 servos plus choke and throttle servo
DA100 engine w/standard mufflers, menz 27x10 prop and Nova 4.5" spinner
light pilot
rudder pull-pull
32oz tank
Dubro913 HD Control horns and titanium pro-links all round
(3) EletroDynamics HD combo switches
Airwild servo arms and twisted wire servo leads.
Desert aircraft wing retention studs
A bunch of decals on Monocoat covering
I've flown her as many as four times and never had to recharge at field. I don't use regulators, battery backers, matchboxes, etc, or any other kind of "electronics" in her. Just two GEM2000's on both the reciever and ignition. To be honest I'm not sure were you can lighten the Aerotech substantially. It's a pretty skimpy design as it is. Jeeessh! and I thought mine was heavy
But it does fly like a dream at 29 pounds - floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee. This plane flies so good that I have relagated my other giant plane, a 35% Giles w/ZDZ, to an "only fly it when I have to" status.
How many servos did you install per aileron?
How did you get them to work in synchronized fashion without using a matchbox?
Could you clarify what is a GEMS200?
03-07-2005, 12:51 AM
#244
RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
Gem2000 is a battery voltage light.........it blinks when the battery is good, and stops blinking and goes steady when the battery dies. (its adjustable to diff voltages.
I think Splais used 2 servos per aileron......as did I. I'm not using a matchbox, it just takes time to line up the geometry so that their isn't any binding.
No pics today.............forcast was for 5-10mph winds..........it was more like 15-20 with 30 gusts. I didn't fly today.
I think Splais used 2 servos per aileron......as did I. I'm not using a matchbox, it just takes time to line up the geometry so that their isn't any binding.
No pics today.............forcast was for 5-10mph winds..........it was more like 15-20 with 30 gusts. I didn't fly today.
03-07-2005, 08:33 AM
#245
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
Sweetpea is correct Albatross,
I used two 5945's programmed with the Hitec Programmer. You can get your servos synced without a programmer if you are very careful with your setup measurements between the two servos. I also used two 5945's on the rudder in a linked side-by-side configuration.
The GEM2000 is a fabulous item that does much more than just check voltage, although that, along with on/off failsafe is the primary benefit. Their website is www.electrotekrc.com. You can also get them from Central Hobbies.
I used two 5945's programmed with the Hitec Programmer. You can get your servos synced without a programmer if you are very careful with your setup measurements between the two servos. I also used two 5945's on the rudder in a linked side-by-side configuration.
The GEM2000 is a fabulous item that does much more than just check voltage, although that, along with on/off failsafe is the primary benefit. Their website is www.electrotekrc.com. You can also get them from Central Hobbies.
03-07-2005, 09:18 AM
#246
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
I used the Hitec Programmer as well. I weighed my plane yesterday again with my digital fish scale. Wings weigh 3lbs each. And the Fuse weighs 24.08lbs. That calculates to 30.08lbs. I started cutting some of the hatch up. I lost 3oz. that way. It is also scale now.
03-07-2005, 01:13 PM
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
It was in the low 60s yesterday but the darn field is a swamp. I was itching to fly it. I am not worried about the wieght anymore. I know it will fly great.
I have never flown in a contest. I may start this year. I will see how she handles.
I have never flown in a contest. I may start this year. I will see how she handles.
03-07-2005, 01:57 PM
#249
RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
I hadn't either..........but I am going to give IMAC and Pattern a try this year. At worst I'll help my flying I hope.
I just picked up a 2meter CA Eclipse and YS140L to do Pattern.
Also I'm heading to the Flying Cirkus this weekend.......not to fly, but for pics and vids
I just picked up a 2meter CA Eclipse and YS140L to do Pattern.
Also I'm heading to the Flying Cirkus this weekend.......not to fly, but for pics and vids
03-11-2005, 11:02 PM
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RE: 35% Aerotech Build thread
Keep us up to date with flights over the weekend. We got another 3 inches this weekend. WOOOHOOO![:@] Sick and tired of winter. Need to fly my Edge BAD!!!