The Edge is finally completed and I get to go out and test fly this morning.  So, I will talk about the build.  

The Aeroworks Edge 540T arrived well packaged with all the parts in separate bags, making identification easy.  The instructions are detailed and also easy to follow.  The covering needed some going over, but this is normal for most ARFs and the manual explains proper-technique for fixing this issue.  The ARF assembles is straight forward, just follow the instructions.  I only made slight modifications to the control linkages using quick connects instead of the 90 bend and snap link (personal preference).  

The only discrepancies I found were some of the hardware, missing control throws, and CG.  First some of the machine screws used on the control horns strip rather quickly, this seems to be the norm for some of the ARFs out there, please, put some decent screws/ bolts that don't easily strip.  Second, the manual did not have the control throws listed, this was not as big a deal, as I went online and downloaded the manual with the need information and which has nice color photos.  Lastly, the CG of "2 3/4" is a bit forward, and I have had good response from other pilots who say 3.25-3.5" is more the norm.  

Overall, this has been a great ARF to build and the issues were minor.  Now to test fly.

Yak 54e is done

Headed out the the field early this morning to test fly the Yak. As usual I get the butterflies and a little nervous on the first flights. It was a little windy with a steady speed of approx. 15-20 mph. This is normal condition at our field and waiting a little bit the wind dies and its perfect for smaller electric models. After final checks, everthing was ready to go, I taxied out to the runway.

The Yak took off with almost 1/2 throttle and climbed out nice and straight. No trim was needed and the plane flies like a charm. Slow flight is perdictable and easy to handle. At the low rates she rolls, snaps, and manuvers quite well. I did not fly the Yak at full throws yet, and will after several flights. Over all this has been a great ARF with great handleing, and has been a pleasure to build and fly. I will add later reports as time goes on, until next time...

My brother-in-law just got his first RC heli.  He loved it and flew it most of the evening.  This is the new E-flite Blade mCX.  It is a stable platform for beginners and great fun for experienced pilots.  This version is the RTF and includes everything need to fly (even the AA batteries for the transmitter).  E-flite did their homework on this one and came out with an A.  This is a great way to introduce and get people into the sport.  I may have to get one for myself........

So the Yak is almost done. I finished the main construction and radio installation. Everything went together fine with not major discrepancies. All that is need now is velcro (i ran out) for the battery, check the CG, and set the proper control throws. I should be finished this Sunday the 28th and be flying.

All said and done, this kit went together pretty well with clear illustrated insturctions, which were easy to follow. I also had some extra Apple decals laying around, so I thought would add them.

Well the project is officially started.  I began construction as per the instructions, beginning with the wings.  The ailerons were hinged and the servos add.  One glitch was that one of the quick connects would not tighten on the pushrod, so I found one of a slightly larger diameter from another project.  The wings are really quick to build; hinge the ailerons and mount the servos, glue in the control horns, and that’s it. 

I next checked all the joints in the fuselage and added thick CA to important joints (firewall, landing gear supports, etc…).  Since I am using the Scorpion motor, I had to slightly enlarge the hole for the main shaft, but the mounting holes are a perfect fit.  The motor mount was glued into place using thick CA and landing gear was installed.  This has been a straightforward and quick build so far.  One could easily finish this ARF in one day. 

Last thing done tonight was adding some of the decals, to give it that personal touch.  The Scorpion decals came with the motor and Spektrum decals were ordered separately.

I first wanted to start with some of the components for my Yak 54.  The ESC, motor, and props arrived today giving me everything to get started.  I like to read over the instructions a couple of times over a couple of days.  I know this is a bit anal but it gives me time to absorb the techniques and nuances of the particular project.  Plus it gives me a chance to find any weird or new techniques.  Most importantly, it helps me understand the model and build it straight and true.  This usually ends up giving me a truly great flying model with little frustration.  Now, on to the esc and motor. 

I chose the Scorpion S 3020-16.  I have a couple of Scorpions around and like the motors for the great price and power you get.  Plus, they give you a great comparison chart for most of the other companies with great information on prop choices and specifications.  Here are some of the specs.:

Stator Diameter:  .................... 30.0 mm (1.181 in) 

Stator Thickness:  ................. 20.0 mm (0.787 in)

No. of Stator Arms: .......................... 12

No. of Magnet Poles: ....................... 14

Motor Wind: .............................. 16 Turn Delta

Motor Wire: ........................... To Be Determined

Motor Kv: ................................  1063 RPM / Volt

No-Load Current (Io): ...................  2.11 Amps

Motor Resistance (Rm) ..............  0.031 Ohms

Max Continuous Current  ................ 76 Amps

Max Continuous Power  ................ 800 Watts

Weight: .............................  152.3 Grams (5.37 oz)

Outside Diameter: .............. 37.56 mm  (1.479 in)

 

The ESC is the Turnigy Plush 40 with BEC with the programming card (which is not need but makes programming convenient).  It has the following specs:

·      Cont. current of 40A with 55A burst (>10 sec)

·      Linear BEC mode with 5A/ 3A output

·      2-5s Lipo and 5-15 NiMH

·      33g

 

The final parts are the servos and radio gear.  I have some Hitec HS-65HB sitting around (4 of them) so they will work.  I like the torque and speed of these servos along with the tough Karbonite gears.  The final parts will be the Spektrum AR6100 receiver and Spektrum 6Xi transmitter.  Since the plane has two aileron servos, I like to set up without the Y-harness and two separate connections.  This way I can mix in differentials and have flaperons (nice for slow flight and landings).   

 

Yak 54e

Ok, so UPS just delivered my Extreme Flight Yak 54e ARF this afternoon!   This is EF's electric version of some of their larger Yaks.  It has a 47" wingspan with 425 square inches of wing area and a weight of 35-40 oz.  The recommended motor is a Torque 2814T/820, 4 micro servos, and a 3S to 4S Lipo battery.  I am using the Scorpion S3020-16 motor with an APC 11x8e prop (1234 g thrust) and a 12x8e prop (1302 g thrust).  I have used the Scorpion motors in the past and like the power and cost of these motors.  I'll write more on Scorpion later.  The Hitec HS 65HB servos are the choice along with my Spektrum 6Xi radio and AR6100 receiver.  The final item is the 40A ESC (waiting for that to arrive).  

 It came shipped double boxed and in great shape.  The packaging was great and everything was secured in the box.  The ARF comes with printed instructions along with CD.  Everything looks great on first inspections with no wrinkles or broken items found.