Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
12-09-2009, 08:17 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
I love it more every time I fly it....
Make sure the hinge slots are centered BEFORE gluing the control surfaces on...My elevators aren't perfectly aligned because the hinge line is slightly above the center line... It doesn't affect the flight performance though... It makes the counterbalance appear "off" in relation to the stabilizer...
the APC 14x7 prop was lacking on the vertical pull AND was slower in forward flight than I expected... The APC 15x4 wide was almost as fast in forward flight and at least 3x as fast vertical(and hovered at 1/3 throttle)!
The C.G. is a hare behind 5.25" ... I found that with 5.5" the nose would climb when I rolled inverted.
With this C.G., the plane wil literally land itself...no joke.. I make an approach and land without ever touching anything but throttle... the plane flies like it is on rails even in 5-10 mph winds!!!!!
Tumbles from a fast vertical line felt GREAT!
Next flight is going to be with a Pro Zinger 15x6
EDIT:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHvTCRURryw[/youtube]
Make sure the hinge slots are centered BEFORE gluing the control surfaces on...My elevators aren't perfectly aligned because the hinge line is slightly above the center line... It doesn't affect the flight performance though... It makes the counterbalance appear "off" in relation to the stabilizer...
the APC 14x7 prop was lacking on the vertical pull AND was slower in forward flight than I expected... The APC 15x4 wide was almost as fast in forward flight and at least 3x as fast vertical(and hovered at 1/3 throttle)!
The C.G. is a hare behind 5.25" ... I found that with 5.5" the nose would climb when I rolled inverted.
With this C.G., the plane wil literally land itself...no joke.. I make an approach and land without ever touching anything but throttle... the plane flies like it is on rails even in 5-10 mph winds!!!!!
Tumbles from a fast vertical line felt GREAT!
Next flight is going to be with a Pro Zinger 15x6
EDIT:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHvTCRURryw[/youtube]
12-09-2009, 08:40 PM
#1477
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Thanks so much ZXX for the tips. I had the 14x7 on my showtime for a long time with saito 91. Its a great combo, but more pattern than real 3D power.
I too will be using the Saito 91 and planning on 15x4.
Thanks again! Ive got to fly my showtime a few more times before I part it out to build this.
I too will be using the Saito 91 and planning on 15x4.
Thanks again! Ive got to fly my showtime a few more times before I part it out to build this.
12-09-2009, 10:26 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Also, e-mail GreatPlanes about the replacement lading gear... the stock ones are seriously flimsy... MY belly-flop landing on the maiden would have been a crash if it wern't for the stiffer gear.
12-10-2009, 03:07 PM
#1481
RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Did the maiden flight on my Reactor the other day. I'm into the first half dozen flights attempting to optimize the prop.
My setup is:
Motor: Axi 4120-18
Esc: Opto 77 amp
Battery: Electrifly 3200 mah, set up as 6s
Weight with batteries (including separate 6v nmh for receiver and servos): 6.4 lbs
Flight time: 7 - 10 minutes depending upon prop and throttle management
My prop of choice so far is an APC 13 x 8. I've also tried APC 12x12 (inefficient), APC 13x10 (short flights) and a power prop 13x5 (too slow).
Flys like a dream. No snap on stall, and just sort of plants itself on the hard surface runway with no bounce. After I get the prop and CG sorted out I will take out the nmh battery and use a BEC. Also looking into bigger flight batteries, possibly as big as 5000mah, to extend the flight times without adding too much weight. If there are more efficient props out there, please let me know.
Bob
My setup is:
Motor: Axi 4120-18
Esc: Opto 77 amp
Battery: Electrifly 3200 mah, set up as 6s
Weight with batteries (including separate 6v nmh for receiver and servos): 6.4 lbs
Flight time: 7 - 10 minutes depending upon prop and throttle management
My prop of choice so far is an APC 13 x 8. I've also tried APC 12x12 (inefficient), APC 13x10 (short flights) and a power prop 13x5 (too slow).
Flys like a dream. No snap on stall, and just sort of plants itself on the hard surface runway with no bounce. After I get the prop and CG sorted out I will take out the nmh battery and use a BEC. Also looking into bigger flight batteries, possibly as big as 5000mah, to extend the flight times without adding too much weight. If there are more efficient props out there, please let me know.
Bob
12-11-2009, 03:21 AM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
ORIGINAL: ro347
Just opened up my Reactor ... WOW - prob the most efficiently packed ARF Ive seen yet. Nice looking plane. Pretty much the same size as my Showtime 50 which I like. Was afraid it would seem smaller.
Just opened up my Reactor ... WOW - prob the most efficiently packed ARF Ive seen yet. Nice looking plane. Pretty much the same size as my Showtime 50 which I like. Was afraid it would seem smaller.
Ameyam
12-12-2009, 01:47 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
I'll have to double check, but I believe my tank is a 10oz(not the stock one)....and I mounted it right at the C.G. since I am using a Perry pump.
Next flight, I will time it with a stopwatch and let you know what flight time to expect with the 91...
Next flight, I will time it with a stopwatch and let you know what flight time to expect with the 91...
12-12-2009, 06:34 PM
#1485
RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
I understand that the rule of thumb for Saito engines is to take the tank capacity in Oz. and divide it by the engine displacement in cubic inches to get the flight time in minutes. Thus a .91 with a ten oz tank should get about 11 minutes of run time. I'm sure there are a lot of other factors which influence run time, but that becomes a starting point. It's always worked well with my Saito .72.
12-12-2009, 07:18 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Thanks guys.
Nice theory bob! Ill have to test that one.
There was a site that told you what the saitos used at full throttle per minute...but now I cant find it. Of course!
Nice theory bob! Ill have to test that one.
There was a site that told you what the saitos used at full throttle per minute...but now I cant find it. Of course!
12-14-2009, 03:10 AM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Hi to all,
Over the weekend, I flew my Reactor (finally!). With my instructor at the controls, he took off and started trimming the plane. Then we realized that the throttle was not responding. Actually, I had setup the throttle with a snap-link sliding connector so as to allow for better throttle adjustment over the bent control rod system. In flight the same has come off the horn and the throttle pushrod got disconnected! My mistake.
For the next 4~5 minutes we threw the plane in all kinds of attitude in order to induce a deadstick. Finally we resorted to flying circuits. With throttle stuck at 80%, soon the fuel was used up and we landed deadstick.
Byproduct of this scary position was we learnt that the setup was good and the engine will not cut-off in any maneuver which is good considering my experience with the Topstar where the engine cut-off even in level flight.
Anyway, got the plane back in one piece and re-installed the throttle horn with the z-bent pushrod system. Will again fly it on weekend. In the bargain, I didnt take pictures. Will post the same next week.
Ameyam
Over the weekend, I flew my Reactor (finally!). With my instructor at the controls, he took off and started trimming the plane. Then we realized that the throttle was not responding. Actually, I had setup the throttle with a snap-link sliding connector so as to allow for better throttle adjustment over the bent control rod system. In flight the same has come off the horn and the throttle pushrod got disconnected! My mistake.
For the next 4~5 minutes we threw the plane in all kinds of attitude in order to induce a deadstick. Finally we resorted to flying circuits. With throttle stuck at 80%, soon the fuel was used up and we landed deadstick.
Byproduct of this scary position was we learnt that the setup was good and the engine will not cut-off in any maneuver which is good considering my experience with the Topstar where the engine cut-off even in level flight.
Anyway, got the plane back in one piece and re-installed the throttle horn with the z-bent pushrod system. Will again fly it on weekend. In the bargain, I didnt take pictures. Will post the same next week.
Ameyam
12-24-2009, 06:11 PM
#1488
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Right now you can pick up the Reactor via Tower for $170 - shipped, through Christmas day. Use Stock#VA1010 ($185), plus the coupon code they have on the home page for the additional $15 off, and free shipping.
12-24-2009, 09:58 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Here is the link to a SAITO information site, probably the one you were looking for: http://saito-engines.info/index.html
Well, after following this long thread for more than a year, I decided to post some of the pictures of my Reactor. It is the second take, with a brand new fuselage, as I seriously damaged the first one about two months ago. Now I should be back in business, with a little mod compared to the first fuse (I made a side hatch, to place the battery further back and be able to adjust the CG over a wider range).
The configuration is:
- Saito 82a, spinning a 14 x 4W APC prop
- Hitec HS5245 Digital Mini MG all around, except for throttle, which is an HS81
- Graphtech carbon fiber landing gear and 2.5" wheels
Total weight is 5 lbs and 14 oz.
The first incarnation of this plane flew very well, until I botched an inverted flat spin. The repaired plane has only flown 3 times and I am still in the process of adjusting the CG and flight trimming.
Well, after following this long thread for more than a year, I decided to post some of the pictures of my Reactor. It is the second take, with a brand new fuselage, as I seriously damaged the first one about two months ago. Now I should be back in business, with a little mod compared to the first fuse (I made a side hatch, to place the battery further back and be able to adjust the CG over a wider range).
The configuration is:
- Saito 82a, spinning a 14 x 4W APC prop
- Hitec HS5245 Digital Mini MG all around, except for throttle, which is an HS81
- Graphtech carbon fiber landing gear and 2.5" wheels
Total weight is 5 lbs and 14 oz.
The first incarnation of this plane flew very well, until I botched an inverted flat spin. The repaired plane has only flown 3 times and I am still in the process of adjusting the CG and flight trimming.
12-25-2009, 06:56 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Nice job on the engine install. I did both a 2 stroke on a 45 angle, and a 4 stroke inverted, but I like your 45 on the 4 stroke. Looks nice.
12-26-2009, 07:49 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
I am not really sure what happened. As I was trying to go back to level flight at relatively low speed, the plane started to swing left and right, out of control. It hit the ground almost flat on its back, without a single scratch to the wings, but the nose portion was almost disintegrated. However, the engine did not get any damage, not even dirty. Probably a pilot error....
12-28-2009, 06:25 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
I just received my updated gear from GP today. Ive gotta express how impressed I am at how they handle customer service. This isnt the first time they have come through for me with minimal questions asked/issues. You would think with the economy being the way it is, and every company making cuts in one way or another, we would somehow feel it with GP; but thats not the case. They stand behind their products, strongly encouraging customer confidence and loyalty.
To date ive contacted them 4 times regarding small issues - a couple even admitted to be possible user error, and each time they have sent new replacements.
To date:
my first 46ax, The bearings started to rust after a few months use. I sent the engine in being that I was inexperienced at the time and didnt know what the problem was. I received a new engine exactly 7 days later stating the problem and how to avoid in the future.
A brushless motor in an Electristar - after a crash the motor had a weird noise despite what seemed to be no damamge, they sent me a new one.
Same Electristar crash - I bent the wing tube and asked if I could order a seperate tube being that it wasnt being offered for sale - guess what... came in the mail.
And now finally the Reactor gear... No questions asked despite offering proof of purchase/upc.
Thank you Hobby Services! Im sure im not the only one that appreciates the service.
To date ive contacted them 4 times regarding small issues - a couple even admitted to be possible user error, and each time they have sent new replacements.
To date:
my first 46ax, The bearings started to rust after a few months use. I sent the engine in being that I was inexperienced at the time and didnt know what the problem was. I received a new engine exactly 7 days later stating the problem and how to avoid in the future.
A brushless motor in an Electristar - after a crash the motor had a weird noise despite what seemed to be no damamge, they sent me a new one.
Same Electristar crash - I bent the wing tube and asked if I could order a seperate tube being that it wasnt being offered for sale - guess what... came in the mail.
And now finally the Reactor gear... No questions asked despite offering proof of purchase/upc.
Thank you Hobby Services! Im sure im not the only one that appreciates the service.
12-29-2009, 12:51 AM
#1494
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
They get my vote too!!!!!!
Cant wait for some good flying days to show up in between all this rain and wind........I was just beginning to fall in love with the Reactor and the Saito 91
Santa dropped me off a big un' to build.... looking to put a RCV130-CD motor in it. [8D]
Cant wait for some good flying days to show up in between all this rain and wind........I was just beginning to fall in love with the Reactor and the Saito 91
Santa dropped me off a big un' to build.... looking to put a RCV130-CD motor in it. [8D]
01-24-2010, 12:00 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
Had about 7 flights over the weekend on the Reactor. The plane flew quite well (read as one deadstick that too since I was on idle for too long before I went into the hover). I am getting used to the controls more in the mid rates (having started on low rates) and I hovered on the same settings. Also held knife-edges in both directions having never done that before ever in any plane other than in the sim. Needless to say that the Reactor inspires a lot of confidence.
One thing I want to know: I am using a 12x6 prop on my 55AX. We found that the 12x4 would make the engine whine due to being unloaded. But the side-effect is it keeps gaining altitude in the hover. If I throttle down, the nose drops. Also, I have a lot of difficulty in slowing for landing; a little of flaring and the thing keeps going down the runway. In order to land I am having to cut throttle everytime. Also in cruise, it gains speed quickly meaning holding level hover is difficult. Should I move to a 13x4 or 14x4? Think there is sufficient clearence for both.
Ameyam
One thing I want to know: I am using a 12x6 prop on my 55AX. We found that the 12x4 would make the engine whine due to being unloaded. But the side-effect is it keeps gaining altitude in the hover. If I throttle down, the nose drops. Also, I have a lot of difficulty in slowing for landing; a little of flaring and the thing keeps going down the runway. In order to land I am having to cut throttle everytime. Also in cruise, it gains speed quickly meaning holding level hover is difficult. Should I move to a 13x4 or 14x4? Think there is sufficient clearence for both.
Ameyam
01-24-2010, 04:59 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
ORIGINAL: ameyam
Had about 7 flights over the weekend on the Reactor. The plane flew quite well (read as one deadstick that too since I was on idle for too long before I went into the hover). I am getting used to the controls more in the mid rates (having started on low rates) and I hovered on the same settings. Also held knife-edges in both directions having never done that before ever in any plane other than in the sim. Needless to say that the Reactor inspires a lot of confidence.
One thing I want to know: I am using a 12x6 prop on my 55AX. We found that the 12x4 would make the engine whine due to being unloaded. But the side-effect is it keeps gaining altitude in the hover. If I throttle down, the nose drops. Also, I have a lot of difficulty in slowing for landing; a little of flaring and the thing keeps going down the runway. In order to land I am having to cut throttle everytime. Also in cruise, it gains speed quickly meaning holding level hover is difficult. Should I move to a 13x4 or 14x4? Think there is sufficient clearence for both.
Ameyam
Had about 7 flights over the weekend on the Reactor. The plane flew quite well (read as one deadstick that too since I was on idle for too long before I went into the hover). I am getting used to the controls more in the mid rates (having started on low rates) and I hovered on the same settings. Also held knife-edges in both directions having never done that before ever in any plane other than in the sim. Needless to say that the Reactor inspires a lot of confidence.
One thing I want to know: I am using a 12x6 prop on my 55AX. We found that the 12x4 would make the engine whine due to being unloaded. But the side-effect is it keeps gaining altitude in the hover. If I throttle down, the nose drops. Also, I have a lot of difficulty in slowing for landing; a little of flaring and the thing keeps going down the runway. In order to land I am having to cut throttle everytime. Also in cruise, it gains speed quickly meaning holding level hover is difficult. Should I move to a 13x4 or 14x4? Think there is sufficient clearence for both.
Ameyam
01-24-2010, 05:53 PM
#1497
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
get the WIDE blade prop if possible... that will help slow you down for a landing.
When I throttle back the 15x4 wide APC, it slows nicely, even at a higher idle.
When I throttle back the 15x4 wide APC, it slows nicely, even at a higher idle.
02-02-2010, 05:28 PM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
ORIGINAL: ameyam
One thing I want to know: I am using a 12x6 prop on my 55AX. We found that the 12x4 would make the engine whine due to being unloaded. But the side-effect is it keeps gaining altitude in the hover. If I throttle down, the nose drops. Also, I have a lot of difficulty in slowing for landing; a little of flaring and the thing keeps going down the runway. In order to land I am having to cut throttle everytime. Also in cruise, it gains speed quickly meaning holding level hover is difficult. Should I move to a 13x4 or 14x4? Think there is sufficient clearence for both.
Ameyam
One thing I want to know: I am using a 12x6 prop on my 55AX. We found that the 12x4 would make the engine whine due to being unloaded. But the side-effect is it keeps gaining altitude in the hover. If I throttle down, the nose drops. Also, I have a lot of difficulty in slowing for landing; a little of flaring and the thing keeps going down the runway. In order to land I am having to cut throttle everytime. Also in cruise, it gains speed quickly meaning holding level hover is difficult. Should I move to a 13x4 or 14x4? Think there is sufficient clearence for both.
Ameyam
Another thing to consider during landing is the aerodynamics of this plane. It is very sleek and has a very light wing loading for its size. If you point the nose down to lose altitude it will pick up speed quickly due to its sleek airframe. Use some more up elevator on approach to slow the plane down. The up elevator will expose the large wing area to the oncoming wind and add alot of drag thereby slowing the plane down and increasing your decent angle. Try it out on the sim first but you will see this plane loves to land at walking speed if you let it.
02-07-2010, 11:46 AM
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RE: Great Planes Reactor GP/EP 3D ARF .46-.70
ORIGINAL: ro347
I just received my updated gear from GP today. Ive gotta express how impressed I am at how they handle customer service. This isnt the first time they have come through for me with minimal questions asked/issues. You would think with the economy being the way it is, and every company making cuts in one way or another, we would somehow feel it with GP; but thats not the case. They stand behind their products, strongly encouraging customer confidence and loyalty.
To date ive contacted them 4 times regarding small issues - a couple even admitted to be possible user error, and each time they have sent new replacements.
To date:
my first 46ax, The bearings started to rust after a few months use. I sent the engine in being that I was inexperienced at the time and didnt know what the problem was. I received a new engine exactly 7 days later stating the problem and how to avoid in the future.
A brushless motor in an Electristar - after a crash the motor had a weird noise despite what seemed to be no damamge, they sent me a new one.
Same Electristar crash - I bent the wing tube and asked if I could order a seperate tube being that it wasnt being offered for sale - guess what... came in the mail.
And now finally the Reactor gear... No questions asked despite offering proof of purchase/upc.
Thank you Hobby Services! Im sure im not the only one that appreciates the service.
I just received my updated gear from GP today. Ive gotta express how impressed I am at how they handle customer service. This isnt the first time they have come through for me with minimal questions asked/issues. You would think with the economy being the way it is, and every company making cuts in one way or another, we would somehow feel it with GP; but thats not the case. They stand behind their products, strongly encouraging customer confidence and loyalty.
To date ive contacted them 4 times regarding small issues - a couple even admitted to be possible user error, and each time they have sent new replacements.
To date:
my first 46ax, The bearings started to rust after a few months use. I sent the engine in being that I was inexperienced at the time and didnt know what the problem was. I received a new engine exactly 7 days later stating the problem and how to avoid in the future.
A brushless motor in an Electristar - after a crash the motor had a weird noise despite what seemed to be no damamge, they sent me a new one.
Same Electristar crash - I bent the wing tube and asked if I could order a seperate tube being that it wasnt being offered for sale - guess what... came in the mail.
And now finally the Reactor gear... No questions asked despite offering proof of purchase/upc.
Thank you Hobby Services! Im sure im not the only one that appreciates the service.