New set up questions
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New set up questions
Hey few quick questions. I just got a used hanger 9 Alpha trainer with an OS 40FP, and a Futaba 6 channel radio. Didn't really want to buy them used but at 175 USD seemed like a good deal. I checked out the servos and they all work although I am concerned about the travel length though. But being a newbie I an not sure what the degree of movemnet should be. I am joining a club though so I plan to learn properly.
As far as the engine it is a bit "gunky" around the cooling fins. I think that someone was running fuel with castrol oil in it or something. The guy at the hobbyshop said it worked fine so I am sure it just needs to get cleaned up and have some nitro ran through it. Is there any suggestions to clean this engine up, ie after run or something like that? I am sure someone at the club can help me out if i need to break it down. Is there anything else I should check on the plane before even bringing it out to the field to be trained on? Also I got one of those hobbico tote things for fuel and the rest of the odds and ends. I need to finish this with some sort of coating, ie paint whatever. Is there any suggestions? Spraypaint work ok or does it need to be fuel proofed? does it need any other covering? Think that is about it. Thanks
As far as the engine it is a bit "gunky" around the cooling fins. I think that someone was running fuel with castrol oil in it or something. The guy at the hobbyshop said it worked fine so I am sure it just needs to get cleaned up and have some nitro ran through it. Is there any suggestions to clean this engine up, ie after run or something like that? I am sure someone at the club can help me out if i need to break it down. Is there anything else I should check on the plane before even bringing it out to the field to be trained on? Also I got one of those hobbico tote things for fuel and the rest of the odds and ends. I need to finish this with some sort of coating, ie paint whatever. Is there any suggestions? Spraypaint work ok or does it need to be fuel proofed? does it need any other covering? Think that is about it. Thanks
#3
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Trainer questions
Sounds like you got a pretty good deal! Make sure your instructor checks the radio equipment out to be sure its all working properly (range check, battery test, etc.).
As far as the gunk on the engine, its probably that brown 'varnish' that comes from using caster oil. Its hard to get that off, so unless the engine is really gross I wouldn't worry about it. As long as it runs well, that's what important. After you are done flying for the day, that's when you will put a few drops of after-run oil in the carb and turn the prop over to work it in. What kind of oil? Some guys use the stuff from the LHS. I use Corrosion-X in a spray can. Some use transmission fluid or 'Marvel Mystery Oil'. I've heard good things about 'Air Tool Oil'. You'll probably hear pros and cons from everybody.
Things to check on your plane: Make sure all the screws/nuts/bolts are tight. Check the fin and stab to be sure they are firmly attached. Tug gently on the elevator, rudder, and ailerons to be sure the hinges are secure. Have your battery pack and receiver wrapped in foam rubber and secured to the bottom of the plane so they won't flop around.
I think it's a good idea to use fuel-proof paint to finish your flight box. In case of a fuel spill or if its sitting behind a running engine. I use the Top Flite spray cans from your LHS.
As for the CG on this plane, I don't know exactly but its probably about 1/3 of the width of the wing back from the leading edge. Have your instructor check it. He should be able to tell if its significantly out of balance.
Oh, as for the travel amount on the servos, I can't remember exactly how many degrees they're supposed to move, but your instructor should be able to tell you if you're getting enough movement.
Didn't mean to ramble on this much... guess I'm just chatty today.
Good luck!
As far as the gunk on the engine, its probably that brown 'varnish' that comes from using caster oil. Its hard to get that off, so unless the engine is really gross I wouldn't worry about it. As long as it runs well, that's what important. After you are done flying for the day, that's when you will put a few drops of after-run oil in the carb and turn the prop over to work it in. What kind of oil? Some guys use the stuff from the LHS. I use Corrosion-X in a spray can. Some use transmission fluid or 'Marvel Mystery Oil'. I've heard good things about 'Air Tool Oil'. You'll probably hear pros and cons from everybody.
Things to check on your plane: Make sure all the screws/nuts/bolts are tight. Check the fin and stab to be sure they are firmly attached. Tug gently on the elevator, rudder, and ailerons to be sure the hinges are secure. Have your battery pack and receiver wrapped in foam rubber and secured to the bottom of the plane so they won't flop around.
I think it's a good idea to use fuel-proof paint to finish your flight box. In case of a fuel spill or if its sitting behind a running engine. I use the Top Flite spray cans from your LHS.
As for the CG on this plane, I don't know exactly but its probably about 1/3 of the width of the wing back from the leading edge. Have your instructor check it. He should be able to tell if its significantly out of balance.
Oh, as for the travel amount on the servos, I can't remember exactly how many degrees they're supposed to move, but your instructor should be able to tell you if you're getting enough movement.
Didn't mean to ramble on this much... guess I'm just chatty today.
Good luck!
#4
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New set up questions
Good advice from ho2zoo.
I'll add this. 1/3 of the width of the wing "where it attaches to the fuselage", not at the wingtip.
Find that spot on the wing, make a small mark on the underside of the wing, place the tip of a finger on each mark and lift the plane. If the nose drops, it's nose heavy (better than tail heavy though!). Move the battery pack around inside, or add weight to the nose until it balances.
Dennis-
As for the CG on this plane, I don't know exactly but its probably about 1/3 of the width of the wing back from the leading edge.
Find that spot on the wing, make a small mark on the underside of the wing, place the tip of a finger on each mark and lift the plane. If the nose drops, it's nose heavy (better than tail heavy though!). Move the battery pack around inside, or add weight to the nose until it balances.
Dennis-
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New set up questions
Thanks for all the info guys. Another question though . Should the prop turn very easily when off or would there be some pressure when turning. I tried to turn the prop a bit but met a little resistance and didn't want to mess anything up. I am wondering if the castro oil junk has seized the engine and it may need to be broken down and cleaned. As I said the plane is used and I think was sitting in the hobbyshop awhile.
Also I know there are a bunch of opinions on engines but how are the OS 40FPs?
thanks
Also I know there are a bunch of opinions on engines but how are the OS 40FPs?
thanks
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New set up questions
Castor oil is a normal component of fuel and is added as a lubricant. It, along with synthetic lubricating oil (sometimes), is roughly 18-20% of the aircraft fuel mixture. It also tends to be what stays behind after the other fuel ingredients evaporate. It's not a bad thing. It leaves a strong protective film on your engine. When you fuel up to get ready to fly, it will get dissolved by the fresh fuel and the engine will turn much easier. The other resistance to turning the prop is compression, another good thing. Without that resistance the engine wouldn't fire.
#7
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New set up questions
well thanks for the info. Hopefully the weather will clear up and i can head to the field and find an instructor. My only concern with the engine not spinning with out the pressure was it was all gunked and seized up inside. Guess I will find out when i hit th efeild.
thanks.
thanks.
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reply center of gravity
Just flew my new Alpha trainer for the first time today.....everything went great.......to answer your cg question, I'll take it right from the Alpha instruction book in my hand.
The center of gravity of the Alpha is a range of 2 3/4 to 3 inches from the leading edge of the wing.
Almost verbatim from the manual.....enjoy your plane.
The center of gravity of the Alpha is a range of 2 3/4 to 3 inches from the leading edge of the wing.
Almost verbatim from the manual.....enjoy your plane.
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New set up questions
Flip tunes:
remove the glow plug and try turning the prop. The resistance should have went to almost nothing. If it is still tight you may want to open it and inspect the interior.
Some auto part cleaner and submerge the engine and wait for it to do its thing. Rinse, dry, lube and reassemble.
remove the glow plug and try turning the prop. The resistance should have went to almost nothing. If it is still tight you may want to open it and inspect the interior.
Some auto part cleaner and submerge the engine and wait for it to do its thing. Rinse, dry, lube and reassemble.
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New set up questions
well the prop does turn and it has a good bit of compression to it. I put some after run oil in there to lube it up. as soon as the weather clears up I can get out to the field and try flying it. Hopefully that will be soon
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New set up questions
It is a standard 6ch radio. I haven't flown it yet so that just maybe as far as they need to go. Just seems the degree angle is not the high. I am joining a club so I will have them check it out before hand.