Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
#401
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Vacaville,
CA
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Thanks to all that contributed to this thread!
My Nitroplanes Predator B...aka "REAPER" completed it's first mission last weekend. While having such a great time flying and doing AP, it unfortunately went out of range with a DX7/6100 (about 1/2 of a mile away with full orientation and maximum squint) and ditched in the water (local pond). If you're ever wondering if it floats...here's living proof. The recovery was excellent by a very skilled pilot and a piece of wood tied to a long string. The picture on the runway was the following day after a successful Re-maiden... Soon thereafter, I changed callsign to AQ UA-9 "Splash"
Here's the edited AP video from the successful flights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_dnUraHuVQ
My Nitroplanes Predator B...aka "REAPER" completed it's first mission last weekend. While having such a great time flying and doing AP, it unfortunately went out of range with a DX7/6100 (about 1/2 of a mile away with full orientation and maximum squint) and ditched in the water (local pond). If you're ever wondering if it floats...here's living proof. The recovery was excellent by a very skilled pilot and a piece of wood tied to a long string. The picture on the runway was the following day after a successful Re-maiden... Soon thereafter, I changed callsign to AQ UA-9 "Splash"
Here's the edited AP video from the successful flights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_dnUraHuVQ
#402
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester,
NY
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Splash,
What a save! And on water, no less. All of my Pals and I went total Spektrum and we were wondering what the range limit would be
with the 6100. You sure found out the hard way! I have flown my Predator high and way out there with no problems and now I
think that I am going to tell the guys to do some ground tests for range when Spring comes. I'm pleased that it worked out so well
for you.
Now, I would really like to know what type of camera you were using because I noticed that your image was clear and you
were able to rotate the camera for coming and going shots. I just may have found another unique UAV for us, so lets keep in contact.
What a save! And on water, no less. All of my Pals and I went total Spektrum and we were wondering what the range limit would be
with the 6100. You sure found out the hard way! I have flown my Predator high and way out there with no problems and now I
think that I am going to tell the guys to do some ground tests for range when Spring comes. I'm pleased that it worked out so well
for you.
Now, I would really like to know what type of camera you were using because I noticed that your image was clear and you
were able to rotate the camera for coming and going shots. I just may have found another unique UAV for us, so lets keep in contact.
#403
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Vacaville,
CA
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
ORIGINAL: papajeff
Splash,
What a save! And on water, no less. All of my Pals and I went total Spektrum and we were wondering what the range limit would be
with the 6100. You sure found out the hard way! I have flown my Predator high and way out there with no problems and now I
think that I am going to tell the guys to do some ground tests for range when Spring comes. I'm pleased that it worked out so well
for you.
Now, I would really like to know what type of camera you were using because I noticed that your image was clear and you
were able to rotate the camera for coming and going shots. I just may have found another unique UAV for us, so lets keep in contact.
Splash,
What a save! And on water, no less. All of my Pals and I went total Spektrum and we were wondering what the range limit would be
with the 6100. You sure found out the hard way! I have flown my Predator high and way out there with no problems and now I
think that I am going to tell the guys to do some ground tests for range when Spring comes. I'm pleased that it worked out so well
for you.
Now, I would really like to know what type of camera you were using because I noticed that your image was clear and you
were able to rotate the camera for coming and going shots. I just may have found another unique UAV for us, so lets keep in contact.
I couldn't just fly this distinguished aircraft...
Yes, I recommend to use the Spektrum receiver with the satellite antenna such as the AR6200 if you plan on flying extended range, E.g beyond "sqint" mode.
Errol
#404
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester,
NY
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Errol,
Thank you for the camera info. If it is possible, a few photos of your camera set-up would be most appreciated. Again, your comments,
video and contribution to this thread are most appreciated.
Thank you for the camera info. If it is possible, a few photos of your camera set-up would be most appreciated. Again, your comments,
video and contribution to this thread are most appreciated.
#405
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Vacaville,
CA
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
The FCO2 is small and can be mounted directly underneath using either velcro or preferably double sticky. My FCO2 is "deep six" in the lake. I don't want to encourage anyone to disassemble a $100 video camera when the FCO2 will work All you need is Window Movie Maker and you're good to go!
Errol
Errol
#406
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: miami,
FL
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
i am about to order one shortly and was wondering how long of servo extension do i need and how many?? also how do i make so that i can have a steerable wheel??
#407
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester,
NY
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
ORIGINAL: merctech1979
i am about to order one shortly and was wondering how long of servo extension do i need and how many?? also how do i make so that i can have a steerable wheel??
i am about to order one shortly and was wondering how long of servo extension do i need and how many?? also how do i make so that i can have a steerable wheel??
As I recall, a 24" extension for each wing (see post # 14) and a 36" extension from the ESC to
the Rx in the nose (see post #38). With regard to the steerable nose wheel mod, I remember
that a few of the guys did post here with photos. I just can't remember what post numbers, so
I will check and let you know when I find it. If you have any questions as you build
your Predator, just post them and we will reply.
#408
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Christiana,
TN
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Hi all,
I have been following this fantastic thread for a while and I just had to get one of these from Nitro! When I opened the box I noticed that a few parts have been changed, it seems that the lower rudder has been redesigned from PJ's photos (no extra tab where it goes into the fuse) and the nose gear is completely different. Has anyone else noticed changes? I am sure I will be asking lots of question even though I have read and re-read this thread a number of times. I am thinking of using this motor and am just wondering if anyone see's problems with it? I ran this through my meter, using a 9.6 prop with a 2100 3S1P and I was getting 280 watts. Also I figure my FCO2 will help with the CG.
[link]http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2047[/link]
I have been following this fantastic thread for a while and I just had to get one of these from Nitro! When I opened the box I noticed that a few parts have been changed, it seems that the lower rudder has been redesigned from PJ's photos (no extra tab where it goes into the fuse) and the nose gear is completely different. Has anyone else noticed changes? I am sure I will be asking lots of question even though I have read and re-read this thread a number of times. I am thinking of using this motor and am just wondering if anyone see's problems with it? I ran this through my meter, using a 9.6 prop with a 2100 3S1P and I was getting 280 watts. Also I figure my FCO2 will help with the CG.
[link]http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2047[/link]
#409
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester,
NY
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
mpo702,
Thank you for the nice comments, and I'm pleased to hear that NITRO has made some changes to their original design.
The NITRO Crew sure has devoted a great deal of effort to accommodate the Hobbiests needs and wants. This is
very evident when you look at their web site, www.nitroplanes.com, which is constantly changing and upgrading.
If your Predators flying weight ends up to be around 32oz., with your motor producing 280 watts.........you will have
140 w/lb. and that will be just fine! I would suggest to go with a 35A ESC, as opposed to a 25A, just to be on the safe side.
Have a good time with your build and, for sure, let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you for the nice comments, and I'm pleased to hear that NITRO has made some changes to their original design.
The NITRO Crew sure has devoted a great deal of effort to accommodate the Hobbiests needs and wants. This is
very evident when you look at their web site, www.nitroplanes.com, which is constantly changing and upgrading.
If your Predators flying weight ends up to be around 32oz., with your motor producing 280 watts.........you will have
140 w/lb. and that will be just fine! I would suggest to go with a 35A ESC, as opposed to a 25A, just to be on the safe side.
Have a good time with your build and, for sure, let us know if you have any questions.
#410
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Vacaville,
CA
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
ORIGINAL: papajeff
mpo702,
Thank you for the nice comments, and I'm pleased to hear that NITRO has made some changes to their original design.
The NITRO Crew sure has devoted a great deal of effort to accommodate the Hobbiests needs and wants. This is
very evident when you look at their web site, www.nitroplanes.com, which is constantly changing and upgrading.
If your Predators flying weight ends up to be around 32oz., with your motor producing 280 watts.........you will have
140 w/lb. and that will be just fine! I would suggest to go with a 35A ESC, as opposed to a 25A, just to be on the safe side.
Have a good time with your build and, for sure, let us know if you have any questions.
mpo702,
Thank you for the nice comments, and I'm pleased to hear that NITRO has made some changes to their original design.
The NITRO Crew sure has devoted a great deal of effort to accommodate the Hobbiests needs and wants. This is
very evident when you look at their web site, www.nitroplanes.com, which is constantly changing and upgrading.
If your Predators flying weight ends up to be around 32oz., with your motor producing 280 watts.........you will have
140 w/lb. and that will be just fine! I would suggest to go with a 35A ESC, as opposed to a 25A, just to be on the safe side.
Have a good time with your build and, for sure, let us know if you have any questions.
Since the weather was decent after work yesterday, we took to the air until the sun set...which was only an hour away. The second FCO2 arrived the other day so I strap her on for a couple clips and below was the end result.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SjeQsqREls
Errol
#411
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester,
NY
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Errol,
You sure know how to get to good old Papa Jeff! Your crew chief is just adorable! Now, what a great video and I like your choice of background music. That is exactly the right way to fly the Predator and just have a good time doing it. Boy, do I wish we had your weather just for a week or so. Although there has not been much snow yet, this Winter, I think that all of us are getting RC Cabin Feaver! Thank you, again for your
excellent video.
You sure know how to get to good old Papa Jeff! Your crew chief is just adorable! Now, what a great video and I like your choice of background music. That is exactly the right way to fly the Predator and just have a good time doing it. Boy, do I wish we had your weather just for a week or so. Although there has not been much snow yet, this Winter, I think that all of us are getting RC Cabin Feaver! Thank you, again for your
excellent video.
#413
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester,
NY
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
ORIGINAL: chrishornby
Jeff, don't keep us in suspense any longer, What is your new uav project??
Chris
Jeff, don't keep us in suspense any longer, What is your new uav project??
Chris
#414
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: beaumont,
TX
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
ORIGINAL: papajeff
All right....all right, What if I found an EDF Global Hawk?
ORIGINAL: chrishornby
Jeff, don't keep us in suspense any longer, What is your new uav project??
Chris
Jeff, don't keep us in suspense any longer, What is your new uav project??
Chris
#415
Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: PortlandDorset, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Jeff, I would be seriously impressed if you found a global hawk..
1. Have you got one?
2. Where did you get it??
Chris
1. Have you got one?
2. Where did you get it??
Chris
#416
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: R�pcelak,Mansfield ,
TX, HUNGARY
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Hi Gents,
The 1st flight of my Predator was an absolutely success.Although the weather was less than perfect,a little bit gusty I got accustomed this birdy in no time.It was obvious that using the rudder is a must at this plane.Other way its a purebreed glider.I love it,got awsome power with the brushless outrunner,reaching the clouds in no time[sm=teeth_smile.gif]
Config:
Motor A22-20L Keda/300watt/,Esc Keda .40A,4 pc Towerpro 9g servo,APC 10x7 prop,Dualsky2200 3 cell 25/50c
battery,MZK Sexta RX Fut.9CAP Super TX
Thanks guys for this cool topic and good luck everyone with the Predator!
Ps.:Papajeff,I saw you in the march 2008 issue of FlY RC magazine at the NEAT FAIR.There were a lot of cool electrics.Did you see anything that can follow the UAV project?
Regards,
Georgee
The 1st flight of my Predator was an absolutely success.Although the weather was less than perfect,a little bit gusty I got accustomed this birdy in no time.It was obvious that using the rudder is a must at this plane.Other way its a purebreed glider.I love it,got awsome power with the brushless outrunner,reaching the clouds in no time[sm=teeth_smile.gif]
Config:
Motor A22-20L Keda/300watt/,Esc Keda .40A,4 pc Towerpro 9g servo,APC 10x7 prop,Dualsky2200 3 cell 25/50c
battery,MZK Sexta RX Fut.9CAP Super TX
Thanks guys for this cool topic and good luck everyone with the Predator!
Ps.:Papajeff,I saw you in the march 2008 issue of FlY RC magazine at the NEAT FAIR.There were a lot of cool electrics.Did you see anything that can follow the UAV project?
Regards,
Georgee
#417
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: R�pcelak,Mansfield ,
TX, HUNGARY
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Hi Folks,
Today I flew again the Predator in a light breeze.Its a really easy to fly plane just don"t forget to use some rudder when turning the plane,otherwise there"s no bad habit at all.In my opinion its gonna be a good thermal chaser when the spring come back.Its true that my main field of interest in the RC, the giant scale gassers,but the electrics /with todays refined components like Lipo Batteries, brushless motors/ are fun to fly.I always take an electric plane with my gassers to the field,and being the Predator is one of my favourite now,I won"t let it home when the good weather is back. I"d recommend this bird for everybody with some sailplane and aileron experience.I"ll searching a suitable rc camera for the Predator.
Georgee[sm=thumbs_up.gif]
Today I flew again the Predator in a light breeze.Its a really easy to fly plane just don"t forget to use some rudder when turning the plane,otherwise there"s no bad habit at all.In my opinion its gonna be a good thermal chaser when the spring come back.Its true that my main field of interest in the RC, the giant scale gassers,but the electrics /with todays refined components like Lipo Batteries, brushless motors/ are fun to fly.I always take an electric plane with my gassers to the field,and being the Predator is one of my favourite now,I won"t let it home when the good weather is back. I"d recommend this bird for everybody with some sailplane and aileron experience.I"ll searching a suitable rc camera for the Predator.
Georgee[sm=thumbs_up.gif]
#418
Senior Member
My Feedback: (6)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Hello Georgee Grats on the madian and I agree it is a nice electric plane. I see you made the same mistake as I did you put your decals on upside down. The single point of the star faces forward and up. Now there was no excuse for me as I served 6 years in the Airforce and own over 30 warbirds. Only thing I can blame it on is Papajeff he made such a nice pitch for the plane I had to run ont buy one put it togeather over night and was in such a hurry to finish it I put my decals on upside down. Im sure the same thing is true for you so it not shame on me and you its shame on Papajeff. Glad to see there is another gas guy flying an electric plane I used to fly gas 100% till I got a parkzone typhoon for Xmas one year and it hooked me I now have 30 electric and 2 gas. I have found it to be true there are 2 kinds of pilots those who fly electric and spend the day flying and those who fly gas and spend the day working on and tuning there engines. Anyways good luck with all your flying and remember to put the point up and forward.
#419
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bristol, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Keep up the great thread guys,
Just found a good website with some 'full size' reaper pics on and thought it may be of interest.
http://air-attack.com/images/single/...-9-Reaper.html
Just found a good website with some 'full size' reaper pics on and thought it may be of interest.
http://air-attack.com/images/single/...-9-Reaper.html
#420
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester,
NY
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
ORIGINAL: imwebbo
Keep up the great thread guys,
Just found a good website with some 'full size' reaper pics on and thought it may be of interest.
http://air-attack.com/images/single/...-9-Reaper.html
Keep up the great thread guys,
Just found a good website with some 'full size' reaper pics on and thought it may be of interest.
http://air-attack.com/images/single/...-9-Reaper.html
some more armament for my Predator and my soon to arrive Global Hawk.
#421
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester,
NY
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Georgee,
I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying your Predator so much. Yes, it must be true as Warbird-Dave has stated,
it's all my fault about you guys putting the decals on upside down. It must have something to do with those cigars
that Greg Covey keeps giving me. Do you and Dave think that must be the reason that I dont know my left from
my right????????????
I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying your Predator so much. Yes, it must be true as Warbird-Dave has stated,
it's all my fault about you guys putting the decals on upside down. It must have something to do with those cigars
that Greg Covey keeps giving me. Do you and Dave think that must be the reason that I dont know my left from
my right????????????
#422
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lawndale,
CA
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
All of this PREDATOR talk is making me hungry ! I just brought one of these puppies just from reading the threads here. What away to be informed on what is known to work "taking the guess workout " at least for me.
PapaJeff, I will have to include you in my income tax write off.... LOL
Chris, any luck on those pictures on how and where you mounted your cam ?
That's it, I'm going to the air field tomorrow.... My PREDATOR isn't ready but myHanger 9 F-22 Fly like a Getto Bird...................Sweeet
PapaJeff, I will have to include you in my income tax write off.... LOL
Chris, any luck on those pictures on how and where you mounted your cam ?
That's it, I'm going to the air field tomorrow.... My PREDATOR isn't ready but myHanger 9 F-22 Fly like a Getto Bird...................Sweeet
#423
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: R�pcelak,Mansfield ,
TX, HUNGARY
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Hi Papajeff,
Yes,maybe you should stay away from those tricky cigars[sm=wink_smile.gif]
If you find a new UAV project pls inform us.
Regards,
Georgee
Yes,maybe you should stay away from those tricky cigars[sm=wink_smile.gif]
If you find a new UAV project pls inform us.
Regards,
Georgee
#425
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester,
NY
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Nitromodels PREDATOR RQ-1B
Some more photos! I found some misc info about the Predator classifications. The MQ-1 and MQ-1B are the slightly
smaller version with the twin, downward & outward angled rear stabilizers. The bigger Predator is the MQ-9 Reaper
and /or RQ-1 Reaper with the "Y" tail like our Nitro Model version. So, there!
smaller version with the twin, downward & outward angled rear stabilizers. The bigger Predator is the MQ-9 Reaper
and /or RQ-1 Reaper with the "Y" tail like our Nitro Model version. So, there!