Rod Robbins

Hi guys...

About six months back, I found this Cermark F16 hanging from the ceiling at my LHS on consignment. It came fully equipped, ready to fly (OS FX-61, retracts, NIMH battery pack, etc.) According to the LHS, there was no manual or docs available for it but it looked pretty decent so I bought it.

I've had it on a back burner since then, and now I'd like to get it ready to fly. Even though it was billed as "ready to fly", I'd like to check out the CG and control throws first, but I can't find any docs on it.

I know that Cermark produced several versions of this F-16. Can anyone identify which version it is from the photos? And, more importantly, can anyone give me the CG and control throw measurements for it?


Many Thanks,
Rod

Ed_Moorman

My Feedback: (1)

I would ditch the muffler. It's a Mac's 1-piece replacement muffler that the precious owner has sanded the black paint off of. It is not a tuned muffler. The last time I tested one on a Thunder Tiger .61, it was 500 rpm low compared to the stock muffler. Get yourself a Jett ot Ultra Thrust muffler or a Mac's tuned pipe.

vasek

My Feedback: (4)

Rod, that is the first version. Sorry, don't have the throws or CG[]

Crazy4Flight

My Feedback: (540)

1st version had 1 pc wing, and a built-up wood fuse.
2nd version has plug in wings and a fibreglass fuse.


I have to dig to find the manual for your version,

Rod Robbins

Thanks for the info. Yes, this one has a one piece wing and wood fuse.

If you still have that manual on hand, I'd greatly appreciate the CG and control throw info.

Many Thanks,
Rod

Rod Robbins

Thanks for the info! That's a start anyway... [sm=regular_smile.gif]

Regards,
Rod

stevenchao

Hi Rod,

CG: The F-16 balance point is 6" fro the cut out in the wing. In another words, on the flat area in the wing where the dowls are, the balance should NOT be further than 6"to the rear of the plane. A really simple check si if there is NO fuel i the plane and you push the tail down to the ground and it stays, it's tail heavy and DON'T FLY. Our models built as shown generally turn out to be nose heavy and require a little tail weight to be correcd.

You can get a rough idea on where the balance is on a model by lifting it up and using your finger to determine the balance point under the wing. A much more accuratge way is with a balancer. You can buy one or quickly throw one together for this and future models. The best way to more the balance point is to simply move the battery. This way your are not adding additional weiht to the plane.

Version: You have the original version or versoin 1.

Control throws: This is old school, but we recommend that you adjust the throws mechanically, not on the radio.
Without dual rates: use the low rate throws for aileron and elevator.
With dual rates: Use the low rate trhorws at the HIGH rate and test fly. If you then want more throw, slowly step by step add more throw, MECHANICALLY, by moving the linkage to a hole further away from center onthe servo. Make sure when the dual rate is activated you get the low rate throw that we mentioned. We strongly recommend you do ot exceed the high rate throw at anytime, it will become difficult to fly smoothly or even control your F-16.

Elevator Deflection Up Down
Low rate 15 deg 1/2" 1/2"
High rate 20 deg 11/16" 11/16"

Ailerons
Low rate 10 deg 11/32" 11/32"
High rate 16 deg 9/16" 9/16"

Rudder 25 deg 1-3/8" 1-3/8"

Let us know if you need more info by calling us. We may be able to dig up a copy of the old manual. or simply email me your mailing address.


Peace,
Steven Chao,
Cermark
562-906-0808

Rod Robbins

EXCELLENT!! [sm=teeth_smile.gif]

Thank you, Steven, for your very complete and informative reply. It's exactly the info I was looking for! [sm=thumbup.gif]

The plane appears to be in excellent shape and ready to fly. Your info will enable me to double-check the existing throws and CG to make sure it's ready. Now I'm really looking forward to flying it, possibly this weekend.

>>...Let us know if you need more info by calling us...<<

I'll also keep in mind what you said about possibly locating an old manual if I need it. I actually did call Cermark last fall when I bought the plane, but I didn't get much info on the phone. Obviously, I didn't get to talk to the right guy!

Anyway, chalk up another A+ for Cermark service! Thanks again.

Regards,
Rod

mcdonald77

let me look around, I might have the manual hanging around