Great Planes Spectra ARF

Great Planes Spectra ARF
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Great Planes Spectra ARF - 3/13/2005 10:33:50 PM

tommartinjr

Posts: 2
Joined: 3/13/2005
From: Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Status: offline

I am new to the hobby. I purchased a 6EXAs Futaba radio with D127 receiver and 3004 servos. I am thinking about purchasing a Great Planes Spectra ARF as my first plane. I live in Colorado Springs at 6500'. This altitude creates unique problems with thin air. Some have suggested that I toss the engine that comes with the plane and purchase a brushless one for more power to create more lift. I also would like to be using a Li Poly battery. Is this a good first plane? Am I on the right track? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks, Tom

Post #: 1

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 3/15/2005 1:57:10 PM

Bill Whala

Posts: 6
Joined: 2/22/2005
From: Littleton, CO, USA
Status: offline

Tom,

I'm a complete newbie to R/C flying myself so I'm not too sure how much help I can be. I have the exact same radio set you have and it looks like it is a great setup.

I also bought the GP Spectra. I wish I could go back and re-make that decision. Although the Great Planes web site says this is a beginners plane, it would only be so with the help of someone with experience with electric sailplanes. I was able to build it OK. I took it out to simply do some trim glides with it. I'm not able to hold the radio and throw the plane hard enough to get adequate airspeed. It nosed down just enough to hit hard enough for the battery to break the bulkhead that holds the rubberband to which the canopy connects. Also, the tail section is very weak. I only bumped it against the doorway going out of the house and wound up repairing that area and it broke again from the failed trim flight. I will need to strengthen that area before attempting to fly it again.

If I were to do it again I would contact the local Soaring club (RMSAdenver.com) and get some help from them regarding which sailplane to get.

The E-Flight Ascent looks like a well built bird but I've never seen one in person. There is a great review of it in the Quiet and Electric Flyer magazine out of the UK. They recommend it as a beginner plane.

Hope this helps some.

_____________________________

I'm looking for 50 feet of flight line and a bucket of prop wash.

(in reply to tommartinjr)

Post #: 2

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 3/19/2005 11:20:38 AM

skyblue

Posts: 62
Joined: 2/16/2003
From: metuchen, NJ, USA
Status: offline

A fellow flyer from my club flew his Spectra Arf for the first time the other day.The plane had the stock set up 7cell battery, 600 class motor 8x4 prop.I'm not sure of the speed conrtol since it had no markings .The weather was calm and there was thermals in the area.The plane flew well,the power set up was ok for our area-East coast of New Jersey.

If you need more climing power for your area you can use a 8cell battery or a larger prop maybe 8x6.

I have had similar gliders with a brushless motors in my setup.I have a Phasor 30/3 with 40 amp speed control and a12x6 prop,8cell nicad battery.This setup would double or triple the climing power in your plane.
good luck Phil

(in reply to Bill Whala)

Post #: 3

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 4/9/2005 2:30:36 AM

dhable

Posts: 71
Joined: 1/2/2002
From: Oshkosh, WI, USA
Status: offline

I flew a Spectra ARF as my first sailplane a couple years ago. I used the stock setup. It flew fine here in Wisconsin, but it is definitely underpowered. (Stock motor and esc with 7 cell battery). Eight cells gave me more power, but I finally switched to a Pasor 30/3 and 10 cells. I just installed this setup, and have not yet flown it in 2005. I expect much better climb.

I'd say it's a good first timer's sailplane, but you must fly it carefully. Don't use a lot of throw on the rudder or elevator, and don't try to stretch a glide at low altitude, or make a sharp turn at low altitude with the stock set up. You just don't have the power, nor usually the airspeed. Flying the Spectra is not like flying a typical glow engine aircraft. You're often on the edge of stall, and you need to conserve airspeed and battery power. Once you hit your first thermal, though, it's a wow!

(in reply to tommartinjr)

Post #: 4

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 4/18/2005 3:20:55 AM

aeajr

Posts: 5496
Joined: 1/14/2003
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Status: offline

I have flown the Spectra in stock configuration. The power system is adequate, but not powerful. You can go to a brushless set-up at significant expense, but I have heard that if you add a gearbox to the stock motor and a larger prop that it makes a big difference for a very small additional investment.

Gearbox
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSL79&P=ML

Or you can buy a complete set-up:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUB34&P=7

Folding Propeller Hub
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXZL06&P=V
10X8 blades
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXZL03&P=7
Although at your altitude this might be a better choice
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXZL04&P=7

_____________________________

Clear Skies and Safe Flying!
Ed Anderson
Moderator
Park Pilot Program Partner

(in reply to dhable)

Post #: 5

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 4/18/2005 3:24:40 AM

aeajr

Posts: 5496
Joined: 1/14/2003
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Status: offline

Here are some other e-gliders you might consider.

If you interested in gliders but don't want to get involved in all that
hi-start and winch launching "stuff:" Here are a few electric gliders in the
1.4 -2 meter, 54 -79 inch wingspan catagory that might be suitable for a new
glider flyer

Mulitplex Easy Glider Electric - $90
Aileron/Rudder/Elevator/Throttle - 1.9M This would make an excellent first
e-glider
due to its rugged Elapor foam construciton. I have flow the sailplane
version - it flies very well.
http://www.multiplexusa.com/models/ParkFliers/EasyGliderE.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKHS8&P=7
Here it is flown out electric, but I think this is on a slope
http://www.elflight.dk/video5/easy-gl-hang.wmv

Multiplex Easy Star
R/E/T 1.4 M This is a cross between an e-glider and a parkflyer. We have
several
at our field. This is a good smaller first e-glider or a parkflyer. It a
very strong following. This is an Elapor foam plane that is very rugged,
flies well and thermals well. Makes a great "keep in the car"
e-glider/parkflyer.
ARF - $60
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFRU7&P=ML
RTF with Radio - $189
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFXV0&P=ML

Ascent - $69
R/E/T 1.4 M Fiberglass Pod/boom desing with built up balsa wing. Flies very
well.
We have a couple of these are our field. The pilots like them alot. This is
another glider/parkflyer cross over plane. Can be flown as either.
Great keep in the car plane
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL1075

Goldberg Electra
R/E/T - 2M This is a more traditional built up balsa glider with a polyhedral
wing. Essentially an electric verion of the popular Gentle Lady. Many people
add a gear box and larger prop to get stronger climb on this plane.
Kit - $75
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDJB2&P=7
ARF - $110
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVSEARCH=Electra&FVPROFIL=++

Hanger 9 Aspire - $239 - RTF
R/E/T - 2M This is a traditional built up balsa glider with Polyhedral wing.
Many people add a gearbox to this plane for stronger climbs.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN1950

Stratus $120 ARF
R/E/T controls
Fiberglass fuselage with built up balsa wing
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXZY16&P=7

Evolution - $199
R/E/T controls
Fiberglass fuselage and built up balsa wing
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAHP4&P=7

_____________________________

Clear Skies and Safe Flying!
Ed Anderson
Moderator
Park Pilot Program Partner

(in reply to aeajr)

Post #: 6

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 4/20/2005 6:31:48 AM

Balsa Steel

Posts: 220
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Piedmont, OK, USA
Status: offline

You can't go wrong with the Spectra (in my opinion). Other than the previously mentioned faulty tailplane design, I have no complaints about anything on mine and it's 100% factory stock. Below is a post I made back in January:

The Spectra Select was the plane that got me hooked on sailplanes. Mine's been through 3 ($7.50) motors so far. In stock form, the plane is good for 2-3 climbs depending on all the weather variables and it climbs at an adequate rate. Like everything else, you can upgrade batteries, motor, etc. and get different results, but I'm keeping mine simple and cheap and I have no complaints. Considering the heavy wing loading, it thermals surprisingly well, and the resulting faster speed gives it good authority on the stick. Don't try to stretch the glide out too much because it will drop a wing without warning, and it doesn't recover quite as quick as you would think. The only problem with the airframe is the horizontal stab attachment. Somebody needs to tell the manufacturer that glue does not stick to covering. It is not safe, glue some triangle stock to the bottom before your first flight. My shortest flight ever was yesterday at 16 minutes and my longest was just over an hour back in October. When this one finally bites the dust, I'll order another exactly like it, and fly my Bird Of Time till it gets here

(in reply to aeajr)

Post #: 7

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 4/20/2005 10:13:26 AM

aeajr

Posts: 5496
Joined: 1/14/2003
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Balsa Steel
The only problem with the airframe is the horizontal stab attachment. Somebody needs to tell the manufacturer that glue does not stick to covering. It is not safe, glue some triangle stock to the bottom before your first flight.

You probably already did this but you are supposed to cut away the covering where you glue the tail. Standard procedure for all ARF plane assembly.

_____________________________

Clear Skies and Safe Flying!
Ed Anderson
Moderator
Park Pilot Program Partner

(in reply to Balsa Steel)

Post #: 8

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 4/21/2005 12:32:38 AM

Balsa Steel

Posts: 220
Joined: 10/29/2004
From: Piedmont, OK, USA
Status: offline

Unfortunately this particular piece is glued from the factory, and I never thought to make sure it was secure. Even with some triangle stock added, the horizontal is still fragile as it can be easily dragged off by weeds on landing. It would be a more resilient design had it been a T-tail, but I'm still happy with mine. I did make one modification, I replaced the balsa in the spar with basswood and epoxy after I noticed it kept gaining dihedral everytime I flew it around like a sport plane rather than a sailplane.

(in reply to aeajr)

Post #: 9

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 5/4/2005 1:01:27 AM

sanhoylop

Posts: 2
Joined: 5/3/2005
From: Medellin, COLOMBIA
Status: offline

Tom

High altitude and temperature (Hot & High operation) issues are not a big problem with the spectra standard configuration. l start to fly this aircraft with std. configuration with 1700 - 7 cells battery, with no reduction gearbox, flying at 5000 ft and sometimes flying at 6900 ft with not big efforts to stay in the air, but of course you will need some thermals or slope winds to help you. Reduction gearbox, more powerfull battery and bigger folding prop will help you to increase spectra performance and stay more time in the air at no thermal or slope winds

Despite this aircraft have been designed for beginners, its big mass and inertia made it susceptible to some damage even at gentle landings, so you need to reinforce some areas as vertical and horizontal stabilizer with triangular basswood spars.

A flaps configuration can be very usefull to increase lift (but increasing drag) using at least half of wingspan, to do so you only need to cut trailing edge of wings at desired span, reinforce wing trailing edge with basswood or similar spar and use the parts removed of wings as flaps with standard hinges. You need as well to make a small box in the wings for servos, not big deal.

(in reply to tommartinjr)

Post #: 10

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 10/11/2005 12:55:01 AM

pcsketch

Posts: 70
Joined: 1/20/2005
From: Salem, OR, USA
Status: offline

Help! for the life of me I can't find how to ask a question/start a thread!

Please tell me how to FIND where/how to get my question as the First-Leading message.

My question is simple. A friend showed up at the field with a Spetra ARF to fly with the wing still in two pieces... Said he didn't have to glue the spar in just shove the two wing halves on to the spar and rubber band the wing on the fuse. The wind spar holes were balsa and the spar was two flat metals spars that togeather were not as thick as the spar holes. I know some sailplanes come with wings you can take apart BUT the spar holes are metal or atlest hard wood and the spar is usually a metal tube not two flat metal spars. Am I use to 'the old way', last Spectra I flew was a kit that was made befor laser cut parts.

(in reply to sanhoylop)

Post #: 11

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 10/11/2005 8:21:14 AM

aeajr

Posts: 5496
Joined: 1/14/2003
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: pcsketch

Help! for the life of me I can't find how to ask a question/start a thread!

Please tell me how to FIND where/how to get my question as the First-Leading message.

My question is simple. A friend showed up at the field with a Spetra ARF to fly with the wing still in two pieces... Said he didn't have to glue the spar in just shove the two wing halves on to the spar and rubber band the wing on the fuse. The wind spar holes were balsa and the spar was two flat metals spars that togeather were not as thick as the spar holes. I know some sailplanes come with wings you can take apart BUT the spar holes are metal or atlest hard wood and the spar is usually a metal tube not two flat metal spars. Am I use to 'the old way', last Spectra I flew was a kit that was made befor laser cut parts.

1) To start a new thread, go to the forum that is appropriate to your question. This should be in electric sailplanes, or sailplanes.

2) Top left, above the first listed thread is a button that says new thread. Press it and you will start a new thread.

As for your Spectra. Many planes can have two part wings and the type of joiner varies. My Spirit uses the same type of flat joiner as the spectra, I beleive. Mine is a sandwich of aluminum and balsa, I think. When I join the wings, I tape them together with clear packing tape. Super strong!!!! However the plans do not call for the tape, just to join and rubberband.

If I were launching from a 2M hi-start, that would be all I would need. Since I launch from a 4M hi-start and a winch I tape them. Works just fine.

_____________________________

Clear Skies and Safe Flying!
Ed Anderson
Moderator
Park Pilot Program Partner

(in reply to pcsketch)

Post #: 12

RE: Great Planes Spectra ARF - 10/14/2005 2:29:16 AM