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Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
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Multiplex has recently introduced a revolutionary new R/C trainer molded from durable ELAPOR foam called the Magister. The Magister is an RTF (Ready to Fly) electric powered package with everything a beginner pilot needs to learn how fly. The airplane's electric engine can later be removed and a gas engine can be installed easily (assuming you become disgusted with your first electric flight experience). This makes the Magister one of the most advanced trainers available today.
The Magister is big, simple to fly, and, great for beginner or intermediate pilots. The plane is stable and solid in the air and slows down to a crawl for nice controlled landings. The Magister can handle moderate winds because of its size and weight.
Trainers have been around since the beginning of model flying. The so-called .40-sized trainer (with a 6.5cc glow motor) is offered in a multitude of variants all over the world. The beginner is expected to cope from the outset with an easily damaged all-wood model and a motor which is not properly set up and not even run-in. It’s no surprise that this type of “first model” is often the modeller’s last. At Multiplex they have adopted a different philosophy: a “ready-made model” moulded in robust, high-strength particle foam, fitted with a geared electric power system. The model is quickly made ready for flying, the motor starts when you just throw a switch, and the aircraft’s flying characteristics are simply outstanding. Success is all but guaranteed!
Posts: 4375
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
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The Magister and its components come well packaged. Some parts are wrapped in bubble wrap and others in custom cardboard.
The RTF package is complete with manuals for the plane assembly and radio setup. A CD is included for training first time pilots which includes a video showing how to assemble and fly the Magister, a kit version of the manual in PDF can be used for repairs, and a flight simulator with numerous Multiplex models. A Multiplex 5008 DC charger runs off of 12v and can charge 1 to 8 NiCd or NiMH cells at 100mA to 5amps. The charger comes ready to use with a mating battery connector.
Posts: 4375
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
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A look around the fuselage shows pre-installed servos with added linkage for nose steering. A big front hatch secured by a screw on each side but is easily removed by pulling up the rubber latch. The power system uses a preinstalled geared Speed 680 motor. The 8-cell 1900mAh NiCd pack and big 64" wingspan allow this trainer to be used in some wind.
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Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
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Once the hatch is removed, the pre-installed receiver, motor mount, and cable assembly show a high level of integration in the design of the Magister. One end of the speed controller cable is connected to the motor and the other end (not shown) connects to the battery so you can recharge the Magister by simply removing the hatch.
Posts: 4375
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
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Matt,
It will be interesting to see how it compares to a .40-size glow powered trainer which is the target market. With the supervision of a seasoned pilot, it has the potential to eliminate several of the learning pains that are associated with glow engine reliability, kitting a covered balsa kit, and component assembly complexity. The tricycle gear allow for smoother take-offs and landings by less skilled pilots.
Speaking of the tricycle gear, the first step in assembly is to mount the wheels on the gear mains and steerable nose leg. A stabilizer wire is connected between the gear mains for extra shock absorption on those not so smooth landings. I used Locktite on all the wheel collar hex screws.
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Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
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The gear mains are inserted into a pre-drilled hardwood block in the pre-mounted undercarriage retainer strap and the cover is held in place with four screws. Note that the thick rubber band significantly reduces bounce on landings.
The noseleg assembly is held in place with several collars and the pre-installed linkage hooked up for steering.
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The tail assembles quickly since the only part glued in place is the vertical fin. The manual recommends using medium CA with some kicker. It says that white glue and epoxy are not effective on the ELAPOR particle foam.
The horizontal stabilizer simply screws in place and the linkage is hooked up with the supplied hex allen wrench.
Note that the antenna wire is routed along the fuselage belly in between the rubber band and held by tape at the tail.
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Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
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I decided it was time to charge tthe NiCd pack. The charger hooks up to a 12v supply and automatically senses either NiCd or NiMH cells which is displayed via LEDs. I set the current for a 1C charge (about 2amps) and the charger beeps when it has peaked the pack.
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Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
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The Magister RTF package comes with a complete Hitec Laser 4 radio system which provides solid control, free of interference or distance limitations. The 8 AA-sized batteries for the transmitter are not included. I found the servo reversing switches in the battery bay along with a mixing switch for V-tail or elevon control. The Laser 4 transmitter also comes with a trainer jack and momemtary toggle switch on the top for using a buddy box. This is a nice feature for a trainer since the experienced pilot can teach a newcomer to fly.
When I tested the Magister control surfaces, all the servo swiches were in the proper setting without the need for any changes.
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Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
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The wing assembly is very simple. The two wing halves are connected with a long carbon tube and then secured to the fuselage with custom locking plates that screw into metal inserts. Remember to connect the aileron servo wire to channel 1 on the receiver before securing the wing.
The aileron linkages are easily adjusted using a 3mm allen wrench after first centering the servo electronically with the transmitter on and battery plugged into the ESC.
The size of the Multiplex Magister really becomes apparent when the wing is attached. This is a .40-size trainer without the balsa or glow engine.
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