RE: Venus II

RE: Venus II
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Pattern Flying >> RE: Venus II

Page: << < prev 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 next > >>

Login

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: Venus II - 4/15/2006 2:17:40 PM

CGRetired

Posts: 4168
Joined: 9/14/2004
From: Galloway, NJ, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Don M.

Why would you want to do 3d with a pattern plane even if it could ? There are so many planes made for that purpose why bother. At least leave a few planes that us "old farts" can call our own.

Amen, brother. Even the Excelleron 90 is more of a 3D than pattern, however, it seems to be a hybrid, with the high fuselage, but it does have the 3D type rudder and elevators, oversized with the 'balance bars'. The Venus is straight rudder with a straight elevator, more patternish than 3D. That's one more reason I am getting one.

Don't get me wrong, I do love my Excelleron 90. It flys straight and does what I want it to, much better than I can make it do, that's for sure. It needs a couple of fixes, one thing is the left aileron is warped, or bowed. It sticks up over the smooth flow of the wing at the center point which causes some additional trim and does effect it when doing some maneuvers.

DS.

_____________________________

Skylark 70 - OS 75 AX; Venus II - OS 1.20 AX; Tiger 120 - OS 1.20 AX; Protege - OS .75 AX. Airtronics - Spektrum. AMA 705964. Semper Paratus!

(in reply to Don M.)

Post #: 51

RE: Venus II - 4/23/2006 12:34:45 PM

CGRetired

Posts: 4168
Joined: 9/14/2004
From: Galloway, NJ, USA
Status: offline

I picked up my Venus II last evening. Very nice!! Now, I have to do some planning on the build. It has provisions for both rear mounted servo's for the elevator and rudder but also has internally mounted tubes for standard type center fuselage (under the wing) servo mounting with a dual tube setup for the elevator.

I would assume that for 3D type flying, with a requirement on a more tail heavy configuration, the rear mounted servo's is the way to go, and for more pattern, the front mounted (center mounted.. under the wing) configuration is the way to go. Since I am not into 3D, I will go with the conventional center mounted servo's. I like the pull-pull setup on the Excelleron 90 but that does not seem to be an option with this one.. I guess I could convert it over, but that may be beyond my experience level so far. Any thoughts on that?

It also has provisions for mounting the engine in several positions, including upside down sideways, and angular. Is there a preference out there on this? I'm sure a lot of you pattern folks have probably used each of these mounting configurations in the past and have a preference as to what is better/more efficient, and so on.

There didn't seem to be any more real decisions on building, the rest is pretty much straight forward. Since I built the Excelleron 90, which was my first large sized plane, I learned a lot from it and expect that I will use that building experience on this one. But, there is always a 'better' way to do things and this is the best place to find that out.

So, on to the build, and please, give me some ideas and suggestions. Oh, I intend to run this plane with an OS 1.20 AX. I have one on my Excelleron 90 and love it. Which reminds me.. any suggestions on motor mounts for this engine/plane combination? I am using the standard flex mount that came with the Excelleron and it seems to work fine. Just wondering what you folks may have in mind for engine mounting.

DS.

< Message edited by CGRetired -- 4/23/2006 12:38:53 PM >

_____________________________

Skylark 70 - OS 75 AX; Venus II - OS 1.20 AX; Tiger 120 - OS 1.20 AX; Protege - OS .75 AX. Airtronics - Spektrum. AMA 705964. Semper Paratus!

(in reply to CGRetired)

Post #: 52

RE: Venus II - 4/23/2006 1:13:18 PM

JVB

Posts: 236
Joined: 2/22/2002
From: Hastings, NE
Status: offline

I personally don't care for inverted engines. They can be more difficult to start as all of the oil pools on the plug. The plug is also more difficult to reach. The dual elevator pushrod system works well. I have seen it in many GP planes. I had a difficult time finding a mount that would fit a 1.20. I ended up using the large GP adjustable mount. It has been working well.

John VB

(in reply to CGRetired)

Post #: 53

RE: Venus II - 4/25/2006 7:33:46 AM

RobertC

Posts: 280
Joined: 3/6/2002
From: Redmond, WA, USA
Status: offline

Had a gorgeous weekend here in the Seattle-area and I was able to get the maiden flight in on the Venus II! YS .91 was running a tad on the rich side (on PowerMaster 20/20 it was swinging an APC 15x8 at just around 9K with plenty of smoke at full-throttle). As stated previously, everything was assembled as the instructions recommend-- except for the tank which was mounted on the C.G. Dry weight is right around 8lbs. Other than forgetting to check the amount of control-throw against the manual (ailerons had a bit too much throw), the flights went beautiful!

"Smooth" is about the best word that I can use to describe how the plane flies. Point it in a direction and it just goes! Overall highlight was the knife-edge capability-- it's almost too easy! Yes, there is a little coupling (pulls toward the gear, like most planes) but I didn't even bother to mix it out. Low-speed flight has absolutely no surprises... I went dead-stick on a slow, low pass for the camera (I never did adjust the low-speed needle for the different prop that I am running now) and the plane just gently settled to the runway without a hint of tip-stalling. Rest of the flights were like guiding an arrow around the skies.

Here at sea-level the .91 is plenty of engine for the plane. Vertical was not unlimited, but I am sure that with a little tuning (and maybe some 30% nitro) that would easily change! Besides, I am not even running a 3D prop! I am sure that a YS 1.10 or O.S. 1.20 would pull this thing like a freight-train.

(in reply to JVB)

Post #: 54

RE: Venus II - 4/25/2006 8:10:26 PM

Don M.

Posts: 1770
Joined: 3/2/2004
From: Halifax, NS, CANADA
Status: offline

Do you have the servos in the fuse ( 2 ) or out back ( 3 ) ?

_____________________________

I can only please 2 people every day and #2 just left.

(in reply to RobertC)

Post #: 55

RE: Venus II - 4/26/2006 1:19:57 AM

Jack Skip

Posts: 151
Joined: 9/8/2003
From: Marsh Harbour, Abaco, BAHAMAS
Status: offline

Ok. Ok. Now that you have settled down. And hopefully flown your planes. Can this thing get close to 3D?

No. Do not get up on the Pattern High Horse please. I fully respect the control and precision of pattern flyers. I also see some skill in some 3D performers. No. Not the stick bangers. But the performers who plan the moves ahead of time, just like pattern.

And ok. I am not looking for all the 3D moves (hovering, torque rolls etc.). But what about the inverted flat spins, knife edge loops, Snap rolls. Hey, sounds just like pattern stuff.

Before you jump all over me, maybe try to find out what I am after. I am looking for a plane that will precision fly. Pattern. 3D moves. Not stick bang. I have other planes that will do that. How does the new Venus II stand up to this?

And please, only reply if you have your plane on the air and KNOW it will do these things.

"Fly hard, land soft."

(in reply to Don M.)

Post #: 56

RE: Venus II - 4/26/2006 4:53:33 AM

SamD

Posts: 159
Joined: 6/5/2002
From: seattle, WA, USA
Status: offline

RobertC,

It was beautiful in Seattle- heck, it's beautiful right now. I've got both a .91 and a 1.10 and a V-II on the way. Sounds like the 1.10 is the way to go? As an aside, found the V-II on the S&D section of Tower (damaged box only); including the $30 off Tower is offering, $208 and free shipping- sort of made the decision for me...

(in reply to Jack Skip)

Post #: 57

RE: Venus II - 4/26/2006 4:56:25 PM

RobertC

Posts: 280
Joined: 3/6/2002
From: Redmond, WA, USA
Status: offline

Don, servos are all mounted in the rear of the plane. It balanced just fine like this with no added weight (battery is sitting where the elevator/rudder servos would have mounted in the fuse).

Jack, I understand exactly what you are asking. This plane could absolutely be good for 3D. I may switch back to my wide-blade prop at some point and see just how good it is (but then again, it's only as good as the pilot, right?

)

Sam, if you have the 1.10 then it is certainly the ticket! The power difference between the two engines (the .91 and the 1.10) is not huge, but more is always better right?

In all honestly though, I don't think you would be disappointed with the .91 here at sea-level. By the way, I fly at Marymoor in Redmond. Bring yours out when you get it put together!

Attachments

Click to see fullsize image.

Click for fullsize

(in reply to SamD)

Post #: 58

RE: Venus II - 4/26/2006 6:46:25 PM

Azpiroz

Posts: 19
Joined: 4/15/2006
From: San Jose del CaboBaja California Sur, MEXICO
Status: offline

Hi! I'm beginning to build a VENUS II and will be putting in a SAITO 125. Maybe this is a dumb question, but did you have any problems installing the aileron horns? The kit comes with 1/2 inch screws but the width of the aileron at its leading edge is more than an inch and a half. Also do you recommend covering the middle section with fiberglass?

(in reply to RobertC)

Post #: 59

RE: Venus II - 4/26/2006 8:46:52 PM

RobertC

Posts: 280
Joined: 3/6/2002
From: Redmond, WA, USA
Status: offline

The aileron-horns DO NOT use the backplate that comes with them-- use wood screws to attach the horn to the aileron. I remember thinking the same thing when I built the plane so maybe the instructions are not clear.

As stated above, I built the plane as specified in the manual... that means no glassing the center section of the wing. I have to assume that the manufacturer knows better on this matter (and I trust Great Planes), plus it just adds weight. I didn't go crazy in the 3 or so flights I have had but I didn't notice any sign of the wing being weak.

(in reply to Azpiroz)

Post #: 60

RE: Venus II - 4/26/2006 9:26:59 PM

Don M.

Posts: 1770
Joined: 3/2/2004
From: Halifax, NS, CANADA
Status: offline

RobertC, you've flown your so I will ask your opinion. I'm picking mine up at the LHS next week and I have an OS 120 ( non - pumped ) 4 - stroke to put in it and even a nice incowl elbow & flex pipe to shoot the muffler out the bottom with an inverted engine. But I have also been thinking about a YS 110 ( yes I can get one ). I know I'll save 5 - 6 ozs. but not sure about the extra power. The question is - in your opinion is it worth while spending the extra $$'s or will the 120 be enough. I get about 9200 on an APC 15 - 8.

_____________________________

I can only please 2 people every day and #2 just left.

(in reply to RobertC)

Post #: 61

RE: Venus II - 4/27/2006 3:10:13 AM

RobertC

Posts: 280
Joined: 3/6/2002
From: Redmond, WA, USA
Status: offline

Well Don, I am getting around 9K on an APC 15x8 with the .91 and it pulls the plane around just fine. Towering, but limited, vertical climbs (I wish I had tried some vertical snaps... next time I will!). During the few flights that I have had I never thought the plane was lacking for power. Note that I am at sea-level. I guess that it depends on your flying style and how much discretionary money you have!

Seriously, your 1.20 will fly the plane just fine. Some guys here think that too much power is just enough.

(in reply to Don M.)

Post #: 62

RE: Venus II - 4/27/2006 10:52:20 AM

Don M.

Posts: 1770
Joined: 3/2/2004
From: Halifax, NS, CANADA
Status: offline

Thanks Robert. I'm not sure if that was the answer I was looking for

but it makes sense. Yes I can afford the YS but it seems crazy to spend it for nothing. If all else fails I'll yank my YS 140 out of my Typhoon and throw that in it. Now we're OVERPOWERED

_____________________________

I can only please 2 people every day and #2 just left.

(in reply to RobertC)

Post #: 63

RE: Venus II - 4/27/2006 3:13:15 PM