flyinrazrback

My Feedback: (69)

Just curious about those running the predator II, does it come with a backplate type mount, and what size servos is it designed to use? I had planned on hitec 225s all around and a hs 81 or so on the throttle, and a very small rx and battery. Not intending on racing at all, and plan on the Jett 60xl, 6oz jett tank, etc.

BUDMAN27

Yes , standard , small battery ok , not sure if a Jett 60 is to big , 6 oz jett tank will be fine.

daven

My Feedback: (1)

Your servos are fine choices for a sport racer, and plenty strong to hold up. The plane does not come with a Backplate mount like the Viper.

bob27s

My Feedback: (19)

The predator II does come with the square backplate mount (At least the 2 I have did). Matches the Jett/Nelson bolt pattern.

If you end up getting the Jett engine, order the engine with the Jett backplate mount. Saves a step.

The servo mounting tray is set up for standard size servos. I have HS225's and an 81 installed. You simply have to add mounting rails the servo tray to adjust for the smaller servos.

daven

My Feedback: (1)

I apologize for the bad info.

I did not know the version 2 came with one, thanks.

bob27s

My Feedback: (19)

no problem....

btw... ive been pretty happy with the P-II

built well, and it assembled well. I just wish the would set up the wing hold downs for 1/4-20 nylon bolts like most of us use.

Same goes for the landing gear mounting - stock is metal screws and blind nuts. I prefer nylon holding the gear on too.

I did my best to build these stock, so I could assure myself of a fair evaluation. Next step is to put the 428 engine on one of them and really ring it out.

The Viper has been pretty good. A few tweeks required on it, but it flys very well... built strong.

BUDMAN27

You daven thats another reason for you to join us ARF racers so that you don,t give out bad info. I.m sure you will be going slower but they are still fun.

BUDMAN27

sorry I meant to say you see davin.

daven

My Feedback: (1)

Yep, that was bad info, and one thing I don't like giving out.

I had the first predator shipped to Minnesota and it definately did not come with a backplate mount. This was about 3-4 years ago and I flew it for an entire season and believe I won the season title locally in that class. I can't remember how I crashed it, but it worked fine.

If I didn't enjoy building, and trying to improve on speed and handling, I probably would still be flying ARFS.

The local rules have swayed in favor of Arfs and us local builderss take a disadvantage on takeoff for flying homebuilts, but oh well. I enjoy the challenge.

I fly this class for fun anyway, so its really no big deal.

BUDMAN27

Flying race planes for fun is what would cure all our prob. if you ask me.

TIA

flyinrazrback

Did you ever get yours airborne?

TOFAST4U2C

My Feedback: (2)

I too just got a " Predator 500 ARF" the instructions say Lanier but was in a double plain brown wraper. Not motor plate mount just the hard plastic universal engine mount. It doesnt really mention which position to mount the engine although there is a picture with the head rotated to the right 90 degrees. Any problems mounting straight up? It also does not mention CG balance point or surface throws. Towers site offers this info,
Center of Gravity: 2-1/4" - 2-3/4" (57 - 70mm) back from the wing's
leading edge
Control Throws-
Elevator: Up & Down 3/16" (5mm)
Rudder: Right to Left 3/16" (5mm)
Ailerons: Up & Down 3/16" (5mm)

Whats with the Rudder??? Typo?
Anyone use duel rates???

djlyon

Rudder -Not typo. It's a Vtail. You need to select V tail on your computer radio. Take offs without rudder are possible but can get ugly with these things. Upright mounting of the engine will be a problem because the carb will be to high above the tank. Mount it sideways. You got a plastic mount because you got an old model Pred, not a Pred 2. You only need dual rates if you are going to pylon race.

Denis

TOFAST4U2C

My Feedback: (2)

Djlyon
Right, I can see the controls are not consealed now. Did those rates look OK for Pred 1? There was no MFG markings anywhere other then the less then perfect instructions.

djlyon

They look good for sport flying but I would tend to put 1/4 inch for everything until you get it balanced and trimmed. It's always a nuisance to run out of control authority on first flights. I can't remember where the CG likes to be on a Pred but 2 1/4 sounds way to far forward. I'd start at 2 1/2 and be prepared to use a lot of elevator when it lands.

Denis

js3

My Feedback: (3)

I agree. In fact, I'd set it at 2.75" and adjust from there.

TOFAST4U2C

My Feedback: (2)

Thanks guys, I wanted to mount a Rossi 45 up front but seems like that might be a tad heavy??? Just about enough room for the mount on the firewall. Just want to haul the mail not race, think its to big? I wanted to save my Jett 50 for my F-20. I have a OS 46FX that has a smaller mounting area I could use.

vicman

My Feedback: (10)

Pg 9 Step 49."Set control throws initially to +/- 3/16 for all surfaces." I like the 1/4 idea myself and dial in a little expo for smoothness.

Same page Step 50. "Set the CG to 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 from the leading edge. Keep the cg to the front for the initial flights."

The manual is a free download.

I have a question: I recently aquired a PI from a closed hobby shop that has a damaged wing. Will a PII wing fit?

djlyon

The Rossi or the OS 46 will be fine with some reinforcment to the plane. The plane needs the reinforcement before it's flown with even a 25. Pull on the wing holdowns, landing gear block and fire wall to see if they come out. If they are in solid back up every thing with triangle stock and pin them with 1/8 dowl. If the fire wall is 1/4 thick (was on mine) it will come right out in 10 to 20 landings even with reinforcement. Easy to fix then. Put in 3/8 to 1/2 inch firewall , glass and pin. If it's a 3/8 firewall like my son's it should be OK with triangle stock, glass and pinning. Glue on tank cover, don't just attach with mono-kote. The Rossi is heavy and may need tail weight or put all the electronics aft of the trailing edge of the wing. Still may not be enough for the Rossi.

Jett - I'm not familiar with the 50 but if it has as much output and rpm as the Jett Q500 40 I wouldn't use it in Pred. The Pred has a 2 piece wing joined with a spar and glue and is an ARF. A Jett Q500-40 will hall that plane to up over 150 and may get close to 160. I'm not sure and ARF pred would take that flight after flight.

Denis