looking for a good 4ch electric powered glider...
07-03-2014, 09:27 PM
#26
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All foam gliders are going to have surface imperfections. If not when they come out of the box then very shortly thereafter. It is the nature of foam. The joy of foam is not that it doesn't get damaged but that it is so easy to fix and that most damage will have minimal impact on how it flies.
A surface dent, a scrape are disappointing when you open a new box and you have every right to call and ask for a replacement or adjustment. But as long as it is not structural you might as well just deal with it. You will have to learn how to do this anyway.
Looking forward to the photos.
A surface dent, a scrape are disappointing when you open a new box and you have every right to call and ask for a replacement or adjustment. But as long as it is not structural you might as well just deal with it. You will have to learn how to do this anyway.
Looking forward to the photos.
Lyle
Last edited by laknox; 07-04-2014 at 11:05 AM.
07-03-2014, 09:31 PM
#27
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Now, here's the radio. As far as I can tell, there is room for 8 AA batteries, though only 4 have contacts to power the transmitter. Will this thing eat through batteries so fast that spares need to be carried right in the radio? Also, should I use some rechargeable Li ion batteries or just stick with good alkalines? Another little touch Phase 3 could have done was to include a neck strap for the radio.
Lyle
Lyle
07-05-2014, 08:32 AM
#28
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Got the plane together yesterday and found a couple more small issues. First, the fuse isn't straight. I haven't yet run a string down it, but I'd estimate nearly 1/4" lateral bow to it. Also, there's a slight twist to it. I'll get a pic of it later today.
More questions...
How long should these cheap chargers take to charge a battery from near dead? Had it on my car for over an hour and still had a red light.
There is a loud beeping noise when I plug the battery in. I =think= it happens when its plugged in and the radio's not yet on. Nothing in the paperwork to indicate what this is.
When the battery was first installed, the motor had almost no speed control; it would idle or go to full speed. Is this just what happens when the battery is low?
Lyle
More questions...
How long should these cheap chargers take to charge a battery from near dead? Had it on my car for over an hour and still had a red light.
There is a loud beeping noise when I plug the battery in. I =think= it happens when its plugged in and the radio's not yet on. Nothing in the paperwork to indicate what this is.
When the battery was first installed, the motor had almost no speed control; it would idle or go to full speed. Is this just what happens when the battery is low?
Lyle
07-05-2014, 09:30 AM
#29
Your photo links don't work.
If the fuse is twisted and this is your first plane I would definitely contact the supplier and express your concerns, requesting a replacement. I could fix it but I would want you to have a clean glider to start. A few dings in the foam does not concern me but a fuse that is not straight does.
Unfortunately the manual does not seem to be on-line so I can't review the instructions.
NEVER POWER THE PLANE UNLESS THE RADIO IS ON .... EVER!
Always make sure the throttle is all the way down/zero. Turn on the radio. THEN power up the plane.
That is the ESC, the speed control telling you that it will not arm unless it detects the radio first. And if the throttle is not at zero chances are the ESC will not arm the motor. This is a safety feature to protect people who turn the plane on first or who turn the plane on with the throttle not at zero.
I could not find a thread about this plane on RCU but found a big one on RC Groups. You may want to post some of your questions there as those people have the same plane.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...I#post17423481
Keep asking questions and try to post some photos.
If the fuse is twisted and this is your first plane I would definitely contact the supplier and express your concerns, requesting a replacement. I could fix it but I would want you to have a clean glider to start. A few dings in the foam does not concern me but a fuse that is not straight does.
Unfortunately the manual does not seem to be on-line so I can't review the instructions.
NEVER POWER THE PLANE UNLESS THE RADIO IS ON .... EVER!
Always make sure the throttle is all the way down/zero. Turn on the radio. THEN power up the plane.
That is the ESC, the speed control telling you that it will not arm unless it detects the radio first. And if the throttle is not at zero chances are the ESC will not arm the motor. This is a safety feature to protect people who turn the plane on first or who turn the plane on with the throttle not at zero.
I could not find a thread about this plane on RCU but found a big one on RC Groups. You may want to post some of your questions there as those people have the same plane.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...I#post17423481
Keep asking questions and try to post some photos.
Last edited by aeajr; 07-05-2014 at 09:33 AM.
07-05-2014, 07:47 PM
#30
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Your photo links don't work.
If the fuse is twisted and this is your first plane I would definitely contact the supplier and express your concerns, requesting a replacement. I could fix it but I would want you to have a clean glider to start. A few dings in the foam does not concern me but a fuse that is not straight does.
Unfortunately the manual does not seem to be on-line so I can't review the instructions.
NEVER POWER THE PLANE UNLESS THE RADIO IS ON .... EVER!
Always make sure the throttle is all the way down/zero. Turn on the radio. THEN power up the plane.
That is the ESC, the speed control telling you that it will not arm unless it detects the radio first. And if the throttle is not at zero chances are the ESC will not arm the motor. This is a safety feature to protect people who turn the plane on first or who turn the plane on with the throttle not at zero.
I could not find a thread about this plane on RCU but found a big one on RC Groups. You may want to post some of your questions there as those people have the same plane.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...I#post17423481
Keep asking questions and try to post some photos.
If the fuse is twisted and this is your first plane I would definitely contact the supplier and express your concerns, requesting a replacement. I could fix it but I would want you to have a clean glider to start. A few dings in the foam does not concern me but a fuse that is not straight does.
Unfortunately the manual does not seem to be on-line so I can't review the instructions.
NEVER POWER THE PLANE UNLESS THE RADIO IS ON .... EVER!
Always make sure the throttle is all the way down/zero. Turn on the radio. THEN power up the plane.
That is the ESC, the speed control telling you that it will not arm unless it detects the radio first. And if the throttle is not at zero chances are the ESC will not arm the motor. This is a safety feature to protect people who turn the plane on first or who turn the plane on with the throttle not at zero.
I could not find a thread about this plane on RCU but found a big one on RC Groups. You may want to post some of your questions there as those people have the same plane.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...I#post17423481
Keep asking questions and try to post some photos.
Lyle
07-06-2014, 07:27 PM
#32
Wings look fine. Nothing there to be concerned about. You can apply a little heat but I would leave them alone. They are fine.
When you shoot the fuse, the "money" shot is with the fuse inverted. Site down the seam on the bottom so we can see any left or right twist.
Then, right side up, with canopy off. Again, site down the seam so we can see any deviation from vertical of the fin or from alignment with the seam and the fin.
If the radio looks like it takes 4, then just put in 4 and see how it works.
I look forward to the rest of your photos.
Oh, did you bind the radio to the plane or did it come already bound?
When you shoot the fuse, the "money" shot is with the fuse inverted. Site down the seam on the bottom so we can see any left or right twist.
Then, right side up, with canopy off. Again, site down the seam so we can see any deviation from vertical of the fin or from alignment with the seam and the fin.
If the radio looks like it takes 4, then just put in 4 and see how it works.
I look forward to the rest of your photos.
Oh, did you bind the radio to the plane or did it come already bound?
07-06-2014, 07:34 PM
#33
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Wings look fine. Nothing there to be concerned about. You can apply a little heat but I would leave them alone. They are fine.
When you shoot the fuse, the "money" shot is with the fuse inverted. Site down the seam on the bottom so we can see any left or right twist.
Then, right side up, with canopy off. Again, site down the seam so we can see any deviation from vertical of the fin or from alignment with the seam and the fin.
If the radio looks like it takes 4, then just put in 4 and see how it works.
I look forward to the rest of your photos.
Oh, did you bind the radio to the plane or did it come already bound?
When you shoot the fuse, the "money" shot is with the fuse inverted. Site down the seam on the bottom so we can see any left or right twist.
Then, right side up, with canopy off. Again, site down the seam so we can see any deviation from vertical of the fin or from alignment with the seam and the fin.
If the radio looks like it takes 4, then just put in 4 and see how it works.
I look forward to the rest of your photos.
Oh, did you bind the radio to the plane or did it come already bound?
Lyle
07-07-2014, 06:07 AM
#34
These are normal checks on any new aircraft be it a $100 foamy or a $1000 molded high end. Everything has to be checked for shipping damage and for any imperfections in manufacture.
One of our club members purchased a 4 meter scale glider, all molded glass. Something happened and when it arrived the T Tail was twisted. He could have returned it but, for him it was an easy fix so he just repaired it and it flies wonderfully.
One of our club members purchased a 4 meter scale glider, all molded glass. Something happened and when it arrived the T Tail was twisted. He could have returned it but, for him it was an easy fix so he just repaired it and it flies wonderfully.
07-08-2014, 08:56 PM
#36
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So, I emailed Hobby People about the issues with my plane and they've sent me a return label to send the whole thing back to them and they're going to credit me back for the entire thing. Boils down to the fact that they don't have any spares to simply replace the fuse and empennage. So, I guess I'm starting all this over. Just glad they're willing to do the right thing. Will probably go for the Calypso, now.
Lyle
Lyle
07-09-2014, 06:40 AM
#38
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Lyle
07-09-2014, 10:20 AM
#39
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They have plenty in stock, and replacement parts for customer service. I know, I've had do a few with members at my local field. None of which complained about surface dents on the foam, which is expected. Two or three of our club members have had motors prematurely fail though. Hobby People gave us the option to either uninstall the motor and send it to them, or send back the fuselage with the motor and electronics for exchange of a new one.
Lyle, I think you would be happy with either airplane, the Phoenix II or the Calypso as far as the performance, as long as you give them the chance. I'm not sure how much experience you have with foam aircraft, but I would not put too much thought into having a foam aircraft be blemish free. That is the nature of foam. Anyhow, I hope you are more successful with the Calypso.
Lyle, I think you would be happy with either airplane, the Phoenix II or the Calypso as far as the performance, as long as you give them the chance. I'm not sure how much experience you have with foam aircraft, but I would not put too much thought into having a foam aircraft be blemish free. That is the nature of foam. Anyhow, I hope you are more successful with the Calypso.
07-09-2014, 08:04 PM
#40
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They have plenty in stock, and replacement parts for customer service. I know, I've had do a few with members at my local field. None of which complained about surface dents on the foam, which is expected. Two or three of our club members have had motors prematurely fail though. Hobby People gave us the option to either uninstall the motor and send it to them, or send back the fuselage with the motor and electronics for exchange of a new one.
Lyle, I think you would be happy with either airplane, the Phoenix II or the Calypso as far as the performance, as long as you give them the chance. I'm not sure how much experience you have with foam aircraft, but I would not put too much thought into having a foam aircraft be blemish free. That is the nature of foam. Anyhow, I hope you are more successful with the Calypso.
Lyle, I think you would be happy with either airplane, the Phoenix II or the Calypso as far as the performance, as long as you give them the chance. I'm not sure how much experience you have with foam aircraft, but I would not put too much thought into having a foam aircraft be blemish free. That is the nature of foam. Anyhow, I hope you are more successful with the Calypso.
Lyle
07-29-2014, 02:00 PM
#42
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I have been so slammed that I haven't even got to send the Phoenix back. On my agenda for tonight! 11 hour work days and the past couple weekends getting ready for a camping trip really put a crimp in my time. Will be with FedEx tomorrow, then it's on to another plane. Given the size of this thing, once I got it together, I may scale down my desires to something less than a 2m, though. Still mulling it over...
Thanks for asking,
Lyle
Thanks for asking,
Lyle
08-21-2014, 07:17 PM
#44
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Another update... I =finally= got the Phoenix sent back to Hobby People and had a check in my hands in under a week. I really can't complain about them as a business and I really wish the plane had worked out. I'm still looking to the Calypso and am hoping the local shop will sell at enough of a discount to compete with the online sellers, or close anyway. It's been so windy and stormy here the past few weeks that there haven't been many flying days. I'll certainly trade that for rain in AZ any day, though. We NEED the water.
08-28-2014, 02:38 AM
#45
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10-11-2014, 08:08 AM
#47
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Lyle
