Contributed by: Greg Covey | Published: March 2004 | Views: 28211 |  Email this Article
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RCUniverse Magazine Review: Wattage Cessna 180
Review
by: Greg Covey
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Global Hobby Distributors
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-0133
www.GlobalHobby.com
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Watch video
of the Cessna 180
2.55 MB
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The
WattAge Cessna 180 puts it all together for you in one Ready-To-Fly
(RTF) package! A great flying and looking trainer plane that is
quiet and can be flown just about anywhere. The direct drive power
system uses NiMH battery technology for lightweight and good flight
times. It comes with a true digital proportional 4-channel 27MHz
FM Cirrus transmitter complete with servo reversing and two-axis
gimbals. Inside the plane you'll find a true micro 4-channel FM
receiver, two micro 9 gram (0.3oz) servos, and a 7-amp Electronic
Speed Controller (ESC) for the motor. Controls on the Cessna 180
are for elevator, rudder, and throttle This is an excellent starter
system that you'll be able to fly many other
electric park flyers with like the Mini Maxx and Tubby Cubby after
developing your flying skills with the Cessna 180.
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Kit
Name: Cessna
180 EP RTF
Manufacturer: Watt
Age
Wing Span: 24.5
inches
Wing Area: 116
sq. in.
Length: 17
inches
Weight: 6
ounces
Wing Loading: 7.45
oz/sq. ft.
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Preparing
the Cessna:
A
true Ready-To-Fly package with re-usable radio components
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You
will need 8 AA size alkaline batteries for the transmitter
and a small Phillips screwdriver. Some simple final
assembly is required that I'll explain in detail.
The
package is truly a complete trainer system. The 4-channel
radio system uses Cirrus micro servos, ESC, and receiver
components.
A complete manual with plenty of photos and step-by-step
assembly is geared for the first time R/C flyer. |
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The
wall charger unit will completely charge the discharged
6-cell, 300mAh, NiMH pack in 2.5 hours. It is not a peak
charger so you need to feel the pack periodically for when
it becomes warm. If the pack becomes warm or hot, it is
fully charged. Note that the battery connector only allows
it to be plugged in one way.
Tip:
Buy a second battery pack so you can take two fully-charged
batteries to the field when you fly.
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You
can upgrade the plug-in wall charger with a Wattage
PF-12 AC/DC Peak Charger that can charge the flight
battery in about 30 minutes right at the flying field from
your car 12v battery. This enables you to fly as many times
as you want during the day.
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Here's
a look at the Cessna fuselage as it comes out of the box.
It is completely wired and ready for the battery pack
to slide inside up front (left of servos) after charging.
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The Cessna body is molded from durable plastic and foam.
The ESC has a Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) that supplies
power to the receiver and servos via the cable to the receiver.
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After
installing the vertical stabilizer with a single screw,
the linkages are easily attached to the control horn by
bending the plastic horn at an angle to insert the "Z"
bend.
Pre-bent
curves in the control rod allow you to center the control
surfaces after testing them with the transmitter trims
centered. My plane only needed a little adjustment on
the elevator to center it.
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The
manual recommends using the outer most hole on each control
horn for minimum swing on the elevator and rudder. This
is a good approach for beginners since they tend to over-correct
on the sticks.
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The
direct drive motor is pre-installed and only needs the prop
pressed into place.
Tip:
A second prop is included in the kit. Bring it with you
to the flying field just in case you break the original
one.
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An
arming switch adds safety by keeping the motor off until
you are ready to toss-launch the plane.
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My
Cessna 180 was RTF at 7.7oz. The manual says it is RTF at
only 6oz but this is likely without a battery.
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Flight
Testing:
It
is a good idea for first-time pilots to read the "Basic Operation"
section of the manual. Note that the right stick on the transmitter
turns the rudder right when viewed from the rear of the plane.
I would also recommend that an experienced R/C pilot assist you
on the first flights to help trim the plane and ensure that your
entry into R/C flying is an enjoyable one.
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I
tested the Cessna 180 on two separate days...both windy.
To
my surprise, the plane had plenty of power and it very rugged.
The snow, ice, and ground didn't seem to affect it when
landing. Flight times were about 5 minutes. The Cessna should
be a great trainer for beginners on a calm day as it seemed
to handle 5-10mph winds without a problem when an experienced
pilot was controlling the sticks. It flew well balanced
and had sufficient control using the recommended minimum
throws.
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Watch
video
of the Cessna 180
2.55 MB
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Wattage Cessna 180 RTF Trainer is a great way to get started flying
R/C airplanes. The complete package is extremely prefabricated and
requires only a few minutes to prepare for flight.
Replacement
parts and upgrades are available from Hobby
People. The Cirrus radio components can be used in other larger
planes when your flying skills are more developed. This is a nice
feature design by Wattage!
The
Cessna has plenty of power to fly in some wind but I recommend
that first time pilots wait patiently for a calm day. Use full
power on take-off and then throttle back to half after gaining
some altitude. If you get into trouble, throttle completely off
and let the Cessna drift to the ground. The plastic and foam design
is very rugged. Be sure to fly over soft grass or snow until your
piloting skills develop.
On
our first flight, the transmitter elevator trim control was not
enough range to provide level flight. We landed the plane and
pulled open the elevator control rod adjustment loop near the
control horn. This provided more down elevator throw. We then
re-centered the trim control lever on the transmitter and gave
it another try. No tools were needed to adjust the throw range
in the field. Our field adjustments on the Cessna now allowed
us to achieve level flight with just a minor trim setting change.
I
was surprised by the planes power level and flying characteristics
as they were both above my expectations. In a proper sized field,
the Cessna 180 will help you learn to fly R/C and have plenty
of fun while doing it!
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Watt Age
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-0133
Global Hobby Distributors
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-0133
www.GlobalHobby.com
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The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply generally to similar products by the manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in products like the one featured in the review. |
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