rccardude04

I recently acquired a Super Star 120 from Seagull on a special deal Horizon was running to clear them out. I'm not very experienced with this size of aircraft so I'm going to ask away.
The wingspan is 69.3in with a wing area of 846sq.in. (from the box)
The bad news is, they say it is supposed to weigh 10-11lbs. This seems a little high on the wing loading, so I would like to try and keep her lightweight.
Unfortunately, I'm having trouble deciding on a powerplant and servos.
First, engine... I plan on trying some 3D with the plane. It has HUGE control surfaces so it should respond nicely. I know it has a fairly short tail moment so it might be difficult to do harriers/hovers etc with, but I'm not that good yet anyway. I would like it to pull out really nice, but it doesn't need to be a rocket. It'd be nice if it was, but it's not necessary. I was debating between anything from a Saito 1.80, Saito 2.20, Evolution 26GT2, OS 1.60FX, SuperTigre G2300, and SuperTigre G3250. Any other options are welcome.
As far as servos go, I was looking at the newer Hitec HS-985MG's with 133oz/in torque at 4.8v. Will this be enough? Or is it overkill? JR's newer DS821's look nice, but will 76oz/in be enough?
The plane was a steal at $99.99, so I don't want to turn this into a really expensive project. I thought of it as an opportunity to get into some larger stuff for less than what I expected.
Thanks in advance for all the help.
-Eric

PS: I know there are a couple of SuperStar threads, but nothing really specific about these particular issues seemed to appear.

sherman89

There is a SS flying at the field with an OS 1.08, it has good vertical, the OS does a very good job. He is using stock Futaba 50 oz. servos, I was surprised. I have a SS in the box, bought it on the clearout sale, should have bought 2, they are no longer available. I will be using a OS 1.60 and 133oz servos on 6 volt, guided by the Futaba 9CAP.

gjeffers

saito 150 or 180 will work nice, the 220 will be way too much power and weight.

rccardude04

I figured the 220 would be a little heavy. I'll plan on the 180 then. As for servos, I might try DS821's or the futaba equivalent since I've got a 9C. If they're not enough, I can always transfer them to my ultra stick since I went a little cheap on that poor guy.
Should I put a pump on the 180?
-Eric

gjeffers

not unless you plan on putting the tank over the CG

rccardude04

I was thinking about either that or just using a slightly larger tank. I've just heard from a lot of people especially locally that the larger 4-strokes work MUCH better with a pump. Saito actually sells one for $29.99 that runs off of the little oil nipple on the backplate (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...=SAI300TTDP102). I guess I could try it as-is and if it leans out, I can try the pump. Or, if I don't get enough flight time, I'll probably try a bigger tank (or a second one) that will probably at least be happier with a pump.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHKB0&P=ML How's that look for a servo?

Thanks again guys.
-Eric

Edit: I guess I also should ask ... what should my flight times be on the stock tank? It's 20 oz.

sherman89

Depending on the motor size and flight style you will burn between 1 1/2 and 3 oz per minute.

rccardude04

Alright, so if I run the saito 180 and get 3oz/min, I'll get a little over 6 minutes flight time. That kinda stinks, lol. I'm used to getting 10-12 right now. I guess I could live with shorter flight times but I like to stay up a while sometimes. Especially when I start having fun doing flatspins and what not like my twist used to do really nicely. I'd often times be up there for almost 15 after my alarm goes off just because I couldn't stop, lol. I have a feeling this plane will be the same way so I'd like to keep her up there for a while if possible.
Should I try to find a 25-30 oz tank?
-Eric

buzzingb

My Feedback: (2)

I saw this plane and it a very pretty plane for $99. I don't think the 180 would burn quite 3oz a minute unless something is wrong. I haven't checked mine but it runs long enough for me on 17oz.

rccardude04

What do you have and how do you fly it? lol
the Super Star?
-Eric

gnirwin

My Feedback: (25)

I too bought one of these and I'm putting a OS 1.60 in it or planning to. I have a ST 2300 I could put in it also. I would hope that there will be enough feedback from some of the people that recently purchased these to aid in my decision.

rccardude04

What servos are you going to stick on there?
-Eric

Dick T.

My Feedback: (243)

Picked up a couple of SS's on the closeout also. Mentioned it to my club members, all but one sat on their thumbs until Horizon was sold out and discontinued. Now they want one of mine! Well, want in one hand....

Have placed on backorder with Tower the new Fuji 24cc gasser. According to their specs it weighs (approximately 2 lbs with muffler) about the same as the big Saito's and turns equal props. Difference is you don't need 30% nitro to make it run, just some Lawnboy and gasoline.

Planning Hitec 645MG servos or 5625 digitals, Duralite battery and drive it all with Futaba 14mz.

Should be a nice flyer as it is patterned after the Stevens Acro/Laser 200 series of aerobats.

rccardude04

Wow, 2 lbs? The marine version is 3.8lbs without muffler according to tower hobbies. Is there a typo somewhere? I wouldn't think a water cooling jacket could weigh almost 2 pounds more than an air cooled head.
-Eric
Edit: I'm retarded - Pullstart and included stuffs. lol.
That'd be awesome if it was around the same weight. Keep us informed

Dick T.

My Feedback: (243)

I'm hoping it will be in the weight range advertised, even if it is 1/2 pound heavier it will still be do-able.

rccardude04

I think I'm going to go with the Saito on mine, if for no other reason than I don't have to carry 3 jugs of fuel with me, lol. I could put a saito 82 on my ultra stick and get it down to one jug. I run 30 in my raptor, so i have the 30% heli fuel laying around already. Gas would be cheaper but I think glow is still a little more practical in this size range. I want to keep this thing as light as possible anyway. I'm not going to extremes and I still want to leave the wheel pants on, but I might try out some carbon landing gear and a little tiny throttle servo.
I wonder what kind of receiver pack I should use. I think a AA size NiMH pack would be a little small. How about the JR Sport 2700mAh?
-Eric

Dick T.

My Feedback: (243)

It makes sense to go with what you have. My original plan was to mount a sweet running G-23, but then it weighs about four pounds, So when I saw the Fuji 24 at two, decided to try one.

I hope it is not a case of phoney weight which gas engine suppliers are notorious for. I already have Fuji 43EI and it weighs exactly what they advertised so am trusting their numbers. If it is a fib, it will go back for a refund.

rccardude04

Definately have to let us know how that works. I wonder if the ignition module/battery are included in that 2lbs..
-Eric

Dick T.

My Feedback: (243)

It's a magneto engine so no external ignition module/battery needed. It won't surprise me if it is small and at the advertised weight. I have seen some of the newer lightweight weed wacker engines in the 18-22cc range that are impressive.

rccardude04

Wow, magneto ignition at 2lbs?
Definately have to let me know how that works.
How long do you think till she's in the air?
-Eric

Dick T.

My Feedback: (243)

The Fuji is due in to Tower early November but that is probably a conservative estimate.

rccardude04

So maybe have it done by January? lol... Aren't they always so accurate?
-Eric

rccardude04

Alright ... Having second thoughts on the saito 180... That OS 1.60 is looking awful sexy right now. I'm more experienced with 2-strokes and it is over 100 bucks cheaper, plus I can run a pitts muffler.
Downsides seem to be that it's a bit heavier. However, it'll spin a bit larger prop according to tower hobbies.
Any thoughts on comparison between the two?
-Eric

CGRetired

My Feedback: (1)

I also picked one up as soon as they advertized the price of $99.00 . I too should have bought two of them!! But, from what I see, they are accepting back orders, hopefully at that price because I will definitely order a second. They seem to be a pretty nice ARF.

I intend to use the OS 1.20 AX engine. I have two of them, both on slightly lighter pattern planes, exceptional performance. As for servo's, well, I intend to use Airtronics coreless high-torque for the ailerons, elevator, and rudder. Standard for the throttle, and am going to see how a pull-pull setup works for the rudder instead of mounting the servo in the back.. don't know, never had one that big with the servo back there. I have a Goldberg Wildstick 40 with both servo's back there, maybe it's no big deal. Any comments on that? I would certainly accept any expert advice. I do not fly 3D, just want a good performing sport plane. I have enough aerobatics with the Excelleron 90 and the Venus II, both with the OS 1.20.

DS.

rccardude04

If I do go with the OS, what should I do for a muffler? I noticed that Bison and Slimline both make pitts style mufflers. but which one is better? Slimline also offers a smoke version ... This could get interesting, lol. (Sinister grin)
-Eric