Forgot to add one thing...

I also hovered today. That was unbelievable.

By the way, it was a helicopter not the Edge...[sm=biggrin.gif]

One of the guys heard I was interested in getting an R/C Heli and offered me a try at the sticks of his brand new Raptor 50. Since I have spent months on G2 practicing with helis, I had no problem holding a 2-3 foot hover. Now I am really bitten by the heli bug.

Just thought I would let you know. Later.

Gary, that is very awsome to hear. Sounds this flight was much much better than the first maiden flight. Im very glad to see that it holds the knife edge really well. Did you try any spins or stall turns? I just perfected my K.E. spin on the simulator want to try it out on the real thing.
Im getting almost done here with my plane. Today i wanted to get the saito running but, got busy doing other stuff around the house. Then when i was finished with that it started snowing a bit. Drat no running my new motor. Actually gives me a chance to get me some good fuel for the beast. My wildcat 15% fuel has been sitting for a while. Also wanted to use some heli-mix pure synth.

Great report Gary. So much detail it's like being there. If the weather ever calms down around here I'll get some flights on mine again. Glad to see someone is getting some flight time.

rcfury, I definately recommend trying some 30% in the Saito. I run 30/20 in mine and the extra power really helps in during maneuvers.

Awesome report Gary, and great photos! Your report was so good, I read it twice. Excellent reading material there! Like Luke said, I could almost picture myself there watching from the pitts and cheering you on.

Thanks for the compliments guys.

Whenever I submit a report, I try to be as informative as possible. I guess that's why they love my incident reports here at work. Very seldom do I have to add any information. I think the more info you have, the better you can place the reader in the report. I will continue to update this thread new flight reports and mods as much as I can. I also want to keep this thread alive just to keep the communication going between all of us. I think we have all learned a thing or two from this thread, including me.

Speaking of changes. I went with the hook/rubber band idea for securing my fuel tank. I removed the tie wraps and screwed in two small hooks into the balsa blocks that secured the tie wraps. I then soaked the blocks with thin CA. I used a regular #64 rubber band and looped it around each hook twice. The tank is very secure. I even tried to move the rubber band to see if I could get it to slide off. It stayed right where I installed it. I love this idea. Thanks guys (especially Primodus).

New pics will be posted this evening of the landing gear mod and the tank hold down bands.

On another note. I finally made the jump to Jr. I finally received the rx I have been awaiting and am now able to use the Jr 8103A transmitter that I have had for a couple of weeks. I was previously using a Futaba 8UHPS. The switch was easier than expected. Once I cut the little tabs off the Futaba servos, they plugged right in. Most of the servos maintained their center. I made a few minor linkage adjustments and reset the throws.

I upped the throws on the rudder and ailerons. I left the elevator alone. On the rudder I increased the throws to 2" in each direction on high rates and 1" for low rates. I set the ailerons for 1" up and 3/4" down on high rates and 3/4" up and 1/2" down on low rates. Hopefully this small increase in aileron travel will speed up the roll rate to where I would like it.

I also setup my radio for flaperons. Now I can have more fun. This enabled me to activate elevator-flap mixing. I should be able to perform some nice tight loops and square loops should have a better defined corner to them. I can't wait to try this out.

Until next time, happy flying........

You switched from Futaba to JR? And just when we were getting along so nicely! Do you really trust that Pretty Plane to a JR? We can save that discussion for another post though! lol Just kidding of course. Like someone said earlier in this thread. "Whatever gets the job done." I think it is kind of a "Ford" vs "Chevy" kind of thing, which of course everyone knows the Ford is better, and on that point I am serious. Now that I have ruffled everyones feathers I will shut up. I may have to drive through Lousiana sometime, and I would like to be able to drive through there without getting 10 tickets, cause I am sure Gary has plenty of friends. lol

Hey Gary

You ought to put both your Flight Reports together on one page in here. That way when I recommend your Report to others, I can just give them the One Link to a page with both reports. Save them from having to search through this whole thread if it is just the flight reports that they want to read. As a matter of fact it would probally even be great to put yours and lukes together on a single page. There is alot of good reading there, and it would be nice to be able to find all that good reading in one spot. Something to consider anyway.

Maybe we should start a new thread just for flight reports? Keep it clean and simple. What do you guys think?

Just for kicks, here is my original maiden flight report. Ahhh, the memories!

"I took my recently completed VF Edge 540 out for it's maiden flight yesterday afternoon. The weather was absolutely perfect and the wind was an easy 5-10mph straight down the runway from the south. After solving a minor problem on the ground involving the fuel lines, I was able to get the Saito 120 started, and minor adjustments to the mix had it purring like a kitten (only it had that funny little blurble that a rich 4 stroke is famous for). Vertical test showed no hesitation, and transition in both axis was flawless.

Takeoff - Easing into the throttle the tail lifted easily and a smidge of right rudder had her tracking straight and true. The grass runway was no problem for the supplied 2.5" foam wheels during this phase of the flight. Liftoff was within 100' at 3/4 throttle using the 15x8MAS prop. The aileron trims were a bit further out of line than one would like, but it was manageable and under control in no time. Elevator trim was a mere two clicks down from neutral. All in all, an easy takeoff and trim session. Most of the flight was kept at 3/4 throttle or less due to the power of the 120. All throws were set to recommended, and low rates were used for all but a short period (more on that in a moment).

Flight - After the trim session was completed I remained on low rates and tried a few simple maneuvers. Loops were a bit large but stable on the recommended low rate throws. Elevator sensitivity was noted in all maneuvers. Rolls were very axial, even on low rates and very little altitude was lost during the 3-roll run. High rates were tested as well on the same tricks. On high, the loops got very tight, btu the elevator is extremely snappy. Rolls were awesome and stable throughout. No altitude loss was noted on high rates during the 3-roll run. At this time, I tried my first Cuban-8. WOW! Easy as pie! Both sides were completed in the same manner and right on target for entry and exit altitude. Back to low rates now, as my heart needs a break from the excitement. Satisfied with my first sortie, I decided it was time to bring her in.

Landing - Hmmm....Where to start? My first approach proved unusable and was aborted. Glide path was extremely long as the Large Edge floated by at a blisteringly high speed, even at idle. Second attempt proved much better than the first. I extended the final approach, and cut the power sooner in the landing pattern (about halfway through the downwind leg). The turn onto final was completed at a lower altitude as well. And, although the landing still felt a bit hot, it settled down on the grass runway and eased to a stop before reaching the end of the 300' strip. No tendency to tip was noted as I used full up elevator (low rates) to taxi back to myself through the 1-2" grass.

Conclusion - I am impressed! Vectorflight has done thier homework, and produced a spectacular airplane. For those of you who don't like ARF's, I challenge you to try a VF plane. For the unheard of low price, the supplied equipment is very usable, and the kit is extremely well constructed. After only a few flights now, I am convinced in the quality of the VF products and will be saving for another ASAP! "

Another flight experience. I have about 8 flights on it total now. Next time I fly it I will post a more recent update on performace. Since this report was written I have changed to a 14x7 3-blade and haven't flown it yet.

Third flight report - - -

Let me start by saying a few changes were made since maiden flight and its immediate follow-up flight. Prop has been changed from a 15x8MAS to a 16x6APC, this helps slow the plane on landings to a nice respectable crawl. Also, it allows the plane to hold a more scale line with the extra power of the 120. Minor adjustments were made to the linkages to account for trim settings from the first flight being a bit further out of line than I am comfortable with.

Takeoff - The Saito 120 started just as easily as ever and with a quick test of the control surfaces I went straight into the takeoff roll. It didn't take much power or space to get the tail up and then shortly after the plane took to the air. Throttle management is vital to keeping the torque of the motor from pulling the plane off centrline. However, with proper throttle control, little rudder correction is needed to keep it on heading. Climb out was strong but graceful. This plane seems to have a larger prescence in the air than it does on the ground, without feeling heavy at the controls.

Flight performance - After making a few passes to reset and adjust trims once more, I proceeded into some of the moves I have been studying online. Cuban 8's, immelmans, Split S's, Hammerheads, Loops, Rolls, and one failed attempt at a flat spin. (failed only due to my lack of experience and courage) Let me add here, high rates were switched on immediately after takeoff. Loops were kept tight, some snap tendancy is noted, but only when large amounts of elevator are applied at once. Proper stick control seems to be mandatory, something you might expect from this type of aircraft. (Meaning it does exactly what you tell it to with out hesitation, so be ready for it ) It was during this flight that I began to notice a bit of push out of my loops. I attributed this to the elevators being slightly out of alignment. (a check at home later proved this to be correct) Rolls stayed close to axial, although they are not as fast as I would have expected on high rates. I will be adjusting throws to compensate, more on this below. Vertical performance is out of sight with the prop change and power of the 120. It doesn't even seem to slow down going straight up as long as I will let it.

Landing - As with the maiden flight I started my approach by cutting to idle (which is still a bit high during the continued break in period). The Edge floats nicely through the crosswind leg and then turns on to final with plenty of airspeed to spare. Touch down was smooth and simple on the mains with no tendency to tip stall. I feel it could have landed slower as the idle speed is lowered and I work on my flare a bit with this larger bird.


Adjustments to be made for future flights - I have increased high rate throws to maximum deflection for all surfaces. Expo remains in effect on both rates to help minimize the likelyhood of overcorrection. Larger, 3" foam wheels will replace the supplied for flying off the grass field. All in all, for what little flight time I have on it, the VF Edge 540 seems to be holding it's own.

Ray,

What I choose to use is my decision. If you don't like than you can kiss my *****... LOL, just kidding of sourse.

Actually I acquired the Jr 8103A w/rx, a Jr PCM10SXII w/rx, and a bunch of servos and other misc. heli tools in trade for a highly modified T-Maxx that I was getting rid of. The only reason I switched was the ease of programming and better features of the Jr 8103A versus my Futaba 8UHPS. Both radios have more features than I will probably ever use. I am going to use the PCM10SXII for the Raptor 50v2 that I plan on getting next month. Up until this trade, I have always been a Futaba man. But it will be more convenient down the line to stick to one brand. And since I have a dedicated Jr radio for airplanes and one just for helis, I think it will be easier. The modules on my Jr Radios are interchangable. The Jr rx's are not low or high band and can be used for any channel, another plus.

As far as the car issue, I am with you on that one. I have been a Ford man my entire life. In fact I drive a Crown Vic (of course). Actually my personal vehicle is also a Crown Vic. After all, I am a cop 24/7...LOL

I like your idea on getting all the flight reports on one page. I will have to do that tonight when I get home and have access to real computer. This one that I am on now is slower than molasses. A dial connection would be faster than this ancient PII 233 mhz processor.

Talk to yas later.

Primodus, I think that would be a great idea. Either of us can start it. I think that we should have a heading with the date of the original flight report. That way we can easily track our progress.

Ray, what do you think? We can start a thread "Vectorflight Edge 540 Flight Reports" and then list any and all comments on how these baby's fly there. We can keep the other thread alive for building and setup tips.

New post started here:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Vect...2550785/tm.htm

Luke,
Everything stated above sounds great, except the part about me kissing some *****. LOL , But I think it will be alot easier for people to not have to dig around so much to read some great reviews like yours and Gary's. You both have really done an outstanding job!

Ok
I just finished putting your guys reviews up on my website. Here is the link if you would like to check it out![link=http://rlmoore1970.tripod.com/]Mayday Rays RC Hangar[/link]

Luke,

Why do want to go with the foam wheels? I found that the rubber once are lot less bouncy. But maybe you fly better than I and that's not a problem with your landings.

rcjon, I still have the stock foam wheels on my Edge. I haven't had any problems bouncing it at all. As a matter of fact, most people who I have shown it too think they are rubber and actually have to touch them to see what they are like. I am not a superb lander, but I manage to get them on the ground in one piece most of the time.

P.S. I forgot to mention, they save alot of weight over the rubber ones also. And, they have held up very well off even the rough surfaces I fly off of.

I would hate to think how many miles in the grass I had on the foam wheels on my Great Planes Super Sportster. If I can get as many miles out of these VF ones, I will be happier than a clam. It don't bother me at all to use the foam wheels. They might not last as long as a set of rubber dubro's, but I will use them tell there nothing left of them, or no Plane left to keep them on.

Recieved a nice email from VectorFlight thanking everyone here for the nice words of praise. All I have to say is they wouldn't be getting it here on RC Universe if they hadn't earned every bit of it. RC Universe Members can be pretty harsh towards alot of Companies and Manufacturers from what I have read, and most of the time for good reason it seems. So to have a Manufacturer praised on RCU like VectorFlight is Praised on RCU is a testimonial to their Great Product, Prices, and Customer Service. It seems to me that some Manufactures try to buy a good name and still fail, where in the opposite sense VectorFlight does it the old fashioned way............................................... ....they earn it, and therefore will probally succeed!

I'll second that comment Ray. I got the same email and I have to say that VF has definately earned my support.

Well since i didn't get a chance to start the motor for the first time thought id finish it up. Wanted to check the balance so I can devise a way to mount the battery. I think this plane was made for the Saito 100. Me i like to find the middle for the mfg specs for CG and work with that. So i set the scale at 4 2/8 and balances perfect with the battery at the CG. Thinking i can probally stuff the battery under the servo tray. Granted its going to make it a living hell to get to the battery when needed but, only thing i could think of without doing surgery. Well with all the luck i had setting the CG thought I weigh this beast. To my surprise. Wow only 8lbs with out a battery and cowl. This is going to fly very well.. So now besides mounting the battery and sealing the hinges. My build is now complete.
I am very pleased with this plane, no troubles whats so ever putting this bird together. If i really commited the time to this thing I could easily get this done as quick as Gary did. So i give VF 2 thumbs up for sure. I thank everyone here for some awsome hints and tricks on putting this bird together. Tomorrow if the weather gets better im going to start the motor for the break in process. I was gonna use my 14x6 prop for break in but, i totally messed up the prop when trying to balance the hub. So I had to go with my 15x6. If the weather cooperates I can probally have the bird up for the maiden next week.

Ray, I didn't even notice you had your page listed when i made this post. I really like it. Maybe when i get my bird in the air you could add it to your page. Dont know if you have room on your host for a video, I plan on video taping the maiden voyage of the plane.

I too would like to commend VF for their continued customer service. I too got an e-mail from them letting me know that they appreciate what we have all done for their company. All I have to say is that I did nothing but purchased a product from one outstanding company. From the pre-build wuestions, to the build, and to the flight, Vectorflight continues to amaze me with the best customer service you can ever expect. Actually they have far exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable. Thanks again Vectorflight staff, my hats off to you.

Here are a couple of pics of the landing gear. Notice the huge increase in ground clearance for the prop. Yet her stance is still extremely stable.

There's also another pic of the cowl with the logos on it. I forgot all about adding them on. They really dress up the front end quite a bit.

Gary,

Looks great! Where was the wife when you had that nasty airplane sitting in the living room? <g>

I would be happy to put up a photo or video of your Plane on my web page. I have tons of space , so a video won't be any trouble at all. As a matter of fact I have had a few vids on there before. Great job on the Plane! I can't wait to read your flight report! I am sure it will be some good reading.