Vectorflight Edge 540 build
#1201
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From: va beach,
VA
Manny5150,I'm sorry the break in prop i used for the 91fx was a 15/8 they recommended something like a 16/14 i couldn't find such a size.i broke the engine on a stand,i ran 4 16oz tanks through it running rich lean cycle after a tank running rich...
#1202
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From: Staten Island,
NY,
I just received the Edge and I'm impressed. I finished the wings last night and I'll start the fuse after the weekend. The wing joiner setup was pretty interesting, I've never seen that before but it works, the wings fit perfectly into the sides of the fuse. My question pertains to the belly pan. There are raised"ridges" along the bottom sides. Do I leave the ridges or do I trim them off.
Thanks
Jeff
Thanks
Jeff
#1203

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From: El Reno,
OK
Leave 'em. They help grab the bottom edges of the fuse. Another tip on the pan is to cut a small piece from the leftover red plastic and epoxy it to the area around the front hinge hole. Then after it cures drill the new piece to fit. This really adds some life to the area after many field assemblies. That plastic gets worn around the wooden belly pan dowl.
#1205
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From: Manassas,
VA
Well i just had a bad day with my edge... Must have been a bad omen at the field.
First off i got to the field, put the bird together and fueled it up. Then i noticed that the muffler CAME LOOSE AGAIN, so put it back on the stand to get the cowl off. Then i relized i left all my wrenches at home to take off the jam nut. Tryed with what i got but no luck. DRAT!! packed up the car and headed off to the local hardware store and buy some wrenches. Hour later i got back to the feild. Took the cowl off and tightened up the muffler. I was like ill just fly it without the cowl and see if the muffler stays on. Upon taking off i noticed my rudder trim was way off to track strait. Oh well.. Take off and I now MAJOR TRIM NEEDED on the elevator to fly without diving. Get it all trimmed out and doing a couple of laps. Then i notice, a big black thing fall from the plane. Brought it around to get closer look one of the wheels falls off the axle. So i know the landing isn't going to be pretty. After noticing the wheel the plane just now wants to roll hard to the right. Cut the motor and hope for the best. The grass outside of the runway is prety long thought it would be great place to set it down due to no wheel. At the same time the plane just is just snapping around everywhere, then i do an amazing elevator landing in the tall grass. Landed pretty hard which bent and broke the landing gear off (sheared the nylon bolts), Belly pan and the cowl cracked pretty good.
Took the wings off to get ready to go home i noticed the Rudder servo totally came out of the tray, and was just flopping around. All 4 screws just came undone and are now trapped somewhere in the plane. Ive been having some real trouble with these servo screws. Last time i lost 3 of the 4 screws on my elevotor servo. Think im going to put some more lite ply under the tray to give the screws a little more bite. I think the elevator trim needed was because being tail heavy (no cowl?) It sure had its signs of being tail heavy. Very snappy and twitchy.
First off i got to the field, put the bird together and fueled it up. Then i noticed that the muffler CAME LOOSE AGAIN, so put it back on the stand to get the cowl off. Then i relized i left all my wrenches at home to take off the jam nut. Tryed with what i got but no luck. DRAT!! packed up the car and headed off to the local hardware store and buy some wrenches. Hour later i got back to the feild. Took the cowl off and tightened up the muffler. I was like ill just fly it without the cowl and see if the muffler stays on. Upon taking off i noticed my rudder trim was way off to track strait. Oh well.. Take off and I now MAJOR TRIM NEEDED on the elevator to fly without diving. Get it all trimmed out and doing a couple of laps. Then i notice, a big black thing fall from the plane. Brought it around to get closer look one of the wheels falls off the axle. So i know the landing isn't going to be pretty. After noticing the wheel the plane just now wants to roll hard to the right. Cut the motor and hope for the best. The grass outside of the runway is prety long thought it would be great place to set it down due to no wheel. At the same time the plane just is just snapping around everywhere, then i do an amazing elevator landing in the tall grass. Landed pretty hard which bent and broke the landing gear off (sheared the nylon bolts), Belly pan and the cowl cracked pretty good.
Took the wings off to get ready to go home i noticed the Rudder servo totally came out of the tray, and was just flopping around. All 4 screws just came undone and are now trapped somewhere in the plane. Ive been having some real trouble with these servo screws. Last time i lost 3 of the 4 screws on my elevotor servo. Think im going to put some more lite ply under the tray to give the screws a little more bite. I think the elevator trim needed was because being tail heavy (no cowl?) It sure had its signs of being tail heavy. Very snappy and twitchy.
#1206
ORIGINAL: rcfury
Well i just had a bad day with my edge... Must have been a bad omen at the field.
First off i got to the field, put the bird together and fueled it up. Then i noticed that the muffler CAME LOOSE AGAIN, so put it back on the stand to get the cowl off. Then i relized i left all my wrenches at home to take off the jam nut. Tryed with what i got but no luck. DRAT!! packed up the car and headed off to the local hardware store and buy some wrenches. Hour later i got back to the feild. Took the cowl off and tightened up the muffler. I was like ill just fly it without the cowl and see if the muffler stays on. Upon taking off i noticed my rudder trim was way off to track strait. Oh well.. Take off and I now MAJOR TRIM NEEDED on the elevator to fly without diving. Get it all trimmed out and doing a couple of laps. Then i notice, a big black thing fall from the plane. Brought it around to get closer look one of the wheels falls off the axle. So i know the landing isn't going to be pretty. After noticing the wheel the plane just now wants to roll hard to the right. Cut the motor and hope for the best. The grass outside of the runway is prety long thought it would be great place to set it down due to no wheel. At the same time the plane just is just snapping around everywhere, then i do an amazing elevator landing in the tall grass. Landed pretty hard which bent and broke the landing gear off (sheared the nylon bolts), Belly pan and the cowl cracked pretty good.
Took the wings off to get ready to go home i noticed the Rudder servo totally came out of the tray, and was just flopping around. All 4 screws just came undone and are now trapped somewhere in the plane. Ive been having some real trouble with these servo screws. Last time i lost 3 of the 4 screws on my elevotor servo. Think im going to put some more lite ply under the tray to give the screws a little more bite. I think the elevator trim needed was because being tail heavy (no cowl?) It sure had its signs of being tail heavy. Very snappy and twitchy.
Well i just had a bad day with my edge... Must have been a bad omen at the field.
First off i got to the field, put the bird together and fueled it up. Then i noticed that the muffler CAME LOOSE AGAIN, so put it back on the stand to get the cowl off. Then i relized i left all my wrenches at home to take off the jam nut. Tryed with what i got but no luck. DRAT!! packed up the car and headed off to the local hardware store and buy some wrenches. Hour later i got back to the feild. Took the cowl off and tightened up the muffler. I was like ill just fly it without the cowl and see if the muffler stays on. Upon taking off i noticed my rudder trim was way off to track strait. Oh well.. Take off and I now MAJOR TRIM NEEDED on the elevator to fly without diving. Get it all trimmed out and doing a couple of laps. Then i notice, a big black thing fall from the plane. Brought it around to get closer look one of the wheels falls off the axle. So i know the landing isn't going to be pretty. After noticing the wheel the plane just now wants to roll hard to the right. Cut the motor and hope for the best. The grass outside of the runway is prety long thought it would be great place to set it down due to no wheel. At the same time the plane just is just snapping around everywhere, then i do an amazing elevator landing in the tall grass. Landed pretty hard which bent and broke the landing gear off (sheared the nylon bolts), Belly pan and the cowl cracked pretty good.
Took the wings off to get ready to go home i noticed the Rudder servo totally came out of the tray, and was just flopping around. All 4 screws just came undone and are now trapped somewhere in the plane. Ive been having some real trouble with these servo screws. Last time i lost 3 of the 4 screws on my elevotor servo. Think im going to put some more lite ply under the tray to give the screws a little more bite. I think the elevator trim needed was because being tail heavy (no cowl?) It sure had its signs of being tail heavy. Very snappy and twitchy.
#1207
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From: Manassas,
VA
No I didn't harden the holes. I should have thought about that. That would explain why the screws kept comming out. Im going to have to double up the servo tray as some of the holes as stripped through.
I think there is gotta be something with this header for this Saito. The last time I tightened up the header i warmed up the engine and used RED loctitie to tighted everything down. And it still came loose. Im thinking its the block. Im going to talk to horizon and see what they say.
I think there is gotta be something with this header for this Saito. The last time I tightened up the header i warmed up the engine and used RED loctitie to tighted everything down. And it still came loose. Im thinking its the block. Im going to talk to horizon and see what they say.
#1208
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From: Spring Hill,
TN
Sturtz:
I purchased the dubro landing gear and I wanted to know what paint did you used for your landing gear? I have the same setup for the landing gear that you have. I purchased the dubro landing gear, the 3'' low bounce dubro wheels and I used 1/4" wing bolts.
Is there any thing special you have to do when you put on the tail wires? This will be the first time I install tail wires.
I have a few things left to do on this plane - fuel tank, canopy, belly pan and misc. items.
Thanks in advance,
I purchased the dubro landing gear and I wanted to know what paint did you used for your landing gear? I have the same setup for the landing gear that you have. I purchased the dubro landing gear, the 3'' low bounce dubro wheels and I used 1/4" wing bolts.
Is there any thing special you have to do when you put on the tail wires? This will be the first time I install tail wires.
I have a few things left to do on this plane - fuel tank, canopy, belly pan and misc. items.
Thanks in advance,
#1209

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From: El Reno,
OK
I used this..... [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEAN2&P=7]TopFlite Fuel Proof Paint[/link]
Don't use a clearcoat unless it's proven to be nitro proof as well. Had to redo mine from exhaust residue eating into the clearcoat.
I used this .... [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFV30&P=ML]Tail bracing[/link]
Just get them even and keep them tight. (Not too tight.) I opted for the Kevlar instead of the metallic wiring.
Don't use a clearcoat unless it's proven to be nitro proof as well. Had to redo mine from exhaust residue eating into the clearcoat.
I used this .... [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFV30&P=ML]Tail bracing[/link]
Just get them even and keep them tight. (Not too tight.) I opted for the Kevlar instead of the metallic wiring.
#1210
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From: Spring Hill,
TN
Cool, I already purchased that tail wire kit. I have the same tail gear that you have (Klett).
I am going to get some of that spray paint. Thanks for the info.
I am going to get some of that spray paint. Thanks for the info.
#1211

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From: El Reno,
OK
My wingset and cowl came today. The cowl is about done . It's lined up and openings cut with Dremel. Wing joiner is clamped and curing , will be ready to dry fit in the morning.
Thanks to John at VectorFlight for getting me the replacement parts so quickly.
Thanks to John at VectorFlight for getting me the replacement parts so quickly.
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From: El Reno,
OK
As I was finishing up the last few items of my wingset and cowl replacement work today I remembered another tip on the Edge build.
After you've got your cowling fully finished and before you run the motor. Take the time to lay a small trip of fibercloth and epoxy along the taped area inside the cowl. Trust me on this one. Nitro is messy and the tape that holds the bottom of the cowl together will fail after a few weeks of flying.
After you've got your cowling fully finished and before you run the motor. Take the time to lay a small trip of fibercloth and epoxy along the taped area inside the cowl. Trust me on this one. Nitro is messy and the tape that holds the bottom of the cowl together will fail after a few weeks of flying.
#1213
Putting the flying wires on tonight - maiden flight this weekend. I'd have been done sooner but I did some other things to it. I'll post some pics after the maiden (don't want to jinx it).
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From: Staten Island,
NY,
I've been lurking here for a few weeks and I'd like to introduce myself and say "hi"
My name is Jeff and I fly with 2 clubs on Staten Island NY. My favorite plane in my fleet has to be my Pica Waco 1/5th. I'm partial to "golden era" aircraft but I thought it was time for a new direction.
I'm working on the Edge 540 and and it's coming along great. I'd like to thank you guys for providing some real good tips, this thread has been very helpful. I am using Futaba 3010s and 3004s, a Futaba 9 cap, 1650 Mah battery and an OS 91FX. My question is what prop would you recommend. 14x8 maybe?
Thanks again
Jeff
My name is Jeff and I fly with 2 clubs on Staten Island NY. My favorite plane in my fleet has to be my Pica Waco 1/5th. I'm partial to "golden era" aircraft but I thought it was time for a new direction.
I'm working on the Edge 540 and and it's coming along great. I'd like to thank you guys for providing some real good tips, this thread has been very helpful. I am using Futaba 3010s and 3004s, a Futaba 9 cap, 1650 Mah battery and an OS 91FX. My question is what prop would you recommend. 14x8 maybe?
Thanks again
Jeff
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From: El Reno,
OK
I just got mine back in flying condition again. Last Friday was the re-maiden. The OS.91 pulls the plane around and performs verticals much better than the Saito100 IMO. I started out with a 15x6 APC and ended up using a 15x4 wood . The .91 seemed to like the lighter prop and the low pitch allowed good RPM and throttle response.
#1217
Well, rain and wind today blocked the maiden of my Edge (didn't have it ready yesterday, procrastinated on the flying wires)
Any way - always next weekend. Here are the pics (had to cut the hole for the high speed needle twice because the first time I mounted the engine it was too far back)
Engine: Evolution 1.00NX, Pitts muffler and 14x6 prop
Servos:
Ailerons - Futaba 3151 Digital x 2
Elevator - Futaba 3152 Digital x 2 (did a 2 servo setup on the elevator)
Rudder - Hitec 5475HB Digital
Throttle - Futaba 3151 Digital (not necessary but it came with my radio months ago)
Tank: 16oz
Any way - always next weekend. Here are the pics (had to cut the hole for the high speed needle twice because the first time I mounted the engine it was too far back)
Engine: Evolution 1.00NX, Pitts muffler and 14x6 prop
Servos:
Ailerons - Futaba 3151 Digital x 2
Elevator - Futaba 3152 Digital x 2 (did a 2 servo setup on the elevator)
Rudder - Hitec 5475HB Digital
Throttle - Futaba 3151 Digital (not necessary but it came with my radio months ago)
Tank: 16oz
#1218
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From: va beach,
VA
on the tale gear i made my own spring gear out of what was supplied in the kit,just bent the gear wire at a 90 to the rear and soldered a spring onto it then made a u shaped wire with about 1/8 between the u and drilled the rudder and ca'ed it then glued the u into place.slide the soldered spring end into the u sticking out it works good no stress on the servo.i can post pictures but think i did on this post allredy.
#1219
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From: Johns Creek,
GA
ORIGINAL: shakes268
Well, rain and wind today blocked the maiden of my Edge (didn't have it ready yesterday, procrastinated on the flying wires)
Any way - always next weekend. Here are the pics (had to cut the hole for the high speed needle twice because the first time I mounted the engine it was too far back)
Engine: Evolution 1.00NX, Pitts muffler and 14x6 prop
Servos:
Ailerons - Futaba 3151 Digital x 2
Elevator - Futaba 3152 Digital x 2 (did a 2 servo setup on the elevator)
Rudder - Hitec 5475HB Digital
Throttle - Futaba 3151 Digital (not necessary but it came with my radio months ago)
Tank: 16oz
Well, rain and wind today blocked the maiden of my Edge (didn't have it ready yesterday, procrastinated on the flying wires)
Any way - always next weekend. Here are the pics (had to cut the hole for the high speed needle twice because the first time I mounted the engine it was too far back)
Engine: Evolution 1.00NX, Pitts muffler and 14x6 prop
Servos:
Ailerons - Futaba 3151 Digital x 2
Elevator - Futaba 3152 Digital x 2 (did a 2 servo setup on the elevator)
Rudder - Hitec 5475HB Digital
Throttle - Futaba 3151 Digital (not necessary but it came with my radio months ago)
Tank: 16oz
Keep an eye on that throttle servo... usually it is only a potential problem on 4 strokes and gas engines, but digitals don't handle the engine vibration well...
I use all digitals... except on my throttles... I use analogs there (Hs-81's on all but the big engines)
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From: El Reno,
OK
WOohoo !!! Man she's all shiny and looking good Shakes.
Yes,, that 3151 is kinda overkill for that task. (throttle) Your servo setup is exactly like mine. Even down to the Hitech on the rudder.
Only differance is I put a Fut-3004 on the throttle.
I bet your MORE than ready to try her out eh ? Best of luck on your maiden.
Yes,, that 3151 is kinda overkill for that task. (throttle) Your servo setup is exactly like mine. Even down to the Hitech on the rudder.
Only differance is I put a Fut-3004 on the throttle.
I bet your MORE than ready to try her out eh ? Best of luck on your maiden.
#1221
ORIGINAL: Sturtz
WOohoo !!! Man she's all shiny and looking good Shakes.
Yes,, that 3151 is kinda overkill for that task. (throttle) Your servo setup is exactly like mine. Even down to the Hitech on the rudder.
Only differance is I put a Fut-3004 on the throttle.
I bet your MORE than ready to try her out eh ? Best of luck on your maiden.
WOohoo !!! Man she's all shiny and looking good Shakes.
Yes,, that 3151 is kinda overkill for that task. (throttle) Your servo setup is exactly like mine. Even down to the Hitech on the rudder.
Only differance is I put a Fut-3004 on the throttle.
I bet your MORE than ready to try her out eh ? Best of luck on your maiden.
I'm definitely ready for it to fly - but I'm nervous as heck about it too
#1222

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From: El Reno,
OK
I guess there are volumes written about first flight senerios. But a good idea for anyone is the basics. Works for me.
1. Check, Double Check, then check again all control surfaces, radio switches , knobs and wind direction.
Bring a buddy with you. Two sets of eyes are better than one.
2. "This one is up to each person to decide." But there are folks who simply have a calm ability to handle stressful situations better than others. They might not even be as good as you at acrobatic flight, 3/D etc etc. But they know their stuff when it comes to taking a plane up the first time. They don't panic and they will usually get your new bird down in one piece the first time because they are less nervous than you . If you are like me on maiden flights ,, get an instructor or pilot who fits the bill to do the maiden/trim flight.
3. Once the plane has been flown three or four laps around the field , trimmed out and it's determined all is good with CG, motor, etc....... Start your landing approaches.
One thing I've seen is the habit of flying for the full time limit on a maiden then when the timer goes off and you must land,, not knowing how the plane handles on a landing . Give yourself plenty of time to make some high passes to find the stall speed first. Then relax and take your time until your ready to fully commit to the landing. Don't blip the throttle on the first flight either. Put a nice high idle on it and stay on the gas. A deadstick is the last thing you want on a maiden flight.
I hope I don't sound like one of those know it all guys who has an answer for everything. I am just a guy who has smashed several planes new and old and wants to help keep others from making the same mistakes I did.
These planes don't grow on trees.
But they sure like to land in them.
1. Check, Double Check, then check again all control surfaces, radio switches , knobs and wind direction.
Bring a buddy with you. Two sets of eyes are better than one.
2. "This one is up to each person to decide." But there are folks who simply have a calm ability to handle stressful situations better than others. They might not even be as good as you at acrobatic flight, 3/D etc etc. But they know their stuff when it comes to taking a plane up the first time. They don't panic and they will usually get your new bird down in one piece the first time because they are less nervous than you . If you are like me on maiden flights ,, get an instructor or pilot who fits the bill to do the maiden/trim flight.
3. Once the plane has been flown three or four laps around the field , trimmed out and it's determined all is good with CG, motor, etc....... Start your landing approaches.
One thing I've seen is the habit of flying for the full time limit on a maiden then when the timer goes off and you must land,, not knowing how the plane handles on a landing . Give yourself plenty of time to make some high passes to find the stall speed first. Then relax and take your time until your ready to fully commit to the landing. Don't blip the throttle on the first flight either. Put a nice high idle on it and stay on the gas. A deadstick is the last thing you want on a maiden flight.
I hope I don't sound like one of those know it all guys who has an answer for everything. I am just a guy who has smashed several planes new and old and wants to help keep others from making the same mistakes I did.
These planes don't grow on trees.
But they sure like to land in them.
#1223
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From: Manassas,
VA
Hey shakes... So your using a dual elevator setup? Thats pretty neat. Have any pictures of the internals. I dont think this planes needs that much servo on the elevator but, hey why not!!
#1224
I'll get some pics of the internals posted sometime this week, mostly likely around Thursday.
True it may not need it but I moved the throttle servo forward and there was an extra slot in the tray there that just looked kinda empty
Actually for me, it was easier to set up than the push rod coupling method, allows me to use subtrim to really get the movement perfect and I don't have to worry about wheel collars coming loose. Just seemed like a better method to hook everything up. An extra $30 but it was easier to set up to me and well worth it just for my time/frustration.
True it may not need it but I moved the throttle servo forward and there was an extra slot in the tray there that just looked kinda empty
Actually for me, it was easier to set up than the push rod coupling method, allows me to use subtrim to really get the movement perfect and I don't have to worry about wheel collars coming loose. Just seemed like a better method to hook everything up. An extra $30 but it was easier to set up to me and well worth it just for my time/frustration.
#1225
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From: Johns Creek,
GA
Just remember... the manual is true and the posts are true...
use TINY amounts of elevator throw.... it really needs just a tiny amount before it snaps out.....
use TINY amounts of elevator throw.... it really needs just a tiny amount before it snaps out.....


