GP G-Rod

I am running an OS .81fsa....I have the rudder servo mounted in the tail (in the "inverted" spot").
I believe my CG is slightly aft of the rearward measurement in the manual. I have the airplane in my car...I will snap a pic of my battery mounting over lunch..and post it here.
All of the hardware etc. are stock kit provided items.

GP G-Rod

I am using a 1600 nimh 6V pack.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXVRH8&P=7

kq4ra

I think I will install all equip except the rudder servo and check to see where it balances.

I noticed in the review in MA. The rudder servo was mounted in the tail and the battery and extra lead added to the nose, Whats up with that?

obriendigital

My Feedback: (13)

I have been pretty easy on my plane so far with about 20 flights with a Saito 82. How has everyone's airframes been holding up? I am wondering if it will handle some snap rolls, blenders, ect. Thought I better ask before I try!

Thanks!

apwachholz

kq4ra

Thanks for your comments Apwachholz:

I am waiting for my Satio 82 and servos to arrive to proceed. I would rather not put the rudder servo in the tail, but if comes to adding lead to the tail, then I would rather put the servo there.

apwachholz

kq4ra -
I was under the same 'schpeal and didn't want to place exposed weight on the elevator (tail).

I decided to make the region where you would mount a rudder servo (in/on the tail) into a 'weight holder'. I cut the covering carefully to save it, cut a thin basswood (light ply) cover, ironed on the cut out covering, and screwed it in place. It's semi-flush with the fuse (my bad on measuring)and was ready to add weight on the plate (with epoxy to hold 'em in place)....until I realized I didn't need to add any! If you want a pic of the mod, lemme know and I'll get one tonight and post.

Cheers!

kq4ra

Can anyone tell or show me how you connected the throttle servo on the Saito 82?

Ttaylor63

My Feedback: (16)

I mounted the servo on the outside with the control horn sticking inside the fuselage. Iam using a Hitech 81 servo for throttle.

kq4ra

Thanks Ttaylor, I take it you drilled a hole through the firewall?

obriendigital

My Feedback: (13)

Terry,

I did the same thing, and mounted the servo inside the firewall and drilled a hole through the firewall for the push rod. It has served me well thus far with about 25 flights on it.

kq4ra

Thanks OD, thats what i did. Just waiting on new 1800mah batteries for the flight pack.

Broke in the Saito yesterday on the test bench. That 14x6 prop puts out alot of wind at just 4000rpm.

vertical grimmace

My Feedback: (1)

TO keep my cowl from flying off, I just put a servo screw right through the cowling at the very back edge so that when it goes though it screws into the top deck. It works great. I just remove that one screw to put on the wings.
Also, The wheel collar retaining the elevater pushrods is asking for big trouble. Very bad Idea on the part of Great planes. For thos ethat have the where with all, This should be wrapped with wire and soldered. That would be enough but I actually used the collars also to keep everything in place while doing the soldering.
Man, This is a great little airplane though. I can just fly it around in sustained knife edge flight. I truly love how it flies. It is just somewhat typical with minor hardware problems.

futurepilot03

My Feedback: (5)

Bad news my friends.....

Went into a hover and the motor sputtered and quit [:@]
By that time I was only about 15 feet off the ground.... 5 foot tail slide, and all I had time to do was throw it in high rates and get it flat...[:'(]
Damage is pretty bad, but could have been worse. Definately need a new landing gear.
Entire engine firewall area was destoyed, and must be built from scratch. I'm gonna try and put my building skills to the test and rebuild the front... Going to end up getting a carbon gear to offset the extra weight from the fix... I'll send ya some pics when it's all done

kq4ra

Hate to hear that. Engine sputter bad in that position.

kq4ra

Hey: for you guys that are using a Saito 82 for power, did you all cut an air outlet hole in the bottom of the cowl?

futurepilot03

My Feedback: (5)

has anybody been using a 61 fx? is so, how has it worked?

kq4ra

Hey futurepilot03 did you get your plane rebuilt after the hover crash?

futurepilot03

My Feedback: (5)

yes I did and I was actually able to REDUCE the weight. Hardest part was getting the gear in good and tight, but it flew better than ever this weekend. I have also shifted the weight back about another quarter inch. Very happy with it; looking to put in a bit larger engine so I can do whatever I want with it in just about any position

kq4ra

Futurepilot03:  I thought you had a Saito 82 in it?

kq4ra

Hey Futurepilot03, did you get a carbon landing gear for the your extra. If you did please tell me where.
I am looking to replace the aluminum, its too stiff.

nmking09

My Feedback: (61)

Aluminum is too stiff so you are going to Carbon????

futurepilot03

My Feedback: (5)

Yes I did.. here's the link; its a perfect fit. http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/detail.aspx?ID=2179

and I have a .46fx, not a four stroke

kq4ra

Thanks for the link and apologize for the engine mistake. I had you confused with someone else in this tread.

kq4ra

its too stiff.     Bad choice of words.