RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Yep, it looks pretty close to the same setup. It took me a little time, but I had to just keep making bends where it needed it until it finally worked the way I wanted.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Ron,

That looks great! Could you come over and fit my cowl for me?

I still have consternation about how I'm going to route throttle linkage, although Ray has given some good advice. How are you planning to do it?

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Ron, looking good. Be sure to open up the air intakes on the front for proper cooling. If you could, get a pick or two of your throttle linkage and servo setup.

Ray, The cowl pic was way back during my build. Long before good old terra firma claimed it's victim. I have been leaning toward the Extra, but another Edge isn't out of the question. It's such a nice plane to build and fly. My overall plan is to have another VF plane with a Saito 100, and use my 120 for a different plane that isn't as weight sensitive.

Jon, in my cowl pic you can see the huge amount of material I removed to make the cowl go on easier. Basically it was just a big, fat slot cut out for the cylinder head. It did provide plenty of cooling exit area. Like I said, when I do it again the 100 will be my powerplant of choice.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Ron, airplane's looking great! Nice job on the wing dowel.
Bankyank, glad to hear VF is sending a new fuselage. That should take care of the problem![8D]

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

RB gunner: I found it was a lot easier to rotate the carb on the saito the other direction, so the High speed needle was at the top of the plane. Made it a tad harder to put the cowl on and off but it made the routing of the throtle pushrod much easier...
I built a small bass wood rail on the bottom of the fuse where the servo was screwed in. When hooking up the pushrod it was almost a direct shot to the carb arm. Very easy indeed and no slop or binding.
I can get a pick of my fuse to show you a little later..

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Best bet is to paint it on the inside with Pactra Car body paint. It looks great and easy too.
I never could get the dye to take to the plastic

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

oops.. sorry that last post was ment for RCJON!!!!

For the fuel proofing i had some polyurathane around the house which is fuel proof.. so i brushed on a couple of layers on my firewall and bottom where it is not covered. The exhuast gets everywhere!!!!
Well Today i ran in the motor a little bit more since the snow has finally melted a little. Im giong to run probally another tank at around 4k rpm and then start leaning out the low end. Guess i put in a total of 7 tanks at around that. So 8 minutes a tank for 7 tanks thats about 56 minutes of running in. So next week if i dont have work i will maiden my plane. FINALLY!!!!!!!

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Nathan,

I picked up some polyurathane spray at the Local Hardware Store (we an acronym for that, but LHS already taken - LHwS?). I spray a piece of balsa last night, and I'm going to apply fuel this AM for test.

I looked at the throttle control this AM in a different light, I can run it around the tank, whereas I was thinking it needed to go over the tank. It will work fine that way.

Guess I'll tackle the dreaded hinging job this AM.

jon

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

RBGunner:

I had similar problems when trying to tint the canopy on my VF Sukhoi. I first tried Rit Dye with no success, then Testors Smoke Tint, with even worse results. I had botched the original canopy when trimming it, so I had "scrap" to experiment with. So, I went back to the Rit Dye approach, except with hotter water. Here's what worked for me:

1.) 70% Black/30% Navy Blue
2.) A generous amount of salt in the water (it apparently serves to "fix" the dye)
3.) A CLEAN canopy - dish soap and lots of water - handle w/latex gloves after cleaning
4.) **Water temperature of 165 degrees**

Keep the canopy moving in the bath, and don't let it rest on the bottom of the container. I found that you can "rinse and repeat" to get successively darker tints.

IMPORTANT. Do this on an un-trimmed canopy only. The "frame" will help the canopy hold its shape -- with the hotter starting temp, only a few degrees more and you will deform the canopy.

I was very happy with the result, and I hope this helps you.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Everyone, thanks for the tips. I will open up the canopy to make sure enough airflow is achieved. I probably would have forgotten that one. Thanks for the recipe for the dying. I will try that one more time. As far the carb goes, I would like to keep it so the highspeed valve wire comes out the bottom of the cowl. That way the top looks nice and clean. I have done it before. Not sure it will work on this plane though. I will post more pics of the throttle hook up and all when I am done with those parts. Ron

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Jon: I didn't use the spray but, its pretty much the same stuff. I believe i used the minwax polyurathane outdoor stuff. I did test with some 30% nitro since thats what i had around. 3 test pieces i had with a number of layers for each. Found that with at least 3 layers the 30% didn't effect the polyurathane much. Buts thats with like an hour soaking. But 3 layers would be really heavy so i used 2 layers.

I dont know if my plane was the only one but, the section right in front of the LG was uncovered. And where my exhuast is located it gets bombardard with exhaust. With the cowl on it gets quite ikky under there. I need to devise a plan to keep the cleaning to a min.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

RCJon,

I use a 2-56 size screw lock connector (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXD927&P=7) that I mount to the throttle arm. Before I place it in the connector, I sweat solder onto the cable so that it provides a little more strength where the screw will bear. Don't put on too much or you'll have to drill out the connector to accept the cable. I used this on my 4 star 60. Unfortunately, the engine is off and "in the shop" at Horizon or I would post a picture.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

WOW....

In about a days time, I log on and find out that one plane is almost done. And you guys said that I built fast...LOL

They are all looking great.

Bank Yank, sorry to hear about your fuselage. At least VF is more than willing to make it right for you. And I am sure that they are making you priority over the other orders.

I rechecked the CG last night and found out that with the wheelpants on, it is nose heavy. I moved the batter as far back as I could (zip tied to the former that is about half way between the belly pan opening and the rear end). I think I am going to pick a digital scale today from WalMart. I want an accurate weight measurement. After I finish with th CG, I may try to go out and fly again.

Talk to you later.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

I've used the following procedure to dye canopies and had excellent results. I found this in another post in RCU and keep it around for reference. You just need to be patient and really pay attention to the water temp. In fact, I reheated the solution several times before I achieved the desired effect.

10 Steps to Tinting Canopy Bliss

This method works with Lexan canopies using Tintex or Ritt fabric dyes.

1. Clean your canopy with warm water and mild soap, rinse thoroughly.

Note: Avoid touching the canopy, oils from your fingers may affect the tinting (use rubber gloves).

3. Find a container larger than your canopy, preferably something you don't intend to use again.

4. Use hot water (145°F), and fill your container to a depth one (1) inch above the canopy.

5. Add 1 cup of vinegar for each gallon of water used.

6. Mix in two (2) packs of dye thoroughly, there should be no clumps.

Note: To get a smoked tint, use 2 parts black to 1 part royal blue (colors vary).

7. Depending on the tint desired this process could take from 20 minutes to several hours.....

8. Once your canopy has reached the desired tint, remove and rinse with cold water.

9. Now marvel at that spectacular tinted canopy, and giggle at how cheap and easy it was to do.

10. Now say to yourself … Damn I’m Good!

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

I use the liquid rit dye. It has always worked for me. For some reason goldberg canopies take more heat to tint though almost to the point of warping. I will try adding salt next time i do a goldberg one thoughand see if that makes a differance.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

RCJ, one other thing you can do is rotate the throttle arm on the shaft so that it's travel is further away from the firewall.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Jon N.

>> RCJ, one other thing you can do is rotate the throttle arm on the shaft so that it's travel is further away from the firewall.<<

How do you loosen it?

jon

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Well Guys,

Everything is balanced and ready to go now. I'm bout to pack her up and head to the field. When I return, I will post another flight report as well as more pics. Wish me luck.

Later

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

There is a little allen screw on the bottom of the arm, it takes a 1/16th inch allen wrench I believe.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Jon N.

Thanks. I think the Allen Screw is metric - but Saito provided a wrench for it. Who the h*ll is Allen, anyway? Does he get royalties? Was he Phillips' cousin? So many questions in life.

Update on my Edge 540 build. Lot's of time spent today, but little "visible" progress. Spent the AM on my first Robart hinge install. I got one wing done. Two of four hinges were great, other two were too close to top of wing and made a visible bump in the surface at the hinge line. I wish I had had a wing to practice on. Probably should have started with the stab - everyone looks at the wing.

PM, I did get the fuel tank installed. I installed a "floor" of thin ply in the front section of the fuse. I thought my method of applying epoxy to the edges of the thin ply inside the fuse was innovative. I sucked epoxy up in a straw - peered through the openings for the wing joiners, held a little flashlight inside the fuse and "blew" the epoxy into the proper location with my mouth.

I spent a lot of time studying ways to secure the tank in place. Ended up just wrapping the tank with 1/2" Hobbico foam and Velcro and stuffing the d*mn thing in the hole. I was going to do Luke's hook and rubber band system, but as it is, I can't see the tank moving.

I spent a lot of time studying the throttle linkage install. I was going to do the side of the fuse servo mount, and even started building the servo bracket. Then I decided it wasn't worth the trouble - I'd just run a push rod from the carb to a S3004 servo in the servo tray. I installed the servo and got the wire installed just right. Perfect! ..... except I eventually saw that the pushrod would go straight through the wing joiner -- won't work. Looks like I'm going to use flexible Gold'n'Rod after all for the throttle linkage. Minimal weight anyway.

I did some moment calculations re: battery placement and CG. If battery is 4oz and can be moved to 6 inches aft, that's the same as adding 3/4 oz near the tail. Another mod that I don't see as worth it. I'll just put the battery (or batteries) near the CG, wherever it's convenient.

Despite all the advice against it, I'm still considering installing 2 batteries and switches. (4 oz) I'll see how the total weight comes out.

1st pic is of Robart hinges. 2nd pic is tank install. 3rd pic is my weather station (good ARFing weather).

Thankfully I haven't lost power. CATV (and Internet) wire is on the ground but still working. Back deck is blocked by limbs that fallen off a big hemlock tree. Occasionally a limb crashes to the ground, upsetting the dog. Supposed to warm up some tomorrow.

jon

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Jon,

Those hingepoints you are using are bigger than the ones I used. Overall it looks good though. Better to have a strong wing you think is ugly than pretty one that looks good just before it slams mother earth due to hinge failure.;)

Be sure to tug on the tank pretty good, the forces you will apply to the plane in flight may surprise you. The mod I did weighed less than an ounce.

Glad to hear the icy weather hasn't cause you many headaches. At least it's warm in the shop. :D

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Luke,

>>Those hingepoints you are using are bigger than the ones I used. Overall it looks good though.<<

They are a bit too big. I really had to waller out the hole for the "knuckle". I used Gorilla Glue on them. I hope the expansive glue makes up for some of my sloppy drilling. Tomorrow I'll give them a strong tug,

>>Be sure to tug on the tank pretty good, the forces you will apply to the plane in flight may surprise you.<<

The tank is really secure - it took a lot of wriggling to get it in there. Unless I learn to hover.....

>>The mod I did weighed less than an ounce.<<

I've got find those 4oz for my extra battery/switch somewhere. Every little bit helps.

>>Glad to hear the icy weather hasn't cause you many headaches. At least it's warm in the shop. <<

Yea, since the shop is the dining room. If I could just train the dog to go get wood and put it in the stove.....Instead he lays on the sofa and barks if the fire gets too low. I work for him.

jon

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Here's Flight Report #3:

Went to the field closest to my house where my best friend has a membership. The field is absolutely gorgeous with an concrete runway, running east-west, (surrounded by grass strips on each side large enough to land and takeoff from) and enough covered pit area for 20 pilots and equipment, but the $200.00/year membership fees keep me from joining. We got a late start today and didn't get out there 'til about 2:05 pm. It worked out justfine though. Earlier in the day, it was foggy. By the time we got out there, there was still a haze and it was overcast. But after my first flight, mother nature finally smiled at me and lifted the haze, clouds and wind and left us with perfect flying weather. The temparature was a very comfortable low-mid 60's.

Flight 1:
Got her together and fueled her up. The big Saito jumped to life with a bump of the starter. I revved her up to mid throttle to get the Saito warmed up. Then I taxied out to the runway and took one final look at the weather vane and windsock. There was a slight head wind coming from the east, about 5-7 mph. I taxied around a few times to get used to the concrete runway. The Edge proved to be a bit "on the edge" while taxiing on the concrete runway. I lined up and added power. She was airborne in about 40-50 ft.

I climbed out to about 50 ft. and made a left turn. I made another left turn and lined back up over the runway to check the trim. Since my last flight, I had switched over to Jr. I was pleased that all that was need for hands free flight was 2 clicks of right aileron. Once trimmed, I got some altitude to try a few things out. I started by performing a few snap rolls. As expected, they were very quick and stopped as soon as I centered the sticks. With the aileron throws up to 1" up and 3/4" down, the rolls were at the perfect speed and extremely axial. I noticed that on full elevator deflection, she has a tendency to snap to the right. I know that my elevator halves move in unison and my lateral balance is right on the money. I believe that it is just the nature of this plane to snap on full elevator deflection. I am currently using 40% expo on the elevator and it helps smooth it out. This plane is very pitch sensitive. I also noticed some roll coupling on knife edge this time around. I think this is due to the maximum deflection that I have it setup for. When I performed knife edge with about half the rudder travel, the coupling was almost nothing. Sice I again forgot to set the timer, I wanted to play it safe and bring her in. I made my approach and lined her up on the concrete runway. She floated gently down and touched down just to the right of me. She immediately veered right and went into the grass. I remained in control and straightened her out. I taxied back to the pit area. That was the last time I was going to land on the concrete runway. She is just too squirrely on the concrete for my taste.

Flight 2:
After assisting my best friend with the maiden flight of his new Venus 40, I fueled her up again. I decided that I wanted to try a scale like takeoff. I lined up and gently rolled into the throttle. At about half throttle, the tailwheel came up. After a slight pull on the elevator, she was airborne again. This time I had my timer set for 8 minutes to be safe.

The sun had broken through the clouds and the haze was almost gone. I made an aggresive climg out to about 150 ft. I leveled out and turned around. I slowly reduced the throttle while increasing up elevator. When she stalled, she just dropped her nose and the right wing dipped slightly. I added throttle and resumed flight with no problem. I brought her around again, but this time I wanted to try a flat spin. Just as she stalled, I kicked in full right rudder and held full up elevator. She went a beautiful and slow flat spin. After about 8 revolutions, I centered the stick, added power and pulled up for straight and level flight. Now it was time to "buzz" the runway. I climbed to about 100 ft. and lined up. I made a slight dive under power and leveled her out about 10 feet above the deck. She screamed by us perfectly level and really hauling *****. At the end of the runway, I pulled vertical and she rocketed skyward. It seemed like she didn't want to slow down. After several hundred feet, I cut power and performed a beautiful stall turn. I made another approach for a low and slow pass (camera shots). Once again I pulled vertical after she passed by. This time I did three vertical snap rolls. She still had power to climb after the snap rolls. This engine is a monster. By now the timer was getting close to the end. This time I decided to land in the grass on the other side of the runway. On my first attempt, I waited too late to cut the throttle and she foated by. I made another approach and dropped her down right in front of me.

Flight #3:
Nothing new on this flight. Just more of the same plus quite a bit of inverted flying. This is the most nuetral plane that I have flown. She will fly inverted with hands off with only 2-3 clicks of down elevator trim. My best friend took his Venus 40 up while I was flying. I had so much fun flying circles around him. Although these planes are in 2 different classes and sizes, I had a blast pulling away from him while going vertical. On this flight I set the timer for 10 minutes. This seemed almost perfect. After I landed and taxied back to the pits, I emptied the tank. She had about 1/4 of a tank of fuel left.

I am truly impressed with this plane. She has been able to handle everything that I threw at her. As the motor continues breaking in and gaining power, she just keeps on taking it in stride.

On a side note. I bought a digital fish scale today and weighed the plane after I set her up at the field. She weighed in at 9 lbs. 12 oz. About where I expected the weight to be considering that a Saito 120 sits up front, therefore requiring tail weight. Even at this weight, she is a real floater and handles slow speed flight very well.

I will be at another field tomorrow (actually today) morning. I will provide another flight report tomorrow. But I will not go into detail, just hit on how she flew.

Here are a few pics. The first one is me and my ugly mug next to a work of art :D.

Talk to ya later...

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Nice flight report!!
*sigh* my fuse[&o]

BUT on a side note. I did get to maiden my two newest planes GB Extra 300 and a GB 10-300:D Now all that is missing is a edge 540 and a sukhoi

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

rc and ez and everyone else:

rc it looks like you are coming along on your build. I had the same problem with the hinge points, a couple of mine made bumps in the covering too. I was real careful, but it happend so don't feel bad. There are small imperfections in other areas too that came from the factory, so a few more is not big deal to me. Still looks great. I just wrapped my tank in foam and stuff it in as well. Works fine and it won't come out, no way. I used Gold n Rod on my throttle linkage. Always do. I works great and allows you to do what you need to to get it right with no binding. I used the servo tray and a 3004 servo.

I tinted my canopy using Rit liquid dye and it worked the second time. It actually worked and it turned out fantastic. Thanks for the dying recipe. The hotter water and salt seemed to do the trick. I used half and half Black and Wine colors and it came out a smoky color with just a hint of red to go along with the red plane. Love it.

There has been a lot of talk prior about the belly pan and having to take out a bunch of screws evertime you want access to the guts of this plane. Well I am using Velcro to secure mine. Because the pan is in now way structural and the velcro is very strong it should work great and there is no easier on and off.

ez: thanks for the flight reports.

Here are some pics for you all to look at.

Again thanks for all the tips it makes building more fun when you do not have to make all the same mistakes twice. Ron