Hi,

I Just built a GWS Tiger Moth, and I am using a GWS Four-Channel transmitter. One of my options is to use an auto cut-off switch, which is a must for a Two-Channel transmitter, but I then I don't have a throttle. Therefore, I used the speed control that came with the GWS Flight Pack. I can control the rudder and elevators, but I don't have any use of the motor. How do I get it started?

I'll appreciate any help I can get. Hopefully, with your help, I will be flying soon.

The ESC with BEC requires a channel be used. The cut-off is totally un-controlled by the radio... pushbuttn on the side of the plane turns on the motor and it runs until insufficient power in the pack. (cut-off voltage)

You need to get a 3-4 channel TX or get the cut-off, or.... there's an odd way to use the BEC an bypass it with a switch to power the motor... but then there's no cut-off. (not a great idea. you can lose radio power and still have the prop turning enough to keep the plane airborne in just the right conditions...)

Thanks for the info, but I am new, and I don't really understand the acronyms.

I also think you might have misunderstood me:

I no longer have the Auto-Cutoff unit attached to the airplane; I can still put it on there, but then I can't use the throttle at all, which may make landing more difficult. The GWS Flight Pack came with a speed control, which goes in the same place as the auto-cutoff unit, but it does not have a switch. I have it connected to the first channel of the receiver, but nothing happens when I turn on the transmitter and plug the battery into the airplane. (Except that the servos connected to the rudder and elevators move those control surfaces to their neutral positions; then I have control of those surfaces. In other words, I know I have power to everything else but the motor.)

I hope you will still be able to help me; I will appreciate any more help you can give me.

Do you have it plugged into the right receiver channel? Usually throttle is channel 3.
Also, there may be an arming sequence to get the motor to start. Try moving the throttle up and down all the way.

Thanks, but it still doesn't work. In order to make troubleshooting easier, I disconnected the servos and connected the speed control to channel three. I turned the transmitter on, plugged the battery into the speed control, and tried all channels. Nothing happened.

You said you have a 2 channel TX... that means channel 3 is DISABLED. The RX is LOOKING for a ch 3 signal from the TX, and getting a constant output there. (fixed position) The ESC requires you to give a 0 throttle for 2 seconds, then you can turn up the throttle, and the engine will respond.

This will prove the ESC works.:

1)Plug the ESC into channel 1.
2) Give full right and hold for a couple of seconds.
3)when the stick goes to center 50% chance the motor will run. (go to step 6)
4) If that didn't work... give full left for a couple of seconds...
5) when you center the stick, the prop WILL turn.
6) Stop the motor, and turn off the airplane.

Now... with the 4 ch TX:

How to try the reverse switch on the TX for ch 3:
1) Turn everything on.
2) Give 0 throttle for 2 sec. move the stick to a/2 throttle. The motor should turn.
3) IF not... TURN OFF the plane! (and the TX) Flip the reverse switch on the TX for ch 3. Try again. (go to step 1)

It should work now.

The "BEC" section of the speed control is working... you proved that already. (servos work)

Alright!

Thanks; the motor is running now. I should be flying soon. I appreciate your help.

-The Saint

The_Saint!!!... one more thing. Before u fly...just to tell u this. The low wing is quick weak as in it will haf lots of dihedral on two wings when it's flying n especially doing sharp turns [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] . It would be better to paste some fibre tape on the bottom of the wing to strengthen it. Currenly my GWS tigermoth had some fibreglass on the low wing hehe. Remember to get some foam glues ready [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Here's the picture of my tigermoth.

Be really careful of the plastic connectors that connect the control wires to the rudder and elevator. The control horn goes through the elevator or rudder, and another plastic clip connects to the end that sticks through the foam. They "click" into place, but have a tendancy to wiggle loose. Especially if you have a crash or hard landing. If they become loose, the control becomes very, very sloppy. I put glue on mine but CAUTION!!! do NOT use CA glue. It will EAT the foam!!!! Amazing how destructive this stuff is to styrofoam. I used epoxy without any problems, or the glue that comes with the kit.

They are right about the wings being weak. I got a bit too much speed with mine, and when I pulled up the wings folded. Nice little spiral right into the ground.

Thanks for the advice!

Like I said, I'm new to all this, and I need all the help I can get. I'll try the fiberglass; what kind of foam glue should I get?

I did have trouble with the upper wing's dihedral in the beginning; I now have it strengthened a little with match sticks and silicon right in the center.

As for the plastic tabs on the control surfaces, I went ahead and used the GWS glue that was provided. Do you think it will hold?

I also have a question about the rudder:

I don't have a very wide range of rudder movement, although I don't think I'll need much. When I go more than about 1/4 or 3/8 in. to either side, the servo starts clicking, and the rudder doesn't go any farther but pops back and forth a little in the direction I'm trying to make it go. I don't think this is really a problem, but do you think I may have broken the servo during assembly?

Other than tweaking on the airplane, I've been trying to get some time in on a simulator I downloaded. FMS is a free RC simulator with lots of models, including a slow-flyer. If you want it, go to Yahoo.com and type "FMS RC Simulator." The second site it lists should be where you can get it.

Thanks for taking your time to help me; hopefully I'll be flying soon!

The Saint..... maybe u can try the UHU glue, the green ones or the glue that came with the kit. Or maybe epoxy..but do not apply too thick(epoxy is heavy).

Oh yah.. before u fibreglass.... try to use the lightest fibreglass n apply very thin coat of epoxy to the fibreglass... fibreglass the 2 joints on the low wing around 3 inches.

Actually i'm a newbie too hehe...i learnt from my instructor who is flying the same plane as i do.