superstar balancing?
 

I just balanced my superstar 40, and it took the entire pack of weights just to get it close (3 oz), I'm using a great planes cg machine, and everything is set right and my tank is empty. Also my motor is an os 46ax (heavier than 40la) and I suppose my servos could be little lighter than normal too (jr 537's). After I used up all the weights (3 oz, mounted as far aft as possible) it still was not level but it was close, so I laid pennies on the horizontal stab just too see how much more it needed, it took 5 more pennies to get it level so i suppose I'll end up with about 3.5 oz on the tail. Does this seem normal? Is it mainly just because of the motor? I appreciate any thoughts on this.

RE: superstar balancing?
 

My Superstar did not need any weight added. This is with a 40la and all 3003 Futaba servos. You might want to replace the motor mount with one that is lighter.

RE: superstar balancing?
 

I had a problem balancing my trainer took 1 1/2lbs in the nose (way too much). So what i did was move my servos, battery and receiver forward in the fuse got the wheight down to 9 oz., still too much but the best I could do. Try moving the servo tray back 2 to 3 inches if you can.

RE: superstar balancing?
 

Hi,

I have had 2 Superstar 40's with Monokote and they were both nose heavy - one with a 40 LA and one with a 46LA. With the 46AX it does not surprise me that you need so much tail weight. I needed about 3/4 oz of tail weight to bring both of these birds just into spec. I think it is the nature of this plane so your weight sound about right. Have you tried to move the battery pack to a more aft location?

Steve

RE: superstar balancing?
 

yes the battery is all the way aft, with the reciever just in front of the battery, thanks for the replies, if you needed weight with a 40la this is likely ok, these 46ax's have big stupid mufflers, I was going to replace it but I figured this trainer would be overpowered as it is.

RE: superstar balancing?
 

Hi,

I had a physics professor in college who would say, "How can a muffler be stupid? It's just a piece of metal and doesn't know any better!" :)

Anyway, I do not like the looks of the new stupid muffler myself. [8D]

Steve

RE: superstar balancing?
 

Move your battery back as far as possible - if needed, CA a velcro strip in back of the servo tray AND to the bottom of the battery pack to hold it in place. You have a "clamp type" motor mount. Loosen the clamps and slide the engine back as far as you can in the motor mount - put the rear edge of the mounting lug on the engine LIGHTLY against the rear hold down bolt before re tightening the motor mount.

If you still need more, use the rear hole in the motor mount to secure the engine through the mounting lug and drill a new front hole through the motor mount (you will be using the mounting lugs on the engine instead of the clamp) and use bolts with NYLON STOP NUTS AND WASHERS. If you have to go this route, MAKE SURE BEFORE YOU DRILL ANY ADDITIONAL HOLES, that the prop has adequate clearance on the front of the plane AND the fuel line/pressure line are not kinked and are accessible for fueling.

A TIP ON THE SUPERSTAR: Do not set the throws on the control surfaces to the book specifications - Set them for MINIMUM throws. This means moving the push rods IN closer at the servo and further OUT on the control horns. As you flying skill improves, you can readjust the control surfaces for more throw.