2nd Build-Sig Something Extra
 

I did OK with my first build (PT-40) until I destroyed it due to interference. I'm sure that is what everyone says, right? Anyway, I'm building this SSE. I am going to power it with a Saito FA56 and hopefully use a Spectrum 7 for control. Anyone know if Hitec HS322HD servos would be compatible? I'm balking at using my Laser 4 with this machine after what happened last time, also I want to be able to mix in the flaperon feature to slow it down.

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Comments, insults, derision and advice welcome.

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The DX7 says that it will work with ANY servo. Watch for plug wiring as usual. Needs to be same as JR. DX7 servos ARE JR digital servos.

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Thanks Bruce. Just about done with the wings for now. The engine sounds great. I couldn't wait to fire it up.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0904.jpg

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Be careful. Those binder clamps I see on your wing can crush wood if too tight and they do have a lot of clamping pressure.[:@]

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Punched my fat clumsy thumb through the delicate leading edge sheeting while trying to install the 'j' hook used for wing attachment.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0908.jpg
Wasted time repairing the hole and did not make it any further. I think I'll just sand my fingertips and go to bed.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0909.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0910.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0911.jpg

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Dumb thumb.[:'(] Good patch.:)

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Thanks...I'm an idiot.

I'm going to pick up the DX7 today and I'm pooping my pants with anticipation.

Control surfaces and empennage will be done tonight with any luck.

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I got the DX7. It has a lot more going on than my Laser 4. I paid $319 for the radio, receiver, 4 high torque servos and the switch. Pretty good for a LHS. I can't wait to fly with it.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0912.jpg

I made some .032 aluminum doublers for the top and bottom of the pitch horns rather than mess with the glass. I'll put them on after I cover it and I think it will look pretty clean.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0913.jpg

I'm going to cover the wing with the ailerons in place like a guy suggested in another thread. Think I'll be using ultracote. Servos fit.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0914.jpg

I bought a Dubro tailwheel assembly because I heard the provided one likes to rip off the rudder. I considered making a rudder extension, but I'm not really that great a pilot that I'll need it. Right away at least... I think I'd like to sheet the turtle deck. Sullivan 10 oz tank. After reading about the kind of engines people are putting into the SE, I'm a little concerned the FA56 is going to be weak.

RE: 2nd Build-Sig Something Extra
 

Nice looking build! I built one a few months ago. I did something similar with the sheeting though it was mostly due to oversanding the sheeting and then it took hardly any pressure to break through. Been a hangar queen since - need to get it up in the air. :eek:

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I like the alum plate idea. :) Light enough not to be a factor.

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For what it's worth, when I built mine, I did NOT sheet the turtledeck. I wish I had. Only from an asthetic perspective, but I really don't like seeing the stringers. Additionally, I believe it will make the covering a bit easier in that area.

Thanks for sharing!

-MA

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Wow. Thanks for the links. There is a ton of good information in those threads. Anything that makes covering easier I am game to try. Any opinions on the FA56?

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2005916/mpage_1/key_venture/tm.htm]This thing[/link] is amazing. That guy is a craftsman. I'd be happy at the end of my career to be able to approximate that kind of work. It almost seems to be a shame to cover it. It looks so good bare bones. I'd like to see it with retractable gear.

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The FA56 might not be the best choice for the SSE, but it'll fly fine with the right prop. The plane isn't a speed burner, and flies as well on the wing as the engine.

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Crasher,
I've got a Saito 72 on my SSE. Don't think I'd like anything smaller.
Just my .03 worth. Great plane anyway, it always goes to the field with me.
I'm sure it will fly with the 56, just don't know how the vertical
would be. Enjoy, Phillip

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Phillip, I've got the SE on the build pile. I thought the 72 Saito would be the way to go, but some have said the 82 is the way to go. I have neither at this point. What say ye?
Thanks, MikeB

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Wow.... this thread is custom written for my limited input!!! I built the PT40 last winter and learned to fly this spring. I then got the SSE ARF this summer and have flown it a lot the rest of the season. As a matter of fact, we flew today in 50 degree weather in Indiana on Dec 30th, which is unheard of for this time of year.

For what it's worth, the transition from the PT40 to SSE is straight forward. The plane flies great. Be ready to "fly" the plane. No dihedral, the plane goes where you point it. Also, landings are easy with the thick wing core. Take offs are easier with the SSE as the tricycle gear of the PT40 always needed a little correction.

PLEASE NOTE: the ailerons for the SSE are gigantic compared to the PT40. The first flight of the SSE I had throws set-up as the manual called for and they were WAY too much for me, even on low rates (remember this is my first season flying). I was able to land and then backed them way down and then started to bring them back up a little at a time after several flights. I also fly with a little exponential. Now the plane just grooves for me!

I think both planes are great and would change a thing with my plane history so far!

Here are a couple of pics.

RE: 2nd Build-Sig Something Extra
 

MikeB,
I kinda wish I would have put the 82 on mine, but the 72 does fine for me. Vertical is pretty good, not quite unlimited but it will go up and up.
Might have to try some different props, 13X6 APC is all I've had on mine. I guess it all comes down to how you like to fly.
Hope this helps, Phillip

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Phillip, That does help. Thanks

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I chose to tackle roughing the cut outs for the engine in before assembling the fuse halves.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0915.jpg
This is a fairly easy build, but I have to say that I'm glad things are progressing. Probably because I have nothing to fly right now.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0917.jpg
I chose to make an access hatch for the fuel tank. The Sullivan 10 oz tank won't fit through the aft bulkhead of the tank comp. and I always seem to need access to things that are not designed for maintenance.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0918.jpg
Tonight I will be having a serious build session.

Kneeforu, I loved the PT40. Ridiculously durable. I miss it.
What are your low rates set on? I was thinking 35% might be a good place to start with such huge control surfaces.

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PT -

My throws are set-up as follows:

Aileron
27% low
35% high
35% expo

Elevator
70% low
100% high
15% expo

Rudder
100% low
120% high
25% expo


The low on the aileron was lower and I have inched it up to 27%. I came to rest at that spot for timing reasons. When I want to do 3 rolls in a row and have to add down / up / down / up..... etc, this rate is very controllable. 35% is controllable, but pretty quick.

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Hey, thanks!

I'll be a little ahead of the game now.

After sheeting the turtle deck.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0919.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0920.jpg

RE: 2nd Build-Sig Something Extra
 

It is difficult to work when I know this thing is sitting at home waiting for me. I installed DuBro gear in lieu of the supplied gear. I am much happier with the stance, prop clearance and sucurity. I covered one wing in the base color of yellow and will be putting the green patterns on tonight. The laser charring shows throught the covering a bit, whick I'm not real pleased with. Too bad the kits don't come with 3 wings. You could get that 1st practice wing out of the way and install the best 2/3.:D
I think I'll be repairing and modifying a basket case trainer to a taildragger for practice before I maiden this airplane. I need an extra receiver for my dx7 now. I'll post some pics later for anyone interested. I should be flying next week!!!

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PT -

I can't wait to see it and hear about the flights!!!! I just love my SSE!!!!

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Very nice build so far man. I cant wait to see the covering job you do. I too built the SSE as my second plane and I loved it. One thing also: get some 2-56 rod for the elevator and rudder pushrods as the other stuff shrinks and expands on hot and cool days and is not as stiff or smooth as just music wire itself. Awesome Job!!!

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I got those pushrods. Thanks for the tip. I suck at covering.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0927.jpg

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From thie picture, yours is looking good so far.

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Very nice covering job on the wing!

I just ordered the SSE kit form. I needed a winter project other than playing with electric ARF's and was following this thread. It got me interested in the SSE from looking at your build progress.

What landing gear is that? You said it was a DUBRO set? Do you have their part number? I like that setup.

I have an OS 50 AX sitting around. I intend to use that engine on this build. Are you using any special servo's (high torque and so on) for contrl surfaces? I have the JR's that came with the DX7 radio as well as several Airtronics BB and High Torque's laying around.

Did I read that you modified the elevator and rudder? If so, did you simply lengthen them from the plans?

Nice job, can't wait to hear how it flys.

Thanks.

DS.

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I left the control surfaces alone for this airplane. I'm using the 4 four DS821's that came with the DX7 for the control surfaces and an HS322 for the throttle which I may change to an HS81 for weight. Here is the package the gear came in: cat. no. 789. It greatly improved ground clearance and I think the airplane has a better stance with this gear. It is also wider than stock and hopefully more forgiving. I have a lot to learn about covering. The pics don't show it much, but there a lot of small wrinkles. Thanks for the comments. I picked up a Parkzone Typhoon 3D and adapted it to my radio by installing a AR6000 rx. It has a symmetrical wing, taildragger config. and dual aileron servos just like the SSE. I figured out how to mix flaperons in and just how in general the DX7 works. It is a POS with crappy components but it flies well and I need a beater to fly so I don't start rushing this build. :D I love this radio. The only thing I have to judge it by was my Hitec Laser 4 and of course there is no comparison there.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0933.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0932.jpg

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OK. Here it is. Maiden tomorrow or Wednsday!!

I could complain and nitpick it now, but I'll wait and do that if it flies like a dog.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0945.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0947.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0949.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0950.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0951.jpg

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RCU is having some trouble with pictures right now so I can't see any of your work, but by the replies it must be nice and you are playing the modest builder role. Anyway, I cheated and got the ARF as a buddy won it at a funfly and sold it to me for $100. I outfitted mine with an OS .50sx and an APC 13x4 and she goes up almost unlimited. I only wish I had more rudder.

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$100...Nice score, huh? I think I'll end up wanting more power after ground running quite a bit today. I love the 4 stroke but it is definitely not going to give me nutty vertical performance. I'm pretty new, so I probably don't NEED that anyway.:D M next plane will be an ARF. I got the building out of my system for now. I can't wait.

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Well, the airplane flies terrific. The 4 stroke saito was worth every penny after it brought my airplane back in one piece. 2 clicks up elevator and 1 click right aileron and it tracks beautifully. Simple aerobatics were no problem, the roll rate was impressive but not uncontrollable on high rates. Actually I flew it on high rates the whole time and switched to low just to see what it felt like. Landing is easy although I bounced it pretty good a couple of times. It keeps flying for a while after it touches down. I toyed around with the flaperons a bit and you can really slow this thing down. Stalls are non-eventful, you just sink followed by the nose pitching down...totally predictable. I was able to hover it up high, but this engine does not have the power to pull out of it. Maybe with an 12x6 it could. Certainly limited vertical performance. I am thrilled with this airplane and I'll be flying it tomorrow out at our club field. The throttle cut-off mix was troublesome at first, only because I had never done it before but now it works fine.:D:D:D

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Congrats on the maiden[sm=thumbup.gif] If you can run a 12x6 on that motor without bogging down try a 13x4 if your looking for more virtical performance and 3D'ish performance. Remember this is not a 3D plane but a very capable sport plane.

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Thanks!

Here's a shot at the field today.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_0953.jpg

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Where's your flying field at?

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In Paso Robles.

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Thought the area looked familiar.

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Here is my airplane on the maiden and a couple of flights after. There are some bad bounces and crosswind landings. 1st flight was with a Master Airscrew 11x7, subsequent flights were with an APC 12x6 which seems to have the best over-all performance. The 12x6 and 12x7 fly nicely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi6YE0hWO-A

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I just have to say again what a fantastic airplane this is.

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Congratulations on a wonderful build and maiden flight. I hope the rest of your flights are well and that you enjoy the plane to the fullest. It is capable of some pretty sweet stuff and also slow landings and flight. Here is a picture of my somethin extra. Wish it was as good as yours.