Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

Hi people

I would like too know, I'm maidening (if the weather doesn't go all weird on me) my Edge 540 .46 this weekend. What throws should I set on the radio for the first flight? My previous plane was a Ultra Stick .46 - dual rates on the radio - so I started at about 60% and 50% I think, but after 2 flights flipped the switch and it was set on 100% and 100% (elevator and aileron). Which throws should I start off with on the maiden flight? The manual doesn't say anything about it. I don't want the plane to be too sensitive since I'm use to the Stick at the moment, but not too low because then I won't be able too get out if I get into trouble (the pilot error thingy you know :D).

Hope what I typed there makes sense.

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

They should be set to minimum and the radio set for low rates if you are using dual rates. Set the elevator and ailerons for about 30% exponential, and be very careful for the first few orbits. Once you are happy with the performance (generally speaking.. if you can trim it out to fly straight and level at one throttle setting (most likely slightly above mid throttle), HANDS OFF (meaning just remove your fingers from the sticks and see if it flys straight and level), then you are ready to go forward.

Do some slow orbits, one end of the flying field to the other, do left AND right turns, then slowly push the throttle to full and pull to vertical, and go straight up. Do a hammerhead turn (Stall turn.. at epogy, min throttle and at the same time left or right rudder and get it to pivot to straight down). Then about two mistakes high, go level and move to mid throttle again. Make sure you are "two mistakes high" meaning high enough to recover from any problems.. much higher than you would normally fly, in other words, then go to max right or left aileron. See how the roll rate is. If it meets your needs, wants, and desires, then you are all set. If not, well, if it's to severe, then carefully land and remove some of the throw. If it is less than you want, but rolls ok, then try high rates.

Do the same thing for a loop. Go to straight and level flight, into the wind, then push the throttle to full and slowly pull the elevator to a comfortable loop.

All this will help you see how your throws are set and if your rates are adequate. I see that you have a computer radio.. exponential, dual rates, and so on.. so you can adjust all of this but do it on the ground, not when the aircraft is in the air.

Bottom line, set the rates to minimum. Most manuals will give you that. If not, well, try going to Tower Hobbies web site, for instance, and look at the manual for another (different) Edge 540 and see if they give throws. If they do, well, use them to start off with. But, if you re not sure, well, set them up for what you think you can fly with (don't set them for 1 inch throws, for instance), but set them and then put in your dual rates, set the rates to low, and dial in exponential, and carefully fly. You flew a Stick, so you know what you are comfortable with. Expo will ease the transition of the control surfaces so you can gently maneuver the plane while getting the feel for the throws. Just don't play the "video game syndrome" and go from zero input to full stick deflection like I see some people doing.. be gentle and use minimum stick movements at first, only enough to control the airplane. You can then play with the adjustments in subsequent flights.

Remember that for your maiden, you want to make sure it flys, and that you have good control. Not 3D control, but straight and level with smooth turns. Then slowly, from flight to flight, go from there to however radical you want the thing to be in small increments, meaning, fly it, see how it is, land it, make your changes, fly again. Repeat this several times. You will do two things. You will get comfortable with the plane and how it flys, and you will begin to get the throws where you want them to be.

Don't go for max throws to start off with, in other words. Start out mild and sedate and go from there.

As I said, you can get information from other manufacturers of the Edge 540 and read their on-line manuals to see how much throw other Edge 540's have. Just remember that the settings are for their designs so be careful, and set them mild and sedate to start off with.

Good luck. Let us know how you make out.


CGr.

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

Thank you alot for the reply. I will do as you say - thanx. I'll also let you know how it turns out and maybe throw in a pick or two (even if the pic is about small little balsa splinters :P)

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

I have maidened all my planes with maximum travel with 60-65% expo on them. This gives me the full travel if I need it and helps me from giving too much input. Remember with your edge, full elevator input will usually stall the plane. You shouldn't need full throws on any maiden flight, but its nice to know its there.

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

i would use dual or triple rates on one switch if you have them. on low rates i would put about 15degrees(25 expo) on elevators, about 20-25degrees(30 expo) on ailerons, and 35 degrees on ruder and max out everything on high rates with no binding and at least 60% expo on elev and ailerons and 30 expo on rudder

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

Only goes up too dual rates - but I'll use that.

Now my last three questions of business before I take the Edge up.

1. This is probably a difficult question too ask and answer with only words - but how should you line up your aileron too your wings - which part of the wing should you use for reference too line up?

I centered the servos without the pushrods attached and all trims on the radio set too centre so that has been done. But now too adjust the pushrod too the correct length I need too know where the aileron should be lined up too the wing too not give it lift or too dive the plane in level flight. I know I can trim it out in flight and probably are going too have too, but I want too get it as close as possible before flight.

2. With the pushrods installed there is a little bit of play on the aileron and elevator - the hole in the horns are a bit too "big" for the pushrods pins - it's just a little bit but is this fine?

3. Okay and now the last and most important question - the CG -> If the manual says the CG is 94mm - is this 94mm from the front of the wing (think its called the leading edge?) backwards at the fuselage side? Can your plane rather be a little bit nose heavy? I know it shouldnt be tail heavy at all.

Any help would be appreciated - I want too do this right the first time.

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

Everthing I have read and taught was to set the throws to minimum, so that's what I do and recommend. You can always change it after you decide how you want it to perform, but I would do it slowly.

I don't know your capabilities, but if you are posting here in the beginners forum, I would imagine that you probably don't have years of experience, but are asking the question so you don't mess up that nice Edge 540 on the maiden. Stick to minimums, or dial in minimums for low rates, but only slightly more radical SLIGHTLY.. in high rates. As I said, you can always change it later.

CGr.

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

Careful there...

I would recommend setting throws to RECOMMENDED levels and then use the low rate setting of your TX to lower that to about 50-60% of that.

This way if you find that the plane is not responsive enough for a safe landing ( e.g. you don't have enough up elevator to maintain glideslope ), you can always flip to high rates to bring it down.

However by starting off at the lesser than recommended rate, you get the same effect as what CGretired is suggestion.

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

You have been given lots of good advise so follow it, I know you will. One thing I always do on my maiden flight with all airplanes is Check the reaction ( at high altitude) to giving full up elevator at full throttle. Some planes are very sensitive to this and will high speed stall,resulting in a snap and spin. If this happens you know then to reduce elevator throw.

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

Thanx people. I was planning on maidening the Edge this morning, but I'm having problems with the CG - my friend balances it or gets a slight nose dive - I get it tail heavy. I decided that I'm going too take it back too the hobby shop this morning too get a third opinion. And I also have too get bolts for the wings again - the packet with mine in got lost somewhere. Hopefully tommorow will be the day of the maiden.

RE: Throws for 3D Edge 540 .46
 

When I said minimum throws, I assumed the poster understood, from a common sense point, the meaning of minimum was what was recommended by the model manufacturer.