hey,
I'm really new to r.c and to this site. i'm flying a firebird 2 and i want to know if i can do any thing to improve the turning. thanks for any advice.

Get a set of extension sticks for your transmitter.

Just kidding!

Don't have a Firebird, but some basic trimming should apply. Make sure you are using the hole that is farthest out on the servo control arms. Use the hole that is farthest in on the tail surfaces control horns.

In addition, I believe I have read of folks saying there is a Firebird XL accessory kit that includes larger control surfaces.

Sierra Gold

I guess I should have added... if more than one hole is available for moving out on the control arm/control horn, move it out one and try flying it again. When test flying after an adjustment use small stick movements initially to avoid over controlling.

ok, i think part of my trouble may be that i've been flying when it's too windy, i'll look into the accessory kit. i didn't think of that. but the larger surfaces should help thanks :

Hi; Just a clarification or two: the only "servo" is mounted right on the printed circuit board inside the canopy. It can be reached, but only with relative difficulty.

At the control horns, to get greater authority on turns, move the line "in" toward the control suface, not out.

Another option (that I didn't know existed until this weekend) is to get a "performance" tail for the firebird. It's a V-tail with a smaller surface overall, but the control surfaces are the same area.

A third option (my personal favorite!) is to make your own tail, with a generous control surface. See http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...633&forumid=75

Have fun!
Dan..

I'll move the line before i fly today. like i said i'm really new to r.c so i'll attempt to make a tail. but i'm not sure what will turn out. i'm also wondering, my prop keeps falling off, dunno why. i'm guessing that it was from a crash i had on the day i got it (hit a tree limb.) that might have knocked it loose. but as long as i don't crash, it stays on. i just don't want it to spin off and have to buy a new one. is there anything i can do. glue dosen't help. Thanks for all the advise!
-Chris

Chris - over time, I had the same problem with mine. A new prop is the correct fix, as the motor shaft probably reamed out the hole in the prop a bit when it struck the tree limb...

Until then, you can make a "bushing" to tighten up the clearance between the shaft and the prop with a piece of masking tape; if the reaming is pretty bad, use a piece of tape that will JUST cover the shaft, almost all the way around (a little gap left over is fine) and overlap the end of the shaft by just a fraction of a millimeter (wrapping the tape over the end of the shaft makes it easier to push the prop on without just "squooshing" the tape down the shaft). The idea here is to take up clearance between the shaft and prop. In no case do you want the tape rubbing against the motor housing, so if the tape bunches up on you during installation, just remove it and try again - maybe cut a smaller piece. If the fit is just a little loose, use less tape - don't go nearly all the way around the shaft, but instead use a piece about the size of the shaft diameter itself.

Dan.

Thanks for the turning tips, i noticed a HUGE difference!!!! It no longer hesitates to make turns. it really feels like it wants to fly now. i'm not fighting it. moving the line in really helped. i'm guessing that a new prop will just cost a few bucks so i'll get on it.
-chris

It's pretty likely that the prop is slipping on the motor too. A new one wouldn't slip, and you'd get more power.

well it looks like buying a new prop is going to be on my to-do list. I'll see if i can get one this week.