LightFlite Bug
 

I pondered where to put this thread. Micro, no not really, indoor yep fits fine. But I also plan on flying in my yard, But the backyard thread is pretty much park flyers. So here I am.

OK, first, shipping is pretty quick, and the plane is die cut, including the 60* cut for the elevons and rudder. I bought the the the full on kit with motor and servos etc. It turns out I have a motor that should work that is faster. No problem, the kit includes an x mount. There are lots of pieces in this kit. I did not count, but 40+ pieces seems rational. And then you cut some of thes into smaller pieces. The instructions are great in some places and bad in others.
Here are some pics of where I am now with the build.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

how cost the plane and the dimension of this one thank you

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

I'm glad you posted the plane here. I have been wanting one for a long time.

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

wind fou, here's the link. http://www.lightflite.com/

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

No visuals tonight.:eek:[:o][:o]. The wing is bonding to the cf frame.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

thank you for the link and it look like a good flyer !!

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

You'll love the bug. I've been flying mine for two years.. Guess what? I've had lots fewer crashes this year!:):):)

All kidding aside I have learned lots and been able to improve my eye-finger coordination by a factor of 10!

Since CA always adds to the weight of the model I'm about to order my second bug as this one now weighs at least 8 ounces!

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

ok, some new pics.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Here are somemore pics. I held off on mounting the lg until last. It's easier to work with this way. All that is left to do is to fine tune the servos, mount the LG and battery. And balance it. I am going to put a gws control horn for a dragger. Here are more pics.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

where can i get one? how much? thanks

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Jelly bean, there is a link on post #4.

The build is done guys, maiden tomorrow, with the cooperation of the weather of course.

Final pic's tomorrow as well.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

First up, build impressions. I think the first step after separating your parts should be melting the hole for the LG strut. There is indeed an inventory of parts, but it is at the rear of the manual. The biggest thing is that you need to read the entire section prior to starting, it is not an exact step by step manual. BTW, for those of you that want to get grumpy about that, try writing a manual for something you know how to do, then ask someone to do it according to the instructions you have given. Now see what happens, instructions are hard to write. Writing step by step instructions for a plastic wall hanger run to half a page, been there, done that, and got calls asking how to do it[X(][:-].

I also saved the final LG install until everything else was done. My experience with other builds has taught me that LG can get in the way while building. The pig tails for my battery are too long and will be re-done to save weight. Once I have a good length for the 2s480mah batteries I'll post it.

So, we get to my attempt to maiden the plane. My first problem was that the included esc is set up for a pusher. That could have been checked in the build process, but I seem to have a mental block on doing so. I took my SU-27xxl out with the same problem. Just switch the red and yellow wires, no big deal. Then I powered up and gave the plane a toss I got a hard right turn. I recovered the plane, used a rog and got a hard right turn. I taxied, and got a wide right turn. I think my prop is way out of balance.

Anyway here are some pics.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Alright thanks. right after i posted that i scrolled down on the page the rest of the way and found it. :) Will any 4 channel radio work with it?

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

You really want a computer radio, although you can fly it 3 channel.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Very nice biuld review. I saw one of these fly the other weekend, very impressive, and amazed at how acrobatic these wings are.

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

I got the prop balanced and tried again. I forgot to ensure I had my rates turned down:eek:, but got a few seconds of flight. At present I'm over controlling the plane. I broke a tie strap linkage, so I repaired that and will try again this afternoon.

Thanks, C

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

OK, tonights flight proved the "nerf airplane" moniker to be true[X(];). And taught me a lesson. I launched and was flying nicely until I realized that I was flying the launch pattern for my micro-cessna, and that I was trying to go left instead of right. And then I started both over controlling and turning the wrong/correct direction. It turned out that I had channel 1 plugged into channel 2. I don't know if there is a rule for elevon planes about left and right. I did get decent flight and a nice rog prior to the other problems.

As to the nerf rating, I rolled the plane and crashed it, it was heading for no man's land. I hit a chain link fence and nettle canes. Damage was a 2" cut to the wing. All parts came back in the house in one peice, so a bit of glue and the plane is ready for another flight tomorrow.

Feel free to comment, I feel like I'm writing for others but if there are no comments, pro or con, I don't know what you want to know. I should have a nice flight tomorrow, and I'll post it. But that will be the end of this thread. Barring outside interest

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Tim,

Appreciate all the time you are spending with these posts (and all your AA and Cessna posts). I have been thinking of building a small version of the Bug and wanted to know if you had any comments regarding the IFO versus the Bug? Also, for flying in small spaces that are just right for an AA bipe what might be more suitable: the Bug or the Cessna? Or do they need significantly more space? They have not released the kit yet for the mini Bug but it sounds like it will be soon.

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Import, thank you for the feedback I appreciate it immensely, my understanding of the IFO is that it has no rudder and is made of kite material. From reading on the Bug site it seems like the bug is IFO v.2.0. I did buy a kiteplane once and it was defective. As for flying space I fly the cessna in the same space as the ace, but I launch from a different spot. I have a fairly large area to fly in out front. The way the house is situated the front is pretty big, 40x80(?) plus the road out front and a little road that starts across the street. The goal is to be able to fly the bug in the yard as well. My beef with the cessna is that it is fragile. Parkzone is now marketing it as an intermediate plane. That said when the cessna is functional I run multiple batteries through it. Time will tell on the bug. I hope that was helpful.

Tim

Oh and if you get the mini-bug, try to read the entire set of instructions first. That will help you a lot. And figure on spending some time on the build. I try to find separate areas to work on while glue is drying. tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

I found a book that would have been helpful to me when I started flying and is still helpful to me. It's a detailed training manual for park flyers. OK, probably notas necessary for starting with the aces, but by the time I got into major mods to "fix" the plane very handy. And will continue to be handy for the next few years as I continue to grow in the hobby. For the bug there are sections on 3d flight. Read the free portions, they have saved me from a couple of bug crashes already. I am ordering the book after this post. I wanted this book 18 months ago when I started 3 channel planes. It had yet to be written. Any way here's the link.

http://www.rcflightschool.com/ParkFlying_Manual.asp

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Hi all, I haven't dropped the thread;), the weather has dropped on me:([X(][>:]:eek:[:o][:'(]. The best I did was to fly my micro cessna for about 25 minutes since thursday. If you care, I have purchased a fancy shelf that will allow me to store my 3 channel planes, the bug is on a hook as recommended, and the other half is on wheels[X(]:D. Can you say build station? I've never been this pleased about a clean up & organize period. Here are a couple of pics, I'm feeling a bit proud.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Tim,

Thanks for the link to the book. Sounds like great information. At least all your models are readily accessible. Mine are in various boxes all over the garage (3 AA bipes, 3 Power Hawks, 1 X-Twin, 2 echargers, 1 HPI Splash (30" plane) and 1 Graupner Tipsy (3 channel 36" plane)). I am still deciding between a IFO-like mini Bug or a home-built mini Bug. I bought a kite from Costco for 10$ and it should have all the carbon rods and material I might need for the IFO-like version. It is intended for in front of the house. Not too fast but still agile. No time to build right now but hopefully in time for summer.

Rich

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Import, for the aeroace size planes, I got one of those wire mesh and wood shoe holders from costco That will hold all your little birds in one spot.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

This thread has not been abandoned. The weekend weather and the little league people have combined to make a remaiden challenging. Normally during decent work night I can walk over to the park across the street and fly over grass. The little league people re seeded the field and posted please stay off the field signs in late november they are still in place.

I got my tx lipo the other day so my tx battery is no longer an issue. My goals for tomorrow are to re maiden the bug, my su-27xxl(bad battery) and a decent not-so-slow stick flight. A maiden with the high wing fokker w/ a 300 motor might occur as well. And if all goes well 4 batteries through the micro cessna. I hope to fly the bug in the same space as the cessna, but I need to get a feel for it first.

I may have mentioned that I used an extra couple of grams and used a LOS(line of sight) rx on itI have better than a 1/4 mile to fly in if I get 400' from my yard and mostly unobstructed.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Here is the long awaited flight report. In one word, WOW.

I took the plane to the high school so that I could have some nice grass to fly over. On the first toss I realized that the lg was squappity, so I flew for a couple of minute and brought it in. The cf rod broke[X(][>:]. But it still flew so I launched again[8D][8D]. This time I didn't realize that I had flipped the dual rates switch to full rates:eek::eek:, this was a short but interesting flight. I grabbed it again, flipped the rate switch, and gave it a toss. I flew for better than 10 minutes this time, slow fast loops and rolls just a great plane.

I would recommend this plane to anyone. I would strongly recommed a computer radio though.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Tim,

What are your overall thoughts on the Bug? This over the Micro Cessna? I am very interested in building one of these, small as possible but large enough to use the 4gram servos instead of actuators. Are you flying your Bug with rudder and elevator or Rudder and elevons or just elevons?

Rich

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Import, I'm only using the rudder when I realize the wind is messing with me;). That is often an after action realization. I'm just using the elevons most of the time. And I have realized that some of the time I'm using rudder/ele inputs to turn. Alerons/elevons turn different[X(]:eek:. Lightflite is making a 12" version, not sure if it is released yet, but the plane is plenty of fun. My biggest problem is balance. It seems to be set to be balanced at 1/3-1/2 throttle. I normally set my planes to balance between 1/2 and 2/3 throttle. I suppose that expo could solve this. Overall, I think the main limiting factor on this plane is the pilot. Hopefully I'll get it squared away in the next few flights.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Just an update, I just replaced the servos with hs-55's. Much better response visually. A test flight should occur tomorrow.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

I flew it today;). I'm fighting a new problem, I seem to have messed with the cg. I'll try to sort it out tomorrow. This is the first ime I was annoyed that I didn't bring more batteries. Had I brought the second battery I would have the answer now. Reguardless, this is an awesome plane, I tend to mod planes back and forth until I have them just as I want them. And then share the info.

If you have info on this plane please share. This thread is for any and all info on the bug.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

If I sell two of my older planes, I would love to get the bug!!!

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Oh, carp. I thought I updated this. Ok after the replacement of the servos the balance seemed wonky. I tok the plane to a large feild and played with battery placement. I ended up with the battery at the full forward position. The plane still seemed a bit tail heavy. Sunday I took the plane and both batteries out to play. The wind was at the edge of OK for a slowstick but I launched anyway. Iended up flying both batteries out in the wind. absolutely a blast.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Tim,

What is the type and size of the motor that you are running with the Bug? How about the battery size, 2 cells and how many AHr? Are you satisfied with your setup or would you change it? Also, is the CG along the red line in the pictures? Where is it relative to the length of the Bug (prop location to end of elevators)? Sounds like you are getting a ton of folks interested in the Bug. I guess this will become everyones intro into "real" RC after one gets comfortable with the AAs. Thanks

Rich

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

All this talk of this plane and actually seeing it fly indoors is making me order one. I just emailed them about the pro version. Anyone have it yet?

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Import, other than the servos mine is stock. And as far as I can tell I'm the only one to swap out servos, no mention of it on other bug threads. I have several planes that I bought prior to the bug. My first successful 3 ch plane was the GWS pico stick f, which is a high wing fokker, then a beaver then I got my slow stick sorted out etc. My everyday plane is the micro-cessna. I hope to be comfortable fly the bug in that space this spring.

Mr. mugen, Maybe on the RCG thread. Right now I think I may be the only bug on the page.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Hey Tim
Started building my Bug today. Servos go in tomorrow. Whats the best way to start takeoff from ground or drop and fly? You have really some great photos to help with the build. Thanks Ron

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

I have been doing a toss at about 1/3 throttle. When I get my aerodrome back I'll work on ROG's. And be able to fly the bug more.

I'm glad the pic's are helpful.

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Tim
A couple of questions. Hope you have a minute.
How do the servos connect to the receiver? Rudder to rudder, Elevons each to what name on receiver? Which side is right?
Motor running backwards with the wires to correct colors. Switched one wire and runs correct. Can this also be corrected by the Tx, using the DX7.
Do you glue the wheel support 2 inch flex tube to the carbon rod and does the bottom 1 inch tube get glued to the middle of the axle? Close to takeoff. Ron

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Ron, the esc appears to be set up for a pusher, just swap the wires and your fine. For the servos, from the rear, mine go right servo = ch 1, left servo = ch 2, esc = ch 3, and rudder = ch 4. This is on a fut/hitec system. Set your cg, I'm more comfortable with the 3 7/8 mark than the 4 1/8 mark right now, or you could cheat and split the difference. Yes to glueing the flex tube, no to glueing the attaching piece. Be cautious when glueing the flex tube. And don't glue the flex tube to the fuse, you should be able toturn the flex tube assy easilt on the axle.

Ron, the builder, recommends a low set of rates, I'm still flying mine in that configuration. I made a small mark on the vert stab to check where I am.

Does this make sense?

Tim

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

Anyone have a BUG and a DX7. Wanted to set up my DX7 to work with the bug and getting the aileron and elevator to work as one so its like one elevator but I don't know how to set it into the dx7. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO ADJUST THE ELEVON MIXING TO 100 % ELEVATOR AND 0% AILERON. I don't know how to do this. Can anyone help? I was able to do it using a program 1 mix but the aileron will still work on its original lever also. I think I want the rudder and just an elevator(both elevon and aileron)working. Thanks Ron

RE: LightFlite Bug
 

I put a bug together a couple of weeks ago for a flying buddy with the DX7 . I also have a P box with the same setup. Put everything back to square one as far as mixing goes, as the radio does it for you. To get into the high end programming Push the two left buttons, then turn on the trans. Go through till you come to WING TYPE. Move the arrow by pushing the select button to delta. Push the increase button to turn on. On page 41 it says put the right elevon in the ail channel and the right in the elev. channel. Sometimes, if you give up el. , and they go down, you can switch them around and everything works in the right direction. You can do servo reversing too to get it right. Make sure the ails are working in the right direction. Not very good at explaining things so I hope this helps.