CARF-Models 2013 Series 3.1m Extra 330SC
#251
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
The pilot figure is the 40% figure from No Limitz.
http://dezso.homeip.net/NOLIMITZ/pricelist.html
I had them custom paint the figure to match my paint scheme.
On the web page above the figure was listed as being 4.0 ounces after being painted. I ordered this one because it should have been .2 ounces lighter than the Composite Creations pilot figure that CC told me would be 4.2 ounces painted. The painted 40% No Limitz pilot figure was actually 4.5 ounces.
http://dezso.homeip.net/NOLIMITZ/pricelist.html
I had them custom paint the figure to match my paint scheme.
On the web page above the figure was listed as being 4.0 ounces after being painted. I ordered this one because it should have been .2 ounces lighter than the Composite Creations pilot figure that CC told me would be 4.2 ounces painted. The painted 40% No Limitz pilot figure was actually 4.5 ounces.
#253
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
Before the final assembly I painted the spacers created for the wheel pants. I put painters tape all the way around the plywood spacer.
I put the wheel pant inside a plastic bag and opened a hole in the bag.
Tape the bag down to the wheel paint and it's ready to paint.
I used black LustreKote in the spray can from the local hobby shop.
I put the wheel pant inside a plastic bag and opened a hole in the bag.
Tape the bag down to the wheel paint and it's ready to paint.
I used black LustreKote in the spray can from the local hobby shop.
#254
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
I had mentioned earlier about trying the suggestion to balance the plane at the front of the wing tube without the wing on. That really didn't work well for me.
Checking the CG with the wing on determined that the receiver batteries needed to be on the motor dome. Bummer. I liked having them up high in the turtledeck right above the PowerExpander.
As with anything that had options for mounting, I wanted to them to be as high as possible. I also mounted them as far right as possible. This is done to get the "vertical CG" as high as possible and to mount components to the right to balance the weight of the DA 200 where it has been offset to the left.
Moving the batteries created the need from some 14 gauge extensions to connect the batteries to the PowerExpander. These extensions added 3.6 ounces.
Checking the CG with the wing on determined that the receiver batteries needed to be on the motor dome. Bummer. I liked having them up high in the turtledeck right above the PowerExpander.
As with anything that had options for mounting, I wanted to them to be as high as possible. I also mounted them as far right as possible. This is done to get the "vertical CG" as high as possible and to mount components to the right to balance the weight of the DA 200 where it has been offset to the left.
Moving the batteries created the need from some 14 gauge extensions to connect the batteries to the PowerExpander. These extensions added 3.6 ounces.
#255
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
At this point the installs were complete!!
I ordered a 50mm carbon wing tube from Graph Tec RC.
http://www.graphtechrcshop.com/produ...&categoryId=24
They were nice enough to cut it to the correct length for me.
The aluminum tube weighed 1 pound, 6.3 ounces (22.3 ounces).
The carbon tube of the correct length weighed 12.8 ounces, a savings of 9.5 ounces.
I wanted to mention the length of the stock wing tube. I had my carbon tube cut to the exact length of the stock tube. My tube was about 10mm too long. I contacted Andreas. He said the wing tube may, indeed, be too long. He does that to ensure it is never too short, doesn't quite reach the plywood rib at the end of the wing tube socket in the wing, and the result is a wing failure. Removing the little bit of extra length is easy to do and the pilot is confident the wing tube reaches to the end of the socket in the wing.
I ordered a 50mm carbon wing tube from Graph Tec RC.
http://www.graphtechrcshop.com/produ...&categoryId=24
They were nice enough to cut it to the correct length for me.
The aluminum tube weighed 1 pound, 6.3 ounces (22.3 ounces).
The carbon tube of the correct length weighed 12.8 ounces, a savings of 9.5 ounces.
I wanted to mention the length of the stock wing tube. I had my carbon tube cut to the exact length of the stock tube. My tube was about 10mm too long. I contacted Andreas. He said the wing tube may, indeed, be too long. He does that to ensure it is never too short, doesn't quite reach the plywood rib at the end of the wing tube socket in the wing, and the result is a wing failure. Removing the little bit of extra length is easy to do and the pilot is confident the wing tube reaches to the end of the socket in the wing.
#256
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
I'll be building this "2013 Series" Extra 330SC for IMAC competition. To stay in that competition sweet spot I'll be shooting for no less than 41 pounds and no more than 42 pounds.
I've selected this equipment:
DA-200M
Smart-Fly Dual Ignition Cutoff<
KS-95 rear dump canisters<
Mejzlik 30x13 EVO L propeller
Azure Hobbies 6" Carbon spinner
WrongWay RC A123 batteries (2500 mAh for receiver, not sure on ignition yet)
Smart-Fly PowerExpander Competition 12
Futaba R6014HS receiver<
Futaba BLS152 Servos (4 aileron, 2 elevator, 2 rudder)<
Futaba S9452 Servo (throttle)<
I've selected this equipment:
DA-200M
Smart-Fly Dual Ignition Cutoff<
KS-95 rear dump canisters<
Mejzlik 30x13 EVO L propeller
Azure Hobbies 6" Carbon spinner
WrongWay RC A123 batteries (2500 mAh for receiver, not sure on ignition yet)
Smart-Fly PowerExpander Competition 12
Futaba R6014HS receiver<
Futaba BLS152 Servos (4 aileron, 2 elevator, 2 rudder)<
Futaba S9452 Servo (throttle)<
The scale under the right main gear reads 18 pounds, 2 ounces.
The scale under the left main gear reads 18 pounds, 2 ounces.
Cool!! The lateral balance is very close.
The scale under the tailwheel reads 5.5 pounds (5 pounds, 8 ounces).
Pop the champagne. The all up weight (including that dang 3.6 ounce extension for the batteries) is 41 pounds, 12 ounces. I'm VERY excited to have it right in that competition sweet spot!!
#257
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
I'll be building this "2013 Series" Extra 330SC for IMAC competition. To stay in that competition sweet spot I'll be shooting for no less than 41 pounds and no more than 42 pounds.
I've selected this equipment:
DA-200M
Smart-Fly Dual Ignition Cutoff
KS-95 rear dump canisters
Mejzlik 30x13 EVO L propeller
Azure Hobbies 6" Carbon spinner
WrongWay RC A123 batteries (2500 mAh for receiver, not sure on ignition yet)
Smart-Fly PowerExpander Competition 12
Futaba R6014HS receiver
Futaba BLS152 Servos (4 aileron, 2 elevator, 2 rudder)
Futaba S9452 Servo (throttle)
I've selected this equipment:
DA-200M
Smart-Fly Dual Ignition Cutoff
KS-95 rear dump canisters
Mejzlik 30x13 EVO L propeller
Azure Hobbies 6" Carbon spinner
WrongWay RC A123 batteries (2500 mAh for receiver, not sure on ignition yet)
Smart-Fly PowerExpander Competition 12
Futaba R6014HS receiver
Futaba BLS152 Servos (4 aileron, 2 elevator, 2 rudder)
Futaba S9452 Servo (throttle)
The aileron and elevator servos were mounted with the 2.9mm screws supplied with the kit. To use them with the Futaba servos I had to go without the aluminum collets that are normally inserted into the bottom of the grommets. I was given a suggestion that the servos for the car guys use 3mm bolts to install their servos. Hmmmm.........
I contacted Futaba and got the grommets and collets they use.
When they're installed you can definitely see a larger opening in the collet.
The aileron and elevator servos now have this hardware. The 2.9mm screws can be tightened down onto the collet to get the correct amount of "squish" every time on the grommet.
#258
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
I used an incidence meter from Hangar 9 to set the throws before the maiden flight. It can measure throws to a tenth of a degree.
I fly with three flight modes - Precision, Spin Entry, and Roller. With the assistance of my local Team Futaba pilot, I set up the throws for these three flight modes prior to the maiden flight.
We set up this many degrees of elevator throw:
Precision: Up - 12.3, Down - 12.6
Spin Entry: Up - 14.7, Down - 14.9
Roller: Up - 23.0, Down 24.0
We set up the Precision and Spin Entry aileron throw at 24 degrees up and down with 100% ATV. The Roller throw is set at 60% ATV.
The aileron authority on the plane is incredible. I had to reduce the Precision (and Spin Entry) throw a couple times. I'm now at 85% ATV for Precision mode which is where the snap rolls are flown. If I do the math correctly it ended up with 20.4 degrees of aileron for snap rolls. My other planes always had 25 degrees of aileron for snaps.
The rudder throw was eye balled at what I was used to seeing. The throw for the Roller flight mode has 3 1/8" of throw (with 100% ATV) at the leading edge of the rudder at the bottom of the counterbalance. The Precision and Spin Entry flight mode are set for 55% ATV.
I fly with three flight modes - Precision, Spin Entry, and Roller. With the assistance of my local Team Futaba pilot, I set up the throws for these three flight modes prior to the maiden flight.
We set up this many degrees of elevator throw:
Precision: Up - 12.3, Down - 12.6
Spin Entry: Up - 14.7, Down - 14.9
Roller: Up - 23.0, Down 24.0
We set up the Precision and Spin Entry aileron throw at 24 degrees up and down with 100% ATV. The Roller throw is set at 60% ATV.
The aileron authority on the plane is incredible. I had to reduce the Precision (and Spin Entry) throw a couple times. I'm now at 85% ATV for Precision mode which is where the snap rolls are flown. If I do the math correctly it ended up with 20.4 degrees of aileron for snap rolls. My other planes always had 25 degrees of aileron for snaps.
The rudder throw was eye balled at what I was used to seeing. The throw for the Roller flight mode has 3 1/8" of throw (with 100% ATV) at the leading edge of the rudder at the bottom of the counterbalance. The Precision and Spin Entry flight mode are set for 55% ATV.
Last edited by Dean Bird; 09-14-2013 at 04:39 PM.
#259
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
The recommended CG range is 100mm - 120mm behind the leading edge at the wing tip. I flew the maiden flight and the first 14 flights with the CG behind the recommended range because the receiver batteries were mounted on the tank tray. I was about halfway through the set up steps at this CG.
The CG range is very forgiving. The plane flew great with the CG well behind the recommended range. It wasn't until I was working on spin entries that I wanted a further forward CG.
With the hardware mounted where you've seen (receiver batteries at the top right of the motor dome) the CG is at 120mm behind the leading edge at the wing tip.
The CG range is very forgiving. The plane flew great with the CG well behind the recommended range. It wasn't until I was working on spin entries that I wanted a further forward CG.
With the hardware mounted where you've seen (receiver batteries at the top right of the motor dome) the CG is at 120mm behind the leading edge at the wing tip.
#261
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
Dean,
Your build thread has been absolutely fantastic! I feel "schooled" in the ultimate in building techniques for the ultimate IMAC competition model
p.s. I used your elevator bearing mod on my Yak 55 and upgraded my servos from 7955TGs to 7950THs.... wow!
THANKS!!
Richard
Your build thread has been absolutely fantastic! I feel "schooled" in the ultimate in building techniques for the ultimate IMAC competition model
p.s. I used your elevator bearing mod on my Yak 55 and upgraded my servos from 7955TGs to 7950THs.... wow!
THANKS!!
Richard
Yes, precision hinges and strong servos with great centering make all the difference in how well any plane holds a line. On a calm day I can fly from one end of the field to the other without touching the sticks. That makes a plane REALLY fun to fly.
#262
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
The recommended CG range is 100mm - 120mm behind the leading edge at the wing tip. I flew the maiden flight and the first 14 flights with the CG behind the recommended range because the receiver batteries were mounted on the tank tray. I was about halfway through the set up steps at this CG.
The CG range is very forgiving. The plane flew great with the CG well behind the recommended range. It wasn't until I was working on spin entries that I wanted a further forward CG.
With the hardware mounted where you've seen (receiver batteries at the top right of the motor dome) the CG is at 120mm behind the leading edge at the wing tip.
The CG range is very forgiving. The plane flew great with the CG well behind the recommended range. It wasn't until I was working on spin entries that I wanted a further forward CG.
With the hardware mounted where you've seen (receiver batteries at the top right of the motor dome) the CG is at 120mm behind the leading edge at the wing tip.
The 3rd flight of the day was the first vertical upline. The engine starting cutting out at full throttle. When I was defueling after that flight it was drawing a lot of air. I was thinking the engine was drawing air at full throttle. The fuel tubing is very large.
I went back to all the connections and put double wire wraps on each connection. That solved the problem.
The landing on the 3rd flight of the day ended up side loading the Pilot RC wheel and breaking the plastic hub.
The Dubro 3/16" axle is too small for the wheel, so I can't blame it on the wheel. I replaced the tires with the slightly heavier Dubro wheels. The 41.75 pound weight shown for the plane includes the heavier Dubro wheels.
#263
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
After about 18 flights I noticed the spinner alignment with the spinner ring on the cowl had changed.
While I'm very happy with the support the plywood standoff provides for the engine backplate, the vibration of the engine had compressed the bottom part of the standoff more than the top of the standoff.
I went to Home Depot and bought a little electric sander to sand off the high spots.
While I'm very happy with the support the plywood standoff provides for the engine backplate, the vibration of the engine had compressed the bottom part of the standoff more than the top of the standoff.
I went to Home Depot and bought a little electric sander to sand off the high spots.
#264
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
I used thick CA to laminate a 1/16" layer of plywood onto the standoff. I used the Dremel router bit and drum sander to trim it back to the same shape as the standoff.
I used the electric sander to add a little up thrust back into the standoff.
I used LusterKote black paint after the angle was perfect and the spinner aligned with the cowl again.
I have 50 flights on the plane now and the angle on the plywood standoff hasn't changed.
With that said, I will be using the SWB aluminum mount next time. It's much easier to install, easier to adjust, and lighter than this laminated plywood standoff. I haven't heard about any issues with the DA 200's because of the minimal backplate support of the SWB mount, so I'm assuming it's appropriate to use for an engine of this size and weight. I wonder what DA would say.
I used the electric sander to add a little up thrust back into the standoff.
I used LusterKote black paint after the angle was perfect and the spinner aligned with the cowl again.
I have 50 flights on the plane now and the angle on the plywood standoff hasn't changed.
With that said, I will be using the SWB aluminum mount next time. It's much easier to install, easier to adjust, and lighter than this laminated plywood standoff. I haven't heard about any issues with the DA 200's because of the minimal backplate support of the SWB mount, so I'm assuming it's appropriate to use for an engine of this size and weight. I wonder what DA would say.
#265
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
With the maiden completed, there were a lot of really cool pictures taken.
The "sweet spot" for competition wingspan seemed to be in that 121" - 124" range. This 122" wingspan plane is right in that "sweet spot".
The scheme is beautiful. The Dark Yellow and White are bright and contrast the black so well. I couldn't be happier with how it looks. Unfortunately, the pictures just don't do it justice. The scheme and colors are amazing in real life.
This is one of the really cool pictures that were taken.
The "sweet spot" for competition wingspan seemed to be in that 121" - 124" range. This 122" wingspan plane is right in that "sweet spot".
The scheme is beautiful. The Dark Yellow and White are bright and contrast the black so well. I couldn't be happier with how it looks. Unfortunately, the pictures just don't do it justice. The scheme and colors are amazing in real life.
This is one of the really cool pictures that were taken.
#267
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
The Chequer Scheme is based on two full scale schemes that have excellent contrast between the top and bottom. That was a critical part of choosing this for the new CARF-Models scheme that would go on my plane.
I thought this picture looked cool.
I thought this picture looked cool.
#268
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
Now that I have 50 flights on the plane, does it have the world class flight capabilities I was looking for?
ABSOLUTELY!!
I've judged the Invitational class at the Tucson Shootout for several years. I always liked how assertive the transition from a line, to a radius, and back to a line looked for those pilots. This plane, with this set up, does that. It locks on the line, flies a smooth radius, and aggressively stops on the exit line and holds it. That looks so cool to me. I've shown other pilots on a calm day that I can fly from one end of the field to the other without touching the sticks. The plane just stays on that line. I love they way it flies. It is so much fun!!
I hit my target weight range that is in the "sweet spot" for IMAC style competition. The upline power with the DA-200 is actually a little too strong. I'm going to be putting a 3-blade prop on to reduce the noise and, hopefully, get a slightly slower upline.
The aileron authority is incredible on this plane. That makes for awesome snap rolls. I showed another pilot how the snap roll stops the instant I get the sticks back to the center. It's so consistent. I'm looking forward to practicing and improving my ability to "see" when to get the sticks back to center. I know the snap is going to stop as soon as I do. Now it's up to me.
ABSOLUTELY!!
I've judged the Invitational class at the Tucson Shootout for several years. I always liked how assertive the transition from a line, to a radius, and back to a line looked for those pilots. This plane, with this set up, does that. It locks on the line, flies a smooth radius, and aggressively stops on the exit line and holds it. That looks so cool to me. I've shown other pilots on a calm day that I can fly from one end of the field to the other without touching the sticks. The plane just stays on that line. I love they way it flies. It is so much fun!!
I hit my target weight range that is in the "sweet spot" for IMAC style competition. The upline power with the DA-200 is actually a little too strong. I'm going to be putting a 3-blade prop on to reduce the noise and, hopefully, get a slightly slower upline.
The aileron authority is incredible on this plane. That makes for awesome snap rolls. I showed another pilot how the snap roll stops the instant I get the sticks back to the center. It's so consistent. I'm looking forward to practicing and improving my ability to "see" when to get the sticks back to center. I know the snap is going to stop as soon as I do. Now it's up to me.
#269
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
I flew the first contest with only 8 flights practicing the Advanced sequence. The first flight in the contest was a 994. An eyelash from winning the first sequence flown with the plane.
Two weeks later I flew the Mile Hi IMAC Challenge. I had 24 practice flights at that time. Even at that altitude in Colorado, the vertical performance was very strong. It was a pleasure to fly the sequence without any concerns about upline performance at that altitude. The picture of success speaks to how well the plane was performing.
I'm really looking forward to many, happy years with this CARF-Models Extra 330SC. I know it will look just as beautiful, and fly just as straight, as the first day it flew.
Thanks CARF-Models!!
Two weeks later I flew the Mile Hi IMAC Challenge. I had 24 practice flights at that time. Even at that altitude in Colorado, the vertical performance was very strong. It was a pleasure to fly the sequence without any concerns about upline performance at that altitude. The picture of success speaks to how well the plane was performing.
I'm really looking forward to many, happy years with this CARF-Models Extra 330SC. I know it will look just as beautiful, and fly just as straight, as the first day it flew.
Thanks CARF-Models!!
#270
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
With the installations complete, the question I received was, "if there was anything you would have done differently"?
Here's what I sent via PM.
~~~~~~
What I wouldn't do if I started over:
- Try to guess the CG by holding it at the wing tube without the wings on. That was a suggestion I had been given. I did that and mounted the batteries WAY too far back (in the turtledeck behind the pilot figure). I should have taken 30 minutes, put the wings on, and asked for help from my wife or son to check the CG and get the batteries, receiver, and PowerExpander mounted in the correct location. That would have kept me from wasting time mounting things in the wrong place.
- Use the Pilot-RC wheels on a Dubro 3/16" axle. The axle is a little under size for the wheel. The wheel hub failed on the 3rd flight when I landed in a strong cross wind. The side load broke the wheel hub.
- Build the engine standoff out of layers of 1/4" plywood. It took a long time to build, was heavy, and made it more difficult to hook everything up inside the cowl. This was my first 200 and I wanted to make sure the engine backplate had maximum support. I would just use the SWB mount and standoffs if I were to do it again.
- I have Multiplex connections for the aileron servos. Right now the connector is passed inside the fuselage, plugged in, and the connector is held to the inside of the fuselage with a piece of Velcro. If I were doing it again I would figure out how people are mounting the Multiplex connector on the fuselage side inside the wing root.
That's it.
~~~~~~
There were just those couple things that I came up with. The only significant item is the standoff for the engine.
I wanted to be sure and provide that look back for everyone else.
Here's what I sent via PM.
~~~~~~
What I wouldn't do if I started over:
- Try to guess the CG by holding it at the wing tube without the wings on. That was a suggestion I had been given. I did that and mounted the batteries WAY too far back (in the turtledeck behind the pilot figure). I should have taken 30 minutes, put the wings on, and asked for help from my wife or son to check the CG and get the batteries, receiver, and PowerExpander mounted in the correct location. That would have kept me from wasting time mounting things in the wrong place.
- Use the Pilot-RC wheels on a Dubro 3/16" axle. The axle is a little under size for the wheel. The wheel hub failed on the 3rd flight when I landed in a strong cross wind. The side load broke the wheel hub.
- Build the engine standoff out of layers of 1/4" plywood. It took a long time to build, was heavy, and made it more difficult to hook everything up inside the cowl. This was my first 200 and I wanted to make sure the engine backplate had maximum support. I would just use the SWB mount and standoffs if I were to do it again.
- I have Multiplex connections for the aileron servos. Right now the connector is passed inside the fuselage, plugged in, and the connector is held to the inside of the fuselage with a piece of Velcro. If I were doing it again I would figure out how people are mounting the Multiplex connector on the fuselage side inside the wing root.
That's it.
~~~~~~
There were just those couple things that I came up with. The only significant item is the standoff for the engine.
I wanted to be sure and provide that look back for everyone else.
#273
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
I replaced the carbon spinner backplate with an aluminum backplate. The thought was the use of a carbon spinner backplate with a carbon propeller resulted in the sheared prop bolts I had on the last flight of the contest season.
The carbon backplate weighed 4.6 ounces.
I ordered a lightened TruTurn backplate that was black anodized. It ended up being slightly too small to work with the carbon spinner. It weighed 6.4 ounces.
The Dave Brown Products lightened backplate was just big enough to work. It takes a little light persuasion to get the carbon spinner into the backplate groove. It only weighs 4.3 ounces. We have a winner!!
The carbon backplate weighed 4.6 ounces.
I ordered a lightened TruTurn backplate that was black anodized. It ended up being slightly too small to work with the carbon spinner. It weighed 6.4 ounces.
The Dave Brown Products lightened backplate was just big enough to work. It takes a little light persuasion to get the carbon spinner into the backplate groove. It only weighs 4.3 ounces. We have a winner!!
#274
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
I had used some rubber washers on the cowl bolts so the paint on the cowl would last forever. The rubber washers were a little too big and didn't work that well. They would squish out from underneath the head of the bolt too easily when they were tightened.
I decided to use a smaller o-ring under the head of the cowl screw. Where do you get o-rings? The o-ring store.
The new 2.5mm o-rings worked much better on the M3 cowl bolts.
I liked the idea of the black anodized spinner backplate, but the aluminum and black spinner combination look great with the black baffle and aluminum cooling fins of the engine just inside the cowl.
I decided to use a smaller o-ring under the head of the cowl screw. Where do you get o-rings? The o-ring store.
The new 2.5mm o-rings worked much better on the M3 cowl bolts.
I liked the idea of the black anodized spinner backplate, but the aluminum and black spinner combination look great with the black baffle and aluminum cooling fins of the engine just inside the cowl.
#275
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (39)
Another beautiful weekend in Arizona. We had the first IMAC contest of the season. Sunny, blue skies, highs in the mid 70's, and winds variable between 2 and 0 mph.
It was hard to get motivated to put the plane together. The weather just made you want to set out the lawn chair and B.S. the day away.
We did do some flying. I got 3rd place out of a 6 pilot Advanced class.
It is so much fun to fly this plane. I wish I was more committed to flying enough to take advantage of its world class flight capabilities.
I now have 77 flights on the plane and that includes 4 contests. Not a whole lot of practicing going on.
It was hard to get motivated to put the plane together. The weather just made you want to set out the lawn chair and B.S. the day away.
We did do some flying. I got 3rd place out of a 6 pilot Advanced class.
It is so much fun to fly this plane. I wish I was more committed to flying enough to take advantage of its world class flight capabilities.
I now have 77 flights on the plane and that includes 4 contests. Not a whole lot of practicing going on.