CG Ultimate setup advice & a few questions
01-18-2006 | 10:59 PM
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CG Ultimate setup advice & a few questions
OK, i've spent the last 4 hours reading through all the CG Ultimate threads (ok, a lot of them) & have a pretty good feel for what I need to purchase but would really appreciate any advice you fellow Ultimate owners/builders could give.
I have read that there are older & newer versions of the CG kit, and want to ensure that I get a newer version. I'm assuming that if my LHS ordered one or if Tower has it, that it will be the newer version. I couldn't really find a definative list of what's different about the old & new one; does anyone know where to find this info?
Here's what I have planned so far & some of my thoughts as to why.
Saito 1.25 (more power, oooh oooh oooh) (ok, & it's only 4 ounces heavier than the 1.00) (no clue what prop to use)
Futaba R127DF(FM) Receiver (should I upgrade to PCM? is it worth the extra money?)
5 x S3050 Digital MG Servo's (72 oz/in.) Will use dual servo's for Ailerons & for the elevator. (is this enough torque?)
S3004 for throttle
NR4F 4.8V 1500mah battery (should I go to 6V for more torque?)
Sullivan Tailwheel bracket
Stansfibertech Cowl, wheelpants, & aluminum gear (are the TNT gear better, is there somewhere better for the fiberglass stuff?)
Thanks in advance.
I have read that there are older & newer versions of the CG kit, and want to ensure that I get a newer version. I'm assuming that if my LHS ordered one or if Tower has it, that it will be the newer version. I couldn't really find a definative list of what's different about the old & new one; does anyone know where to find this info?
Here's what I have planned so far & some of my thoughts as to why.
Saito 1.25 (more power, oooh oooh oooh) (ok, & it's only 4 ounces heavier than the 1.00) (no clue what prop to use)
Futaba R127DF(FM) Receiver (should I upgrade to PCM? is it worth the extra money?)
5 x S3050 Digital MG Servo's (72 oz/in.) Will use dual servo's for Ailerons & for the elevator. (is this enough torque?)
S3004 for throttle
NR4F 4.8V 1500mah battery (should I go to 6V for more torque?)
Sullivan Tailwheel bracket
Stansfibertech Cowl, wheelpants, & aluminum gear (are the TNT gear better, is there somewhere better for the fiberglass stuff?)
Thanks in advance.
01-19-2006 | 08:16 AM
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RE: CG Ultimate setup advice & a few questions
You don't need dual elevator servos, unless you just want them. They will add a bit of complexity to a relatively simple build, but again, that's fine if you don't mind.
With that relatively light engine, don't be tempted to put any servos in the tail. My Laser 150 weighs 31 ounces with muffler, and I still have my battery almost three inches behind the servos. If the kit still comes with the 5/32 wire gear legs, that usually works out a bit heavier than a simple one-piece aluminum dural gear.
This model is very forgiving, both in the building/set-up and flying. It has one major vice; power-off glide resembles a falling cinder block. You have very little time to putz around with a dead-stick. But it lands as docilely as a trainer when the wing incidences are right. And it will get positively ignorant with high throw rates. It is one of the best all-around models I've owned in the almost 20 years in the hobby. I'm on my second one, and plan to build a third, as the current one is getting long in the tooth.
I would leave the fuselage lightening knock-outs over the lower wing saddle in place; glue 'em in. I have seen a couple of Ulties crack there on hard landings.
Dump that Sullivan tail wheel and get a Klett unit; looks better and is MUCH more durable. You'll probably have to order direct from Klett in Texas, but its worth it.
I'll post a photo of mine tonight if you have trouble finding one; I think they still have a web site.
With that relatively light engine, don't be tempted to put any servos in the tail. My Laser 150 weighs 31 ounces with muffler, and I still have my battery almost three inches behind the servos. If the kit still comes with the 5/32 wire gear legs, that usually works out a bit heavier than a simple one-piece aluminum dural gear.
This model is very forgiving, both in the building/set-up and flying. It has one major vice; power-off glide resembles a falling cinder block. You have very little time to putz around with a dead-stick. But it lands as docilely as a trainer when the wing incidences are right. And it will get positively ignorant with high throw rates. It is one of the best all-around models I've owned in the almost 20 years in the hobby. I'm on my second one, and plan to build a third, as the current one is getting long in the tooth.
I would leave the fuselage lightening knock-outs over the lower wing saddle in place; glue 'em in. I have seen a couple of Ulties crack there on hard landings.
Dump that Sullivan tail wheel and get a Klett unit; looks better and is MUCH more durable. You'll probably have to order direct from Klett in Texas, but its worth it.
I'll post a photo of mine tonight if you have trouble finding one; I think they still have a web site.
01-19-2006 | 02:52 PM
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RE: CG Ultimate setup advice & a few questions
ORIGINAL: Steve Campbell
You don't need dual elevator servos, unless you just want them. They will add a bit of complexity to a relatively simple build, but again, that's fine if you don't mind.
With that relatively light engine, don't be tempted to put any servos in the tail. My Laser 150 weighs 31 ounces with muffler, and I still have my battery almost three inches behind the servos. If the kit still comes with the 5/32 wire gear legs, that usually works out a bit heavier than a simple one-piece aluminum dural gear.
This model is very forgiving, both in the building/set-up and flying. It has one major vice; power-off glide resembles a falling cinder block. You have very little time to putz around with a dead-stick. But it lands as docilely as a trainer when the wing incidences are right. And it will get positively ignorant with high throw rates. It is one of the best all-around models I've owned in the almost 20 years in the hobby. I'm on my second one, and plan to build a third, as the current one is getting long in the tooth.
I would leave the fuselage lightening knock-outs over the lower wing saddle in place; glue 'em in. I have seen a couple of Ulties crack there on hard landings.
Dump that Sullivan tail wheel and get a Klett unit; looks better and is MUCH more durable. You'll probably have to order direct from Klett in Texas, but its worth it.
I'll post a photo of mine tonight if you have trouble finding one; I think they still have a web site.
You don't need dual elevator servos, unless you just want them. They will add a bit of complexity to a relatively simple build, but again, that's fine if you don't mind.
With that relatively light engine, don't be tempted to put any servos in the tail. My Laser 150 weighs 31 ounces with muffler, and I still have my battery almost three inches behind the servos. If the kit still comes with the 5/32 wire gear legs, that usually works out a bit heavier than a simple one-piece aluminum dural gear.
This model is very forgiving, both in the building/set-up and flying. It has one major vice; power-off glide resembles a falling cinder block. You have very little time to putz around with a dead-stick. But it lands as docilely as a trainer when the wing incidences are right. And it will get positively ignorant with high throw rates. It is one of the best all-around models I've owned in the almost 20 years in the hobby. I'm on my second one, and plan to build a third, as the current one is getting long in the tooth.
I would leave the fuselage lightening knock-outs over the lower wing saddle in place; glue 'em in. I have seen a couple of Ulties crack there on hard landings.
Dump that Sullivan tail wheel and get a Klett unit; looks better and is MUCH more durable. You'll probably have to order direct from Klett in Texas, but its worth it.
I'll post a photo of mine tonight if you have trouble finding one; I think they still have a web site.
I would be interested in the tailwheel pictures, it looks a little more scale than the sullivan in the pictures I found. I'm not trying to build a scale Ultimate, but hey, if it looks better.
Thanks for the other tips!
Tony
01-20-2006 | 10:04 PM
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RE: CG Ultimate setup advice & a few questions
I don't think you need to worry about getting the newer version of the kit, I ordered from Tower and got the new version and from what I have heard the new kit has been out a few years. The easiest way to tell is the new version is almost all laser cut. A Saito 125 will be awesome I got a 120 because I was too anxious to wait for the 125 to come out in December which was about a month ago now, but I really like the 120 anyways. You probably want around a 15x6 prop, check the 125 manual. I can't see anyone wanting this plane for speed so go with a large diameter low pitch prop for thrust not speed. Some like PCM some don't, PCM will kill your throttle and maybe save some damage and buy you some time if there is an external cause of the signal interruption, but when it's in failsafe you have NO control. I would prefer to fight it till the end with PPM rather than watch my plane autopilot into the ground. Those servos sound good to me...too much torque if anything. A 1500 battery sounds good just make sure to get nickel to save the weight vs. nicad and 6 volts won't hurt except for slight added weight. I'm using S3004 elevator/aileron/throttle in mine dual aileron dual elevator and an extra S3305 I have for rudder. I use only Sullivan tailwheels and I'm trying the included cowl to see how it does before spending more $ on glass. I don't use wheel pants, no benefits IMO. I'm going with a generic .60 size aluminum gear rather than the wire gear.
01-20-2006 | 11:07 PM
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RE: CG Ultimate setup advice & a few questions
Thanks for the input nitro.
Do you mind if I ask how you set up the dual elevator's?
I have a slight disadvantage with the dual elevators becuase I have a 7CAP radio. It's a computer radio & I could run the elevator off of two channels, but the elevator trim won't sync both channel's. (radio limitation) This forces me to run a Y cable, but I'm not sure if that's precise enough for two servo's or if you have to do the "computer" tweaking to make them run right.
I'm still completely up in the air about the Servo's to use. I think it's mandatory to use a higher torque MG servo for the rudder, but I'm thinking I may be able to get away with the "cheaper" S3151 Digital servo's for the elevator & aileron's because I'm using duals where the kit calls for single.
I'll also be doing some experimentation with the prop size, but I'll probably start with the larger diameter lower pitch. In general I want to do high alpha type aerobatic's (waterfalls, harriers, etc...) & hope to have have great vertical. I'm not sure if the Ultimate is capable of the ole prop hang, but I'm not ready for that yet so we're ok.
(that's what my foamies are for anyway)
BTW, I just ordered my kit from the LHS today & it should be here early next week. I'll pick up the engine & servo's then too.
Tony
Do you mind if I ask how you set up the dual elevator's?
I have a slight disadvantage with the dual elevators becuase I have a 7CAP radio. It's a computer radio & I could run the elevator off of two channels, but the elevator trim won't sync both channel's. (radio limitation) This forces me to run a Y cable, but I'm not sure if that's precise enough for two servo's or if you have to do the "computer" tweaking to make them run right.
I'm still completely up in the air about the Servo's to use. I think it's mandatory to use a higher torque MG servo for the rudder, but I'm thinking I may be able to get away with the "cheaper" S3151 Digital servo's for the elevator & aileron's because I'm using duals where the kit calls for single.
I'll also be doing some experimentation with the prop size, but I'll probably start with the larger diameter lower pitch. In general I want to do high alpha type aerobatic's (waterfalls, harriers, etc...) & hope to have have great vertical. I'm not sure if the Ultimate is capable of the ole prop hang, but I'm not ready for that yet so we're ok.
(that's what my foamies are for anyway)BTW, I just ordered my kit from the LHS today & it should be here early next week. I'll pick up the engine & servo's then too.
Tony
01-21-2006 | 07:12 AM
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RE: CG Ultimate setup advice & a few questions
Well, there's your answer; don't even bother with dual elevator servos. With a 7C you must link them together with a Y harness or matchbox. Without a specific program to individually adjust each servo, what good is it???
As for adjusting the halves with a single servo, its no different than any oither model so equipped. IOW, no big deal.
A 13x6 prop is WAY too small for a 120 or 125. You'll need a 15" high pitch for speed, or a 16" median-pitch for general use (better, IMO).
P.S.: I'll post a pic of the tailwheel this evening. I looked for a Klett web site yesterday, with no luck. I did have their phone number in Texas; I'll look for it too.
As for adjusting the halves with a single servo, its no different than any oither model so equipped. IOW, no big deal.
A 13x6 prop is WAY too small for a 120 or 125. You'll need a 15" high pitch for speed, or a 16" median-pitch for general use (better, IMO).
P.S.: I'll post a pic of the tailwheel this evening. I looked for a Klett web site yesterday, with no luck. I did have their phone number in Texas; I'll look for it too.
01-23-2006 | 07:05 PM
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01-24-2006 | 08:50 AM
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RE: CG Ultimate setup advice & a few questions
You're welcome; guess I need to clean that puppy, eh?
Come to think of it, I have been neglecting the whole plane; I haven't flown it in months. My pal's wife is making me a set of wingbags for it- she has the lower wing. Need to get that back and fly this thing...
You guys who are getting into this plane for the first time are in for a treat. This is my second one; it has well over 100 flights, and when it dies or wears out, I'll build another. Along with the Sig Somethin' Extra, the CG Ultimate will probably always be in my "fleet".
P.S.: Thanks for the link, Anchorman. Guess I didn't look far enough on the Google search...
Come to think of it, I have been neglecting the whole plane; I haven't flown it in months. My pal's wife is making me a set of wingbags for it- she has the lower wing. Need to get that back and fly this thing...
You guys who are getting into this plane for the first time are in for a treat. This is my second one; it has well over 100 flights, and when it dies or wears out, I'll build another. Along with the Sig Somethin' Extra, the CG Ultimate will probably always be in my "fleet".
P.S.: Thanks for the link, Anchorman. Guess I didn't look far enough on the Google search...
