RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I'm moving slowly on this one. 4 weeks is about the time I've spend sanding the cowl and wheel pants.[:o]

Maybe I should order the fiberglass cowls as well.

longanjoel: Glad to hear that the plane flies nice. I'm anxious about flying mine as well, but it probably won't be for another couple of monts.

Here's where I'm at.

-tychoc

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

After going through a fair number of Bipes, somewhere are 15 over the past 20 years, you're right about setting the upper wing with a bit of negative. I've found that everything from Aeromasters, bipe-stiks, even hog bipes really become a joy to fly once you get the incidences set properly, ie. a slight bit of negative. don't be afraid to shim the wing and try a bit more or less, it can make a big difference. Try some down and right thrust in the engine too!

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I maidened mine Sunday after a 1.5 year build (life kept getting in the way.)

Magnum .61 2 stroke on mine, with a 12x6 APC prop. Stans cowling, and U-can-do .46 wheelpants (~$15 from Tower)

Came out to 7.35lbs RTF on a calibrated/certified digital scale.

flew very nice after some trimming - but needed about 6 clicks of down, and kept trying to climb at full throttle. Inverted it wanted to dive with centered sticks, so I'm thinking it needs a little downthrust added to the motormount.

They day was breezy - with some 6-8mph gusts, and the little plane didn't seem to mind at all. I had mixed in a little up elevator to rudder mixing, but it was pulling to the canopy in Knife-edge flight so I took the mixing out for now. Once I get the downthrust put in, I might need to add the mixing back.

Snaprolls were awesome, and if you hold the elevator a little longer than you normally need, it just comes to a dead stop in a hover, every time. Not that this is a 3-d plane, but I wish my U-can-do 60 had this trait.

It liked to be landed pretty hot though, but had the best ground handling traits I have had in a while - plane taxiied and rolled out better than a lot of my other planes.

Landing gear seemed a little soft, and I did bounce it in on a dead-stick landing (lean low-speed needle).

In all - great flying plane, and though I'm now moving into larger scale airframes, I'm not going to be in a hurry to get rid of this one.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Mine is finally covered and almost ready for the maiden. It right at 6 lbs with a Saito 72. I replaced the stock cowl with one from Fiberglass Specialties and I decided not to bother with wheel pants at all. This was an 8 month build.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

@ 6pounds I thik the stock gear will be good. I just have to grease it in since mine is a little heavier.

I also think my wood was heavier than the balsa I find in some other kits - I didn't do any lightening to the fuse while building. I also did a dual servo setup in the bottom wing.

I just wanted a good sport-aerobat, not worried about it being a 3D machine - I'm happy with the result. Wing loading at 7.35 lbs is still only 22oz/sq ft. - @ 6 lbs yours should be around 18oz/sq ft - should allow you to land a little slower.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

OK folks need some help please. I am pulling my hair out ( if you saw my head you would see I can't afford too much more). Are there any tricks to covering the cabanes on this plane. First time building a Bipe and I can't get them to look good no matter how hard I try. Just can't seem to get the ultracoat to follow the curves. Anybody got any good tips???

TIA
Gary

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

My first piece of advice - you're going to have to try a few times before you're happy.

Second piece of advice - try using monokote instead. I'm not downing Ultracote - but it's such a lower heat covering, and it seems to shrink up waaaay more than Monokote - also I have trouble with Ultra cote where there isn't much overlap between pieces - I end up shrinking until the overlap is gone - it's like the UC doesn't like sticking to itself very well.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

A heat gun is very helpful for the carbanes.

One bit of advice... try to replace those silly balsa sticks that glue to the sides of the carbane plywood with hardwood of some kind. The balsa is very delicate and I have broken mine several times. I keep squeezing too hard. I don't know where to get hardwood sticks that skinny. Maybe someone else has a solution?

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Hey Bipe lovers.

I have the solution to my teeny hard wood sticks on the struts, After I had a roll over crash with the Ultimate, I rebuilt her and those little sticks were broke, so I took them right off and just monocoted the flat strut, she still flys great no problem, I say " why bother with them," but thats just me, I too love to build and this was a fun plane to build, I am glad to hear that the plane flies well with an OS 70 Surpass, I have one also on a Twist plane that just went in due to Radio problems, It was actually a blessing, because I've been dying to see how the Bipe will fly with that Os .70, Now I can,, :D I'm using an Os .46 right now and It flys pretty nice, but its not what it should be by any standards, Has anyone tried to fly it with out the top wing on her?? I know all my other bipes can But I haven't tried with this one yet. I'll send some Pics of my ultimate it is definetly one of my favorite planes in the hanger...

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Oops fogot one

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Maybe now :eek:

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I have flown my bipe several times now and I am finally satisfied with its performance. For the first 5 or 6 flights, after my fuel tank is almost empty, my plane would "glitch" either roll over or I would lose total control for about 2 seconds. At full throtle 2 seconds is a lot of time. I checked all of my electronics and they seemed ok, but the high torque aileron servo seemed labored. My battery pack seemed ok and checked out fine. Another pilot at our field was having similar problems and we sat down and discussed what the problems may be. We ultimately came up with bad reciever packs. I did away with the 4.8 volt pack and built a 2500ma 6 volt pack and ta da! problem solved. I have about 5 more flights on my plane now and no more glitches. I guess the chore of moving 4 control surfaces on my aileron servo was killing my 4.8 volt pack. For now I will leave my plane as is, but this winter, my plane is getting 2 aileron servos. I have the plans and traced all of the parts, so maybe I will just build another wing. For those debating on what to do, If I were to do it all over again, I would definitely put in 2 servos.
Just my 2 cents.
Tim

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

waldopepperaxel, I was wondering the same thing. It looks like it should fly with just the bottom wing, but i bet it lands HOT! I think i will try it next time I got to the field. What the heck. I'll let you know the end result.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Yes by all means it will land Hot,[>:] but you shouldn't lose any stabilness during flight, when i tried it in the past, the top wing of a different bipe got wrecked, but no other damage was done, so I tried it out, it actually flew great, I've tried with 2 other bipes and had the same results, so I'm not even scared to try it with this one, but you do have to wonder,,,,, [sm=confused.gif] I may try it this weekend myself, but I think I'm going to wait until i get my other bird repaired, so I'll at least have something to fly if a small mis hap does occur. good luck, i'm routing for you.

I have no problem at all with the one servo for the wing I'm using a Futaba s3004 ball bearing.. everything is ball bearings these days..:D I was even going to make the fuselage Ball bearing...

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Finally!!! The Ultimate is finished and went for its maiden flight on Monday July 3. This was an 11 month build.

Ground handling was excellent with no tendency to nose over in grass at all. Flying charcteristics were nice. Nice axial rolls. Quite responsive, although not like my 3D profiles. Nearly unlimited vertical. I'm still getting used to the visuals of a biplane in flight, so I didn't try too much. Landings tended to be fast. I'm thinking I may need some more elevator deflection or add some tail weight. Although, inverted flignt required almost no down elevator. It was a gusty day, I'll know more when I fly it in calm weather.

I noticed that for level flight I had a fair amount of down trim. I'm wondering if my wing incidence is not quite right.

Final weight came in a 6 lbs 14 oz, about a half pound heavier than I estimated. I'm using a Saito 72 with a 13x6 APC prop. Cowl is from fiberglass specialties. I didn't use the wheel pants. I mounted the batteries behind the wings in a compartment I added to the fuse. Did not have to add any weight for balance.

Best part is I can fit the Ultimate in the back of my Cherokee without taking off the wings. Also, I have an exhaust extension and cleanup is a one paper towel affair.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

JPMacG

Congratulations on a nice looking Ultimate and the maiden !

I really need to get going and finish covering mine now.

-tychoc

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Flew mine for the first time last weekend. OS70 seems perfect for this aircraft. Lands a bit quicker than i'm used to, but other than that - love it, lovelly axial rolls and snaps, just seems really sorted.

http://homepage.mac.com/paulstead/IMG_3855_adj.jpg

skOOby

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Hey Both of you guys!!! GREAT JOB !!!!!!! on the Looks of the Bipe, I just put mine into the ground this past weekend, it just started snap rolling and went in, I was able to give it full left rudder and full left aileron and shut off the motor to stop the roll just before impact, so it only ripped up the one lower wing tip and a few ribs and tore off the landing gear, It has crashed much worse then that before, so it will be a pretty easy fix.

I have an OS. 46 on her which is a dog for this plane, It flys very nice, but not what I'm looking for, I have OS 70 in my Twist, that I have been wanting to put on the Ultimate for quite sometime now, But I really love the performance with the Twist and can't bare to take it off there yet.

How is the Vertical with the 70 on there??

I believe I posted a pic of my Ultimate on this thread a few pages back.

Have a good one and let me know how things are going for you guys with the 70's on there.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

The vertical of my Ultimate with the Saito 72 is good, but not unlimited. I'm using an APC 13X6 prop and 15% S&W fuel. Eventually it will slow down and fall off to one side. There is not enough rudder to keep it pointed up, but then the Ultimate is not intended for 3D.

The Ultimate is the first model that I have flown that will do a fullscale-like spin - entered from a power off stall without aileron input. Recovery takes about half a turn and a fair bit of altitude. Scared myself the first time I tried it.

I'm really liking the Ultimate -it has become my favorite plane. It took me some time to get the landing flares right. You need to keep up some airspeed when you start the flare or it will just fly into the ground.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I completely agree with you on the landings, even with a .46 on there I have to bring her in around 1/4 throttle and then I chop it right as I hit hit the begining of the runway, its funny though, its like having air brakes when you throttle down to idle.:D it took a little getting use to, but I never really had a problem with it, It was my favorite plane to fly for a while and still ranks up there for me, I'll put her back together and eventually I will bore out the engine mounts to try my 70 on there, I'm sure that will make a world of difference in the stunt capability. Like I said it handles pretty nice now, but it could use a little more zest. The plane I'm flying now with my 70 on it is awesome, I'm swinging a 14x4 for 3d, but if I want that bird to scream, I throw a 12x8 on it and she shoots like a missle to the stars, completely unlimited vertical, at a rocket pace, I know it will carry the Ultimate just fine. lot of power in that OS. I only use 15% in everything I own.

the last time the Bipe went in was a radio malfuntion, and she pile drived from pretty high up, lots and lots of wood to repair, she still looks like the original picture though, I don't mind rebuilding at all, hell after this many years in the hobby , you know you'll be doing it at 1 point or another anyway. :eek:

Thanks for the Info, I will keep you informed when I do get around to trying my 70 on there, it might be a while, but i will continue flying the Bipe everyweek as its great to watch in the sky.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Ok, so I'm finally done with mine. Took it to the field today to break in the Saito-82a, and I'm hoping to do the maiden on Thursday.

Here are some pictures:

-tychoc

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

tychoc, Nice job on the Ultimate. Standing by for your flight report.

Ron

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Tychoc,,, Sweet sweet job,,, Very nice I too will be awaiting the flight report,

Sorry I didn't get back here sooner, I did put my Ultimate back together a while ago and still am flying with the .46 dog on her,,, BUT !!!!!! Just yesterday I took her to combat in a steamer Dogfight against another bipe,,,, The other bipe was faster then mine, But I cut the streamer of the other bipe along with the 2 servo wires, Antenna wire and a small chunk out of the back of the Fuse, I was able to land the bipe no problem with streamer still in tact and taxied back to my flight table and shut her down,,, I don't know how,, but the other bipe (which we didn't know the damage report of yet,, we thought just the streamer was cut) Was able to get back to the runway and kind of plopped in with no other damage done to her,, Where the pilot handed me back my Master Ace trophy that we have had in the club for about 4 years now, I lost it to this guy 2 years ago, and we never had a chance to fight for it until yesterday..... Anyway I'm a happy guy now,,, Way to go Ultimate !!!!! now I suppose i'll have to reward her with a bigger motor;)

Have fun with the Bipes folks,,,, Mine is a blast,,, Good luck on the maidens...

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I am LOVING this thread.....moreover....this trim scheme.

You NAILED it skOOby..

......yeah...I'm doing a ditto bird. Any belly shots?

Love it.!!

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I am building this ultimate right now and have just completed the horizontal stab and elevators. I have to say that this is the best thread on this plane I have found so far! I am really excited to get this plane done and in the air. At this point I don't know what is to be done about the aileron servo. I don't know if I should just use a high torque one and forget it or use two side by side. I do like the idea of torque rods though because the make the wings look so clean. Are there any updates from the guys who built, madiend, and are flying these planes? Also what modifications should I try to incorporate into my bird? Pro E I have to agree that is one slick looking bipe!

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

slowglowflyer,
I have not contributed to this thread but have had an Ultimate flying for a couple of seasons. I put a servo in each wing, but on top on the (bottom) wing because the field is sometimes wet. I think with two servos you would enjoy more responsiveness than one. Yes, it doesn't look as clean as one servo hidden in the fus.

I did not mod the plane other than the usual; tri stock on the firewall, landing gear reinforcement, etc. I also have an OS 70 FS in my plane and it works real nice, not way over powered, but enough to pull out of poorly executed manuvers :D It's a fun flyer.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

What are your thoughts on a ys 63?

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Would probably work just fine.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

How would this plane fly with a 46 AX? I have one, but never started it. I hate the thought of having to do all those modifications on the wing to make it responsive enough.

NorfolkSouthern

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

How tough would it be to mod the wing for two servos side by side in the center of the bottom wing? I think that would give me the best of both worlds, two servo control and clean looks.