Multiplex has recently introduced a revolutionary new R/C trainer molded from durable ELAPOR foam called the Magister. The Magister is an RTF (Ready to Fly) electric powered package with everything a beginner pilot needs to learn how fly. The airplane's electric engine can later be removed and a gas engine can be installed easily (assuming you become disgusted with your first electric flight experience). This makes the Magister one of the most advanced trainers available today.

The [link=http://www.multiplexusa.com/models/ParkFliers/Magister.htm]Magister[/link] is big, simple to fly, and, great for beginner or intermediate pilots. The plane is stable and solid in the air and slows down to a crawl for nice controlled landings. The Magister can handle moderate winds because of its size and weight.

Trainers have been around since the beginning of model flying. The so-called .40-sized trainer (with a 6.5cc glow motor) is offered in a multitude of variants all over the world. The beginner is expected to cope from the outset with an easily damaged all-wood model and a motor which is not properly set up and not even run-in. It’s no surprise that this type of “first model” is often the modeller’s last. At Multiplex they have adopted a different philosophy: a “ready-made model” moulded in robust, high-strength particle foam, fitted with a geared electric power system. The model is quickly made ready for flying, the motor starts when you just throw a switch, and the aircraft’s flying characteristics are simply outstanding. Success is all but guaranteed!

Specifications:[ul][*] Wingspan 64.2 in[*] Fuselage Length 46 in
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Includes:[ul][*] Hitec Laser 4 Radio[*] Hitec HFS-04MG Receiver[*] Permax 680 Motor[*] APC 12x8 e-Propeller and 3:1 Gearbox[*] 3 Mini HD Servos[*] M32 Speed Control[*] 1900mAh Motor Battery[*] Multiplex 5008 DC NiCd/NiMH charger
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Flying Weight:[ul][*] Weight Glow Powered 67 oz[*] Weight Electric 84 oz
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Special features:[ul][*] Kit consisting of major parts moulded in ultra-robust ELAPOR particle foam[*] Steerable nosewheel[*] Damped main undercarriage (resists bouncing)[*] Wheels included in basic kit[*] Optional aero-tow coupling[*] Can be built as electric or glow-powered model (all parts* included in the kit)[*] Wings and tailplane removable for ease of transport. Two-part wing[*] Comprehensive decal sheet[*] Illustrated building instructions.
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The Magister and its components come well packaged. Some parts are wrapped in bubble wrap and others in custom cardboard.

The RTF package is complete with manuals for the plane assembly and radio setup. A CD is included for training first time pilots which includes a video showing how to assemble and fly the Magister, a kit version of the manual in PDF can be used for repairs, and a flight simulator with numerous Multiplex models. A Multiplex 5008 DC charger runs off of 12v and can charge 1 to 8 NiCd or NiMH cells at 100mA to 5amps. The charger comes ready to use with a mating battery connector.

A look around the fuselage shows pre-installed servos with added linkage for nose steering. A big front hatch secured by a screw on each side but is easily removed by pulling up the rubber latch. The power system uses a preinstalled geared Speed 680 motor. The 8-cell 1900mAh NiCd pack and big 64" wingspan allow this trainer to be used in some wind.

Once the hatch is removed, the pre-installed receiver, motor mount, and cable assembly show a high level of integration in the design of the Magister. One end of the speed controller cable is connected to the motor and the other end (not shown) connects to the battery so you can recharge the Magister by simply removing the hatch.

Greg, when you're done with it, drop it off at my place. I'll take it to my club's trainer night and see how the newbies do with it.

Matt,

It will be interesting to see how it compares to a .40-size glow powered trainer which is the target market. With the supervision of a seasoned pilot, it has the potential to eliminate several of the learning pains that are associated with glow engine reliability, kitting a covered balsa kit, and component assembly complexity. The tricycle gear allow for smoother take-offs and landings by less skilled pilots.

Speaking of the tricycle gear, the first step in assembly is to mount the wheels on the gear mains and steerable nose leg. A stabilizer wire is connected between the gear mains for extra shock absorption on those not so smooth landings. I used Locktite on all the wheel collar hex screws.

The gear mains are inserted into a pre-drilled hardwood block in the pre-mounted undercarriage retainer strap and the cover is held in place with four screws. Note that the thick rubber band significantly reduces bounce on landings.

The noseleg assembly is held in place with several collars and the pre-installed linkage hooked up for steering.

The tail assembles quickly since the only part glued in place is the vertical fin. The manual recommends using medium CA with some kicker. It says that white glue and epoxy are not effective on the ELAPOR particle foam.

The horizontal stabilizer simply screws in place and the linkage is hooked up with the supplied hex allen wrench.

Note that the antenna wire is routed along the fuselage belly in between the rubber band and held by tape at the tail.

I decided it was time to charge tthe NiCd pack. The charger hooks up to a 12v supply and automatically senses either NiCd or NiMH cells which is displayed via LEDs. I set the current for a 1C charge (about 2amps) and the charger beeps when it has peaked the pack.

The Magister RTF package comes with a complete Hitec Laser 4 radio system which provides solid control, free of interference or distance limitations. The 8 AA-sized batteries for the transmitter are not included. I found the servo reversing switches in the battery bay along with a mixing switch for V-tail or elevon control. The Laser 4 transmitter also comes with a trainer jack and momemtary toggle switch on the top for using a buddy box. This is a nice feature for a trainer since the experienced pilot can teach a newcomer to fly.

When I tested the Magister control surfaces, all the servo swiches were in the proper setting without the need for any changes.

The wing assembly is very simple. The two wing halves are connected with a long carbon tube and then secured to the fuselage with custom locking plates that screw into metal inserts. Remember to connect the aileron servo wire to channel 1 on the receiver before securing the wing.

The aileron linkages are easily adjusted using a 3mm allen wrench after first centering the servo electronically with the transmitter on and battery plugged into the ESC.

The size of the Multiplex Magister really becomes apparent when the wing is attached. This is a .40-size trainer without the balsa or glow engine.

The Magister comes with a prop, adapter, and spinner. The prop hole and spinner backplate must be drilled bigger to allow the adapter to fit through. Once drilled, I mounted the adapter using Locktite on both hex screws.

The last step before applying the decals is to secure the battery pack and check the CG. The CG was a bit nose heavy with the battery flush with the edge of the fuselage foam so I left it there since there was Velcro already mounted by the manufacturer. A simple EPP foam block is was used to secure the pack from moving during aerobatics.

When I fired up the power system, it brought me back to the great smooth feeling of brushed motor speed controls. The only brushless system to ever match it was the sensored design by MaxCim Motors. Unfortunitly, the industry took the sensorless path.

Note how easily the hatch is latched in place by the rubber holders.

My Multiplex Magister was RTF at 80.5oz (5lbs).
[ul][*] Magister w/o battery = 64oz[*] 8-cell 1900mAh NiCd = 16.5oz
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The day was a bit dreary so my digital camera photos were less clear and a bit dark.

The Magister took off like a dream come true right on the maiden voyage!

Since the front nose gear was a bit low and the plane a bit nose heavy, it took considerable elevator to lift up. I will be raising the nose gear to make the wing incidence parallel with the ground.

Talk about an in-your-face pass! The 5lb Magister flies with elegance and superb control.

The Magister has performed very well in all its test flights. We determined that my original installation of the rubber band holding the support brace center up toward the fuselage should not be doubled as it pulls the rear wheels to far away from the fuselage. This makes the nose wheel low and the plane is difficult to get airborn off grass. After wrapping the rubber band around the metal wire and the connecting it to the plastic fuselage post, the Magister takes off from grass easily.

The 1900mAh packs produce short flights when some wind is present. We got about 5-7 minute flights depending upon aerobatics performed. I wanted to try a Lithium upgrade like the 3-cell Kokam 3.2AH pack which would provide 150% flight time with 2-cells more power and an incredible weight loss of 6.5oz! Unfortunitly, the Multiplex ESC is only rated for 6-8 cells so it requires an ESC swap as well.

Another alternative is to buy an 8-cell 2400mAh NiCd pack for longer flights. The CP2400 NiCd pack weighs only about 1oz more than the 1900mAh pack. Further, you could buy a 3300mAh NiMH pack as well since the Multiplex charger that comes with the Magister works with NiMH packs.

Video coming soon with grass and pavement take-offs...

Greg this sounds like a great plane. Is there a trainer port on the transmitter? I am probably not calling it by the correct name, but want to know if an experienced pilot can plug in to help on the first flights.
Thanks in advance.

Yes, there is a trainer port on the Hitec Laser 4 transmitter. Check out the radio photos up above. I mention the trainer jack and switch which is a great feature to have like you suggested.

I should have a video posted later this week.

Here are the videos of the Multiplex Magister for both pavement and grass takeoffs. It was very windy on the day we took the grass takeoff video. The winds gusted from 5-15mph.

[link=http://www.gregcovey.com/rcu3/Magister1.wmv]Magister - Grass Takeoffs[/link] (9.1meg)

[link=http://www.gregcovey.com/rcu3/Magister2.wmv]Magister - Pavement Takeoffs[/link] (4.4meg)

Here are the videos of the Multiplex Magister for both pavement and grass takeoffs. It was very windy on the day we took the grass takeoff video. The winds gusted from 5-15mph.

[link=http://www.gregcovey.com/rcu3/Magister1.wmv]Magister - Grass Takeoffs[/link] (9.1meg)

[link=http://www.gregcovey.com/rcu3/Magister2.wmv]Magister - Pavement Takeoffs[/link] (4.4meg)

Watched both videos and that looks like one nice plane. I think I will buy one and do you think it will work for a 1st plane for an elderly guy? Thanks for a great revue.

Well, elderly doesn't really describe your R/C experience so just make sure that you let an experienced R/Cer fly it first. The best scenario is if you can find someone with a Futaba or Hitec radio and a buddy cable so he can train you.

The plane flies gentle and stabile but the flight times are short for learning which is why I am replacing my ESC with a Jeti [link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/jeti.htm]JES030[/link] 30 Amp Microprocessor Motor Controller from Hobby Lobby so I can use a 3-cell Lithium pack. Alternatively, you can buy an 8-cell GP3300 NiMH pack for much longer flight times.

Good luck!

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the great review. After looking over my own personal options I think the magister might be a great next plane for me. If I could ask a few questions that would be great. I'm currently looking to upgrade from a ParkZone J-3 Cub to an aileron trainer. The magister looks good but would you think that this plane would be a good next step? I've looked at the ParkZone P-51 as a next step but I think that might be a bit out of my league. I've been flying the HobbyZone Commander with no problems and I'm pretty good at the J-3.

Also I currently fly at an elementary school down the street from me. They have about 3 soccer fields and 2 baseball diamonds. It's quite big. I assume that would be enough space to fly the plane in. Is that a decent assumption?

Thanks again for the great review. I had not even considered the plane before I saw this thread and now it's up there on the top of my list. The size of it is the only thing that really concerns me.

Thanks

Eric

Hi Eric,

If you can fly the PZ J-3 Cub then you can easily fly the Magister. People don't realize that the smaller parkflyers are harder to fly than the bigger planes. This is largely due to the size intimidation. You'll find that the larger planes do exactly ehat you tell them to do without all the twitchy corrections needed on a parkflyer.

The PZ P-51 will be a handful as a second plane. I would recommend an aerobatic but tough EPP foamie wing like a Zagi to gain experience before attempting a P-51.

I replaced my stock Multiplex ESC on the Magister with a Jeti [link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/jeti.htm]JES030[/link] 30-35amp ESC that can handle a 10-cell NiMH pack or 3-cell Lithium pack. The Jeti ESC comes with an On/Off switch so I'll post a photo on my mounting technique.

I hope to test it out later today.