I just purchased the Ascent, and built it to spec. It for some reason will not climb. I am not sure if it is a CG problem or a weight problem, used min. CA. Anyone else who has addressed this problem, please let me know.

When you say it may be a CG problem... is the plane balancing to the recommended CG?

Do you understand how to check the balance?

Sierra Gold
AMA 12351

The CG is correct when I checked it, however the little time I can keep it in the air, it flies like it might be tail heavy, however Idont have a lot o experence with gliders, I fly electric 3D and gas.

Overall it seems it will not gain the airspeed needed to create the lift for climb. What is the climb rate on these? I dont know what the standard is to compare these to.

Thanks

It has been mentioned in other threads that the prop that comes with the plane( a sort of "wide" 6 x 7, I think) will not fly well. It needs to be a Graupner 6 x3.

I fly with an 8 cell 1100 mah NiMh battery pack built as 4x2 cells. With that pack slid all the way back in the battery slot, my Ascent balanced properly. Most builders I read about found they had to add a small weight to the tail to balance. (I think they were using 8 cell "stick" packs though.)

With the stock motor, climb out is quite slow... too slow for me. It really needs a gear box, or a more powerful motor IMHO. I have flown mine with an AF 010 brushless with 4:1 GB and currently a Hacker B20 S22 with 4:1 GB. It now climbs at about 75-80 degrees. More than is really necessary, but it's fun.

There have been several threads on the Ascent both here and on Ezone - try a search on both.

The recommended CG is probably good for starters but most people end up setting it about 1/8-/3/8" behind the recommended point. Definately get a 6X3 folder for the stock motor.