Thinking of coming back!
#1
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Thinking of coming back!
During the current Covid-19 lockdown I have just about got through the list of jobs to do around the house and garden! I decided to have a look at RCU Jets and after 8 years flying nothing but electric ( mostly pattern) the bug may have bitten again.
The one thing that seems to have really moved on is the electronics / receiver setups. It looks like you need a degree in electrical engineering to set up a jet now. The only thing I have left from my jet days are my trusty Futaba 14MZ, no multi channel receivers etc.
What would be the simplest set-up for a basic sport jet like a Boomerang? |I am thinking about an Xicoy 70 or Kingtech 85 turbine, any views or experience of these would be welcome.
The one thing that seems to have really moved on is the electronics / receiver setups. It looks like you need a degree in electrical engineering to set up a jet now. The only thing I have left from my jet days are my trusty Futaba 14MZ, no multi channel receivers etc.
What would be the simplest set-up for a basic sport jet like a Boomerang? |I am thinking about an Xicoy 70 or Kingtech 85 turbine, any views or experience of these would be welcome.
#2
Hi John,
Just get a 14 channel futaba rx and one of those powerbox dual input regulator/switch things. I have that setup in my Excalibur. Super simple.
Paul
http://www.powerbox-systems.com/prod...werbox-12.html
Just get a 14 channel futaba rx and one of those powerbox dual input regulator/switch things. I have that setup in my Excalibur. Super simple.
Paul
http://www.powerbox-systems.com/prod...werbox-12.html
Last edited by paulhat; 05-12-2020 at 02:42 AM.
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paulhat (05-12-2020)
#4
I run a P-100 in my current Sprint. I have seen at least a dozen of them show up at my shows. IMO anything less than 20#s thrust makes the Sprint sluggish. I actually had a P-140 in one for a while before it blew off the stab. :-) That plane is no longer in existence. It was a rather spectacular crash though! :-)
I run powerbox in all but one of my larger aircraft. If you are thinking of a gyro, you may want to take a look the Mercury PBox. It has the gyro built in. However, I am not sure if the Mercury SRS is what you want for a Futaba setup cause I dumped Futaba 7 years ago. The Mercury SRS with three or four remote Rxers works great, especially with current radio systems offering many more options than what was out there just a few years ago.
Also, you may want to run 2S LiPo or LiFe. I run High Voltage (7.4 VDC) in all my jets. LiFe will not provide that w/o going 3S and then you have more complexity with adding high current voltage regulators. (e.g. Max input voltage for PBox is 9.0 VDC.) 2S LiFe is also actually beyond the max voltage for low voltage servos, etc. So 2S LiFe does NOT get you to high voltage and it is too high of voltage for low voltage servos. But some folks do run 2S LiFe on Low voltage servos even thought they are > a half volt higher than a low voltage servo's specs. So I run LiPo, but take them out for charging. The Sprint has a nice compartment for two 2000Mah LiPo Rxer batteries tucked in right above the nose wheel. With that and forward placement of a PBox you do not need to add any nose weight, even with a P-100 sitting on the tail. NiMH batteries are not going to get you to high voltage and high capacity w/o unnecessary weight and then there is battery memory to deal with.
High voltage digital servos are the way to go. For example; Hitecs are programable, which comes in really handy, … say for the flaps when you have only enough channels for Ys on the flaps, etc.. Reversing a programable servo is easy. But, I recommend one channel for each servo. It makes fine tuning and matching control surfaces really easy. I only mention Hitec here because that is what I am familiar with. There are other brands of servos that work just fine. For me reprogramming a Hitec is simple versus using SBus or Xbus, etc., especially in a smaller jet.
When you buy Rxers, think big. I have a couple jets using 14 channels and one using 15. I just want you to understand what the jets out there get into. You certainly can get away with 9 channels if you use Ys and couple control surfaces together. But then you get into issues matching them. A Mercury will give you 20 channels, if you configure it and program it correctly. By the way, there is a learning curve for programming PBox. But once you figure it out, you have great flexibility. But, … if you are not willing to learn programming, you may want to look at simpler options. Then there is component availability. Some brands have not had their radio system components available for months!
You are right when you really have to think about the systems in a turbine. They are a bit complex at times. However, just think one system at a time, do a lot of reading and consider weight as you add components. While a Sprint or similar can handle excess weight, many of the smaller Mini jets can not handle much excess weight and the smaller jets do not have the space for many of the current component options w/o making an unmaintainable mess inside it.
Lastly a Sprint is a good choice for a beginner jet. There are others. It all depends on what is available at the time you want to buy, I guess. But I still have and fly the Sprint. It is fun and simple enough for a first time turbine setup. I just clocked 25 hours on it and had the turbine rebuilt. But then my other jets all have at least 17+hours on them meaning it often sits neglected in the trailer. Lately I have been using it to train new jet guys, etc. as well as just have some no-pucker factor fun. The Sprint is easy to fly and land. The minis are more difficult as they typically have a heavier wing load and they have less robust gear and gear mounts resulting in a much less forgiving plane to land.
Just some thoughts.
I run powerbox in all but one of my larger aircraft. If you are thinking of a gyro, you may want to take a look the Mercury PBox. It has the gyro built in. However, I am not sure if the Mercury SRS is what you want for a Futaba setup cause I dumped Futaba 7 years ago. The Mercury SRS with three or four remote Rxers works great, especially with current radio systems offering many more options than what was out there just a few years ago.
Also, you may want to run 2S LiPo or LiFe. I run High Voltage (7.4 VDC) in all my jets. LiFe will not provide that w/o going 3S and then you have more complexity with adding high current voltage regulators. (e.g. Max input voltage for PBox is 9.0 VDC.) 2S LiFe is also actually beyond the max voltage for low voltage servos, etc. So 2S LiFe does NOT get you to high voltage and it is too high of voltage for low voltage servos. But some folks do run 2S LiFe on Low voltage servos even thought they are > a half volt higher than a low voltage servo's specs. So I run LiPo, but take them out for charging. The Sprint has a nice compartment for two 2000Mah LiPo Rxer batteries tucked in right above the nose wheel. With that and forward placement of a PBox you do not need to add any nose weight, even with a P-100 sitting on the tail. NiMH batteries are not going to get you to high voltage and high capacity w/o unnecessary weight and then there is battery memory to deal with.
High voltage digital servos are the way to go. For example; Hitecs are programable, which comes in really handy, … say for the flaps when you have only enough channels for Ys on the flaps, etc.. Reversing a programable servo is easy. But, I recommend one channel for each servo. It makes fine tuning and matching control surfaces really easy. I only mention Hitec here because that is what I am familiar with. There are other brands of servos that work just fine. For me reprogramming a Hitec is simple versus using SBus or Xbus, etc., especially in a smaller jet.
When you buy Rxers, think big. I have a couple jets using 14 channels and one using 15. I just want you to understand what the jets out there get into. You certainly can get away with 9 channels if you use Ys and couple control surfaces together. But then you get into issues matching them. A Mercury will give you 20 channels, if you configure it and program it correctly. By the way, there is a learning curve for programming PBox. But once you figure it out, you have great flexibility. But, … if you are not willing to learn programming, you may want to look at simpler options. Then there is component availability. Some brands have not had their radio system components available for months!
You are right when you really have to think about the systems in a turbine. They are a bit complex at times. However, just think one system at a time, do a lot of reading and consider weight as you add components. While a Sprint or similar can handle excess weight, many of the smaller Mini jets can not handle much excess weight and the smaller jets do not have the space for many of the current component options w/o making an unmaintainable mess inside it.
Lastly a Sprint is a good choice for a beginner jet. There are others. It all depends on what is available at the time you want to buy, I guess. But I still have and fly the Sprint. It is fun and simple enough for a first time turbine setup. I just clocked 25 hours on it and had the turbine rebuilt. But then my other jets all have at least 17+hours on them meaning it often sits neglected in the trailer. Lately I have been using it to train new jet guys, etc. as well as just have some no-pucker factor fun. The Sprint is easy to fly and land. The minis are more difficult as they typically have a heavier wing load and they have less robust gear and gear mounts resulting in a much less forgiving plane to land.
Just some thoughts.
Last edited by Len Todd; 05-12-2020 at 05:23 AM.
#5
#6
During the current Covid-19 lockdown I have just about got through the list of jobs to do around the house and garden! I decided to have a look at RCU Jets and after 8 years flying nothing but electric ( mostly pattern) the bug may have bitten again.
The one thing that seems to have really moved on is the electronics / receiver setups. It looks like you need a degree in electrical engineering to set up a jet now. The only thing I have left from my jet days are my trusty Futaba 14MZ, no multi channel receivers etc.
What would be the simplest set-up for a basic sport jet like a Boomerang? |I am thinking about an Xicoy 70 or Kingtech 85 turbine, any views or experience of these would be welcome.
The one thing that seems to have really moved on is the electronics / receiver setups. It looks like you need a degree in electrical engineering to set up a jet now. The only thing I have left from my jet days are my trusty Futaba 14MZ, no multi channel receivers etc.
What would be the simplest set-up for a basic sport jet like a Boomerang? |I am thinking about an Xicoy 70 or Kingtech 85 turbine, any views or experience of these would be welcome.
#7
My Feedback: (54)
Hi John,
Just get a 14 channel futaba rx and one of those powerbox dual input regulator/switch things. I have that setup in my Excalibur. Super simple.
Paul
http://www.powerbox-systems.com/prod...werbox-12.html
Just get a 14 channel futaba rx and one of those powerbox dual input regulator/switch things. I have that setup in my Excalibur. Super simple.
Paul
http://www.powerbox-systems.com/prod...werbox-12.html
Futaba’s in the house!
#9
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Len
Thanks for your very detailed reply. I had several Boomerangs back in the early 2000's which mostly had Wren Supersports in them they all ran on a Powerbox dual switch with two batteries, NIMH back then. I found the 14MZ easy to programme so I don't want to get involved in anrything more complex than that at the moment. I will revert to a 14 channel Rx so each servo will have a channel to make setup easy.
John
Thanks for your very detailed reply. I had several Boomerangs back in the early 2000's which mostly had Wren Supersports in them they all ran on a Powerbox dual switch with two batteries, NIMH back then. I found the 14MZ easy to programme so I don't want to get involved in anrything more complex than that at the moment. I will revert to a 14 channel Rx so each servo will have a channel to make setup easy.
John
#11
My Feedback: (7)
I like to KISS it, just like Patric.
My B-XL set up consist of a 14 chl Futaba receiver, 2c 2100mah LIFE batt packs X 2 for the receiver, a 2c 5K LIPO batt pack for the ECU/smoke pump and 2 switches, nothing else, it has been flying with this set up for the last 3 years.
Welcome back.
My B-XL set up consist of a 14 chl Futaba receiver, 2c 2100mah LIFE batt packs X 2 for the receiver, a 2c 5K LIPO batt pack for the ECU/smoke pump and 2 switches, nothing else, it has been flying with this set up for the last 3 years.
Welcome back.
Last edited by CARS II; 05-12-2020 at 11:24 AM.
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Desertlakesflying (05-18-2020)
#13
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During the current Covid-19 lockdown I have just about got through the list of jobs to do around the house and garden! I decided to have a look at RCU Jets and after 8 years flying nothing but electric ( mostly pattern) the bug may have bitten again.
The one thing that seems to have really moved on is the electronics / receiver setups. It looks like you need a degree in electrical engineering to set up a jet now. The only thing I have left from my jet days are my trusty Futaba 14MZ, no multi channel receivers etc.
What would be the simplest set-up for a basic sport jet like a Boomerang? |I am thinking about an Xicoy 70 or Kingtech 85 turbine, any views or experience of these would be welcome.
The one thing that seems to have really moved on is the electronics / receiver setups. It looks like you need a degree in electrical engineering to set up a jet now. The only thing I have left from my jet days are my trusty Futaba 14MZ, no multi channel receivers etc.
What would be the simplest set-up for a basic sport jet like a Boomerang? |I am thinking about an Xicoy 70 or Kingtech 85 turbine, any views or experience of these would be welcome.
And I run swiwin, so just one fuel line and one cord to the turbine, and telemetry and auto restart to boot.
Last edited by bodywerks; 05-12-2020 at 02:17 PM.
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bodywerks (05-12-2020)
#15
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Len
Thanks for your very detailed reply. I had several Boomerangs back in the early 2000's which mostly had Wren Supersports in them they all ran on a Powerbox dual switch with two batteries, NIMH back then. I found the 14MZ easy to programme so I don't want to get involved in anrything more complex than that at the moment. I will revert to a 14 channel Rx so each servo will have a channel to make setup easy.
John
Thanks for your very detailed reply. I had several Boomerangs back in the early 2000's which mostly had Wren Supersports in them they all ran on a Powerbox dual switch with two batteries, NIMH back then. I found the 14MZ easy to programme so I don't want to get involved in anrything more complex than that at the moment. I will revert to a 14 channel Rx so each servo will have a channel to make setup easy.
John
If you ever want to replace the 14MZ (because of the screen, the batteries are a PITA, etc.) then the 16SZ is a great option. Its VERY similar in programming but it has a few new features including telemetry when you want to go there, plus it is less expensive than the 18SZ is and much less expensive than the 14MZ was...
Bob
#16
John,
If you ever want to replace the 14MZ (because of the screen, the batteries are a PITA, etc.) then the 16SZ is a great option. Its VERY similar in programming but it has a few new features including telemetry when you want to go there, plus it is less expensive than the 18SZ is and much less expensive than the 14MZ was...
Bob
If you ever want to replace the 14MZ (because of the screen, the batteries are a PITA, etc.) then the 16SZ is a great option. Its VERY similar in programming but it has a few new features including telemetry when you want to go there, plus it is less expensive than the 18SZ is and much less expensive than the 14MZ was...
Bob
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bodywerks (05-12-2020)
#17
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John
I got rid of almost all my modelling stuff a year ago but recently a 14 channel Futaba R6014Rx surfaced. If you want it just PM me with your address.
John Wright
I got rid of almost all my modelling stuff a year ago but recently a 14 channel Futaba R6014Rx surfaced. If you want it just PM me with your address.
John Wright
#18
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HI Bob
Yes the 14 MZ is not without issues but it was a huge step up from the 9ZAP. I got mine 14 years ago (35Mhz) and subsequently got the 2.4 module for it. The batteries don't have much capacity but I have 2 and a field charger. It needed a new screen a few years ago but is still running strong, I am probably too old and set in me ways to upgrade!!
John
Yes the 14 MZ is not without issues but it was a huge step up from the 9ZAP. I got mine 14 years ago (35Mhz) and subsequently got the 2.4 module for it. The batteries don't have much capacity but I have 2 and a field charger. It needed a new screen a few years ago but is still running strong, I am probably too old and set in me ways to upgrade!!
John
#20
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HI Bob
Yes the 14 MZ is not without issues but it was a huge step up from the 9ZAP. I got mine 14 years ago (35Mhz) and subsequently got the 2.4 module for it. The batteries don't have much capacity but I have 2 and a field charger. It needed a new screen a few years ago but is still running strong, I am probably too old and set in me ways to upgrade!!
John
Yes the 14 MZ is not without issues but it was a huge step up from the 9ZAP. I got mine 14 years ago (35Mhz) and subsequently got the 2.4 module for it. The batteries don't have much capacity but I have 2 and a field charger. It needed a new screen a few years ago but is still running strong, I am probably too old and set in me ways to upgrade!!
John
I am flying the 18SZ, and helping a gas student with the 14mz. The other day when we flew, we used 3 transmitter batteries for the day in the 14MZ. Don’t be afraid to upgrade to the 18SZ. I had my 18SZ on for the same amount of time and flights. The 18SZ didn’t even come off of full charge. I program his and mine both. I never worked with the 14MZ until working with him. The programming is extremely similar and actually, to me, some of the programming issues have been more simplified in the 18SZ. You’ll get a new, better battery system, a new screen, and it’s always nice to buy something new. Plus the 18SZ is set up to bind two receivers with telemetry. Is there to use, even if you don’t. What’s a $1000 in the scheme of life for less frustration and the cost of any jet.
Last edited by RCFlyerDan; 05-13-2020 at 03:57 AM.
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bodywerks (05-13-2020)
#21
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Ok guys, thanks for all the useful input, decisions made so far;
Radio- existing 14MZ/ rx 14 channel 6014, Powerbox sensor switch with 2 x 2100Lipo, electric retracts ( can I run these off the 2x Lipos?)
Model IAD Model Designs Serpent - 77 inch span looks like Kingcat clone CNC built up kit with glassfibre fuselage ( I have plenty of time to build!) suitable 60 -100 turbine.
Turbine - waiting on input, liking the Kingtech 85 or Xicoy 70 - any views.
John
Radio- existing 14MZ/ rx 14 channel 6014, Powerbox sensor switch with 2 x 2100Lipo, electric retracts ( can I run these off the 2x Lipos?)
Model IAD Model Designs Serpent - 77 inch span looks like Kingcat clone CNC built up kit with glassfibre fuselage ( I have plenty of time to build!) suitable 60 -100 turbine.
Turbine - waiting on input, liking the Kingtech 85 or Xicoy 70 - any views.
John
#22
Also consider JetsMunt very easy to get turbines serviced even though they are in Spain as are Xicoy.
Not sure where Kingtech servicing is carried out in Europe but not so common over here in the UK
Not sure where Kingtech servicing is carried out in Europe but not so common over here in the UK
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Here are a couple of more shots of the finished model.
Cost of the CNC kit in uk is £450 or around $600 US included hardware, electric retracts with wheels are £350 / $450
Cost of the CNC kit in uk is £450 or around $600 US included hardware, electric retracts with wheels are £350 / $450
Last edited by john agnew; 05-13-2020 at 07:39 AM. Reason: added text
#25
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Ok guys, thanks for all the useful input, decisions made so far;
Radio- existing 14MZ/ rx 14 channel 6014, Powerbox sensor switch with 2 x 2100Lipo, electric retracts ( can I run these off the 2x Lipos?)
Model IAD Model Designs Serpent - 77 inch span looks like Kingcat clone CNC built up kit with glassfibre fuselage ( I have plenty of time to build!) suitable 60 -100 turbine.
Turbine - waiting on input, liking the Kingtech 85 or Xicoy 70 - any views.
John
Radio- existing 14MZ/ rx 14 channel 6014, Powerbox sensor switch with 2 x 2100Lipo, electric retracts ( can I run these off the 2x Lipos?)
Model IAD Model Designs Serpent - 77 inch span looks like Kingcat clone CNC built up kit with glassfibre fuselage ( I have plenty of time to build!) suitable 60 -100 turbine.
Turbine - waiting on input, liking the Kingtech 85 or Xicoy 70 - any views.
John
Bob