CARF Bolt! Build thread
07-16-2023, 12:45 PM
#152
thanks Dave, that’s a good reference and gives me an idea what to expect…
I ended up making longer linkages and changing my arm geometry a bit, and I get the full 35m+ and 30mm- on the elevator now. Using a 20mm hole on the arm, this just about maximizes the travel range on the JR 5955 I’m using ..
Voy
08-10-2023, 08:27 PM
#153
My Feedback: (11)
Can someone tell me, are the Bolt's struts just off the shelf electron struts (S, M, or L etc) or are they custom? I have a set of er-50 from my rebel pro Id like to use. I cant see to get a clear answer from CARF and electron is on vacation.
Also, if anyone can, if you have seen the Picaro and can compare Id be interested. Im real close to one of the two and was settled on the bolt but cant figure out this strut issue.
Thanks!!!
Also, if anyone can, if you have seen the Picaro and can compare Id be interested. Im real close to one of the two and was settled on the bolt but cant figure out this strut issue.
Thanks!!!
08-11-2023, 02:42 PM
#154
I'm supposed to be getting my Bolt early next week and if I remember correctly I was told the the Bolt's nose strut is a different length than standard length than come from Electron. I could be wrong but that's what I remember being told.
Last edited by vegasking; 08-11-2023 at 05:55 PM.
08-17-2023, 04:52 AM
#157
Hi all
I've flown The Bolt this season and about 8 engine hours now. At first I wasn't that impressed about the plane mostly because of sensitive controls. I moved CG more aft and elevator went even more sensitive... just not my liking maybe perfect for others. Now with reduced control throws it is MUCH better for me. My elevator arm is about 12mm and aileron 13mm. Just need to readjust gyro and such... Rudder servo was also too slow for gyro at first better now. Knife edge is not perfect yet opposite aileron is needed. There are notable trim changes between flight modes so I advice to use delay between modes. In principle it's slippery and really want's to go fast. I noticed slight tip stall effect on full flaps but I believe my lateral CG was to blame.
I do like CARF build quality. Specially landing gear mounts are very strong and build from real carbon and plywood unlike most of the bunch. Wing seems to be full carbon and head mounted flash light is needed when doing any work inside it. Fuselage is also black hole to work with even there is more glass in it. Construction is well thought and manufactured. Fuselage is full sandwitch and handles miss-use well. Only canopy and tailcone are single laminate. Maybe the biggest issue on the plane is hard main landing gear... still to be reworked someday. But try to use as much angle on knee if you are building one now
My smoke nozzle quick connect blew during the flight and whole fuse was flooded with oil. Thanks to sandwitch there is not much wood to soak it in so I think I avoided huge rework there... anyway it's very promising at the moment and going to be really good when tuned right!
/Jyri
I've flown The Bolt this season and about 8 engine hours now. At first I wasn't that impressed about the plane mostly because of sensitive controls. I moved CG more aft and elevator went even more sensitive... just not my liking maybe perfect for others. Now with reduced control throws it is MUCH better for me. My elevator arm is about 12mm and aileron 13mm. Just need to readjust gyro and such... Rudder servo was also too slow for gyro at first better now. Knife edge is not perfect yet opposite aileron is needed. There are notable trim changes between flight modes so I advice to use delay between modes. In principle it's slippery and really want's to go fast. I noticed slight tip stall effect on full flaps but I believe my lateral CG was to blame.
I do like CARF build quality. Specially landing gear mounts are very strong and build from real carbon and plywood unlike most of the bunch. Wing seems to be full carbon and head mounted flash light is needed when doing any work inside it. Fuselage is also black hole to work with even there is more glass in it. Construction is well thought and manufactured. Fuselage is full sandwitch and handles miss-use well. Only canopy and tailcone are single laminate. Maybe the biggest issue on the plane is hard main landing gear... still to be reworked someday. But try to use as much angle on knee if you are building one now
My smoke nozzle quick connect blew during the flight and whole fuse was flooded with oil. Thanks to sandwitch there is not much wood to soak it in so I think I avoided huge rework there... anyway it's very promising at the moment and going to be really good when tuned right!
/Jyri
Last edited by jjantti; 08-17-2023 at 04:58 AM. Reason: typo
The following users liked this post:
dutch_tw (08-18-2023)
08-26-2023, 08:34 PM
#158
My Feedback: (11)
I just put in a order for the victory scheme. I like it as it will be simple to fix.
Was really on the fence between this and the picaro but decided to stick with CARF.
I got an email from electron the struts are off the shelf you can order from the website, no custom machining.
I wont be flying this for awhile though.
Was really on the fence between this and the picaro but decided to stick with CARF.
I got an email from electron the struts are off the shelf you can order from the website, no custom machining.
I wont be flying this for awhile though.
08-27-2023, 06:12 PM
#159
My Feedback: (11)
Just a couple notes, I asked on the EA FB group about the Picaro Vs Bolt. There were three things that swayed me to the bolt:
EA people were willing to say negative things about the bolt, but CARF spoke with respect about picaro.
Sounds like there are alot more Picaros out there than bolts, so that right there is a good reason to get a bolt for sure. im not a crowd follower.
EA is not accurate on timelines,they throw around a 6 weeks number. But they neglect to mention shipping times and CARF says 16 weeks. Both CARF and EA are about the same timeline which is around 4 months to my door.
One other thing, the struts being off the shelf is something I like, If I need another one or parts very easy to get!
EA people were willing to say negative things about the bolt, but CARF spoke with respect about picaro.
Sounds like there are alot more Picaros out there than bolts, so that right there is a good reason to get a bolt for sure. im not a crowd follower.
EA is not accurate on timelines,they throw around a 6 weeks number. But they neglect to mention shipping times and CARF says 16 weeks. Both CARF and EA are about the same timeline which is around 4 months to my door.
One other thing, the struts being off the shelf is something I like, If I need another one or parts very easy to get!
08-27-2023, 07:56 PM
#160
Just a couple notes, I asked on the EA FB group about the Picaro Vs Bolt. There were three things that swayed me to the bolt:
EA people were willing to say negative things about the bolt, but CARF spoke with respect about picaro.
Sounds like there are alot more Picaros out there than bolts, so that right there is a good reason to get a bolt for sure. im not a crowd follower.
EA is not accurate on timelines,they throw around a 6 weeks number. But they neglect to mention shipping times and CARF says 16 weeks. Both CARF and EA are about the same timeline which is around 4 months to my door.
One other thing, the struts being off the shelf is something I like, If I need another one or parts very easy to get!
EA people were willing to say negative things about the bolt, but CARF spoke with respect about picaro.
Sounds like there are alot more Picaros out there than bolts, so that right there is a good reason to get a bolt for sure. im not a crowd follower.
EA is not accurate on timelines,they throw around a 6 weeks number. But they neglect to mention shipping times and CARF says 16 weeks. Both CARF and EA are about the same timeline which is around 4 months to my door.
One other thing, the struts being off the shelf is something I like, If I need another one or parts very easy to get!
08-27-2023, 08:52 PM
#162
My Feedback: (11)
He said the bolt "does funny things" lol
They deleted my post so I cant prove it now, but it was the EA people. Im sure they make a great jet. Its not big deal.
The Picaro is a blatant copy of the Ultra bandit and the bolt is its own thing.
They deleted my post so I cant prove it now, but it was the EA people. Im sure they make a great jet. Its not big deal.
The Picaro is a blatant copy of the Ultra bandit and the bolt is its own thing.
Last edited by essyou35; 08-27-2023 at 08:55 PM.
