Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
05-11-2009, 05:05 PM
#601
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
Dave, it's good to see you got your engine and mounted too.
Your starter's "O" ring will last a long time... keeping the two starter 'brackets' vertical like you have, will prevent the starter unit from sagging down over time.
... My 80-SE should be here ANY DAY this week.
Your starter's "O" ring will last a long time... keeping the two starter 'brackets' vertical like you have, will prevent the starter unit from sagging down over time.
... My 80-SE should be here ANY DAY this week.
05-11-2009, 05:37 PM
#602
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
ORIGINAL: FILE IFR
Dave, it's good to see you got your engine and mounted too.
Your starter's "O" ring will last a long time... keeping the two starter 'brackets' vertical like you have, will prevent the starter unit from sagging down over time.
... My 80-SE should be here ANY DAY this week.
Dave, it's good to see you got your engine and mounted too.
Your starter's "O" ring will last a long time... keeping the two starter 'brackets' vertical like you have, will prevent the starter unit from sagging down over time.
... My 80-SE should be here ANY DAY this week.
Yes I agree having the starter lugs vertical is the way to go! Altho I think with the JetCat FOD screen fitting as good as it does, the "sag" is somewhat minimized. With any luck I'll have it fired up this weekend.
Dave Rigotti
05-17-2009, 06:38 PM
#603
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
More progress today. A few notes I want to make. The retract and brake valve plate went really well. On the brake servo I had it drive the UP6 to almost overcenter. With the UP6 the more brake applied the harder the servo works. With symmetrical throw at full brake I was drawing almost 400ma. By redoing the pushrod as shown full brake drawins less than 50ma. Also note the "clean" install of the T fitting to supply the brakes only when the retracts are extended (gray tubing color). Any leaks in the brakes will not prevent the wheels from extending as there is zero pressure to the UP6 valve when the wheels are retracted. System pressure tested and I have no leaks! I do squirt some BVM silicone in the retracts and valves before installing. Just need to tidy up the radio install and we'll be ready for the maiden flight. Weight wise is looking like 25 1/2 to 26 pounds.
Dave Rigotti
Dave Rigotti
05-18-2009, 04:59 AM
#605
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
Mike,
We'll maiden it next weekend weather permitting. I'll probably spend a few more nights getting things ready. Radio is programmed with recommended throws, expo, crow, etc. A few wire and tubing guides is all that is necessary. A123 batteries are formed and charged. Preliminary balance indicates a nose heavy condition with 2pcs 2cell RX packs and 2pcs 3 cell ECU packs. Of course with the lead nose weight. Might get away with 8 oz less in there by using a single 3 cell ECU A123 pack.
Dave Rigotti
We'll maiden it next weekend weather permitting. I'll probably spend a few more nights getting things ready. Radio is programmed with recommended throws, expo, crow, etc. A few wire and tubing guides is all that is necessary. A123 batteries are formed and charged. Preliminary balance indicates a nose heavy condition with 2pcs 2cell RX packs and 2pcs 3 cell ECU packs. Of course with the lead nose weight. Might get away with 8 oz less in there by using a single 3 cell ECU A123 pack.
Dave Rigotti
05-18-2009, 09:44 AM
#606
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RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
Nice setup Dave...hope that your maiden will be a fun one. You shouldn't have any problem flying the ARF especially with 2 Reactions under your belt !! 
Cheers,
Kraivuth S.
Cheers,
Kraivuth S.
05-18-2009, 04:14 PM
#607
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
ORIGINAL: B777
Nice setup Dave...hope that your maiden will be a fun one. You shouldn't have any problem flying the ARF especially with 2 Reactions under your belt !!
Cheers,
Kraivuth S.
Nice setup Dave...hope that your maiden will be a fun one. You shouldn't have any problem flying the ARF especially with 2 Reactions under your belt !!
Cheers,
Kraivuth S.
Dave
05-18-2009, 08:22 PM
#608
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RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
I took out a 7.2 volt car batteyr out of the nose (about 12 oz) and my reaction flew the same (it had four packs!), no problems. Inverted was almost hands off. BUT, when it came to landing, it was a lot more touchy on the elev and it did not want to land....So, the CG that B777 is actually perfect and is on the money. The factory flys all their customer's RARF at that setting....
05-18-2009, 08:36 PM
#609
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
ORIGINAL: Ehab
I took out a 7.2 volt car batteyr out of the nose (about 12 oz) and my reaction flew the same (it had four packs!), no problems. Inverted was almost hands off. BUT, when it came to landing, it was a lot more touchy on the elev and it did not want to land....So, the CG that B777 is actually perfect and is on the money. The factory flys all their customer's RARF at that setting....
I took out a 7.2 volt car batteyr out of the nose (about 12 oz) and my reaction flew the same (it had four packs!), no problems. Inverted was almost hands off. BUT, when it came to landing, it was a lot more touchy on the elev and it did not want to land....So, the CG that B777 is actually perfect and is on the money. The factory flys all their customer's RARF at that setting....
Thanks
Dave
05-20-2009, 08:36 PM
#610
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
Ehab, What is the desired C/G, 15.5 or 14.5?... is it different from the manual?
I'm getting ready to sling it for balancing.
I'm not a novice... the manual says 14.5 for a novice.
I'm getting ready to sling it for balancing.
I'm not a novice... the manual says 14.5 for a novice.
05-21-2009, 05:32 AM
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RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
hi there i have just balanced mine at the 14.5 balance and i have set up my throws , i have the green scheme with a jetcat 120 , 14 mz guidance ... 2 days before she will be in the air !!! what control and expo throws do you have , did you follow the manual?
05-21-2009, 08:49 AM
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RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
14.5 to 15.5 CG should be ok. She is a trainer and you guys should be alright at both CG positions. There is no special procedure or surprises to fly the Reaction ARF. Just keep your safety standard and she will be a lot of fun. 
Exponential will give you smoother control and the amount is actually up to your preferences. Recommended setup will give you smooth first flight. You can then adjust the controls to suit your styles.
Cheers,
Kraivuth S.
Exponential will give you smoother control and the amount is actually up to your preferences. Recommended setup will give you smooth first flight. You can then adjust the controls to suit your styles.
Cheers,
Kraivuth S.
05-22-2009, 05:43 AM
#615
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
ORIGINAL: FILE IFR
Awesome Dave!
Wishing you the best ofluck... and grease 'em in all day! Don't forget the vid and pics.
Mike
Awesome Dave!
Wishing you the best ofluck... and grease 'em in all day! Don't forget the vid and pics.
Mike
Camera batteries are charged and blank DVD disks are in stock! Upper 70's with 5-10 MPH. "Oh Yeah!"
Dave Rigotti
05-22-2009, 08:05 PM
#617
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
Folks,
We maiden it today! All went well. I got 3 flights on it before we had to go. With 15.5cm balance it flew just right. A bit of down needed for inverted flight. I picked the middle of the control throws and all feels pretty good. The P80SE has plenty of push! I set the timer for 7 minutes and landed with 2/3 full tank on the 3.8l one I have. I then set the timer for 9 minutes and got to exactly in the middle of the stopper as I was hammering the throttle a bit more. Alot of the flight is at 1/2 to 2/3 throttle stick. Plenty of vertical for 2-3 rolls with a nice pushover at the top. The landings are a non event! At 26 pounds dry she isn't a light one BUT you'll never know it flying it! The landings DO have greater sink than what I'm used to but after 3 flights I'm getting the hang of it! In a word? SWEET!
Thank You Bruce and PSTJets!
Video to follow!
Dave Rigotti
We maiden it today! All went well. I got 3 flights on it before we had to go. With 15.5cm balance it flew just right. A bit of down needed for inverted flight. I picked the middle of the control throws and all feels pretty good. The P80SE has plenty of push! I set the timer for 7 minutes and landed with 2/3 full tank on the 3.8l one I have. I then set the timer for 9 minutes and got to exactly in the middle of the stopper as I was hammering the throttle a bit more. Alot of the flight is at 1/2 to 2/3 throttle stick. Plenty of vertical for 2-3 rolls with a nice pushover at the top. The landings are a non event! At 26 pounds dry she isn't a light one BUT you'll never know it flying it! The landings DO have greater sink than what I'm used to but after 3 flights I'm getting the hang of it! In a word? SWEET!
Thank You Bruce and PSTJets!
Video to follow!
Dave Rigotti
05-24-2009, 08:47 AM
#620
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
Folks,
Here's the video link to You Tube. About 7 minutes long.
P80SE for power. 9 minute flight just gets to the middle of the 3.8l tank stopper.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVGcN7W6fyA
Dave Rigotti
Here's the video link to You Tube. About 7 minutes long.
P80SE for power. 9 minute flight just gets to the middle of the 3.8l tank stopper.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVGcN7W6fyA
Dave Rigotti
05-24-2009, 04:39 PM
#622
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
Dear All,
Which one is the right strut size for the nose:
Thanks
Which one is the right strut size for the nose:
- www.dreamworksrc.com/catalog/product_info.php (Small Nose - 1/4" Pin Mount)
- www.dreamworksrc.com/catalog/product_info.php (Small Nose - 3/16" Pin Mount)
- www.dreamworksrc.com/catalog/product_info.php (LargeNos
Thanks
05-25-2009, 07:18 AM
#624
RE: Reaction ARF - PST/BTE All-Composite Sport Jet
ORIGINAL: FILE IFR
Dave, nice work flying it... It looks like you'vebeen flyingit for years.
Dave, nice work flying it... It looks like you'vebeen flyingit for years.
Thanks! Maiden flight went just as well. A few bumps of aileron and elevator trim and she felt comfortable! The "guessed" at elevator flap trim was spot on. No roll in either flap position. I setup all my birds on the bench with throw meters and a servo amp draw meter. You'd be amazed at the difference aservo can draw at full throw by just 1 "click" less of end point travel. The only analog servo I use in on steering. All others are either 8411's, 8611A or 3421's. It takes me 2-3 hours to get it where I want before I even consider flying it. Maiden flights are then a lot less scary!
She felt very familiar to what I have or had for sure. The only real surprise (not a big one mind you) was the sink rate on final at reduced power. I landed the maiden flight about 75 feet short of "show center". The flare was as expecteed. The third flight was centered and very soft. A few more sessions and we'll be "as one". BTW... Flap deflection is at 60 degrees. This requires a good bump in throttle as they get deployed. A bit of comfort being up on the throttle stick in case a go around is needed.
The airfoiled tail sections seem to smooth out the flight some. I picked mid-way between the throws recommended and I am pleased so far. Expo is around 30-40% on the rud, ele, and ail. Maybe 45% on rud to smooth out the steering on a Y harness. (I "only" have 9 channels).
The P80SE seems to be a good choice for me. I did do a few laps at WOT and she was moving out pretty fast. I'll try to remember the radar gun next flying session to get accurate speed measurements. She is faster than the R54/P60 I had but slower than the KingCat/P160SE. :-)). IF I had to guess she tops out at around 180MPH from a not to steep dive. Vertical performance is all I expected. I can do 2-3 rolls on the way up and still push over with plenty of purpose. The $1,000 saved from not getting a P120SE was a smart move for me anyway. With the 2 latest AD's from PST jets I'd be worried about long term airworthiness flying anything over 30 pounds of thrust. Yeah... I KNOW about throttle management.
I'm kinda thinking of partioning the 3.8l tank for fuel and smoke. I set the timer for 9 minutes, start it just before throttle up and fly until time runs out. Do a gear pass and then land. I have kero at the mid point of the tank stopper. 9 minutes is a long flight for me. I'll do some actual volume measurements to see if it is worthwhile to add a smoke oil compartment to it. Maybe something like 95oz and 33oz? We'll see.... I post pics and a "how to" IF I do it. Right now the weather is getting perfect and I want to fly instead of putz.
One last thing I want to mention. With the removable tail the elevator pushrod clevis at the control horn has got to go. I see that after a few dozen flights the hole in the horn getting buggered. I changed it out for a ball type clevis using a #4-40 bolt thru the clevis and control horn. A self locking nut assures she'll land safely....
Dave Rigotti
