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Pilot RC Matrix - Thoughts
Pilot RC really has stepped up the game with this model. The hardware pack is the best I've seen. It looks like the control linkages are righthand and lefthand threads for easy adjustments. They even included the wrench for them.
I'll put up more photos as I build it. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...a0b8feefa.jpeg Plates to check the CG https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...84a78aea9.jpeg Labels for the various wires https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...87222b4f8.jpeg RH/LH turnbuckles for the ball end links https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...9f6333554.jpeg Servo extensions are included - that will save me hours of making wire harnesses https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...6da803cf5.jpeg Fuel dot is included https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...dd51571d2.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...83f0ccc45.jpeg The UAT looks good too. I like that there is a bubble eliminating felt clunk in it. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...3c8ca1521.jpeg Stab half. The composite work is excellent https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...4b7e761f9.jpeg Top of Stab. |
I noticed the turbine mounts are at an angle for down thrust. It seems like a lot. Also, the airfoil is mostly flat-bottom, and kind of thick. This airplane should fly quite slowly.
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I got the stab servo installed. I use the Pilot RC mini servos. I am impressed with the servos. They are brushless and come with a nice aluminum arm, a plastic arm, a servo connector, and hex-head mounting screws. The servo wire exits the case at the bottom. This is brilliant and makes installation very easy.
The stabs do not have a symmetrical airfoil. It is lifting. I have not seen this before. But I've seen the airplane fly and it can really pivot tight, even without the vector nozzle. I wonder if the stab airfoil helps here? Here are my installation notes: 1. The Pilot RC servos drop right in. The openings are cut the right size. 2. The purple arms have 2mm threaded holes. The kit hardware is 3mm. I replaced the purple arms with blue arms which are 3mm. However, I could have re-sized the purple to 3mm as there is enough metal to do that. 3. The servos go in first, without the arms on. There is enough room to install the arms after the servos are inside the stab. 4. The turnbuckles are left-hand & right-hand threaded. You turn the turn buckle on way or the other to change its length. 5. Do not use the rubber grommets - they are not needed for jets and will mess up the spacing. Of course, if different servos & arms are used, adjustments may be required. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...41d188af9.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...7aff7bc28.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...cbdae38aa.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...0b54fa7a6.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...bd719be75.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...4610501c7.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...48dedaeb2.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...5ee0b1553.jpeg |
I'm glad you are doing this build thread, I bought the Turbine Ready Pro version and will be going over every inch myself to make sure she is maiden ready in the near future. I was impressed with the whole kit when I received it about a month ago. paint finish is not as smooth to the touch (there is this drag) as my Rebel Pro, I am going to clay bar it to see if it smooths it a bit. Are you using the Pilot RC UAT or something else? I have an FCT UAT in the shop but am not sure if it's necessary, if the Pilot version is good?
Pete |
I am on the fence about the kit's UAT. The guy from Banana Hobby has been using it with good success. But I like UAT with a built in filter.
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If you get time can you please tell us how it compairs to your ranger, I wanted something a little larger than the ranger. I guess by now you got a few flights on it please tell us a little about the flying and landing speed. thanks
t green |
I got to maiden the Matrix last weekend, it was an adventure, see maiden video
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I am happy you sorted out the communications issue with the V-speak without damaging the Matrix.
Did you end up needing down trim when using landing flaps? If so, how much? I hope to test fly mine soon. Right now its a bit nose heavy and I may move the UAT back towards the tank. |
I used very little if any down trim on the landing flaps, it will balloon if you are still moving at a good clip but settles nicely with full flaps. I moved the 2200mah turbine battery under the deck and used 2x 2200mah 2s in the nose tray and one on the side tray to balance with the supplied jig.
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I recorded a friend mine flying on Saturday. It flies great. The matrix can do incredible upright and inverted spins with the vectoring thrust.
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Originally Posted by Racer686
(Post 12802492)
I used very little if any down trim on the landing flaps, it will balloon if you are still moving at a good clip but settles nicely with full flaps. I moved the 2200mah turbine battery under the deck and used 2x 2200mah 2s in the nose tray and one on the side tray to balance with the supplied jig.
I got my Matrix A few weeks ago, I know it will not take long to get together, but I have had a lot of things to do. No VT on my jet. and I am going to build it as light as I can, and use a KT130, I am at sea lever so it should make for a good flyer. I hope. When I get it all up, I will post some photos, thanks Terry G |
There's one at our field Terry, I've flown it a couple of times. Nice jet.
When you coming over to do some jet flying? |
Originally Posted by BarracudaHockey
(Post 12802619)
There's one at our field Terry, I've flown it a couple of times. Nice jet.
When you coming over to do some jet flying? Hope to see you guys soon |
Originally Posted by tmgreen64
(Post 12802587)
Where did you end up with the GC? as recommended with the jigs?
I got my Matrix A few weeks ago, I know it will not take long to get together, but I have had a lot of things to do. No VT on my jet. and I am going to build it as light as I can, and use a KT130, I am at sea lever so it should make for a good flyer. I hope. When I get it all up, I will post some photos, thanks Terry G |
Cheers! Desert Fox 1 |
Desert fox, great video, I still have not flowned my matrix, it has been hot and very dry here, then last week just rain. I only have a kingtech 130 in my jet. No VT, hope i have not messed up. but I have a 160 in another jet if the 130 does not cut it.
I am hoping someone brings a 2.8 to Super jet south. I will be up there, going to work and hang out for a few days. hope to see you. Terry G |
Hello Terry Green,
Pilot-RC recommends Turbines 100-140N for normal sport flying, 160-180N for 3D vector flight – Avoid high speed high G flying. You should be fine. Due to personal reasons, I will be limited in my time to attend Super Jet South 2024.I hope we have an opportunity to meet. Cheers! Rommel AKA: Desert Fox 1 |
I have an X132 in mine and it is more than enough power.
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I finally got my Matrix in the air, and just wanted to get back and let everyone know how it flew. GREAT!!, I have a Kingech 130G5, No VT and it came with pilots servos installed. One of the Pilot flap servos was bad from the start. So I cycled all the others just make sure they were good.
It did come out nose heavy putting the turbine battery on the tray up front. I guess if you have a larger engine and servos for the VT it might balance out. I flew it at recommend CG the using the supplied CG meters, whatever they are called. So flying on a grass field, short cut grass and wet from the morning due, and I was just going to test the nose wheel aliment and brakes, but it got light and jumped off the ground, but I thought it might. It trimmed with just a little up trim. One thing that surprised me, it needed down trim when full flaps and gear. I did not have enough down programmed in so I had to hold down to land it. Everything is good now. CG, to me it is kind of funny, If you have it at a good flying range the nose wheel is very light, not bad with a full tank of gas. T Green |
Just a little info, might help out the next person with their build. I do not have the VT Matrix and have a kingtech 130G5 in it. With the turbine battery up front on the supplied tray, the receivers batteries needed to be placed way back almost to the tank, it is a pain to get them in and
out. So I made this tray and the CG seem to be just right. This way I can get the batteries in an out much easier. I am going to paint it so it looks nice. One other thing: I cannot get full flaps with the servos arm supplied. I am going to work on that today. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...e67cd99a95.jpg |
Hi.
I flew my Matrix over the weekend. What an awesome jet! It goes fast enough but it feels so good flying it slow. I have bought the fuel bag for it. Has anyone tried this yet? I see on the Banana Hobbies web site that the new kits come with it, instead of a kevlar tank. The Pilot bag does not have a fuel pickup line in it. Pilot seems to be really interested in making good airplanes and testing their stuff before selling it. So, I kinda of trust that this thing will work. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...a7dd87d64.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...f2def2e66.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...2bbee4f47.jpeg |
That doesn't meet the specs if you plan on using your AMA insurance
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Originally Posted by BarracudaHockey
(Post 12813468)
That doesn't meet the specs if you plan on using your AMA insurance
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I pretty much wrote the new rules for the fuel bags :)
Its that single layer nonsense they have been sending over here. 5. The fuel tanks shall be of rigid construction with consideration given to burst and puncture resistance. Consideration shall be given that non-metallic fuel lines may not be able to contact hot parts of the engine as installed. Bag style fuel cells are permitted under the following conditions: a. is a multi-layer fuel cell that is purpose built for the application and designed to be resistant to rips, tears, hardening and cracking from kerosene/jet fuel exposure. b. is mounted in such a way as to ensure no contact with rough surfaces capable of causing abrasion between the tank and any aircraft surface. c. is mounted away from or protected from heat exposure from the engine(s) and pipe(s). d. is filled with a pressure sensing fueling system to ensure the cell isn't over pressurized during fueling. e. NO plasma/IV bags are permitted. |
It is pretty thick and I cannot tell if it is double wall construction. Its was never an IV bag, it is made of different plastic.
No matter, I ordered a proper one from Carlos. The Pilot mounting hardware will be useful. Thanks for the information. |
My pleasure, I have seen the PIlot fuel cells and unless they very recently changed something they are not complaint. In fact I have one in my truck along with a sample from Germany to show people what are and are not compliant when I go to events.
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I’m helping a jet buddy with one. When he ordered his jet. He thought he was getting rigid tank. He was shocked when the jet showed up with a fuel bag. He called Pilot and told them he wasn’t happy and wanted the rigid tank. Pilot said that the bag tank was an upgrade. But, if he wasn’t happy, he could mail the whole jet back at his expense. Not really a good solution.
Please understand that both he and I think that this is a heck of a jet! The quality is excellent, and it flys awesome with a wide envelope. So, not badmouthing Pilot or the Jet. Pilot should be advised that it doesn’t meet AMA requirements by someone of authority in the AMA. This way Pilot can promote rigid tanks, until they offer USA customers a two layer bag. Because there are a lot of buyers who haven’t seen the bags. They are difficult to tell if single or double layer. Even Pickering didn’t know when he was testing one until rupture. IMHO…. |
They have been told.
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I also recently ordered a Pilot-RC fuel bag for my matrix (from Banana Hobby).
My bag is most definitely 2 layers. I can see a total of 4 layers between the top and bottom seams. On a related note, has anyone seen any good photos of what a good mounting job looks like with the included mounting system? https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...832ecaecac.jpg |
Page 14 of the Pilot manual has a few photos. You can find the book on the Pilot web site.
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I took a closer look at the Pilot fuel bag and it is double wall!
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ok cool, thanks, they must have made the required changes
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Originally Posted by Racer686
(Post 12794640)
I'm glad you are doing this build thread, I bought the Turbine Ready Pro version and will be going over every inch myself to make sure she is maiden ready in the near future. I was impressed with the whole kit when I received it about a month ago. paint finish is not as smooth to the touch (there is this drag) as my Rebel Pro, I am going to clay bar it to see if it smooths it a bit. Are you using the Pilot RC UAT or something else? I have an FCT UAT in the shop but am not sure if it's necessary, if the Pilot version is good?
Pete |
Originally Posted by tmgreen64
(Post 12800899)
If you get time can you please tell us how it compairs to your ranger, I wanted something a little larger than the ranger. I guess by now you got a few flights on it please tell us a little about the flying and landing speed. thanks
t green I owned a Rebel and loved it, but I'm on my second Matrix if that's saying anything, and am seriously eyeing the 2.8m. |
Originally Posted by tmgreen64
(Post 12812094)
Just a little info, might help out the next person with their build. I do not have the VT Matrix and have a kingtech 130G5 in it. With the turbine battery up front on the supplied tray, the receivers batteries needed to be placed way back almost to the tank, it is a pain to get them in and
out. So I made this tray and the CG seem to be just right. This way I can get the batteries in an out much easier. I am going to paint it so it looks nice. One other thing: I cannot get full flaps with the servos arm supplied. I am going to work on that today. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...e67cd99a95.jpg Going off memory, i balanced nearly perfectly in this configuration with the supplied cg jig before flight, with radio batteries centered on the tray. After maiden I moved the batteries back as stated and added a half ounce of lead to the tail. CG is perfect now, and I must say this jet prefers an aft cg. I use about 5/32" of crow with landing flaps, and still need around 1/8" of down elevator, going off memory. |
I have had my Matrix over an year now. It is a very nice airplane to fly and can really fly slow. It would be a good first jet (non-vectored).
I recently upgraded to a CM Jets 3l bag tank. I removed the stock Kevlar tank and MAP UAT. I think the weight was reduced approximately 300g. I cannot find the orignal weight, but I weighed the parts that came out and they were more than 400g. Because the UAT was way up front, I thought the airplane would be tail heavy after the conversion. Turns out it was nose heavy and I needed to move one battery back near the CG. The X132 I use is quite light and a heavier turbine would be tail heavy. I also redid all the electronics using the mounts Aeropanda supplies. This makes it very neat and tidy. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...3d58bc8f5.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...9a1bb9681.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...324902d0c.jpeg |
Hi,
I've had some issues: 1. One of the CM Jets fuel bags I got leaked. Appearantly a seam failed. It filled my fueslage with fuel. Carlos said he'd take care of me, but so far it looks like I'm eating it. 2. I hit a tree, which I've flow by 1,000's of times. Got too low and two close. I was having so much fun. That wrecked the fuselage and left wing. The stabs and righ wing surived. 3. I bought a new airframe from Banana Hobbies. The prices are going up. The wing clips are on the bottom now. 4. I got right eye trouble and cannot fly (or drive). I hope it gets better, because having my last flight be a crash really stinks. 5. Here are photos of V2. I was able to reuse many key parts. Only one servo was damaged from the crash. The new kits have no option for a solid tank, they come with a bag. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...835a16971.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...5e0d41a65.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...6f75cc021.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...1410219bf.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...075e8ff19.jpeg |
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