Post pics of your inside layout
 

New to large scale modeling and would like to see examples of interior layout. Looking for clean, efficient layout and wiring ideas. Also any other ideas to make the overall aircraft more functional. Shots of "Bling" are welcome. I currently have a WH 28% Edge 540 V2 but ideas from any aircraft would be appreciated. Looking for detail on:

Fuel Tank/Plumbing
Ignition Box
Smoke Tank/Plumbing
Overflow Vents
Smoke Pump
Battery/Regulator
Receiver
Switch and Wiring
Top Hatch Fastners and Quick Release
Windshield/Cockpit Section Mounting and Detail

Thanks

Fitz

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Come on guys no takers.

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

look back through the previous threads. there are plenty of setup photos to go by.

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Here are a couple pics of my setup in the 33% WH Extra 260. I like to keep things very simple.

Fuel Tank/Plumbing - I have a 2-line system. Some prefer 2-line, some prefer 3-line. Using clamps on all connections, I've not had a problem with air leaks with the 2-line system.
Ignition Box - I mounted my ignition according to 3W's instructions (4 grommets and 4 screws through the ignition's mounting plate).
Smoke Tank - Don't have one.
Overflow vent - I drilled a hole through the landing gear plate and used a Slim Line fitting (for gas). I like the fitting because there isn't a piece of fuel tubing hanging out the bottom of the plane. (Anal, I know). I use a Slim Line plug to plug the vent line when storing the plane; no fumes that way.
Smoke pump - No pump.
Battery/Regulator - I use two NiMH batteries (FAUP 1950) on the Rx and one FAUP 1950 on the ignition. Each battery is plugged into it's own switch. No regulators. For balance, the Rx batteries are mounted back behind the cockpit area. My ignition battery is mounted up by the engine.
Receiver - I use a single JR PCM. I started with an FM to make sure there were no glitches and then switched to the PCM. Going PCM is simply personal preference. I plan to switch to 2.4 GHz at some point.
Switch/Wiring - I use heavy duty JR switches with the integrated charge ports. I use 22 gauge (Cermark, JR, or Hitec) extensions. For the ailerons, I used the Double-Links from MPI (http://www.maxxprod.com/mpi/mpi-3.html) since I have two servos per wing half. They're listed about 2/3 down the Web page. I like them because you can secure them, and they keep the wiring arrangement very clean. I use shrink tubing on all connections.
Top Hatch Fastners and Quick Release - For securing the hatch, I drilled holes through the fuse that are just big enough for small diameter glow fuel tubing. The tubing is a little longer than the width of the fuselage. If you look close, you can see them sticking out past the side of the fuse. Tightening the screws (4-40) squashes the tubing, which fills the diameter of the drilled-through holes and keeps the screws from backing out due to vibration.
Windshield/Cockpit Section Mounting and Detail - I'm not big on using screws to secure canopies. I use RC56 glue because it holds well and is water clean-up. I bought a dashboard but ended up not putting it in. I don't have a pilot either. I will get a pilot at some point. I always use epoxy to secure pilots and dashboards.
Servos - I know you didn't ask, but I used Hitec 5955 servos everywhere except throttle. I have only about 70 flights on the plane, but so far I really like them.
Choke - Another one you didn't ask about, but .... I don't have a choke servo. I can get to my choke from outside the plane and so just flip it on until the engine pops and then release the choke to start.
Kill switch - Another one you didn't ask about, but .... I use a SmartFly optical kill switch. I have it set up on a switch on my Tx. It has performed flawlessly. Some people believe kill switches are absolutely needed, and some believe they're a waste of money and nothing more than a marketing ploy. I feel more comfortable having one.

A couple general disclaimers given so many RCU threads turn into arguments, this product is better than that product, my plane is better than your plane, etc. - 1) I'm not affiliated with any of the companies whose products I mentioned; 2) I'm not endorsing any of the products I use or make any claims that they are better than competitors'; 3) Configuration aspects such as using two Rx batteries or a kill switch are just my personal choices; ask people why they use the setups they do and than decide which you feel the most comfortable with; 4) Using 5955 servos everywhere is simply a personal choice; there are less expensive alternatives.

As can be seen from the pic of the plane, I don't have any bling.[8D]

Hope the info helps. Best of luck with your new plane.

Dan

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Dan,

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering how long it would take to get a response. This was my first inquiry on RCU. I have been flying helicopters for the last 15 years and would have had dozens of hits on a heli chat board by now. Thanks for the photos and narrative. This was exactly what I was looking for. You have a beautiful model with great attention to detail. Don't sell yourself short on the bling. That polished landing gear did not go unnoticed!

I purchased my aircraft as a package deal RTF on RCU and am generally pleased. I am quickly learning the strengths and weaknesses of the design and setup. Your input has provided insight in some areas and confirmed my ideas on others.

My plane currently has a 3 line fuel setup. The tank does not empty completely and I am considering re-rigging the clunk line. I think that I might try the two line system out. I was considering modifying my overflow vents for the fuel and smoke tank to exactly the hardware you are using. This is much cleaner than my current hole in the bottom with fuel line sticking out. I didn't think about the ability to plug the line to keep the gas smell out of mama's minivan!

I am using a single big fromeco pack and regulator with a single switch (I think it's an MPI, it has 3 LED'S next to the charge port). I figured that the single setup has worked reliably on high end helicopters for years so why switch.

I have been using a Spektrum DX7 since they came out on my helicopters. The system works flawlessly. It is liberating if you go to contests. Get one, you will love it. Went to the IRCHA event in Muncie again this year. 712 registered pilots, all but around 100 were using Spektrum with no frequency control. No issues during the 5 day event!

I like your solution for hatch/canopy fastners. I still would like to see some of the quick release options.

My canopy is in need of some serious improvement. Are you using the RC56 between the lexan and the ultracote or are you cutting the covering away at the glue joint?? I would be happy with a windshield that was totally black, maybe with a carbon fiber weave look instead of the clear/tint. I have no desire for a pilot or cockpit detail.

I have Hitec 5965's on the Ailerons. This is my first experience with Hitec and I really like them. The biggest advantage that I see is the ability to use the servo programmer. I borrowed a programmer and really enjoyed the setup. I am using a single channel to drive the ailerons and everything is totally symmetric with correct geometry and throw. I have 8611a's on the elevator and rudder and kind of wish I had the Hitec for the programmability. My rudder servo is constantly chattering. I think that if I had the Hitec I could increase the deadband one unit and the issue would go away.

Thanks again for your input.

Fitz

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Thanks. Though the scheme I ended up doing is very conservative compared to many planes anymore, I like how it turned out. One time my wife said my design seems a little dull. I told her I like to think of it as "classic."

Polishing the landing gear did take a while. Started out with a couple different courseness levels of steel wool and then finished it with a couple different grits of wet/dry sandpaper. Prior to the maiden flight, I ended up swapping the original gear with the gear from a Carden 35% Edge, so I "got to" polish a second set. Cleaning it up now-and-then with aluminum polish keeps it shining.

If you end up sticking with the fuel line hanging out the bottom, you can always just use a nail or screw to plug the vent line after flying. Also, Great Planes makes aluminum plugs for glow fuel line, though I'm not sure if they're big enough for whatever fuel line you're using.

I'm definitely going to go the 2.4GHz route at some point. There have been days at my field where 5 of us are on the same frequency. You do a lot of sitting around waiting for your turn.

I use it between the canopy and ultracote. I just make sure the covering is ironed down really well. In the event I need to remove the canopy for some reason, it'll take the covering with the canopy but the balsa beneath will still be in good shape. Cutting away the covering may provide a stronger bond, but you'll likely take off pieces of balsa with the canopy should you have to remove the canopy.

Dan

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Here's the inside of my 41% Wild Hare extra.

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

It takes forever to upload a picture from where I'm at. Take a look at the 35% Sukhoi and 28% Sukhette build threads. There's a bunch of high resolution pictures in both. Also look in the Edge v-2 thread for some that will suit your plane.

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Here are a couple pics of my 29% WH Sukhoi...

Jason

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Great pictures guys. That 41% Extra is clean!

Henna, I see you are using Thunder Power Lipo power. Is that for the ignition, the radio or both? Also under what load, if any are you checking your batteries at the field. What is your "stop fly" voltage?

Does anyone run one battery pack for both the radio and the ignition or is the standard two?

Fitz

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Whats the purpose of looping the fuel line around the tank? It looks like the tank vent.

Fitz

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Yes, it's the vent line. It's so fuel doesn't run out the vent line when you stand the plane on its nose or when doing downlines in flight. On my plane, I don't get any fuel out the vent line if doing IMAC manuevers. If doing something a little more violent like Lomcevaks, I'll get some dribble down the bottom of the plane from the vent.

Dan

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Thanks

Fitz

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Not the inside shots you are asking for but...
Rather than risk cross threading a bolt into the t nut- I have JB welded a stud and use a plastic wing nut (no pun intended :D) inside the fuse.

The cowl shot is of my two needle valve "chases" that enable adjustments with the cowl in place.
Have a better shot ( cowl off) if interested.

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Jaguar,

Cool ideas and great graphics. Thanks for the Post.

Fitz

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Here is a bett6er pic of the tuning chases. I use a 6" long straight slot driver that fits snugly in the diameter to make the adjustments.
Graphics on my EF YAK came from REDAERORC.com
Ask q's if you have em' about the SD Extra 260 installs.

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Jaguar,

Love the rudder servo horn! I know that you have put screws in the throttle/choke servo horns since the photo!

Is the screw through the wing tube nessesary? I assume it is to keep the spar from sliding off of center.

Fitz

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

I do try to keep an easy goin' spirit about this hobby - hence the German Mickey.

Fer sure about the servo horn screws. I have been flying this EXTRA for about a year now. All wires are collected & zipped tie-ed real tidy.
I personally prefer to have the wing spar anchored. For me, it makes removal and install o the wing panels easier that way.

Did you pick up on the aileron servo plug tower? I added a velcro strap that wraps over the top and grips at the bottom to keep connection secure. Works great too - IMO.
I should take some completed shots of the installation and some of my EF YAK!

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Fitz,
I have two 2S-2100 Lipos for power. I end up using the same Fromeco 8-ball on the lipos that are used on Li-Ions. I have yet to hit a stop fly voltage (generally I'd say on my 2S packs I try to quit at 7.6v or higher.) I always have a Lipo charger so it's easy to take a break and feed the Lipos (though not a necessity yet). I have 5 HS-5955's and power consumption is not too bad. Voltage drops about 0.10 volts per flight so from 8.4 ot 7.6 is ~ 8 flights. The ignition doesn't go through much at all and will barely dip below 8.0v on a day of flying.

I think you'll find that folks try to electrically isolate the ignition from the radio components - ignition noise is a bad thing with radios so 2 batts is probably standard...

Jason

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Thanks for the info. It has always been a little grey to me on the Lipos. As you know, overdischarging a Lipo only one time can cause damage. A Liion system like Duralite makes it very clear that under a 1 amp load the stop fly voltage is 6.9. I have been using this rule of thumb with my fromeco and have had no problems.

Fitz

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Could anyone with A123 setup on a 50cc ship post some pics of your inside layout?

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Ill try and get a shot of mine later tonite for ya :D

ok here are a bunch of pictures . don't know if the clarity is good enough to show the A123 setup and the battery isn't located permanently yet as I am going to be balancing it sometime this week. as you can see I don't have much room to work living in a single bedroom apt. and also being paralysed from the chest down don't help much either, so If I can get one of these birds together and ready ( almost ) to fly, anyone can do it.

Also any good shop has to have good ventilation and entertainment , check out the custom inverted wall mount I made for my vertical Oscillating fan & the the wall mounted 42" LCD:D

I think I got the plane in Nov of last year and as funds and health allowed I have progressed bit by bit ...

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

Awesome job. I love your room and your work!

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

I know what your saying about the appartment. Most of the time when im working on a plane its on my workbench aka bed :) I somehow got a drop of epoxy on my sheets the other night wasn't to happy bout that. [:@]

RE: Post pics of your inside layout
 

haha been there with the epoxy, thats why the big ole green towel is on the bed, keeps the little wood and sometimes metal fragments off the bed too :D