Here is an example. Yesterday, Big Art came down to Muncie and we went flying @ West side park here in Muncie. I took our converted Brodak Vector ARF. I programmed the Phoenix controller to 10,920 rpm for the 10 x 5 prop and we flew it (4) times @ a 5.15 second lap time. This is the same set-up we used in the Oriental and guess what, it worked the same! We spent all our time trimming the airplane and messing with the handle spacing to get the airplane flying a good pattern. In (4) flights, I really felt good about how it was flying. But not once did we adjust the motor/controller. We did start out with a 6:00 minute flight time and by the 4rth flight, we backed it down to 5:30 which gave about 8 laps after the clover. (I really like Will Hublins timer!!!)
When it comes to a new airframe, I fully expect to be able to fly a pattern the first flight using a known set of power system components. Even with an unknown set-up, a short amount of testing on the ground should get you close enough to get a decent flight.
Now for the draw only back. It is nice to fly with no one else in the air because you can hear it. If there is someone else flying, flying by feel takes some getting used to. It was a real learning experience at Brokak this year when I was flying with at least (2) other flights on neighboring circles and I couldn't hear the airplane at all. Believe, me though, you get used to it very quickly!!
Archie Adamisin
Muncie, Indiana
Topic: Electrics Are Taking Over (Read 878 times)