Author Topic: New Electric Stunter "Tsunami" (Read 3762 times)

Tim Stagg · « **on:** May 11, 2010, 08:14:01 AM »

Hi all,

Thought I would share my latest design the Tsunami. It was drawn to loosely resemble the Reno racer that crashed in the early 90's but they are now in the process of rebuilding it. My drawings were converted to solid works CAD by a friend of mine so I could make a composite fuse if the airplane flies well. I am happy to report that it flies very well. I have made about a dozen trimming flights while it was still in clear dope to make sure it was worth finishing.

Here are the specifications:

Wing area: 690
Weight ready to fly: 63 oz (with a pound of battery, could be lighter if I spend more on my batteries)
Motor: e-flite 32
Controller: castle creations Phoenix 65 (could go with 45 but I had a 65 not in use)
Timer: Zigra's Z-Tron
Prop: APC 13-4.5 Pusher (thanks Dennis)
Battery: Turnigy 3600 4S 30C

Lap times are around 5.2, pulls with authority and holds the hourglass. Still have some trimming to do but am very pleased so far.

Will have it at Brodak for anyone wanting a closer look

I have a lot more pictures to post but I need to figure out how to reduce the size of the images, will most more later.

Tim

linheart smith · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2010, 09:03:27 AM »

Tim,

Top Notch.

Please show engine/battery compartment.

Thanks for sharing.

Linheart

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2010, 10:19:32 AM »

Will do in a few days, just left for a business trip and need to take a few photos. The battery hatch is located on top and has magnets to secure. Very easy access the fuse is totally open inside. Wing was made in two pieces and joined with 2 carbon fiber tubes through fuse.

Tim

TDM · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2010, 01:36:28 PM »

Tim that is really gorgeous paint scheme. I love it.

Dorin

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2010, 02:04:08 PM »

Very Nice Indeed!!! well done

Matt Colan · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2010, 06:24:50 PM »

Very nice Tsunami!!! Looking foward to getting a good look at it when we go!

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2010, 09:22:05 PM »

Just GREAT! I will be looking forward to seeing this one too.

Way to go Tim!

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2010, 09:32:05 PM »

Sweeeet!

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2010, 10:51:26 PM »

I like it MUCH!
very clean attractive paint work, and I like the physical proportions a great deal also,, keep us posted as you fly it more please

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2010, 06:53:32 AM »

Thanks for all of the nice comments,

I will post more pictures when I get home later in the week, and keep you up to date on the progress.

Thanks Again

TDM · « **Reply #10 on:** May 14, 2010, 02:10:25 PM »

And the big questions?

Did it fly yet? What are you waiting for man.

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #11 on:** May 14, 2010, 07:38:13 PM »

I have not flown it since it has been painted, I did not add much paint so I don't anticipate that there will be much of a weight difference. Hopefully I will get a chance tomorrow or Sunday, Can not wait.

Dave Adamisin · « **Reply #12 on:** May 14, 2010, 09:41:40 PM »

Wow. You captured the original very well. A good trick for a semi scale stunter. Really nice job...

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #13 on:** May 15, 2010, 01:56:17 PM »

Thanks Dave

bob branch · « **Reply #14 on:** May 15, 2010, 06:58:54 PM »

Really neat how such a simple color scheme can look so stunning. Great Job!

bob branch

TDM · « **Reply #15 on:** May 18, 2010, 10:23:11 AM »

Indeed it is simple and elegant. Sexy beautiful paint scheme.

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #16 on:** June 02, 2010, 09:00:55 AM »

Guys,

I had almost given up on a governing setup for my Tsunami with an e-Flite 32, but after 5 calls to castle creations, and then just experimenting on my own because their setup ideas just did not work, I have it. 5.2 second laps, plenty of power on the up lines and slow on the down lines.....it is almost like cheating..........

Still have a few minor trimming issues to cure, but It should be ready for Brodak. I wish I had more time to practice, poor weather and to much traveling for work.....Darn.

Anyway, looking forward to swamping stories and setup ideas with all electric folks at Brodak.

May it be sunny all week with 5mph wind......well there is always hoping for it

bob branch · « **Reply #17 on:** June 02, 2010, 09:47:10 AM »

Tim

Great! Now be sure you write all the settings down in duplicate and put them in different places. ... don't ask me how I know.

HB~>bob branch

Mike Palko · « **Reply #18 on:** June 02, 2010, 09:50:16 PM »

Tim,

Awesome work!

I'll race you at Brodaks; Bardahl Miss Vs. Tsunami

Mike

bob branch · « **Reply #19 on:** June 03, 2010, 05:14:17 AM »

Is that a proposal for a new CL event? PAMPA full stunt rat race?

bob branch

Dean Pappas · « **Reply #20 on:** June 03, 2010, 06:25:58 AM »

Full Stunt E-Rat Race!
Golly ...

Dean

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #21 on:** June 03, 2010, 08:16:16 AM »

Mike,

I just spent months trying to figure out the controller for stunt, not changing the go fast settings NOW

Besides, the tsunami had a bad tendency to raise a flap at the wrong time, not that I am superstitious or anything.

Dean Pappas · « **Reply #22 on:** June 03, 2010, 09:30:53 AM »

Hi Tim,
Please educate me: what did either Castle or we here on the forum not explain well enough to help get you over the initial setup-hump?

Dean

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #23 on:** June 10, 2010, 07:03:52 PM »

Dean,

Let me start with Castle, They tried very hard to find a setup that worked for me, but they admitted themselves that they have never received much feedback from the control liner community on what setups work well, so they did the best they could. I did not mean to fault Castle in any way, they did try. secondly, this forum is a great resource, but until someone out there tries the same equipment the same prop etc.it is still a trail and error approach. Again, not a fault of the folks here on the forum.

What was frustrating is going through the trail and error process with a aircraft new design, new power package, and having only myself,electronic engineering challenged, this forum, which has no specific experience with my chosen equipment and Castle, which did try very hard, but as it turns out gave me the wrong advice for my motor, speed control and timer setup. I guess I am a gluten for punishment.

I have gotten a lot out of your past post and I do apologize if I offended anyone that tried to help me along the way, just venting in a public forum at my frustration.

I am very happy now and would be happy to share my current setup that is working well. just took me a while to figure it all out.

Thanks

Tim

Dean Pappas · « **Reply #24 on:** June 10, 2010, 08:49:59 PM »

Hi Tim,
I'm really just trying to figure out if we here are not doing a good job of explaining things.
How can we help if we don't know where the holes are?
I'm thrilled you are running well, and I have to spend some time with the guys at Castle.

thanks for the feedback,
Dean

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #25 on:** June 11, 2010, 01:30:11 PM »

Dean,

This forum is very helpful, but I have to admit that sometimes the explanations are a little over my head. I my profession i spend a lot of time educating my clients on how I can help them with a problem. The things that I find are very elementary to me, seem Greek to them, i constantly have to put things in very layman's terms for them to make sure they get it.

Although I consider myself a pretty smart guy at some things, I just seem to be really thick when it comes to motors, KV, amps, prop sizes and what makes things all work in harmony.

This is by no means a criticism of what you do on this forum, just make an assumption that you are explaining things to idiots like myself when it comes to this stuff.

For reference on how Castle led me down the wrong path they following turned out to be the opposite or different than what the suggested.

I was having the following problems, and using the following setup.

Castle Phoenix 65
e-flite 32 outrunner
ztron timer newest version from Mike Palko
APC 13-4.5 pusher prop
Trunigy 3600 30C 4 cell

Problems: Motor was surging with the governor setup and basically overriding or fighting the settings of the ztron i.e. the 3 motor blips did not work at all, the throttle pot will not work on governor mode, only when you use the auto calibrating throttle, etc.

Castle solution:

Use fixed RPM mode for governor
Use low timer setting for motor
use out Runner mode for : for motor hertz setting

What finally worked:

Governor low setting fixed at 9000 RPM all 3 settings
The middle * timer setting
The middle hertz * setting also the default setting

The motor throttle on the timer still does not work and 3 motor blips have been disabled.

Now it is flying great the governor is working and it does not surge, why, I have no idea but it works.

Dean Pappas · « **Reply #26 on:** June 13, 2010, 07:13:48 PM »

Understood ...
Do you have access to a servo-tester / pulse width meter?
Got an RCer buddy who does?
Find one and let's start anew thread about "coming to grips with governor mode"
Expect it to be boring but complete ...
later,
Dean

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #27 on:** June 20, 2010, 08:05:24 AM »

Dean,

Just got back from Brodaks.....what a ball. I will check around, with my buds. I have been flying RC for 30 years but I don't have one.

Will start a new thread on my setups and what I have done so far, I had a lot of questions asked about my models at Brodak.

That is scary the blind trying to lead the blind

Brodak Results for electric Stunt:

P-47: First, Advanced profile
Magician: Second, Advance Classic
Tsunami Third, Advance PAMPA- (Darn you Matt

)

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #28 on:** June 20, 2010, 06:42:31 PM »

Quote from: Tim Stagg on June 20, 2010, 08:05:24 AM

Brodak Results for electric Stunt:

P-47: First, Advanced profile
Magician: Second, Advance Classic
Tsunami Third, Advance PAMPA- (Darn you Matt )

Time CONGRATS on a darned good weeks work!

BTW this just in: Tsunami is the REAL deal. Looks like it flies great, and the appearance in flight is outstanding. They just keep getting bette3r folks!

Matt Colan · « **Reply #29 on:** June 21, 2010, 06:48:30 AM »

Quote from: Tim Stagg on June 20, 2010, 08:05:24 AM

Dean,

Just got back from Brodaks.....what a ball. I will check around, with my buds. I have been flying RC for 30 years but I don't have one.

Will start a new thread on my setups and what I have done so far, I had a lot of questions asked about my models at Brodak.

That is scary the blind trying to lead the blind

Brodak Results for electric Stunt:

P-47: First, Advanced profile
Magician: Second, Advance Classic
Tsunami Third, Advance PAMPA- (Darn you Matt )

Tim, when you were flying on Friday, I was getting nervous that you were going to beat me on Saturday. It was only two points.

I do still have privlelidge of flying the RC plane right, even though I almost crashed it (hey I hadn't flown RC in 4 years and was doing loops and snap rolls and spins)

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #30 on:** June 21, 2010, 07:44:51 AM »

Thanks Dennis, And yes Matt you still do have the privileged of flying my RC stuff, just don't show us old guys up with it

I was trying hard to beat you on Saturday................. well there's always next year, I will bring my A game.

Good job on the win you deserved it.

Tim

Matt Colan · « **Reply #31 on:** June 21, 2010, 07:56:44 AM »

Quote from: Tim Stagg on June 21, 2010, 07:44:51 AM

Thanks Dennis, And yes Matt you still do have the privileged of flying my RC stuff, just don't show us old guys up with it

I was trying hard to beat you on Saturday................. well there's always next year, I will bring my A game.

Good job on the win you deserved it.

Tim

Thanks Tim, now just imagine if Adrien entered in expert and not advanced, we would've been duking it out for the top spot.

Hopefully I'll be able to make it next year.

Mike Palko · « **Reply #32 on:** June 21, 2010, 11:03:47 AM »

Tim,

Great flying! I can't wait to see what design you will be flying next year.

Matt,

You held your own for having a bad needle on your second flight.

There is always a chance you will both be fighting it out in expert next year rather than advanced..... Oh, and dealing with Adrian again.

Mike

Matt Colan · « **Reply #33 on:** June 21, 2010, 11:49:53 AM »

Quote from: Mike Palko on June 21, 2010, 11:03:47 AM

Tim,

Great flying! I can't wait to see what design you will be flying next year.

Matt,

You held your own for having a bad needle on your second flight.

There is always a chance you will both be fighting it out in expert next year rather than advanced..... Oh, and dealing with Adrian again.

Mike

Thanks Mike, Yeah, I could be in expert by next year, just wonder if somebody at any contest we go to this year will boot me up.

Make sure you go to the Nats Mike, I got money you and Windy will be in the top 5 if the both of you fly the way you did this week

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #34 on:** June 21, 2010, 03:21:10 PM »

Thanks Mike,

I decided to move to expert if I placed 1st in any one of the classes I entered so I will be flying expert at your place and Northern Virginia this year. Not flying in my contest this year, way to much stuff going on trying to run a contest and fly too.

Hope to see lots more folks this year, pass the word around.

Thanks again.

Steve Fitton · « **Reply #35 on:** June 21, 2010, 06:09:02 PM »

Quote from: Tim Stagg on June 21, 2010, 03:21:10 PM

Thanks Mike,

I decided to move to expert if I placed 1st in any one of the classes I entered so I will be flying expert at your place and Northern Virginia this year. Not flying in my contest this year, way to much stuff going on trying to run a contest and fly too.

Hope to see lots more folks this year, pass the word around.

Thanks again.

Well done with the electric jobs up at Brodaks Tim! I look forward to flying against your Tsunami in expert at the NOVA contest!

John Cralley · « **Reply #36 on:** June 21, 2010, 07:06:27 PM »

Way to go Tim!!!

What were you flying in the Profile where you nailed a first place??

Bye the bye an electric Pat Johnston "Ringmaster 526" might be hard to beat in Profile -- would not run out of gas in the second flight

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #37 on:** June 22, 2010, 09:12:45 AM »

Thanks Steve,

Look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Tim

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #38 on:** June 22, 2010, 09:23:41 AM »

Thanks John,

My Profile plane was a bashed Brodak P40 to a P47, picture attached.

Specifics are:

Motor: e-Flite 15
Prop APC 12/6 Pusher
battery: Trunigy 4S 3600
Timer: Ztron
Controller: Castle 45
Lap Times: 5.2

John Cralley · « **Reply #39 on:** June 22, 2010, 11:18:32 AM »

That's a beauty Tim!! Obviously a labor of love.

What is the flight weight and line length?? Are you flying the "Control Line Governor Set RPM" mode with the CC 45??

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #40 on:** June 22, 2010, 04:32:30 PM »

John,

I will have to get back to you on weight and line length. This was actually a 3 day wonder from old oil soaked P40 to this.......three long days, but three days.

I had about 5 flights when I went to Brodak and I had no intention of placing with this airplane, we were still getting the control system trimmed out the day before Profile.

On the RPM set, I started there but could not get it to work on the CC without the RPM surging. I am using Governor low setting the a RPM of 9700 for all three settings. The actual RPM is about 8900 on the tach. This is very much still a work in progress and if I had to do it all over I would most likely move up to a little larger motor.....say an e-flite 25. I like e-flite's because I have a few sitting around from my RC stuff. The 15 is working pretty hard and draws more amps that I would like.

I believe my lines are in the 62' range eye to eye but need to verify and I still need to weigh the airplane. The only ply on the fuse is the motor mount and a tail wheel mount. No doublers....non needed.

Tim

John Cralley · « **Reply #41 on:** June 22, 2010, 08:05:58 PM »

Awesome Tim, You are saying that this is a convert from a previously glow powered model and in an almost unbelievably short time it came together as a winner. I think that speaks volumes about your flying and building skills --- especially your flying skill!!! I think, for you, the best is yet to come!!

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #42 on:** June 23, 2010, 09:49:35 AM »

Thanks John,

I think a little luck is involved there also

Here are the specs on the P47:

P47: Kit Bashed Brodak P40
Weight: 50 oz with battery (battery weighs 16 oz)
Motor: e-Flite 15, 950 KV
Battery: Turnigy Power Systems 4S 3600, 30-40C
Prop: APC 12-6 Thin Electric (Pusher)
Controller: Castle phoenix 45 (governor Low mode)
Timer: ztron set at 68% Power
Lap time: 5.1
Amp Draw: 2750 for 6 minute flight

Note on setup: This plane could use a little larger motor as well, the 15 draws a few more amps than I would like, and to get the performance I want, even at 68% of the available power, an e-flite 25 would be a perfect. I have plans for the fuse design if anyone is interested.

Michael Boucher · « **Reply #43 on:** June 26, 2010, 03:36:06 PM »

Hi Tim, Other than the P-40 outline, did you have to do any other changes to the Brodak P-40 plans? Thanks, Mike

Tim Stagg · « **Reply #44 on:** June 27, 2010, 05:03:02 AM »

Mike,

I lengthened the fuse about 3/4 of an inch, for aesthetics only really, did not seem to hurt the capabilities of the airplane. The fuse also has no plywood at all except for the firewall and the rear of the fuse behind the wing is a 3/8" truss with 1/16" sheeting over the top.

Thanks it.

Tim

Author Topic: New Electric Stunter "Tsunami" (Read 3762 times)

Dave Adamisin