Replies to This Discussion

3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on September 12, 2010 at 11:33am

I have--nice little platform, if pricey. It's better with the aileron wings.

In general foam planes are better for UAV training, given the likelyhood of crashes. The only case for balsa is more interior room. Any reason you don't want to go with the standard EasyStar?

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Rosenstein on September 12, 2010 at 2:41pm

I was hoping for the more-roomy interior. how much weight could the EasyStar hold? What modifications could I do to it to hold more?

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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on September 12, 2010 at 4:46pm

Are you just starting with RC and UAVs? If so, something that's crash-resistant like the EasyStar is a lot more important than interior room. If you're an experience RC pilot and cost is no object, the the mini telemaster is fine. The EasyStar can carry everything we need, including HD cameras, autopilots, loads of wireless gear, etc, but the mini telemaster does have more room inside (although it's not as easy to keep the payload centered on the CG.)

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DeveloperPermalink Reply by Doug Weibel on September 12, 2010 at 6:24pm

Two other choices which are similar and in the price range are the Alpha 40 electric and the NexStar Mini EP.

Foam does have durability advantages, especially if you are a poor RC pilot, but traditional balsa planes do have a big advantage that Chris did not mention. They fly faster, which makes navigation, particularly in wind, much easier.

If you are interested in interior room and capacity, but like the durability of the Easystar, then check out the Skywalker (best current deal is at BEVRC.com, I think).

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Rosenstein on September 12, 2010 at 6:34pm

BEVRC.com no longer exist....but I found it on http://www.fpvflying.com/categories/FPV-UAV-RC-modelplanes/ Is this what you were talking about?
Sam R.

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Permalink Reply by Donald Gallay on September 12, 2010 at 6:38pm

take a look at the new multiplex fun cub. I just got one and am building it up. It has lots of nice pockets for gear lots of room. It has ailerons,flaps, 55 inch wing, 40 oz stock weight should be real stable and its multiplex epp. It's goes for $120. I will know how it flies in a couple of days. hobby people has it on sale for $99. it evan has a tow release and realy big weels that will handel any surface and breaks down very nicely for transport

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Rosenstein on September 13, 2010 at 3:39pm

Cool. Yah, please keep me posted on how it flies. Is it flying with or without a payload?
Thanks,
Sam

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Rosenstein on September 13, 2010 at 6:35pm

Wooh. It cost $99 for just the kit, without any of the electronics. You need to buy the battery, charger and electronics kit for it separately. Then what does it come to?
Sam

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Permalink Reply by Donald Gallay on September 13, 2010 at 7:47pm

It will add up quickly. I all ready have the electronics.

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Permalink Reply by John_K on September 15, 2010 at 4:07am

Samuel,

You-may-want-to-consider-stock-wings-such-as-EasyStar-(TowerHobby)
or-Radian-(ParkZone)-with-3-stick-(triple-boom)-fuselage-and-1/4-in-foam-tailplane-(Lowes).
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?u=128179
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1300632

John

Please-pardon-the”-“
myspacebarbitthedust

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Permalink Reply by Stephen Wuest on November 14, 2010 at 7:12pm

My first real plane was a mini-Telemaster. 47" and about 3.5 lbs full up weight. It flew beautifully.

Some observations on how it flies:
- It is too light to avoid nosing over, when taking off and landing on grass. You will have a lot of bent motor shafts.
- It is very light for flying in any wind. A 5lb plane will be a lot more stable.
- A bigger plane will also have more fuselage room, for putting in cameras.
- You'll need wheels about 3" big to roll on grass.

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Permalink Reply by Paul G. on November 14, 2010 at 11:21pm

or mount the landing gear on the motor firewall - if your converting to electric you need new gear anyway so larger wheels and really far forward gear mount works well.

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