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AdminPermalink Reply by Thomas J Coyle III on May 25, 2010 at 5:00pm

mark,

You can use the EZ* with the ArduMega as well as the Ardupilot and the ArduIMU even thought it does not have ailerons. The rudder will cause it to make a flat turn and generally forces the nose down a little so some up elevator helps.

However, it is not hard to add ailerons to the EZ* wings. I had one set professionally done by Readymaderc.com, but did the other two myself. The professionally done one looks better, but works no better than my own conversions. Also I would suggest adding a bigger rudder. If you search RC Groups, there are plent of EZ* build logs that can help you make the necessary conversions.

Regards,
TCIII

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Permalink Reply by mark on May 27, 2010 at 10:21pm

If you had to choose between the following two, which would you get for the ArduMega?

option 1

or

option 2

They seem to be much cheaper than the easy star.

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Morli on May 28, 2010 at 3:31am

Mark , I have flown option1 plenty of times. It was ok for normal flying but is short of space for any thing else other than the basics. you need to do some mod or loose the canopy if you need to get your Mega on it decently.

option 2 ,not tried but looks it will be short of space too for our needs.

Try option 3 ; Skywalker. I haven't flown it yet but you won't have trouble with space at all for all your goodies. I don't have any complains so far building it. :)
Cheers

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Permalink Reply by mark on May 28, 2010 at 9:05am

I've read a few stores on them breaking. This will be first RC plane. I want to learn and practice flying it first without the autopilot and then install the autopilot. I'll try to choose between the Easy Star and the Skywalker. For a first timer, do you think the skywalker is a good idea?

Also, if I were to get the skywalker, should I buy the Motor ESC Prof for $60?

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Permalink Reply by wilsonj on June 3, 2010 at 2:19pm

Hi Mark,

I'm currently flying the skywalker with ardupilot.

The skywalker is probably the easiest plane I have ever flown. Its a real floater. Perfect for a beginner. And so far it is proving to work very well with ardupilot.

That motor combo is good for the plane. I don't have the exact motor, but something very similar. More than enough power. I never fly with more than 60% throttle. It will only take a 9" prop too.

The only problem with this plane is its tail heavy. So use small light servos in the tail. I used hitec hs65s for a perfect fit.

Depending on what you will put in the front you may need a 3S5000ma battery just to get it to balance. But that will give 40min+ flight times.

Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by wilsonj on June 3, 2010 at 2:23pm

I should add, the plane is also very quick and easy to build, although it comes with no instructions, none are really needed.
You will also want to reinforce the wings with carbon. There is a thread on rcgroups about this.

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Adam AKAV8R on June 7, 2010 at 3:52am

Are you using ailerons on your Skywalker? Has anyone flown it with rudder and elevator only? If so what were the results?

Thanks

Adam a

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Permalink Reply by wilsonj on June 7, 2010 at 4:06am

Hi Adam,

I am using ailerons not rudder. Rudder is not really needed in this plane. If I ever build another one I will probably not have an active rudder. It just adds weight!

The dihedral in the wings keeps the plane very stable in turns, and it flys great with AP2.6 and an IMU.

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