Bixler 2 available now. Hobbyking promises better flight times
A few weeks ago Hobbyking revealed in a picture on their facebook that a new version of the Bixler was supposed to be coming. Today they listed it an ARF version on their site.
While keeping the features of the first Bixler (the plane is named after one of the Flitetest presenters) Hobbyking has managed to improve flight times by giving it a bigger wing area (wingspan of Bixler 1 was 1400mm, version 2 has a wingspan of 1500mm) and other design improvements. The Bixler 2 in ARF form comes with a lower kV motor that can handle bigger props (7x5 for this version, was 6x4 for the 'old' Bixler. By enlarging the canopy area you are more versatile in the FPV equipment you want to use or use a larger flight battery. Also, the canopy is clear plastic now (was black foam).
Flaps are optional. Although the plane comes with a provision to add flaps, you don't need to use them. If you still want to use them, then you need 2 9 gram servo's and a servo reverser to your cart.
The price for the Bixler 2 ARF is US$ 69.99 while you can still get the old Bixler in ARF form for US$ 49.82. It's unclear what that price difference is coming from, maybe they want to sell out the previous Bixler.
For more information and specifications see: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=...
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Comment by David M Eno on August 4, 2012 at 1:49pm -
You mean a zephyr II ? The two are in totally different leagues. A zepher is for you when you've flown a lot of skywalkers, easystars, or bixlers. They are very fast very labor intensive planes that require a background in FPV to use properly.
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Comment by Dave on August 4, 2012 at 2:00pm -
Thanks, that's what I needed to know.
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Comment by Eagle on August 5, 2012 at 7:58pm
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Cool... but do you know if the Electronics Chassis still fit on it? IMO the clear canopy is no use if you install Arduplane. For shedding wing I use good old velcro stripe. It works for now.
Already installed flaps. It's easy. Just need 2 servos... and some foam carving skills...
But it is cool that the Bixler airframe is getting upgraded. Great prototype.
This is some footage of my Bixler with flaps. I already posted it on DIY but I tought that this was a good place to post it a second time... ;)
Cheers, Eric
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...just ordered the Bixler II ...yea you'r right... i'm addicted.
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Comment by David M Eno on August 6, 2012 at 10:09am
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It doesn't look like they've made a single change to the canopy area. I really wish they would make it longer. I think I'll keep buying bixler 1's though. I can't afford that HK shipping from china when I can get them domestically.
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David I think you're right. I read some comments on RC channels and someone wrote that the canopy is the same. Great I will be able to use my 3DR chassis. I just received the email today saying that the large box is in the JIT Truck heading to the Hobbyking Front-End Warehouse. If i'm lucky I should receive the package in about 10-12 days. I agree with you about the $hipping co$t... you're lucky to have a HK warehouse in the US.
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Comment by David M Eno on August 10, 2012 at 5:01pm
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Well it's good that all your gear will fit ok. I'm still too nervous to really start chopping mine with a foam cutter to get what I want. I personally buy all my bixler (sky surfers) via an american outfit that must have imported a container or two from china and have a large room full of the models in stock. The US warehouse however has an awful record for having anything in stock. You can only really depend on batteries.
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3D Robotics Comment by Chris Anderson on August 13, 2012 at 10:32pm -
Mine just arrived. It's GREAT. Much better hardware than the first, all pre-assembled, and the design has loads of smart touches, like better ventilation, wing mounting (much longer carbon spar, and screws holding the wings in), and body stiffeners. I put it together in 20 minutes, compared with two evenings for the EasyStar 2. Love the big prop and better motor, too.
All in all, a big improvement. The only thing the EasyStar 2 has over it now is the folding prop (which I don't really care about) and the removable horizontal stabilizer. Given the much cheaper cost and the faster assembly, I think the Bixler 2 wins this round hands down.
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Comment by David M Eno on August 13, 2012 at 10:49pm
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I'll probably have to buy one then, but the skywalker has been very temping and my eagletree guts have wires going everywhere. I just think I need to get bigger rather than better.
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Comment by Martin Szymanski on August 13, 2012 at 11:11pm
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There are many variables that help flight time.
Mostly is the internal resistances of components especially batteries at hot summer weather day's.
Looking at Lipo's I've decided on a Gens Ace 40 to 60 C battery at 3S. The lower voltage though will require the wire to be a larger guage.
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