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About to get in. Easy Star vs. Twinstar II

Posted by Ryan on May 3, 2009 at 8:36pm
Hello,I have known about this community for about 10 months and have been waiting until I have time to get into this stuff. I will be a Junior in the fall at the University of Michigan as an electrical engineer and just finished this semester.I got into RC aircraft about a year ago when I got a Belt CP helicopter. In November I also got a Slow Stick to get into fixed wing. Right now I am looking at the Twinstar II and Easy Star and am looking for any input regarding these platforms. I live on a small lake, and whichever I choose I plan to build into a seaplane. Is it feasible to have a water-based AP/UAV platform, or am I just wasting my time with this idea? I have several LIPOs so I will definitely go brushless right away. The main reason I am looking at the Twinstar is its very large surface area and it seems to have a large fuselage for gear. Once I get the new platform up and ready for the water, I will probably start working with the Ardupilot. I am also open to any other airframe suggestions that would be good for water.It has been interesting watching all the developments here over the past months.Thanks,Ryan
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Comments

  • Ryan May 5, 2009 at 1:30pm
    Oh, okay. That is good to know!
  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson May 5, 2009 at 1:13pm
    Gary's right. Water droplets on thermopile sensors are disastrous. Instant crash.
  • Ryan May 5, 2009 at 12:57pm
    I was really just thinking thin plastic, such as a few layers of food storage bag plastic. Just something to have some kind of barrier. It probably would not be too difficult to seal the main compartment with the receiver ,battery, and ardupilot board.
  • Moderator
    Gary Mortimer May 5, 2009 at 12:43pm
    Neither of those generate heat, but you would'nt want to encase the GPS too much and start blocking signals.

    I think water on the sensors would be more of a snag.
  • Ryan May 5, 2009 at 10:30am
    Thanks for the responses. I have also noticed Steve Shumate's Polaris seaplane.

    http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=922465&highligh...

    How much do all the Ardupilot components weigh? Also, does the EM406 GPS generate a lot of heat? If not, it probably wound't be too hard to encase it in something for waterproofing. Same with the FMA thermalpile sensor.
  • Moderator
    Gary Mortimer May 5, 2009 at 3:40am
    You could also have a look at Jarons seaplane... http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?u=176716
    jaron's blog - RC Groups
    RC Groups - the most active Radio Control model community: electric and fuel rc airplanes,rc helis,rc boats and rc cars. Features discussion forums,…
  • Moderator
    Gary Mortimer May 4, 2009 at 12:01am
    Hi Ryan

    The Twinstar is a fantastic airframe, many have been seaplaned....

    http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=543668

    They can be abused to bits with loading, I have taped cameras everywhere on them.

    My collegue even put a gallows mount ours. Thats airframe abuse! Pair of Hacker A20-22ls if memory serves correctly. 3200 lipo and about 40 minute flight times.

    Cheers

    G
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