Good Glider Platform for APM-- NEED ADVICE

UPDATE : I have discarded the Zephyr V70 option due to input from you guys . I am now torn between these :

Bixler 2
Phoenix 2000 (again space problem) (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__13994__Phoenix_2000_EPO_...)
DG -1000 (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25411__DG_1000_Fibreglas...)
Please Suggest

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Hi Guys,

I had been checking out the Zephyr v70 V-Tail Glider as an APM platform, but am not sure if all the GPS and telemetry, most importantly the APM 1 board with Oilpan will fit in it.

I am planning on running it on a 3S 2200mAh LiPo, so I get some extra space there, but the APM seems awfully large and if it fits, it will be a tight fit with the R/C Rx.

If someone has the Zephyr, it being such a popular glider, I would like to know their opinion.

Another question - does the current ArduPlane code support V-Tail mixing? Its probably there, but needs to be enabled in the code manually???

Product Page: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=22703

Kabir

I know you are trying to decide between those three airframes, but I also have to suggest a Bixler-1 as a glider. I can go 10 minutes from my house to a field with an excellent updraft and keep mine in the air for 40 minutes easy with 10% throttle and a 2100mAh battery. My neck gives out before the plane does.

There is a HUGE community and parts for the Bixler-1 for APM, FPV, and general RC. That doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the sister planes - Sky Surfer and EasyStar. Must of the APM development here has been done based on the Bixler-1 airframe.

The Bixler-2 has been announced less than a month and I personally don't know anyone with it yet. In a way I hope you get it because I want to hear from someone else what challenges there were. If you want to pioneer on these airframes I encourage you to go for it - I appreciate this community, but just realize if you start on an airframe that few people have you may have problems getting specific answers to problems.

Good luck on your decision and we hope to see your progress soon!

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Comments

100KM

crystal garris August 31, 2012 at 4:07am

"...stay away from this..." i mean the zephyr .
Ger Harris August 30, 2012 at 7:06am

Good luck with the Bixler-2! It looks like the APM guys here are already tearing it up. : )
100KM

crystal garris August 30, 2012 at 3:08am

V tail mixing absolutely can be computed buy APM2 er an arduino . here is the formula .

a = x/2 - y/2
b = x/2 + y/2

but good decision to stay away from this as a UAV .
Developer

Kabir August 30, 2012 at 1:32am

Thanks guys! Then I would like to go for the Bixler 2. Let's start the work on the new bixler then. I'll keep you guys updated. I like the challenge.
Ger Harris August 29, 2012 at 11:59am

I know you are trying to decide between those three airframes, but I also have to suggest a Bixler-1 as a glider.   I can go 10 minutes from my house to a field with an excellent updraft and keep mine in the air for 40 minutes easy with 10% throttle and a 2100mAh battery.   My neck gives out before the plane does.

There is a HUGE community and parts for the Bixler-1 for APM, FPV, and general RC. That doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the sister planes - Sky Surfer and EasyStar.   Must of the APM development here has been done based on the Bixler-1 airframe.

The Bixler-2 has been announced less than a month and I personally don't know anyone with it yet.   In a way I hope you get it because I want to hear from someone else what challenges there were.    If you want to pioneer on these airframes I encourage you to go for it - I appreciate this community, but just realize if you start on an airframe that few people have you may have problems getting specific answers to problems.

Good luck on your decision and we hope to see your progress soon!
David M Eno August 29, 2012 at 11:37am

Bixler/Skysurfer/Easystar or Skywalker are the first two planes you should think about owning. Both are good. You should have nothing to do with a fiber body until you have a lot of experience.
Developer
Kabir August 29, 2012 at 9:26am
Thanks for the input guys, Presently I am torn between these. Please suggest.
- Bixler 2
- Phoenix 2000 (again space problem) (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__13994__Phoenix_2000_EPO_...)
- DG -1000 (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25411__DG_1000_Fibreglas...)
Ellison Chan August 29, 2012 at 9:24am

So when HK says on the product page, are they being misleading?

One of the first things to strike you when flying the V-70 is how beautifully balanced it is, the pilot feels immediately at home and locked in, even at high speed. The aerobatic ability of the Zephyr is mind warping, combine this with the impressive off throttle glide and you have an amazingly wide flight envelope but open that throttle and you are greeted with a turbine like sound like no other EDF Jet, it's so addictive! Jaw dropping Looks, high speed performance, amazing aerobatic ability, quality, durability, practicality and innovation.....the Durafly Zephyr V-70.....the ultimate foamy!
Paul Marsh August 29, 2012 at 8:31am

Hi Mohammed,

This is a sexy looking aircraft, but a dog in the air. One of our guys has one. I had run into the wind to get the thing in the air for him. It's surprisingly heavy. Even once airborne it has little thrust, a.k.a. speed. I would not try this with an autopilot.

Thanks,
Paul
Christiaan van Vollenstee August 29, 2012 at 7:04am

Hello,

Be safe and buy the bixler 1, its perfect for what you want to do.

This reply was deleted.