E-flight Edge 540 [Archive] - WattFlyer RC Electric Flight Forums

HACKER_RULES

09-09-2005, 02:38 PM

Hi Troops,
just received and started to assemble one of the new Mini Edge 540 by E-flight. Construction is alot more robust around the engine and u/c mount when compared with the Mini Funtana so with luck won't come apart on the first landing. Will use the stock gearbox and prop with the park 400 4200kv motor on 3 lipos. Should get a test flight in the next couple of days, then I will update you all on the performance.

Cheers HR

debhicks

09-09-2005, 11:31 PM

Great,

Let us know how that goes and the problems you had putting it together. We'll pass it on to our customers and refer to your link on this forum. :) Good way to get new people on the group. It's a pretty plane though isn't it!!

Not a good enough flyer myself to fly it but my Husband may.

Cheers.

Foamiesrfun

09-10-2005, 03:28 AM

Mike Parsons

09-11-2005, 02:30 AM

A build thread is in order :)

pattypilot

09-12-2005, 01:15 PM

ultimate bipe lover

09-13-2005, 09:54 PM

ive almost finished mine stayed up to one building last night lol .Im testing a motor for AON electric in this plane with the stock gearbox and 12-6 prop even tho itll prolly need a 11-4-7 , the motor im testing is a AON thrust series 2415-4900kv and it fits right into the gearbox without the motor adapter for the park 400 ok ill get her finished in a few days and give a flight report and pics

Foamiesrfun

09-13-2005, 11:06 PM

Hey Everyone. I just finished mine this weekend.The building was fine. great cover job.The fiberglass cowl isnt very pretty, lump's up and it's wavy. No real trouble until I fired up the motor, all hell broke loose.I guess that the e clip was not installed, the prop and shaft took off. I'm calling Horizion today. Double check to see if the e clip in installed on the back side of the gear box, BEFORE you test your motor. Well more later. Patty pilot.

Welcome to the site and well wow,I think this is why you should allways check things like that.sorry that happened to you. I would like to see some pictures and some video of this plane flying.Some real video not the factorys.

Darrell_F

09-14-2005, 12:40 AM

I've got one on the way. I haven't decided how to power it; and I have several options. I have Himax 2025-4200, Razor 2500, and an AXI 2808. I'm not a 3d flyer and want this to fly more like a pattern plane. Any suggestions on which motor to use will be appreciated.

Darrell_F

ultimate bipe lover

09-14-2005, 03:58 AM

use the 2808 for pattern i know a guy that used one in a mini-funtana here and it rocked

HACKER_RULES

09-17-2005, 02:06 PM

Hi Troops,
finaly finished my Edge and have carried out a very quick test flight (sun had almost set ). The build was very straight forward, the only change I made was to swap the elevator and rudder horn locations to the opposite sides as to get a better pushrod geometry.This ment that the battery had to be fitted as far forward as posible to achive CG, but with the rudder servo in the tail location the RX was then able to be mounted more neatly in middle of the fuse.The servo lead runs are much neater this way and the battery also is totally free of clutter.
As the first flight was only very short not much flight envelope exploration was done, but it didn't display any bad habits. Landing speed seems a bit higher than the Funtana but much more pleasant.
Will have more flight reports when the weather permits.

Cheers HR

ultimate bipe lover

09-18-2005, 04:26 AM

well guys i finally got a good few flights outta my edge. first i noticed a much higher speed then the mf at lower throttle and it entered a hover good and held a torque roll great even sped up in a torque roll very cool im using this plane as a test bed for AON's thrust series 4900kv 2415 inrunner brushless with a Eflite gearbox,11-4-7 prop and thunder power 2100 3 cell. plenty of poweronly pulling about 18 amps and the motor runs pretty hot but stays within its limit even with a gws heatsink(370 type). im happy with this setup but right now vertical is minimal because of higher amp draw due to more power but ill experiment with props with my whattmeter(a neccesity for e-flight by the way) and see what i can figure out

dwsc

09-27-2005, 02:18 AM

I got mine flying this evening, all i can say is wow! I think it fly's great I do need to get a heatsink for the motor it is getting alittle warm, I am using a jeti 30 esc and a AON 4900 kv motor, 2000 kokam 15c. where is everybody's cg coming out at, mine is farther back than 2 1/8 and i need to set the controller to no brake and soft timing. I am going to like this little plane.

Wolfewind

09-27-2005, 02:33 AM

Hi All,

This is my first post at Wattflyer, so I am new here but not a newbie. I have this plane under construction. I agree that it looks like a stronger airframe than the Mini-Funtana. It is a gorgeous airplane. Not sure when I will get to finish mine - work is demanding right now - but am looking forward to the maiden. I will fly mine more as an aerobat than a 3D and will probably use the HiMax 2025-4200. Have been flying an UltrFly Extra 300S which looks very similar to this one.

Is anyone else using this motor, and if so, what prop are you using?

livinma1

09-30-2005, 04:12 PM

I believe when I finally purchase mine I will throw in a 2025-5300. I know lots are getting really nice results with that motor. Checkout e-flightline and you shall see. :D

pyr0burn23

09-30-2005, 04:38 PM

yes, Hacker motors do rule! I've got a Hacker A30-28S in mine, with a Castle Creations Phoenix 45, spinning an APC SF 10 x 4.7. I use cheap 3s1p 2000 mAh packs, with an 8C discharge rate, which is sufficient. The only issue I'm facing is that I have to push the CG back a little farther than where it says. I'm not sure if I'll use the pull-pull system for the rudder on my next EDGE 540 (I'll whack it in sooner or later...).

How much more effective is it on this size airplane?

DIALED/CHUCK

11-07-2005, 03:51 PM

Hey All.

Normally, I am a high speed wing-guy...but I decided to pick up an Eflite Edge for something different; different is good sometimes. Also, I wanted something that can get away flying at a small field...and my wings, well, they like the flight club better and draw too much attention on the flight path.

Well, the first Eflite Edge was totalled within 30 seconds of the maiden and a lesson was learned...NEVER----EVER---EVER---will I go single conversion again unless it is JR or BERG; range checks on a HS4mg were perfect...once in the air..it was a different story. About 40 feet out, she started flying like a wounded moth and slammed into a tree...falling 75 feet. (I am normally a PCM or DC guy)...I was stupid and paid the price.
I have been flying long enough to know better.

And so it was to be that I went back to the LHS for Edge #2...
I have almost finished putting it together....up front...a HETRC 4W with a Cobri gearbox and a 12X4...LOTS of power for the pull and within the strength of the ply and balsa.

One question: I have heard that the CG specified in teh booklet likes to give a very challenging land (nose heavy) and that there is another sweet spot for the CG once you become accustomed to the plane....

Can I get some posts of your CG's? Where do you like it? How does it perform?

Thanks!

--C

Hotshot Charlie

11-07-2005, 04:12 PM

I should be making my maiden flight this week with my Mini Edge.... wish me luck !

Jimmy Hoffa

11-07-2005, 05:44 PM

Hey Chuck,
Remember me from the "old" stryker days at RCG? :D I'm glad to hear that you are giving the ME a shot. Sorry to hear about numero uno though. :(

I built mine with a Aon 2415 4900Kv and a Cobri GB with a 5.3 ratio. Even though I mounted the rudder servo up front in the pull pull configuration, I still had to add lead weight in the nose to get the CG to 60mm.:mad: I'm running a TP 2100 pushed all the way against the firewall. This CG is great for pattern stuff and the plane is a rocket with a APC SF 9x6 prop. It's pulling a little over 20 amps and producing 195 watts. I plan to add a Aon heat sink and an Aluminum spinner to maintain the CG and "get the lead out"(as DJ's say). ;) I may in the future change the ratio to a 6.6 and try a 11x4.7 prop to see how it 3D's.

I've heard many different recommendations for CG though and nobody seems to agree. I would start with 60mm and then do your own experiments and let us know what you find. Mine flys so well at 60mm that I haven't even messed with it.
Phillip

Faspro

11-07-2005, 06:53 PM

I am building this plane right now and have a question about a set up for the plane. I want to know if this set up would work for simple sport flying (snap rolls, barrel rolls, loops). I saw a plane from Hobby-Lobby called the Prodigy and it's size is basically the same as the Edge. I wish I saw the Prodigy first because I already have the set up for it. I have a conversion I did of a Neo-Fun Classic 1/2A which is larger and heavier than these two planes and really moves. Could I use this set up on the Edge and do some of the basics? Right now I am not interested in Hovering and some of the more extreme aerobatics. I would probably get a foamie (http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=2624) for that later. The specs are below.

Thanks,

Anthony

Prodigy

Wingspan: 37.5
Wing Area: 309 sq. in
Flying weight: 21.6 oz.
Length: 39.5 in.

Power system: AXI 2212/26 brushless (http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=1904), 11x5.5 Eprop, Jeti Advance plus 18 amp ESC (http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=2596), Thunder Power 3s 1320mah 11.1 batt.

E-flite Edge 540

Wingspan: 37.25
Length: 34 in.
Wing Area: 297 sq in.
Weight: 24 oz

DIALED/CHUCK

11-08-2005, 01:02 AM

Phillip,

A quick off topic:

My lord...you still remember that thread? WOW! I had to cool that down...at one point I was talking to no less than 6-10 guys a night on the phone from the groups. It was awesome but, alas...I have a family and career that both need me. :) Also...Horizon was getting enough free promotion.

Ps...have you seen those new fuses? Flimsy anyone? Turns out they were not making much on the RTF packages as we were all going out ad buying the fuses and nothing else. ...so a change was in order, I guess.

I moved on to wings and such faster mediums and now I bought this ME and am looking much forward to checking it out...a guy at our club has one with a nice power train and it does 3D and pattern like a dream...fast, slow, and tracks pretty good. I am not much for 3D...it appears to 'like' some relaxing pattern flying.

I'll go with 60mm (or I might use inches instead of MM's just to be different) and file a report.

Ps...the HET Typhoon 4W is a great 'penny pincher' coutnerpart to the Mega 16/15/4...Rpms are only a few hundred (228) less in DD apps and we have been beating them as hard as Megas...30 dollars less is better if you need to save some coin, but, at all costs, I still go with the megas.

I am running a HET 4W with a Cobri 3:1 and a 12X4 prop and pulling 26 amps when I tested it with a polyquest 3100 3s....(course, a 2100 would prolly only pull 19-22 as it would not have the juice to give me an accurate reading.

(a joke from our Stryker days....a 6X4 with a TP2100 will only pull 22 amps direct....right? LOL)
ahhhhhhh....the old days.

Be good...and thanks everyone.

--C

Jimmy Hoffa

11-08-2005, 01:14 AM

Chuck,
Only 3 cells? That's not the Chuck I know!:confused: I'm surprised that you are not running a 6 cell setup in the ME (with NO2)! :eek: He He He!;)

Please report your flight experiences on numero dos. I'm sure it will be better than the first one. As much as you like to experiment, I can hardly wait to hear what you do to the ME.
Phillip

DIALED/CHUCK

11-08-2005, 01:51 AM

Ha! You got a laugh out of me....not easy on a monday.

The only thing I am doing different is throwing an Electron 6 in there so I can do some flapperon mixing and flaps for the utmost tightness of loops.

Of course, there will be an on-board DVD player and 100watt stereo system...but that is nothing impressive.

I will be down in O-town for the Childrens Miracle Network convention again this coming March...lets definitely hook up for a few flights.

You're the greatest!

--C

watt_the?!

11-08-2005, 10:12 PM

hey predator!

make sure that the elevator is around the right way mate....it is very important.

watt_the?!

11-08-2005, 10:16 PM

just thought i might post a pic of predator's (hacker rules) favourite plane..:p

as you can see the master pilot and his wares...flew like a champion!

watt_the?!

11-08-2005, 10:18 PM

Hey All.

Well, the first Eflite Edge was totalled within 30 seconds of the maiden and a lesson was learned...NEVER----EVER---EVER---will I go single conversion again unless it is JR or BERG; range checks on a HS4mg were perfect...once in the air..it was a different story. About 40 feet out, she started flying like a wounded moth and slammed into a tree...falling 75 feet. (I am normally a PCM or DC guy)...I was stupid and paid the price.
I have been flying long enough to know better.

oh no chuck..say it aint so!

never mind, my aircraft world su31 lasted about 10 seconds as i failed to do the preflight and didnt notice the elevator around the wrong way...flying long enough to know better too.

Tim.

DIALED/CHUCK

11-09-2005, 12:17 AM

Watt...

Yes it was so...Funny you say Su27....I had a not so polite experience with one of those myself when the motor mount tore off on one of my insano power setups.

back to the ME...

I have heard a good deal of guys complain about the warped cowling...yep, my second one was warped so bad it looked like a fresh oil painting that was left out in the rain. I used a monokote iron to heat it up until it got flimsy and shape it back...worked like a dream!!!

PS...everyone who has this issue and does not have the time or desire to try and be a sculptor should email HORIZON HOBBY and let them know about this...they need to know a good cross section of their cowlings are being warped during the covering process....prolly a result of the demand. These things are selling pretty hot according to the numbers I saw.

...as I shaped out the warp, I was reminded of an elton john classic

"If I was a sculptor...but then again...no...or a man who reshaped cowlings... so his.... fuse would all flow..."

--C

Jimmy Hoffa

11-09-2005, 05:06 PM

Chuck,
Mine was warped a little on the top surface only. I stuffed a small towel inside to get the correct shape since it was indented and then carefully heated it with my mono heat gun. Good as new. :cool:
Phillip

DIALED/CHUCK

11-09-2005, 06:21 PM

Hey Phillip...I just talked to a guy who used his wife's 1000watt hair dryer...his cowling has the best hold in town. LOL!

On to the CG...

Okay...what are the AUW's around here? Mine is still tail heavy with a Polyquest 3100 WAAAAY up in the nose....I need to add 1-3 oz more....

Also...I noticed one of the ribs inside was cracked! NICE! I reinforced with come CA and Balsa. Looks like I got a bad one on #2....

--C

Jimmy Hoffa

11-09-2005, 07:02 PM

Chuck,
My ME came in at 21.5oz with everything except the battery.

To get the CG at 60mm, I had to use 3 of those weights that come in a bar that you cut. I think they are 1/4 oz each but I'm not really sure.

That cracked rib should be fine, just try not to laugh! Ba da pa! :p
Phillip

DIALED/CHUCK

11-10-2005, 07:03 PM

JH (Phillip)

Even Kate Moss saw the ribs and said 'Man those are thin!'.... :)

Thanks for the laugh...I needed that!

--C

Rugar

11-10-2005, 07:55 PM

I built mine with a Aon 2415 4900Kv and a Cobri GB with a 5.3 ratio. Even though I mounted the rudder servo up front in the pull pull configuration, I still had to add lead weight in the nose to get the CG to 60mm.:mad: I'm running a TP 2100 pushed all the way against the firewall. This CG is great for pattern stuff and the plane is a rocket with a APC SF 9x6 prop. It's pulling a little over 20 amps and producing 195 watts. I plan to add a Aon heat sink and an Aluminum spinner to maintain the CG and "get the lead out"(as DJ's say). ;) I may in the future change the ratio to a 6.6 and try a 11x4.7 prop to see how it 3D's.

Phillip

Phillip,
I tested that motor for AON in my Mini Funtana. I still fly it every now and then and have about 75 flights on it now and its still going strong. I originally ran it at the recommended power range that your running yours at, but not long. At 195 watts your still in first gear with that AON motor. :D

Here is a link to the review I did on it.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=366540&highlight=Mini+Funtana+AON+

Jimmy Hoffa

11-10-2005, 09:01 PM

At 195 watts your still in first gear with that AON motor. :D

I know, I'm skeared to hit second, the wings might pop off!:eek: I have a APC SF 9x7.5 that would really wake it up. I read some of your post and the 11x7E could also be a good choice.
Phillip

Taildragger726

12-05-2005, 05:22 AM

The AEON was not a simple drop in,, I had great,,I MEAN UNREAL verticle till my 30 amp sc cut off. The Watt meter said almost 40 amps! Proped down from the stock 12X6 to a 10X3.8 . Still had great power and a much more managable amp draw. It works for me.

Jeff Boyd 2

12-18-2005, 12:15 PM

Hi Guys . . finished my Mini Edge last night and maidened it today. It was a bit windy, but I just can't help myself . . when I have finished a new model I gotta fly it!

Mine weighs in at 730g (about 25oz.) set up with a Himax motor (unbranded) B2325-4700 with 5.4:1 gearbox turning an APC 11:4.7 wide blade prop, running at 240W @ 23A static. Jeti 30A ESC, 11.1V (3S1P) 1800mAh LiPo. JR 9X computer radio, Eflite micro servo on the rudder using pull-pull system and Tower Pro 9g Servos on other surfaces. CG is right on the rear measurement of what they recommended in the manual.

I was pretty impressed with the performance, punched the throttle and it took off in about 10 feet and flew verticle until I backed it off. Trimmed it out at about half throttle, and flies nice lazy pattern style flying at about 1/3 throttle. It hovers at 1/2 throttle with this setup and pulls verticle with ease.

The landings on the other hand are another story. The approach is fine, but just as I get about 3 foot off the ground it just drops out of the sky (kinda like drops its nose a little and stops flying). Managed to save it by punching the throttle but it can catch you out. Did about 14 or 15 landings just to experiment but it's not really a nice lander. I am thinking that the tailplane is a little short on area and just stalls out (stops flying before the wing does) causing the nose to drop. I think I will build another stab with an extra 1 1/2" in span and another 3/4" in cord, I think this will fix it. My guess is that they scaled it down from their gasser model a little too closely, and it's not quite right.

Anyway, I will do some more testing and no doubt it will get better with some trimming. Bit of a shame cause it's beatifully made and looks absolutely stunning . . it just doesn't fly as well as it looks.

Here's some pics I took AFTER the maiden (In my haste, I forgot the before pics . .)

Rugar

12-18-2005, 12:34 PM

The landings on the other hand are another story. The approach is fine, but just as I get about 3 foot off the groung it just drops out of the sky (kinda like drops its nose a little and stops flying). Managed to save it by punching the throttle but it can catch you out. Did about 14 or 15 landings just to experiment but it's not really a nice lander. I am thinking that the tailplane is a little short on area and just stalls out (stops flying before the wing does) causing the nose to drop. I think I will build another stab with an extra 1 1/2" in span and another 3/4" in cord, I think this will fix it. My guess is that they scaled it down from their gasser model a little too closely, and it's not quite right.

Apparently your not the only one with this issue.
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20990&postcount=16

Jeff Boyd 2

12-18-2005, 12:49 PM

Jimmy Hoffa

12-18-2005, 01:15 PM

The landings on the other hand are another story. The approach is fine, but just as I get about 3 foot off the groung it just drops out of the sky (kinda like drops its nose a little and stops flying).
Jeff,
I agree with your assessment of the landing issues. To get a perfect landing, you have to bring it in hot and just hold it off at 1' or less until it has slowed enough to smoothly touch down. I only land this plane on a smooth paved surface and it requires quite a long landing because of the speed that I approach at.

My Mini Funtana was very similar until I installed a Hacker A20-20L and a TP 1320 Pro-lite battery. To get the CG in line I had to mount the RX and speed controller on the FRONT of the firewall. The 3 or 4 oz weight loss changed the MF from a "brick" to a balloon! :cool: It will now land as slow as a Slow Stik and it fly's fantastic! :D I'm considering this same setup in the Mini Edge. The ME does weigh several ounces more than the MF so verticle performance would probably be less.

IMHO, the Mini Edge is the best looking plane in it's class.
Phillip

Elfwreck

12-21-2005, 05:47 PM

Rugar

12-21-2005, 05:59 PM

Hi Rugar, thanks I checked out the comment, but I really don't think it's CG related. The approach is fine, with full control . . and all of a sudden it goes kinda weird on ya . . definitely feels like it's a back end problem.
(I think it could also do with a little more wing area for the weight too . . it flies kinda heavy).

Hey . . is that a Fliton Extra in your pic ? . . is it yours ? They are an awesome model . . I bet that doesn't have any landing issues ! ! !

Yes that's my Fliton Extra. No landing issues at all :D. Just cut power and start a down decent to touch down.
Here is a link to the build thread on WattFlyer.
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3094

DIALED/CHUCK

12-21-2005, 06:55 PM

I got my second....first one dumped 30 seconds into the maiden....the second one was bought months ago...is assembled...and waiting for me to get out the the club with the paved runway.

I am shell-shocked to try the new one....

I have landed many fuse planes (at the club and the few I own)...but I am wondering if the CG is 'Off' in the instructions....

Plus...I chuckled as I read the posts about a 1320 3s!!!! I have to put a 3100 in there to get the CG on...I figured if it needed all the extra weight...it might as well be battery....I tried a 2000, 2100, 2600, and finally the 3100 to get the 'CG dialed to spec'....

Thoughts on CG?

Elf...what is your CG? Sounds like you are getting the performance I wanted. I plan on flying it Friday at the club...

but again...I normally like my speed...I got this more to have some kind of common ground with the dudes of the club.

--C

Park_Pilot

12-21-2005, 07:34 PM

Hey now,
I've seen a lot of posts about how both the MF and ME don't land well.
I have both, fly them often, and never had any trouble with landings, even dead stick.
From what I've seen most folks are triming them so they're right at stall point in glide, set up that way of course you're going to have landing issues. At a fly in last october I had a motor conection come loose at altitude with the MF. All the folks who owned one (or read these threads) wrote it off right there. I heard lots of "oh well, it *was* a nice plane, too bad." As I dropped the nose a click or two circled the runway twice in pattern waiting for the heli to get clear and set her down easy. An absolute greaser of a landing. Did the same thing on purpose with the ME, just shut her down up high glided around a bit and brought her in clean.
I s'pose my soaring experience kicked in, but that's beside the point. These plasnes land just fine if you don't try to fly at stall speed.
RobII

This is also my feeling about the ME. After reading several posts where people were complaining about how difficult it was to land and the bad snapping habits it has, I concluded that these planes were really flying bricks. But when I had the chance to see one fly, I was so surprise to see how it fly and land (on grass!) that I bought one.

Mine flies really well and I didn't attempt to save any weight. The motor is a geared (Astro micro gearbox) Medusa 28mm motor (70g). I use TP Prolite 3s-2000 and 3S-2100 batteries. I set the CG at 60mm as suggested by other members.

Samuel

Jimmy Hoffa

12-22-2005, 02:41 AM

Plus...I chuckled as I read the posts about a 1320 3s!!!! I have to put a 3100 in there to get the CG on...I figured if it needed all the extra weight...it might as well be battery....I tried a 2000, 2100, 2600, and finally the 3100 to get the 'CG dialed to spec'....

Chuck,
I was afraid there could be a CG issue with a "lite" setup. Did you use the pull-pull mounting for your rudder servo? I've decided to continue using my Aon 2415, Cobri GB and TP 2100 to keep the CG in spec with out adding lead weight.

Let us know how it goes on your second maiden. To start out, don't use too much control throws and dail in at least 60% expo. Once you get confortable, you can always tune it up. :cool:
Phillip

Jeff Boyd 2

12-22-2005, 09:35 AM

Hi Guys.

Have put about 10 full flights on the ME now, and it has improved, however it is still very much work in progress.

I actually taped some corex sheet (coreflute - a stiff fluted plastic used by signwriters) to the trailing edge of the elevators, which increased the area by about 50 sq. cm. (7 1/2 sq. in.) per side and reduced the elevator throw by about 20%. It seems to fly better and has greater elevator authority at slower speeds. I will properly "back to back" this against the standard setup in the next few days, and make a decision as to whether I modify the stab and make new longer and wider elevators for it.

I have also experimented with flaps setup to drop the ailerons 6mm (about 1/4") and landings are now more stable.
I think in fairness, I was tryin to fly it like a foamy at the start, and it's not one at all ! ! It flies more like a sports model gasser, so don't expect it to float in for a landing, it won't. I am definitely greasing the landings now (although I do still bring it in pretty hot.). I had a deadstick (lost the clamp on prop) and just kept the nose down to keep the air speed up, and had no problems. I love the way it flies, precision aerobatics are nice (point rolls are spot on), it loves to snap roll, inverted flat spins are easy and look great, actually it likes anything inverted (harriers, etc.) as it is so stable this way.

The link below is a guy by the name of Kyle with some of the best flying of a ME I have ever seen. This guy is very talented ! ! However you will note at the end, his landing is more of a controlled crash than anything . . and believe me, this guy can really fly . . so it has to be the model ! ? (NB. Not even Horizon's own promotional video shows a landing . .hmmmm??)

http://www.e-flightline.com/movies/Mini%20Edge%20540%20Kyle.wmv

Enjoy ! !

Just rechecked my CG . . 63mm. Sound OK ? ?

Jeff Boyd 2

12-22-2005, 10:05 AM

DIALED/CHUCK

12-22-2005, 11:05 AM

Chuck,
I was afraid there could be a CG issue with a "lite" setup. Did you use the pull-pull mounting for your rudder servo? I've decided to continue using my Aon 2415, Cobri GB and TP 2100 to keep the CG in spec with out adding lead weight.

Let us know how it goes on your second maiden. To start out, don't use too much control throws and dail in at least 60% expo. Once you get confortable, you can always tune it up. :cool:
Phillip

Senior Hoffa,

No, I did not use the pull-pull...I rear mounted the servo with the available hole...I know from the wings that the slightest amount of weight to the rear requires almost 3X the weight up front to balance...but thin wire Pull-Pulls do not give me the direct control I need (some say I am a control freak! :) )

I went with a HET 4w and a cobri and I have a Polyquest 3s 3100 12/15c up front. I admit, when I blanced it and picked it up....I too said "Man, this boys a brick"....

It 'should' fly tomorrow. I am heading out to the club for a whole day.

--C

Elfwreck

12-22-2005, 05:01 PM

Hey now,
Wow, the thread took off! Um I'm running my c/g at 60mm. I also have "snap flaps" activated and the raised ailerons may affect the landings a bit. I have yet to have a bad landing with this model.
I don't come in terribly hot, but I don't try to harrier it in either.
I know lot's of guys who fly better than I do but I can land smoother than 90% of them, mostly because I took the time to properly learn how to land and still spend a flight or two practicing every now and then.
I wish I had video to prove this cuz I'm sure some of you folk don't believe it. Cest` la poo poo...
RobII

Jimmy Hoffa

12-22-2005, 09:47 PM

Chuck,
I initially assembled mine with the rudder servo in the rear, after a CG check I moved it up front before I maidend it. I now have an extra servo hole in the rear of the fusalage! :rolleyes: I think you will find that a pull-pull setup has excellent control. This is the first time I have used one and I'm impressed. Just get the wires tight. Please let us know how the flight goes and good luck. :cool:
Phillip

debhicks

12-22-2005, 09:50 PM

Once you go pull pull you'll never do anything else. Unless you have to:)

Jimmy Hoffa

12-22-2005, 09:57 PM

[quote]
Rob,
I [I]do believe you and know what you are talking about. I've seen a guy do some unbelievable flying and then land his Mini Funtana so hard that the fusalage cracked between the leading edge of the wing and the cowling! :eek:
I enjoy the challenge of "grease" landings with these planes (ME & MF) and always concentrate on a smooth landing. No matter how good of a flight you do, it just doesn't look skilled if you balloon on final approach or slam it into the ground. I also used to pride myself smooth landings when flying my full scale Piper Arrow III.
Phillip

DIALED/CHUCK

12-22-2005, 10:02 PM

Every plane I have used pull-pull on (unless it was CF rods on a scale) led to issues of some kind....guess I am just gunshy.

--C

Rugar

12-22-2005, 10:06 PM

Thanks, Gerald. Great thread.

I am building a Katana 40 (56") 3D model. Here's the thread http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1572 .

I'm putting a Hyperion outrunner in it and initial tests show that I should be around 750W in the finish (tested on 4S2P but will be running 5S2P). Do you think this will be enough power for the Fliton Extra? I'd love to get one of them for this EP setup.

Cheers, Jeff

Without trying to take this thread off subject, if you can keep it under 6lbs AUW, probably. I don't know any specs on that motor or the weight of your Battery. I know of one guy on RCG who got his to 5.5lbs and 750watts and it flew well.

Jeff Boyd 2

12-22-2005, 11:59 PM

I believe you Rob ! ! As I said, I grease landings with it now, and I pride myself on it. It's kinda like "signing off" on a good flight.

What I do know for sure, is that I have had much better landing aircraft in the past.

Merry Christmas, and happy flying.

Jeff Boyd 2

12-23-2005, 12:03 AM

Thanks, Gerald. I think I'll get one. 750W is only about 43A with a 15 x 8 APCE on 5S . . so I'll be able to prop it up for more watts.

Merry Christmas from OZ,

Jeff

DIALED/CHUCK

12-24-2005, 12:07 AM

Well...today was it...literally.

Out at the flight field...the edge CG dialed...ready for take-off....

I stalled all day long buzzing the club's flight-line with 100+ mph passes from my flying wings (LOTS OF WIND) and answering the throng of questions about 'them'.

Then Ray, my flying buddy yells "Hey Hot-Shot...when you gonna show me what you can do with a RUDDER on the back of a plane?!"

We walked to the runway...I kissed her gingerly...set 'er down and thottled up.

Perfect maiden...landed back on the runway no problem.

This plane LIKES throttle on landing...about 5/8 throttle for me with the heavy polyquest 3100...

Flying a plane at 40MPH did not thrill me....

FOR SALE.

Thanks again, though, all.

--C

Jimmy Hoffa

12-24-2005, 03:57 AM

Flying a plane at 40MPH did not thrill me....

Yeah, but it looked good at 40! :cool: He He He! Glad to hear the maiden went well. Maybe you should fly it a little more to see if you warm up to it. I mean, what's a used ME worth? :confused: A few more flights won't depreciate it. :D Try experimenting with the CG, expos and contol throws.
Phillip

DIALED/CHUCK

12-24-2005, 11:30 AM

I mean, what's a used ME worth?

In the words of Rainman "Bouda hunerd dollars...yeah...bouda hunderd dollers"....

I'll hang on to it...but you KNOW me...and I am hoping Santa brings me a DF!

Lets keep in touch!

--C

Jeff Boyd 2

12-24-2005, 11:47 AM

Hi Chuck . . . good effort with your maiden . .

My guess is that with your setup you are weighing in at about 770g (27oz.) . . if so, this is way too heavy. You will need to mount your rudder servo up in the middle with pull/pull and run a lighter LiPo.

If this bird weighed about 600g (20oz.), it would be awesome . . BUT . . no matter what we do, it aint ever gunna be that light ! . . oh well . . mines still a ball at 730g. I won't be selling it (though it crossed my mind after the maiden!).

Jimmy Hoffa

12-24-2005, 01:05 PM

Chuck,
Jeff is correct about the weight. If you can get lighten it up, it will be a whole different airplane. A 3 or 4oz weight loss on my Mini Funtana completely changed it's flight charastics for the better. In the future, I'm going to try and put the ME on a weight loss program. Hopefully I will be able to keep the CG to spec. I had to mount my RX and ESC on the front of the firewall on the MF. I'm sure the same setup will be necessary in the ME.
Phillip

Elfwreck

12-25-2005, 10:53 PM

Hey now,
On the weight issue; has any one noticed that the colour layering isn't cut out underneath? Stripping off all that plastic and recovering it with Solite or Oracover lite would save more than an ounce or two.
A guy at the "Ebil" forums claimed he lost three and a half ounces from his just by doing this. Sounds a little high to me, but it's still save a bunch of weight.
If you want to get crazy while it's uncovered you could get wild with your Foredom tool, er, sorry, Dremal moto-tool, and cut/grind away all kinds of extrainious wood. You don't need that much fire wall, or all those antenna supports in the fuse, and the re-enforcements for the servos are overbuilt. If you don't mind a crash being a total write off you could safely get rid of quite a lot of material.
Something to think about...where did I put those steel bits for my Foredom...
RobII

Jeff Boyd 2

12-26-2005, 12:50 AM

Hi Rob, yeah I noticed the covering . . the whole thing has nearly been covered twice ! ! . . hahahaha . . looks nice but sure adds a bit of weight.

I might look at your suggestions if I crash it, and I will have a look at all the wood . . may cut out the battery floor plate and replace it with a couple of carbon strips for a start. Then I have an outrunner that could go in it saving about an ounce, then maybe move the elevator servo up into the middle with a pull/pull system, and run a lighter LiPo.

I think this could save about 3 oz. with minimal effort . . maybe more. Hmmmmmmmmm . . one day . . meanwhile I have a couple of other projects on the go.

PS. Phillip, did you do anything structurally to save weight with the MF?

Jimmy Hoffa

12-26-2005, 01:19 AM

PS. Phillip, did you do anything structurally to save weight with the MF?
Jeff,
Nothing structural. Only motor and battery. I flew both the MF and ME this morning and I can tell you the Funtana will fly rings around the Edge. The Edge flys like a man hole cover and the Funtana floats like a Slow Stick. The light weight Funtana doesn't fall out of a hoover like it used to.

If the the Edge didn't look so good, it would be gone! You and Rob have some good ideas about getting the weight down. For now, my Edge is set up more for speed with a Aon 2415 4900Kv 28mm BL motor on a Cobri GB. I'm running a 5.3 ratio with a APC 10x7 SF prop. I fly it predominately pattern with only an occasional hoover.
Phillip

Jeff Boyd 2

12-26-2005, 04:31 AM

Jeff,
The Edge flys like a man hole cover . . . Phillip

Hahahahahahahaha . . Yep . . good description . . . Love it !!

Jeff Boyd 2

12-27-2005, 04:04 AM

Hi Guys,

Just for interest, I found this neat program http://sky.prohosting.com/air2/cg_calc.htm , and entered my Mini Edge data.
It tells me that it has a stall speed of 14 1/2 MPH (23.2 KMH) . . so the landing speed needs to be higher than that . . say . . 16 to 17 MPH (maybe even higher to land without wing rock?). Try jogging at that . . that's fast.
But I have to say, landing on a nice stretch of open pavement, it lands quite sweet (bit like a 1/2A Pylon Racer) . . just gets a bit tight landing on a square of mown grass about 25yrds x 20yrds (cricket pitch) in the middle of a park . . but this is where I mainly fly, so I gotta live with it :-).

DIALED/CHUCK

12-27-2005, 06:24 AM

Hoffa and Jeff....ya nailed it!

Guys at the club here are putting 10X7's on them as well for the speed as the consensus was that 'these things like to go fast'...again, I am predominantly a delta and wing flyer so when they said 'Speed'....I started listenin'.

One guy here says he can get knife edge loops out of it...but I have yet to hook up with him to fly together....then again...two planes...exact same scheme....flying together....:eek: is that YOURS OR MINE?...OH NO!!! WHO OWNS THE BUICK IN THE PARKING LOT....UHHH....LET ME GET MY INSURANCE CARD.

I flew mine the other day again at the club...the crosswind was so bad my approach looked like a Texas side-step line dance.

Thanks for all the help dialing mine in...the second time was the 'charm'.

--C

Jeff Boyd 2

12-29-2005, 03:23 PM

Does anyone know where I can get a new set of Langing Gear for the ME?

Mine delaminated right on the bend at the right side of the fuse the first day. I landed a couple of times a bit heavy, but nothing more than bounces. It should have handled that easily. I've been using CA on it after every session to keep it together.

Jimmy Hoffa

12-29-2005, 03:49 PM

Does anyone know where I can get a new set of Langing Gear for the ME?

The stock gear, which is presently out of stock, can be purchased here:

http://tinyurl.com/cqvl9 (http://tinyurl.com/cqvl9)

A nice set of aftermarket aluminum gear can be purchased here:

http://tinyurl.com/c5dpc (http://tinyurl.com/c5dpc)

Phillip

Malves

12-31-2005, 06:04 AM

Here's my ME540 on the works.:) Expecting an AUW of 22oz.

Jimmy Hoffa

12-31-2005, 12:32 PM

Here's my ME540 on the works.:) Expecting an AUW of 22oz.
Nice job, good looking plane! :cool: Please follow up with a flight report on how it flys at that weight. What motor and battery are you using? If it's anything like the light weight Mini Funtana, the difference will be dramatic.
Phillip

Jeff Boyd 2

12-31-2005, 01:17 PM

Thanks, Phillip . . good info.

Jeff Boyd 2

12-31-2005, 01:19 PM

Hi Malves,

Hey, what made you decide to change the covering? . . certainly looks different in your scheme. Nice job.

What else did you do to lighten it?

Cheers, Jeff

Malves

12-31-2005, 06:58 PM

Setup will be:

Apache S30-30T
10x7E and 11x5.5E
CC-25
Futaba RF156
2 Futaba S3108
2 E-Flite S75
Tanic 1550 or 1760 or 2220

The plane's weight with canopy and cowl is at 11.8oz right now. I also weighed all hardware in their packages, servos, Rx, and prop, added the motor/mount (3oz), ESC, and it came at 18oz. The AUW will depend on the pack I use, and that gives me a range from 22 to 23oz.

Only thing that I did to the plane to reduce weigth was only the recovering. I didn't touch the airframe. The stock scheme has lots of overlaps. Also, I am using light eletronics. (motor is 2.7oz, mount is ply, servos are all 7.5g, micro rx)

One of the reasons for the recovering is that I didn't like the stock scheme. They should've kept the H9 33% 540 scheme colors.:) Also I wanted to give this covering thing a try.;)

I am working on the cowl, but I have a problem already. After sanding (to remove the gloss) and priming, I let it dry and hit it with white gloss. But the stock red bled thru and now I have a white and pink cowl.:mad: Gonna have to send the whole thing and prime again.:rolleyes:

Don't know if you guys noticed, but I also sealed the gap between ailerons/ wings, and elev/stab. Here's a better pic of it. Rudder to Vstab don't need it.:)

dennismadamsrc

03-14-2006, 03:59 AM

Well i guess i got to get in this. I built my mini edge 540 as per plans, except i used a nipper 10-25-114. It flew fast! But it was heavy, about 25 oz. So i installed a hacker 20-22 and a 20 amp controler and installed the pull pull rudder system, made a much larger rudder, gave it a lot more evevator, re-covered the bottom of the wings with lite covering.. anyway i got the weight down to 20.2 oz. I'm useing a tp1320,(no landing gear cuz i fly off grass) and this thing is a blast to fly now !! The blenders are a thing to see, elevators are nice and the waterfalls are a blure. This plane is a keeper now. But i think that i will make some extensions on the elevators anyway just to see what happens.

dennismadamsrc

03-14-2006, 04:37 AM

http://pic2.picturetrail.com/VOL1024/4411025/9328603/133214090.jpg
Its still a work in progress, but it IS FUN TO FLY !

Jeff Boyd 2

03-14-2006, 02:32 PM

Looks good Dennis . .

At around 20 oz. it would fly very nicely. At that weight with that rudder, I would say KE loops would be a strong possibility.

I would like to get mine down to that weight, but I don't have the motivation . . yet ! !

dennismadamsrc

03-15-2006, 03:27 AM

Yes it does fly good at this weight, much better than my Katana mini. The Katana won't do a proper blender yet, and the rudder is a joke. I like the way that the edge snaps into maneuvers, though it could use more elevator. I guess that i got spoiled with foamies.

Jeff Boyd 2

03-20-2006, 10:06 AM

I like the way that the edge snaps into maneuvers, though it could use more elevator. I guess that i got spoiled with foamies.

Yes, I added some coreflute material to extend the elevators of mine as an experiment. Definitely improved it. Made the elevator more responsive. I could use less throw for the same effect, and it reduced the tendency for it to snap using large amounts of elevator.

Give it a try. Clear tape both sides holds it firm.

warbird46

04-29-2006, 08:01 AM

The E-Edge is a great ARF. Almost a pleasure to build. Reminds me of my big gassers the way it goes together and it uses a whole lot less of my work table.

I put an E-flight 480 outrunner on mine with a 3S-2100 and 11/7E apc. Balance was near perfect with the battery all the way forward. Verticals are outstanding. I was a little disappointed with it's 3D capability especially compared to the Yak I've been flying, but it's a fine pattern ship. It was a very windy day when I test flew it though so I'll reserve further 3D comments until I fly it on a calmer day.

-Andrew

dickdavis66

02-12-2007, 04:31 AM

I'm putting mine together as we speak. I'm going to use the push-pull setup for the rudder and I plan to use E-flight's 370 brushless outrunner, (no gearbox). Any thoughts on using the 370?

Dick

dickdavis66

02-12-2007, 04:36 AM

Warbird 46, I have a 480 also. Do you think it would work better than the 370? I'm not going to be doing any 3D stuff, just pattern work.

Dick

DIALED/CHUCK

02-12-2007, 05:22 PM

The Edge likes the 480 very much....

Seeing the stall speed of the Mini/Edge (different from the big brother) is pretty high scale-wise....that larger prop and thrust will serve you well.

Perhaps others have even more research...but I found the 480 was the best bet until my mini-edge met its fate when I blew an elevator servo....and had no flaps programmed for lift. ....they fold up nicely when they slam in from 100 feet, too! LOL!

Enjoy...once dialed in, it flies really nice and I agree it is more pattern than 3D.

All the best,

--C

dickdavis66

02-13-2007, 04:58 AM

Thanks D/C! I'll go with the 480. I've got to tell you this is one of the prettiest plane I've built. (Well, not exactly 'built' since the kit is very well done.) Sure hope it flies as good as it looks.

Dick

dickdavis66

02-15-2007, 05:39 AM

I changed my mind and went with the 370. I've got all the servos hooked up and plan to try her out this weekend.

dickdavis66

02-19-2007, 03:56 AM

I flew the Edge today but was disappointed. It was practically uncontrollable. I had the controls down to 40% but it still was very unstable. Any ideas?

dickdavis66

02-19-2007, 03:58 AM

I'm using a 9 4.5 prop. Should I be using a larger one with the eflite 370?

Jim Holloman

02-20-2007, 02:06 AM

I'm using a 9 4.5 prop. Should I be using a larger one with the eflite 370?

Dick,

I have never flown a ME, but I would check to ensure that the CG is correct, and not behind the recommended location. For the ME, I would try to get as close to the recommended location for the first few flights as feasible.

What is the weight? It is above 25 oz.? If so, then you have a weight problem.

How much expo do you have dialed in for the ailerons and elevator. I would try -60 initially.

Regarding the prop, do you have a watt meter? How many watts are you pulling at WOT? At 25 oz., I would want to see at least 200 watts (20 amps. at 3S or 10 volts).

The 9x4.5 seems small for the ME. I would rather see a 10x5.5 or even a 12x6.

These are some ideas to check and consider. Do so at your own risk. As I said, I don't have a ME.

Jim Holloman

02-20-2007, 02:31 AM

For someone that has both, how would you compare the flight performance of the mini-Edge 540 to the mini-Funtanta?

My current impression is that most would say that the mini-Funtana flies better.

Ribcracker

02-20-2007, 04:54 AM

Jim,
I have both and I think I like the Edge better. They are so similar in performance that it's hard to judge. When I finally had to replace my beat up but much loved Funtana, I discovered that it's been discontinued and very hard to find so I thought the next closest thing was the Edge. I was not disappointed! And I believe that it's being discontinued too so I'm thinking of getting another one for down the road. I've seen them on sale for $50 so they're probably clearing them out. Get'm while you can.
BTW, I'm using the e-flite 480. Awesome!

Jim Holloman

02-20-2007, 05:40 AM

Thanks, Ribcracker.

I guess you know about the Funtana X, an upgrade of the original Mini-Funtanta for $110.00. Recommended motor is the Park 480.

$50.00 for a ME would be a very good deal. For that price, I could hang one on the wall as a static display model.

gymnast

02-21-2007, 01:14 AM

the 370 is way too small for the mini edge. no wonder it doesn't fly well. A bigger prop will definatly halp as well.

Jimmy Hoffa

02-21-2007, 03:45 AM

For someone that has both, how would you compare the flight performance of the mini-Edge 540 to the mini-Funtanta?

My current impression is that most would say that the mini-Funtana flies better.
I've been flying both of them since they first came out. That's over 2 years for the MF and year and a half for the ME. The ME is a much "hotter" plane than the MF due to it's higher wing loading. The Funtana will float better, land slower and actually 3D hover in the hands of a pilot that is less than a professional. The Edge can be a tricky, but it does a beautiful Blender (inverted flat spin), a nice knife edge and has better penetration than the Funtana. If it's windy, I will fly the Edge over the Funtana.
Phillip

ORD2FRA

03-21-2007, 07:17 PM

Mini Edge/Park 480 BL Motor Combo: $84.99

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL2225COMBO

Sold!

r1derbike

03-22-2007, 04:24 AM

Yep! Just picked-up one and it arrived today. Nice looking! Cheap with the 480 too!

Uh-oh...I just saw the Ultimate FX with 480 combo too...dang, had to order one of those too! Wing rock? Who cares? I can put-up with wing-rock for cheap!:D

Charles

r1derbike

03-22-2007, 04:26 AM

Thinking of putting a 1320 mah lighter lipo in this thing and running everything forward. Is the basic thought that light-makes-right, with this bird?

Charles

Jim Holloman

03-22-2007, 04:36 AM

Thanks, ORD2FRA, for the heads up.

I placed my order this afternoon.

Ribcracker

03-22-2007, 01:42 PM

r1der,
I ordered two combos and I already have the plane. The 480 usually sells for $70 so you're getting the plane for $15. Wow!
The ME really comes alive with the 1320. You might also want to try a 20c 1500 pack. Hold on to your hat!

ORD2FRA

03-22-2007, 02:10 PM

I took the web page printout to my LHS and they matched it.

Jim: I couldn't believe the combo either, a $70 motor with an airplane for $85! I just spent $130 last night on the ESC/Rx/servos. This will be a fun ride!

r1derbike

03-22-2007, 03:05 PM

I didn't see the Ultimate FX/480 combo on Horizon's webpage this AM...may be sold-out.

Charles

Nephite

03-22-2007, 07:53 PM

Here is the FX/480 link, shows they still have it.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL2175COMBO

r1derbike

03-23-2007, 03:18 AM

Good! I don't know what I did with the link. BTW, my Ultimate FX/480 combo was waiting on me (along with many lipo chargers) when I got home today. Horizon packs this stuff super good, and it gets here in only a few days.

Was hoping it would take another day-or-two. Now, I have to spend the next two nights building the Ultimate and Edge! Bummer!:D

I needed to charge 5 lipos after flying this evening, and the chargers couldn't have come at a better time.

All I need now is an E-flite Cub/480 combo, and some floats. Hope they have some more combo deals, can't get enough of them!

Charles

r1derbike

03-23-2007, 04:07 AM

Rib:

I couldn't believe the price of those combos either. That's cheap enough to buy several and their spares, when the inevitable happens. I had 7 radios I needed planes for, since I quit flying my gassers/nitro birds. Even my 3 giant-scale birds don't get flown any more. After 20 years of messing with combustion engines, I finally saw the light with electrics.

Charles

Screenshots, you want screenshots?

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v402/r1derbike/RC%20Aircraft%20-%20RealFlight%20G3%20Simulator/?start=all

ORD2FRA

03-26-2007, 03:40 PM

Some pics of my build:
http://www.pbase.com/image/76178046.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/76178048.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/76178050.jpg

aquaskiman

04-21-2007, 07:41 PM

When I looked up the link for the Ultimate FX 480 combo It said it is a BK400 motor????????? Is that right Thanks George

01SCSS

04-24-2007, 12:47 AM

ORD2FA-- Looks good. Question, can you not use the included spinner with the park 480? I just ordered the combo from horizon and was curious.

aquaskiman

04-26-2007, 03:39 PM

Jimmy Hoffa

04-26-2007, 11:23 PM

I don’t know what alot of:) you guys are talking about.
George
It stinks at 3D.:p
Phillip

Mr. Baggins

04-26-2007, 11:39 PM

You are right, it is a great flyer but it does come up short on the 3D stuff. A liitle on the porky side for it's size too I think. If you want pattern and big loops it is a nice bird.

01SCSS

04-27-2007, 05:21 AM

It stinks at 3D.:p
Phillip

Really......:rolleyes:

http://rcuvideos.com/item/FWN5S3B0ZPCMG9GT

hookedonflyin

04-27-2007, 06:06 AM

I must agree, came up real real short on 3d in my book

hookedonflyin

04-27-2007, 06:10 AM

wow 01scs, that video makes the edge look real nice. HUH, i can promise mine didnt perform like that. What motor is it in the video, or do you know?

01SCSS

04-27-2007, 06:53 AM

http://www.e-flightline.com/products/Mini%20power%20icon.jpg
Motor-- Himax 2025-5300
Gear box-- Cobri 20 12T Pinion-76T Spur
Prop-- APC 11x4.7
Battery-- 3s Tanic 2220

Jimmy Hoffa

04-27-2007, 12:17 PM

Really......:rolleyes:

http://rcuvideos.com/item/FWN5S3B0ZPCMG9GT

An expert pilot can make a plane look great. Try doing those moves yourself.
Phillip

Ribcracker

04-27-2007, 01:38 PM

Umm....we're talking about the plane, not the pilot.

01SCSS

04-27-2007, 05:59 PM

Umm....we're talking about the plane, not the pilot.

Bingo....

Jimmy Hoffa

04-27-2007, 07:22 PM

Bingo....
I've been flying the ME since November '05, maybe I missed something.:confused:
Phillip

eugenefelisco

04-27-2007, 09:44 PM

I just did the first flight on my Edge 540/ 480 combo, what a nice plane. I don’t know what alot of:) you guys are talking about. This is a well built ARF and goes together very well. I set my CG at 2 7/8 in running an APC 12X6E prop. I fly at 5200 ft and the plane is like a pattern plane. I fly around at ½ throttle, it tracks very well does knife edge flight well, knife edge spins, flat spins, blenders, lands nice. I am not much of a 3D pilot but I really like this little plane.
George
George,
I got mine with combo also haven't started the build yet need funds for the lipo and esc. I might set-up for pattern also coz I have a few 3D already. Any mods you've done so far? I don't know if mine will fly good coz I'm planing to put 20C 2200 lipo on her any toughts on this guys and gals. I want to know how many minutes of flght do you have in one charge using that set-up. Thank you
Eugene

aquaskiman

04-27-2007, 11:51 PM

eugenefelisco

04-28-2007, 04:20 PM

I am running a 2100 15C 3S in mine. I did set up the plane with flapperons and have them on a mix to go up or down with the elevator if I want to do 3D. My edge came out 27.2 oz. It is a little heavy for 3D,;) but I like the way it flys like a big plane. I fly for about 8 to 10 min at 1/2 throttle most of the time. I set mine up as per book put the ruder as a pull pull. I also ordered ultimate FX combo to try my hand at 3D I got it today but am waiting for a battery and ESC. George
George,
Thats nice. So mine will be a little heavier than that. I might use the pull/pull system all thou I have a CF rods on hand. Well you read in this thread this plane is 3D capable its just the set-up. I don't know about 480 coz I'm a AXI/hacker kinda guy, this will be my first e-flite motor we will see after I maidened her.
I just tought about it now that almost all my planes are e-flite(tribute foam,cap 232 BP, GP mini sportster ep,GWS slowstick and now the egde540) WOW thats funny.
Thanks again George I will PM you if I got lost in building her I'm really dumb in reading manuals.
Eugene

eugenefelisco

04-28-2007, 04:34 PM

OH another thing. When you hear seal the hinge gaps. I means after doing the hinges you run a fine CA inbetween the wing and the ailorons and same with the elevator hinges. Will this make my control surface hard as a rock, then my servos will have twice the effort or I might be wrong. Any toughts for this.

aquaskiman

04-28-2007, 05:02 PM

Eugene
Sealing the hinge line is sealing the gap with thin flexible tape not glue:rolleyes: . I haven’t done it on electrics as I am new to them. I don't see any reason to do it on slow flying planes. Maybe someone else will jump in and tell us if I am wrong. George

Mr. Baggins

04-28-2007, 05:15 PM

I personally,never sealed my hinges. That is not to say that it isn't a good idea, I just never deemed it necessary on mine. Sometimes it comes out looking shoddy for me. Hard to get the tape/covering in without wrinkle city.

eugenefelisco

04-29-2007, 04:53 AM

Oh OK so you use tape like the one dubro makes. Well what can I say you learn everyday. And its very nice to have people in this forum, its just ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY right. All I can say Thank you guys and gals I appreciate it.

BobbyDog

05-21-2007, 06:33 AM

Hey everyone,

I just finished putting my Edge together and am ready to install the motor. I bought the E-flite Park 480 for it and was wondering how others have installed the motor with the correct standoff?? A pic would be nice. I'm thinking of building a small motor box but if there is any other ideas im listening. :) Thanks in advance.

Bob

Ribcracker

05-21-2007, 01:33 PM

Bobbydog,
I used the E-flite outrunner stick mount EFLM1915. They cost $5. You'll have to open up the center channel (of the mount) a bit to accomodate the rear bearing of the motor. Cut your stick to the proper length and voila. Piece of cake!
Peace,
Bud

chuck

05-26-2007, 08:47 PM

Here's a good standoff mount for the 480 using parts from Loew's. I used nylon bushings, 6-32 screws, T-nuts, and washers. Works perfectly, and cheap.

Ribcracker

05-26-2007, 10:13 PM

chuck,
What are the nylon bushings from or for? If I were looking for them in a hardware store, where would I look? What was their intended use?
Thanks,
Bud

chuck

05-26-2007, 11:19 PM

OK, go to Loew's fastener department and look in the specialty fastener drawers. You will find the Nylon bushings in a variety of lengths and diameters. Get the ones that the Inside diameter most closely fits the screw you want to use. I use 6-32 or 8-32 screws and T-nuts. The T-nuts will be in a drawer close to the Nylon bushings. If you have a really good Ace or Tru-Value hardware store you can find them there. You can also use Nylon screws if you want a break-away motor mount in case of a nose-over.
They may also be called spacers, it's been so long since I was there, I don't remember, but they're not hard to find.
Good luck. If I can be of help, let me know.

Chuck

chuck

05-27-2007, 03:09 AM

Duh

BobbyDog

06-11-2007, 09:16 PM

Cool thx for the input on the mount. I ended up making a ply box to mount the motor too because I live in an hour away from any store that sells hardware. (aka boonies) The mount worked great, for one flight! LOL. I ended up planting the Edge in the ground from about 300 feet straight in. I'm not sure what happened exactly. I was doing (or trying too) do some blenders and the plane decided to just spiral straight down with no control. When I recovered the wreckage, the elevator servo gear was completely stripped. I'm not sure if it happened in the crash or if thats what caused the loss of control. There was no other damage from the canopy back to the tail section other than that servo. A buddy told me that it could have been a condition called being "bit" caused by holding too much elevator on a downward roll. To be honest I freaked out when the plane wouldnt respond at first and dont remember what I did after that lol. If anyone has some hard earned knowledge on this I'd appreciate it.

Anyway, I've stripped the plane completely and there really wasnt any serious damage other than the firewall and cowling. I was amazed at how much the covering weighed. I've already recovered the wings with Solite and heres the numbers...

Both wings with stock covering 130 grams
Both wings stripped 78 grams
Both wings covered with Solite 84 grams
Fuse with stock covering and no landing gear 137 grams
Fuse stripped and no landing gear 110 grams

I'll guess that the fuse will weigh about 117 grams after being covered with Solite.

The new covering should save about 66 grams overall. Or about 2.3 Oz's. I'm also going to try my Himax outrunner instead of the Park 480. Only slightly less power and a bit lighter. Now that I dont have a cowling, I'm going to extend the motor mount forward to bring the CG forward a bit. I'm also going to add a 1/4 strip of balsa to the trailing edge of the elevator. I'll let everyone know what my AUW is when I'm done. Peace.

Bob

Steve

06-15-2007, 07:15 PM

I probably have about 5 flights (batteries) on this thing and I still can't land it properly. Nose over after nose over. Not only that but with the 12x6 prop my bloody motor mount continually works itself loose and vibrates a lot and I have to repair. I tried screws but they loosen even when I put some ca in the screw hole. Well...I'll figure that out, but like others have said, I'm not used to coming in as fast on the landing, so I have to get used to finessing that part of the flight. Seems like you sort of have to "fly" it in and I totally disagree with some who say it's easy to deadstick this plane. It's not. Not for me anyway.

Would using a smaller prop change it's landing characteristics any?

Ribcracker

06-15-2007, 10:25 PM

If you're nosing over in the grass, you prolly need bigger wheels. I use 2 and1/2 inchers but 3" would be better. Landing into the wind requires power so that you don't stall. Landing without wind (or with tailwind) is dead stick because you're coming in pretty hot as it is. If you want to tame things a little, bend some dihedral into your wings. That wing tube is pretty maleable and will straighten back out if you want it to.
Less weight gives this plane a gentler nature so you may want to try a lighter battery pack. My favorite (in this plane) is the TP 1320.
If you ask me, five flights isn't enough to fine tune your Edge. Keep tweaking till she sparkles. She's got it in her. Bring it out!