EleBee maiden

[frvrngn]

I just wanted to tell people I maidened my Windrider EleBee today! I have only been flying 3 months and basically came from a Slo-V to a Stryker that I am still learning to fly smoothly (and that isnt going too well!) to this. I will have to say the EleBee is much easier to fly then the Stryker, even when the throws I have set up on the Bee are over twice that on my Stryker. I flew two packs through her in 10mph winds and only had one "bad" crash where the pack ejected. The rest were fairly smooth landings. I did my first rolls today too! They werent pretty, but they were rolls. I still cant roll the Stryker, even on the high throw mode. Loops were ugly due to the wind, I'd pull up and the wind would hit her broadside and just flip me over.

I had a question for fellow wing flyers. I was rather anal about getting the CG right since I heard it was so important. I got it balanced front to back and side to side rather well. Doing a power off glide test, she flew a good 20-30yds and just floated in to a nice landing. However, flying today in the gusty winds it was flying rather erratic. I am using the recommended 8cell 1700 NiMh pack, a Zagi Speed 400, and the recommended carbon prop. The recommendations were from Atlantahobby's build sheet and an old thread I found from RCGroups. When flying into the wind, she just wouldnt make much headway - is 10mph or so too much? I had to fly full throttle into the wind to barely make it back up my field and cut the throttle when flying back at me. The other weird flight pattern for me, if I was flying level, the plane would just bounce up and down a good half foot or more (if that makes sense). I dont know if anybody plays frisbee much, but it was like throwing a disc into the wind and watching it just gain and loose altitude quickly as it flew along. It didnt matter if I was flying into or with the wind. If I was banked over and turning, it didnt occur. Even doing just large lazy circles, it was pretty stable. Ideas? Normal for windy conditions? Too little power?

I am quite happy with the wing, would just like to smooth it out a little if possible. If I do want more power, do I have any options other than brushless?

[Wingdoctor]

Frvrngn-

Having never flown the Ele-Bee I can't sreak from experience. But the set-up you mentioned should handle 10 mph winds without any problem. Maybe check that the battery has a good charge, prop on correctly. The brushed motor wings can get a performance limited on a real windy day say 20 mph +.
On a real windy day brushless is the way to go!

The bumps could have alot to do with turbulent air around trees, or buildings that you may be flying downwind from. Try to get to a location that is free from big obstacles like these and your flights should smooth out a bit. Other than that, just ride the waves, the air is a fluid environment that's what makes this stuff fun even on windy days!

Happy Flying! :-)

[frvrngn]

I think the prop is on correct, the flat edge of it is leading with the curved edge trailing. It made the most sense looking at it. As for batts, I have a Wattage PF-12 AC/DC peak charger = http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/130108.asp so I hope they are topped off OK. I know its not the be-all Triton, but I thought it should do OK for now. I dont have LiPo yet and it was dirt cheap on sale. The packs are new (bought from cheapbatterypacks.com), so they have only been cycled once now. I know they need some more cycles to get better.

As for getting away from turbulence. Not happening in my area. Its all trees, and very tall ones at that. I am lucky to have the two fields I have to fly and they are surrounded by 60ft plus trees! I will just live with it or fly on calmer days.

[Wingdoctor]

Yep, the prop sounds like it's on correctly, and the batteries/charger all sounds good. You may try one of those cheap white press-on props that has the plastic hub that comes with it. (they come in a pack of 3) Sometimes these give a little better performance on the stock brushed Zagi motor. (they don't grab quite as much air as the black carbon 5x5 prop does, thus allowing a little higher rpm)
Hope this helps!:)

[frvrngn]

It was wind, that and I am underpowered. I took her back out today with winds that were dead to maybe 5mph at most. She flew fantastic! Super smooth, with hands off flew dead straight and level, and didnt have a worry in the world. I didnt even notice the dreaded tip stall I have heard about with the EleBee. I do have my winglets mounted a little below however. Only once did she threaten to stall and with a little reverse stick all was well again.

So, on to performance questions. At max throttle the speed is less than awe inspiring. Its "quick", but not fast by any means. My bone stock Stryker is way faster. In fact, the Bee flew so docile that on my second pack I cut throttle to almost half and just floated around forever since full throttle really wasnt doing much. I do have several sets of the cheap white props I can try out. Is there anything else I can throw on other than brushless? Its just a molded plastic tray mount with zip ties so I assume I can strap near any can motor in there. Are there any hotter brushed motors I can try? Its not that I am against going brushless, far from it. I just dont have a ton of funds right now and dont feel like uncovering all the work I just did to replace everything.

[Carlos]

Myself and a few mates have elle ebee's
We found that the recomend 7" CofG is way to far forward.
Our CofG's came out at 8" and they flie great.
The 1700mA pack that you are using may be way to heavy but might just neeed cycling a few more times.
We are using 8 1050 KAN cells with great sucess.

I have added a GWS gearbox with a 7X5 prop for better climbing. The speed is slightly less but you dont have to take a run up to loop.

[Wingdoctor]

If you don't have the reverse timed Zagi 400 motor you could try one of those they are supposed to have more power than the std. speed 400. Also, some times with the can motors you just end up with a poor performing one, you may find just swapping out the motor will give you better performance.

Happy Flying!

[bratliff]

I did a google search. Where do you buy the EleBee in the US.
bratliff

I am quite happy with the wing, would just like to smooth it out a little if possible. If I do want more power, do I have any options other than brushless?[/quote]

[AnthonyL]

Gidday all ... i have had my elle-bee for a number of years now. powered and unpowered....
i dont have time to go play at the slope any more so i set my old girl up with some bits and pieces i had laying around the home.....

She now has:
3850 kv inrunner
18amp esc turnigy plush
11.1 2200 10c lipo
turning a 4.5D 2p thimble drome prop (read directly from the prop)

i have mounted the lipo under the wing under the nose and have not used the standard "plate" that comes with the elle-bee ....
as you can see i have stuck the esc on top of the wing with a bit of covering tape and cable tied the motor to the body.

She screams.... you can comfortably cruise around the sky on 1/3 to 1/2 throttle.... but when you want it....... BOOM and she climbs vertical.....

i will try to get some footage of her flying if anyone is interested.. ????

here are some photos !

Anthony

More info: i get around 20-25 mins of flight time out of one charge !