Air Hogs Aero ACE Planes Mods

[joe999]

Ok, I am curious to see how many here have made modifications to their planes, or are just flying the planes as they were made?

[VOLUNTEER]

My first AA flew better w/o the lower wing but the port engine quit working so I returned it and took the lower wing off the 2nd one after trying it with both wings. The glue on the second one was much stronger. Also, took the spring off the throttle with both Tx.

[lazen]

I took the botom wing off and adjusted the rear horizontal to force the nose down. The plane is much faster and flys with very little throttle. I love these little planes.

[vax6335]

All I did was remove the throttle spring, and add a little bit of nose weight. Flew it at work this morning and had a ball. :D

[qban_flyer]

Been flying them stock.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! :eek:

[opquickie]

omg, you guys have to at least fly it once with the bottom wing off!

it handles wind better, climbs faster, flies straight faster, is more maneuverable...the only downside is it will take some more skill to fly it.

all i've done to mine is remove the bottom wing, absolutely nothing else (experimented a bit however). i can do touch and goes (more like quick scrapes) on anything from the grass, a trampoline, or a picnic table. it will also do a sort of hammerhead...

[Joe 1320]

I took one of mine and removed the lower wing as well. It does indeed change the whole characteristics of the plane.

[firemanbill]

I haven't messed with ours either. My son has a blast with it the way it is so I figure why bother

I would like to try the lower wing removal and see how it does.

[rcguy9999]

were do i buy one???

[firemanbill]

Toys r us and Wallyworld has them

[Joe 1320]

were do i buy one???

WalMart, Toys R Us, Kmart, Target to name a few.

[qban_flyer]

$29.99 at all above named "establishments". :D

[firemanbill]

And ... the best fun you can have for 30 bucks!!!:)

[opquickie]

$29.99 at all above named "establishments". :D

it's $40 at walmart and i saw i think $38 at target

[qban_flyer]

it's $40 at walmart and i saw i think $38 at target

TRU still has them @ $29.99 :p

[comets8518]

$29.99 at target still, I got one 2 days ago.

i've heard walmart price matches also

[ForestCam]

Picked up the blue and silver one at TRU tonight for $29.99, I was a little bummed because I wanted the black and orange one.
Went to Target right after to get my wife some shoes and guess what, they had the orange and black one.

It's cool to have something that I can fly out in the parking lot under the floodlights and now all my kids plan on spending their B-day money on one.:D

[DI3S3L]

YAHTZEE: Got lucky at Target and got the black and orange one, only one of two, and hopefully not to crapy out tomarrow.. for 29.99 semolians.

[danny boy]

I took the bottom wing off. If you haven't, at least try it. Its amazing the difference it makes.

[firemanbill]

ok I took the throttle spring off today... I like it!

My son and I both agree it makes it much easier to fly... as if is wasn't easy enough already:)

[opquickie]

my second one is done for good. weakening motor i think caused by a breaking/wearing of the thin wiring...

annnnd i am somewhat sad to say that due to the fact that i have poor luck keeping these things alive for more than a couple weeks, i will be purchasing a blade cx heli so i have something more reliable to play around with in my backyard.

i really with the sold like a 3 channel AA deluxe or something like that. i am definately willing to spend a good $50-80 for something i can fly around my yard or house...

oh well, i'm sure i'll be back in this thread soon saying i got another one...

later guys!

[xtonyx]

I've got the red one (C i believe)! Bought it this morning after my dad got one the other day and was flying it around the yard.

WARNING: I can't keep things in original form for very long. (heck i run a car forum called 'Driven2Modify')

Super fun. Flew it stock for most of the day.

Removed the supports between the wings and flew just as good.

Swapped the bottom wings, kind of reverse rake or whatever on them. Flew weird, lots of lift and very touchy.

Removed the bottom wings all together and flew very fast for this little thing and fairly responsive. The reduction in drag/weight (and thus increased speed) probably makes of for the lack of wing area.

Finally extended the top wings with the bottom ones, cut them diagnolly to match lengths with the wing (from corner of leading edge to about 1cm on trailing edge) and about 45 degrees top to bottom. Matched up well, gave the wing a nice dihedral. Wings were measured so they are symetrical. Held together with some clear tape. Also shaved the body so that its about a half inch wide all the way down. Put a layer of tape on each side. Put a small screw in the nose for weight. The plane is dirty but it works!

In it's final state it creates a generous amount of lift (climbs high quickly). flys great at 1/4 throttle.

http://www.driven2modify.com/bspics/airhog1.JPG
http://www.driven2modify.com/bspics/airhog2.JPG
http://www.driven2modify.com/bspics/airhog3.JPG

[flew2high]

omg, you guys have to at least fly it once with the bottom wing off!

it handles wind better, climbs faster, flies straight faster, is more maneuverable...the only downside is it will take some more skill to fly it.

all i've done to mine is remove the bottom wing, absolutely nothing else (experimented a bit however). i can do touch and goes (more like quick scrapes) on anything from the grass, a trampoline, or a picnic table. it will also do a sort of hammerhead...

Also try adding a 2' length of videotape at the bottom of the fuse, just ahead of the boom. The "tail" stabilizes the plane very well, and eliminates the need for nose weight.
Looks cool, too!

[qban_flyer]

Poor Little Red AHAA!!! :o

[xtonyx]

the red one is crazy looking right now... its only a wing. haha.

i still have one that's just like it came also.

[qban_flyer]

the red one is crazy looking right now... its only a wing. haha.

i still have one that's just like it came also.Its fuselage looks like it went through a bath of Bleach! :eek:

[pox67]

Just picked up an Aero Ace,

There are a lot of rough patches on the foam, has any tried sanding off the little nobs all over the plane?

[qban_flyer]

Just picked up an Aero Ace,

There are a lot of rough patches on the foam, has any tried sanding off the little nobs all over the plane?They will go away after a few landings. The liittle bumps do not affect its flying characteristics.:D

[UAVPilot]

Hi
First mod I do is split the front open and move the battery forward. Sometimes they are to far back from the factory. I like to remove a little of the foam in front of the battery and move it just a bit more forward. Some of them don't need it though, and fly fine out of the box.

If you want to try something weird but works well, tape together two Aero Aces on the same channel together wingtip to wingtip, and try and fly it. It flys and turns great, really! but you will have to have somebody launch it for you:)

[Joe 1320]

Hi
First mod I do is split the front open and move the battery forward. Sometimes they are to far back from the factory. I like to remove a little of the foam in front of the battery and move it just a bit more forward. Some of them don't need it though, and fly fine out of the box.

If you want to try something weird but works well, tape together two Aero Aces on the same channel together wingtip to wingtip, and try and fly it. It flys and turns great, really! but you will have to have somebody launch it for you:)

I'm building a version of that, but the inside motors should be swapped from side to side. Then the right side and left side motors are in unison. Soldering these wires are a pita.

[Frodo]

My only mod so far was to remove the lower wings. I want to do the light mod next.

[UAVPilot]

I'm building a version of that, but the inside motors should be swapped from side to side. Then the right side and left side motors are in unison. Soldering these wires are a pita.You don't need to do that. In there stock form the outer most side motor is still out pulling the inner most motor. The ones in the middle are just along for the ride. We thought about modding it like your doing, but tried without first, and it turned sharp enough. But hey! give it a shot switching them, might be great.

[Joe 1320]

You don't need to do that. In there stock form the outer most side motor is still out pulling the inner most motor. The ones in the middle are just along for the ride. We thought about modding it like your doing, but tried without first, and it turned sharp enough. But hey! give it a shot switching them, might be great.

Without switching motors, the plane takes a bit before the turn takes place. It really helps the plane's agility when the right plane contains both RH motors and the left plane has both LH motors. The turn-in takes less time and is more controllable. I found out the hard way that one of mine has a substantially reduced range. The resulting powered downward spiral was spectacular. :cool: It didn't come apart at impact either. I need to start with a fresh pair that are identical in performance.
My "Lightning Hog" (a AAHA copy of the P-38 Lightning) will rise again. It's pretty fast and agile as a mono wing. :D

Since this works but really needs a scratch start, I may go all the way and go totally wild.

[Grasshopper]

Hey Joe,

Do you have any pictures of your Aero Lightning?

[Joe 1320]

Hey Joe,

Do you have any pictures of your Aero Lightning?

I was thinking I need to get this to where my kid can fly it, he's not to good with the photography part. It looks sweet in the air. :cool:

[Grasshopper]

I'll bet it does look cool.

[FERNDALE AIR FORCE]

Hello all, I have tried all of these. What I did is put canards on the front of the plane. Climbs and turns great. No really hard snap-rolls. I'm thinking about putting the lower wings back on the long wing plane. The theory being that I will have more lift and more control in wind.

[TNflier]

This works well. Remove lower wing halves and attach on the ends of the top. Better glide, better climb, more stable. I put in some polyhedral for stability.

[Joe 1320]

for those inclined..... here is a picture of Thunder Hog. 3 mono wing Aero Aces on the same channel. It sounds like an agry swarm of bees. :cool: A little touchy on the turns, but climbs out very strong!

http://www.Wattflyer.com/photoplog/images/6136/medium/1_misc_plane_stuff_053.jpg

[markrulz17]

Hi, I just got one of these wonders yesterday and I've been flying good but my plane seems to go to the left I tryed to bend the back wing like it says in the instuctions yet that don't help. Can anyone help me? Also I've been wondering about these mods. What would removing the bottom wing do? Same with the throttle spring? Will it rain my plane? Can someone help me? I was planing on doing these Thanks in advance.

[TNflier]

Hi, I just got one of these wonders yesterday and I've been flying good but my plane seems to go to the left I tryed to bend the back wing like it says in the instuctions yet that don't help. Can anyone help me? Also I've been wondering about these mods. What would removing the bottom wing do? Same with the throttle spring? Will it rain my plane? Can someone help me? I was planing on doing these Thanks in advance.

Have you tried the small knob at the right top of the transmitter? It can be used to adjust for left or right thrust under power. What does the plane due with all power off? If it glides basically straight, then you need to balance the motors with the knob. If it goes strongly to one way or the other, you need to follow the intructions to bend the trim tab at the rear of the rudder. ( we call the vertical "wing" at the back the rudder or vertical fin, and the horizontal "wing" at the back the stabilizer) Both have small adustors. It does not take much to make a large difference.

Removing the lower wing is going to make it fly faster, not necessarily better. I would suggest you master the stock, model first. The throttle spring is a matter of personal preference. It does not make the plane fly better, but many of us like the throttle to hold its position, instead of going to zero when you let loose. The diode or IC mode for power off turn is more of a "fine tune" for people who are trying to get all they can from the model. It does not change how the plane flies under power.

Welcome to the AHAA fun.

[Pilot]

Would spraypaint hurt my Aero Ace

[Frodo]

Would spraypaint hurt my Aero Ace

I believe spray paint would eat the foam. Unless there is foam safe spray paint out there for sale. I need some myself.

[firemanbill]

there are other threads about foam safe paint but the basic rule of thumb is water based or acrylcs are ok. Krylon and others make water based spray paints. Others have also had good luck using sharpie markers.

[Frodo]

there are other threads about foam safe paint but the basic rule of thumb is water based or acrylcs are ok. Krylon and others make water based spray paints. Others have also had good luck using sharpie markers.

Thank you! I have used colored Sharpies on my other AHAAs! I will look for water based paints at my LHS.

[MegaByte-2]

Hi All;

Just finished a 7.5" YF 102 Delta Dagger. 2mm Depron.
Modified AA electronics , actuator rudder, SS Red motor and a 2.25" BP prop.

To find out more abt the actuator and mods stop by:
http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html

If you want to see the vid of it flying:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=547539

Enjoy,

Tony
ARS Software & Innovative Solutions

[x-twin]

I hope someone in this thread know this:
Where in the silverlit (aero hog) sports flyer (1 top wing) is the lipo?
Anyone found pictures of weight in froint mod's to stop 'pumping' flight?
I ask this because i red someone did a little pc screw in the nose of this plane and punctured the lipo.
Then again, mine pumps like Schwarzenegger in his early days did, and i want a bit more stabile flight.
Hope some of you know this, i cant find it.
http://www.hetheleverhaal.nl/rc%20x-tiwn%20mini%20indoor%20airplane/x-twin2.jpg

PS: Weight mod for the blue or green one? The green one is great, the BLUE one is the pumper.

[JohnnyC]

Is that an Air Hog? The green one? I've never seen one like that (looks cool)

[Grasshopper]

Yeah, I like the green one too. I'd like to know where to get one!

[x-twin]

Yeah, I like the green one too. I'd like to know where to get one!

http://www.komplett.nl/k/ki.asp?sku=319611

[x-twin]

Is that an Air Hog? The green one? I've never seen one like that (looks cool)

Yep, a 'turbo fury' with extra canard nose wings.
But here the brand is named 'Silverlit'

http://www.komplett.nl/k/ki.asp?sku=319611

If you search on ebay.nl or ebay.de you find many more models u dont have in the states (yet...)

Much more silverlit info allready available at:
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6964

[Grasshopper]

Thanks X! Those are really cool looking.

[JohnnyC]

Having trouble finding a company that sells them here in the states. I love the look of that. :)

[makg]

Has anyone here made a tri-plane by adding another pair of wings to their AA?

[GTO@2]

^That would be cool

[MegaByte-2]

Joe;

That thunder Hog is awesome!

YF 102 Delta Dagger with Actuator rudder:

The full file has been posted. Complete instructions, pictures, commented and schematics.

Installing the Actuator, Mosfets and Connectors

Thanks for all your interest.
Tony
ARS Software & Innovative Solutions
http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html

[Joe 1320]

Has anyone here made a tri-plane by adding another pair of wings to their AA?

yes. the added drag slows the plane down and it won't fly very long. I'm working on a Fokker Triplane Airhog with 4 motors that should do the trick. :cool:

[Dad_Roman]

1. Put your phone # on the bottom!

2. Use sharpies, not weight adding decals!:rolleyes:

Mega, thanks for the info, neat stuff!

Joe, pics asap thank you.

[MegaByte-2]

yes. the added drag slows the plane down and it won't fly very long. I'm working on a Fokker Triplane Airhog with 4 motors that should do the trick. :cool:

I've seen a few that tried a Triplane and didnt work well at all. They went with the 2 motor setup though. 4 motors should pump it up.

Many of the AA Rx's have died on one side due to transistor failure. Its power rating is close the the motors current draw. And then a couple others have had no problems using 4 motors on the stock Rx.

If it kills the outputs I have direct replacement Mosfets that can handle 4.3A per side! Just in case you need them.

Be sure to post it. It should have a ton of lift with that 3rd wing!
I'm sure Chris would love to have it posted at the AA ToolBox www.aatoolbox.no-ip.org (http://www.aatoolbox.no-ip.org) when its done.


Tony
ARS Software & Innovative Solutions
http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html (http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html)
http://static.rcgroups.com/forums/images/statusicon/user_invisible.gif http://static.rcgroups.com/forums/images/buttons/privatemsg.gif (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&userid=85459) http://static.rcgroups.com/forums/images/buttons/find.gif (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/search.php?do=finduser&userid=85459)

[GTO@2]

can we see construction pics?

[Joe 1320]

I've seen a few that tried a Triplane and didnt work well at all. They went with the 2 motor setup though. 4 motors should pump it up.



The original one I tried couldn't stay aloft for more than a minute at full throttle. It's just to much drag for two motors and airspeed suffers. I'll be using two receivers, two batteries and 4 motors. The difficult part when using two receivers is that getting two with identical response seems tough. It appears that some react a little quicker than others. When that happens in flight, sudden death spirals are frequent when getting on and off the throttle. It made for some wicked tendencies on a few of my other mad creations.

[MegaByte-2]

Yea.....it seems the tail moment is to close and makes the CG very critical. Might try extending the tail boom some. Without having an elevator function it'll be trickey with all that lift.
If you had the IRLML6401 mosfet outputs you could stack motors on each channel of one Rx. They can do 4.3A each.

Hope it goes well.

Tony
ARS Software & Innovative Solutions
http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html (http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html)

[Joe 1320]

Yea.....it seems the tail moment is to close and makes the CG very critical. Might try extending the tail boom some. Without having an elevator function it'll be trickey with all that lift.


Ya know, that's a heck of an idea. hmmm.....

[MegaByte-2]

Yea, the Tri-planes were built to out maneuver a biplane in combat. The 3rd wing added resistance and more lift allowing it to fly slower and recover quickly without losing alltitude. The short tail moment gave an outragous angle of attack on the CG.
If you've ever seen a flock of barn swallows attacking hawk....perfect example.

Still anxious to see the outcome.

Tony
ARS Software & Innovative Solutions
http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html (http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html)

Edit: Contacted my ISP. They decided to filter email without notification. Seems they thought even PayPay was to dangerous to pass. All filters have been removed.

[ICHItheKILLER]

Can someone tell me what i need to do the channel mod to my tx, list parts etc. I've done the other mods to it. Thanks

[MegaByte-2]

You'll need a SPDT Switch and 3 wires.
The mod is posted at the AA ToolBox or should be. www.aatoolbox.no-ip.org (http://www.aatoolbox.no-ip.org/)
If not, I have the pic on where to solder.


Tony
ARS Software & Innovative Solutions
http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html (http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html)

[ICHItheKILLER]

guage wire? or does it mater? was at radio shack today wasnt sure what to get?

[MegaByte-2]

ICHtheKiller

I used RS SPDT sw. it is either to the left or right. I just "balance" it to center. They didnt have one that was "center off". The wire should be just any type of small stranded wire.
You'll need 3 pieces abt 12" long and trim to fit. Depends on how you route it. Any computer repair place should have some dead computers laying around that didnt make it to the garbage yet and give you the wire.
Or......just look in their garbage at the end of the day. Its not against the law.

Recycling is good!

Tony
ARS Software & Innovative Solutions
http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html (http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html)

[kenchiroalpha]

my light mod. two mini glow sticks called rod and bob beacons. they are made for fishing. found at walmarts $1.99 for 4 in sporting section. last 6 to 8 hours and are very bright, can see them thru top of wing. simply tape them on. i like two on wings but ive had up to 4 on plane there very lite. see pics http://www.rchangout.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5813/cat/500/ppuser/11057 clear skies and good flying

[MegaByte-2]

kenchiroalpha

I like the pic.......errie looking. With a little graphics blurrinng you could submit it as a UFO.......LOL

Those sticks are great for summer late night flying.

There was a post somewhere a guy opened them up and kinda painted the plane with the glowing goo.........
It didnt fair to well the next morning........

Still like that pic.

Tony
ARS Software & Innovative Solutions
http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html (http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html)

[keebler]

Ok, I am curious to see how many here have made modifications to their planes, or are just flying the planes as they were made?
So far all I've added is the Hot Wheels (WHEELS) to mine...:D
http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL602/2858173/5757831/176333675.jpg

http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL602/2858173/5757831/176333672.jpg

http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL602/2858173/5757831/176333679.jpg

[kenchiroalpha]

heres my conversion of a plane called a back yard flyer.http://www.rchangout.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5795/cat/500/ppuser/11057 ive flown it one time very light wants to climb all the time i am going to reverse props and make it more proper looking. right now im thinking of ways to adapt the jet version http://www.rchangout.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5792/cat/500/ppuser/11057 for the ahaa jets guts should be a screamer! any thoughts? claer skies and good flying

[MegaByte-2]

6" F 16C Rudder Actuator AeroAce Gear
A new one for my getting smaller group.
You'll probably have to watch the vid more than once to catch some of the rolls!
AUW - 8.75gm
Thrust - 6.75gm
Stock AA Motor & Prop(balanced)
Lipo - 90ma Etech
Modified Receiver & Actuator - ARS Software & Innovative Solutions
2mm Depron
The vid
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=556283
Check out the new IRLML6401 Mosfet Module at our site!
Enjoy,
Tony
ARS Software & Innovative Solutions
http://www.falcon1.net/~ars/rcmodels.html

[toywizard]

HEy has anyone been able to order anything and get it from www.aeroacemods.com (http://www.aeroacemods.com) ??? We ordered on sept 14 and still nothing.

[Wickednix]

HEy has anyone been able to order anything and get it from www.aeroacemods.com (http://www.aeroacemods.com) ??? We ordered on sept 14 and still nothing.


Their site has a posting about not taking orders at this time and some info on canceling the orders if you have one submitted

[toywizard]

Ya,

We just got notified from Paypal that we will be or should be getting our money back.

OF course if his account is empty.................but at least its a move forward.
I would have prefered my Light Mods :-(

[ZXLNT]

I have a A channel that I've had for a couple months now. It is absolutely my favorite plane to fly. I have it balanced well and the motors aimed where I like them. Flys wonderfull. Very little porposing under full throttle. Fly in a light breeze and it climb gently and almost hover under low throttle. I must have flown it for at least 15 minutes the other day at over 100 feet up. Fun fun little plane..

[Wickednix]

Does anyone know where I can get replacement motors? My left motor is seizing up. WD40 is not working anymore. Local electronic store has the wrong size.

[Aeroflyer]

Thanks for all the info i have done most of the things you guys said.

[yeah]

anyone take take of the top wing and put engines on the bottom? how id it work?

[trooper8]

Anyone bulding all new planes from AHAA electronics? I see some posts refering to www.rcgroups.com (http://www.rcgroups.com) . I want to build a larger, lighter, better performing, scale looking plane from thin foam and AHAA parts. It looks like many folks are turning the motors around which requires some flipping of props etc? I haven't sat down and figured it out yet.

If anyone has a project - please post experiences and pics. ;)

[Ryvon]

Something I did on all my planes that added just enough nose weight and has prolonged the life of my planes. Just dab a little bit of Shoe Goo or GOOP onto the nose. Its a rubber based glue that sticks to the foam, but you can also peel off without damaging your plane. Since I put this stuff on I haven't lost anymore foam bits when I crash.

[fr4nk1yn]

I removed the throttle spring. Did the multi-channel mod. No throttle diode mod. Dual turn rate. and then removed the body and built a Dizzy Chick after I built a "Stryker". I went through about 10 last summer.

[FlyingMonkey]

something I did....

got the darn thing too high, and was caught in an above the trees wind.

Bye bye plane, you treated me well