Global by VQ Pilatus PC-6, my first large electric.

[tezzact]

Hi DUP,
Thanks for the info. I will add a washer or two to the top two mounting points.

Cheers
Tezzact

[Kmot]

Hi tezzact,

I did not add any washers. But, I take most internet chatter with a grain of salt. I like to see for myself. So I installed the motor completely according to the angles built into the motor box. My model does not fly abnormally. Most full size aircraft are designed to climb under power and descend without power anyway. I control my model with the throttle and it flys just fine.

[tezzact]

Thanks KMOT,
I've taken some time with the motor standoffs etc given your experience and I think all is well. My set up allows for easy change of offset angle so I'll try the standard setup to start with.
It's an easy build is'nt it?

Should be ready within the week so I'll let you know how I go.
Cheers
Tezzact

[tezzact]

Well I've done the first flite and a few flights later I separated the wing halves doing something stupid. But it was a clean fix and now all is well. I fly it with 4S batteries driving a 950 kV Arrowing outrunner with a 3blade 11x8. I am getting 15 mins per battery with plenty of touch and goes. It flies nicely on half throttle.
I am just amazed at how this thing performs. Docile take offs followed by vertical climbs ( just like the real plane). Landing is a bit quicker than I'm used to but so smooooth.

Well done VQ.

[Kmot]

Sounds sweet!

[Kmot]

For anyone who is interested in this aircraft, VQ has come out with some new color schemes. A US Army 'Berlin' scheme, and a couple other civilian schemes.

Hobby People have the US Army version in stock for an unbelievable $99.99

http://www.hobbypeople.net/index.php...in-colors.html

[Kmot]

Just a small update. I went flying again today after many months of inactivity. The wind was up at the field. I expected the PC-6 to be all squirrelly on takeoff as it had been all the previous times I went flying her. But today, the wind must have been directly down the runway. Or something. Because she lifted her tail after about 10' and tracked smoothly straight ahead for a nice long scale takeoff. It was sweet!

Unfortunately, although I had fully charged my flight battery yesterday, it quit after about 3 or 4 minutes of flight and I had to land out in the weeds. Luckily, no damage.

This LiPo is two years old. Does that mean it is junk now?

[Nitro Blast]

Originally Posted by Kmot

This LiPo is two years old. Does that mean it is junk now?

I would say yes, but theres no harm in you charging it up, and giving it a timed run in your back yard, safely tied down.

Do a simulated flight, with a 20~30 second WOT burst at first, then back off to 80% throttle, with occasional full throttle pings for 10 seconds or so.

See how long it lasts doing that.


But, according to my calendar, anything after 2 years is bonus time on a battery.

[Kmot]

Okay, thanks NB.

[Kmot]

My two 4S batteries are no good any more. Boo Hoo!

That's gonna be lots of money to replace. Luckily, I have two 6S batteries, smaller sized they are 3000 versus 5000 mAh.

I went to the flying field today. Got there and discovered I had forgotten to bring the wing support struts!

But since I had packed up everything, and driven there, I wanted to fly! I figured if I took it easy, no aerobatics or other stress, it would be okay. And it was.

I had two excellent 10 minute flights on those 6S batteries. I kept the throttle below 50% at all times. I shot lots of touch and goes and flew many circuits around the pattern. It was real enjoyable.

So to answer a question that has been asked before, yes the plane will fly without the struts. Just be careful.

[Galhaven]

Hi Kmot

Firstly, may I congratulate you on an outstanding build. I have finally got my Porter out and started construction.

Could I please get some advice from you or any of the other guys who might like to comment.

I am not sure what Outrunner to use. I have two available, an E-Flite Power 32 (which is spare) and an E-Flite Power 46 (which I had earmarked for another project). Both would be running 4s batteries and a Turnigy Plush 60 ESC.

A guy at my local club is flying one of these PC-6's with an OS 46AX in it and it is way over powered.

My question to you guys is, would the 32 do the job? All I am after is a model that will fly around at scale type speeds with no aerobatics.

[Kmot]

Hi,

I use what is supposedly an equivalent to a .46 glow. I normally fly on a 4S 5000mAh battery. I only need 1/3 to 1/2 throttle to fly level and do mild climbs.

The Power 32 would probably do the job.

[Galhaven]

Thanks very much Kmot.

I'll use the 32 and keep you informed on my progress.

[greggy]

Originally Posted by Kmot

The maiden flight was a success!

Taxied out to the runway, got ready, and applied power. She flies really nice. I used the 4S battery and it is way more than enough power. I cruised around at about 1/3 throttle.

My control surfaces had too much travel. So it was a bit touchy. Being a tail dragger, it was a little twitchy on takeoff because of too much rudder throw. But I got it pointed where I wanted and pinned the throttle and it leapt into the air.

I flew a couple of circuits and brought it in for a landing. All was good!

thank you for all the advice on the build,i have just orderd one to build over winter,i lov slow flyers and this looks good,i will give you up dates as soon as i get it and start the build.thanks again for all ihe in puts good site. Jim.

[Kmot]

Hey Jim, congrats! I think you will love it. What color scheme did you order? I recently saw at the field the US Army-Berlin color scheme and it really looks super.

-Tom

[greggy]

VQ Pilatus PC-6 hi tom it is the swiss version i am using an axi 2828/12 motor. with jeti eco 40esc. 255ma 30-40 c 11.1v battry.and hitec 625mg servos the motor mount is the ali stand off like vic used just installed sevos thats all yet not had much time,but will crack on as soon as i can winter now flying field to wet so just building,got the grand daughter flying with a e-flite apprentice on buddy box [dx8 to dx7]she is doing ok,thanks again for the detailed postin you did you spent a lot of time on it so it helped a lot well done. jim

[Kmot]

I snagged a photo of the US Army livery version today.