HobbyKing EPP FPV. Junk or good starter plane?

[NJSwede]

Looking for a starter plane for AV/AP (and maybe FPV some day). I don't really have the time and space to build something right now, so I'm thinking RTF/ARF. The HobbyKing EPP FPV looks like a great starter platform on paper. Looks like it can take a load of gear and seems easy to fly.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dproduct=14465

Anyone here on the board who's had any experience with this bird?

[TylerJCooper]

Had the same question, but never asked. Interested to see the results.

[Saddlebum]

Are you an experienced builder who likes to diddle & twiddle to make things work correctly? Are you OK investing a couple of dozen hours (or more) getting this airplane configured and modified to balance and fly? (Read the reviews on the HobbyKing website)

Reading the threads on this bird and having a flying buddy frustrated with all the time it is taking to make it airworthy you need to be able to say "Yes" to both of those questions to be happy with this purchase.

Yes, it will make a very good FPV after all is said and done, but it is FAR from an ARF.

...The Bum

[quailbird]

Over in the RC Group AP forum, "eyeinsky1" is working on this plane and has made it to come back home with GPS. You might go over and read how his is going and watch the video. He's about to maiden his. I always put a hook eye at the CG of my planes, and hang it stock, then start putting the electronics on. When she hangs straight and level she ready to go. I've never had any problems with the CG after I started doing that.

[NJSwede]

Originally Posted by Saddlebum

Are you an experienced builder who likes to diddle & twiddle to make things work correctly? Are you OK investing a couple of dozen hours (or more) getting this airplane configured and modified to balance and fly? (Read the reviews on the HobbyKing website)

Reading the threads on this bird and having a flying buddy frustrated with all the time it is taking to make it airworthy you need to be able to say "Yes" to both of those questions to be happy with this purchase.

Yes, it will make a very good FPV after all is said and done, but it is FAR from an ARF.

...The Bum

Bummer! I was hoping for something I could slap together in an evening or two, strap a camera to and toss in the air... I wish I had the time and space to build, but with twin toddlers running around the house, it's not easy finding the peace and quiet needed for a serious project.

Any other suggestions?

[gramps2161]

You can try the twin star II many have done a mod to carry a camera. Jeff has them for a good price and shipping. You still have to do some work putting it together, but you will have a nice plane that is fun to fly without the camera. I had this one wish I still did my stupid move caused me to lose it.
http://www.headsuprc.com/servlet/the...STAR-II/Detail

Where the cockpit attaches you make a mount for the camera.

[kenchiroalpha]

Hi
The Dynam Hawk Sky, many have had good results using her as a av/ap/fpv platform
They are also a fun plane to fly, im getting one soon
http://www.nitroplanes.com/new4chdyhask.html
Take care dear friend
Yours Hank

[NJSwede]

Originally Posted by gramps2161

You can try the twin star II many have done a mod to carry a camera. Jeff has them for a good price and shipping. You still have to do some work putting it together, but you will have a nice plane that is fun to fly without the camera. I had this one wish I still did my stupid move caused me to lose it.
http://www.headsuprc.com/servlet/the...STAR-II/Detail

Where the cockpit attaches you make a mount for the camera.

Looks nice, but alas! Some snooping around on the Internet shows me that it's out of production and it's hard to get spare parts for it. You know as well as I do that I will wreck it, sooo....

[Wrongway-Feldman]

Originally Posted by kenchiroalpha

Hi
The Dynam Hawk Sky, many have had good results using her as a av/ap/fpv platform
They are also a fun plane to fly, im getting one soon
http://www.nitroplanes.com/new4chdyhask.html
Take care dear friend
Yours Hank

I second the nomination for the hawk sky.
Flies great out of the box. Can easily handle a payload. Has prop at rear so no interference in the picture quality. And its a blast to fly. And did I mention rugged?

[NJSwede]

I've had my eyes on a Hawk Sky for a while... And it's $99 RTF, so what am I waiting for? I assume it uses standard servos so I can just swap out the stock RX and put in the AR7000 I happen to have sitting around? (I think I've even seen a video of a guy doing that). I want all my planes bound to my DX7. It's amazing how quickly you get addicted to a good transmitter...

[FlyingBrick50]

Originally Posted by NJSwede

I've had my eyes on a Hawk Sky for a while... And it's $99 RTF, so what am I waiting for? I assume it uses standard servos so I can just swap out the stock RX and put in the AR7000 I happen to have sitting around? (I think I've even seen a video of a guy doing that). I want all my planes bound to my DX7. It's amazing how quickly you get addicted to a good transmitter...

I have the Hawksky and the servos are not standard size, small (maybe 9 grams servos) and mounted in the wing. She is a blast to fly and will handle many crashes I know,............she can also handle the wind pretty well, if the pilot can?

and yes change the rx, I did!!

Check out my Myrtle Beach Flight, very windy

http://www.youtube.com/user/FLYINGbR.../5/EUQvB6L34TI

Later

[NJSwede]

Originally Posted by FlyingBrick50

I have the Hawksky and the servos are not standard size, small (maybe 9 grams servos) and mounted in the wing. She is a blast to fly and will handle many crashes I know,............she can also handle the wind pretty well, if the pilot can?

and yes change the rx, I did!!

Check out my Myrtle Beach Flight, very windy

http://www.youtube.com/user/FLYINGbR.../5/EUQvB6L34TI

Later

But are the connectors standard? I.e. can I use a different receiver? Since I have a receiver available and I'd love to use a single tx for all my planes, that would indeed be sweet!

[NJSwede]

Duh... I think you actually answered my question. Never mind!

[SmoothCruizer]

Junk

[FlyingBrick50]

Originally Posted by NJSwede

But are the connectors standard? I.e. can I use a different receiver? Since I have a receiver available and I'd love to use a single tx for all my planes, that would indeed be sweet!

Yes they are standard plugs

[NJSwede]

Baddaboom-baddabing! One plane ordered! Let the awesomeness begin! :-)

[Enthlapy]

There are a few guys on the other sites that like this plane. Its foam- easy to repair.