Making counterweights for adjusting CG

In this video I show you how to make lead counterweights to help balance out your RC FPV plane. I used fishing weights that were pounded flat with a hammer. With the lead flat its easy to tape to the surface area of the plane without causing too much drag.

FPV T-28 Trojan

So I finally caved and bought the new paint scheme of the T-28 Trojan from Parkzone. I would have to say that I am happy with the amount of space inside of the plane to work with. It has room for everything. My only big complaint is power. It definitely needs a different motor. I'm looking at the BP2820-6 http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V450327&pid=B1898547. I'll have to try it with both a 3 cell and a 4 cell and see which one works best. I'd also like to look into a retractable gear setup sometime. Here is the first recorded flight with the T-28...

Twin Easystar FPV Project

Setup:
(2) Multiplex Easystar ARF kits
(2) BP 2212-06 Brushless Motors
(2) 30amp Brushless ESC's from BPhobbies.com
(4) Blue Bird BMS-371 Micro servos
(3) Y-connectors for the rudder, elevator, & esc's.
(1) ESKY Gyro

The center wing spar is cut 5 inches from center on each side making it a 10" spar. The tail section is measured and cut the same. I used 5 minute epoxy to join the spars together and covered with clear packing tape. I also used the clear packing tape for hinges on the ailerons and elevator. On the bottom of both fuselages I used clear packing tape to prevent the foam from getting messed up from the roads. This also helps allow it to slide better on the road as well.

FPV over the North Park MN Wetlands

Today I just wanted to get out and fly. The weather has been so back and fourth lately that I haven't had much of a chance to get out. Reworked the FPV system on the plane to better balance out the CG. I had to move the video transmitter to the tail of the plane to stop the servo twitch. This problem has now been solved. I am wondering if it would be possible to put the gyro back now since the cause of the interference was the video TX. I will have to test that tomorrow.

Windy day at the park...

Today Mike and I went to the park to fly in the windy spring weather. With gusts up to 20mph flying was a little difficult at times but it was alright. I didn't get to do any FPV piloting today but Mike finally got the opportunity to look thru the glasses for a change. Mike has been working on a scratch build lately. Together we have come up with 3 different prototypes. So far we have only had a few successful flights and need to return to the drawing board for some more changes. Today was his most successful day yet. Actually had it flying till the wind thru it around. Hopefully we can have some videos of his build and of him flying. Stay tuned

What I've been up to...

Well I haven't posted any videos lately simply because I'm working on finishing up my website. Been doing lots of work lining up affiliates to represent on the site and in my videos. I have also been doing a lot of scratch building of a few different planes. Just about finished with a 64mm EDF foamy jet, and am about start a replica of my easystar out of polystyrene foam from Menards. The only reason I'm copying this plane is because I would like to have a fleet of them so my friends that come watch me fly have something to start on and practice with.

Stay tuned, more videos coming soon!

Its down!!!

Ok... So I checked the weather report this morning and saw that it was suppose to start raining around noon. I decided to not mess around and called for a tree trimmer. I googled tree service for my area and came up with Sherwood Tree Service, where I met Tom Holberg. He was kind enough to be at my house within an hour and removed the plane and neighboorhood kids football and soccer ball for a mere $20 bucks. I was so happy that he did it so cheap and was very cool about the whole situation. He laughed at me mostly... Here are some pics I took this morning of the tree and of the plane after I got it back.