I don't have a lot of experience flying RC planes. I did have a few successful flights with a HX "Vulcan" flying wing, getting it up to about 80' at one point, but the Hobbyzone Scout I got to train up to this Commander didn't survive the first flight. So what should I expect from this plane?
BTW, does anyone have a barebones Scout (no main wing or battery pack needed, just a working channel 3 fuselage/tail assembly) for sale?
I tried to fly the Commander today, emphasis on "tried." The interesting thing is, I didn't actually crash it. With two new, fully charged battery packs, and a breeze ranging from zero to maybe 5mph,
*the plane would not climb.* I have experience getting underpowered planes in the air, because the Vulcan is very weak at low airspeeds, but even launching it hard, at a slight upward angle into a 5mph breeze produced nothing but a longer 'ballistic' type tragectory. The motor appears the be ok, it produces at least as much thrust as the Vulcan, and the wing and tail seem at spec. It just won't climb. Any ideas, while I contact the manufacturer for a refund? (I've got video showing the experience, and will consider posting it on YouTube.)
More volts.
A little too concise, I'm afraid. I used the stock 7.2 volt battery pack. This should be enough to get the plane aloft. It wasn't a bad pack, because I got two with the plane, and the behavior with both was identical. I can check the pack voltages, but I doubt that both were equally bad. I suppose the *charger* could be defective...
Use a 7 cell pack. Or 2s LIPO.
Never mind the 'SHOULD' My first electric plane was like that on a 6 cell pack. 7 cells made it actually fly.
I've seen videos of this model taking off *from the ground* unassisted. I've also seen lots of hand-launched flights on YouTube. When I retested the motor at home afterwards, it seemed to have a little more thrust, but began to whine, expecially at low speeds. I'm trying to arrange for it to be replaced. I kind of doubt that there are many R/C planes that are unable to fly out of the box because of design, but if any of you have stories to contradict that...
I wonder what they used to power it for those?
I wonder what THEY used.
I would say that about 75% of all 'bottom end' kits fall into that category. The non-sponsored by manufactures RC chat world is FULL of cases.
I cited one myself.
Protech alpha 180. Great plane. Comes with a speed 600 motor an an 8x4.5 folder. Says on the box 'suitable for 6x1500 Nicad cells'
On those, it barely climbs. It is a nightmare to fly.
I went back to where I bought mine and complained. they handed me a 7 cell pack. It flew like a real plane should.
Or go and research the Wattage range of a few years ago. Or certain EDF's
Or you might have the prop on backwards. A great way to halve the thrust.
Interesting and disturbing, but that doesn't explain the motor's whine, or the fact that I've seen only one other person complain about this particular model failing to climb, with many more saying it peerforms fine. I'm hoping they will send me a plane that works. Hope springs eternal...
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