Parkzone Radian Repairs And New Flight

After the crash back in the summer I had to wait for some of the parts to come off backorder and finally arrive at my local Hobby Store. During this time it allowed me to use some of the neglected RC planes in my hangar such as the Hobbyzone Super Cub and Parkzone Corsair. Well the parts finally arrived months later and they sat with the damaged plane untouched for several more months. During the Radian's long retirement I also purchased a Parkzone Sukhoi and an E-Flite Blade MCX helicopter, both which kept me entertained for some time. I finally got disgusted at looking at the Radian's current state of condition and started to organize all the parts both new and salvageable in order to get the plane back in the air.

Parts I had to purchase:

• Bare Fuselage: Radian
• Prop Adapter & Spinner Set: Radian 
• Propeller 9.5 x 7.5_1: Radian 
• Canopy: Radian 
• DAP 100% Silicone (servo glue 2.8floz)

I could have replaced the wing due to several cracks and a huge split down the right wing in particular. But with a little Gorilla Glue and some strapping tape I determined that it was stable but would keep and watchful eye on it during it's repaired maiden flight(s). I installed larger, stronger neodymium magnets in the wing mounts using silicon and X-acto blade to recess area then covered with a piece of strapping tape. I also was undecided at replacing the ESC as it took a nice dent in the front and wasn't confident in it's ability to deliver uninterupted power or worse a complete failure at altitude. After re-installing the ESC 30A E-Flite and motor testing it seemed ok.

Started with the new bare fuselage which needed everything installed. First was the servos from the old fuselage that I removed with the help of an X-Acto blade and then pliers to lightly pull out. The Parkzone servos where installed with a flexible white caulk of some sort and which I assumed was silicon. Others have installed servos with a hot glue gun, which I have, but thought I would use the original silicon adhesive which would make removing them at some point easier. I purchased 100% DAP silicon which was labeled as Kitchen and Bath sealer and tested it on the old fuselage's foam which worked well. So the servos went into the slots with silicon already bedded in and excess silicon that squeezed out I smoothed off. The old AR500 receiver was installed with new double sided foam tape and then I proceeded to the install the Brushless Motor, the Prop Adapter/Spinner, Prop, ESC, and binded everything to my Spektrum DX6i. Everything worked well and I added necessary trim and programmed some exponential and high/low rates for the Radian. Only thing left was to test fly it at the local park and hope that all is well with the repairs and the ESC holds up as well as the wings. And oh ya, DON'T FORGET TO INSTALL THE CARBON SPAR PRIOR TO FLIGHT!

Flight went perfect, an even better hand launch as it needed almost no additional trim. Did a few slow, throttle on laps at low altitude to ensure all is well. Then I flew at higher altitude and powered off for a 25 minute flight in moderate/light wind. Everything felt great and I was relieved to see the Radian fly so well and missed flying it all these months. I had quite the audience from the moment I arrived at the park with the huge wingspan of the Radian the kids and eventually the parents came closer to watch. The Radian is very easy to fly and while I was gliding I was casually answering questions from a curious Dad on the plane, flight times, costs, last crash I experienced at the same location etc. I'm glad to have the Radian back in the active hangar rotation.

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ParkZone Radian - What A Few Months Off And No Coffee Equals

A recipe for disaster. The winds the morning I woke up early where nearly non-existent and in my rush to get out to the park and avoid the crowds I hastily grabbed my flight bag and the Parkzone Radian. I was excited to finally get it into the air for the first time in over 2 months. I had just returned from Lake Tahoe, where I was on vacation and was planning on bringing the Radian to get aerial videos of the the lake and surrounding area. There just wasn't enough room in the vehicle without damaging the Radian so I left it at home. So now, finally getting the chance to get the Radian in the air, I grabbed my flight bag and was off to the a local park where I fly.



Upon arriving, there was just a small family on the nearby playground equipment and a morning walker or two. I made my way onto the expansive green park lawn with basically the whole park to myself. A 350 yard stretch in one direction by another 150 yards in another, rare in this area for a freshly cut grass landing. I caught the attention of a young Father with his two kids who started to make his way to my start location to watch the launch. I put together the Radian, checked voltages on my batteries, checked wing alignment and trim on elev and rudder, did a range check and readied my stopwatch to keep track of the flight. The Father and his two kids settled on the park bench about 15 yards back and we exchanged good mornings as he told his kids to watch the airplane take off. I walked off to my usual starting point and hand tossed the Radian in the air under a little more the ¾ throttle, easily making altitude before I throttled down and began to familiarize myself with the flight controls and flying the Radian, cobwebs were steadily disappearing just under 2 mins into the flight when during a left hand turn one of the wings came off! The Father says, "OH NO!", I respond "OH NO is RIGHT!" I'm shocked while watching the Radian, nose first with one wing still intact in a death spiral, no input on rudder or elevator is affecting the inevitable. It crashed pretty hard into the grass about 120 yards away, that I can be thankful for. The rogue wing decided it wanted to take a more slower and graceful flight back to earth then gently landed about 20 yards from the plane with no damage soon after. I took the walk or jog of shame with my DX5 radio in hand to survey the wreckage. Embarrassment, disappointment, and the lack of knowing what the heck happened fueled my rush to examine the plane and get back to my flight bag to see if it is repairable.

Picking up all the litter was hard, all the work and time I spent on adding the paint and strengthening the fuselage and other various items. This was the first time really where I had a major crash that was going to require a lot of time and worse MONEY to recover from. The Radian is filled with expensive electronic equipment and the parts like the wing and fuselage are not cheap by any means. It becomes quickly apparent that I will not be flying anymore that day, or the next day for that matter as the fuselage is split and the wing damaged on initial inspection. I got back to my flight bag and original launch area hoping that my accident wasn't noticed by too many on lookers. Thankfully the young Father spared me the embarrassment of having to show him the damage as he left with his kids allowing me a private moment with the remains of my favorite plane =). So off to my vehicle with a ravaged Radian and my head low knowing I was about to spend a lot of time at the Hobby shop ordering parts.

edit- I just added some post crash pics of the Radian for those of you who enjoy my misery lol. I already have the parts ordered from my local Hobby shop but just recently noticed my ESC has sustained damage! The crash was the result of the carbon spar rod not being installed in wing. It was left at home and the only thing holding the wings on were the neodymium magnets I installed when I first purchased the plane. I only realized this after returning and going over the damage and realized the spar was nowhere to be found. I thought it came off in the wreck and I perhaps missed it when retrieving the wreckage.






Here are some links that I used for the repair:

1. Parkzone Main - parts listing home(parkzone.com) 
2. Hobbyzone.com Radian parts listing(auth retailer)
3. RedRocket Hobbies Radian parts listing(auth retailer)
4. EBAY - search on "Parkzone Radian"
   

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Forum for Parkzone Hobbyzone BBQ related topics

RC Planes and BBQ Misc Forum

Right, another forum joins the web, like we need another forum added to the congested topics that have been covered endlessly.....

Just added a new forum covering RC planes such as the Parkzone Radian, Parkzone Corsair, Hobbyzone Super Cub. Also included topic for my BBQ related pics and information with mods etc for the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Take a look and view as a guest or help contribute to the content by registering.

RC Planes and BBQ Misc Forum

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Parkzone Radian Sailplane Paint Modification

Started some of my Parkzone Radian mods. I decided to add paint for higher visibility at the higher altitudes. So the plan was adding under wing identifiers(stripes) and adding a fluorescent color to the top of the wings. I also removed the horizontal tail and added color to the top and bottom area. They're several different options of doing this and some of them include adding Econokote which, like Monokote, is a film that is applied with a low heat iron. Another is using Krylon H2o paint, which is latex foam safe and comes in an aerosol spray can.

I decided on the Krylon H20 paint and added Red(red sea) altitude stripes on the under wing and added Yellow(yellow sea) on the top of the wings. Before adding any paint I lightly sanded with 300 grit and removed minor surface problems on the foam. Then sprayed down with a mix of water, alcohol, baby shampoo to clean off the oil, dust or other debris. Next, I covered the top wing with a light spackling mixture (I no longer would recommend this cosmetic mod, adds unnecessary weight and time) to attempt to obtain a smooth finish on the top of the wings. My concern with the spackling was that it would add to much additional weight and may not be worth the effort(not worth it imo). I applied the spackle with a flexible credit card, dipping in water, and smoothing the surface of the wing. Once the spackling has had enough time to dry I sanded with 250 grit to eliminate high spots and to smooth some lines. I should've spent much more time on the sanding portion of the spackle, as after I painted some lines are still visible. In the future, I'll probably avoid this step as it didn't add a lot more to the finish, and the bottom wing, which wasn't spackled looks fine. I repeated my cleaning method with spray bottle then wipe down. I then proceeded to tape the bottom of the wing adding 4" for the spacing of the stripes. I added 2 coats, sometimes 3 depending on how it looked after 15 minutes worth of dry time. The upper wing painting and horizontal tail were very easy and also received at least 2 coats.

The final step was adding a couple light coats of Minwax^® Polycrylic^® Protective Finish. This would add additional protection to slight dings and scratches as well as protect the paint. It is a water base polycrylic and application with a brush and sponge brush couldn't have been easier. Clean-up and/or mistakes are easily cleaned and dry time was really fast. While I had the polycrylic out I reinforced the fuselage directly over the wings. I added a light layer of polycrylic, then laid out a small section of .5 oz fiberglass cloth and added another layer of poly on top. The cloth is extremely lightweight and almost could have done a few layers as there only a slight noticeable difference.

So that's it thus far for my Radian mods. The entire process was done over a couple days and added approx 3 oz total weight to the Radian. I have additional ideas that I want to accomplish with the Radian and my other planes but for now I'm happy and looking forward to more flights.

Another step I am looking at is adding Holographic tape of other high visibility tape to the leading edge of the wings. I have some Reflectix silver metallic tape on the Radian now but haven't seen it in the air yet.

Here are some tape links I located they may be of interest to you.

1. Holographic Metallic tapes - Tape Brothers
2. Reflective tape - Identi-tape
3. RC group topic on tape

edit 08/24/2009 - I recently started using Monokote Trim sheets, they are basically stickers, adhesive backed and to help proper placement I used a couple drops of baby shampoo in water then lightly applied to sticker, after correct placement I put pressure on all areas with towel to help get the moisture out, go back after awhile and apply more pressure to ensure it sticks well and eliminate air bubbles etc. I am working on adding additional colors but so far the Yellow is great but the chrome on the Parkzone Corsair is just ok, it only flashes once in awhile at altitude on the leading edge on wing. I'll add more info and pics of the project after I add more colors and flight time.

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Parkzone Radian Sailplane - Maiden Flights

Had a fun time and did 45mins on the included 1300mAh stock battery. This was mainly flying low checking the glide ability and feeling the wind(5-11mph according to w.underground, always seems lower) as it was a little more breezy than I would've liked. I practiced low glides at no power for short landings and had some really graceful, at the side of my feet landings. The Radian can be one of those hand toss launch and hand catch planes. I had some 10+ feet slides that surprised me, but this was what others warned that you need to rub off some speed as it just wants to hang on landings. I was expecting the plane to want to slide forever but I circled around for re-approach if it was coming in too hot.



I was flying at a sports complex and the little league teams occupied 3-4 of the other fields. I positioned myself way out of view across a parking lot on the unused soccer fields. Man what a great place to fly minus all the stadium lighting. I had two gentleman leave their grandkids games to try and track the "pilot" down, they had to walk around the complex to find me so I landed and got to talk with both at separate times. One has been flying over 50 years and mainly flies gliders, slope soars. He was familiar with a lot of the equipment I had and some models both of us had. Explained to them this was my maiden and had a good laugh at a close call early in the flights(stadium lighting). They gave some positive comments on my flying being it was my maiden so that was certainly generous.

Sunday morning, 5-14mph (w.underground) very breezy, the Radian was literally not moving on dead stick, fun times practicing dead stick landings, high altitude. 31mins on stock 1300mAh - only 768mAh charged back in (fma mulit4).

Changed rudder pushrod to inner most hole on control horn for added response. Rudder is still slow when wing is flexing, but isn't to aggressive on slow flight either. Dead stick landings, all were smooth even with the wingtips dropping due to the wind, the Radian was at a basic hover until the gentle landing. Makes my flying look a lot more impressive than it is :D


Thoughts on Parkzone Radian maiden flight.
1. A little down trim for first launch
2. Conservative throttle at launch, be prepared to bring that nose down
3. Rudder input is slow on this breezy day, long turns
4. Rudder input REALLY slow on high throttle or nose dive(haven't changed the control horn position from stock on maiden, should've)
5. Will be a fun platform for my camera
6. Used 874mAh from stock 1300mAh battery 45mins multiple landings and goofing around really low just laughing at the glide hang time the plane has, powered on for 30 secs bursts then glide etc/ Also flew a PZ1800mAh for 40mins and had PLENTY left.
7. Needs under wing identifiers, also may put on holographic tape on leading edge, Econokote coverings for wing like a translucent orange or something bright .. still deciding.
8. Larger 1800mAh did fine, have a bunch of 2200mAh I'll try next.
9. Not that confident in the push on wings to stay put for the life of the plane, magnets, simple tape .. still thinking.
10. Very easy to fly, fun, great looking in the sky, very very stealth in air, does loops very easily, but I was enjoying the glide ability as this is my first plane over 48" wingspan so the 78" Radian wingspan is awesome!.
11. I am a noob thermal hunter, so far the Radian loves the wind.

Some Parkzone Radian Related sites:

• Parkzone Radian RTF - Parkzone's product listing
• RCgroups - Parkzone Radian review and forum posts
• WattFlyer - Parkzone Radian review and Forum posts
• Youtube - Various Radian Videos
• Vimeo - Various Radian Videos
• $12.01 Replacement Battery ZIPPY Flightmax 1300mAh 3S1P 20C

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Parkzone Radian Sailplane Arrives

Read a few reviews and watched the flying videos that were posted on forums, vimeo, youtube and was excited to research the Radian further. Well, I purchased it and the Radian just arrived today. I'll be soldering deans ultra plug on and then off tomorrow morning to a park for it's first maiden flight.

Next I'll attach my video camera and add some aerial videos. It'll be great to see the different perspective and sound the Radian will have once at high altitude and no throttle. And here is the rest of it.

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Parkzone Radian awesome sailplane

update - I purchased the plane and have already started a few mods Parkzone Radian page

Parkzone Radian is a brushless powered, 2 meter sailplane that came on the market at the end of last year. I have always liked the flying dynamics of RC gliders and was researching either building one or perhaps purchasing a RTF (ready to fly) model. Now, new owners have added their flying experiences with the Parkzone Radian, adding their posts to various forums and videos on Vimeo and Youtube. I have made a decision and the Radian will be my next plane.


The Parkzone Radian has plenty of power and goes near vertical on takeoff with the brushless motor. It essentially uses the same powerplant as my Parkzone Corsair, a brushless 480 size motor with 11.1v - 3 cell Lipo's. The battery with the Radian is a little lighter as it's rated at 1300mAh. It is a basic sailplane as far as controls are concerned, it doesn't have ailerons. Those more experienced glider and sailplane pilots are equally impressed with the Radian and it's flying characteristics and ability to catch thermals and sustain very long flights. No stopwatch needed to get down in time before the battery runs out with this plane as once you power off at high altitude, get comfortable, she'll float for awhile and I foresee neck pain as the main reason to bring her back down.

I plan on attaching my video cam(pocketcamx), as seen in my previous aerial videos, and getting some vids up on my Vimeo site. I'll first trim the Radian controls out and get used to it's flying characteristics and get a few maiden flights under my belt. The plane looks to be an easy flier and would probably great as a starter plane for a beginner pilot. The landing may pose difficult for a newer pilot based on the Radian's ease of maintaining a glide and staying aloft, it wants to float all day and a longer landing field or spot will need to be utilized. As owners have indicated, the Radian may need a couple of approaches to settle the altitude and speed down enough for a graceful landing without taking up a lot of ground. I'm so looking forward to relaxing and flying without the need of the motor constantly on and having the prop folded at high altitude I'll be capturing the surrounding area with video and the wind as the only audible noise so it'll make my next few aerial videos very unique. Stay tuned the Parkzone Radian is already en route and will be delivered in just a few short, or long, days.

Parkzone Home - Radian
Parkzone Radian - RC Groups forum
Parkzone Radian - WattFlyer forum
Parkzone Radian - Vimeo vids
Parkzone Radian - Youtube vids

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