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 Sukhoi Micro RC Airplane Modifications Begin

So after a few flights on the Parkzone Sukhoi Micro RC Airplane I began to search on what I could modify to improve it's speed, visibility and overall flight time. This led me to the various RC forums and helpful hints from the owners who have had the Sukhoi a lot longer than myself and who collectively flight tested many of the solutions and then posted their results. So here is what I have done thus far.

Visibility
I removed the original stickers on the Parkzone Sukhoi and thought that I was going to use the Krylon H2O spray paints that I have used in the past on some of my other planes. The additional weight that the paint would add concerned me so I am trying the MonoKote Trim Sheets like I have also used on my other planes. I added an exact copy of the original shape in the Yellow color then added a little strip of Red on the wingtip to experiment. So far it works well but adding more would help additionally but will add to weight. Not through testing on this mod. Here are some tips and examples of other Sukhoi owners painting and using markers for color

Programming
I started flying the Sukhoi with the Spektrum DX5e but soon thereafter knew that this plane would benefit from the additional programming that the Spektrum DX6i allows for, especially the exponential programming. Horizon Hobby has a good article as well as video HERE that covers this. I have many flights now using the DX6i and it's programming it has smoothed the flights as well as allowing for the original snap barrel rolls and fast loops.

Propellers
Reading through the online forums several GWS props are being used to increase speed and torque to the Sukhoi. So far I have purchased the GWS 5030 and I have placed an order for the GWS 5043. Here is a analysis done on the props from RCgroups member turboparker.

Battery Upgrade
Several different options that I have read about but I have an order for the larger Hyperion 240mAh so I haven't received them yet. Here is some information on the batteries. (on another plane)

will be continued, here is another link to the RCGroups Sukhoi HUGE Owners thread
also the MOD finder thread is HERE


rest of post here.

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Parkzone Sukhoi Micro RC Airplane Added To Hangar

The Parkzone Sukhoi has been available for some time but it never really appealed to me based on it's size and cost. I figured for the money I'd rather purchase a "full size" RC plane that isn't as delicate as a micro plane and that allows for greater speed and distance. Well I purchased one anyway and I'm glad I did. The Sukhoi presently comes in a BindNFly version which allows me to use my Spektrum DX5e or my new DX6i 2.4ghz radios. For my first flight I used my DX5e and it was immediately apparent that I should have used the exponential on the DX6i radio. The Sukhoi is a very aerobatic, responsive plane and I knew as much from the other owners who warned of it's fast controls. I broke the propeller on the plane not long after my first hand launch. I mis-managed the throttle and simply didn't have enough. I assumed it was going to fly vertical I guess and really take off with too much throttle. This was not the case, and after replacing the propeller my second hand launch was successful but I had a heck of a time trimming the little plane in the air while maintaining it's flight path away from the ground. I needed to add a lot of up trim and right aileron in order for it to fly straight but once trimmed I was having a great time with barrel rolls, inverted flight, and loops. It wasn't exactly relaxing when flying the Sukhoi as I was fully concentrated on preventing a day ending crash and then pushing myself to try a few tricks. I left the flying field happy at the results but came away with a few thoughts on how to improve future flights.

Not long after the first flights I re-binded the Sukhoi to my Spektrum DX6i which allows me to use the radio's programming to add exponential and adjust the High/Low rates as well. This "softens" the controls a little so I can fly less "twitchy" and when comfortable I can easily turn on the High rates for the ailerons and rudder to allow for sport flying. Here is an article and video on programming the DX6i for the Parkzone Sukhoi. I also have begun small modifications to the plane which address my need for additional speed, visibility, longer flight times and added thrust at launch. I'll cover the modifications in an additional post in which I'll add cost and where I purchased as well as my thoughts on the end results.

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HobbyZone Super Cub returns to the air with new color

I have neglected my old workhorse, the HobbyZone Super Cub for far too long. With the addition of the ParkZone Corsair F4U and most recently ParkZone Radian I found less time to fly the ole' Cub. One of it's strengths is the ease of flights and less aggressive flying dynamics that make it a perfect trainer for the new pilot. I will always have a Super Cub in the hangar for this exact reason. As friends and family become interested, I have handed over the controls to the Super Cub to many new fliers after a short instruction. The most recent crash with the Super Cub was a result of a new flier and even though I had all the replacement parts delivered, I never put the Cub back to flight worthiness until last night. I added some high visibility trim strips from Monokote (Day-Glo Red) to the upper wing and tail rudder. After a range check I took the Cub out to the flying field even though it was very breezy. I did the same lipo conversion that I had on my previous Cub and placed my stock Corsair 3s1800mAh lipo in the bottom. I used my Skymate sm18 to check the wind speed out of curiosity and found that my guesstimate was pretty accurate. Winds were averaging 15mph and gusts up to 20mph during a couple minute test period. I was confident on my pre-flight and power of the lipo to pull the Cub out of harms way if needed.



The flight went pretty smooth, less than half throttle and the Cub would practically not move in the air, almost hovering and stuck in the wind. Tip the nose and add power and I was able to make headway. Performed a few instant flips heading into the wind, a few large circles and low flyby's feeling how difficult a landing would be. I landed after 15mins(no wheels) in the grass field just to check over the decals and surface areas incl rubber bands etc. All was well and the motor being new smelled a little as it was getting broken in for the first time and was warm. I readied for another hand launch and had the Super Cub in the air for 20 secs when throttle cut off, I still had control of plane so I just landed off in the field and figured it was a low battery cutoff. Yep, low-batt cutoff as I forgot to charge the 1800 fully before I left! It was reading 10.v right there on the spot. It was a good flight so I just decided to call it a day at the field and will make a return visit with additional color on the wing and other planes.

Thoughts - the new Trim sheet color(day-glo red) however bright as they are up close were not as noticeable at altitude as the trim colors I recently tried on the Corsair(yellow). That surprised me, so I have to try a little yellow or maybe the neon green I bought recently on the Super Cub's wings.

Here are my other RC posts

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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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Parkzone Corsair F4U mods and new items

Well since the last crash involving the Parkzone Corsair it still flies perfect thanks to the minimal damage. In the meantime my order arrived from FMA and included a new Multi4 charger. Also included in the package was a battery connector (Parkzone and newer Hong Kong lipos I grabbed on Ebay) and a PC cable to connect with the included chargers software on my PC. It's pretty neat and you can view graphs, control presets, change charger variables and download new REV versions and basically customize the hell out of it to your desires. Here is a pretty extensive review that I used and ultimately convinced me to purchase. FMA and the Cellpro line has long been embraced by the RC community as one of the best RC chargers on the market and you rarely see them for sale used.




I recently ordered two more 11.1v 3s 2200mAh Lipos off of Ebay. The two other Ebay lipos have been working fine and it's hard to beat the prices they're offered at. They should arrive from Hong Kong in about 10 days.


And lastly I received my fiberglass cloth (3/4oz lightweight) that I will experiment with applying to the foam Super Cub. It should add some great stability and toughness and resist the little 'hangar dings' that occur. I have been following this thread for the fiberglass application and materials used. If it works well I may try the fiberglass cloth on the Corsair. The other option is to reinforce vulnerable areas with the familiar strapping tape or packaging tape. Weight is my largest concern as it should be with our lightweight foam models.

So I have reinforced some areas with packing tape, added larger Dubro wheels, added new larger (4) 2200mAh lipos, new charger, added a video camera set-up (vids here) but there are a lot more fun additions that can be added. Some popular mods that I may pursue are motor upgrades such as the Power 10, Power 15. Lipo upgrade moving to 4 cell 14.8v battery, adding the Spektrum DX6i, etc. Here are some posts from several owners with their upgrades (Park Zone F-4U corsair modification thread) . Tons of ideas on wattflyer , rcgroups and the other RC forums.

Wattflyer RC forum Parkzone F4U Corsair

ParkZone's Newest Warbird: F4U Corsair In Action

Corsair Mod Thread - RC Groups

ParkZone F4U Corsair RTF Review - RC Groups

Parkzone f4U Corsair Rtf - RC Universe

F4U Corsair - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vimeo Video - parkzone corsair power 15 11x7E on Vimeo

Vimeo Video - Parkzone Corsair F4U PNP Stock 4 cell 2200 Thunder Power Battery

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Parkzone F4U Corsair first real damage

=


Well it was bound to happen, just not the way I envisioned it. It wasn't spectacular it was just a failure to pre-flight check everything as thorough as I should've. I haven't flown the plane or any of my RC planes for a few months. So I grabbed the 11.1v lipos and charged the batteries to capacity after checking that the resting voltage was ok. The lipo's checked out and took a balanced full charge. Next step was to install the batteries and turn on my DX5 transmitter for a flight control check at home. All checked out and control surfaces as well as prop sounded and looked great. So off to run errands and I brought the Parkzone Corsair F4U and 3 batteries and figured I find a new area to fly and dust off some cobwebs.

So after the errands, I went to a huge retail outlet that has empty parking and empty fields galore. Eager to fly, I grab the plane, flight bag, and walk to an empty street that is gated off for new construction. There isn't any pedestrian or vehicle traffic and the adjacent fields look perfect for a few flights. Again performed a visual test with battery installed and radio on, prop runs strong. I set the Corsair on the ground and did a rolling take off (ROG). Not even 10 secs later I lose input control off the plane, throttle and control surfaces aren't responding and she flies left in an arc about 30yards away to the ground. WTF just happened! First crash of the Corsair and I would of expected it to be a lot more brutal than that. With all the aerobatics, flights carrying video camera, many times losing visual orientation, stalls, inverted close calls and other crap I have done since I purchased it and I crash on take off. Pretty damn wimpy! After standing over the plane and taking note of the extent of damage it received I'm somewhat relieved that I get away with so little. I damaged a wing, the landing gear tore off, and little dings here and there.

The PROBLEM: Transmitter/radio batteries! There are LED lights on the radio that indicate the power level of the batts. It was still within green and I was using the included stock AA's batteries. But when I arrived home and was trouble shooting the problem the LED's went to red. A quick test of refreshed AA's batteries in the radio solved all the range problems and connection issues.

The SOLUTION: my favorite glue, Gorilla Glue and a little patience. The damage was minimal

After allowing the glue to set I was out flying that evening in my main flying area. The plane flew great and it was fun to get back in the air again. I have since been using the DX5's range test feature which allows you to decrease the transmitter power and then you walk 30 paces away to simulate reaching the range limits of the radio. Better safe then sorry and another learning experience not to always rely on the DX5's led indicators for batteries.

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Parkzone F4U Corsair on board vid test

Added my Aiptek PocketcamX to the Corsair this morning with good results You can see the

Corsair videos here.



Testing camera location and first ever flight adding a Aiptek PocketcamX to the underside of the Corsair. The flight was originally 7m30s but the camera only captured half due to low batts.

This is about the 8thflight with the new corsair and marks the first time the battery ESC/BEC cut the power to the flight. I used more throttle then usual and with the additional weight ended the flight much shorter. The previous flights where timed at 10-11 minutes and I would land to avoid the auto low voltage cutoff.

Stock Corsair - except added larger Dubro 2 3/4 Super Lite wheels.

Park overhead view where I was flying and missed the initial landing approach:




RC Parkzone F4U Corsair missed landing approach from DynamicJ on Vimeo.



Parksone F4U Corsair video test from DynamicJ on Vimeo.

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RC Hobbyzone Super Cub Flyer - for new owners

New Pilots or seasoned flyers -

Here are a few websites that I visit and cover a lot of great information for the RC Hobbyzone Super Cub. Anything additional just send me an email by clicking on "Contact" at the top of this page.

1.) Videos that I took using the Aiptek PocketcamX

Jason's Super Cub Aerial Videos


Aiptek Order Page-$25


2.) RC SuperCub Club Forums:
Super Cub Club site

RcGroups Super Cub Forum


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3.) GENERAL R/C Forums:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/index.php
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/

4.) BATTERIES -Suggested by Hobbyzone for upgrade is the 9.6V:
$18.99 http://www.all-battery.com/96v1400mahnimhsquarebatterypacksforfirebirdairplane.aspx

VS

$31.99 http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1023

I've purchased (2) of these high output batteries 10.8V 1400 mAh NiMH but when using these you need to modify the battery space:
http://www.all-battery.com/108v1400mahnimhbatterypackforrcaircraftparkzonefirebirdetc.aspx

BOTTOM LINE=

Best Scenario - Use LIPO's!
Yes I have heard the other RC fliers talk about how great they are and the weight savings but I put off purchasing them for quite awhile (needed new charger, balancer etc) UNTIL.... I purchased the Parkzone Corsair F4U. What a difference the lipo's make not only in the extreme speed but also flight times. I went from a stock battery (8.4V 1000mAh NiMHBattery) to the 10.8v 1400Mah and I thought that was substantial but nothing compares to the lipos! I easily get 20min plus flights and do not need full throttle. It literally gains altitude beyond belief and blew away my expectations. I use the stock Corsair lipo and then purchased additional ebay lipos NEW following some members advice on the forums. Here is what can be purchased on the inexpensive route. Hobbycity ZIPPY Flightmax 1300mAh 3S1P 20C $12 OR Ebay 2 x 2200mAh 25C 11.1V 3S Lipo FAST flying! They almost all ship from Hong Kong etc they work very well and and are dependable. Just visit the forums as a lot of the owners use the Zippy and other Hong Kong variants. Just try to keep the weight down, with my heavier 2200mAh batteries the performance is fantastic but I also get more than 25mins but they are kinda heavy.

You will need to remove a small jumper on the Super Cub's receiver when using Lipo's. This post on Wattflyer explains it in more detail:
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13831

You can email me and I can give further leads on my experience. The Super Cub battery box once again needs a little modification to accept the larger lipo batteries (one example) I left the battery box and and just dremeled the space. I use Deans Connectors(ultra) on all my RC planes and for charging lipos I have the stock Parkzone charger but have a FMA multi4charger on the way. My first battery charger that I purchased (Triton Jr) I used mainly for NiMH's and it allows you to see how many mAh you used and put back in the batteries along with cycling and other features.

I am sure you have questions so email me and ask there is a lot to go over. Contact link top of page

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F4U Corsair - Parkzone -

Purchased a NEW PLANE!!

Here are a few pics after 3 flights and one pre-fight just in case the maiden flight went terribly wrong.


Just picked up the new Parkzone F4U Corsair from the local Hobby shop. Man, this plane flies so much faster than the Hobbyzone Super cub which was my main RC plane for a year. I have been eying the Parkzone Trojan T-28 as my next plane but the new Spektrum DX5 radio that comes with the RTF Corsair convinced me to purchase it instead. The brushless 480 motor and the ailerons and the new LiPo battery and 2.4ghz Spektrum radio changes the whole flying dynamic.

I woke up this morning and took off ROG and had to play with the rudder to keep it straight. It took off pretty easily and had a relatively short takeoff. The plane performed flawlessly with the new 2.4ghz Spektrum radio system. I was able to put the plane into a few loops and consistent rolls and flying inverted was a piece of cake. I limited flying to timed stopwatch flights of anywhere between 7-10 minutes until I familiarize myself with the discharge rate and capacity of the new 1800mah lipos. Scared myself a few times and lost orientation by fooling around with rolls, outside loops, and rolls to inverted flight. Very pleased with the new performance and flight characteristics of the new plane. I had the plane at altitude and throttle completely off to test the gliding capabilities and it passed with flying colors. No drama, no wing tip and spin reaction but I will stall the plane without power to test recovery at a later time. I think it will accommodate my pocketcamX nicely and I'll be able to add my Corsair videos soon.

I need to purchase additional Lipo's for the plane as I only have one and it takes 1hr+ to charge. The last flights I hand-tossed the plane which is my normal practice with the Super Cub. I also left the landing gear on and didn't use the skid pads for the under belly. The plane was released in Aug/Sept 2008 and is quickly drawing praise and attention in the forums. There will be countless mods and additions that owners will experiment with much like the Super Cub and the T-28 Trojan planes.

Here are the Specs of the plane and the Manufactures website:
F4U Corsair RTF

My Parkzone Corsair On Board Videos

...other F4U Corsair videos on VIMEO


RC Parkzone F4U Corsair missed landing approach from DynamicJ on Vimeo.



Parksone F4U Corsair video test from DynamicJ on Vimeo.

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Ballpark field Super Cub

Empty ballpark field for once so I got the Super Cub in the air to get a different perspective. Flight was cut short due to my transmitter batteries being low.

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Aerial view of Marina / Delta

Great weather although still a little hazy from California Wildfires but the Super Cub took some neat aerial footage of the surrounding area





Delta area with a few boats on the water but a lot of fishermen were on the dock which is located further in front of my launching area.

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Super Cub takes a dive

Added my Garmin GPS Vista unit on the top of the wings and checked center of gravity and it looked fine. A little heavy but should've been ok if not for the wind. Took the plane out in conditions that might be ok without anything attached. Took awhile to get altitude and the plane was rocking back and forth but I stuck with it. Reached 1100 ft and topped out at 47mph but the wind was getting too much. I'm sure both of these can be improved especially the elevation as the plane wasn't nearly as high as I sometimes fly. So the landing was a different story. Full trim with up elevator and if I place stick in neutral it dives at a steep angle. It's currently curing with all the Gorilla glue that was needed to mend the firewall/fuselage back together.

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