@cheesewaxed Yes you would get more flight time, but you would also be adding more weight to the airframe. More weight = more watts. The airframe could hold 4 batteries but doubleing batteries doesn't mean double flight time.
@wtmcgehee Thanks! Is your 2-battery configuration optimized for duration? I'm trying to make the highest duration electric Telemaster and I'm not sure how the weight tradeoffs work. Just getting into the hobby from RC helis.
@cheesewaxed How much flight duration are you trying to achieve? Also what is the purpose of the flight? There are a few things beside batteries you need to take into consideration such as the kv of the motor, prop size and flight speed. What motor, esc, prop combo do you currently have? With the information above I can better understand the setup and give you recommendations to achieve maximum flight duration.
@wtmcgehee I'm currently flying a Super Cub as a trainer but trying to create a long-duration FPV setup. I'm thinking about purchasing the Senior Telemaster as a way of cramming a lot of batteries inside, and mounting a camera on the left side of the plane pointing slightly down, right in front of the wing. I'll need about 10 miles range after loading up about a pound of FPV gear, with extra drag, so wanted to get your thoughts on the Senior Telemaster as an appropriate airframe.
@cheesewaxed The Sr. Telemaster Plus is a good option for long duration flights. With 32Ah's of batteries you could reach the 10 mile mark and return with plenty to spare. However I must give this disclaimer, FAA rules state that you as a modeler must be in line of site not exceeding 400 feet AGL "At Ground Level" while flying model air frames. Going beyond that you are considered a m-UAS. "miniature Unmanned Aerial System" You can research this information on the FAA's website.
@cheesewaxed Now that I have given you the disclaimer, I have a fquestions about FPV. Have you decided on a system yet? Most transmitters are less than one watt of power and will not reach 10 miles with out a booster. I am running two different systems right now. One being the Eagle Tree OSD/Vlogger and also Ardupilot from 3d robotics. You will need a antenna tracker, I would recommend a patch antenna with a yagi antenna. If you have any question on what to purchase let me know.
@wtmcgehee Thanks for the disclaimer, I think that most people are not aware of this. However, I will be flying within line of sight, and under 400 feet AGL, because the 10 miles will not be a straight line but rather a large loop around a bay that I will be standing on an island in the middle of.
I haven't decided on a full FPV system -- right now I'm flying a Super Cub with 100mw VTx, and am in the process of studying for the Ham exam as well.
@wtmcgehee Are you recommending a patch antenna and a yagi with a diversity receiver? Or are you recommending a patch transmitter for the RC radio and a yagi for the video receiver? How do you aim the antennas? Using Eagle Eyes? I have a friend who will be helping me and could aim the antennas for me as well.
Also, what antenna geometries and frequencies do you run on the aircraft?
Thanks for offering your advice! Also, I don't need 10 mi out and back, the aircraft will be a max of 3 mi away.
@wtmcgehee Also, I see that you've mounted your camera above the wing -- my plan was to put the FPV camera in the cockpit and a GoPro on the left fuselage. Is the cockpit not suitable for the flight camera?
@cheesewaxed I am recommending the patch and yagi on a diversity receiver. I am using the eagle tree ground station with built in diversity. It also has the tracking system built into it. You just need to pick the pan/tilt antenna mount. In the beginning I also had a friend pointing the antenna. One of the nice features with the eagle tree system is the RTH "return to home" feature. When I transition from my video goggles to rc flight I put the plane in RTH.
@wtmcgehee Oh, the black cockpit windows under the wing -- what's behind there -- open space or solid? Could I just drill out a hole for the camera in that front part, and then put the GoPro underneath or on the side?
Great video, that thing seemed like it was coming in hot - did you use flaps on that landing, and if so, what degree? If that was a flap landing, my guess is that the extra battery weight adds to the speed on landing. I've got the same plane, yet to maiden, so definitely interested.
@capnkurtor For that landing I used zero flaps. I have my flaps on a three way switch. 0% - 35% and 85%. The 85% is neat when you are doing a 300 plus feet dive at the runway. With a standard 5 cell 5000 it will dive at about 15-20 knots. Than flare up a 5 feet and touch down. When you finally fly this aircraft you will notice how predictable amd stable it is. Really nice flying airframe.
@wtmcgehee You will also need a little down elevator with flaps. On my DX8 I have it set to Flap mid 75% flap 21% elevator and for land I have it set to 150% flap and 42% elevator.
Fantastic video! Do you think you would get even longer flight times with a third battery?
cheesewaxed 1 week ago
@cheesewaxed Yes you would get more flight time, but you would also be adding more weight to the airframe. More weight = more watts. The airframe could hold 4 batteries but doubleing batteries doesn't mean double flight time.
wtmcgehee 1 week ago
@wtmcgehee Thanks! Is your 2-battery configuration optimized for duration? I'm trying to make the highest duration electric Telemaster and I'm not sure how the weight tradeoffs work. Just getting into the hobby from RC helis.
cheesewaxed 1 week ago
@cheesewaxed How much flight duration are you trying to achieve? Also what is the purpose of the flight? There are a few things beside batteries you need to take into consideration such as the kv of the motor, prop size and flight speed. What motor, esc, prop combo do you currently have? With the information above I can better understand the setup and give you recommendations to achieve maximum flight duration.
wtmcgehee 1 week ago
@wtmcgehee I'm currently flying a Super Cub as a trainer but trying to create a long-duration FPV setup. I'm thinking about purchasing the Senior Telemaster as a way of cramming a lot of batteries inside, and mounting a camera on the left side of the plane pointing slightly down, right in front of the wing. I'll need about 10 miles range after loading up about a pound of FPV gear, with extra drag, so wanted to get your thoughts on the Senior Telemaster as an appropriate airframe.
cheesewaxed 2 days ago in playlist Uploaded videos
@cheesewaxed The Sr. Telemaster Plus is a good option for long duration flights. With 32Ah's of batteries you could reach the 10 mile mark and return with plenty to spare. However I must give this disclaimer, FAA rules state that you as a modeler must be in line of site not exceeding 400 feet AGL "At Ground Level" while flying model air frames. Going beyond that you are considered a m-UAS. "miniature Unmanned Aerial System" You can research this information on the FAA's website.
wtmcgehee 2 days ago
@cheesewaxed Now that I have given you the disclaimer, I have a fquestions about FPV. Have you decided on a system yet? Most transmitters are less than one watt of power and will not reach 10 miles with out a booster. I am running two different systems right now. One being the Eagle Tree OSD/Vlogger and also Ardupilot from 3d robotics. You will need a antenna tracker, I would recommend a patch antenna with a yagi antenna. If you have any question on what to purchase let me know.
wtmcgehee 2 days ago
@wtmcgehee Thanks for the disclaimer, I think that most people are not aware of this. However, I will be flying within line of sight, and under 400 feet AGL, because the 10 miles will not be a straight line but rather a large loop around a bay that I will be standing on an island in the middle of.
I haven't decided on a full FPV system -- right now I'm flying a Super Cub with 100mw VTx, and am in the process of studying for the Ham exam as well.
cheesewaxed 2 days ago
@wtmcgehee Are you recommending a patch antenna and a yagi with a diversity receiver? Or are you recommending a patch transmitter for the RC radio and a yagi for the video receiver? How do you aim the antennas? Using Eagle Eyes? I have a friend who will be helping me and could aim the antennas for me as well.
Also, what antenna geometries and frequencies do you run on the aircraft?
Thanks for offering your advice! Also, I don't need 10 mi out and back, the aircraft will be a max of 3 mi away.
cheesewaxed 2 days ago
@wtmcgehee Also, I see that you've mounted your camera above the wing -- my plan was to put the FPV camera in the cockpit and a GoPro on the left fuselage. Is the cockpit not suitable for the flight camera?
cheesewaxed 2 days ago
@cheesewaxed I am recommending the patch and yagi on a diversity receiver. I am using the eagle tree ground station with built in diversity. It also has the tracking system built into it. You just need to pick the pan/tilt antenna mount. In the beginning I also had a friend pointing the antenna. One of the nice features with the eagle tree system is the RTH "return to home" feature. When I transition from my video goggles to rc flight I put the plane in RTH.
wtmcgehee 2 days ago
@cheesewaxed It doesn't have a cockpit to mount in.
wtmcgehee 2 days ago
@wtmcgehee Oh, the black cockpit windows under the wing -- what's behind there -- open space or solid? Could I just drill out a hole for the camera in that front part, and then put the GoPro underneath or on the side?
cheesewaxed 2 days ago
@cheesewaxed Is that your ESC to the left of the motor?
cheesewaxed 2 days ago in playlist Uploaded videos
@cheesewaxed Yes
wtmcgehee 2 days ago
Nice vid. Will probably get a Telemaster next. I like using the gopro...
Farmhand2k 3 months ago
Comment removed
capnkurtor 5 months ago
Great video, that thing seemed like it was coming in hot - did you use flaps on that landing, and if so, what degree? If that was a flap landing, my guess is that the extra battery weight adds to the speed on landing. I've got the same plane, yet to maiden, so definitely interested.
capnkurtor 5 months ago
@capnkurtor For that landing I used zero flaps. I have my flaps on a three way switch. 0% - 35% and 85%. The 85% is neat when you are doing a 300 plus feet dive at the runway. With a standard 5 cell 5000 it will dive at about 15-20 knots. Than flare up a 5 feet and touch down. When you finally fly this aircraft you will notice how predictable amd stable it is. Really nice flying airframe.
wtmcgehee 5 months ago
@wtmcgehee You will also need a little down elevator with flaps. On my DX8 I have it set to Flap mid 75% flap 21% elevator and for land I have it set to 150% flap and 42% elevator.
wtmcgehee 5 months ago
WOW that thing will carry 2 8000MAH batteries. Thats awesome nice video. I dont know who the heck voted it down.
WTurbiasz 5 months ago
@WTurbiasz Thanks, I could only assume the person who disliked it either can't fly or hates electric planes..
wtmcgehee 5 months ago
1 Hour!? are you serious? Nice. I thought I was flying forever with my 30+ minute flight on my skyraider
mybad67 6 months ago
@mybad67 It only needs 5 pounds in batteries. I am running two ZIPPY Flightmax 8000mAh 5S1P 30C
wtmcgehee 6 months ago
Nice video. What is the location of your flying field?
tsekoaII 6 months ago
@tsekoaII The flying field is the Otis Giants in Falmouth Ma.
wtmcgehee 6 months ago