Sky Surfer and Bixler RC Plane Build Supplement Part1

This is Part 1 of a 28-minute video series for guys and gals who own (or who are looking to own) a Sky Surfer or Bixler RC Plane. In the videos I cover some additional things to do after you have followed the included assembly manual, as well as some additional purchases you might want to make.

Part 1 includes:
1. Intro
2. Exercise your hinges
3. Set control horn and servo horn positions
4. Don't Glue Wings in!
5. Remove the washers inside the nose

Part 2 includes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkJhp-s1ygE
6. Replace Wing Spar
7. Check Motor Direction
8. Replace the prop
9. Check Prop Direction
10. Reinforce with Carbon Fiber (CF)

Part 3 includes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6VO1JvfaK0
11. Add tape
12. Use Threadlocker
13. Add foam to the nose

Part 4 includes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H5tYZLh9qA
14. Additional Items Suggested
15. Check Center of Gravity (CG)
16. Conclusion

The best place to ask questions about these planes is the RC Groups Sky Surfer/Bixler thread here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1231310

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• SkySurfer
• Bixler
• RC
• Plane
• part1
• BlitzRC
• Build
• Supplement

[Bongkits]

Hi, newbie here. I haven't seen an actual Skysurfer 1, but I do have the Bixler, which according to info is a Version 1 Skysurfer. Since you have both, is it possible to replace my Bixler fuselage with a Skysurfer fuse kit? Thanks.

[mmerry2]

@Bongkits Absolutely.

[justinspirational]

I'm not sure why the bixler and sky surfer are thought of as exactly the same as even though the airframes look similar, the specs on the websites (hobbyking & readymaderc respectively) are slightly different:

bixler specs:

Wingspan: 1400mm

Length: 925mm

Flying Weight: 650g

sky surfer specs:

Wingspan: 1372mm (shorter)

Length: 915mm (shorter)

Flying Weight: 624g (lighter)

are these specs incorrect? I'm more drawn to the sky surfer as my 1st FPV platform through readymaderc (not bananahobby)

[mmerry2]

@justinspirational I wouldn't be surprised if these differences are just differences in the measurements someone took. Wingspan can be easily interpreted differently with the flareups at the wingtips. Weight can vary depending on servos, motor used. I've owned them both & can say they don't have any easily noticeable differences. There are slight modifications between v1 and v2 Sky Surfers though. The V2 SS has internal rudder and elevator servos and less room in the fuse.

[TheSliekaStyle]

Watched all your videos-Superb, thanks!

One question- > How Bixler glides without thrust? Can it maintain altitude?

[mmerry2]

@TheSliekaStyle The only way it can fully maintain altitude is if you have an updraft or thermal carrying it up. It does glide very well though, especially if you only have 1300mah battery or smaller and minimize extra weight. On a few occasions I have caught some updrafts and flew close to hour on a 2200mah battery.

[mmerry2]

@SIXEIGHTTWO You need to buy a male XT-60 connector to solder onto the large red and black wires on your ESC. (Search "Male XT-60" on Ebay to find them). This male connector will plug into your female XT-60 connector on your battery. Search youtube for "soldering xt-60" to get some soldering instructions.

[rgthd007]

Great tips, thanks for sharing. Just subscribed!

[Vanusk]

Does the kit version come with the small stuff like control rods?

[Bongkits]

@mmerry2 thanks.

[justinspirational]

@mmerry2 thanks- I ordered the sky surfer which is v1- apparently better for FPV duties- which is my intention as it has more room in the fuse as you say for the extra FPV gear

[ehsanaman222]

Hi.... Just wondering why the dowel rod is there? Is its only purpose to hold the elastic band or is there more to it? Thanks