Mode Zero

My Senator arrived yesterday:


I came across a useful web page:

http://dcmaxecuter.org/photopages/066MA ... PHOTOPAGE/

I'll probably save this build as a winter project.

Carl wrote: ↑03 Aug 2018, 19:44 My Senator arrived yesterday.........

I'll probably save this build as a winter project.

I do like the colour scheme on the version on the box - simple yet striking.

Well, its finished & is ready for the test flight - hopefully tomorrow if the weather improves . It came out heavier than anticipated (190g) but still has a power/weight of 34 watts/lb. I've made little effort to save weight with the gear, using a 20A brushed ESC, 6g servo, large Rx (still with case on) & 500mah 2S battery, so there is plenty of scope to shave off grams if needed

I missed the calm weather window over the early weekend, and unfortunately since then we've experienced multiple cold fronts & strong winds . However early this morning the weather was actually better than was forecast, so flying we went . In addition to the Senator for it's maiden flights, I took the Pageboy & the Fly Dragon, both of which had received minor tweaks so needed (re)test flights.

The Senator flew delightfully - to be honest, I'd have been disappointed if it hadn't . The power level is just right, the motor drawing a paltry 2 amps driving the big slow-revving GWS plastic prop & providing a very realistic climb & heaps of flight duration. I had 3 flights, the only trim change being 2 clicks of left rudder trim. Before the next outing, I'll move the battery aft to shift the CofG back a few mm, which should then make the glide 'perfect'. The higher than anticipated flying weight was of no obvious consequence, and should assist with penetration in a light breeze.

I managed to unknowingly bump the Go Pro out of alignment so most of the video is clouds grrrrr , but I did manage some frames with the Senator included. I'll edit the video & upload it, but in the meantime, here are a few captures from the video. My new 1+1 Tx performed perfectly and is an ideal compliment to the Senator.
A very satisfying F/F conversion ........ Bring on those balmy summer evenings

Great news that the conversion was successful. Looks good in the sky. I'll look forward to seeing an in-flight video clip.

Video uploaded

As I said earlier, I bumped the camera out of alignment - apologies for much of the footage having the Senator in the bottom half of the frame

Excellent result Wayne! The Senator never disappoints . . .

David