I decided I wanted a pratical alternative to my Maxi Swift, something that fits in the boot without the seats down but I could still load up with batteries and get a good range from.
The X-5 was a little smaller than I wanted to go but I thought I'd give it a punt :)
Out of the box pics:
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0377.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0378.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0379.JPG)
I got some 10x0.5mm flat carbon to re-inforce the fuselage, canopy, wings and winglets
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0380.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0381.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0382.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0383.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0384.JPG)
I cut a slot and inserted some plastic into the foam before I fitted the motor mount so it would be glued and screwed:
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0385.JPG)
Reinforced winglets:
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0386.JPG)
Here she is after the maiden complete with UHF antennas:
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0387.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0388.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0389.JPG)
The Elevons are completely covered in fibre tape and then hinged to the wing with tape so they are stiff, smooth and bloody strong!
Maiden flight went ok, its a fiddly one to launch though my first attempt ended with the wing up-side down you have to really give it some to get it going unlike the maxi that just wafts out of your hand (albeit bloody heavy).
Looks good, I have the x8 which will require bit of a throw or a launcher to get it air bourne !
Its funny really, when you first get into planes and probably dont fly loads you dont reallyc are if it takes 20 mins to put the thing back together because thats part of the fun but when you want to fly as much as possible its a chore! :D
I'm building a new tripod mounted ground-station too with my eagle eyes which should make things easier too :)
I added some random decals oh and some "Leave me alone, MOD style stickers" :P
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0404.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0405.JPG)
Nice build Dave, looks the biz :)
Cheers for that :) wont take me long to ruin it :)
I've been reading some other folks threads on X-5's and there are complaints of Adverse Yaw when rolling under power.. I can't say I noticed any funny flight characteristics?
looks good that mate..
will be super solid with the carbon in it too!
be carefull of too much control input on takeoff-landing...
they are a bugger for that spin of doom when too slow.
simon.
I was flying slow and low to see what she was like and it seemed quite good so far but only time will tell :D
However hand-launching is a bit of a dark art, you have to give just enough omph but not too much :)
DaveyLC nicly put together build thread i like the carbon reinforcements and where you put them i can see some smart thinking has gone into it and i do like her looks ;)
whats your all up weight ready to fly please?
dizzy
looking great bud, nice build.
:) G
Thanks guys :)
Nice one Davey!
I just plonked my spare Bixler 1 motor on my X5, methinks it may be a tad underpowered for this beast with a 4000mah pack! I guess we'll see :laugh:
-Al
Finally completed :
Video gear, EZUHF, FY31AP, Hornet OSD and GPS on board, not the most tidy install :P
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0420.JPG)
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0418.JPG)
Spring loaded lower dipole elements:
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0419.JPG)
looks well packed ;D
i like the 'spring loaded antenna'
but why one on each wing in the same orientation?
simon.
Polarization diversity is all a bit of a muchness really.. :)
LED's fitted :D
Testing LED's on Skywalker X5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zXMJvxr7_M#ws)
Great looking aircraft. No overheating problems with everything packed in?
Gramps
Theres not alot in there to generate heat :) vTX and ESC are out side and there should be some air flow
I decided to refit the launch grip as she's proving a bugger to wing launch .. luckilly I kept the piece of foam.
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/x5/build/IMG_0480.JPG)
I decided to simplify my gear, I can now get everything I need into one case so quick flights are more convinient.. And if I want a long flight I can take my tripod which has the eagle-eyes and DVR on.
(http://www.dohc.co.uk/temp/FPV/gcs/v4/IMG_0483.JPG)
The link makes this look like a beast to launch.... thought about a bungeeee and ramp/skid?? A surprisingly predictable way to launch a 'plane, good airspeed given instantly, both hands free for tx control. Needn't be massivelly space taking either.
G'paw... ;)
I've come to the conclusion that I want my setup to be as simple as possible, if I cant carry it all in two hand then its too much stuff :D
I suppose I should add I'm now a 5.8ghz Convert!
Last time I tried 5.8ghz was when I first got into the hobby and I had a Boscam 500mW setup.. The performance was TERRIBLE (by comparison with 2.4ghz I was using at the time) Literally flew about 400 meters and the signal was unusable!
After seeing the performance of Randalls new ImerssionRC NexWave gear I was sold :D