Well, I've just received a Venturi fpv wing from flying wings. Delivery was prompt from order... Always a good start and the wing arrived relatively well packaged. First thing I noticed, although you receive assembly instructions, they are vague to say the least, certainly from a beginners point of view, my first bit of feedback to flying wings would be to be more detailed with each assembly stage. I will progress through the build and post on here when I can. I had initially given myself 5 days to complete the build. My initial thoughts are that I was being ambitious in completing the build in that time.
It does say "for experienced wing builders" in the description;)
But just take your time and you will be ok. Good luck!
Btw, the wing does look good. Enjoy it.
Any questions about the build, just ask. I can't guarantee the right answer, but I can tell you what I did!
It's a very straightforward build and goes together quickly.....I'm building my third.
The other two were for a couple of mates. :laugh:
Yeah I did see that experienced builders statement and to be fair I've never built a plane so I am throwing myself in the deep end.
Thanks for the offer of assistance guys.
Anyway, the morning after gluing the wing together it appears to have glued up well. The overall look of the wing looks very sleek, I'm looking forward to seeing it complete. Now according to the instructions you attach the skid plate and motor mount plate, this is where I get a bit confused. How do I attach the plywood/balsa plates to the EPP? Do I use UHU, hot glue or CA? Also, do the plates overlap or am I suppose to chop them down to fit? Does the motor mount plate overhang the back end of the wing or does it go over the split on the wing? This is what I meant by the instructions not being clear, even the diagram does not explain this part of the build.
I will contact flyingwings if no one can help with this.
P.s I have the go pro version of the Venturi.
Don't forget the pics - I'm really to see how it goes together. Also interested to know that if the Venturi is for "experienced" wing builders - then is there a similar wing that's for non-expereiced wing builders ?
I'll try and get some posted when I can CK.
A quick question for everyone, is it worth taping over glue joints with strapping tape?
ROVguy it certainly won't hurt. You will just need to apply some cyno to get the tape to stick however as the EPP foam is not the best for getting things to stick to it.
Just plan out where you want everything to go and it should be relatively straight forward from there. The first question to ask yourself is whether you're going 3S or 4S and plan around that and where the batteries are going to be sited. Not sure if you saw this build thread I did, but it may help. Good luck!
http://mjc70.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/a-new-british-made-fpv-rc-wing-called.html (http://mjc70.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/a-new-british-made-fpv-rc-wing-called.html)
Quote from: ROVguy on April 23, 2013, 10:18:02 AM
Yeah I did see that experienced builders statement and to be fair I've never built a plane so I am throwing myself in the deep end.
Thanks for the offer of assistance guys.
Anyway, the morning after gluing the wing together it appears to have glued up well. The overall look of the wing looks very sleek, I'm looking forward to seeing it complete. Now according to the instructions you attach the skid plate and motor mount plate, this is where I get a bit confused. How do I attach the plywood/balsa plates to the EPP? Do I use UHU, hot glue or CA? Also, do the plates overlap or am I suppose to chop them down to fit? Does the motor mount plate overhang the back end of the wing or does it go over the split on the wing? This is what I meant by the instructions not being clear, even the diagram does not explain this part of the build.
I will contact flyingwings if no one can help with this.
P.s I have the go pro version of the Venturi.
I used UHU Por for the ply plates and attatched them like this one.
(http://s12.postimage.org/s5qn93gnd/2012_10_21_20_34_15.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/s5qn93gnd/)
Before I glued them down I used hot water on the front edge of the long ply plate so that I could form a curve so it matched the curve on the underneath of the foam. That way I could get the ply plate as far forward as possible to protect the foam 'lip'
Ok, time for an update on the build and for some photos. Im afraid I was a bit over zealous with starting the build and forgot to take a photo of the package contents before starting. Oopsies.
Anyway, heres an image of the Venturi after gluing. I used UHU Por as indicated in the instructions. In regards to gluing the wing together the instructions are quite precise so it went together quite well.
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0165_zpsa369cbed.jpg.html?sort=3&o=10 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0165_zpsa369cbed.jpg.html?sort=3&o=10)
Heres an image of the remaining contents
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0170_zpsbcdab7a6.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0170_zpsbcdab7a6.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7)
I chose to get a selection of tape and some lam film.
When gluing the wing together you have to make sure that the centre section sits correctly and protrudes slightly underneath the bottom of the wing.
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0167_zpsc761021f.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0167_zpsc761021f.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9)
Whilst waiting for the adhesive to dry on the wing I assembled the Go Pro mount, also from Flyingwing. I am very impressed with this. It arrives in a flat pack and you have to twist the peices apart as if it was airfix model. Once separated its advised that you file the remanent tags from the G10. It goes together quite easily and once the CA is dry the mount is very solid.
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0172_zpsd3b54a6b.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0172_zpsd3b54a6b.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7)
Right, the wing has now dried, after consulting Rob at flying wings and some advice on here Ive mounted the skid plate and motor mount. Ive bent the tip of the skid plate using hot water so it fits more snuggly. I also used strap tape across the front of the skid plate to give it a bit more strength.
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0171_zpsc77b91cb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=8 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0171_zpsc77b91cb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=8)
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0174_zps57da2332.jpg.html?sort=3&o=5 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0174_zps57da2332.jpg.html?sort=3&o=5)
Heres a quick mock up some of the gear that will be fitted to the wing. Doing the cut-outs will be the next challenge and one that Im not looking forward to or have any idea on how to do.
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0178_zps3487776d.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0178_zps3487776d.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2)
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0179_zps64c92ce8.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0179_zps64c92ce8.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1)
Heres a close up of the motor, is it normal for the shaft to stick out like this?
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0181_zps2f2ec95c.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0181_zps2f2ec95c.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0)
Rov, yes it's fine for the motor shaft to stick out like that. Here's a picture I have just taken of mine for reference. As you can see, I've mounted the speed controller and vtx as far back as I can and they're outside of the bay. This way you will get good airflow over them and hopefully keep them cooler than if they were inside the bay.
I'd just add a bit of thin ply down the walls of the bay just to give it a bit more strength. Try and site everything and then check the CoG.
At this rate you'll have it all built up well within the 5 days!!
(http://s8.postimg.org/oq9quk8tt/IMG_223.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/oq9quk8tt/)
Looking good, its not so hard is it;)
As for cutting slots for batteries etc, buy a solder gun and use copper wire to make the shape that needs cutting out. Its a real neat way of doing it.
Like this http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php?topic=5131.0 (http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php?topic=5131.0)
Hi Rov, don't forget to put servos in will you..... :laugh:
Quote from: Brucey on April 24, 2013, 07:43:01 AM
Looking good, its not so hard is it;)
As for cutting slots for batteries etc, buy a solder gun and use copper wire to make the shape that needs cutting out. Its a real neat way of doing it.
Like this http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php?topic=5131.0 (http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php?topic=5131.0)
Thanks for the tip Brucey, I did just that and it works a treat, well it does on the spare bit of foam that I tried it with ;) lol Ive yet to pluck up courage to do it on the wing! lol
Although Im not at that stage yet, any tips on covering the wing? I have Laminating film which is clear and coloured tape. At what stage and how do I use each?
No worries, good idea testing the method out first. It is quite daunting cutting into your virgin foam wing for the first time! Just make sure you plan it all out carefully!
As for the lam, I did it once I'd cut all the holes out of the foam. I don't have a fancy modelling iron, so I just used a normal iron, its a bit big but it worked fine! Shh, just don't tell my Mrs!
Also make sure you get the lam glue side down, otherwise it makes a mess of the iron, ask me how I know! :o
Also, just noticed you're down for the northern meet, well I'll be there with the venturi so you can have a look.
Lol cheers Brucey, yes I will be down on Sunday, I cannot wait, it will be good to meet you and everyone else. I was hoping to have it finished by then, but I think Im gonna run out of time. I will see if I can sneak the Iron away from the mrs. So if I want a bit of colour on do I put the coloured tape on top or below the laminating film? Or is it a case of sticking the laminating film and thats it your stuck with the colour of that?
Well I managed to get myself a solder gun to make a hot wire cutter as suggested earlier. It works a treat!
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0185_zps94cd67c7.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0185_zps94cd67c7.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2)
My home made Hot wire
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0183_zps2f4c9445.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0183_zps2f4c9445.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3)
The first attempt!
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0186_zps8b745fe3.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0186_zps8b745fe3.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1)
Servos fitted! As well as the wood reinforcement.
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0187_zps0eb846b0.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/IMG_0187_zps0eb846b0.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0)
Looking good.
As for colour, of you were spraying it, then spray then lam. If your using tape or vinyl covering, lam then colour.
If you've got some spray glue, then you can give it a light coat, let it dry a bit then put the lam on.
Sorry for the slow update with the build. I will update it in the next couple of days.
Rich
Again my apologies, I've been busy with trying to find some work. But that is sorted now. I managed to spend a bit of time on the wing this evening before, the last time before I go to work. Here's the wing as it stands.
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/null_zps121dd7c0.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/null_zps121dd7c0.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0)
Prior to covering I had to do a couple of mods. I ended up carving out some recesses for the ardupilot and Rx in the centre bay as the connectors were blocking the lid cover from closing.
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/null_zps642c2d48.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/null_zps642c2d48.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0)
It was also noted that the wing isn't very stiff in the middle, even with the fg support rod going through it, so I put some thin wood on its end across the front end of the wing.
http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/null_zps9f448364.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1 (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/ROVguy/media/null_zps9f448364.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1)
Rich,
Did you opt for FG support rods over CF to reduce the risk of interference with RF? There's far too many two letter acronyms in that sentence but hopefully you'll forgive me :)
I'm also about to embark on a Venturi build and just figuring out whether I need to laminate it first if I'm going to wrap it in either carbon fibre vinyl or Solarfilm?
Yes lam first before covering. If you were spraying it, then lam after.
I've got a c.f. rod in mine as he was out of stock of the other ones. Not noticed any issues.
Do a good job Rov! Me and a few I know are watching :)
Ordering mine on Friday!
Hi guys, sorry about the slow response I've not been online of late due to being at work. Krikey, I went with the Fibreglass rod, but like I mentioned previously I had to do additional strengthening to the centre section.
Here's the wing complete, I will be maidening it this Sunday, when I meet up with my Northern Cronies! Very much nervous to say the least but I will post on how it goes.
http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=386 (http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=386)
Well if anything it looks good!!
I am sure it will fly perfect. Check, check and double check everything including CG.
Look forward to seeing some great flights.
Good luck with the maiden. Now remember to fully commit to the throw, no half arsed launches!
So how did it go??
Erm... Not too good... But ok. Only had time for 1 quick flight at the end of the day after spending an hour getting everything set up on the Ardupilot and my transmitter (I had set it up very very wrong!!!) It flew very twitchy first very quick flight... Had to dial down the throws substantially. Second quick flight it was better but it needs about 50g of weight adding to the front as it was very tail heavy... So much so it went into a flat spin and hit the deck. But no damage done... I think. From what I could see initially it had loads of power but I will have to wait and see once everything is sorted to confirm. I must say a massive thank you to marklincs for flying the maiden for me as I've not flown for a while and never a wing so his stepping in is greatly appreciated and a huge thanks goes to TeamFtP for taking the time to set things up and correct my numerous mistakes.
Thanks guys!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well at least it's still in one piece! Yeah I'm amazed how little control throw it needs.
ROV, when all loaded up, where is your CofG? Rob from flyingwings.co.uk suggested the CofG they recommend in their instructions is measured from the edge of the blunt nose not the imaginary point where the two wings would meet.
It's about 190mm from the camera bay. Even this I found is too far back. I'm going to bring it forward a bit and see how it goes.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I should say the front end of the camera bay... not the back. My esc and motor are quite heavy so I like I said I will being it forward some.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've bought a Venturi and I'm not intending to put a go pro on the front. So now I'm 120G+ lighter in the nose.
Worse still i fly on 3700 3s packs.
My problem is Cog - it just isn't happening!
I'm really depressed with this now :'(. I've spent a lot of money on a wing that looks great but the caveat's appear to be that you have to have a lump (go pro) on the front and buy a load of new batteries just to get it to balance.
What batteries are you guys using and has anyone flown one without having a small brick attached to the front?
I've attached a photo of where my batteries have to go at achieve 185mm C of G
Quote from: Chilternflyer on August 11, 2013, 10:49:57 AM
I've bought a Venturi and I'm not intending to put a go pro on the front. So now I'm 120G+ lighter in the nose.
Worse still i fly on 3700 3s packs.
My problem is Cog - it just isn't happening!
I'm really depressed with this now :'(. I've spent a lot of money on a wing that looks great but the caveat's appear to be that you have to have a lump (go pro) on the front and buy a load of new batteries just to get it to balance.
What batteries are you guys using and has anyone flown one without having a small brick attached to the front?
I've attached a photo of where my batteries have to go at achieve 185mm C of G
I have a similar problem with my Flywingwings falcon. I dont like putting lead in the nose but will have to add maybe 60 g after the FPV gear is in.
http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php/topic,14568.45.html (http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php/topic,14568.45.html)
An interesting option on the Falcon would be a stub fuselage hanging out the front for the batteries. And that is probably what I would do with the falcon next time. Would be radical on the Venturi!
With the Venturi, I wouldnt worry Too much about adding a bit of nose weight. I have seen Bruceys flying and that has 2 layers of covering and it fles very nicely, very manouvrable, easy to launch etc.
I think the Venturi has less sweep than the Zephyr. This causes C.G. problems but makes it more efficient (e.g better glide angle) Thats a fair trade I think.
regards
Andy
I had the same problem, these none go pro versions arnt what they say as you have to ad so much weight its ridiculus.
i ended up adding over 400gs to get it right, i use 2x 5000mah zippys.
other than that even with the extra weight added it flies so steady , and not much throw needed as it takes off out of my hand
BTW that motor mount looks well heavy. Is it 3 mm aluminium? You could easily make something lighter I am sure.
regards
Andy
Quote from: skyscraper on August 11, 2013, 11:52:43 AM
BTW that motor mount looks well heavy. Is it 3 mm aluminium? You could easily make something lighter I am sure.
regards
Andy
Thanks for the replies guys. At least I'm not going mad!
The motor mount is the one in the kit and yes- it is 3mm ali.
one idea was to make a propshaft and bring the motor more inboard - That's a complicated fix though :(
Having got over my fit with it last night, I've weight my batteries and looked for alternatives (although I don't really want to spend out on special batteries just for one model). In short these are as heavy as anything specified in the instructions so it should all work out. I've got a 3536/1300 Turnigy motor in the back (similar to the one specified by Rob).
I like the idea of an extend nose section - that would look pretty cool.
Quote from: Chilternflyer on August 11, 2013, 01:45:43 PM
Quote from: skyscraper on August 11, 2013, 11:52:43 AM
BTW that motor mount looks well heavy. Is it 3 mm aluminium? You could easily make something lighter I am sure.
regards
Andy
Thanks for the replies guys. At least I'm not going mad!
The motor mount is the one in the kit and yes- it is 3mm ali.
one idea was to make a propshaft and bring the motor more inboard - That's a complicated fix though :(
This would be a very cool option if it could be sorted out. I have thought about it.
Start with a threaded shaft adaptor on the motor.
Then I would use a huco shaft coupling meant for model boats
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/121040915575?lpid=83&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=83 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/121040915575?lpid=83&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=83)
Use some 3 mm SS rod for the shaft ( or maybe 1/8th inch , whatever size you can get a shaft adaptor for the rear end to mount the actual prop on)
A couple of flanged ballraces
http://www.smbbearings.com/ (http://www.smbbearings.com/)
And a piece of ( say) 6mm O.D. thin wall ally tube. Pop the races in each end
Sorted :)
( Might be worth checking its worth it weight wise first , though! I believe the Multiplex Xeno has a shaft extension)
Quote from: Chilternflyer on August 11, 2013, 01:45:43 PM
Having got over my fit with it last night, I've weight my batteries and looked for alternatives (although I don't really want to spend out on special batteries just for one model). In short these are as heavy as anything specified in the instructions so it should all work out. I've got a 3536/1300 Turnigy motor in the back (similar to the one specified by Rob).
I like the idea of an extend nose section - that would look pretty cool.
Go for it. :laugh:
On the Falcon I added some diagonal spars. There is already a spar going straight across at the back. The diagonal spars at the nose and the straight spar at the rear give good anchorage for a stub nose :)
Next time I will do it since adding lead is a real drag !
regards
Andy