I have managed to get my hands on one of the new Bix3's to re-learn LOS flying and to later use it as my first foray into plank fpv flying. I have a DJI F550 which is fitted for fpv but wanted to have a go at longer distance flying eventually, so that means a plane!
This is my first RC plane build in 30 years so please be gentle with me as I'll no doubt have lots of questions.
This is the equipment list:
HobbyKing™ Bix3 Trainer/FPV EPO 1550mm (ARF)
TURNIGY BESC Programming Card
TURNIGY Plush 40amp Speed Controller
Master Airscrew Propeller 8x4R - Pusher Prop
Master Airscrew Propeller 9x4R - Pusher Prop or Turnigy Servo Signal Reverser (Long) (whichever runs best)
Futaba Y Servo Lead 30cm Length
FrSky TFR8 SB 8ch 2.4Ghz S.BUS Receiver FASST Compatible
Hitec HS-65HB Micro Karbo Gear Servo 1.8kg/11g/0.14sec
HK 2728 Brushless Outrunner Motor 1000kv
First thing is to check out the electronics and program the controller. Once I had strictly followed the powering up instructions, this was a doddle. Stay tuned for more on the build as I go. I'm in no rush so will take my time.
Okay, here's some questions!
When installing the aileron and flap servos, what do I do about fitting extension cables to the servos - do I use a plug and sockets or shall I snip the servo plug off and make my own extension lead up so I don't have to have the plug and socket forced into a slot on the wing?
Also, the aileron and flaps are not cut right through - shall I run my knife down the hinge fold to free up the aileron? On the elevator, the EPO seems to actually be the hinge! Seems a bit flimsy to me and may fatigue pretty quickly.
(http://s27.postimg.org/qs3iy2pov/photo_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/qs3iy2pov/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/nip3rm1lb/photo_2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/nip3rm1lb/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/tkwqi3q1b/photo_3.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/tkwqi3q1b/)
Hi Paul,
For the servo leads I cut mine off and solder an extension up and into the fus. As for the ailerons, don't cut anything otherwise they'll fall off 😀.
They are like that on my easystar, the epo is a hinge so to speak.
It is right 😀
Thanks Lola; I'm assuming then that the nylon hinges that are fitted are there to provide some kind of back up for the epo hinge?
When you snip off the servo plugs and make the solder connections, do you heat shrink tube over the joints?
If there are nylon hinges then yes you can slice through the foam but take a good look first, if you have free and easy movement then just leave it as it is. Maybe a close up pic?
I use small heat shrink tubing to cover all connections I solder, cutting the plug off means you don't have to calve out more foam for a neat finish.
It is right 😀
The movement is not free and easy like it is on the elevator and rudder and there's no hinges mounted there either. Whereas they are fitted on the ailerons.
I'll snip the servo plugs and solder as you have described - seems the logical way top go if you don't want to carve out epo where the plug and socket meets up. Also, what do you do to keep the servo cables inside their slots - a blob of heat gun gloop every few inches?
If you are talking about a foam hinge, then you need to exercise it. Move the aileron back and forth making sure the whole aileron moves (and doesn't bend) do it a few 100 times and it should move quite easily.
I made sure the servo cable fits in the groove, without twisting it and then let a few dabs of liquid superglue run down the wires.
Thanks guys, I'll bend the hinges as you propose CK and I'll use my glue gun to fix the cables Lola.
How's the build coming along? Done the maiden yet?😀
It is right 😀
Quote from: Lola on September 28, 2014, 02:27:09 PM
How's the build coming along? Done the maiden yet?😀
It is right 😀
Sure....can you see it yet?😄
Quote from: Paul881 on September 27, 2014, 12:41:00 PM
Okay, here's some questions!
When installing the aileron and flap servos, what do I do about fitting extension cables to the servos - do I use a plug and sockets or shall I snip the servo plug off and make my own extension lead up so I don't have to have the plug and socket forced into a slot on the wing?
Also, the aileron and flaps are not cut right through - shall I run my knife down the hinge fold to free up the aileron? On the elevator, the EPO seems to actually be the hinge! Seems a bit flimsy to me and may fatigue pretty quickly.
(http://s27.postimg.org/qs3iy2pov/photo_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/qs3iy2pov/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/nip3rm1lb/photo_2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/nip3rm1lb/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/tkwqi3q1b/photo_3.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/tkwqi3q1b/)
I know its a bit late, but a neat way I extend servo leads is to cut the three wires approx 1 cm aprt from each other so they are staggered thread a long piece of heat shrink on one end either the servo or plug end and solder then shrink you get a nice neat join no bigger than the wire and easy to push into the wing slot.
I also use clear tape on all those foam hinges just in case it lets go.
dizzy :)
Quote from: Dizzy on September 30, 2014, 11:28:07 PM
Quote from: Paul881 on September 27, 2014, 12:41:00 PM
Okay, here's some questions!
When installing the aileron and flap servos, what do I do about fitting extension cables to the servos - do I use a plug and sockets or shall I snip the servo plug off and make my own extension lead up so I don't have to have the plug and socket forced into a slot on the wing?
Also, the aileron and flaps are not cut right through - shall I run my knife down the hinge fold to free up the aileron? On the elevator, the EPO seems to actually be the hinge! Seems a bit flimsy to me and may fatigue pretty quickly.
(http://s27.postimg.org/qs3iy2pov/photo_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/qs3iy2pov/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/nip3rm1lb/photo_2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/nip3rm1lb/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/tkwqi3q1b/photo_3.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/tkwqi3q1b/)
I know its a bit late, but a neat way I extend servo leads is to cut the three wires approx 1 cm aprt from each other so they are staggered thread a long piece of heat shrink on one end either the servo or plug end and solder then shrink you get a nice neat join no bigger than the wire and easy to push into the wing slot.
I also use clear tape on all those foam hinges just in case it lets go.
dizzy :)
Thanks Dizzy, not late at all...the progress I'm making it will be lucky to fly before Christmas! :-[ Understand what you are saying about the extensions, especially useful tip if you have to run two cables side by side, flaps and ailerons for example. And I'm not happy with that foam hinge; looks too dodgy for me so will use tape to strengthen as you suggest. Thank you!
Last night I glued the aileron and flap servos into the wing and today I covered the wiring with tape and connected the control links.
I also paid a visit to my LHS to buy a pair of 2200 mAh lipos but tonight I realised that HK hadn't informed me that the prop adapter for their recommended upgraded motor required a 3mm adapter whilst the included one was only 2mm.
And as its a 4 day holiday weekend here, it means I won't be able to take it to fly its maiden now for another week! \0/
(http://s28.postimg.org/jeg5dvgq1/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/jeg5dvgq1/)
Shame on the adapter, I`d be a bit annoyed over that :(
Planes looking good though :)
Thanks Coyote. Yeah, the adapter is a real bummer. And of all the weekends for it to happen too when all the shops are shut!
This morning I glued in the elevator and rudder servos which was a bit of a faff. In the end I used 5 mins epoxy on the sides and base only of each servo so hopefully that will hold them both well although the alignment of the servo arms to the push rods does put the servo under stress at the extremes of travel.
I have to say I'm disappointed with the Bix3 transfers; they are extremely fragile and come away far too readily, especially if you have the slightest of sticky fingers from the glue. :(
But so far, so good.
Next step is to look at the equipment bays before glueing the two fuselage halves together; I'm thinking of applying Velcro to the bottom of the three bays or I could line them first with thin ply - what do you think?
(http://s22.postimg.org/6dc3kfxkt/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/6dc3kfxkt/)
(http://s22.postimg.org/47hspxu4d/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/47hspxu4d/)
The transfers are the same on my Bixler 2 , almost all of them are now torn or hanging off
But very good planes to learn to fly :)
Have flown mine for about 3 hours now and only one major crash which has now been gorilla glued to perfection
Quote from: jimbo19 on October 04, 2014, 03:04:35 PM
The transfers are the same on my Bixler 2 , almost all of them are now torn or hanging off
But very good planes to learn to fly :)
Have flown mine for about 3 hours now and only one major crash which has now been gorilla glued to perfection
Thanks Jimbo. Can I ask how you secured your lipo in the bay?
What I did was stick some velcro in the bay and then I wrap a loop lengthways round the battery and just put it in and push down so the hooks and eyes catch
Secures it very well and makes small adjustments for COG nice and easy
Quote from: jimbo19 on October 04, 2014, 07:12:51 PM
What I did was stick some velcro in the bay and then I wrap a loop lengthways round the battery and just put it in and push down so the hooks and eyes catch
Secures it very well and makes small adjustments for COG nice and easy
Sounds a superb idea with the Velcro. Wherever did you get that idea :P
errrr no idea :laugh:
Thanks Jimbo, looks like that will be what I'm going to do as well? ;D
Have decided that what I need with the Bix3 is options to use larger prop with my upgraded motor so I've ordered a small parts cnc motor adapter from the USA which should be with me in a week. This will enable me to start off with an 8" prop going to a 9" later on as I load more fpv gear into the craft.
http://smallpartscnc.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=181 (http://smallpartscnc.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=181)
Only after I fit it can I glue the fuse halves together so apart from some Velcro work on the equipment bays there's not a lot of activity going on this week! :+
So the adapter turned up today and here it is mounted with its bracket and motor.
I have loose fitted the stock 8" prop just to figure out its fit and cleanse but I can already see that there would be ample space now for a 9" prop.
I should be able to do some work on the plane over the next few days to get it ready for its maiden this coming weekend. ;D
(http://s27.postimg.org/9ji7fpezj/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/9ji7fpezj/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/lqhcjivj3/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/lqhcjivj3/)
Cool, can't wait. If you stayed awake could you do the maiden 2moro? 😃
It is right 😀
Quote from: Lola on October 19, 2014, 06:29:54 PM
Cool, can't wait. If you stayed awake could you do the maiden 2moro? 😃
It is right 😀
I wish! Too tired tonight and I like to take my time and not rush. :-[ :D
strange, I'm fairly sure I ordered my motor mount after you and mine turned up on Monday gone... I started my build tonight.
Not too much, just the horns and hinges for ailerons and flaps on the wings.
I'm just now taping the fuse together with masking tape, in order to help me figure out the best places to put my kit and work out how I'm going to mount my tail servos... most likely the way I usually do.
Quote from: Paul881 on October 03, 2014, 11:49:27 AM
Next step is to look at the equipment bays before glueing the two fuselage halves together; I'm thinking of applying Velcro to the bottom of the three bays or I could line them first with thin ply - what do you think?
thin ply would strengthen it up a bit too... however I honestly don't think there's any need. get some sticky velcro down in the bays where you're going to put your LiPos though.
BF, I live in Dubai so that's why mine took longer to get here.
I'm considering whether or not to line any of the bay's with thin ply this morning; maybe only the battery compartment? For the Rx and ESC, I can mount those on Velcro on the side walls of the rear compartment - what do you think?
I would not bother with thin ply, it will only add weight and if you have a smack then the foam will break around the ply. Speaking from experience of course 😀
It is right 😀
Quote from: Lola on October 20, 2014, 08:59:09 AM
I would not bother with thin ply, it will only add weight and if you have a smack then the foam will break around the ply. Speaking from experience of course 😀
It is right 😀
I think I have just came to the same conclusion. I have wrapped the motor mount in masking tape prior to glueing in position and then have messed about all morning with self adhesive Velcro for the compartments. In the pics below I have just dry fitted the Rx, lipo and ESC to see roughly how they fit.
A key decision is how permanent do I want the two fuse halves glued together? I think I would need to split apart in future if I want to load fpv gear later on. Another view is that the Bix3 might not be the ideal plane for fpv and distance anyway, there may be better ones out there so I might as well keep this just for LOS and short distance fpv? Would welcome comments......
(http://s27.postimg.org/re6s6gnin/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/re6s6gnin/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/gq317mdjj/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/gq317mdjj/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/q7y6tx9u7/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/q7y6tx9u7/)
(http://s27.postimg.org/k36oglhqn/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/k36oglhqn/)
of the 3 "compartments" I will have...
nose - 2 x 2200mah 3S LiPos
mid - Storm OSD
rear underwing - ESC and RX
I find that the fpv canopy is pointing down to much for my liking, this means the Mobius is getting the nose in shot... which is a no no for HD footage for my personal requirements. I will most likely build it up at the front so the mobius is perfectly level.
Finally completed the build today and ready for its maiden tomorrow morning. BF, I have a Mobius and found the slope on the ply mount perfect - if I mount the camera on Velcro at the front of the canopy it doesn't get the nose in shot.
I don't know how they say that it's CG with one 3s 2200 LiPo is on the wing spar (1/3 of the chord). I have two such batts connected in parallel in the nose of the plane plus the Mobius and it only just about balances on the spar.
Will let you know how I get on and will try to post the evidence. It's my first rc plank flight in 40 years!
Good luck! Hope all goes well and look forward to the video 😀
It is right 😀
Good luck - hope the flight goes well!
Quote from: Paul881 on October 24, 2014, 07:52:57 PMBF, I have a Mobius and found the slope on the ply mount perfect - if I mount the camera on Velcro at the front of the canopy it doesn't get the nose in shot.
I have the wide angle mobius, doh!! that'll be why the nose is in shot :(
good luck with the first flight
Good luck Paul. At least you've got the weather for a maiden. Couldn't do that here at the mo!
I was unable to get the Bix3 off the ground so has yet to do its maiden. :-[
It was a mistake in going for the 2728 1000kv motor (200watts) and only fitting an 8x4 prop. So I'm going to try again this weekend using a 9x4.7 prop which according to eCalc will improve my thrust ratio from less than 0.5:1 to 0.61:1. And to be very sure, I have ordered a 2836 1200 (340 Watts) motor which would take the thrust ratio to 0.9:1 with a 9x4.7 prop. I'll post back what happens..... :)
Did ecalc tell you that the 200 watt 1000kv with a 8x4 would be fine ?
On a 3s lipo that's 11100 rpm's.
What's your AUW?
It is right 😀
Quote from: Coyote on November 06, 2014, 09:29:00 AM
Did ecalc tell you that the 200 watt 1000kv with a 8x4 would be fine ?
No, it's what was a "recommended" motor for the bix3 on the HK site. Of course, stupidly (more learning) I should have used eCalc to verify which of course, I didn't!
However, in my defence, I expected the craft to balance using a single 2200mah 3s battery as per the HK write up but unless you have a whole host of "stuff" in the forward position, this is pie in the sky so I have 2x such lipos plus a further counterbalancing weight bringing my AUW to 1.37kg.
However, looking at my setup now on eCalc gives me a thrust ratio of 0.61:1 which should be okay - unless anyone here can tell me differently? Anyway, I'll test it out over the weekend if I get up early enough before it gets too windy. :)
Should have flown imo. Not joking but do you have full throttle? I ask because I had to teach my turnigy plush my highest and lowest throttle position.
It is right 😀
Quote from: Lola on November 06, 2014, 07:07:27 PM
Should have flown imo. Not joking but do you have full throttle? I ask because I had to teach my turnigy plush my highest and lowest throttle position.
It is right 😀
yes, have you calibrated your ESC?
Okay, so we have lift off, my first RC flights in 40 years! ;D Successfully had my maiden flights on Friday, all went well. The first flight was 10mins and the second was 3 mins using 2x2200mAh LiPo's and a 9x4.7 prop. I'll post the video when I get chance; I'm working away all this week.
Even managed two loops but its is under-powered with the 2830-1000 motor; I have now fitted a 2836-1200 and I expect much better performance next time.
Thanks to Phoenix Flight Sim- without it, I would not have had the confidence to attempt it solo and there was a breeze to contend with.
Well done mate 👍, looking forward to the video.
It is right 😀
Good to hear all went well :)
Hi Paul,
I,m enjoying following your blog,
I,m repairing my bixler at the moment , :-[
from a crash ,I had on my first fpv flight, all was going well till I flew behind myself ,more importantly behind my van ! I lost signal and panicked :o,resulting in a crash,
Just a thought about the apparent lack of thrust,
just check that you hàve/had the prop on the right way round , its easy to mix up with a pusher prop, ( Iv,e found ! ) :-[ The plane will still fly but very under powered,
also re the balance issue, I think its built to balance with the assumption of FPV gear on the nose
Keep Up the blog ! I,m following with interest
Noel
Hi Noel, good to know there's someone else around besides me who repairs Bix3's!
I've had several flights now with the plane and new motor and it flies much better; optimum is around half throttle and I can get it to fly vertical at full tilt so pretty pleased.
Originally, I did have the prop on the wrong way round but got that sorted before the maiden.
Take offs and flying are okay, landings are not so good not helped by flying off an uneven Tarmac track. I need to gain confidence in hand launching. :o :)
the new motor the 2836 1200kv one?
Good to hear you're getting some hours in. Well done.
It is right 😀