Bix3 Build

[Paul881]

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.

[Paul881]

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.

[Lola]

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 😀

[Paul881]

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?

[Lola]

 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 😀

[Paul881]

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?

[CurryKitten]

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.

[Lola]

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.

[Paul881]

Thanks guys, I'll bend the hinges as you propose CK and I'll use my glue gun to fix the cables Lola.

[Lola]

How's the build coming along? Done the maiden yet?😀


It is right 😀

[Paul881]

How's the build coming along? Done the maiden yet?😀


It is right 😀

Sure....can you see it yet?😄

[Dizzy]

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.

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 :)

[Paul881]

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.

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!

[Paul881]

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/

[Coyote]

Shame on the adapter, I`d be a bit annoyed over that :(

Planes looking good though :)