skywalker eve 2000 build

[Capt_Science]

Its winter now, so that means time to start a build! These builds take me a while - i stew over things and often end up building them twice.

I'm not sure what this plane will become. With landing gear I expect i will put a gimbal or sevo on the bottom. I've been tinkering with the idea of a directional antenna on the belly of the plane that the apm will keep pointed at home. This would give me options for stronger signals and more data!

Anyway heres a quick video on of the start of the build:

I'm disappointed with some of the tolerances in this plane:
The rear canopy doesn't fit right I will put this in a clamp for a bit to see if I can get it shaped right.
The D-sub 7w2 connector is quite limiting, it it were me i would have used 2 connectors; 2c2 for power and dsub 9 or even just a 2.54mm pin header

The next big things i am contemplating:
1. Theres not a lot of foam where the canopy connects (the original skywalker had a lot more) so reinforcement will be required to be confident i wont lose it with a camera attached. Perhaps Velcro tabs like the rite-wing wing connections? Magnets? Maybe a whole new canopy made from ply that attaches to the bottom plate of the plane? I'll take suggestions if anyone has good ideas
2. VTX in wing or tail? All my other planes fly a little off center because of the mad mushroom on the wing ( i think) id love to stack two antennas to get more range but i expect the drag will be a problem - do i move it?
3. Paint -  will be laminating this, and i obviously like using the pinstripe tape but this plane is curvy, straight lines don't seem to fit so perhaps ill paint this one or maybe heat transfer decals.
4. Electronics - I hate having to run the vtx, gimbal, data radio, and other ancillaries when I'm farting around on the ground with something specific. I'm going to add switches this time so I can turn these on and off individually. I am also going to aggressively filter the power on this one and see if that helps with the OSD.

More to come!

Capt Science

Here's some bonus pics of the construction:

[FPVSteve]

Wow that really is massive. I'm a big fan of the "open top" style fuselages like the Mini Talon etc, much easier for making changes to things than in my Skywalker Revolution

[Capt_Science]

Continuing the build, this time it's the power systems and the wings.

Took lots of time to bury all the wires but still have access to connections. The lighting is going to be very unique on this one.

Enjoy!
Capt Science

[Coyote]

Nice looking build, a lot of thought has gone into it.

[BlueFlyer]

There are a lot of large electrical components in that build. It's clear you know what you're doing in that respect... and I suppose in an airframe this big that can handle the weight it doesn't really matter. But surely there are products available that do the same job but in a much smaller form factor?

For example, I use a couple of BECs in my builds when I need separate 12v and 5v from my 4S Lipos.

Either way, you've done a great job of it so far. My friend is looking at one of these for his next project, no doubt he's already seen your video and taking some notes on your fine setup :)

[English Turbines]

   I like the large industrial power filters, and why not an such a large bird...?....Also good to see it has an APM too....A little alarmed at the need for (extra) filters if it knocks out the OSD though..:(

Watching with interest to see it finished..

  I must go take a closer look at you channel...:)

     :vulture:
     

[DerbyshireDrones]

I'm half expecting to see a voltage readout in Nixie Tubes  :laugh: