New to EDFs

[Para1911A1]

Hi Guys,

Just found Motion. Have been flying for 30 years off and on. Fly Planes and Helicopters. Thinking of getting a EDF jet. Looking at the FMS 64mm F-15. Who has the highest quality? Freewing? FMS? I just got the E-flight UMX B-17. It was my first foam BNF. Is 64mm about the right size for my first jet? Or should I get the UMX F-16? Seems really small. I am over 50, so my eyes are now the best. LOL

[Konrad]

RE: New to EDFs

You sound a lot like me. I was an avid anti foam ARF guy until I started to fly some of the larger offering from MotionRC.
I have had a great time with some 64mm EDF models but most are hand launch like the Stinger. These are fast and small but a bit difficult to hand launch reliably. Wheels on these small and fast models really cut into the performance of these small EDF models.

The UMX jets are a kick! Easy to hand launch, can take off from a clean hard surface, and not too fast for their size. While the AS3X will allow the model to fly in higher winds the power really isn't there to push through too much head wind.

I would recommend a 70mm with retracts. They allow you to get the model up to speed while on the ground before having to fly it (I really don't like hand launching high wing loaded models). They are a bit bigger hence easier to see, and their added weight and power will cut through the wind better.

In the 70mm class there isn't a nickels difference between the FMS and Freewing models. But looking at my fleet I'd say 80% are Freewing.
I like the F-35, Rebel, Dynam Meteor,

Now as you are a committed flier (not a rookie) I see no reason why you wouldn't go with an 80mm maybe larger if you can store them.
I really like the Freewing F-5 and F-86


Note Dynam has historically been a notch or two down on the quality (fit and finish) compared with FMS and Freewing.

All the best,
Konrad

PS, My first foam EDF was the FreeWing ME 262 and I love it. Not a pattern ship as the under slung engine pods mess up the thrust lines.
The F-5 and F-86 will allow you to turn and burn all you want. The F-35 is a kick with its thrust vectoring but if you haven't flown a ducted fan it might be too many new things at once.

[Para1911A1]

RE: New to EDFs

Thanks for the info and warm welcome. I have several Helis. I think I will sell or trade to get a jet. I have looked at the vectoring. I am a Controls Tech, so complicated programming is no problem. I'm running a DX8, so would program vectoring as a switchable option. Thanks again!!!

[Konrad]

RE: New to EDFs

Yes switchable vectoring is a must.

One thing I didn't mention is that the F-35 has no rudders. Yaw is a vectored control. I don't like that as one can't correct for cross wind at low power setting like landing (this is the time I'm using a lot of rudder inputs)!

I really like the 70mm sport jets like the Rebel and Meteor. The Yak 130 on 6 cells looks to be very nice. I haven't flown one, but as it is the same power plant and ESC as the FreeWing SU35 and Me 262 I'm sure it will please!

[CT]

RE: New to EDFs

Yes switchable vectoring is a must.

One thing I didn't mention is that the F-35 has no rudders. Yaw is a vectored control. I don't like that as one can't correct for cross wind at low power setting like landing (this is the time I'm using a lot of rudder inputs)!

I really like the 70mm sport jets like the Rebel and Meteor. The Yak 130 on 6 cells looks to be very nice. I haven't flown one, but as it is the same power plant and ESC as the FreeWing SU35 and Me 262 I'm sure it will please!

The Yak 130 is FAST, and requires  flaps for a controlled approach and landing. Is very fun, but dont fly it in wind conditions!

[Konrad]

RE: New to EDFs

Yes switchable vectoring is a must.

One thing I didn't mention is that the F-35 has no rudders. Yaw is a vectored control. I don't like that as one can't correct for cross wind at low power setting like landing (this is the time I'm using a lot of rudder inputs)!

I really like the 70mm sport jets like the Rebel and Meteor. The Yak 130 on 6 cells looks to be very nice. I haven't flown one, but as it is the same power plant and ESC as the FreeWing SU35 and Me 262 I'm sure it will please!

The Yak 130 is FAST, and requires  flaps for a controlled approach and landing. Is very fun, but dont fly it in wind conditions!

Are there control issue that make it unsuitable for windy conditions? I often find that winds help slow down the ground speed of my racers and other fast ship. 

[CT]

RE: New to EDFs

Yes switchable vectoring is a must.

One thing I didn't mention is that the F-35 has no rudders. Yaw is a vectored control. I don't like that as one can't correct for cross wind at low power setting like landing (this is the time I'm using a lot of rudder inputs)!

I really like the 70mm sport jets like the Rebel and Meteor. The Yak 130 on 6 cells looks to be very nice. I haven't flown one, but as it is the same power plant and ESC as the FreeWing SU35 and Me 262 I'm sure it will please!

The Yak 130 is FAST, and requires  flaps for a controlled approach and landing. Is very fun, but dont fly it in wind conditions!

Are there control issue that make it unsuitable for windy conditions? I often find that winds help slow down the ground speed of my racers and other fast ship. 

I have the 70 inrunner on it, and while flying on a gusty day had it downwind turning base and would not roll/yaw against the wind. Im sure many birds of this size and weight would have the same characteristics, and one just needs to apply rudder agressively, my weakness.

[ss0028]

RE: New to EDFs

If you want a jet with a lot of speed that is easy to handle I have and would get something like the stinger 64 kit, run a 4s, and upgrade it to a 12 blade. It should only cost around $145

I have mine clocked at around 100MPH

If you want a jet that can do sort of 3d look at jets with thrust vectoring.

[Para1911A1]

RE: New to EDFs

If you want a jet with a lot of speed that is easy to handle I have and would get something like the stinger 64 kit, run a 4s, and upgrade it to a 12 blade. It should only cost around $145

I have mine clocked at around 100MPH

If you want a jet that can do sort of 3d look at jets with thrust vectoring.

Thanks for the info. I might get the Ultimate Biplane first.

[Para1911A1]

RE: New to EDFs

Ok, guess the Ultimate is a gonner. Been looking at the Rebel you suggested. I think that's the ticket for my first jet!! Only 50 bucks more and you get a bigger jet, and retracts. Anyone running the AR6335? I have a spare from a Blade 180CFX

[Konrad]

RE: New to EDFs

What is the Ar6355 about? That is a micro Rx the servos will not fit without changing the connectors. I don't think the electrical bus on the AR6335 can handle the current for all the servos and the retracts. Also you would need to reprogram to remove the heli programing and instal some aircraft programing.

You might want to look into the Lemon RXs.
Over half of my models that are on a Spektrum protocol use Lemon RX.
http://www.lemon-rx.com/shop/index.php?route=common/home

[Para1911A1]

RE: New to EDFs

What is the Ar6355 about? That is a micro Rx the servos will not fit without changing the connectors. I don't think the electrical bus on the AR6335 can handle the current for all the servos and the retracts. Also you would need to reprogram to remove the heli programing and instal some aircraft programing.

You might want to look into the Lemon RXs.
Over half of my models that are on a Spektrum protocol use Lemon RX.
http://www.lemon-rx.com/shop/index.php?route=common/home

Yes, was wondering if that would be too small.

[Konrad]

RE: New to EDFs

Size is not the issue. But it is not the appropriate Spectrum product, some of the reason were given earlier.

[Para1911A1]

RE: New to EDFs

Place an order for a Rebel and 2 3000 mAh packs. How reliable are the Freewing servos? Are you guys replacing them??

[Lon]

RE: New to EDFs

Place an order for a Rebel and 2 3000 mAh packs. How reliable are the Freewing servos? Are you guys replacing them??

I have two Freewing models. Fly them ALOT. To this date, have never had to replace a servo.

[Konrad]

RE: New to EDFs

I replace the servos only after I've damaged them!? I've never had one fail even during my five minute burn in protocol. I'm so confident in the 9 gram servo that I've reservoed my Multiplex Cularis glider with them!

I've had 2 out 18 FMS servos fail during the burn in but none have failed in the air. I think FMS has changed servo vendor as of late.

[Para1911A1]

RE: New to EDFs

What is the Ar6355 about? That is a micro Rx the servos will not fit without changing the connectors. I don't think the electrical bus on the AR6335 can handle the current for all the servos and the retracts. Also you would need to reprogram to remove the heli programing and instal some aircraft programing.

You might want to look into the Lemon RXs.
Over half of my models that are on a Spektrum protocol use Lemon RX.
http://www.lemon-rx.com/shop/index.php?route=common/home

I will stick with Spektrum. I'm looking at the AR610 or the AR6210. Do I need the remote receiver in the 6210?? In a foam airframe I should be good with the 610, correct?? Thanks for all your help!!

[Konrad]

RE: New to EDFs

If the Spektrum Rx has provision for a remote Rx use it! That large battery can block signals if it winds up in the right (wrong) place relative to your Tx signal.

Give the Lemon a good close look. I will say that I've yet to have a frame loss with them. I can't say the same with Spektrum Rxs. I will also say that I've had as good or better performance than Spektrum with the HK Orange Rx. Now I do place the Lemon brand ahead of the Orange brand. If looking for performance and value using DMX protocols go with the Lemon Rx. If you are willing to change Tx the Fr Sky Taranis is hard to beat and you can still use a DMX protocol Tx module.

[jordan1387]

RE: New to EDFs

Hi Guys,

Just found Motion. Have been flying for 30 years off and on. Fly Planes and Helicopters. Thinking of getting a EDF jet. Looking at the FMS 64mm F-15. Who has the highest quality? Freewing? FMS? I just got the E-flight UMX B-17. It was my first foam BNF. Is 64mm about the right size for my first jet? Or should I get the UMX F-16? Seems really small. I am over 50, so my eyes are now the best. LOL

I would recommend the 64mm freewing f-22 4s version. I got it for my first edf and I love it! Really fun and easy to fly. Only downside is it can be hard to see against gray clouds.