Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer?

[Rocketeer]

Greetings Gang,

I've been thinking lately of adding an EDF Jet or two or three to my hanger.
I have been flying electric RC aircraft from 800mm to 1600mm, from high wing to mid wing, to low wing.
Even a couple of nitro planes like the Hangar 9 Pulse XT (tossed in mainly to quiet the locals).

Anyway, I'm a patient guy and though my eventual goal is the awesome Freewing 80mm, 12-blade F-86 when it's back in stock here at MRC, I want to start my EDF adventure slow and work my way up.

I did some research on line and found the Zeta Dolphin 55mm EDF 'Trainer' (a loose term) that might serve well as a transitional aircraft and introduction into EDF flying.

I would be very interested in learning if anyony here within the forum has spent time with this plane and felt it served them well as an entry level EDF flyer?

Clear Skies,

Bill L.
in Okla.

[Baron]

Re: Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer?

I do not have that particular aircraft. I have opted for the Freewing 55 " Seagull and used the option to fly it as an EDF flyer instead of as a prop pusher type plane. It is a good plane for learning how to use the EDF engine but I really do not see any behavior that is any different than what I have experienced in other prop planes except that the flight time is shortened. Because of the engine placement on that plane it has one unusual quirk that when power is added the nose lowers a bit. Check out that Freewing seagull video. I like this plane. See this link
http://www.motionrc.com/freewing-seagull-4-in-1-prop-and-edf-1400mm-55-wingspan-pnp/

[Rocketeer]

Re: Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer?

Greetings Baron,

Your input is very much appreciated.
I don't know how I missed the little beauty.

The Seagull does come in with an larger spread then the Zeta Dolphin at 55" vs. 40" and it sports a 64mm EDF vs. a 55mm. The tail interchangability is of little interest to me but a nice idea none the same.

The Zeta Dolphine does come in at under $100 and has landing gear. But, the Seagull has the very cool little camera port. Both have EDF / Pusher conversions but the Seagull actually provides BOTH Edf and Prop motors!!

Decisions.... Decisions....

Clear Skies

Bill L.
in Okla.

[Rocketeer]

Re: Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer?

I forgot to add that the Seagull is also marketed through BlitzRCworks as the Sky Hunter.

Just FYI

[CT]

Re: Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer?

Bill,
Do not have any experience with the Dolphin, but I would suggest the Freewing F-86 for a starter EDF. The 86 has a rock stable airframe and wing design, and flies on rails with good power. Additionally, the retracts are tough and have had no issues with any of the electronics. In my experience both with regards to Props and EDF's, the larger the airframe, the more stable and thus good entry, as this is perfect between a 70mm and 90mm, as 70's can be twitchy (All depends how it is set up) and 90's can be a handful for a starter EDF.
Happy flying, CT

[CT]

Re: Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer?

Forgot to add the main advantage of a 11 or 12 blade 80mm or 90mm EDF, the sound!!! The smaller fans will give you the irritating whining sound, where the larger will give you the true turbine sound. You cannot believe the comments you get when flying one of these, last weekend "that is the coolest thing I have ever seen"
CT

[Rocketeer]

Re: Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer?

Greetings CT,

Wow, I have actually heard from other sources that the F-86 could truly serve as a starter EDF!

I only wish MRC had them in stock in the PNP format. As the projected arrival time is Mid-August I thought I would fill the void and get my feet wet in EDF with the dolphin or similar plane such as the Seagull.
I suppose I could find one elsewhere by I'm all about customer loyalty when possible. Actually, when I first mentioned the Zeta Dolphin I was totally unaware of the Seagull offered by MRC because it is listed on their web site among the trainers.

I'm really excited and thank you for the positive encouragement on the 80mm F-86.

Hopefully getting one won't take tooooo long.

Clear Skies

Bill L.
in OKla.

[Rocketeer]

Re: Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer set up?

Greetings Gang,

Ok, so while I wait for MRC to restock the Freewing F-86 80mm EDF, I picked up a Zeta Dolphin EDF (totally because it was on sale) to play with and familurize myself with EDF's.

I'm trying to set it up using a Tactic 600 Tx and a Tactic 624 Rx. I have been through this process a ba-zillion times issue free. However, when attempting to bind the plane/Rx with the Tx all goes well until I get all four servo/throttle connectors installed, then it loses the bind connection and freaks. It's ok and binds with three conections, but it doesn't like four and returns to the flashing red light "waiting for binding" mode.

Now, when attempting to re-complete the bind process I get this at power up:

Two beeps followed by a short melodic series of tones.
Then One Beep, Then two beeps, Then three beeps, Then four beeps.
Once that is over there is a continuous single beep.

That's OK as all <i>that</i> just means I need to go back and re-set the throttle reversing.

Anyone experience this? Is it the ESC?

Thanks in advance

Bill L.
in Okla.

[Rocketeer]

Re: Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer set up?

Greetings Gang,

Got It!

Bad Elevator Servo!! Replaced the servo and everything works great!!

Clear Skies

Bill L.
in Okla.

[Rocketeer]

Re: Anyone Familiar with the Zeta Dolphin EDF Trainer set up?

Greetings Gang,

Well, this is my century post!!! Number 100!!

I can't think of a better way to use it then to say that I think I have found (for now) my latest favorite/go-to plane.......... The Zeta Dolphin EDF Jet!!!!

Man, what an awesome and fun plane to fly! Admittedly, I bought this plane for three reasons; One, I wanted an intro to EDF plane. Two, it was on sale. Three, the Freewing 80mm F-86 is weeks away from becoming available at MRC.

With no steerable nose gear I was a bit concerned over what to expect from its runway performance. No worries though as it tracked bullet straight down the runway. Well, holy crap on a cracker was I surprized when this little EDF took to the air! What can I say, I was in EDF heaven..... Even, the club nitro-heads were complimentary as to the smooth flight characteristics and style of the little Zeta. I just couldn't have been more pleased. And for under $100 this is a winner!!! Plus it fly's on 1800-2200mAh 3S lipos which like most folks I have a ton of.

Finally, as I hate to hand-toss anything but pizza, having tricycle gear on this plane makes it much more fun..... even though landings with no steering keeps things interesting for sure.

Gang, I would highly recommend this little EDF to anyone and everyone!!

Clear Skies,

Bill L.
in Okla.