Official Freewing 90mm F-4 Phantom II Thread

[Evan D]

I still have the original one in mine but a much better pushrod and ball link.

[Elbee]

Flyer771, Upgraded servo and heat build up won't be a problem. Best, LB

[Flyer771]

My new F4 has the MD31303 which is stated as coreless. It seems to have the same specs as the previous MD31302 which was not coreless. I'm wondering if it more robust than the one that others have had failures with. It's certainly glued in tight, but as it's completely packed in, there is no cooling which may lead to problems?

[Elbee]

Thank you very much!

I just ordered my Phantom two days ago and I'm very excited to spend some time working on this bird and go for some scale details.

Its going to be my first EDF. I was doing this hobby for around 15 years (mostly giant scale aerobats) but after seeing whats available these days and how easy the assembly is, mixed with all these scale details - I couldnt resist to get back! :-)

Is there anything I should be aware of or do you recommend any mods on the Phantom? Doing my research I only heard that many guys are switching the elevator servo?

J5,

It's a good upgrade to change out the linkage to 4-40 links/all thread rod, and epoxy a carbon fiber tube to stiffen the rod.

I did change out the elevator servo, too.

I am uncertain if MotionRC has upgraded the servo to all metal gears and bit more torque.

Best, LB

[junkersju52]

Thank you very much!

I just ordered my Phantom two days ago and I'm very excited to spend some time working on this bird and go for some scale details.

Its going to be my first EDF. I was doing this hobby for around 15 years (mostly giant scale aerobats) but after seeing whats available these days and how easy the assembly is, mixed with all these scale details - I couldnt resist to get back! :-)

Is there anything I should be aware of or do you recommend any mods on the Phantom? Doing my research I only heard that many guys are switching the elevator servo?

[Elbee]

Hey guys!

Quick question.. Whats the best afterburner for the Phantom in your opinion?

Thanks a lot!

J5, great question as there are now several choices and which is best is an eye of the beholder issue IMHO.

For example. MotionRC offers an inexpensive On/Off version, The RC Geek has a flickering/adjustable version, kallend has shown us all how to build one over on RCGroups, and 5280 RC has a multi-color flickering version.

I have an older version from RC Geek in my Phantom and it is great and a gooniac33 in my Hornet, though I don't think he is offering his version any longer.

So, this really comes down to how much joy you think you'll receive for the money, i.e., bang for the buck.

I have muddied the water here I am certain, but there you have it.

Best, LB

[Elbee]

I do not remember that those files were ever posted here. I downloaded most STL that were offered by MotionRC in those days, I would think I would have those in that case. In any event. at least there are a few sets left, but those are still $30.00USD.

[junkersju52]

Hey guys!

Quick question.. Whats the best afterburner for the Phantom in your opinion?

Thanks a lot!

[f4u ausie]

Gday flyer 771. Don't b afraid. Post pics. As u go.
We. Would luv to see some.. it's like an arrow

[Flyer771]

Thanks LB, your cockpit detail looks great and I'll have to consider getting one. However, it's a shame that nobody seems to have the original stl files they can share as I have a fine 3d printer which produce excellent results.

[Elbee]

I've just bought the Freewing F4 from MotionRC Europe. Does anyone still have the set of stl 3D files for the cockpit set, etc that MotionRC used to have on their website. I've asked them, but they say they no longer have or offer them. They pointed me to this forum. Please either PM me, or put the files up here. Thanks

https://www.motionrc.com/products/f-4-phantom-ii-3d-printed-3dpup-cockpit-set-fj31211193

F7,

Welcome to Hobby Squawk, Sir.

Glad to have you onboard.

I scanned through the Official Freewing F-4 Phantom Thread and I did not find the OEM STL files.

However, Motion shows that they have cockpit sets still available at this time.

I bought one in days of yore and it is really a nice addition.

The set is resin printed and paints up nicely.

Best, LB

[Flyer771]

I've just bought the Freewing F4 from MotionRC Europe. Does anyone still have the set of stl 3D files for the cockpit set, etc that MotionRC used to have on their website. I've asked them, but they say they no longer have or offer them. They pointed me to this forum. Please either PM me, or put the files up here. Thanks

[f4u ausie]

Has anyone hooked up a drag chute on their Freewing Phantom? Would be neat as hell to pop open upon landing.

Steve hodges.. aka rc jet dude.. did great rendition.. its on u tube

[Fighterpilot]

Has anyone hooked up a drag chute on their Freewing Phantom? Would be neat as hell to pop open upon landing.

[Ks.jetflyer]

Your ESC is not identifying the number of cells in your pack indicated by the # of beeps This is critical as all ESC's by default have a "low voltage cutoff" based on # of cells so your lipo pack isn't drained to zero and ruin the pack. When that level is reached, the ESC reduces power or even pulses the power to let the pilot know their pack is dangerously low. So your ESC would rather crash your aircraft than drain your lipo!!!

I've switched to HiV packs exclusively. Of 30 ESC's, only a couple identified a 6S HiV pack charged to 4.35 v per cell as a 7 S pack, resulting in loss of power and reaching the erroneous low voltage point around 3.7 volts per cell. With my Castle ESC's you're able to program them to either ignore the low voltage cutoff completely or program them for HiV. No HH or FMS ESC's failed to get it right but a couple Freewing ESC's got it wrong, those being older ones. You can look up the programming Manuel for your specific ESC and either remove or reduce the low cut off voltage and use HiV packs.

On the other hand, if your ESC is not getting the correct # of beeps to match a fully charged normal lipo, the ESC is defective!! You may also notice on a properly performing ESC, if you plug a discharged 6S pack in that is at around 3.5 v per cell, it may only beep 5 times, as the ESC is assuming you are putting a fully charged pack in that is 21 volts and that's a 5S. The low voltage cutoff is then based on a 5S pack. So sometimes these "smart" ESC's ain't so smart when they're buried deep in the ground after causing a "lawn dart".

Thanks for your imput. Confirms my thinking. Putting in a new hv esc. Don't want to loose a well experienced F-4.

[f4u ausie]

Hugh thanx so much.. as per normal,, a responce from u comes with informatian,, fun and detail.. i watch chris(lots) was sad when pumpkin hit the dirt.... the info i was looking 4 has been found thanx again hav fun b safe.. florida reminds me of queensland ... the weather.. Watch lotsa boat rampstuff miami...,, (just good weather)

[Hugh Wiedman]

What the burners look like and lining the nozzle with AC Aluminum tape:

[Hugh Wiedman]

Hey guys hope ya all well.. im wanting yo put either a centre or after burner int my f4 (seems a cheap fun upgrade) new learning to b had.... for me.. i no the difference, between them physically,, but not visually.. hopeing for some advice, which to purchase.. looks easy to install????? And will it reduce flight time? Thanks

OK mate, here's my 2 cents. This is really just a personal choice and balancing time/effort/cost. While Kallend has designed some great AB's you can do yourself for less cost, I have been lazy and just buy them from the RC Geek. The burner for the F4 is called his 90mm multi-burner (specify what diameter 90mm motor you have, 6S or 8S), one cone fitting on the motor that splits into 2 like a Y. Each side has a cable to a controller that flickers each burner independently so it looks like 2 jet engines and you press a button at whatever throttle position to program when you want the flickering to start. Takes only moments to install but it's not cheap, about $95. You can send him (Chris Wolfe) an email and ask him about getting it to Aussie Land. I think HH and FMS are his affiliates so you might get them over there.

Hate to admit it, but I have his burners in 14 EDF's, and only my A-10 does not have his burners. But the "Scale Police" had to keep me locked up for over a month to keep me for putting them in. Wouldn't leave home without them.

Also helps to line the exhaust nozzles with aluminum AC tape for great reflectability (that's not even a word ). Very bright even in our South Florida glare.

Easy to install, does not reduce flight time, but may slightly affect top speed, so if you're trying to break the sound barrier, you might leave them off.

[Hugh Wiedman]

I purchased mine when they first came out. I put in a different edf but kept everything else. Last year I tried using hv lipos, noticed no cell count but everything worked. About a minute into flight lost power, but managed to get partial power and safely landed. No more hv liops. Took it out last weekend, still no cell count. About 2min. into 3rd flight it started losing power. Turned a short final and landed. Checked batt, still had 3.78 per cell. I'm thinking my esc might be dying. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. TIA

Your ESC is not identifying the number of cells in your pack indicated by the # of beeps This is critical as all ESC's by default have a "low voltage cutoff" based on # of cells so your lipo pack isn't drained to zero and ruin the pack. When that level is reached, the ESC reduces power or even pulses the power to let the pilot know their pack is dangerously low. So your ESC would rather crash your aircraft than drain your lipo!!!

I've switched to HiV packs exclusively. Of 30 ESC's, only a couple identified a 6S HiV pack charged to 4.35 v per cell as a 7 S pack, resulting in loss of power and reaching the erroneous low voltage point around 3.7 volts per cell. With my Castle ESC's you're able to program them to either ignore the low voltage cutoff completely or program them for HiV. No HH or FMS ESC's failed to get it right but a couple Freewing ESC's got it wrong, those being older ones. You can look up the programming Manuel for your specific ESC and either remove or reduce the low cut off voltage and use HiV packs.

On the other hand, if your ESC is not getting the correct # of beeps to match a fully charged normal lipo, the ESC is defective!! You may also notice on a properly performing ESC, if you plug a discharged 6S pack in that is at around 3.5 v per cell, it may only beep 5 times, as the ESC is assuming you are putting a fully charged pack in that is 21 volts and that's a 5S. The low voltage cutoff is then based on a 5S pack. So sometimes these "smart" ESC's ain't so smart when they're buried deep in the ground after causing a "lawn dart".

[f4u ausie]

Hey guys hope ya all well.. im wanting yo put either a centre or after burner int my f4 (seems a cheap fun upgrade) new learning to b had.... for me.. i no the difference, between them physically,, but not visually.. hopeing for some advice, which to purchase.. looks easy to install????? And will it reduce flight time? Thanks