Official Freewing 90mm F-4 Phantom II Thread

[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

[Ks.jetflyer]

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

[Hugh Wiedman]

Hey Y'all,

Check out Hugh Wiedman's Navy VF-84 F4B Phantom EDF in the latest issue of the AMA magazine.

A beautiful repaint with all new 8S setups.

Congrats, Wildman!

She's a looker with a cooker.

Best, LB

Why thank you Steve, I haven't even seen the issue yet. 8S is certainly the sweet spot for these F4's, and I just upgraded the Spektrum Ar637t in both 8S F4's to plus. Although I felt it couldn't possibly fly any better, it somehow managed to do just that.

Definitely my favorite and easiest flying EDF.

[Elbee]

Hey Y'all,

Check out Hugh Wiedman's Navy VF-84 F4B Phantom EDF in the latest issue of the AMA magazine.

A beautiful repaint with all new 8S setups.

Congrats, Wildman!

She's a looker with a cooker.

Best, LB

[f4u ausie]

Is CG in manual supposed to be measured with gear up or gear down? I I maidened my 8s version on Sunday and had 2 smc 6300's as far forward as canopy would allow and still showed to be tail heavy with gear up. I put 2 flights on in this position and they were decent but I was having a yaw oscillation almost like a gyro was turned up too high, but there was no gyro. Any tips?

Hello farm flyer,,, hope u r well.. if u watch the original motion vids,, pilot ryan cut front of cockpit away,, (he likes nose heavy) i found the need to do same,, and i think the reason is, the original fans had plastic fan surround... my original 1835 kv 6s setup, and the new 1350 kv 8s,, have aluminum fan surround,, heavier than original... hence the need to move batteries forward 4 factory cg... which is awsome starting point im now at 175mm cg,,, bit nose heavy.. others hugh r at 200 i use hrb 4s 6000,, couple pics

[Evan D]

Book CG is at best a starting point and after flying move it to suite. That said when I set a point it’s always with the gear down so I can easily check it sitting on the bench.

[farmflyer01]

Is CG in manual supposed to be measured with gear up or gear down? I I maidened my 8s version on Sunday and had 2 smc 6300's as far forward as canopy would allow and still showed to be tail heavy with gear up. I put 2 flights on in this position and they were decent but I was having a yaw oscillation almost like a gyro was turned up too high, but there was no gyro. Any tips?

[f4u ausie]

I know i have a 90mm f22. so how does this phantom fly compares to the f22? Is it easy flyer, is it a heavy flyer, does it take off fast etc.

Sorry should have read the question better.. i think i am only an intermediate pilot,, and dont find it hard to fly..if i flew an f22 i may say its easy.. but the f4 is heavy, needs to b flown fast,,or under power, in the turns,, .. it will fly slow in the straights, with flaps,, but would not want to turn that slow,, im sure u would have a foam pile of rubble,, it flys tracks very straight.. and looks awsome in the air.... i fly fast untill on final,, then hit full flaps, off the gas, let it settle, and adjust speed as req,, it did take a while to get flap elev mix right, still tweaking it after around 20 flights.. started as 6s,, now 8s.. i luv it,,, if u get one ,, do check all elev servo linkages, appears to b its only weakness.. have fun b safe

[Reptielenfreak]

I dont own an f22 , but from what i understand its like a 90 mm trainer( so pretty easy)

I know i have a 90mm f22. so how does this phantom fly compares to the f22? Is it easy flyer, is it a heavy flyer, does it take off fast etc.

[f4u ausie]

How does this jet fly compared tot he f22 90mm?

I dont own an f22 , but from what i understand its like a 90 mm trainer( so pretty easy)

[Elbee]

f4u ausie, great debreif and happy you got through your check flight with no issues. Congrats, Mate. Best, LB

[Reptielenfreak]

How does this jet fly compared tot he f22 90mm?

[f4u ausie]

Hello team melbourne has had a winter dry spell( one week).. so desperate me... made that 4.3 volt per cell flight... awsome clear sky no wind.. around 60 degrees f 15 c ... flew for 4 minuts 30 seconds... on land at 4.8 per cell.. flewit hard.. its a faaasst thing if u want(it likes it).... but a bit pitch sensative ,, after changing the elev servo.. the elevator end is on the inner hole ,, will change to outer.. my mistake,, any way went well,,,,, gota get those batteries,,, one flight per day ,, not enuf to get used to any( man woman or Beast)

[Elbee]

Hugh Wiedman. Great insight and debrief. I thank you. I will put some thought on this. From upgrade to hyper-mode. I like it. Best, LB