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(Posted over on RCG)...
Flight #5 was overall much improved. CG felt overall better. I keep forgetting I need to add a elevator/gear mix to compensate for the nose-heavy swing when the gear is cycled. Basically I need to set up F Modes for this beast so I am not spending much of the flight manually fighting the sticks. Takeoff was pretty good, other than needing to trim when I cycled the gear I think the settings are definitely getting there. I seem to be over-correcting in roll a lot which is why I see the wings rocking. I may need to reduce the throws a bit more plus I think I am still trying to adjust to the drastically reduced expo (15% instead of 40% which is what I used to fly with).
Once again I seem to really subconsciously enjoy testing the gear. On my first approach I ended up smacking down pretty hard and she popped back up. In that split second decision I decided to give full power and go around. I think it was the smart choice. The second attempt was much better, definitely a cleaner landing sequence. The gear just as stout as ever. Man I can't say enough how impressed I am with the durability and toughness of the gear system.
With some minor adjustments to the throws and getting the Cortex issue figured out I think I will finally be in a place I can just enjoy flying her without tinkering.
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I think the key to the cortex gyro working correctly is that it ‘sees’ full deflection on surfaces when setting up and these HSD F16s have to have their throws greatly reduced electronically otherwise as it’s very difficult to get the correct throws mechanically.
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Okay I just (for the fifth time, yes OCD is strong in this hobby, lol) got done checking the CG again after charging my RT's. I had to move them about 1/2" or 3/4" or so forward from where they were on the last flight where it felt very tail heavy. I miscalculated the CG from the last flight with these new batteries thinking it was around 175mm when in fact it was likely 185+. I now feel confident I have them in the position for 175mm which seems to be a sweet spot. Not too aft, not too nose heavy...The Goldilocks range. Just right.
I also happily discovered that my Cortex seems to be behaving now, without me having to reset/re-calibrate/rebind. The roll axis was doing the proper movements. Pitch always did. You can guarantee I will check again on my next preflight check before taking off. If it is messed up again I will simply shut off the gyro for the flight.
I have the runway space (obstacles be damned) so with the CG more in line with what I like I suspect it should be a good flight. The throws are not crazy but I am adjusting to much less expo (15% instead of 40%) than before. I need to remind myself of that before takeoff.
I haven't had this much drama since flying the SR-71 Blackbird for pete's sake!
But she's worth it. ;)Leave a comment:
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Thanks Sean.
Thats really interesting info there, I certainly didn't know that.
I watched the Solo Turk display last year at RIAT, it was fantastic, considering the weather, most teams cancelled their displays but the Turk did a low level display and it was awesome. I even went to meet the pilot afterwards and he signed a poster for me.
I decided there that I was going to do a tribute scheme with my HSD but its taking its time, your right it is fairly complex and some of my graphics aren't working out as well as I hoped so I'm going to have to paint it!!!Leave a comment:
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Looking forward to the completed product...that's a very complicated paint scheme.
I saw the Solo Turk demo when I was stationed in Turkey about 4 years ago. Apparently the Turkish built F-16s have a different stabilization program that allows the pilot to do maneuvers a U.S. built F-16 can't.
SeanLeave a comment:
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Thanks! Just got lucky, honestly. I have superior stick skills maybe 3 days out of the year. The rest of the time I am flying by the seat of my pants. LOLLeave a comment:
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Thanks Aros. I read your experience with the gyro problem on RCG, that was a very good save buddy!
I can't wait for the better weather, this reduced flying is driving me crazy!!!!:Silly:Leave a comment:
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Very nice! Can't wait to see the final results. I need to figure out my Cortex (nearly lost it last weekend when the roll was reversed, I have no clue why) and new RT battery placement for CG. Flying season is right around the corner!Leave a comment:
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There's a world of difference between the old style and new style, I also like the side of the new ones.Leave a comment:
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One is the new gen...The other older pack is not. I probably have over 100 cycles in the old one. Time to put it out to pasture I think.Leave a comment:
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I use either Optipower 5300 which are very good, and zippy compact 6200 40c. Those zippys have really surprised me, they've been pretty good and have reasonably low IR. The Zippys and Optipowers are the same weight which saves any fuss at the field so both fit in the same location up against the bulk head between the battery bay and the electronics bay. I'm using a 2s 3400 for the electronics which is velcro'd and strapped to the underside of the electronics hatch.Leave a comment:
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What batteries are you using? I have been flying with Admiral 5000's but one pack is a lot older than the other and I think it's a big contributing factor to the sluggish performance so I have grounded the F-16 until I can get two Roaring Top 5500's. I bought one already but I have to wait until my next payday to order the other.
LOLLeave a comment:
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