HSD F-16 105mm EDF Jet

[Aros]

Yep I am definitely leaning that way. Even the piece of mind is worth the money to me. If I had a wide open huge field of unobstructed land I probably wouldn't spring for the high end gyro but unfortunately I fly in an area with buildings, street poles, fences, trees, etc, etc...

[Twowingtj]

Many folks I fly with swear by Bavarian Demon Cortex. I've never seen one act goofy or give glitchy responses. If I had any birds that I felt needed one, that would be my choice. Pro grade components and QC.

[Aros]

That's how I feel with this F-16. No it's not a high end composite turbine, it's still EPO but it is a heavy wing loaded bird and where I fly (lots of obstructions, no choice) I really want a high quality gyro I know will help take off some of that work load, especially on landings. Could I throw a Hobby Eagle in it? Sure. Would it work? I am sure it would but would it perform at that same level of quality and performance as the high end ones? That's what I am not sure about so I may as well go with the high end one just for the feeling of security alone.

[Twowingtj]

I'm gonna do some more digging also. :Thinking:
Whoever gets some further low down about the validity of the "is better" claims report back here.;)

The turbine flyers that I know tend to go with higher end gyros on the birds with high wing loading. If you've got 10K in a jet, why not spend $200 for a good gyro. Most tend to use them mainly on landing to lighten pilot work load.

The big prop birds we are flying are pretty lightly loaded for warbirds. IMHO they really don't need gyros. I think you'll find that they fly better and are more stable and predictable that the smaller birds.

[Aros]

Yes, true, the smaller ones do benefit tremendously from a gyro. In this particular instance I am talking about the stress of flying a heavier wing-loaded F-16 (even the FW 90mm F-16 is a bit on the chunky side) versus the stress-free flying of a light 70mm version. I found the HSD F-16 to be touchy to me on the sticks at times. Some flights, absolutely nails. Other times, she acted tail heavy or nose heavy or twitchy, etc. The stock gyro never seemed to do much and some have even claimed it caused crashes...This is a model for me at least that I would feel a lot better with a quality gyro in it.

I am not stating that it NEEDS a gyro for everyone...Just for me personally based on my experience with it so far.

[TiredIronGRB]

Sounds good to me. TI, I flew mine both with and without a gyro and I think a good quality gyro would really help with this model. I always felt I was fighting the sticks without a gyro...Now if she had the wing load of the 70mm little sister no gyro needed for me! LOL

It seems to me it's the smaller planes that benefit the most from a gyro.

[Aros]

Sounds good to me. TI, I flew mine both with and without a gyro and I think a good quality gyro would really help with this model. I always felt I was fighting the sticks without a gyro...Now if she had the wing load of the 70mm little sister no gyro needed for me! LOL

[OV10]

I'm gonna do some more digging also. :Thinking:
Whoever gets some further low down about the validity of the "is better" claims report back here.;)

[TiredIronGRB]

Well those are all valid points, hence my trying to get to the bottom of it. I believe a Hobby Eagle or Eagle Tree, etc, would work "fine" in this and other larger models but when you hear from those who have paved the trail before you on the large scale stuff swearing by them, it does get my attention. For me I am trying to go "behind the curtain" if you will, to see if it's all the same general tech just under different wrapping, or if there are truly fundamental differences in the quality and performance of these high end gyros. I am fine sticking a $35 Hobby Eagle in this F-16 IF I can somehow get verification that there is no appreciable difference in its performance, ease of setup and feature sets. As my buddy says:

"I'm not sure how people can really tell how one performs versus another unless they tested many different brands in the same aircraft under similar flying conditions. Setup is definitely something that can be very difficult so ease of setup might matter to some. I'd have to actually dive into the detailed specs to see if the iGyro or Cortex uses better chips but I'm guessing they're probably similar."

One thing I was convinced of was I was fighting with a sub par stock gyro in this jet. If I can invest in a top quality gyro that other large scale pilots rave about, it may be worth it to me. Still researching... :pop

I'm not going to run one in mine.

[Aros]

Aros................so what does the size and weight of an airframe have to do with the function of a gyro?
What are the "real" differences about that is espoused by the RCG threads in a nutshell ?
You sparked my curiosity about these since I'm now venturing into giants also and read both of the Cortex and iGyro 3e device features/nomenclature and don't see any technical things that just standout.
I just couldn't see any justification of spending $170+ more from a Hobby Eagle to an iGyro e3 or Bavariandemon Cortex. ;)The latter does have a :Cool:logo.

:pop

Well those are all valid points, hence my trying to get to the bottom of it. I believe a Hobby Eagle or Eagle Tree, etc, would work "fine" in this and other larger models but when you hear from those who have paved the trail before you on the large scale stuff swearing by them, it does get my attention. For me I am trying to go "behind the curtain" if you will, to see if it's all the same general tech just under different wrapping, or if there are truly fundamental differences in the quality and performance of these high end gyros. I am fine sticking a $35 Hobby Eagle in this F-16 IF I can somehow get verification that there is no appreciable difference in its performance, ease of setup and feature sets. As my buddy says:

"I'm not sure how people can really tell how one performs versus another unless they tested many different brands in the same aircraft under similar flying conditions. Setup is definitely something that can be very difficult so ease of setup might matter to some. I'd have to actually dive into the detailed specs to see if the iGyro or Cortex uses better chips but I'm guessing they're probably similar."

One thing I was convinced of was I was fighting with a sub par stock gyro in this jet. If I can invest in a top quality gyro that other large scale pilots rave about, it may be worth it to me. Still researching... :pop

[Aros]

Thanks, I'm going for the Solo Turk Display F-16.
I bought a Cortex Gyro which I've never used. I put it in the Eurofighter after about 6 flights but ironically had another problem with the plane so I still haven't tried it. I was thinking about putting in the F-16?
One of the show pilots in my club swears by them.

Yes please do! I have heard raving reviews about that gyro ("Once you try it you will never want another gyro") and would love someone's opinion on it in this model before I spring for one. The other guy I have found on YouTube with that gyro in this jet just loves it.

[OV10]

Aros................so what does the size and weight of an airframe have to do with the function of a gyro?
What are the "real" differences about that is espoused by the RCG threads in a nutshell ?
You sparked my curiosity about these since I'm now venturing into giants also and read both of the Cortex and iGyro 3e device features/nomenclature and don't see any technical things that just standout.
I just couldn't see any justification of spending $170+ more from a Hobby Eagle to an iGyro e3 or Bavariandemon Cortex. ;)The latter does have a :Cool:logo.

:pop

[Porkster]

Thanks, I'm going for the Solo Turk Display F-16.
I bought a Cortex Gyro which I've never used. I put it in the Eurofighter after about 6 flights but ironically had another problem with the plane so I still haven't tried it. I was thinking about putting in the F-16?
One of the show pilots in my club swears by them.

[Aros]

I will extend this conversation that I am having on the RCG thread about gyros.

I have read that some people swear by the high end gyros like Cortex and iGyro 3e for their giant scale models. I am thinking about going that route for this bird. The primary motivation for me to spring for one of these high end gyros is large/heavier models which this bird qualifies. I have had the Hobby Eagle ones (which we sell) and they are nice gyros for the price. I wouldn't flinch putting them in any of my smaller to medium/large size foamies/EDFs. But for this size and weight, I want to go high end. I have used Hobby Eagle gyros in my Freewing 90mm jets with success. Not that I don't think those are capable of working in this model, I just wonder if the investment in a higher end gyro for these giant scale models makes sense (as in you get what you pay for). I am just trying to get to the bottom of if there is a true difference between putting a $30 gyro in this model or a $250 gyro in this model from a quality in experience stand point.

From everything I am reading from those who use the Cortex/iGyro it seems the difference is real. Any thoughts?

[Aros]

Nice work Porkster! Do keep us informed with your progress! What livery are you going to go with?

[Porkster]

I'm about to change the paint scheme on my grey F-16. As I have (hopefully) an Artic camo V2 coming I'm feeling adventurous!
I'm hoping that no one has done this scheme before, I certainly haven't seen it on an RC Jet.
Graphics are on their way so I've started the modding and prepping for paint.

[Aros]

Got a nice update from Toucan Hobby. They Skyped me some photos and video of them testing my F-16 before they ship it out. Nice touch by them!

[Aros]

Yeah I agree. I had mine at 165 so we are not far off. I agree, she is much more docile with a touch nose heavy CG. Easier to land for sure.

[Porkster]

To me the factory 178 seemed very tail heavy, it would be ok under power then would pitch up at throttle off. When my gear is down i'm about 165-170
I like it and it works for me, it'll come in really slow and is very easy to rotate on either tarmac or grass.
If I had excessive up trim then i'd be concerned but my elevator is pretty level so I don't think I'm adding any drag at this CG.
Check out my videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV4UDr930E8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEzXI0Kc0Pw

Oh, meant to add, F16's land so much nicer when they are nose heavy, otherwise they tend to come in very hot and use lots of runway. I don't have access to large flying areas so like this configuration.
:Cool:

[Aros]

Wow! 160! That is at the very front end of nose heavy! How do you like the performance and characteristics at that CG?