Official Freewing 90mm F-16 Falcon Thread

[Hugh Wiedman]

I got the same post #'s Phantom, Aros must have special access to 2 top secret posts that us peons can't see. So that makes me 666 and not just here, ask my wife and kids.

[Hugh Wiedman]

And 13 is actually my lucky number. My wife and I picked a Friday the 13th for our wedding, which was also my father's birthday, so 13 runs in the family. I use 13 on any number on my planes, including having 13 Nazi/Japanese kill markings or bombs.

Gee, maybe that's why I have so many "mishaps".

[Phantom]

And 13 is actually my lucky number. My wife and I picked a Friday the 13th for our wedding, which was also my father's birthday, so 13 runs in the family. I use 13 on any number on my planes, including having 13 Nazi/Japanese kill markings or bombs.

Gee, maybe that's why I have so many "mishaps".

Haha I've never been afraid of 13 either, my mother was born on Friday the 13th, guess I'm covered!

[Phantom]

It is quite common to see 666 on one of the 4 T5 gauges at work on our PT6 engines while in cruise flight. I always chuckle when my copilot notices it and makes an unnecessary power change to ensure the dreaded triple 6's aren't showing on the gauge

[Aros]

Proof you turkeys!

[Phantom]

Proof you turkeys!

Well I got out the ol magnifying glass, then through it over my shoulder and and grabbed my microscope lol Sure enough, triple 6's lol

[PaulZ]

I love this jet! But after 2 years of flying it is time to make room in the hangar. She is now for sale...

[Aros]

Flight of the Phoenix...There was high winds, nerves and a landing that should have ended in disaster but my Flight Angels saved the day.

[Aros]

Took her out for a dusk sortie tonight after the winds finally died down. It's been really nice weather here in the PNW but windy! It's been eating at me that my last two landings were terrible so I had to get the bad taste out of my mouth. My CG is solid but I am fighting a pitch sensitivity on the approach. One part of it is that I keep forgetting to adjust the elevator trim on full flaperon mode. Wants to pitch down dramatically...Luckily this landing was good but there was a lot of throttle management to coax her into a smooth touchdown. I immediately adjusted my elevator trim so I won't have to worry about fighting the sticks on final. I need to re-examine my expo/rates as well. I should never fight the bird on final...At this point it should be pure muscle memory for smooth landings every time. Well, almost every time, lol.

[Hugh Wiedman]

Took her out for a dusk sortie tonight after the winds finally died down. It's been really nice weather here in the PNW but windy! It's been eating at me that my last two landings were terrible so I had to get the bad taste out of my mouth. My CG is solid but I am fighting a pitch sensitivity on the approach. One part of it is that I keep forgetting to adjust the elevator trim on full flaperon mode. Wants to pitch down dramatically...Luckily this landing was good but there was a lot of throttle management to coax her into a smooth touchdown. I immediately adjusted my elevator trim so I won't have to worry about fighting the sticks on final. I need to re-examine my expo/rates as well. I should never fight the bird on final...At this point it should be pure muscle memory for smooth landings every time. Well, almost every time, lol.

Beautiful sunset and outstanding flight, "Back in the Groove Again". FYI, I have my D/R on aileron between 60-75% with 45% expo (wow, that much) and for elevator at 90-110% with 45% expo, but that's just me. I like for the F-16 a lot of elevator travel to get it into position at landing, but dial up the expo so it isn't too sensitive, but there when I pull for it.

This may help if you're not already doing it. I set my Flight Mode up in the transmitter under "Flight Mode" and assign it to switch D, which is my flap, or in this case flaperon 3 position switch. Then also in the 2nd menu of the transmitter I go to "Trim Setup" and set the aileron and elevator to F Mode, instead of the the default position of Common. I leave Throttle at Common Digital and Rudder to Common. This allows you to have seperate trims at each position of the flap switch for aileron and elevator. The rudder stays trimmed in all three positions at the same point (you could change that too but the rudder trim shouldn't change when deploying flaps). I you want, you could leave aileron trim at common, so at all positions it has the same trim, but I like to use that "trimmable" for each position as well in the event that each flap/flaperon extends at a minutely different deflection (which it seems with all my planes it may be 1-2 clicks different in each position). The big bonus is on the elevator trim, which now allows different trim settings for each position of the flaps without having to remember to change it in flight or hope you guessed right in the Flap system settings. Granted, on the maiden you need to trim aileron & elevator (so 6 individual trims) at each flap position, but you only have to do it once, no guessing of how much to put in on the Flap System adjustments. This has made flying any plane with flaps, for me anyway, sooooo much easier. No landing and guessing how much to put in, then take it up and see if it's correct. Now, there should be absolutely no change in attitude or roll when you deploy flaps. It also allows you to trim for say flaps up at a higher speed/throttle, take-off trim at say a 50-70% throttle and landing at say 35% throttle (or whatever speeds "blow your skirt up") without having to worry about attitude trims. This setting was shown to me early on by an incredibly experienced and award winning turbine jet pilot, so who am I to argue. You do get a little busy on the maiden (and actually I have all 3 control surfaces set that way, so 9 individual trims), but it's well worth it later on.

Just a thought.

[Aros]

Just a thought? Just a THOUGHT? I think about 90% of that just blew over my head!

In all my years of flying I have never used F Mode. My entire repertoire consists of dual rates, expo, servo adjustments (speed, travel, etc) and the usuals. Even generic mixing takes me a half hour where it may take someone 10 seconds, lol! Just never have gotten mixing and F Modes. I really need to study and master F Modes though, for the reasons you mention...I want to be able to flick a switch and it's not just the flaps or rates but a fine tune mix for every major flight mode, especially landing. Some models don't need flight modes because they are just so easy to fly in all flight envelopes but scale jets like this model I can absolutely see the need.

So once this evil virus is over and we can all get back to our normal lives, I will fly you out so you can program the Flight Modes for me!

[Hugh Wiedman]

Just a thought? Just a THOUGHT? I think about 90% of that just blew over my head!

In all my years of flying I have never used F Mode. My entire repertoire consists of dual rates, expo, servo adjustments (speed, travel, etc) and the usuals. Even generic mixing takes me a half hour where it may take someone 10 seconds, lol! Just never have gotten mixing and F Modes. I really need to study and master F Modes though, for the reasons you mention...I want to be able to flick a switch and it's not just the flaps or rates but a fine tune mix for every major flight mode, especially landing. Some models don't need flight modes because they are just so easy to fly in all flight envelopes but scale jets like this model I can absolutely see the need.

So once this evil virus is over and we can all get back to our normal lives, I will fly you out so you can program the Flight Modes for me!

No problem, would love to visit the Great NW. BTW, I have yet to use or figure out how to use any mixing, but it is EXTREMELY easy to use flight modes (if I can do it, absolutely anyone can). In my opinion, it is the single most beneficial transmitter adjustment you can make and I believe everyone should use it for "stress free" flying. Wouldn't you love to change the flaps and have the plane REMAIN rock solid with attitude, allowing you to concentrate on actually flying? Just 2 easy settings in the transmitter: 1) Set Flight Modes in menu to the switch you want to have it on, like your flap switch. 2) Go to Trim Settings and select the surfaces you wish to be able to be individually set when changing that switch. Now you can trim those surfaces with each flap setting. Done, takes 30 seconds to set up. It's just like doing it in the Flap Settings menu (and those trims still remain as a "first ballpark guess"), except now you can refine it with your trim switches WHILE IN THE AIR and get it exact, first flight.

I also like using some high expo, and am probably in a crowd of one on that (hey social distancing). I initially started flying with the typical expo's in 5-15% max range and changed rates between low/medium/high. But when I started flying the Extreme Flight 3D planes, they recommended some wild high rates like 50-70 degree deflections with expo in the 70-80% or MORE range, allowing some radical moves but not so sensitive with minimal stick movement that the plane acts like a schizophrenic. The net result is that even in mid to high rates, minimal stick movement is essentially in low rates, but as you get more stick movement, you transition into high rates without having to flip a switch while flying. Great for landing (especially great for wild 3D maneuvers though), especially landing jittery jets, where with minimal stick movement it is rather stable with minor altitude/attitude changes. Once you get slow enough at the proper height over the runway, more exaggerated stick movements gets you into high alpha. I also use it cause for some reason, I still have bouts of anxiety and my hands tend to shake. Well, expo reduces those shaky hands effects on the stick.

[Aros]

Now being able to adjust trim with Flight Modes in the various flap stages in flight gets my attention! I will take a stab at it and hopefully not stab my plane in the process!

[gooniac33]

Unfortunately, the 5500 is out of stock with Jetwerx and with Roaring Top themselves. Got the last 8. 3 arrived earlier this week (which I got to use in the F-16 and SU-30) and hopefully another 5 are coming tomorrow. Also tried to get some of the 6250's that Chris (RC GEEK) uses exclusively in all his FW jets, but snagged the last 1 only. I'll test the output tomorrow (assuming it arrives with the others). With potential shipments from China being stopped, I wonder if we'll see any more for a while, assuming that goes through.

The 6250s worked really well in my planes! Just be sure to break them in or they may now be all that impressive at first. My Faves were the 6s 35c 5800 packs which made all of my EDFs jump to life! I was lucky enough to get them on sale for $69 a piece and am glad I did! I used them for almost 2 years in my jets! They are still in use today with a big carbon Z t-28 and they work amazing on the low draw. No puffing at all either! Best bang for the buck out there right now with really good performance is still gonna be HRB 6s 50c 6000mah packs. I have 4 and they are working really well! Super cheap in price too!


I am really tempted to get a thunderbird PNP.... I have been really impressed with the new 1650kv outrunner and may have to try it out for myself. I have flown the original older 1450kv equipped F-16 and really liked how it flew! I know that the newer set ups will be even better! I am working on some set ups of my own so could just remove the PNP set up and install my own afterwards..... HMMMMMMMMMM

[Hugh Wiedman]

Now being able to adjust trim with Flight Modes in the various flap stages in flight gets my attention! I will take a stab at it and hopefully not stab my plane in the process!

First set it up in the transmitter as I described. Then go back to the main screen. Look at the trim settings with flaps up for aileron and elevator (write them down). Now change the flap switch to Take Off flaps. If you have voice alerts, when you move the flap switch it should announce Flight Mode 2 (voice command can be enabled in the Spoken Flight Mode menu just after F-Mode Setup, if you want). Now check the trims (can't remember if they go back to 0, if they do, put the trim you had in the up position as a starting point). When you adjust the trim now, it will only adjust it on that flap position, all other flap positions remain as before. Check Landing flaps, should say flight mode 3 and check those trims as with FM2. I set voice commands for the flap switch to say first the Flight Mode, then Flaps Up or Take-off flaps or Landing flaps. Easy Peazy.

[Aros]

Alright Hugh thank you I will give her a go. Easy Peazy is a very relative term for me btw.

[Aros]

My Faves were the 6s 35c 5800 packs which made all of my EDFs jump to life! I was lucky enough to get them on sale for $69 a piece and am glad I did! I used them for almost 2 years in my jets! They are still in use today with a big carbon Z t-28 and they work amazing on the low draw. No puffing at all either!

gooniac33 Are you talking about favoring the RT 6S 35C 5800's over the 6S 70C 5500's? Curious because I love my RT 70C 5500's but if you are telling me the 35C 5800's are superior, I need to know that and you certainly have my attention! Especially since I am considering buying my 3rd HSD 105mm F-16 which has only ever been flown on the 5500/70Cs...I am always looking to maximize thrust/weight in that jet and the new version has a superior EDF unit which is the main reason why I am considering it, but the batteries are part of that equation as well so if there is a more powerful performance pack out there I am all ears!

[Hugh Wiedman]

gooniac33 Are you talking about favoring the RT 6S 35C 5800's over the 6S 70C 5500's? Curious because I love my RT 70C 5500's but if you are telling me the 35C 5800's are superior, I need to know that and you certainly have my attention! Especially since I am considering buying my 3rd HSD 105mm F-16 which has only ever been flown on the 5500/70Cs...I am always looking to maximize thrust/weight in that jet and the new version has a superior EDF unit which is the main reason why I am considering it, but the batteries are part of that equation as well so if there is a more powerful performance pack out there I am all ears!

My thoughts only, but since you have the upgraded inrunner in your F-16, I would suggest you stick with the RT 5500 70C. Not sure about the RT 5800 35 C, but I have tested both the RT 5500 70C and the RT 6250 35C (and the Admiral 6000 50C) with the F-16 inrunner using my Progressive RC internal resistance meter and my GT Power meter. Fully charged (and both only 2 months old and stabilized) , the RT 5500 70 C draws 117.1 Ah and 2810 Watts, while the RT 6250 35C draws less at 113.65 Ah and 2594 Watts and there is a noticeable but slightly lower fan whine with the 35C. The Admiral is slightly less than the RT6250. I've also tested the inrunners on my SU-30 with similar results (but even more dramatic), so both of those only get the RT 5500 70C for dinner. Need to get them off of a grass field so I need all the power I can get, otherwise the in-flight is acceptable for all three batteries.

Interesting enough, on my 2 F-4's, both with stock outrunners and my Stinger 90 with a stock outrunner, the RT 5500 and the RT 6250 performed almost identically (in the air and on the meters), with the Admiral performing slightly less. My conclusion (and maybe I'm out in left field) is that the inrunners definitely benefit more from a higher C battery and can use them, while the outrunners get enough from a lower C battery and do not require the higher discharge rate as the inrunners do. Chris, with RC Geek seems to have found something similar as he has stated in his battery testing bulletin that he flies the stock F-4 outrunner on the RT 35C battery as anything higher than that is overkill on not of any benefit. This may only apply to EDF's as just for the hell of it, I tested them on my Corsair's outrunner. There was a significant increase in power with the 70C over the 35 or 50 C. But I don't need or use high speed on the Corsair, usually around 50-65% throttle, occasionally 80%. Don't need it on take-off either, as I actually have to try and keep it on the ground longer than it wants to in order to keep it above stalling speed on take-off, so the Admiral 5000 50C is enough and still gives me almost 7-8 minutes.

You don't want to know what the actual tested C was from the internal resistance meter. OK, I'll talk, stop twisting my arm! The RT 70 C came in at an Actual C of around 35. The RT 35 C came in at an actual C of around 28 C and the Admiral 50C at 25 C. I've heard, but don't have any to test, that the graphene high C batteries are just as good or better than the RT 70C. I did get to test a buddies Spektrum Smart battery, 5000 50C (although not hooked up with the Power meter) and the Actual C tested in the 25-28 range, but have yet to try them in action.

[Aros]

Thanks Hugh that is awesome data. I am really bummed about those true C ratings. That's a total drag (see what I did there? lol). Based on your info I am going to stick with the tried and true RT 5500 "70"Cs...They've consistently shown to be reliable batteries up to the task. Now if I can just crap or get off the pot when it comes to ordering the new version HSD 105mm F-16 with my stimulus check!

[Hugh Wiedman]

Thanks Hugh that is awesome data. I am really bummed about those true C ratings. That's a total drag (see what I did there? lol). Based on your info I am going to stick with the tried and true RT 5500 "70"Cs...They've consistently shown to be reliable batteries up to the task. Now if I can just crap or get off the pot when it comes to ordering the new version HSD 105mm F-16 with my stimulus check!

OH, MAN, the 105mm F-16 would be epic! Another thought on your batteries. I need the extra thrust and the flaperons on take-off being on grass. You, on the other hand, take off of asphalt with flaperons, and the extra thrust is great, but not life threatening. Once off the deck and in flight, the RT 5500/RT 6250/Admiral 6000 all perform about the same, unless you're a throttle mashed to the firewall pylon racer or speed freak, which I'm sure your not. The RT 5500 weighs 825 gr / RT 6250 803 gr / Ad 6000 827 gr. In your environment, I would be tempted to try the 6250, slightly lighter in weight and should give you 20-30 seconds more flight time, in my opinion, worth a shot.

On my maiden no less, I used the Ad 6000 with no flaps and took off early in the morning with a lot of dew on the grass. What a bone head. She lumbered down the 400 foot grass runway and looked like Miss Budweiser throwing up a rooster tail. I was just able to shut her down before I ran into the tall cane of the Everglades. At that point I was ready to toss her to the gators, but waited for the grass to dry and it finally got off, even without flaps. Of course now, using the RT 70C and flaps, it's not much different than my other EDF's. I'm still tempted myself to try the RT 6250, as I'm sure it will get off with flaps and who wouldn't want an extra 20-30 seconds (at least for an emergency go-around, which are unfortunately not rare).