Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

[ChappySincl4ir]

Hey Guys,

I'm fairly new to RC, I started on a Sport Cub S with SAFE, graduated to a Parkzone T-28 with no real issues in flight. I just purchased one of my favorite warbirds, the Freewing Dauntless. I am very happy with Motion RC's quick shipping and the product came in great condition.

I had a few questions about some things though for those who have this. I have read a few threads on here and other sites about this bird but there is limited information.

I can't seem to find the CG. I read on here that if you use the little ovals near the called out CG it seems to balance. Now I am using the admiral 4s 2200 that was recommended by Motion RC all the way forward. On these ovals it does balance for me, if anything slightly nose heavy. but at my 105mm mark it is severely tail heavy, don't even ask me about the 90mm mark. I don't want to maiden it if im way off on my CG. The ovals are located about 113mm from the LE. And I have added NO nose weight. Anyone flown it without nose weight while using the ovals as the CG reference point?

Second the only real place I can fly this or any plane that I don't want to belly land is at my club field, and it is grass. How is this thing taking off and landing on grass? I'm concerned that I am going to be frustrated and just tear this thing up with the grass field. Its mowed grass of course but I have no real experience taking off or landing on grass with gear. Did I make a mistake in buying this?

One other question. I cannot get the dive brake servos to stop buzzing, either open or closed. I have tried adjusting travel in my DX6i with no change regardless of how littel I have them open or close. Any recommendations?

Any Help would be greatly appreciated.

And just an FYI. I did Capt Mike's suggestion to clamp the dive brakes together then run a hair dryer over them. I was able to close the gap between them greatly and also cure the horrific warped corners that it came to with. They are not perfect, but much better. Thanks for the tip Captain!

Sincl4ir

[ryramZ]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Hey Guys,

I'm fairly new to RC, I started on a Sport Cub S with SAFE, graduated to a Parkzone T-28 with no real issues in flight.  I just purchased one of my favorite warbirds, the Freewing Dauntless.  I am very happy with Motion RC's quick shipping and the product came in great condition.

I had a few questions about some things though for those who have this.  I have read a few threads on here and other sites about this bird but there is limited information.

I can't seem to find the CG.  I read on here that if you use the little ovals near the called out CG it seems to balance.  Now I am using the admiral 4s 2200 that was recommended by Motion RC all the way forward.  On these ovals it does balance for me, if anything slightly nose heavy.  but at my 105mm mark it is severely tail heavy, don't even ask me about the 90mm mark.  I don't want to maiden it if im way off on my CG.  The ovals are located about 113mm from the LE.  And I have added NO nose weight.  Anyone flown it without nose weight while using the ovals as the CG reference point?

Second the only real place I can fly this or any plane that I don't want to belly land is at my club field, and it is grass.  How is this thing taking off and landing on grass?  I'm concerned that I am going to be frustrated and just tear this thing up with the grass field.  Its mowed grass of course but I have no real experience taking off or landing on grass with gear.  Did I make a mistake in buying this?  

One other question.  I cannot get the dive brake servos to stop buzzing, either open or closed.  I have tried adjusting travel in my DX6i with no change regardless of how littel I have them open or close.  Any recommendations?

Any Help would be greatly appreciated.

And just an FYI.  I did Capt Mike's suggestion to clamp the dive brakes together then run a hair dryer over them.  I was able to close the gap between them greatly and also cure the horrific warped corners that it came to with.  They are not perfect, but much better.  Thanks for the tip Captain!

Sincl4ir

Can't remember exactly, but in our video I believe we put 3 ounces in the cowl. I had to get one as well,{Mike kept the first one} LOL. On mine I too added the nose weight. Just have yet to make arrangements to fly with a larger battery. 
On grass, I was impressed with how well it flew on our club grass, as long as it's shortish I think you will be ok.
Ryan

[ChappySincl4ir]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Hey Guys,

I'm fairly new to RC, I started on a Sport Cub S with SAFE, graduated to a Parkzone T-28 with no real issues in flight.  I just purchased one of my favorite warbirds, the Freewing Dauntless.  I am very happy with Motion RC's quick shipping and the product came in great condition.

I had a few questions about some things though for those who have this.  I have read a few threads on here and other sites about this bird but there is limited information.

I can't seem to find the CG.  I read on here that if you use the little ovals near the called out CG it seems to balance.  Now I am using the admiral 4s 2200 that was recommended by Motion RC all the way forward.  On these ovals it does balance for me, if anything slightly nose heavy.  but at my 105mm mark it is severely tail heavy, don't even ask me about the 90mm mark.  I don't want to maiden it if im way off on my CG.  The ovals are located about 113mm from the LE.  And I have added NO nose weight.  Anyone flown it without nose weight while using the ovals as the CG reference point?

Second the only real place I can fly this or any plane that I don't want to belly land is at my club field, and it is grass.  How is this thing taking off and landing on grass?  I'm concerned that I am going to be frustrated and just tear this thing up with the grass field.  Its mowed grass of course but I have no real experience taking off or landing on grass with gear.  Did I make a mistake in buying this?  

One other question.  I cannot get the dive brake servos to stop buzzing, either open or closed.  I have tried adjusting travel in my DX6i with no change regardless of how littel I have them open or close.  Any recommendations?

Any Help would be greatly appreciated.

And just an FYI.  I did Capt Mike's suggestion to clamp the dive brakes together then run a hair dryer over them.  I was able to close the gap between them greatly and also cure the horrific warped corners that it came to with.  They are not perfect, but much better.  Thanks for the tip Captain!

Sincl4ir

Can't remember exactly, but in our video I believe we put 3 ounces in the cowl. I had to get one as well,{Mike kept the first one} LOL. On mine I too added the nose weight. Just have yet to make arrangements to fly with a larger battery. 
On grass, I was impressed with how well it flew on our club grass, as long as it's shortish I think you will be ok.
Ryan

Thanks Ryan, I do remember that in the video. And thanks for easing my mind on the grass. You guys are great! Any ideas on my servo issue? Anyone?

[ryramZ]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

I thought you meant this Texan http://youtu.be/Mm00ZgVKpwM

[Hippie 64]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Hey Chappy , from looking at this plane you shouldn't have any problems on grass . I would not fly with the tanks on til you try it first . Good Luck and keep us informed .



Bryan

[ChappySincl4ir]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Yeah Ryan i am talking about the Dauntless. But I do like that Texan. And Bryan thanks I definatly was planning on not having anything underneath for the maiden. Recipe for disaster.

[Rocketeer]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings Chappy,

First off, WELCOME to the forum.
Glad to have you aboard.

I will have to say that you've made quite a jump going from the PZ T-28 to the SBD.

It's a great airplane!

I too had to do a bit of this and that on the flaps to get them to seat.
Capt. Mike's tip is a good one!

I believe I added about 2 1/2 oz to the nose on mine as well.

On the servo 'chatter' it typically means that the servo is not centered and is being extended beyond its travel limits either when fully engaged on in the 'home' position.
You can test this by slightly adjusting the trim on the control surface that is chattering until it stops.
If it takes more than just a couple of clicks then I'd reset the trim to neutral and try re-centering that servo or as a last resort adjust it out in your sub-trim.

The hardest moment for me with the Dauntless was the 'pucker-factor' associated with the maiden.
Once completed it is so beautiful, you can't bring yourself to risk anything happening to it.
But, then you realize that you didn't buy it to stare at it so, off you go!!

I fly with all of the scale features attached.

Best of luck,

Bill L.
In Okla.

[ChappySincl4ir]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings Chappy,

First off, WELCOME to the forum.
Glad to have you aboard.

I will have to say that you've made quite a jump going from the PZ T-28 to the SBD.

It's a great airplane!

I too had to do a bit of this and that on the flaps to get them to seat.
Capt. Mike's tip is a good one!

I believe I added about 2 1/2 oz to the nose on mine as well.

On the servo 'chatter' it typically means that the servo is not centered and is being extended beyond its travel limits either when fully engaged on in the 'home' position.
You can test this by slightly adjusting the trim on the control surface that is chattering until it stops.
If it takes more than just a couple of clicks then I'd reset the trim to neutral and try re-centering that servo or as a last resort adjust it out in your sub-trim.

The hardest moment for me with the Dauntless was the 'pucker-factor' associated with the maiden.
Once completed it is so beautiful, you can't bring yourself to risk anything happening to it.
But, then you realize that you didn't buy it to stare at it so, off you go!!

I fly with all of the scale features attached.

Best of luck,

Bill L.
In Okla.

Thanks for warm greetings Bill!

Yeah I did make quite a jump from the T-28 to the SBD. But it is one of my favorite planes and I wanted something different from the Corsairs and P-51's I always see.

Nonetheless, I'll be adding a couple ounces in the nose just to be safe on the CG. I'll do that tonight.

As for the servos, its the ones running the flaps that are giving me problems. They chatter all the time regardless if open or closed. Now I tried lowering my throws via my Dx6i and would eventually get them to stop chattering...but only for about 2-3seconds, then they would start chattering again with no input or change from my transmitter. Its strange, Also as I lower the throws, there would be no movement in the actual flaps until I got to about 80%, and then it is intermittent as I continue to lower them...I don't know much about them but I would assume I would see the flaps opening or closing respectively as I increased/decreased the throw percentage...let me know if I am missing something if you would please.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Maiden is Saturday so we will see how it turns out.

Sincl4ir

[Rocketeer]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings,

Just thought I'd check in and see how/if your maiden of the SBD Dauntless came off??


Bill L.
In Okla.

[ChappySincl4ir]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings,

Just thought I'd check in and see how/if your maiden of the SBD Dauntless came off??


Bill L.
In Okla.

Thanks for checking in!

Ha!!! Never got off the ground! I had a hard time keeping it from torquing left on take off. After trial and error realized that I had to put the rudder on high rates. Once I got a feeling and began a realitavly straight takeoff it nosed over on me....second lesson learned to give it a little up elevator to keep the tail tamed. Broke the prop on that one...fine though I have 6 more on order :) But alas it was a blessing in disguise. On that final takeoff attempt the right flap servo failed...now needs replacement. Still can't get the "chatter" out of them though. Which is concerning. I've tried loosening the control rods and working the flaps back and forth to loosen the hinges with no luck....

[Rocketeer]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings Chappy,

I'm sorry to hear of your tribulations but, as you said you may have lucked out in the long run.

What transmitter are you using?
If possible, have you tried tweaking the flap servos using the sub trim function?

Hopefully your new props will arrive soon.

Good Luck,

Bill L.
In Okla.

[ChappySincl4ir]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings Chappy,

I'm sorry to hear of your tribulations but, as you said you may have lucked out in the long run.

What transmitter are you using?
If possible, have you tried tweaking the flap servos using the sub trim function?

Hopefully your new props will arrive soon.

Good Luck,

Bill L.
In Okla.

No worries! I have not tried sub trim. I have a Dx6i. What does sub trim do? I tried travel adjusting and tried adjusting the movement in the flaps menu with no luck. I can get them to stop chattering for about 3 second but any movement of the plane and sometimes none at all and the start chattering again...

[Rocketeer]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings,

Think of sub trim as a fine servo adjustment using very small steps (movements per click) to insure that your servos are centered an control surfaces are neutral.
Sub trim is not used to make large control surface adjustments. It is always desirable to get as close as possible by manually adjusting the physical hardware first.

Think of trim as a coarse servo adjustment which of course is used to make large step adjustments (movements per click) enabling us to obtain level flight attitudes.

End points adjust the min/max range of motion associated with servo are travel.

Out of curiosity, if you disconnect the flap control rods to the flaps and operate the flap controls does it go away?
If so, it could be that the connecting rods are causing a constant load on the servo.

And of course, some servos whether digital or analog just for some reason chatter.

These are just some thoughts.

Best of luck.

Bill L.
In Okla.

[ChappySincl4ir]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings,

Think of sub trim as a fine servo adjustment using very small steps (movements per click) to insure that your servos are centered an control surfaces are neutral.
Sub trim is not used to make large control surface adjustments. It is always desirable to get as close as possible by manually adjusting the physical hardware first.

Think of trim as a coarse servo adjustment which of course is used to make large step adjustments (movements per click) enabling us to obtain level flight attitudes.

End points adjust the min/max range of motion associated with servo are travel.

Out of curiosity, if you disconnect the flap control rods to the flaps and operate the flap controls does it go away?
If so, it could be that the connecting rods are causing a constant load on the servo.

And of course, some servos whether digital or analog just for some reason chatter.

These are just some thoughts.

Best of luck.

Bill L.
In Okla.

Thanks for the info. I'll try using sub trim once I replace the servo. It does go away once I release the control rods. I even tried opening the flaps just slightly to give it less pressure while in closed position. But no matter they chatter whether in closed or open state. I just don't want to keep burning them out.

On another note I ordered 2 of each servo that this birds has for backup. Is it the reverse servo that goes in the flaps? I cannot find info on it

[Rocketeer]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings,

Yes sir.....

If you're going to run your flaps off of a single channel, i.e.,'flaps' with a "Y" connector, you'll need one reverse  servo so they travel in the same direction.


Bill L.
In Okla.

[ChappySincl4ir]

UPDATE!!!Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Just an Update

I got to fly the Dauntless on Saturday. I had to choose a field with a lot of obstacles, however I made it work. I spent the better part of the last two weeks tweaking the dive brakes to stop the servo chatter. I was able to get it to quiet some with sub trim and resetting the control rods.

Maiden went well, plane took off and lurched to the left and continued to roll left when hands off, I had to put in a bit of right aileron trim to get it to hold steady but I got it to do so. Probably from the irregularities of the dive brakes. Nonetheless I got a full flight in, brakes worked with little to no ballooning.

My favorite part was the landing, I was a nervous wreck but with the flaps on, it was a nice, slow descent. I kept at least 1/4 power on the whole time and it landed with just one little hop.

Overall I am very happy with the plane so far, it is a beauty in the air. I have youtube vids but I don't know how to post them here yet. that will come.

Chappy

[Rocketeer]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

Greetings Chappy,

Well done!!

I am glad to hear you had a good maiden.

The Dauntless has a very special look in the air and Is a beautiful warbird.

Adding a video link isn't difficult. Just upload your video to a host sight like youtube or vimeo, then clink on the little film strip icon above.
Type in the address where your video is located and click insert.
It will then create a link in your posting that can be clicked to see your video.

I hope you work it out as I would love to see your videos.

Clear Skies

Bill L.
In Okla.

[Ron1950]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

my sbd right wing servo went wild today ..just started running without turning the arm so unhooked the flaps from the rx...I don't usually use the flaps anyway... also both flaps servos face the wing tips on both sides is that a reverse servo?

one more thing....I have not flown this airplane yet but have a 4s 3000 all the way up front seems ti balance around the 105 mark that's right on the bomb where it connects to the sling....will that be tail heavy? do I need to balance at the leading edge or what>

[ChappySincl4ir]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

I had to put 3oz in the nose with an admiral 3000. Be ready for a lot of trim needed. The split flaps in my case cause the plane to roll hard to the left. I tried manually trimming it. But it did not work. Flys ok though.

[Ron1950]

RE: Freewing SBD Dauntless Questions

going to replace both flap servos///// do I need one reg and one reverse servo? both servo arms are on the wing tip side on both sides...also what is a good metel gear servo for the flaps on this plane?