Official FlightLine OV-10 Bronco Discussion Thread

[xviper]

Just ordered the FL OV10 1400mm from MotionRC.

Question:

In an effort to get better performance, if i fly a smaller battery like a 3000 or 3300 mAh,

Would the reduction in total weight result in better speed?

OR

would I have to basically add that weight back as lead to obtain correct CG?

I saw MerryBoozers fly this aircraft on 3000mAh batteries amd it seemed fast.

Your thoughts?

Firstly, not all batteries of a particular size weigh the same. They can vary by brand, series, C rating. Eg, a HobbyKing Graphene 3000 mah, 4s, 45C can weigh almost 100g more than an Admiral 3000 mah, 4s, 35C. Times 2 and it's a difference of 200g. I use Graphene 65C that weigh over 400g each. However, having said this, this kind of weight difference is not going to make this plane any faster or slower. Also, there is enough space in the battery compartment to move the batteries fore and aft to adjust for weight differences. Sometimes, what you see in a video can "seem" fast due to camera angle and how the video is captured.
Most owners, as far as I can tell, find this plane to be "adequately" powered, but some feel it's a bit sluggish. I'm one of those. My deciding factor is that this plane in stock form cannot do a complete, large loop from a level pass. It falls out at the top and struggles to get there. I've upgraded the motors, ESCs and propellers to get the performance I want. In this particular case, performance does not mean faster. It's not a real streamlined airframe and has quite a bit of air resistence. Of course, there's how you feel is "fast" compared to how others feel is "fast".
When you get it and fly it with what batteries you have and you're happy with it, that's great. Nothing more for you to do. If you want a little more "punch", I would suggest getting some HV (high voltage) batteries in the similar weight range. That extra 0.6v per battery may give you that extra little boost that might satisfy you. If not, then you'll have to decide if you want to spend the money for power mods.

PS. You say a "smaller" battery like a 3000 or 3300. Smaller than what? A 3000 mah, 4s is the recommended battery anyway. I sometimes fly this plane on Admiral 4000s that weight about the same as the Graphenes. I get a couple minutes more flight time but everything else remains the same.

[Coastiehelimech]

Just ordered the FL OV10 1400mm from MotionRC.

Question:

In an effort to get better performance, if i fly a smaller battery like a 3000 or 3300 mAh,

Would the reduction in total weight result in better speed?

OR

would I have to basically add that weight back as lead to obtain correct CG?

I saw MerryBoozers fly this aircraft on 3000mAh batteries amd it seemed fast.

Your thoughts?

[rifleman_btx]

Here's from the back seater.

[rifleman_btx]

Here's what mine looks like, I just did a headlight restoration kit on the plastic with this one.

[rifleman_btx]

Alright, thanks brother!

[Evan D]

Just something I got off Amazon, like a hundred sheets of 12x12. I'll see if I can find a link. I can't find it in my history but something like this. It may be a different thickness. Actually I may have bought it at Michaels...

Amazon.com: Samsill 50 Pack 12" x 12" .007" Clear Craft Plastic Sheets Compatible with Cricut, Stencils, Cards, Journals, Crafts, 3D Embellishments, Clear Craft Plastic,Acetate

[rifleman_btx]

I cut out and glue much better sheet plastic in the forward three panes. The others I polish with a car polish detailing spray.

I dislike when people cut out and leave out panels. Not only do I not like the look just looking at a plane but I’m video I think it’s more realistic to see reflections in the “glass”.

What brand of sheet do you use generally?

[Amjet]

I Recently traveled to and participated at the Desert Warbirds event in Coachella, California (near Palm Springs). This is a great contest and benefits two charitable organizations, The Wounded Warrior Project and Rebuilding America's Warriors. Perfect weather and the OV 10 flew rock solid!

[Evan D]

I cut out and glue much better sheet plastic in the forward three panes. The others I polish with a car polish detailing spray.

I dislike when people cut out and leave out panels. Not only do I not like the look just looking at a plane but I’m video I think it’s more realistic to see reflections in the “glass”.

[rifleman_btx]

Condolences

fly it proud!

On your fpv canopy what did you use to get the plastic (glass) clear? Or did you just cut it out as I normally do?

[Evan D]

Condolences

fly it proud!

[rifleman_btx]

I had just found out my buddy who I acquired this plane from just passed away today, so tomorrow will be my maiden flight with this bird and in memory of my good friend, who was an 82ed Air Borne veteran. If I know him as I do, he wouldn't want to be remembered any other way, than to have his plane flying high and proudly just the way he built it, so that's what I intend to do.

[rifleman_btx]

I bought the exhaust print made for the 1800mm version of the OV10, scaled it down and glued it on, I think I like the looks of it better than the original foam molding.

[rifleman_btx]

And as per my norm for dual seats, I'll have dual fpv units in this one too

[rifleman_btx]

Today I've taken delivery of a used ov10. I am planning to build it to do fpv. Looking forward to getting her setup for flight

[Axelowski]

Hi guys,

I would like to share my complete re-do of the Freewing OV-10 finally. It is a conversion to a OV-10D. Nose is carved and shaped out of construction foam with consecutive sanding/filling/sanding. 3d priting of cockpit and „disco light“ with the files mentioned earlier in this thread, as well as the pilots from realmodelpilots/uk.

I would like to thank all of you for advice and inspiration i.e. regarding the holographic rainbow foil for the IR jammer or FLIR.

Had fun building it, having fun looking at and flying it, going to have fun in spring!

Take care,

Axel

[xviper]

Thanks Evan D for the mod to the canopy latch. You can bet I'll take that advice. Also, thanks xviper for your comments. If I understood the Y cable issue was that the combination of Y cable on the battery and on the ESC was that it prevented a dead battery causing a engine failure or no power to the BEC. This will be my first venture into twin engine plane. And the thought of losing a engine in flight would be a major failure that would ruin your day and probably the loss of a plane. Like I said, that post got my attention. So, being that the plane as delivered from the factory is somewhat under powered, would you recommend not using 4S 3300mAh batteries rather than the suggested 4s 4000mAh batteries?

I've never had an incident nor have I really worried about losing an engine. Going to a bigger mah battery isn't going to address the under-powered situation. All that does it to give you a bit more flying time. Also, every brand of battery will perform differently, weigh differently and pump out the juice differently. Just comparing mah isn't going to reveal much. You say you are a fan of Spektrum batteries and that is your right to be as such. In my mind and from real world testing, Spektrum batteries don't measure up very well compared to other brands of much cheaper products. They test poorly and put out far, far less than their stated "C" ratings and tend to be priced very high. Certainly, you get all the "smart" stuff with them if you buy that series of batteries, but a lot of those features (telemetry, smart charging/discharging) become unimportant as time goes by and in some cases, are unreliable.

Of all my prop planes, single or multi, the OV-10 is right at the top of my faves.

[Evan D]

I've never had a motor out with an electric twin. Both ESC BECs supply power to the radio in this. Added together it's just not something I worry about. If it is something you do worry about making a H harness to wire the batteries together would be good peace of mind.

The stock power is very easy on batteries and you can get long flights off a pair of 3300-3500.

I saw one fly before I built mine and I like "extra" power. When I built mine I put in a system that pulls 3X the power as stock. I also programmed in crow, very high flap travel, rudder airbrakes and differential throttle. It does some crazy stuff. I also repainted it and put in a digital FPV set up... It's a great great plane.

https://youtu.be/eRDArATnri0

[craig.gavin@icloud.com]

Thanks Evan D for the mod to the canopy latch. You can bet I'll take that advice. Also, thanks xviper for your comments. If I understood the Y cable issue was that the combination of Y cable on the battery and on the ESC was that it prevented a dead battery causing a engine failure or no power to the BEC. This will be my first venture into twin engine plane. And the thought of losing a engine in flight would be a major failure that would ruin your day and probably the loss of a plane. Like I said, that post got my attention. So, being that the plane as delivered from the factory is somewhat under powered, would you recommend not using 4S 3300mAh batteries rather than the suggested 4s 4000mAh batteries?

[xviper]

I'm new to this group having just bought a Flightline OV-10 Bronco on sale. Can't wait for it to land on my doorstep.

Planning ahead, I have a Spektrum NX8 transmitter and thinking of using a Spektrum AR8360T receiver in the Bronco. Going to also use a SRXL 2 DSMX remote receiver for signal diversity. Any experience or comments for this combination (pls no slurs about Spektrum)?

Having read through the posts here, I understand that it is advisable to use a Y parallel cable for a single battery connection and a Y parallel cable to connect the two ESCs. Right?

Horizon Hobby is out of stock of Spektrum 4S 4000mAh batteries (not expected now until February). So another question: Do I wait for 4S 4000mAH batteries? Or buy 4S 3300mAh which are in stock now? I know their are other brands, but I'm sold on Spektrum batteries.

Is there anything else I need to do, other than add some magnets to hold the canopy in place? And any essentials I need to do or buy (like spare parts) before I start the build up and maiden. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

I think you may have read too much into what's been posted here. To address your points, here is my take on it.

I'm a Spektrum user myself, so no slurs from me. If you haven't gotten the 8360 yet, you might reconsider. A more basic one like the AR631, with a single long antenna is plenty good. Even if you stick with the 8-ch one, a standard remote RX is more than sufficient. A SRXL2 is unnecessary but of course, that's your choice.

I still hook up 2 batteries separately and it's been working just fine for years. I don't know why it's "advisable" to Y it together so you can use one battery, but again, your choice.

My canopy has never even come close to coming off. It's always fit very snugly and never shifted but I guess if you tend to have bumpy landings, that's another story.

My only complaint from the very beginning was I felt the plane was a bit underpowered. I like mine to be able to do a big loop from a level pass and the stock one just can't make it all the way up and over. I've beefed up the motors, ESCs and props to give it much more go power. You may find it just fine in stock configuration.

The paint seems to a bit tender when it comes to hanger rash and daily use. I would consider sealing it all with something like MinWax, at least one coat.