Hobbyzone Champ S+

[PappaBear]

Hi Everyone,

I have the latest offering from Hobbyzone in the shape of the little Champ S+. This model is lightly larger than the original Champ with a wingspan of just over 27". It's available as either a ready-to-fly, which includes the transmitter. Or you can have it as I did which is the Bind-N-Fly version. Both versions include one battery and a charger together with the model which is completely assembled and ready to fly. It is packed in a typical styrofoam box and is secured in place with a piece of tape, so it shouldn't get damaged or move around. However despite the packing mine arrived with the vertical stabilizer detached from the horizontal. This was an easy fix with a tiny dab of Foam Tac.

An FPV camera is available as an extra option to attach to the top of the wing. I have the camera too and I will report on the performance and quality in due course.

As well as being equipped with the SAFE system, this model is also semi autonomous in so far as it is has a GPS as well as the receiver. The GPS is separate unit from the receiver and not built into it.

The model also has the following flight capabilities, a holding pattern (HP), autoland (AL), and a virtual fence. This is in addition to the SAFE system and the panic mode. If these things are to work correctly you must go through the correct set up procedure and be sure to have a GPS lock. It's important the model goes through it's set up procedure where the model if to take off and land. For example if you carry out the set up in the pit area, the GPS will take this as being the landing site and the model will try and land in the pits.

The Holding Pattern means the model will fly in circles around the take off point. If you get disorientated and you press the holding pattern command, the model will return to the take off point and fly in circles at approximately 65feet. It should be noted at this point, while the model is flying in the holding pattern the TX sticks will not override the model. They will have no effect.

Auto land means the model will land where the GPS was set. The virtual fence restricts the distance to 450ft that the model flies from the transmitter. This is an important factor if you are using the TX that has been supplied with the model, as it has a limited range. This is not so important if you are using your own full range Spectrum TX. However orientation and visibility then become an issue. It is possible to turn off the GPS and the virtual fence. Instructions on how to do it are included in the instruction manual. It's done by holding the TX sticks in various positions. You would have to turn off the GPS for example if you wanted to fly the model in doors. If you didn't the model would be constantly searching for a GPS lock, and of course it wouldn't be able to find one in doors.

The instructions cover the set up procedure for all current Spectrum DX TX's, from the DX5e to the DX20. This makes the set up very easy, and I believe this is something Horizon Hobby do with many of the their models which are available as BNF. While this makes for an easy TX set up, you as the pilot will not learn about the functions and the capability of your Spectrum TX. The other issue that I see it this. Using the recommendations of Horizon and the settings they say, the model will be set up as they say and not personal to you. Maybe you would like exponential and less control movement for example. This is something you would not have by following the set up procedure laid out by Horizon. I'm not saying Horizon are wrong in what they are doing, but I am saying the set up would not be personal to you. With todays modern radios with almost unlimited mixing, different functions and capabilities, it would be nice to make use of them.

To date I have not flown the model, however I will report on the fly qualities as soon as I have.



Martin.

Martin.

[Loneflier]

Thanks for the write up Martin. I have become a fan of these new 2S BL motor UMX planes. I love the J-3 Cub, and am considering this one as well. Not because I want another trainer, but because I love the older high wing civilian planes. I would like to see this one with more scale detail, and just the AS3X with no safe function for the same price as the J-3. Maybe they will bring that version out later..

[PappaBear]

Flying and handling qualities of the HobbyZone Champ S+

I can now say I have flown the model, and to date I have flown it three times. The first thing to say is the GPS system does take a few moments set and it can give the impression there is a problem with the model. The GPS will not set if the model is close to a building or structure. I also found mine would not set if the model was close to the car. The other thing to bear in mind is this. If you have cause to use the return to home feature, where ever you have set the GPS, this will be the home point. So if you turn it on and set it next to your car or pit area, this is where the model will return to if you have a problem, and if you set it on the runway it could be in the way of other people wanting to take off and land while you are waiting for the system to set it self.

The model flies and handles very well. However it is only suitable for the very calm or lightest of winds. In my opinion it is not the best trainer on the market although Horizon Hobby sell it as such. It does perform exactly as its states in the instruction manual. if you let go of the sticks it will right itself and it will return to the home point and self land. The Virtual Fence also works well. Although this can take you by surprise if you don't realize what is happening. When the model reaches the virtual fence it immediately turns around and accelerates back at full throttle. Control is then given back to the pilot.

Its a very delicate model and will not stand a great deal of rough handling, and its for this reason I believe there are better models available as trainers over this one. However if you want some fun in a small space when there is no wind this model may be ideal for you.

Martin.

[DonRhone]

I find this plane to be exactly what I needed, at last a plane I can fly when there is a light breeze. What a great step up with the two cell for flying the local parks.

I was one of those who almost had a flyaway. When I went to maiden the plane I must have accidentally armed the plane in the parking lot. When I walked out to my flying position and had been flying for a few minutes I must have activated the virtual fence. I later checked an aerial photo and confirmed that when the incidence occurred I was about 450 ft from the parking lot, which coincidently is the distance at which the virtual fence kicks in. The plane on its own turned and dipped its wings much to my surprise. I attempted to cancel the GPS and activated the Holding pattern, once again the plane was on its own. Finally with the help of my flying buddy who was with me regained control of the plane. Exciting flight, lesson learned though read the manual thoroughly so that you know what commands to use when needed.

I am looking forward to the new UMX Cessna, love tricycle gear. These two cells are just right for park/playground flying when you do not want to travel to a designated rc flying site where you may well have to wait in line for your turn after driving for awhile.

Note sure about the new announced A-10, will likley be too fast for my old eyesight to handle. I find the Habu S to be too small and way too fast am afraid of loosing it, if there was a plane that needed all of the Champ S features it would be the little Habu S, what a rocket.

[Anzio1944]

I purchased an Horizon Hobby RTF Champ S+ and flew it for the first time on August 8, 2016. Although I own and have flown several different types of quadcopters, ranging from a Hubsan X4 H107C to a DJI Phantom 3 4k, for over a year, and flew several control-line airplanes (Cox PT-19 and Ju-87 Stuka) when I was a teenager, this was the first time I had flown an RC airplane. I did practice with an RC flight simulator and I have read several books by David A Scott of 1st US R/C Flight School fame. So far, I have successfully flown my Champ S+ forty-one times without any damage. The only issue I had was, once, when the RTF transmitter battery had been drained (after 16 flights), I was unable to control the airplane. The Champ S+ automatically landed after loss of the radio control signal. I have since purchase a Spektrum DX8G2 transmitte with a rechargeable battery. The DX8G2 transmitter works better than the included RTF DSMx transmitter, since its higher transmitted power and antenna diversity maintain a solid communications link to the airplane.

The Champ S+ has never left the Geo-fenced area and so it gave me confidence to fly. It is very easy to fly and I have graduated from automatic landings to manual landings in the beginner mode. In order to do loops, I fly at higher altitudes and switch from the beginner mode to the expert mode.

I plan to graduate from the Champ Safe+ mode high wing trainer to warbirds and have purchased several airplanes, including a Horizon Hobby Sportsman S+, a Hobby King Bix 3 (maybe I'll add a gyro), an Eflite Spitfire with an AS3X gyro and SAFE technology, a Horizon Hobby Opterra, 2 meter, flying wing with an AS3X gyro, a Dynam BF 110, a Dynam Albatros D.5a and a Hobby King FW 190. I've evaluated these planes based on wing loading, cube loading, and size, and plan to learn to fly them in the order shown. Once I get through that set, I may learn to fly EDF warbird jets.

[PappaBear]

Hi Anzio 1944,

I am pleased you have found the HobbyZone Champ S a lot of fun. Another model that flies really well is the E-Flite Timber. I have the BNF version and I've found it to be a great flying model. As well as being very stable and easy to fly, it is also capable of basic aerobatics. It will loop, roll, fly inverted, spin and perform stall turns. I do not have the leading edge slats fitted though. It will take off and land so easily with and without the use of flaps.

I haven't flown it off water as yet, but I do plan to at some point. For a bit of added fun I like to land on one wheel and then roll to the other wheel.

A great flying model. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you every success with your flying in the future.

Martin