Jerry
05-18-2004, 10:52 AM
Finished the Ion last Thursday, just in time for a few test flights on Saturday and a local funfly on Sunday.
The build was very straight forward, everything went together quite well. Setting up the throttle curves was simple enough, and charging the 5S4P 7600 TP's was simple with the Astroflight 109's.
I have zero background with electrics, other than RC cars 15 years ago. I would be a good example of the average guy who is gonna be using one of these things.
http://djsuds.net/helifreak/pictures/1ion.jpg
http://djsuds.net/helifreak/pictures/2ion.jpg
http://djsuds.net/helifreak/pictures/3ion.jpg
I've been flying her hard for about 6:00-7:30 so far. I initially broke up the first flights with some autos for temp checks. Now I'm down to one or two autos in a 7:00 flight to give her a short breather. I find that this machine talks to the pilot quite clearly.
Ive had similar results with temps as Eric and some others. On 3rd flight of day, with outside temp of 80, I saw 130 on the packs, 180 on the motor, and 90 on the ESC. I've also found that she doesnt have as much pop on that first flight of day with cold packs.
There does seem to be some required technique to getting the most from this model - there are so many variables. Basically, like I said - she'll tell you. For example, after 3:30 of relatively hard flying, you can feel her slow down just a smidge - especially on cold packs. One big auto thrown in there, set down for about 10-20 seconds - the next launch will be spectacular. She'll be back in the game for the next several minutes.
This video was shot on the 3rd hard flight the model ever saw. The batteries only had about 3 or 4 charge cycles on them at this point, so they werent 'alive' yet. They keep getting better and better. The 2nd flight of the day and after are even better when they warm up.
Right click and save target as to see the video
http://djsuds.net/Runryder/Videos/Ion-X.zip
The only edit in this video was taking out the 20 seconds she sat on ground after the auto. All of the flying is in the video as it happened. 6:05 in the air, and she took 4400mah of charge after this flight.
I'm impressed. Besides the electric component, the model flies really well. I've encountered many people who are quick to point out every reason why the Ion would 'be a problem.' 'You will have problems with this, that , and the other thing.'
Well - this video is dedicated to all of the naysayers out there. This thing is as advertised.
The build was very straight forward, everything went together quite well. Setting up the throttle curves was simple enough, and charging the 5S4P 7600 TP's was simple with the Astroflight 109's.
I have zero background with electrics, other than RC cars 15 years ago. I would be a good example of the average guy who is gonna be using one of these things.
http://djsuds.net/helifreak/pictures/1ion.jpg
http://djsuds.net/helifreak/pictures/2ion.jpg
http://djsuds.net/helifreak/pictures/3ion.jpg
I've been flying her hard for about 6:00-7:30 so far. I initially broke up the first flights with some autos for temp checks. Now I'm down to one or two autos in a 7:00 flight to give her a short breather. I find that this machine talks to the pilot quite clearly.
Ive had similar results with temps as Eric and some others. On 3rd flight of day, with outside temp of 80, I saw 130 on the packs, 180 on the motor, and 90 on the ESC. I've also found that she doesnt have as much pop on that first flight of day with cold packs.
There does seem to be some required technique to getting the most from this model - there are so many variables. Basically, like I said - she'll tell you. For example, after 3:30 of relatively hard flying, you can feel her slow down just a smidge - especially on cold packs. One big auto thrown in there, set down for about 10-20 seconds - the next launch will be spectacular. She'll be back in the game for the next several minutes.
This video was shot on the 3rd hard flight the model ever saw. The batteries only had about 3 or 4 charge cycles on them at this point, so they werent 'alive' yet. They keep getting better and better. The 2nd flight of the day and after are even better when they warm up.
Right click and save target as to see the video
http://djsuds.net/Runryder/Videos/Ion-X.zip
The only edit in this video was taking out the 20 seconds she sat on ground after the auto. All of the flying is in the video as it happened. 6:05 in the air, and she took 4400mah of charge after this flight.
I'm impressed. Besides the electric component, the model flies really well. I've encountered many people who are quick to point out every reason why the Ion would 'be a problem.' 'You will have problems with this, that , and the other thing.'
Well - this video is dedicated to all of the naysayers out there. This thing is as advertised.