Ion with Tempest FAI head flys!

[Tabbytabb]

I finally got a few flights on my Ion with Torcman motor and FAI head. The first couple flights went really well and the thing is super smooth. I tached it at 100% at zero pitch at about 1440 and would guess this drops to just under 1400 in the air.

I am running SAB 710's with -3.3 delta on the head and the longer flybar. At the moment the dampening is a bit too firm and I am getting an occasional mast bump. Ekripper had this head setup for a much higher headspeed so it doesnt surprise me. Going to remove some shims and test more tommorow.

Anyway the heli was built for use as a camera ship but I couldnt resist 3ding it a little bit before it gets called to service.

Anyone with thoughts or suggestions about 3ding at a low headspeed?? Anything I should be carefull about?

The other amazing thing with this heli is the current consumption, I timed about 8 minutes of sport flying with some light 3d (flips, loops, rolls, funnels etc ) and I only put back in 2.2Ah into the TP 8000's. Extrapolating this current draw out it seems that 20 min flights of this style wont be a problem, possibly even 25 if I dont fly it harder then I did today.

It definately doesnt have the power or climbout of the hacker setup running 2000 or so HS but then again the temps of batteries, motor, and esc are coming out at ambient temps or very slightly above. The cells arent even heating up enough to where they get there punch.

I am really happy with the heli so far and it is a joy to fly, very smooth and makes awesome blade farting noises. Makes me feel a bit German if I do say so (the low headspeed thing :) ) I am really happy with the FAI head, feels very groovy in FFF and seems extremely precise. I need to get some heavier paddles (minair 20g are on it now and they are a bit fast).

All in all a great machine, should turn into a real lifting powerhouse with some 800's :)

here are some pics, will get more tommorow. These were when I first got it and no electronics yet.

http://www.tabbytabb.rchomepage.com/images/Ion/IMG_2030.jpg

http://www.tabbytabb.rchomepage.com/images/Ion/IMG_2031.jpg

http://www.tabbytabb.rchomepage.com/images/Ion/IMG_2034.jpg

Tabb

[rcman]

Hey Tabb what gear ratio did you end up using?
David

[Tabbytabb]

David, I havent counted but I spoke with Eric and he seems to think that 9.5:1 was on it when he sent it. I will count it when I get a chance, it is pouring down rain and the heli is in the back of my truck and I am to lazy to go get it.

At this ratio the LRK (Torcman for the sticklers) is just chugging along laughing at the loads I am throwing at it :)

Tabb

[WillJames]

WOW nice setup. That motor sure does look like a big AXI.

Thanks for keeping us informed on how it flys Tabb!!

[rcman]

Oh if it was Eric's I am pretty sure that it was 9:5.1 Thanks for checking
David, I may have to get one of then 16 turns :)

David