david alchin [EMAIL PROTECTED] Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.
> [Original Message] > From: david alchin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: soaring <[email protected]> > Date: 6/23/2006 2:07:28 PM > Subject: New Topaz > > > I recently posted a request on this web site for information as to C/G location spoiler deflection on the New Topaz 3m. > Anyhow I thought I would update my experience with my Topaz the new version ! > The instructions enclosed were written by Chris Jolly back in January 04,which really did not help me. The new model no longer has the full spoiler, it now sports twin spoilers actuated by a common rod and a single servo. The carbon boom no longer has a tail plane saddle a sub fin/rudder, it now has a nice fibre glass rudder/fin and two all flying stabs which is almost idenityical to the Soprano The servo installation is basically the same as the old Topaz except the elevator bell crank is now internal with the elevator rod/tube/bell crank pre installed all nicely done. The rudder rod/tube is also installed, both are anchored along the boom to eliminate slop.The hardware bag of goodies includes a unique elevator rod with a small brass band pressed fit for spacing within the fin. The tow hook typical European style 2 piece fully adjustable. > I installed a ply tray in the fuselage and mounted the R/E servos in tandem making the necessary adjustments to the push rods. The spoiler actuator rod on my model was tight and required a long time working two and fro to loosen up, finally I installed a HS85mg servo with an in line push rod this was the only way I managed to deploy the spoiler it takes all the torque of that servo to deploy. > Not having the C/G postilion confirmed I used an old rule of thumb ie 1/3 of wing cord which roughly translated to the old Topaz /Jolly instructions 3.5" being of British extract and old to boot I was unable to figure out 3.4" for the tow hook but guessed at a 1/4 in forward of C/G . > I decided to brave the heat and go to our local field today and test fly the Topaz today. > I hand launched the Topaz with some trepidation should not have worried it tracked down a slight slope into a breeze some where I guess around 8/10mph [Mr Jolly I have no idea what that is in Kt ?] flattened out enough for me to think the trim was Ok! > I set up my high start [I am unable to get a real heavy pull due to arthritis] but enough to get airborne probably 50/60 ft I punched forward found a little lift circled and landed. My next flight I managed to get a little higher and gave one click of down trim and hit a small amount of lift circled for about 5 minutes and decided to land deploying the spoilers full open it dove down sharply, backing off real quick I deployed again this time gradually resulting in a pretty good decent.I believe it requires a small amount of elevator compensation,but that for another day. The heat was pretty severe so I headed home. > My overall impression albeit minimal was one of satisfaction and when fully trimmed should be competitive. > However my big criticism is the lack of updated instructions. example I ended up with 3 screws and a cup washer and no idea if they should have been used. > One could assume the 04 instructions could be used but as my old granpappy used to say Nah! he never did, but I do recall some one saying to me NEVER NEVER ASSUME ! although in this case C/G 3 & 1/2" behind L/E appears to be correct, center of tow hook 3 & 1/4" behind L/E apears to give a good climb out. > David AKA The Brit > > david alchin > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Why Wait? Move to EarthLink. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. Email sent from web based email such as Hotmail and AOL are generally NOT in text format
