Electricflight.Co.Uk

Multiplex Merlin

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:29:18 +0100

What can I say apart from what a little gem this model is ?
Well after spending about 2 hours building this model and installing the servo’s, (most of the time holding the model waiting for the glue to grab) I set about working out the best power package for this model. I know that MPX power sets are always very good, but they are not cheap and wanted to see if I had something of my own to do the job. The recommended MPX motor is around 33g and is a 1180KV but where MPX has been clever with this model is that the aperture where the model fits is smaller than most cheap motors pushing you towards their power kit but I wasn't going to be beaten. illustrated instructions From my old model shop days I had some old apache motors and one of them weighing in at only 28g with 1500Kv.

Specifications
Model APS20-34T
Turns 34
Voltage 2-3 Lipoly, 6-10 NC
KV 1520
Diameter 28mm
Length 18.5mm
Internal Resistance 190m ohm
No Load Current 0.4A
Recommended Current 6A
Burst Current (15-20 sec) 8A
Shaft Dia. 3mm
Shaft Length 10mm
Weight 28g

Anyway, whilst the motor fits straight onto the motor mount, the motor will not fit inside the nose of the fuselage. This is where some very gentle warming was required rather than cutting away which shrank the material enough to get the motor inside the fuse with catching but then there is no room for the 3 wires.

This is where a bit of bodge is made but it works a treat.

Finally I needed to source the spinner and prop and the only alternative was to get hold of the genuine Multiplex spinner and a pair of Aero-Naut 7x4 prop blades suitable for the spinner.
Here is a link to where you can buy the spinner.

I coupled up the motor to a generic 15A speed controller that I had lying around and fitted a 2.4GHz receiver.

Finally and probably the most important item was the batteries and I decided to try a new supplier.

I ordered 2 x 3S 450mAh packs from www.maxpoly.co.uk
A day or so later the packs arrived. Great service. These packs are perfect size and weight for the Merlin

Link to MAXPOLY WEBSITE

Not only are these batteries great value for money, but they perform very well. The power to come out of this setup when powered by these little pack is amazing and I rate these packs as highly recommended.

ANYWAY, NOW IT IS BUILT WAS DOES IT FLY LIKE ?
In a word, superb. Very few planes these days put an instant smile on my face. The maiden flight was on a breezy day on the top of hill whilst on a day out to my caravan down in Devon. If this plane had manners, the this one really does mins its P’s & Q’s as a gentle throw at half throttle the plane seemed to gain height in an almost VTOL fashion into the wind with no trimming at all. I pulled back and it gained height with ease. At almost no throttle the plane will sit almost still into the wind, but open it up in a dive and it really does get a rock on. Landing is very easy as the plane levels itself out so well due to the wing design. I made several flights with these new battery packs and after a 10 min flight of varying throttle positions, the battery never required more the 350mA to bring it to full charge.

All in all, these planes are great, whilst not quite for a beginner as they do turn quick but with dual rates set these could make a great little plane with more potential as the pilots experience grows. With high speed passes, low speed circuits and almost slope soaring even with a motor fitted will make this model a winner. Don't get put off by its size as for a small model it does seem quite expensive, but the research that must have gone into the design and tooling of this model must have been extensive for it to behave so well. This model behaves much better than models with a larger wingspan and with the added benefit of being able to fit it on the parcel shelf this is sure to be a winner.

Well done to Multiplex AGAIN, thanks for great product range from Robotbirds and looking forward to trying some more flight packs from Maxpoly as these 2 packs are superb and excellent value too.

HERE IS THE BLURB FROM MULTIPLEX
Merlin - The little magician The name “Merlin” can apply equally well to the famed magician or the small falcon, and both descriptions are valid for our little racer.
Finally we can offer a mini-format model with a full-size performance. It’s an all-in solution with many clever detail features, but above all its compact design means that it can accompany you wherever you go.
The Merlin is agile and nimble, while its small size makes it terrific fun to fly even at small slopes. With its low weight and robust ELAPOR® construction the risk of airframe damage is low, but despite this the model can cope remarkably well in windy conditions - this is where the “falcon” aspect of its nature comes into its own.
When flying aerobatics “Merlin the Magician” comes to the fore: the powered version in particular is capable of the wildest aerobatic manoeuvres you can imagine. When the model is complete, it can be transported conveniently in the retail packaging. The aeroplane features a practical hatch in the underside through which the battery can be changed quickly and conveniently

The plus points: • Simple and quick to assemble - in the air very quickly • The model can be completely dismantled for transport • Packed size only 11 x 18 x 61 cm • Optional transport bag with strap attachment (# 76 3316) • Can be built as a glider or in an electric version (with power set # 33 2653) • Docile flying characteristics • Raised ailerons as landing aid • High-quality plastic components • Major parts moulded in ultra-durable ELAPOR® foam • Carefully matched power system gives great agility; optional increased performance by changing propellers (both sizes included in the power set)) • Li-BATT BX 3/1-450 mAh flight battery  Kit contents: Moulded ELAPOR® parts, small items, CFRP spars, decal sheet,illustrated instructions   Specification Wingspan 783 mm Overall length 598 mm All-up weight glider / electric approx. 240 / 290 g Total surface area 11.3 dm² Wing loading 21,2 / 25.7 g/dm² RC functions Elevator, rudder, ailerons (2 servos), throttle, Landing aid: raised aileron

Sukhoi SU27 XXL

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:23:25 +0100

UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Build in afternoon, looks great when flying.

Quick Review
Not having experience with the smaller one, I wondered, would it be difficult to assemble? In a word, no ! The first flight was eventless with a gentle underarm throw and she was off. Incredible slow flight characteristics and stability with very low stall speed. Great fun, looks great in the air and very easy to fly, but calm days only. As with all shockflyers, they behave like a butterfly in the breeze and the amount of control you have gets less with more wind.

Kit contents Pre-cut and pre-painted Depron sheets,
Carbon wing stiffeners
Servo Horns
Plywood motor mount kit
Wing Tape
Glue
Brushed 370 motor and prop included but not used.

Specification Kit Name: SU27-XXL with Powerset
Wingspan: 30.5"
Length: 41.3"
Flying Weight : 16 oz
Motor Used: Custom made 370 class brushless
Prop: APC 6x4 400 class
Servos: (2) STD Micro or 7.5 -9g Servo
Battery: 3S 11.1v 1500mAh (recommended) - 1900mAh works well too
Channels/Mixing Used: Elevon Mixing required

More Detailed Review
The Ikarus SU27-XXL is the "Big Brother" to Ikarus' SU27 kit. Big brother is right! This is a BIG shockflyer plane. After a very simple assembly I added my 370 class brushless outrunner motor, the ESC, reciever and fired it up. The airframe acted like a big amplifier to the noise was great. The next thing was to wait for a calm day and here in Worcester, if it is calm, you can guarantee you will see a hot air balloon, so as soon as I saw one, I was out with the plane down the local field.
With a gentle under arm throw on approx 3/4 throttle I launched her into a gentle climb. I trimmed up the ailerons but noticed it was a bit nose light so I cut the power and it glided back like a paper plane. I moved the pack forward slightly and tried again, this time it was spot on. I backed the throttle off and the plane seemed to almost floating around the sky which for a delta just seemed weird, but even at walking pace the plane was under control, I opened her up and gained some height. I dipped the nose and dived towards the ground. When the plane has gained some speed, it does try to lift the nose which is due to the shape of the fuse but this gives it its stability at low speed, but generally behaves very well. The only disappointing thing I would say is that it is not very fast and is a bit fragile. I have written off more planes getting them in an out of the car than I have crashed, and this one could easily be damaged if you don't take care.

All in all, this is a great model if you can get hold of one. Try to aim for a <75g brushless motor that pulls around 10A on a 3S 1500mAh pack on a 6x4 prop. There are lots to choose from but something around 2000-2500kv will be required. With superb slow flying characteristics this is a perfect Sunday afternoon flyer, but wont blow your socks off if you are speed junkie, just too much drag.

This set up :
Static Amp draw - 9A giving flight times of around 20 mins with throttle control

Here is a short video on that calm day, you can even see the balloons in the background, also available in HD

Other Ikarus Sukhoi SU27 XXL Pages on the internet
CLICK HERE FOR THE RC GROUPS SUKHOI SU 27 XXL THREAD 

Multiplex Funjet

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:56:36 +0100

Well, I had to start somewhere so why not start with my favourite model of all time.

Quick Review
If you want the best of both then this is it. Easy to launch with incredible stability at low speed. The lighter, the more stable at low speed. Multiplex’s recommended power set up is OK but lighter set ups are available with similar performance. Very quick and agile plane with vertical climb outs all the time. NOT FOR BEGINNERS but when you have mastered your Multiplex Easy Star or Twin Star and can fly through soccer goal posts then this is a great next step. This will get the adrenalin going from the first second, yet is very forgiving. You rarely get that “Drop out of the Sky” problem that most delta’s suffer from at low speed making it a great for intermediate to experienced flyers.

Here are the Specs from Multiplex
An agile, easy-to-launch fun model which can accommodate a wide variety of power systems. The FunJet is tailor-made for upgrading. It is intended for experienced model flyers, e.g. pilots who can handle a TwinJet or similar without problem. The FunJet is operated by aileron, elevator and throttle controls, so aerobatics, such as rolls, inverted flight, loops etc. are well within its capabilities. Fast, low passes in formation with 3, 4, 5 or even more models look simply terrific – and the sound is marvellous! Then chop the throttle and be ready for a surprise – the FunJet glides in wonderfully slowly under full control to a gentle landing.
 • Typical jet-like flying characteristics • Aileron / elevator and throttle controls • Compact layout for ease of transport • Screw-fitting motor installation, infinitely variable motor downthrust • Short building time: no workshop required ELAPOR® construction for an extremely robust airframe

Kit contents Moulded parts for centre section, outboard wing panels and fi ns, small items, decals, motor mount with variable downthrust and comprehensive instructions

Specification: Wingspan: 795 mm Overall fuselage length: 750 mm All-up weight: min. 620 g Wing area: 15 dm² Functions: Aileron / elevator (delta mixer), throttle

More Detailed Review
I have 2 Funjet’s that we can use for this review.
Funjet No.1.
A totally stock unit with the Multiplex Funjet Power set with an Overlander Kokam 3S 2200 mAh flight pack. I fly this with a Graupner CAM carbon 5.5 x 5.43 prop but had a standard multiplex 5.5 x 4.5 before and can hardly tell the difference. This model is quick and actually accelerates vertically and gets very high very quick. This slightly heavier set up than No.2 Funjet handles higher winds better but has flight times, (75 -100% throttle) of around 5 mins, but 5 mins of sheer exhilaration. The heavier set up does have a slightly faster stall speed, but landings are not a problem and if into the wind are almost VTOL.
This set up :
Static Amp draw -

Funjet No.2.
I have a well used FJ fitted with a Mega 16/15/4, Jeti 30A controller, Aeronaut 6×5 prop using an E-Tec 3S 1900 mAh flight pack. Top end speed is slightly less than the other Funjet but this setup must be more efficient as flight times are closer to 10 mins for a good fly round. The lighter set up also works well with 1800/1900mAh pack which I have in abundance. The lighter setup is extremely stable at slow speeds yet still goes like a bat out of hell. Although this is slightly slower than the other set up, it is slightly more enjoyable to fly with less wing loading. Those Mega motors have an extremely good power to weight ratio so you do get what you pay for. This motor has been in 3 models now and has survived the annihilation of the previous 2 models that it has been in.

This set up :
Static Amp draw - MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW

Where to buy in the UK
Robotbirds £54.95 + carriage    Middlesex, NW London
BRC Hobbies - Dont appear to be stocking any longer   NE England
Slough Radio Control Models £54.95 + carriage Slough, Berkshire
Modelmaniacs Online £52.49 + carriage  Calne Wiltshire
Modelspot.com £54.99 + carriage   Hinkley, Leicestershire – THE REASON I FIRST TRIED MULTIPLEX
Inwood Models £54.99 + carriage - Huntingdon near Cambridge
RC Model Centre £52.95 + carriage OFFILINE - Lake District, Cumbria
Model Shop Leeds £52.95 + carriage      Leeds
West London Models £44.99 + carriage West London, Obviously - BEST CURRENT PRICE
Sussex Model Centre £56.50 + carriage And yes, Sussex
Galaxy Models £69.95 + carriage    Ipswich, Suffolk

Other Multiplex Funjet Pages on the internet Ultra-Light Funjet - Indoor Video 150Mph Funjet Video Funjet literally above the clouds - on board video Another superb Video onboard a Funjet

electricflight.co.uk & me

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 11:46:00 +0100

Hi,
Thanks for visiting Electricflight UK’s webpage.
Electricflight.Co.Uk has evolved over the years. The domain first came onto the internet in 2002. In those days brushless motors and lithium polymer flight packs were not easy to get hold of, especially in the UK and Aircraft World in Japan was one of the few electric flight specialists around. I decided to import some lithium polymer flight packs for myself. The only problem was that I needed to order large quantities of them so electricflight.co.uk was born as a means to sell the items that I had ordered in bulk.
By end of 2004, we had over 4 million hits on the website in 1 year, and had a considerably large turnover in 2005. We became sole importers of E-tec and Poly-Quest during 2005 supplying large quantities of flight packs wholesale and retail.
As with all new ventures, a lot of other people soon got on the bandwagon and the likes of Flightpower flooded the UK market with aggressive sales tequniques with claims that sometimes stretched the truth. At the end of the day, they were assembling packs made from Enerland cells in Korea the same as many other major brands like Thunder Power. Very quickly, most model shops realised that selling online was the only way forward to survive in this business. Before we knew it, there was very little profit in selling lithium polymer flight packs in a quality and customer supporting way. Chinese brushless motors were all over ebay of varying quality but rarely good.
One afternoon back in 2007, we had a customer who had owned a less than £20 flight pack for almost a year threatening to take us to court as his flight pack would no longer take a charge. On that day, I decided to dissolve the limited company, pay off everyone and give up with the model business and told the guy take me to court if he wanted to as he wouldn't get a penny as I was folding the company. He had broke my spirit and as Ian Ankers (original owner of www.e-flight.co.uk) said to me, “never get involved in a business that involves models or modellers”
Well, here we are back in 2009 but the site is now with a difference. The site is now dedicated to the hobby.
We intend to review
• models
• model parts
• model suppliers
All with an objective impartial view.
This site is totally interactive and in many cases there is an option for you, the visitor to add comments. Please feel free to add any comments to any category.
If you are not sure how, drop me an email.
Thanks for reading and happy modelling
Martin