Friday, November 28, 2008

Euphoria Diet Pt2

Just got word from the APA El Presidente that the weight limit as of 1/1/08 is 5050g. Apparently a 50g float is allowed for scale variations. Once the changes are made to the model she'll be under the limit with a small safety margin.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

The Euphoria has to go to Jenny Craig...

I purchased a new set of scales recently (an accurate set of 5kg scales is part of any good F3A flyers workshop) and checked the Euphoria. Mmmmmm, error code, over 5kg (weighed the components separate and totalled 5060g). Not good! I suspected this would be the case and had a contingency plan in place when building her.

3 easy targets - I used a JR RD1221 2.4g receiver (because it came with the 12X). Weighs 40g where a 9 channel weighs 20g. That's 20g.

Next targets are the Tru-Turn 3-3/8"dia spinner. This thing is a brick and will be replaced with a TY-1 82mm dia. I don't have before and after weights but I expect it will save about 50g.

Next is the battery. I've got a Fromeco LiIon 2600mAh in it, way overkill for capacity and 120g. A smaller LiPo should save another 50g.

Taking 120g off will bring her back to 4940g. Close, but under and that's all that matters! I'll post the final weight when the changes have been made. I hate being this close to the limit!

BTW my Adventure came in a about 4750g on the APA scales at the Australian Masters this year. The Euphoria really is a big model!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Oxai Euphoria - one of a kind in Australia



This is my first post, so I guess it's fitting to show off my new F3A model - an Oxai Euphoria. I've got 12 flights on her now, over 3 sessions and am really enjoying this model.

I have an Oxai Adventure biplane as well, so am familiar with F3A biplane characteristics.
What's the verdict?

Well, Quique won the 2007 F3A World Championships with one, so who am I to say anything negative! I'm yet to find any real negatives. It isn't mix-free like the Adventure, but it's early days with trimming. I feel it handles a cross-wind better than the Adventure, and has a superb locked-in feel. The downside is that it's close to 5kg (a little over 4.9kg), and still shows up turbulent air more than a monoplane.

I've had one session in relative clam and it's unbelievably good, almost cheating! Let's hope we have nice calm conditions at our F3A comps!

I'm using a YS170, Futaba servos, Spektrum Rx, Fromeco battery & powerbox reg.

And for some reason, Oxai have stopped production on this baby and I've got the only one that was bought into Australia. Not sure whether that's good or bad, but I've got something unique!