RC Stryker Build Log: Part 2

I finished my Stryker RC plane today. The only thing I had left to do was mount the motor, which I am very pleased with. I decided to use the stock motor mount with a very small adaptation to mount the Tower Pro 2409-12 motor that I bought from unitedhobbies.com. I used a technique I read about on one of the RC forums (rcgroups, rcuniverse, wattflyer) involving the plastic lid of a soda bottle. Since the 2409-12’s mount holes are in different positions than the stock motor mount, I drilled 3 holes into the bottle cap to mount into. I used my razor blade to chop away the vertical cylinder of the lid, leaving only the flat disk, which fits perfectly inside the Stryker mount. Here’s a picture of the sode bottle lid bolted into the stock motor mount (on the other side sits the aluminum mount that came with the 2409-12 motor):

The bolts included with the motor from unitedhobbies.com were too short to fit through both the bottle lid the stock mount, so I had to buy some 2-56 metric bolts from Radio Shack for $1.99 (the motor 2409-12 mount’s holes are drilled for a 2mm bolt). From the back, you can see how the three bolts protrude with plenty of room:

The bottom bolt fits into the bottom hole of the stock mount, but the other two sit at approximately 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock. The mount is amazingly sturdy as the bottle cap and mount are squeezed in between the bolts’ washers and the aluminum mount. While working with the mount, I realized I needed to remove the bell from the motor mount to accommodate my fat fingers. After I mounted the aluminum plate, I put the motor back on using the two Allen screws. Here’s what it looks like ready to fly:

I did some glide tests and partial-power tests in my backyard today and it seems to fly level and smooth. I had to spend some quality time with my DX6 to adjust the servo travels because it seemed that when I applied full back stick, the right elevon moved farther than the left elevon. I knew that this would cause the plane to roll, so I reduced the elevator channel’s travel down to 50% in both directions. That’s what it took to make the two elevons move evenly with elevator. I setup low rates at around 70% for both elevator and aileron channels and they seem pretty good. I think I will probably fly the maiden flight with the elevator on high rates and the aileron on low rates. The maiden flight will probably happen this week some time.

For the maiden, I’ll try to borrow a friend’s Align 2200mah 3S lipo, which should provide lots of power. If it’s not available, I’ll use my 8-cell 1500mah NiMH pack. Currently the CG seems to be spot on with the 8-cell pack.

5 comments to “RC Stryker Build Log: Part 2”

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  1. I figured out why one servo seemed to be moving father than the other. Apparently, one of my servos was not secured in the servo cutout in the wing, causing it to move around in the cutout when I applied motion to it.

    I just injected some hot glue around the servo and now all is well. The plane flies great, by the way.

  2. http://Jamie says: -#1

    Thanks for this man. I used it and like it!

    Jamie
    attf~

  3. http://Jared says: -#1

    How did you mount the servos? Just glue?

    Thank you, I’ve enjoyed your R/C blogs.

    Regards,

    Jared

  4. http://Ivan says: -#1

    I am new to the whole rc airplane scene. What is the best plane for beginners like me? i just happened to stumble upon your sight and seems like you know what your talking about, given the fact your building a custom rc flyer. Let me know thanks.

  5. Ivan:

    For small flyers with small budgets, go with the AeroAce by AirHogs.

    For medium budgets, go with the HobbyZone SuperCub.

    For larger budgets, and the absolute easiest flying plane ever built, go with the Multiplex EasyStar.

    Those are my suggestions. I’m sure you’ll have more questions. Let me know!