Reaction 54 Jet Kit
#851
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Hey Gang,
"My Reaction 54 has a little brother!"
72% size. About 750 square inches of wing area. NOT an exact scale version. Holds a 40oz DuBro tank!
I've posted a lot of pictures in a new thread titled:
"My reaction 54 has a little brother" http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3810426/tm.htm
Thank You Bruce for allowing a "one off"
Dave Rigotti
"My Reaction 54 has a little brother!"
72% size. About 750 square inches of wing area. NOT an exact scale version. Holds a 40oz DuBro tank!
I've posted a lot of pictures in a new thread titled:
"My reaction 54 has a little brother" http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3810426/tm.htm
Thank You Bruce for allowing a "one off"
Dave Rigotti
#852
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
G'Day Dave,
Well it looks like you have been really busy. You must be snowbound!!!.
I cant wait to see how it flies. I have just this afternoon,had my plans reduced down to 82%. which gives me 64" wingspan and about 1050Sq" area, a bit bigger than yours. I still havnt flown the Savex yet.
I will probably get a Wren 44 Gold for the little Reaction. I have a mate who does laser cutting So I will probaby get him to cut the parts.
Well done
Regards
Well it looks like you have been really busy. You must be snowbound!!!.
I cant wait to see how it flies. I have just this afternoon,had my plans reduced down to 82%. which gives me 64" wingspan and about 1050Sq" area, a bit bigger than yours. I still havnt flown the Savex yet.
I will probably get a Wren 44 Gold for the little Reaction. I have a mate who does laser cutting So I will probaby get him to cut the parts.
Well done
Regards
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Is there anyone who can answer my mystery? I upgraded My R54 to a Futaba 9C and rewired the new Futaba receiver into the existing Hitec digital servos. When I turn the power switch on, the ESC beeps, but nothing happens with the servos. There is power going to them b/c there is resistance and slight buzzing when I apply light finger pressure. It is a beautiful transmitter but it would be a little nicer if it could communicate a little better with my jet. Are these digital servos compatible with this radio?
Thanks all -
Steve Morris
Thanks all -
Steve Morris
#856
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
ORIGINAL: samo
Is there anyone who can answer my mystery? I upgraded My R54 to a Futaba 9C and rewired the new Futaba receiver into the existing Hitec digital servos. When I turn the power switch on, the ESC beeps, but nothing happens with the servos. There is power going to them b/c there is resistance and slight buzzing when I apply light finger pressure. It is a beautiful transmitter but it would be a little nicer if it could communicate a little better with my jet. Are these digital servos compatible with this radio?
Thanks all -
Steve Morris
Is there anyone who can answer my mystery? I upgraded My R54 to a Futaba 9C and rewired the new Futaba receiver into the existing Hitec digital servos. When I turn the power switch on, the ESC beeps, but nothing happens with the servos. There is power going to them b/c there is resistance and slight buzzing when I apply light finger pressure. It is a beautiful transmitter but it would be a little nicer if it could communicate a little better with my jet. Are these digital servos compatible with this radio?
Thanks all -
Steve Morris
I have a 9C working just fine with the Hitec servos Bruce recommends. I'm using the 9CH PCM RX that came with the system. I'm baffled at your term "ESC"? Is the TX module in the TX? How about the xtal?
Dave Rigotti
#857
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Could you have meant 'DSC': http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBNA0&P=7
If that's the case and you're using the DSC chord, you still need to turn on the RX switch to power up the servos. The 9C transmitter will automatically turn on as soon as the DCS chord is plugged in the back, but it doesn't activate the receiver.
The Hitec digitals work fine with Futaba radios, and every other brand as I understand it.
Just thought this might help... Good luck!
Kelly
If that's the case and you're using the DSC chord, you still need to turn on the RX switch to power up the servos. The 9C transmitter will automatically turn on as soon as the DCS chord is plugged in the back, but it doesn't activate the receiver.
The Hitec digitals work fine with Futaba radios, and every other brand as I understand it.
Just thought this might help... Good luck!
Kelly
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Steve,
I don't know what radio or receiver you were using before but assuming your new receiver is PCM, the TX might be in PPM mode and in that case the RX will go into default failsafe and the servos will not move. Juat a thought.
Marty
I don't know what radio or receiver you were using before but assuming your new receiver is PCM, the TX might be in PPM mode and in that case the RX will go into default failsafe and the servos will not move. Juat a thought.
Marty
#863
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Hmm, that is a mystery. I use a 9C as well for my R54 with RAM 500. Are you saying the only thing that has changed is the transmitter?
If you plug the Ground Support Terminal into the ESC, I believe it will show a little "F" symbol if the ESC is reading a failsafe condition. Might be a clue there.
Does the radio/servos work if you unplug the ESC from the receiver?
If you plug the Ground Support Terminal into the ESC, I believe it will show a little "F" symbol if the ESC is reading a failsafe condition. Might be a clue there.
Does the radio/servos work if you unplug the ESC from the receiver?
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
To change the subject slightly --- After 34 days of continuous rain it finally let up, the sun came thru and we headed to the field to fly the R-54. Clear sky’s, 54 deg & wind calm. Got in several flights and enjoyed a great day flying.
I'm still having trouble slowing that machine down for landing. Toward the end of the day I was doing better but it's sure a slick son-of-a-gun. At altitude I had full flaps, gear up, and throttle at Idle & full up elevator. It would not stall!!. Just a slight drop of the nose and it would keep going & going & going.
What do you think Bruce - do I need to see if I can get more flap?
Galen
5
I'm still having trouble slowing that machine down for landing. Toward the end of the day I was doing better but it's sure a slick son-of-a-gun. At altitude I had full flaps, gear up, and throttle at Idle & full up elevator. It would not stall!!. Just a slight drop of the nose and it would keep going & going & going.
What do you think Bruce - do I need to see if I can get more flap?
Galen
5
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
where is every one at on c of g with this plane
most forward or rear looks like the most rear
c of g is about 7" from the leading edge at the
fuse
i have mine c/g ed at 7" back now and i am about
ready to test fly i will add some weight to the nose
to test fly and then start to move the c/g back
just checking
thanks six
most forward or rear looks like the most rear
c of g is about 7" from the leading edge at the
fuse
i have mine c/g ed at 7" back now and i am about
ready to test fly i will add some weight to the nose
to test fly and then start to move the c/g back
just checking
thanks six
#866
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Galen, yes, if you have more flap to "get", then get it. The bevels in the flap and wing trailing edge are both 30 degress, allowing a total of 60 degrees of flap deflection. If yours are only going down, say, 45 degrees, it might surprise you how much that last bit of deflection will help. If you have enough mixing capability with your radio, you might also want to try popping the ailerons up 15-20 degrees for landing, like spoilers. Some others have used that technique with success. Make sure your turbine is idleing down to its absolute minimum rpm allowed by the ECU. You might also want to increase your elevator throw for a little more flaring power. If that makes it too sensitive in normal flight, you can program in some expo. Or, maybe you are on the nose-heavy side and can experiment with removing a bit of nose weight, which would have a similar effect.
Well, I've thrown a lot of ideas out there, let us know which works. I have found myself that dead calm is when you notice "floatiness" on landing the most, which makes sense. I actually prefer a little headwind for more precise touchdowns.
Six, don't be bashful about adding nose weight. I know everybody hates to add dead weight to their models, but you really won't notice it. Test fly with the CG in the front half of the recommended CG range. Personally, I started in the front half, then gradually moved rearward, as you suggested. Now I've gone back to the more forward CG - feels more solid in the landing approach to me. This is definitely a pilot preference thing, so you have to experiment for yourself.
Well, I've thrown a lot of ideas out there, let us know which works. I have found myself that dead calm is when you notice "floatiness" on landing the most, which makes sense. I actually prefer a little headwind for more precise touchdowns.
Six, don't be bashful about adding nose weight. I know everybody hates to add dead weight to their models, but you really won't notice it. Test fly with the CG in the front half of the recommended CG range. Personally, I started in the front half, then gradually moved rearward, as you suggested. Now I've gone back to the more forward CG - feels more solid in the landing approach to me. This is definitely a pilot preference thing, so you have to experiment for yourself.
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
ORIGINAL: BruceTharpe
If yours are only going down, say, 45 degrees, it might surprise you how much that last bit of deflection will help. If you have enough mixing capability with your radio, you might also want to try popping the ailerons up 15-20 degrees for landing, like spoilers.
If yours are only going down, say, 45 degrees, it might surprise you how much that last bit of deflection will help. If you have enough mixing capability with your radio, you might also want to try popping the ailerons up 15-20 degrees for landing, like spoilers.
I have been thinking of reshaping the bevels on mine to get even more flap throw. I have used 80 to 90 deg in the past. That much throw cuts the lift a little bit (not a concern on the R54), but is even more drag, and that means a bit more engine RPM and much quicker throttle response if you need it.
Bob
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Thanks Bruce for the info.
I will check all those parameters that you mentioned. I know I don't have quite as much flap as was recommended. I had to back off some because the servos were binding. They are greater than 45 deg. however. Perhaps I just need to fly more.
It's a great flying airplane and lots of fun. I have guys standing in line to get on the buddy box. One of our club members has built several of your kits and is about ready to go for the R-54. Another member is in the covering stage on his. I can see an R-54 fly-in coming to the Northwest.
Galen
I will check all those parameters that you mentioned. I know I don't have quite as much flap as was recommended. I had to back off some because the servos were binding. They are greater than 45 deg. however. Perhaps I just need to fly more.
It's a great flying airplane and lots of fun. I have guys standing in line to get on the buddy box. One of our club members has built several of your kits and is about ready to go for the R-54. Another member is in the covering stage on his. I can see an R-54 fly-in coming to the Northwest.
Galen
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
thanks bruce i will go like i said on the nose heavy side
looks like a great plane - i will be test flying this week
if the weather holds
thanks
also have you seen or heard of guys using fod screens
on the 54
looks like a great plane - i will be test flying this week
if the weather holds
thanks
also have you seen or heard of guys using fod screens
on the 54
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
ORIGINAL: six
also have you seen or heard of guys using fod screens
on the 54
also have you seen or heard of guys using fod screens
on the 54
OTOH, the R54 has pretty good FOD protection with the engine up over the wing like it is. I supose there is a slight chance that you could have the nose wheel throw a pebble up over the wing, and then into the engine, but its not very likely.
Bob
#872
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Bob is exactly right about the FOD screen. The airframe and wing shape were purposely designed to protect the engine inlet. That was back before there were any FOD screens. Most people become FOD screen users AFTER they've spent a few hundred bucks getting their turbine repaired... I have no problem with them on the R54 - it's like double insurance.
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Hi Galen,
I am certainly no expert flyer, but I have landed my R54 more than 50 times. Here is what I do.
I have my flaps on a 3 position switch. The first is no flaps, the second is about 35 degrees, and the third is more than 60 degrees.
I slow the model to about 1/4 throttle on the downwind leg and drop the gear, then I turn onto base and drop the first stage of flaps. There is no noticable trim change, When I turn onto final and am sure I will make the field I go to idle throttle and when the model has slowed noticably, I drop the last stage of flaps. This seems to give me a slight nose high attitude and the thing almost needs no flare at all.
If you drop the last stage of flaps and you are too fast you will get a little zoom, so don't use full flaps till you are fairly slow.
I agree with Bruce, flying with a brisk breeze, landing is much easier and if you throttle back too much it will almost stop in the air.
You can go around with full flaps, just keep some down elevator to prevent a rapid climb at full throttle.
I have said it before and I will say it again, this is the best flying model I have ever owned.
Regards
I am certainly no expert flyer, but I have landed my R54 more than 50 times. Here is what I do.
I have my flaps on a 3 position switch. The first is no flaps, the second is about 35 degrees, and the third is more than 60 degrees.
I slow the model to about 1/4 throttle on the downwind leg and drop the gear, then I turn onto base and drop the first stage of flaps. There is no noticable trim change, When I turn onto final and am sure I will make the field I go to idle throttle and when the model has slowed noticably, I drop the last stage of flaps. This seems to give me a slight nose high attitude and the thing almost needs no flare at all.
If you drop the last stage of flaps and you are too fast you will get a little zoom, so don't use full flaps till you are fairly slow.
I agree with Bruce, flying with a brisk breeze, landing is much easier and if you throttle back too much it will almost stop in the air.
You can go around with full flaps, just keep some down elevator to prevent a rapid climb at full throttle.
I have said it before and I will say it again, this is the best flying model I have ever owned.
Regards
#875
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
ORIGINAL: TommyWatson
Hi Galen,
I am certainly no expert flyer, but I have landed my R54 more than 50 times. Here is what I do.
I have my flaps on a 3 position switch. The first is no flaps, the second is about 35 degrees, and the third is more than 60 degrees.
I slow the model to about 1/4 throttle on the downwind leg and drop the gear, then I turn onto base and drop the first stage of flaps. There is no noticable trim change, When I turn onto final and am sure I will make the field I go to idle throttle and when the model has slowed noticably, I drop the last stage of flaps. This seems to give me a slight nose high attitude and the thing almost needs no flare at all.
If you drop the last stage of flaps and you are too fast you will get a little zoom, so don't use full flaps till you are fairly slow.
I agree with Bruce, flying with a brisk breeze, landing is much easier and if you throttle back too much it will almost stop in the air.
You can go around with full flaps, just keep some down elevator to prevent a rapid climb at full throttle.
I have said it before and I will say it again, this is the best flying model I have ever owned.
Regards
Hi Galen,
I am certainly no expert flyer, but I have landed my R54 more than 50 times. Here is what I do.
I have my flaps on a 3 position switch. The first is no flaps, the second is about 35 degrees, and the third is more than 60 degrees.
I slow the model to about 1/4 throttle on the downwind leg and drop the gear, then I turn onto base and drop the first stage of flaps. There is no noticable trim change, When I turn onto final and am sure I will make the field I go to idle throttle and when the model has slowed noticably, I drop the last stage of flaps. This seems to give me a slight nose high attitude and the thing almost needs no flare at all.
If you drop the last stage of flaps and you are too fast you will get a little zoom, so don't use full flaps till you are fairly slow.
I agree with Bruce, flying with a brisk breeze, landing is much easier and if you throttle back too much it will almost stop in the air.
You can go around with full flaps, just keep some down elevator to prevent a rapid climb at full throttle.
I have said it before and I will say it again, this is the best flying model I have ever owned.
Regards
Dave Rigotti