The Bixler Build

[fliteadmin]

The Bixler Build. Although Josh S. still envies Bixler for having his own plane, in this episode of Flite Test He helps build the Bixler. Josh S. reviews the plane giving us the positives, and the negitives. The Josh'es go to fly the bixler, oh wait! I guess you'll have to wait. Tune in next time to see what Josh S. thinks about the bixler flying expirience.

 

[Derrick_Miller]

Josh (x2) and Chad,

This plane has been out for some time now and you elude in your video that it is great for FPV, can you dedicate an episode to some FPV setups? I am interested in a GoPro version as well as just a simple setup. Do you have recommendations about antenna/transmitter placement? I would think that you might want to put the transmitter on the tail to help with cg/balance. In your video you use a 1300 mAh battery that comes with the plane, how does it handle a 2200 mAh pack? Do you think that you would need to up the power system for a GoPro setup? I am planning a build in the near future, I am awaiting the plane to get started. I will try to make a FPV setup and send it to you. Your comments will defiantly be used to shape my build. Thank you in advance.

 

[Chris]

I have the Bixler. I bought the RTF version. I have since removed the stock ESC because I now run a 6x4e prop on the stock motor. This gives more thrust, but draws more current. 30A ESC is adequate.

I run mine exclusively on a 2200mah 25-30C Turnigy 3S. I have fashioned 2 custom canopy replacement "pods" one for FPV and one for the GoPro.

the Bixler with the extra weight of the bigger LiPo and the GoPro can easily handle normal flight, but I wouldn't start trying to go all aerobatic unless you're waaaay up high.

The basic radio that comes with the Bixler is just that. Basic. but it's good for someone who's never flown RC before. I highly recommend buying a Turnigy 9x for the bixler.

Using the programmable features within the turnigy 9x, my bixler ailerons have their own channels and I'm able to have 3 position flaps, along with mixing a bit of "up" elevator at each flap position.

The Bixler is perfect for FPV, and even UAV. the guys over at DIYDrones have proved this using their ArduPilotMega hardware. they have specific trim/pid settings for the Bixler.

I need to do a walk-round of the mods I've done to my bixler for another forum, so I'll post it up here too

Chris

 

[ananas1301]

I need to do a walk-round of the mods I've done to my bixler for another forum, so I'll post it up here too

Chris

Very nice! My little brother still has an old Easystar which is basically built up pretty similar to the Bixler so that one might be brought back to life!

 

[Non Action Man]

I have got myself the kit version of the Bixler, but I have a question regarding the motor mount.

the fuse seems to e molded in a way to make the motor mount angled to the left (when looking from the front of the plane) - is this right, or should it be straight?

Thanks,

NAM

 

[colorex]

I think it should be a tiny bit as you describe it.

 

[Non Action Man]

I think it should be a tiny bit as you describe it.

my idea of tiny bit may be different to yours its measures at about 5 deg

NAM

 

[colorex]

my idea of tiny bit may be different to yours its measures at about 5 deg

NAM

Mine is 1 - 2 degrees, stock...

 

[Non Action Man]

it does look excessive. I'll mod it till i get about 1~2 deg. Thanks Colorex! +1 for you

 

[colorex]

it does look excessive. I'll mod it till i get about 1~2 deg. Thanks Colorex! +1 for you

You're welcome! Glad to help.
Motor angle is usually to counteractthe torque from the motor.

 

[Non Action Man]

Well, its all together now, balanced and controls setup in the Tx. All I need now is the wind to slow down! Its been blowing a gale here for a week now

Good to see you're only a few posts off 2k!!

 

[Non Action Man]

Maidened this evening! Flew pretty good, though i think it was a tad tail heavy, ad it just kept wanting to point up. Flew for about 15 mins, then I brought it in, Still charging the battery, but looks like i used about 1amp from the 2200mah.

The glide slope was really shallow, and I had trouble getting it down in the low headwind that I had - it just wants to keep gliding... but moving the battery forward a bit will help that. I put the balance on the spar, but will have to come forward.

NAM

 

[gurcsik]

Nice! Here is a video of my maiden. Haha.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqiWXZuNzec

 

[Langers(lemon)102]

I am thinking about purchasing this RTF plane but I am curious about the charger. Does the charger plug into a power supply? If so which one do I need to buy? I should also note that I live in Australia and the plugs are different from the US.

 

[bmsweb]

I am thinking about purchasing this RTF plane but I am curious about the charger. Does the charger plug into a power supply? If so which one do I need to buy? I should also note that I live in Australia and the plugs are different from the US.

The charger runs off a 12V supply so its not country specific. This means you will either charge it using your car battery or purchases a 12V power supply for it. If you lived in Victoria I could give you a fly of our Bixler

 

[Langers(lemon)102]

That would have been sweet!! Thanks for the info. Huge fan.

 

[rc-racer12]

I was thinking about getting the bixler and wondered if you can buy replacement wings for it, thank you

 

[colorex]

I was thinking about getting the bixler and wondered if you can buy replacement wings for it, thank you

Nope, I don't think you can, but you can get a spare KIT, comes with everything but electronics.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=16545&aff=524347

 

[ZWTimm]

Hi all,
I'm very new in this hobby. I want to buy my first plane, would the Bixler be a good starter plane with this setup?
-HK Bixler ARF
-30A Red Brick ESC
-Turnigy 1300mAh 3S 25C
-Turnigy 9x Tx/Rx

Here is my wishlist with some extra's: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/....asp?email=zwtimm@gmail.com&idCustomer=708335
Thanks!

 

[colorex]

Hi all,
I'm very new in this hobby. I want to buy my first plane, would the Bixler be a good starter plane with this setup?
-HK Bixler ARF
-30A Red Brick ESC
-Turnigy 1300mAh 3S 25C
-Turnigy 9x Tx/Rx

Thanks!

That is great, but I would suggest using a bigger battery, like this one, to get more (almost twice) flight time:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=8932&aff=524347

I would also put a sturdier prop on it to get better performance:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=7936&aff=524347

Your charger is fine for charging from a car battery, but if you want to charge at home instead you'll have more use for this:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=8247&aff=524347

Or if you'd prefer an excellent charger right away get this one which will serve you well in the future as it charges faster (runs off car battery or power source):

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=7028&aff=524347

If you haven't flown before, you should definitely get a simulator. You can find cheap ones on eBay. It's the best investment to begin with.

The Turnigy neckstrap is awesome!

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