Ritewing Zephyr 2 Build Log by MrBen

[papa_lazerous]

Thanks for the pic Ben, I put a turnstyle antenna on my wing but not sure how well its going to perform and was thinking of the best placement of a dipole.

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[MrBen]

Got over the wag yet mate?

It's not that bad, but yeah it can ruin a lot of shots, you just gotta fly more Also there are some days when the gods are smiling when the Z2 decides to fly on rails. Tends to be late evening, when the air gets thick and the winds drop off. Then it's like heaven.

I'm disappointed with the Z2 for other reasons honestly. Think it's badly designed center section is too weak. Combined with the cut out nose for the GoPro means the front end is very vulnerable.

When that front end loosens up, the whole wing is allowed to twist and pivot even with properly glued spars. I see you boxed your bay, so did I, but it's still a weak spot. TBS battery box is probably the best option but I don't think it total cures the problem.

Also... stalling. Both my Z2s have had a terrible stall feature. I consider myself a good pilot at least I can 3d helis and planes to a high level. IF that makes any difference I've been caught out by the Z2 a number of times as it will literally just flip into a spin.

I love it though, but I think I'm gonna look out for another wing. I hear TBS are making one? That or I'll build a 6s Z1 or something

Only had 1 minute of stick time so far, and only 8 seconds of that had power on! New esc arrived today so just soldering it up and will get out and give it a proper spin. Considering I was gliding about at very low speed for most of that minute I guess Im lucky it didnt stall, will do some stall tests high up whn I get a chance. Im hoping that the RVOSD 'Fly By Wire' will help me produce some smooth videos and if I get any wag then I will try 'things' to eliminate. I hear what you are saying about it being weak, after the nose is cut out and with the battery bay and back compartment there is basically a massive chunk out of the centre ... for this reason I added a couple of spars to stop any flex across thoe compartments and like you have seen I lined the battery bay as well as the cut out on the nose with fibreglass sheet.

[MrBen]

Well after a successful summer/autumn I managed to damage the front by flying it into a kerb, so I have now made my own cam box to add strength to the front end, this is also acting as a battery bulkhead.

[Mancini]

looking good and strong Ben.

[MrBen]

tough as old boots

I was thinking about re-laming the whole plane ... CBA ... I'll just patch up the bit around the front where I have peeled it back, the other battle scars add character

[ritewing]

If your ZII flips and stalls easily then your cg is too aft, a properly set cg will allow it to be flown during stall and it just mushes instead.
Thick cool heavy air is the best!

Got over the wag yet mate?

It's not that bad, but yeah it can ruin a lot of shots, you just gotta fly more Also there are some days when the gods are smiling when the Z2 decides to fly on rails. Tends to be late evening, when the air gets thick and the winds drop off. Then it's like heaven.

I'm disappointed with the Z2 for other reasons honestly. Think it's badly designed center section is too weak. Combined with the cut out nose for the GoPro means the front end is very vulnerable.

When that front end loosens up, the whole wing is allowed to twist and pivot even with properly glued spars. I see you boxed your bay, so did I, but it's still a weak spot. TBS battery box is probably the best option but I don't think it total cures the problem.

Also... stalling. Both my Z2s have had a terrible stall feature. I consider myself a good pilot at least I can 3d helis and planes to a high level. IF that makes any difference I've been caught out by the Z2 a number of times as it will literally just flip into a spin.

I love it though, but I think I'm gonna look out for another wing. I hear TBS are making one? That or I'll build a 6s Z1 or something