Sky Fly Tail modification

I took some scrap balsa pieces butted them up against the existing control surfaces, glued a piece of carbon-fiber tape on each side, then covered the joing with clear packing tape.

These pieces of balsa were denser than some balsa so they have good strength.
The response is great.

U-Can-Do 3D maiden flight

I still need to post more contstruction pics....
I flew it this evening. It flies well. I am very surprised how stable it is even in the wind.
The power just keeps on giving. I will try and get a flying video soon.

Another SkyFly upgrade

I increased the control surface area of the elevator and tail using pieces of balsa wood and carbon fiber tape. I did the upgrade pretty quick this afternoon then went out and tested it this evening. It was a bit windy, but the extra control was great. I will post pics soon....

New Project - Great Planes U-Can-Do 3D EP

Dennis at Porkeez House of Hobbies showed this to me one day and it looked like a good deal. http://www.yellowpages.com/info-LMS53991925/Porkeez-House-of-Hobbys/maps?from=qpibp

More box shots -










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Inside the box...coming soon...

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Sky Fly Crash

This is what happened when my wing gave out from over flexing -
I was up quite high and tried to loop it.
The wing already had some noticeable fatigue...
It dropped like a spear...



Notice the point of impact -



My 2nd SkyFly is still in one piece (I converted this one also) -

Sky Fly Conversion pics

This shows how to convert the SkyFly controls from the fishing line string/rubber band mechanism to a solid push/pull control rod mechanism.

Parts needed for conversion.








































Tools and parts



Current Mechanism -




Removing circuit board -




Holes poked through fuselage to accommodate control rods -


Control Surfaces with fishing line removed -


EZ Connectors -


Control Board with EZ Connectors attached to servo gears -
I used a regular sized pliers to squeeze plastic keeper on EZ Connector. They try to jump around a bit. Also, don't squeeze them too tight. You want the EZ Connector to be able to rotate easily on the servo gear ( same goes for the control horns below...)


Control horns with EZ Connectors attached -
NOTE - I used EZ Connectors on both ends instead of using clevices on horn end.
This is because it is very difficult to measure needed length of control rod.
EZ Connectors on both ends make it very easy to install and adjust control rods.
Also note, I reamed out the inner most holes on the control horns with a drill bit and attached EZ Connectors there for maximum control throw.


Feeding control rods through fuselage -




NOTE - bent end of control rods will be cut off to accommodate EZ Connectors.



Control Board with the control rods attached -





Taping control rods to fuselage boom -



Control Rods attached to control surface EZ Connectors -


NOTE - I also cut control surface hinges and replaced with hinge tape because built in hinges are too stiff.