Multiplex Dogfighter in mid flight

The Build

I purchased the RR version  from Slough Radio Control models as I was struggling for time and just wanted to get something new in the air. The “RR” (ready for radio) version comes with aileron and elevator servos pre installed along with the motor and speed controller. The fuselage was fully assembled with the two halves joined together. All it took was glueing the rear parts of the plane and a few hardware fittings and it was done. I’d say within 2 hours this plane was ready to go except about another hour to add the decals if thats your choice.

I am a big fan of the new Hobbyking Nanotech flight packs which I use in my Trex 450 and other models so I set the C of G up for that pack which need no extra ballast which is a bonus as I hate wasting weight just to get the C of G correct. I run with Spektrum gear and I already had a spare Orange RX receiver and sattelite so in that went too. All in all this model is so easy to put together that I can’t really offer any tips or tricks.

The First Flight
Have a look at my YouTube video.

You can see that on the first flight it was very windy with gust over 30mph so not ideal but I thought Id give it a go. The stock power system that comes with the RR version is a perfect match and the first take off was not an issue. In fact I gave it too much throttle which resulted in a bit of a torque roll but I soon got it level and into the wind and gained some height. The first thing you notice is that the power to weight is awesome with unlimited vertical climb outs. Down wind and flat out this model is very quick. The roll rate from the ailerons is significant but not over harsh and the elevator was perfect. I did a couple of laps around the field but decided that it was too windy to give this model a proper test so I brought it down for another day. The second flight was much better as it was much less windy. Half throttle and a good firm throw and off she went. What really surprised me was that despite the speeds that this model is capable of, you can really slow it down before it drops a wing making landings an absolute doddle.

In Summary
This model is not for beginners, its just to agile and too quick, but if you like flying such models the fabulous Multiplex Funjet, then this will be right up your street. The build is mega easy and the RR version not only offers great value, but is a very good spec with some very good hardware included in the price.

Here is my set up for this model
Multiplex Dogfighter RR Version – some example links below
Buy Multiplex Dogfighter RR from Slough RC Models – £169.99
Buy Multiplex Dogfighter RR from Modelspot.com – £169.99

Here is a link to the flight packs I use (allow a couple of weeks for delivery)
Link to the Hobbyking Turnigy nano-tech 2200mAh 3S 35-70C flight pack
These are just great value for money

Here is a link to the Spektrum Compatible receiver that I use in many models
Link to the Orange RX R610 6 Spektrum DSM2 compatible receiver
Link to the additional satellite receiver (Orange R100) compatible with the Orange RX6 R610

Most of the Turnigy Flight Packs from around  800mAh to 3000mAh come with whats known as an XT60 connector. I was very reluctant to try these to start with as used Deans connectors on everything but I gave them a go a few months back and have never looked back. They are much easier to solder onto a pack than a Deans connector and after having a Deans connector fail in flight I looked at options. So far I am very pleased with the XT60 connect and have now replaced all of my packs that run at less than 60A peak or around 20-40A normal use with these.
Here is a link to the where you can purchase the XT60 connector
Link to XT60 Connector Pack 

Here is the official Blurb
Get racing – if you’re up to it!
The outstanding features of the real dogfighter are speed, agility and precise response to control commands – and that includes this model! If you’re capable of handling this level of performance, you’ll soon have your nose in front when racing, as well as holding the best cards for a classic dogfight. Classic, precise aerobatics – naturally!
Fast dives followed by maximum-speed passes just above grass-level – fantastic!
Chop the streamer in a combat bout – that’s what it’s for!
Float in slowly to a gentle landing – wonderful! And all this with the aggressive look and sleek lines of a Reno racer, or the machine behind the racer – a fast WW II fighter.
DogFighter – undiluted adrenalin!

• Low minimum speed
• Spectacular top speed
• Extremely neutral handling and accurate response to control commands for precise aerobatics
• Very robust thanks to ELAPOR® construction
• Detachable wing for ease of transport
• Removable canopy for easy battery swap
• Velcro strap for secure battery retention
• Downthrust and sidethrust can be accurately fine-tuned
• Two decal sheets included: “Racer” and “Fighter”
• High-performance brushless motor, speed controller, elevator and aileron servos already installed in the RR version
• Rudder function can be retro-fitted very easily; all parts (except servo) included.
• High level of pre-fabrication: fit the tailplane, apply the decals, install the receiver, go fly!
• Wing loading: min. 34 g/dm²

Specification:

• Wingspan: 882 mm
• Overall length: 812 mm
• All-up weight: approx. 850 gWing area: 19.07 dm²

Direct Link to ZYX 3-Axis Flybarless System

Hobbyking ZYX 3-Axis Flybarless System

 

The Hobbyking ZYX high performance multi-function 3-axis gyro system is the lightest flybarless system in the world. It is compatible with all 200-700 nitro or electric power helicopters and support 90, 120, 135, and 140 degree CCPM swashplate systems. Furthermore, it is compatible with all types of servos; supports both digitial and analog 1520us, 960us and 760us servos. The setup process is quite easy, takes only about ten minutes. This unit also supports firmware updates.

ZYX 3-axis gyro system provides two different flight modes – F3C and 3D, which can satisfy pilots from beginners to advanced. ZYX 3-axis gyro system has many adjustable options; pilots can adjust the parameter of swash plate and tail servo response, which allows the user to fine tune the handling characteristics of the helicopter.

ZYX high performance 3-axis gyro system uses MEMS gyro sensors which allow the pilot to control the flying status of helicopter precisely. Built-in pirouette optimization function; stabilizes the helicopter while pirouetting, making the advanced manuevers much more precise.

*Note:We have tested this unit on our HK450PRO and are very impressed with the performance. The ZYX flybarless system is an unbelievable value at a fraction of the cost of other systems currently on the market. Check out the video below of us testing this unit on the HK450PRO with flybarless head upgrade.

Specs:
Size: 37x25x13mm
Weight: 9.8g (without wires)
Operating Voltage: 3.5~9V
Sensor Technology: 3 MEMS angular rate sensors
Flight Modes: F3C / 3D

Included in box:
English user manual
5 gyro mounting pads
All necessary wire leads

 

Available separatley is the USB Programmer

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE USB PROGRAMMER

Hobbyking ZYX 3-Axis Flybarless System USB Program Adapter

 

Here is a deal that I think is very good so please click on the link below, make sure you tell the model shop where you first saw it. At the time of this post the price is £279.99 for kit, engine and muffler

Link to the Raptor Offer at Kings Linn Model Shop

Raptor 50 Kit and Engine Deal

CLICK HERE TO VIEW DIRECT

HK-450TT PRO V2 Flybarless 3D

Beautiful Ripmax Spitfire 600EP

These models have been around for ages but with the latest technology of brushless and lipoly now being more affordable than ever, if you haven’t got a Spitfire and want one, these models are just superb. This is going to be a quick review with just the important details.

Now I am going to be honest here, I have always wanted a nice flying Electric Powered Spitfire so just over 2 years ago this was advertised in a local paper as unfinished project so I thought I had to buy it. With that in mind, this model must be about 5 years old by the time it was ready to fly as it sat in my shed for 2 years waiting for me to finish it.
I have had a number of foam based Spitfires and they are all ok but there is just something about the finish of a balsa model that you can’t beat. The servo’s and motor screw in rather than glued which I always prefer.
Anyway, finishing the build was so easy there is little point me going into much detail about it. Motor fitted and just need to make sure it was long enough for the prop to clear the cone, 3 servos in, ESC and receiver and it was pretty much ready to go after a few adjustments.

OK here are the important bits.
1.This model was originally designed to take sub c nicad or Nimh packs so when choosing your lipo pack for this, make sure it will fit. I am using an old 3S 20c Etec Apache 3700mah pack which is very similar to many others of this size. It’s perfect balance with this motor and provides more than enough grunt for a 7-8 min flight which for a reasonably fast model is more than enough.
2. Motor choice is crucial, I bought this with the E-Flite power 25 motor which works a treat. The model was originally designed to take a 600 brushed, I have recently seen people asking if they are still ok to use….. No… Don’t bother either save the weight or get more power by going brushless. These models need a fair bit of grunt on launch and then they are fine. In the early days I hears more stories of the getting smashed up on take off with sub c’s and brushed motors. Just not enough power to weight. I rarely touch full throttle on mine but I know it’s there if I need it.
3. Consider a folding prop. I use an Aero-Naut folder on mine purely because they balance so well and any belly landing model has a chance of catching the prop and damaging the motor mount. This gets round all of that.

All in all, these models are great, superb quality and better than any ready to fly solution. They fly so well and this is the closest I have ever been to scale flying at my mere age of 40 now. As I get older I am sure more will come.

Here us the link to the maiden flight video and shot of dead Funjet that died that day.
Link to maiden flight video on YouTube

Link to Ripmax Spitfire on RC Groups

My setup is as follow.

• Spec: E Flite power 25 brushless outrunner
• Generic 40A ESC,
• 20c 3700mAh E-tec Apache flight pack,
• Spectrum 2.4ghz radio with DX8 TX
• Aero Naut Cam Carbon folding prop – still experimenting with different sizes

Quick Review

If you want the best of both then this is it. Easy to launch with incredible stability at low speed. The lighter, the more stable at low speed. Multiplex’s recommended power set up is OK but lighter set ups are available with similar performance. Very quick and agile plane with vertical climb outs all the time. NOT FOR BEGINNERS but when you have mastered your Multiplex Easy Star or Twin Star and can fly through soccer goal posts then this is a great next step. This will get the adrenalin going from the first second, yet is very forgiving. You rarely get that “Drop out of the Sky” problem that most delta’s suffer from at low speed making it a great for intermediate to experienced flyers.

Here are the Specs from Multiplex

An agile, easy-to-launch fun model which can accommodate a wide variety of power systems. The FunJet is tailor-made for upgrading. It is intended for experienced model flyers, e.g. pilots who can handle a TwinJet or similar without problem. The FunJet is operated by aileron, elevator and throttle controls, so aerobatics, such as rolls, inverted flight, loops etc. are well within its capabilities. Fast, low passes in formation with 3, 4, 5 or even more models look simply terrific – and the sound is marvellous! Then chop the throttle and be ready for a surprise – the FunJet glides in wonderfully slowly under full control to a gentle landing.

• Typical jet-like flying characteristics
• Aileron / elevator and throttle controls
• Compact layout for ease of transport
• Screw-fitting motor installation, infinitely variable motor downthrust
• Short building time: no workshop required ELAPOR® construction for an extremely robust airframe

Kit contents

Moulded parts for centre section, outboard wing panels and fi ns,
small items, decals, motor mount with variable downthrust and
comprehensive instructions

Specification:

• Wingspan: 795 mm
• Overall fuselage length: 750 mm
• All-up weight: min. 620 g
• Wing area: 15 dm²
• Functions: Aileron / elevator (delta mixer), throttle

More Detailed Review

I have 2 Funjet’s that we can use for this review.

Funjet No.1.

A totally stock unit with the Multiplex Funjet Power set with an Overlander Kokam 3S 2200 mAh flight pack. I fly this with a Graupner CAM carbon 5.5 x 5.43 prop but had a standard multiplex 5.5 x 4.5 before and can hardly tell the difference. This model is quick and actually accelerates vertically and gets very high very quick. This slightly heavier set up than No.2 Funjet handles higher winds better but has flight times, (75 -100% throttle) of around 5 mins, but 5 mins of sheer exhilaration. The heavier set up does have a slightly faster stall speed, but landings are not a problem and if into the wind are almost VTOL.

This set up :

Funjet No.2.

I have a well used FJ fitted with a Mega 16/15/4, Jeti 30A controller, Aeronaut 6×5 prop using an E-Tec 3S 1900 mAh flight pack. Top end speed is slightly less than the other Funjet but this setup must be more efficient as flight times are closer to 10 mins for a good fly round. The lighter set up also works well with 1800/1900mAh pack which I have in abundance. The lighter setup is extremely stable at slow speeds yet still goes like a bat out of hell. Although this is slightly slower than the other set up, it is slightly more enjoyable to fly with less wing loading. Those Mega motors have an extremely good power to weight ratio so you do get what you pay for. This motor has been in 3 models now and has survived the annihilation of the previous 2 models that it has been in.

Where to buy in the UK

• Robotbirds £54.95 + carriage    Middlesex, NW London
• BRC Hobbies – Dont appear to be stocking any longer   NE England
• Slough Radio Control Models £54.95 + carriage  Slough, Berkshire
• Modelmaniacs Online £52.49 + carriage  Calne Wiltshire
• Modelspot.com  £54.99  + carriage   Hinkley, Leicestershire – THE REASON I FIRST TRIED MULTIPLEX
• Inwood Models £54.99 + carriage - Huntingdon near Cambridge
• RC Model Centre  £52.95 + carriage   OFFILINE – Lake District, Cumbria
• Model Shop Leeds £52.95 + carriage      Leeds
• West London Models £44.99 + carriage   West London, Obviously – BEST CURRENT PRICE
• Sussex Model Centre  £56.50  + carriage  And yes, Sussex
• Galaxy Models £69.95 + carriage    Ipswich, Suffolk

Other Multiplex Funjet Pages on the internet

Ultra-Light Funjet – Indoor Video
150Mph Funjet Video
Funjet literally above the clouds – on board video
Another superb Video onboard a Funjet

Giant Cod appear to be buying direct from the manufacturers in China who make such items as the Trex clones known as HK250, HK450 and HK500. They have a great range of very cheap li-poly packs, brushless motors and brushless speed controllers. They also sell 2.4ghz receivers which are compatible with Spektrum DSM2 and have a great range of props.

I have spent some time on the site and there are a large number of reviews and I am pleased to see that even the bad reviews are left on the site. As yet, I have not placed an order with this company but I will do soon.

My greatest concerns are the number of negative PRODUCT reviews on the site. I own both genuine and clone Trex 450 and 500′s from Hobbyking and despite a few well published problems, I am very happy with them. The next clone I would like to try is the Trex 250 clone but after reading the reviews on this site I doubt that I would order the Giant Cod version (unless they wanted to send me one to review and test…. Hint hint). The DSM2 compatible receivers don’t review very well either and I run a number of OrangeRX receivers myself without any problems so until I have tested one of these I can’t comment.

This is an extract from their “about us” but make up your own mind.

“Giantcod is part of Good Feature Enterprise (Workshop No.8 3/F, BLK A , Hi-Tech Ind. Ctr., Nos. 5-21 Pak Tin Par St, Tseun Wan Hong Kong, Tel: +85293880672) and items may be sent from Hong Kong when necessary.”

They state that items are despatched from their site at Cornwall. Anyway, if nothing else, this site does offer alternatives to Hobbyking derived range yet with UK delivery times…..supposodley. I will simply leave this shop review as a “Watch this space?”. Until I buy from this supplier or they send me some items to review then I can not comment.

It is no secret these days that there are a number of suppliers actively importing direct from the suppliers in China into the UK for resale. Whilst we can do this ourselves, if you are like me and can’t wait for up to 2 months for a delivery from China, then this store could be ideal for you. Also, if you ever have to make a return to the suppliers in China, the cost of returns can sometimes make it not worthwhile. Tj’s Hobbies buys in bulk which saves on shipping, but no business will buy and sell just for fun so they will need to make a small margin.
I think we will see number of private importers pop up over the next couple of years as the demand for Turnigy and Hobbyking products is increasing and most people just can’t wait months for items to arrive.
We wish Tj’s Hobbies all the success for the future.

What can I say apart from what a little gem this model is ?
Well after spending about 2 hours building this model and installing the servo’s, (most of the time holding the model waiting for the glue to grab) I set about working out the best power package for this model. I know that MPX power sets are always very good, but they are not cheap and wanted to see if I had something of my own to do the job. The recommended MPX motor is around 33g and is a 1180KV but where MPX has been clever with this model is that the aperture where the model fits is smaller than most cheap motors pushing you towards their power kit but I wasn’t going to be beaten. illustrated instructions
From my old model shop days I had some old apache motors and one of them weighing in at only 28g with 1500Kv.

Here are the specs of the motor that I used
Model APS20-34T, Turns 34, 1520Kv
Voltage 2-3 Lipoly, 6-10 NC
Diameter 28mm
Length 18.5mm
Internal Resistance 190m ohm
No Load Current 0.4A
Recommended Current 6A
Burst Current (15-20 sec) 8A
Shaft Dia. 3mm, Weight 28g

Anyway, whilst the motor fits straight onto the motor mount, the motor will not fit inside the nose of the fuselage. This is where some very gentle warming was required rather than cutting away which shrank the material enough to get the motor inside the fuse with catching but then there is no room for the 3 wires.

This is where a bit of bodge is made but it works a treat.

I needed to source the spinner and prop and the only alternative was to get hold of the genuine Multiplex spinner and a pair of Aero-Naut 7×4 prop blades suitable for the spinner. Robotbirds keep these in stock suitable for a 3mm shaft which was good news.

I coupled up the motor to a generic 15A speed controller that I had lying around and fitted a 2.4GHz receiver.

Finally and probably the most important item was the batteries and I decided to try a new supplier.

I ordered 2 x 3S 450mAh packs from www.maxpoly.co.uk

A day or so later the packs arrived. Great service. These packs are perfect size and weight for the Merlin

Not only are these batteries great value for money, but they perform very well. The power to come out of this setup when powered by these little pack is amazing and I rate these packs as highly recommended.

ANYWAY, NOW IT IS BUILT WAS DOES IT FLY LIKE ?
In a word, superb. Very few planes these days put an instant smile on my face. The maiden flight was on a breezy day on the top of hill whilst on a day out to my caravan down in Devon. If this plane had manners, the this one really does mins its P’s & Q’s as a gentle throw at half throttle the plane seemed to gain height in an almost VTOL fashion into the wind with no trimming at all. I pulled back and it gained height with ease. At almost no throttle the plane will sit almost still into the wind, but open it up in a dive and it really does get a rock on. Landing is very easy as the plane levels itself out so well due to the wing design. I made several flights with these new battery packs and after a 10 min flight of varying throttle positions, the battery never required more the 350mA to bring it to full charge.

All in all, these planes are great, whilst not quite for a beginner as they do turn quick but with dual rates set these could make a great little plane with more potential as the pilots experience grows. With high speed passes, low speed circuits and almost slope soaring even with a motor fitted will make this model a winner. Don’t get put off by its size as for a small model it does seem quite expensive, but the research that must have gone into the design and tooling of this model must have been extensive for it to behave so well. This model behaves much better than models with a larger wingspan and with the added benefit of being able to fit it on the parcel shelf this is sure to be a winner.

Well done to Multiplex AGAIN, thanks for great product range from Robotbirds and looking forward to trying some more flight packs from Maxpoly as these 2 packs are superb and excellent value too.

HERE IS THE BLURB FROM MULTIPLEX
Merlin – The little magician
The name “Merlin” can apply equally well to the famed magician or the small falcon, and both descriptions are valid for our little racer.
Finally we can offer a mini-format model with a full-size performance. It’s an all-in solution with many clever detail features, but above all its compact design means that it can accompany you wherever you go.
The Merlin is agile and nimble, while its small size makes it terrific fun to fly even at small slopes. With its low weight and robust ELAPOR® construction the risk of airframe damage is low, but despite this the model can cope remarkably well in windy conditions – this is where the “falcon” aspect of its nature comes into its own.
When flying aerobatics “Merlin the Magician” comes to the fore: the powered version in particular is capable of the wildest aerobatic manoeuvres you can imagine. When the model is complete, it can be transported conveniently in the retail packaging. The aeroplane features a practical hatch in the underside through which the battery can be changed quickly and conveniently

The plus points:
• Simple and quick to assemble – in the air very quickly
• The model can be completely dismantled for transport
• Packed size only 11 x 18 x 61 cm
• Optional transport bag with strap attachment (# 76 3316)
• Can be built as a glider or in an electric version (with power set # 33 2653)
• Docile flying characteristics
• Raised ailerons as landing aid
• High-quality plastic components
• Major parts moulded in ultra-durable ELAPOR® foam
• Carefully matched power system gives great agility; optional increased performance by changing propellers (both sizes included in the power set))
• Li-BATT BX 3/1-450 mAh flight battery

Kit contents:
Moulded ELAPOR® parts, small items, CFRP spars,
decal sheet,illustrated instructions

Specification
Wingspan 783 mm
Overall length 598 mm
All-up weight glider / electric approx. 240 / 290 g
Total surface area 11.3 dm²
Wing loading 21,2 / 25.7 g/dm²
RC functions Elevator, rudder, ailerons (2 servos),
throttle, Landing aid: raised aileron

This is a very nice little shop in a town called Ledbury in Herefordshire. Formerly a helicopter specialist by the previous owner, the shop now has a much broader product range since it’s takeover by Glyn in August 2010.
As with all genuine model shops, the prices are slightly higher than some online only stores but you have to take into consideration the value of true over the counter service and the support you get. A true retail model shop with a showroom and expert advise will not and should not be able to compete with online only stores due to the cost of a retail premises and the value of good service. That said, Martin Briggs models is as competitive on prices as all other model shops that I have visited.

This shop had an extremely good range of Thunder Tiger helicopter spares and some popular spares for models such as E-Flite Blade range and Align models.

The recent improvements include a much bigger range of fixed wing models and I am very pleases to see that they stock Multiplex models which I am a massive fan of.

Radios stocked were Spektrum, Futaba and a few others.

This shop is well worth a visit a Glyn takes great pride in getting the latest models available in stock as soon as possible.

Website is : http://www.martinbriggsmodels.co.uk/
Open 9-5 – Monday – Saturday

Martin Briggs Models
Bank Crescent
Ledbury
Herefordshire
HR8 1AA

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glyn@martinbriggsmodels.co.uk
(01531) 635298