Sloping Off - March 2005
Shock Flyer 540T
a Personal Experience
by Terry Antell
Buy one, build it, have fun. I mean it. It's better than sitting at a computer, using a simulator.
The 540T is just one of the Shock Flyer range of indoor models by Ikcarus. Actually, they are all the same; it's the colouring on the foam that is different.
Having seen the same model fly, and using a standard brushed motor, I decided to take the plunge. The kit is only £26 but add the standard motor it becomes £43! (November 04). Now add 3 micro servos, light weight battery pack, i.e. LiPo, Lipo speed controller and it's easy to reach £130. I also needed a 3 cell Lipo charger; this was the cheapest item at £16.
The box says it can be built in 2 hours! Who are they kidding? I guessed 4 or 5 hours, I was right. You must use UHU POR adhesive on the Styrofoam (small tube supplied with kit), this is obtainable from Channel 4 Models, Charminster. Hey, it only costs £1.99 for a good size tube, too. WOW! Odourless cyano is also needed, along with 5 minute epoxy. These items also stocked at Channel 4.
Tools? A good sharp scalp blade, marker pen, and small size soldering gear to connect the motor to the speed controller, plus the resistors across the motor terminals. A junior hacksaw to cut the carbon used to line the wing edges.
I flew the model at the end of November 2004. Errrrr -- fast, I think is the word. No indication is given to the amount of movement to set on the control surfaces. I gave them 100%. For me, this was too much. I reduced the throws by 50 % using my rate switches on the Tx. This was too little movement (no pleasing some people). I settled for 75% on rates, leaving 100% for when I improve my responses (if I ever do).
The model is some what fragile, particularly when planted into a hard badminton court floor at speed. The metal used to make the gear shaft is far too soft. If the prop contacts the deck, (and it sure will), this shaft will bend.
Having met a chap from Bournemouth & Poole Indoor Flying Association I also realised that carbon strip can be bought. He has lined the edges of the foam on the fuselage, also beefed up the sides with balsa wood triangular stock.
I too have bought some thin flat carbon strip; not cheap at £4.25 for a 1 metre length. Next, I now need to add some to the fuselage.
The standard power plant is quite adequate for prop hanging type flying, in fact any manoeuvre can be performed (not by me, yet). Brushless motors appear to extend the useful power running from a 2 or 3 cell LiPo battery. Eventually, all model electric motors will, no doubt, be brushless. May be LiPo cells will replace NiCad's, etc. too.
During December 2004 we had some very quiet weather. I took the model to Barton sea front. Wow, it flew amazingly well. I switched the rates off on the TX and then had some excellent flying. The 3 cell LiPo ran for 5 minutes and 5 seconds. The motor was at full power for the whole flight.
Knife edge flying is so easy with this model; it even loops in knife edge. The motor is more than adequate for prop hanging, in fact, only half throttle was required.
I then went to a couple of indoor meetings before Christmas. I really couldn't use full power for any flying. It was at the last meeting where I found out how fragile the foam is. It is easy to repair, using UHU POR!!
Update, February 05: I've now added 1.5mm ply to the front motor area. Weight increase isn't noticeable when flying, it also makes the nose area less vulnerable, too.
Happy flying in 2005,
