Help with maiden flight...?

[Jim (Chairman)]

Chris,

I've set up Trainer mode and switch on my Taranis.

Problem is that when I switch the SH switch, my joysticks (on the master radio) are still actually controlling the model.

Maybe Taranis ignores trainer mode if there is no input?

I will have my laptop with me anyway tomorrow so we can do whatever we want in the field...

Unless you have another suggestion...?

Also, I got some basic thrust measurements last night.

3 cell LiPo with 11x5.5 Prop = 1.2kg thrust
4 cell LiPo with 11x5.5 Prop = 1.4kg thrust

Cheers and see you tomorrow...

Jim

[Chairman]

Hi Jim

I just did a test and the trainer port does indeed seem to detect whether there's an input or not.

I've made mine accept a buddy signal from my Spektrum, so I'm sure we can replicate that this evening.

See you later.

[Jim (Chairman)]

Chris,

All makes sense. Good safety feature. You wouldn't want to switch control over to a slave TX if there was no CPPM signal coming from the slave!

Also, just got two new low pitch props 10x5E & 10x6E to try...

See you later...

Jim

[Chairman]

Hi Jim

Just out of interest really.
Here's some telemetry plots form my Iconic flight last night that was short of the 4000mAh of the batt.

First pic shows how cell 3 gave up first, this is probably where I felt power drop off.

The second pic shows cell 3 against consumption for the whole flight.
What I'm hoping is, that the high ambient, and my lack of any cooling for the battery, are responsible.
With luck and some cooling, I hope to get more out of the batt

[Chairman]

Oh and here's the current plot, so you can see how hard I was pushing the battery.

It's a 4000 20C so should be capable of 80A

[Jim (Chairman)]

Chris,

Thanks for this data, and thanks for helping me out on Friday night!

Thanks to Chris and Carl (Karl?) for their valuable input and guidance.

I've been flying pretty well all weekend with the clubs new trainer and I think I've got used to it now...

Based on what I've learnt on Friday, I've done the following:

1) Checked that I can get a 4S 4000mAh into the aircraft which I can - More flight time and less ballast weight - 2 on order from Hobbyking UK

2) Gone for an NTM PropDrive 35-36 800w motor (instead of 35-30 580w 41 amp max) that can take up to 65 amps - ESC is 70 amp - On order from Hobbyking UK

3) Got a 4 x AA NiMh pack that I'll put on a spare RX channel to protect against loss of control on a ESC / main battery failure - Less ballast weight

4) Taken 2 of the 5 washers out of my down-angle mounts.

Thanks again for all your help, and maybe you would be willing to help with a "second maiden" in a couple of weeks....?

Thanks again!

Jim

[Chairman]

That all sounds good Jim, and should all help.

Just let me know when you're ready to go again and we can pick another day.