Difference between revisions of "Bixler"

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|[[Image:Bixler Table.jpg|thumb|left|Bixler]]
|[[Image:Bixler Table.jpg|thumb|left|Bixler]]
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The HobbyKing Bixler is a very inexpensive airframe with very easy flying characteristics and reasonable payload capacity. Price and its crash resistant EPO foam construction make this a plane well suited for beginners.
The HobbyKing Bixler is a very inexpensive airframe with very easy flying characteristics and reasonable payload capacity. Its price and crash resistant EPO foam construction makes this a plane well suited for beginners.
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== Airframe configuration ==
== Airframe configuration ==
A simple sample airframe congiguration file can be found in conf/airframes/examples/bixler_lisa_m_2.xml [https://github.com/paparazzi/paparazzi/blob/v3.9/conf/airframes/examples/bixler_lisa_m_2.xml]
A simple, sample airframe configuration file can be found in conf/airframes/examples/bixler_lisa_m_2.xml [https://github.com/paparazzi/paparazzi/blob/v3.9/conf/airframes/examples/bixler_lisa_m_2.xml]


Attention, no tuning values in this file yet! Untested setup.
Attention: No tuning values in this file yet! It is an untested setup.


== Cockpit ==
== Cockpit ==
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|HobbkyKing also offers a very simple plywood FPV mount which can be used to mount the autopilot. [http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=22731]
|HobbkyKing also offers a very simple plywood FPV mount which can be used to mount the autopilot. [http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=22731]


Note the [[Lisa/M]] board is mounted at right angle with is the natural orientation of the IMU. This layout also makes wiring much simpler.
Note the [[Lisa/M]] board is mounted at a right angle which is the natural orientation of the IMU. This layout also makes wiring much simpler.


This way the IMU is far from the planes centre of gravity. Mounting the IMU under the wings would be better, but much more complex.
This way the IMU is far from the planes centre of gravity. Mounting the IMU under the wings would be better, but much more complex.
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== Mods ==
== Mods ==
The plane flies well out of the box. But some modifications are popular.
The plane flies well out of the box. But some modifications are popular:


* Rudder servo can be moved back into the rudder. The original long pushrod in tube setup is far from perfect. Moving the servo into the tail wing will increase accuracy but will also move the centre of gravity severely to the rear. A lot of counterweights in the front will be needed
* Rudder servo can be moved back into the rudder. The original long pushrod in tube setup is far from perfect. Moving the servo into the tail wing will increase accuracy but will also move the centre of gravity severely to the rear. A lot of counterweights in the front will be needed
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Plenty of space is available inside. But much of this space is not very easy to access.
Plenty of space is available inside. But much of this space is not very easy to access.
[[Image:Bixler Nose.jpg|thumb|left|Datalink antenna]]
[[Image:Bixler Nose.jpg|thumb|left|Datalink antenna]]
Here the 2.4Ghz Xbee telemetry antenna can be seen pushed out to one side. Pointing down in flight.
Here the 2.4Ghz XBee telemetry antenna can be seen pushed out to one side. Pointing down in flight.


Large batteries can be fitted without problems.
Large batteries can be fitted without problems.

Revision as of 09:33, 5 July 2012

Bixler

The HobbyKing Bixler is a very inexpensive airframe with very easy flying characteristics and reasonable payload capacity. Its price and crash resistant EPO foam construction makes this a plane well suited for beginners.


Features

  • Kit price $37 USD
  • EPO Foam construction
  • Detachable canopy for access to internals
  • Easy access cockpit
  • Nice and stable slow flight especially for RC beginners

Specifications

  • Material: EPO Foam
  • Wingspan: 1400mm
  • Length: 925mm
  • Wing Area: 26dm2
  • Wing Loading: 25g/dm2
  • Flying Weight: 650g
  • Motor: 2620-1900kv Brushless Outrunner
  • ESC: 20A w/BEC
  • Servo: 4 x 9g
  • Propeller: 6x5.5 recommended.


Buy

Can be bought directly at HobbyKing [1]

Airframe configuration

A simple, sample airframe configuration file can be found in conf/airframes/examples/bixler_lisa_m_2.xml [2]

Attention: No tuning values in this file yet! It is an untested setup.

Cockpit

Cockpit
HobbkyKing also offers a very simple plywood FPV mount which can be used to mount the autopilot. [3]

Note the Lisa/M board is mounted at a right angle which is the natural orientation of the IMU. This layout also makes wiring much simpler.

This way the IMU is far from the planes centre of gravity. Mounting the IMU under the wings would be better, but much more complex.

The camera mount for the keyhole camera seen here proved not to be crash resistant enough.

Mods

The plane flies well out of the box. But some modifications are popular:

  • Rudder servo can be moved back into the rudder. The original long pushrod in tube setup is far from perfect. Moving the servo into the tail wing will increase accuracy but will also move the centre of gravity severely to the rear. A lot of counterweights in the front will be needed
  • Increase rudder size. Either by gluing some strong paper or cardboard on the rudder to make it bigger or by cutting the tail fin at the whole length following the hinge and attaching a full height rudder.


Plenty of space is available inside. But much of this space is not very easy to access.

Datalink antenna

Here the 2.4Ghz XBee telemetry antenna can be seen pushed out to one side. Pointing down in flight.

Large batteries can be fitted without problems.


Build Tips

The foam hinges are very stiff and need to be exercised quite a bit by hand to make them move well.