Been getting high lately ...

[redshift]

Well depending how far you want to go with it, here's a short list of suggestions.

First is the landing gear, the stock stuff is kind of a joke. What I did was use the wire from the HZ Aerobird-
http://secure.hobbyzone.com/search/HBZ2016.html Then I got some 3" Du-Bro front wheels, and also a larger Du-Bro tailwheel. Much better for landings on rough surfaces, or taller grass.

Next I skinned the entire fuse with self adhesive covering, for some color, and the added benefit of strengthening the structure by about 3X. I don't know if you'll be flying with other guys, if so this will give the Cub some more battle resistance. If not it will expedite and simplify repairs from any kind of collision.. I used some 6"x 36" stuff my lhs has, but I plan to get a bunch of this soon instead- http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=1084

Now let's talk POWER :) I'm using a Waypoint 3014-16 1300kv- http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=3860 on 3S with a 17,000 RPM theoretical max. Eliminating the gearbox makes for a much smoother sound and feel. But you'll want to maintain your downward and right offset to the motor as it counteracts torque roll. This is done by cutting the nose off the gearbox molding, and retaining the rear half. I am using a Castle Thunderbird 54 ESC, just for lots of headroom to prevent thermaling under prolonged full throttle. The max draw with this motor is around 35 amps with an APC composite 10x7 prop.

For performance, the #1 improvement is clipping the outer 3-1/2" of wing. Just removing the contoured part of the wing makes a night-and-day difference, and you won't lose much lift at all. I can't overstate this one, it really turns it into a different plane! After that, your next move is extending the throws on the tail. I think I have about twice the throw as the stocker. This can be done by lengthening the servo arms, or shortening the control horns on the tail, or both. I have some Waypoint W-150 metal gear servos, but if you got a Hitec servo programmer, and some Hitec digital servos you can increase the sweep up to 180 degrees.

Not sure if you have your ACT enabled, I never had that as I built mine from parts, but I know the ACT will prevent you from doing some simple manuevers such as loops. So it can be a good thing, or not depending on your comfort level. If you decide you don't want it you can lose some weight and clutter by removing the module and sensors, then replacing the servos/ESC/receiver as I did.

For video, my plan is to semi-embed a keychain cam about 1/3 out from center on the wing. All the video from last year had prop in the view because I was limited on mounting locations with a FlyCam (RIP). Now we have almost unlimited mounting options and the weight of these microcams is a total non-issue! And I havent gotten it yet, but I want to use a Dimension Engineering DC-DC converter to power 2 cams. The power consumption is around 150mA, so the .5 amp version will actually power 3 cams with some room to spare. This will eliminate some more cam weight, and I will only be limited by card capacity. And of course this will prevent any kind of battery issues.

Ok on to some pics...