[NSRCA-discussion] Lost Abbra

Sun Aug 6 18:06:30 AKDT 2006

Hi Joe,

Thanks.  

I checked the crystal and is secure in place.  I always tape the crystal using scotch tape.  How can I check the switch for high resistance?  I guess that I measure resistance and compare wiht the resistance of a new switch.  

I am sorry that you have been having problems.  I am glad that you were able to save the plane.  I believe that JR 9303 is going to be good for you.  

Vicente "Vince" Bortone

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Joe Dunnaway" <dunnaway at geopath.com> 

HI Vincente,
  Sorry to hear about your loss....  
You might want to check the crystal and see if it may have vibrated out or loosened itself.   Check the switch for high resistance.  

 I'm in almost the same situation you are right now.  My radio went into lockout at the Columbia contest and I almost lost everything.  I can't reproduce the failure at home and it seemed to be intermittent at the contest.  I thought I had a failure on Saturday but I talked myself out of it.  On Sunday,  it went into lockout on the downline of the Vertical Square Eight. It finally responded to the input at about 10 ft of altitude.  I landed right away.   I just installed a new synthesized receiver and TX module along with new batteries in everything less than a month ago.  I don't know if it's the receiver, the transmitter, the switch or transmitter module or maybe there was just some interference on the frequency I was flying on.   I was flying a Futaba 9C.   I just ordered a new JR 9303 with Synthesized Module and Synthesized Receiver.   I hope I can "Feel the Difference" :)

Joe

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of vicenterc at comcast.net
Sent: Sunday, August 06, 2006 7:16 PM
To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Lost Abbra

I am wrong below in regard the fail safe in regard the fail safe.  The fail safe is programmed to cut the engine and set the control surfaces at neutral.  

Vicente "Vince" Bortone

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: vicenterc at comcast.net 

Yes, yesterday afternoon I lost my Abbra.  I was doing the 45 degree down with snap.  After the snap, I could not control the plane.  This is my recollection of events:

1. I over rotated the snap for a kittle more than 90 degrees.  It was clear to me at that early stage that something was going wrong.  I snapped to the right.  
2. My friend Charlie was calling for me.  He also noticed and said something to put it back in position.  I told him that the plane was not responding.  
3. First reaction was to give full left to get it back upright.  The ailerons did not respond.  When I realized that, I tried to take it out of the dive by given down elevator since was pracically in inverted position.  It did not respond.  It that aptitude everything goes very fast.  Finally, I tried to give up elevator but was already too late.  I am aware that I applied these control input.  It was clear to me that there was no reaction.  I was able to realize that I didn't have control and I could not avoid the crash.  
4. I did not have time to do anything with rudder and throttle.  Throttle was at idle.  
5. When we checked the crash site. One aileron servo was buzzing hard.  I disconnected the servo.  Therefore, my first impression that the battery flew off and it got disconnected with the force of the snap was not valid.
6. I took the plane home as it came from the crash.  I disconnected only the ailerons servos.  I checked the radio and everything is working fine.  Only two servos are not working.  The throttle servo that was practically destroyed in the crash and one aileron servo that the gears were stripped.  I believe that this was caused by the force of the impact.  There was not evidence of flutter in the ailerons before the crash or structural damage after coming out of the snap.
7.  I believe that the plane was well over stall speed after the snap.  Therefore, the plane was not in stalled condition.  However, I could be wrong.
7. I use JR all around with digital servos.  PCM receiver with fail safe programmed to cut engine and leave the servos in the last commanded position.  
8. I use 2300 mah NiMh battery (4 cells AA Sanyo).  I checked the battery voltage and was at 5.15 volts after the crash.  Discharged the battery and gave 1540 mah using 250mah rate.  I am planning to cycle the battery with higher loads.  
9. It was very hot day.  The plane was sitting in the sun and it was second fly of the day around 2:00 PM.  Easily was close to 100 oF. 

At this point, I have to admit that has to be pilot error since I have not been able to find a definitive cause of the crash.  It is clear that the snap initiated some kind of failure.  Other pilots think that the NiMh battery gave up at high currents during the snap and caused the crash.  I have been flying this type of battery for two years now with no problems. 

I am informing this to the group since I would like to have your feedback.  If someone had a similar problem and found the cause of the crash, please let me know.  I am going back to my backup plane (the old hydeout).  I have a brand new Abbra so need to put it together.   

Thanks and have a nice day,

Vicente Bortone

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From: "Joe Dunnaway" <dunnaway at geopath.com>
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Lost Abbra
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 00:56:29 +0000
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