AP Easystar

New HD Videos

New HD flight videos are now up and running. As some of these files can exceed 100Mb, its a good idea to right click on the link and 'save target as'. These videos are for private viewing only, so please don't make copies or share with anyone else.

Multiplex Cularis

I now have the new Cularis from Multiplex. This seems to be a lovely glider, and the kit has some real nice touches to it. I'll be running an AXI 2826/10 brushless motor and a 12x6 folding prop. I'll be using HS 56 servo's for the Aileron's and flaps, and HS 81 servo's for the Rudder and Elevator.
More info coming soon.

Latest Onboard Vids

New AP mount
Flying over Aberystwyth with the new camera mount.

Easystar Down
Onboard footage using the Nikon 3700.
Not the best of days.

EZ Snow Crash
Don't loose sight of your Easystar when a Nikon 3700 camera is onboard.

The Easystar makes a great AP ( Aerial Photography ) plane. Considering the extra weight in the nose, she still fly's really well. I use a Nikon 3700 digital camera. It's a 3.2 mega pixel camera which shoots great video @ 640x480 30fps. It weighs in at 150g, so getting the CG right on the plane is a bit of a no go.

Apart from giving her a harder throw on launch and keeping up a little more speed on landings, she fly's just like a normal Easystar. If anybody is thinking of what plane to start AP on, then the Easystar is my advice. Its stable, will take some major abuse and will carry quite a hefty camera. I would however recommend a brushless and lipo setup. I've placed some carbon rods in the nose to sit the camera onto. I then use some Velcro and elastic bands to secure everything in place. It maybe an idea to sit the camera on some soft foam. This can help in reducing any vibration than may occur.

WINGSPAN
WEIGHT
FUNCTIONS
SERVO'S
ESC
MOTOR
BATTERY
PROP

1370mm
970g ( incl camera )
R/E/Throttle
2x Hitec HS-81
2x Hitec HS-81
Tornado 2825/2300
Flightpower 3s 2500 lipo
APCE 6x4

New design AP Easystar

I've now re-designed my AP Easystar. I've removed the nose and made a new platform which will hold both the battery and camera. I used 8mm carbon tubing to make the frame and secured it together using 5 minute Epoxy. I made the camera platform out of balsa and had it pointing down by around 5 degree's.

It may not look pretty, but she fly's really well, I've found that the CG (centre of gravity) can be achieved much easier as I can position the camera further back. So far I've had over eight flights and she seems to be holding together really well. I had to place the camera onto some soft foam as I noticed a little vibration but it seems fine now. The Nikon 3700 has had some major abuse over the last couple of years and is only good for shooting onboard video, the stills function has unfortunately had its day.