GliderIreland - Ireland RC Forum - Flying Model forum in Ireland

Gliders => Scale => Topic started by: selleri on December 07, 2012, 02:32:03 AM

Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on December 07, 2012, 02:32:03 AM
Me and a flying mate have got our hands on two of these and decided we'd fit engines in them for some fun soaring time with our other planes. Also as a tester on those weak lift days on the slope or near the sea...   :roll:

Three meter wingspan.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354843418_0.jpg)  

XPower XC3522/5 LS motor.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354591048_5.jpg)

First order of the day, remove the tow release.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354591048_0.jpg)

Didn't need much persuasion to leave.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354591048_1.jpg)

Then we need to get into the nose.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354591048_2.jpg)

Saw and a router bit in the Dremel made a quick work of that.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354591048_3.jpg)

And the motor in its place... well almost, now it just needs a firewall.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354591048_4.jpg)

As a bonus the panel already has an EGT gauge!  :lol:
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354591048_6.jpg)
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Fred on December 07, 2012, 10:04:02 AM
Do you know that each time someone install a motor in the nose of a glider, a Justin Bieber's Fan dies!...

Oh wait, that's a good thing! Carry on, I though that was a Baby Seal that died...  :D
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: billscottni on December 07, 2012, 13:18:02 PM
How are you intending to get the prop blades to fold back around that bulbous nose? Might have to consider a cranked yoke for the blades.
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on December 07, 2012, 14:26:35 PM
Quote from: "Fred"
Do you know that each time someone install a motor in the nose of a glider, a Justin Bieber's Fan dies!...

Oh wait, that's a good thing! Carry on, I though that was a Baby Seal that died...  :D


You had me going there!    :lol:

Quote from: "billscottni"
How are you intending to get the prop blades to fold back around that bulbous nose? Might have to consider a cranked yoke for the blades.


Well as it happens...    :wink:



Then things got interesting, first I covered the motor so the magnets wouldn't attract the fallout.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354637838_0.jpg)

The collar hex just scrolled on my allen keys(both inches and mm) so when heating and various other gentle approaches didn't work the gloves came off! After some drilling and cutting I finally got it off.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354637839_1.jpg)

New thinner collar, needed to shorten the hex so it could fit inside the motor mount.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354637839_2.jpg)

5mm rod was used instead of the engine axle.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354751419_0.jpg)

Marking to ensure I've got room for the prop hub.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354751419_1.jpg)

(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354751419_2.jpg)

Here the firewall has been installed but as the front part of the nose is just fiberglass, glued to the first fuselage former, we need to do a bit more to secure it!
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354751419_3.jpg)
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on December 08, 2012, 02:26:37 AM
Now to connect the firewall to the fuselage frame. This plate goes behind(in front) of the firewall and holds on to it.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354751420_4.jpg)

Why the stick is there might also be evident.  :)
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354751420_5.jpg)

Repeat...
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354751420_6.jpg)

Motor where we want it.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354843059_0.jpg)

The mustache... just needs the beret! Bill this is a 10mm +2.5° hub and the blade go flat.   :D
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354843060_1.jpg)

(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1354843060_2.jpg)
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on December 14, 2012, 00:07:14 AM
The kit comes with barn door brakes, a la Ka3, but as they aren't particularly effective and the full scale one has Schempp-Hirth I decided to add them to mine.

Don't like these.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1355443086_0.jpg)

Now we're talking.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1355443086_1.jpg)

Under way.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1355443086_2.jpg)

Little bit of covering!
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1355443086_3.jpg)  

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/9fAjmsG3gtM[/youtube]
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on December 28, 2012, 00:15:20 AM
The motor was started today, seems to have plenty of power even on those small "sample" packs. Can't wait to see it take to the air!

Ah, yes regarding the CG... nahh, just holding down the battery plate while the glue dries.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1356649892_7.jpg)

We need air for the motor.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1356649891_1.jpg)

Speed controller and battery location.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1356649892_6.jpg)

Not too shabby.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1356649891_2.jpg)

Happy birds, my mates plane is now ready for the test flight. I'll learn from his mis... ehmm success!    :lol:
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1356649891_5.jpg)
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on January 01, 2013, 21:20:32 PM
After the artic conditions yesterday (http://frettavefur.net/Forum/viewtopic.php?pid=41547#p41547) today was a welcome change, dead calm, -5°C but the sun was still sleeping, must be hung over! After assembly and range check we put ourself in the hands of GoA. I didn't need to do much more then release the plane on the throw as it wanted to climb as a home sick angel might. The battery used was a Turnigy Nano Tech 3S 1800mah (65-130C) (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=19120&aff=104285).

After it had been flown for a few moments it was obvious that the elevator was a tad from the center and the CG could do with just a hair more to the front. After changing that the plane flew very similiar to the owners 4 meter Ventus and he was very happy with it and continued flying until we ran out of batteries and light.

Ready to go.
(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5200_IMG_6456-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5352-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5368-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5376-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5393-me.JPG)

Loops and rolls were no problem.
(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5334-me.JPG)
(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5335-me.JPG)
(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5336-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5374-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5402-me.JPG)

Coming in.
(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5416-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5409-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5426-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5410-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_5413-me.JPG)

Two happy chaps!  
(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_01_Ka8B_frumflug/IMG_6459-me.JPG)
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: billscottni on January 01, 2013, 21:27:32 PM
Looks lovely in the air. Prop blades make it look like it has a moustache!!
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on January 01, 2013, 21:36:07 PM
But of course, it's french mon ami!  :D


Cheers!
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on January 02, 2013, 13:19:23 PM
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/R0LcwUuHPEc[/youtube]
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Happy Days on January 02, 2013, 22:11:18 PM
:clap:  :clap:  :clap:

She goes up very quickly, Selleri. Obviously has plenty of power and I suppose the cold dense air helps with the production of thrust. And it certainly looked very cold! :shock:  
Guess you guys are hardened to it though. :wink:

That was a good project. Well done and thanks for all the pictures. :clap:

I almost have the urge to start a project myself :?:

Keith
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on January 03, 2013, 00:56:20 AM
Cheers Keith! I'm wondering if a 4 meter isn't possible on this motor and even a 5 meter on a dolly.  :?:

Bahh, dead calm and -5°C nothing to talk about, the day before(see YT below) was -2°C & 15 m/s and I needed my "artic" gear for that! First snow we see this winter, though the people up north have been playing in the white stuff since August.

brg.,
Sverrir

(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1356988603_0.jpg)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/e_iKUCMLMIs[/youtube]
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Fred on January 05, 2013, 14:35:30 PM
Very nice shots!  :clap:
Ok, is there a boat doing Ireland / Iceland??  :?:
Always wanted to go there, but now that I see that, want to bring some gliders with me!  :D
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on January 05, 2013, 16:22:27 PM
It was possible to go via the Shetland islands to Faroe islands and from there to Iceland but now days you'll have to go UK - Denmark - Faroe islands - Iceland (D-F-I leg is http://www.smyrilline.com/).

Be sure to let me know if someone is coming.   :D
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on January 13, 2013, 00:09:02 AM
I did some aditional mods on mine, two servos used for the elevator.
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1357258017_2.jpg)

And so we can tell them apart the front end is a bit different!  :lol:
(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2012/1357867535_0.jpg)
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on January 13, 2013, 00:20:08 AM
Few pictures from todays flying, much better light and less overcast. Flew couple of batteries on my mates plane, can't wait to get mine airborne!

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_12_flugdagur/IMG_5484-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_12_flugdagur/IMG_5497-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_12_flugdagur/IMG_5513-me.JPG)

(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_12_flugdagur/IMG_5505-me.JPG)

My mate isn't going to use the barn doors, very effective way of bringing it down.
(http://www.modelflug.net/myndasafn/_data/i/galleries/2013/2013_01_12_flugdagur/IMG_5531-me.JPG)
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on March 11, 2013, 23:45:48 PM
Well it had to happen, mine took to the sky today!   :D

(http://frettavefur.net/Forum/uploadpic/2013/1363036567_1.jpg)

[youtube]http://youtube.com/v/8ejffRBQ7G4[/youtube]
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Happy Days on March 12, 2013, 07:19:38 AM
I should think you’re feeling pretty dam pleased with yourself Selleri. :D  What a magnificent machine! And all hand built, well done. :clap:

Keith.

(Er,….you wouldn’t like to pop down to Ireland and finish off some of my projects for me, :P   would you? )
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on March 12, 2013, 10:06:23 AM
Cheers, maybe hand modded but not much building going on.     :D

No problem mate, just send me the itinerary and tickets!   :wink:
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Discusdan1 on March 13, 2013, 11:59:05 AM
Hi
Well done selleri.Beautiful
Regards,
Daniel
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on March 13, 2013, 15:30:52 PM
Thanks Daniel.

brg.,
Sverrir
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: the Pope on March 16, 2013, 11:12:25 AM
Ooh it s a brillant machine. ( I didn t know a yeti was able to build a so efficient glider... :lol: )
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on March 17, 2013, 04:01:35 AM
Amazing what little bit of snow and spit can do!   :wink:
Title: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on April 27, 2013, 14:34:05 PM
Nice on the slope (http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3404) too!
Title: Re: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Redtail1957 on December 30, 2021, 15:03:32 PM
How long was the new motor shaft for the brushless motor ?
Title: Re: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: selleri on December 30, 2021, 16:34:41 PM
I'm afraid I don't remember but if you look for the motor you should be able to find the specs.
Title: Re: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Redtail1957 on December 31, 2021, 17:35:40 PM
Thanks for the reply, I will check. I have ordered the Seagull KA8B, red and yellow scheme. Looking forward to flying her. Stay safe, happy new year to you !!
Title: Re: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Mickeymoo on June 27, 2023, 22:33:53 PM
Hi there. Just bought a seagull Ka8B for slope soaring and it's been a while since I've flown. Was wondering where your c of g was. Is it still 60mm from the leading edge as per the manual or as some people have done nearer 80mm. Looked cold when you were flying. Iam a bit too old for that much cold. I liked the conversion to electric.
Title: Re: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Fred on June 28, 2023, 19:14:31 PM
Welcome to the forum! :)

I can't answer your question as I don't have one, so hopefully Sverrir will chip in, but I think I heard you need to be careful with the decalage. Maybe something to check also, not sure if our friend from the Land of Ice had to do it or not.
Title: Re: Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods
Post by: Kevin O'Donoghue on July 03, 2023, 13:06:21 PM
Hi Fred. You are right about the decalage. I had to raise the tailplane LE by a few mils to set the decalage at about 1' and not the 5' previously. I can check where my CofG is, but about 50mm is supposed to be right. I think the manual says 60mm +/- 10mm either way.
You likely remember the roller coaster ride when we towed it before changing the tailplane incidence. I need to fly it off the slope yet to check out the adjustment, but it is widely reported on the internet to make this change.