Starfox Update

[Eric Page]

My baggage sack didn't come with that fancy net over the opening. Where'd you get that?

[SomeDay7]

Part of it. Directions also said you could just put in 4 of the 8 bolts and nuts. But I’m going to use all 8 and need to get some tie downs to put on each of them.

[SomeDay7]

Just in the figuring mode lately. Looking at the battery tray for the 915 and mounting of the autopilot servos. Think I have the best idea for the battery and servo placement. It is locate in the aft fuselage. The batteries recommended at kitfox were the odyssey pc625 or the etx680c. Both seemed under rated. Also such a variation in weight at 13.2 lbs and 3.9 lbs. Not sure how much weight I need in this aft station, but may need more due to the weight of the 915 and MT propeller. Placed an order to aircraft spruce for the raw materials tonight. Also placed an order for the earthx 900 and charger with the power supply. Excited to get this installed along with the ELT and then it will be on to some fuselage covering.
Not sure if needed but my boy has been training over seas and here is a video of practice. He did say this is a guy that is a little different but he caught the essence of the training.

https://youtu.be/_OZYBeEZ3iY

[jrevens]

That was good Jim… thanks for sharing it!

[Shadowrider]

Cool video!

I would go with the battery kitfox recommends which I believe is the ETX680C. As far as moving the battery here is my opinion. Leave the battery factory location and just add weight to the tail. Run a weight and balance and see how little the moment moves by shifting the battery to behind the seat. You are going to add quite a bit of weight running battery cables and moving the battery that far from the starter. You will get the largest moment shift with the least amount of added weight by just adding weight to the tail. Basically I think you will shift the CG the most and add the least amount of weight just by adding weight to the tail. Next is run the airmaster instead of the MT and save on weight on the nose which really effects forward CG being clear out on the farthest arm.

[SomeDay7]

Shadowrider, The ETX680c is undersized for this application from beginning. I am staying with that setup and actually adding a storage compartment aft of that station. It will be for a tool kit, anchors, and some safety stuff. This should help with weight and balance calculations. Seems such little knowledge out there of this setup other than what Kitfox knows and would like to know beforehand. Guess this is my solution to my question. Not getting rid of the prop as I have invested heavily in this setup and will adapt around it.

Jrevens, I can't believe the coverage we have from this conflict going on now. All this has happened in the past conflicts with the general populations not knowing the details. Our military just needs to make sure we are ready due to the push of the public seeing this carnage.

[VictorV]

Shadowrider, The ETX680c is undersized for this application from beginning.

I agree with this. I followed the 915is manual and will get the ETX900. Adds 1 lb which is not too bad.

I wonder if anyone has tried aluminum wire rather than copper. Does that save weight? I know it has to be thicker to
carry the same current. Aluminum has 60% current capacity and 30% of the weight so to get the same current
carrying capacity it would weigh half as much. Seems like a good option for those of us trying to get the weight
down to meet LSA standards.

Victor

[PapuaPilot]

I would avoid using aluminum wiring in aircraft. The history of its use have not been good in aircraft.

Just keep your main power runs as short as possible and use copper wiring, even if it means ballasting the the tail a little for CG reasons.

[Shadowrider]

I agree with this. I followed the 915is manual and will get the ETX900. Adds 1 lb which is not too bad.

I wonder if anyone has tried aluminum wire rather than copper. Does that save weight? I know it has to be thicker to
carry the same current. Aluminum has 60% current capacity and 30% of the weight so to get the same current
carrying capacity it would weigh half as much. Seems like a good option for those of us trying to get the weight
down to meet LSA standards.

Victor

Is the EXT900 what kitfox sells for the 915 firewall forward kit now? Will it fit in the battery tray? Are you concerned about cranking amps? The 915is is the same bore size as the 912uls and actually has less compression than the 912uls The EXT680 cranks the 912uls and creates some thrust while doing it. Just curious what your seeing?

[SomeDay7]

Talked with Brandon on the battery after I got it. Said it works well. Like Victor said just a pound more. A few styrofoam shims and we are good.