Buying a Comp-Arf Extra 300L 2.3 m - Recommendations

[gonzalo38]

After doing a lot of reading, I have decided to buy a Composite-Arf Extra 300 2.3 m. The model is going to be the Futaba scheme http://www.composite-arf.com.hk/ar/Product?684000

On the engine, I still don't decide if it's going to be a DA50 or a DA85. I've read that the 50 is better for 3D and the 85 for IMAC and I still need to think about which way I want to go. On the muffler, I'm thinking of a Pitts style muffler.

What about the other equipment needed ? I'm thinking on Futaba S9156 servos and one S9402 for the throttle. The question is, in this plane how many servos do I need ? I've read that some people don't recommend double servos for this pane and they say that you should be OK with one big one. Ideas ? Are these servos OK or there are better alternatives out there (ex: Hitec S5955) ?

Which powerbox would be the best choice for this plane ? http://www.duralitebatteries.com/flight/accessories1.php The Powerbox 40/24TM SC-12 with servo match control could be a good choice ?

On batteries, I'm thinking of Fromeco Relion 2600 mah batteries.

Mejzlik 26/10 blade.

What other things that I should think about it ?

All recommendations are welcome.

[pepatrick]

DA-50 is not enough unless you put a tuned pipe on it. Good flying plane but not as good as the 2.6m brother. Single servos (5955) are perfect..single on the rudder as well. For a little more money you could do the 2.6m plane with the same electronics and enjoy it better...Ofcouse..you could use the DA-85 or DA-100 on it...

Powerbox is not needed..I would also look at A123 batteries..They charge quickly and do not require regulators...5955s love these batteries..Also look at the Fromeco Kodiac switches...these are a must for the A123 batteries as it shows how much each flight consumes...

I am setting up a 3.0m Krill Yak (Composite too)..I am using 8711s and A123 batteries throughout..No powerbox or regulators...but I am using the high current JR R1222 receiver (when it ships later this month). A123s work well on the DA ignition too...great combination..simple setup and virtually bullet proof...just keep on eye on the A123 batteries...they have a sharp drop off..

[gonzalo38]

Pepatrick:

I was doing some calculations, and I think that at the end of the day, a 2.6 m could be around US$ 1.500 more expensive than the 2.3 m. The flying of the 2.6 m is so much better that it's worth it to pay that additional amount of money ? I don't think I'm going to be doing serious competition with this plane....

[pepatrick]

It shouldnt be anymore than a $1000.00 more...thats including DA-100 and extra cost of the plane..and yes..the 2.6 flies that much better.

The 2.3 is a nice flying plane.but..nothing like the 2.6.....If you decide to stick with the 2.3..look at a ZDZ60 or even the evolution 57..both of these provide better performance than the DA-50..and dont cost much more if any..

Here is my comparison..I have owned all of these...so take it for whats its worth...

Extreme Flight 88" Yak or 88" Extra ---presents almost (Yak actually presents larger) as large as the 2.3 Compys...and flies better..DA-50 on tuned pipe is not only unlimited..but ballistic on the EF planes. It is barely enough on the 2.3 Compy...

Compy 2.6 Extra or Yak on DA-100 on stock mufflers is balistic in the up lines...You can build this with the same number of servos as the 2.3 meter so there is no additional electronics cost. 1 x 5955 or 8711 on the rudder and one on each aileron...will hold the plane tight..(8711 preferred) The 2.6 is more expensive and so is the engine..However you could put a DA-85 in the 2.6 and still have incredible performance.... Use A123 batteries and high current reciever and you can get this plane as low as 26 pounds...

Compy 2.1, 2.0 2.12 Yak and Extra...too light for even a DA-50..and has a little heavier wing loading..They are also a pain in the you know what to build...They dont really fly as well as the other Compys...not bad...but there are so many better choices for the same or less money.

[~SnApRoLl]

Gonzalo38,
I'm building a Futaba Scheme 2.3m that I am going to power with my DA-85 and will be insanely over powered!!! . It's a pretty looking plane and is going together pretty smoothly. One thing I do recommend is NOT using the stock threaded rod and clevesis that come with it they are metric and they thread together very sloppy. I am going to be using H9 titanium links and Dubro H/D clevesis through out. If you decide to go with the 50 (which I wouldn't recommend) Make sure you keep it light in the tail end!!!! Also make sure you take the time to prep the fiberglass and fiberglass laminated wood parts before gluing parts together and use good quality glue's such as ZAP ca's and epoxies or Mercury ca's and or BVM Aeropoxy or Hysol #9462 epoxy, the Aeropoxy and Hysol are a little more expensive than ZAP epoxy but they are thick and it stays where you put it, are very strong but heavy if you use too much. You will also need an applicator gun, a plunger and mixing nozzles as well. ETC... Hope this helps.

Shawn

[Marko 08]

	Quote: Originally Posted by pepatrick
	Compy 2.1, 2.0 2.12 Yak and Extra...too light for even a DA-50..and has a little heavier wing loading..They are also a pain in the you know what to build...They dont really fly as well as the other Compys...not bad...but there are so many better choices for the same or less money.

I would disagree that the 50 is to heavy for the 2.1 Yak and the 2.12 Extra. Maybe heavy on a 2x2????but not the 2.1 and 2.12. I have the 2.12 Extra and I tell you its flies GREAT! They are a bit of a hassle to build but worth it in the end.. The 50 in the 2.12m Extra with the recommended muffler setup (MTW-TD75 canister) has great power but not over the top. Just the right motor for these two planes. Wouldn't regret buying it for a second. Also I feel they fly better than other compy's such as the 2.3's. Main reason they fell more direct, precise and faster in the air. They are also great for 3D

[Haggy]

Da50 on a cannister in a 2x2 - awesome...not sure on power and flies like it is on rails...a nice little setup.

[Jamieman]

I have a 2.3 with ZDZ60RV on pitts & now a 2.12 with DL50 on canister.
My 2.3 is under powered, but having said that it is a really early ZDZ & a 20lb plane.
It does well at sea level, but at altitude it is scale.
It has approx 230+ flights on it now and is on the stock hardware. This is now starting to show slop. As are the 5645 servo's. I will be pulling it out of the air now i have my 2.12 up and running. It will receive new 5955 servos and either new clevis's with larger pin to suit the existing horns (to remove slop) or double horns & ball links. Tuned pipe, smart fly sports plus & A123's. This should see me get another couple of hundred flights out of it. Motor is still as strong as ever.

My 2.12 was maidened today & is a powerhouse. Flies like its on rails. Really looking forward to a few nice days to get some trimming done.

If using the DA 85 in your 2.3 i would recommend using a canister (85+Pitts=Noisy) & reducing the end point on your throttle as you wont need any where near full throttle in this setup. Another useful thing is to ensure you use a carbon (or heavy) prop to try to absorb some of the firing pulses at lower rev's.
Just a couple of ideas

Jamie

[corey]

The problem with the 2.3 and DA85 is that you cant fit a canister. If they were short enough where it would fit in front of the wing tube, then it would be fine. But because they are longer, they wont fit under the wing tube as they are too fat.