Conditions:
We'll be measuring power and climb rate, so If possible, fly when and where there is little potential for thermals or other sources of "lift" or "sink". Morning or early evening, or overcast skies, and calm or light steady wind. If you must fly in less stable conditions, fly longer legs so that we have more data to average.
Have the plane configured exactly as you normally fly it (battery size, camera gear, propeller size and braking, etc..)
The procedure:
Each step below will consist of a climb up as high as you safely can, then a glide with throttle off as long as you safely can. Perform all of the following in aided mode, flying long straight lines or big gentle circles, ideally more than 20 seconds for each step. Move controls as little as possible.
If possible, each time you climb, put the throttle at a different position (i.e. 60%, 75%, 100%... ) and keep it there for the entire climb. This will enable us to measure motor efficiency at different power points.
- Climb up to high altitude with throttle at some fixed position, move throttle to off, then glide as long as you safely can with the elevator stick centered (default "cruise" airspeed).
- Climb up to high altitude again with throttle at a different fixed position, move throttle to off, then fly with elevator stick halfway forward. Try to keep the elevator stick as perfectly still as possible, perhaps by wedging your finger between stick and transmitter or using trim instead of stick.
- "", glide with elevator stick all the way forward ("maximum" airspeed).
- "", glide with elevator stick all the way back ("minimum" airspeed).
- "", glide with elevator stick centered, with aileron stick held halfway to one side for sustained moderate bank turn.
- "", glide with elevator stick centered, with aileron stick held over all the way to one side for sustained steep bank turn.
if you have time, the following further data would be helpful:
- "", glide with elevator stick all the way back (minimum airspeed), with aileron stick held halfway to one side for sustained moderate bank turn.
- "", glide with elevator stick all the way back (minimum airspeed), with aileron stick held over all the way to one side for sustained steep bank turn.
Now, just enjoy the remainder of your flight in aided or manual mode. If you fly in manual mode, we'll look at your preferred airspeeds, how you move controls, etc... to better match Ruby to your style.
Send the "data.utd" file that was created to support@uthere.com, indicating "this is flight data for tuning".
Please also tell us the manufacturer / model of your plane and any significant changes or additions you've made to the stock kit, including change to propeller diameter / pitch, extra sources drag such as camera strapped to the outside, and typical flying weight. If this is your own design, please indicate: wing span, wing area, total typical flying weight, battery capacity, and propeller diameter and pitch.
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