How the Alpha Strike Could be Better (Minor Issues/Feedback)

[@rickster-fpv1818]

I don't believe the forward facing ducts are going scrub much if any of the 115mph top speed. And also all you had to do is squirt some isopropyl alcohol around the servo and release the hot glue, make your adjustment, and hot glue it back in. I do agree the servo positions could be better.

[@cmtetaboaco]

Tape all Nacas out and mount the ESC in the back and compare the speed in a video to prove your point!

[@papamidnightfpv]

I'm glad you mention the odd servo size. I think if you just buy the pnp version the extra 50 bucks ensures you don't have component installation issues. It's worth it to me bc you get what you pay for. I but the kit version after I've destroyed one bc the electronics swap right over.

[@Reindeer911]

Don't forget to mention those three great big Nacaducts on the front of the plane!

[@dronepilot260rc]

Did you get the servo issue figured out?

[@RagTheNutsOff]

Nope. Put the parts in a bag and stuffed under the desk to look at another time

[@thenatedog]

Been looking for a kit airframe to drop in a scale 3d printed cockpit with dji head tracking. Think this will do the trick with that big area in the nose.

[@Reindeer911]

Not only would servos on the top of the wing not only look ugly, but it would interfere with airflow over the airfoil just that much more. You're already dealing with a very small plane with a very limited wing surface are to begin with, so the addition of the servos on top isn't going to help the flight characteristics at all at least in a positive way. Hinge tape or packing tape on the bottom of the wing should protect it from damage during landing.

[@maxun1]

Matt, there was no reports of servo failure due to tork so far. And when you said standard servo, lol that is relative. A standard servo for us is futaba 3004, in rc for years and is a big servo. You spend 10 minutes in a slot for foam to access the servo arm, really?. Now the big holes for cooling in front have a exit in the back so there ok. And by installing the esc in top you ruin the complete aerodynamic of the model. The model flight in high speed ok by the video so far posted, what is holding me is a video to see if this plane rocks like the zohd nano talon side to side.

[@FpvBerget]

Nano talon rocks side to side? I feel bad for u son...

[@maxun1]

@@FpvBerget what do you mean.

[@maxun1]

@@FpvBerget ok, the zohd nano talon fist version had dehidral on the wings, bonifypirate re designed the plugs in the fuselage to make the wings flat. Later zohd in the haeco d version adopted the bonefypirate mod in the production. Just for you info. Smart dudu.

[@FpvBerget]

@@maxun1 Sorry, but rewrite in english.

[@humbertomontalban3932]

Now prove you points. Like the naca inlet. With amps and speed comparisons, no the typical bla bla bla.

[@oldmandoingstuff8997]

Mr. RAG T.N.o., Personally I subscribe to utubers as yourself that believe in Everyday honest feedback. Manufacturers listen to reviews that Criticize weak areas of a Model. Ive seen that many times in 12 years of Electrics. Ive mounted ESC's many,many times outside. Function over looks. Besides it gives A " Road Warrior", or "Star Wars " look to models, lol.. i paint brightly for orientation,, modify , an ignore my peers at the Flying field .. 15 Meters after launch Appearances fade, Performance is alls that left to see. I just bought today the Strike pnp. I thought the same of the Large vent's . Lose them.!. Thank you for your time to assist fellow hobbists. Well Done. Captain John Alabama USA

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty good points, Matt! Thanks! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@REDROBRCFPV]

I like the way the atomrc dolphin has a place for the esc externally at the bottom.

[@FpvBerget]

Yeah, good way to fry all electronics when landing in grass...

[@REDROBRCFPV]

@@FpvBerget I covered mine in conformal coating and have had no issues.

[@FpvBerget]

@@REDROBRCFPV Would be easier to just have the esc place on top instead...

[@REDROBRCFPV]

@@FpvBerget it would be if there was room.

[@blackterminal]

​@@FpvBerget don't land

[@TeamYankee2]

well.. with an onboard barometer, the massive inflowing air will cause a pressure build up and skew the reading... Lose the ducts and mount eht ESC outside.. voila!

[@alasdair4161]

Hi Matt, all good points. Maybe the Emax ES3352 servo would be a better choice as it's a strong performer but only 9mm thick (12.4g) Cheers.

[@AerialWaviator]

Why do most ESC's come wrapped in heat shrink plastic, with the assumption it will be buried in the model? Thinking ESC designs need to evolve to include heatsinks so can be mounted external (flush), or contained under a purposed designed air duct. If exposed, the heat sink (aluminum) could be anodized black, or another colour. Being a design element of the model, vs a chunk of heatsink plastic with wires protruding. Regarding servos, I agree, top-mounted would be nicer and more pragmatic design. eg: would protect servos if landing of damp grass, etc. A thin plastic cover attached with a screw, or thick sticker would make for nice clean surface. Such a cover could even integrate a push-rod protection like the AtomRC cover which would help keep moisture out of the servo. Once possibility is using credit card material, or 3D printing a flat plastic cover. FYI: many 3D printed planes have a cover that servo is mounted too, and then the cover with servo is held in with a couple screws. The arm sticks out of the cover thru a slot, or has a shroud where the pushrod sticks out. Sorry, not really timely design options, rather ideas where model designers could improve on existing designs.

[@blackterminal]

I cut out the shrink over the heatsink part

[@marielizysurourcq]

The ESC at the back is a nice solution with a CG penalty perhaps. One solution I think of is to have an aerodynamic exit very close to the prop : the prop sucks air by lowering pressure , so if there are small vents in the front of the plane, perhaps just where the ESC is positioned, an airflow is naturally created inside (that wants to reach the exit) ! Having it outside is a bit of a problem : first, it's ugly (compared to the cool design of the plane), then, if you remove foam and put it so that no airflow is disturbed, there is the boundary layer which is not so moving, that is its feature !

[@terrymurphy562]

A few good points matt and the esc on the outside like the talon is spot on. I think 9g servos would have been better and easier for everyone and as you mentioned that everyone has them available. I like you honesty in your reviews and that’s how it should be done. Looking forward to the maiden. 👍

[@rodeopilot7495]

Agree 100% with your comments

[@oldmandoingstuff8997]

Mate, I feel your on the Mark to improve speed with your Ideas. Especially mounting esc outside to logically achieve 100 percent esc cooling .I've done that many times. I'veas well hotglued myself into a few corners,, lol.. You'll have a higher topend speed. Most certainly, One reviewer achieved 111- 112 mph on his telemetry pure stock form pnp.. so 113mph or better is your goal I believe. Final note as we all know,, lol,, no marketing dept,, would EVER let Engineers mount esc outside,, . It's all about "The Dollar",. An looks,,.. Thanks 4 all your dedication. Captain John Alabama USA

[@IAWS]

Tape the duct up, seems like you're whining an awful lot for something that just needs an inch of tape to solve. If you want a fast FPV ship just buy a proper slope soaring wing like a windrider bat 2 or a MiniQ.

[@mooiweertje2084]

A modern BB2 ESC doesn't need cooling. Why put an antique ESC in a hot new frame? I heard somewhere that premature optimization is the root of all evil. I'm curious how you think it actually flies.

[@mooiweertje2084]

@@FixedWing Well a BB2 is cheaper than your antique Hobbyking oldtimer colossus. And we don't all have some because the antiques break and we buy new cheap BB2's that don't break..

[@mooiweertje2084]

@@FixedWing It's a chipset for ESC's. There is a BB1 and BB2 version. BB2 can run faster than BB1. When a ESC runs faster the motor will run smoother/less noisy. For a fixed wing this will have less result than a copter. The type of semiconductors used dissipate a lot less heat than the bulky ones. Any modern BlHeli_S ESC brand beat the bulky ones in every way and are a lot smaller. The stuff Hobbyking sells is 99 percent obsolete. They do have some pretty models now and then though.

[@paulhope3401]

@@mooiweertje2084 Tbh I think its more the sychronous rectification (Active Freewheeling) found in these BLheli_S ESC's that helps keep them cooler more than the higher switching frequency. See - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6LdgIR9ntx6pKc Btw. HobbyKing are now selling very similar design plane ESC's, the newer Turnigy Plush 32 series (which are rebranded Vgood ESCS or vice versa) and they can all even be flashed with BLHeli_S !

[@mooiweertje2084]

@@paulhope3401 Don't exactly know. Just that a modern ESC dissipates less heat.

[@paulhope3401]

@@mooiweertje2084 Yep, I've edited my reply to add a link that helps explain it better.

[@rougeneon1997]

I would have preferred a 9g MG servo as well. I would guess they used a goofy proprietary servo assuming we would buy the pnp (most I dont think do?) or to buy their specific components. Can you slip some fishing line around the servos and work/saw it through the hot glue? YES the one video I watched too was obviously rushed, wasn't even really ready to be reviewed BUT was "reviewed" non the less lol (Nice healing bench)

[@JD_1]

Matt you really that upset about some servos.... 😂🤣 Dont kill it. Fly it and give feedback.

[@shakeymikesadventures6793]

Some of the same issues with the drift also,if you buy as a kit

[@GeorgeGuerov]

Thanks Matt 😊! I'm afraid I was correct, too much extra work to be done for the extortionate price they want.

[@cmtetaboaco]

Just use an oversized ESC and forget about heating LOL

[@humbertomontalban3932]

Totally. My esc do not get even worm. Lol

[@colddash5598]

Mounting the esc in the open is ugly and mounting in the back may cause getting CG set harder. But...I agree the exit ports needed bigger or smoother in the front.

[@timoneil6582]

Oh no, I see a busted Saber. That's my favorite inexpensive foamie. The Alpha Strike? Meh.

[@maxun1]

Now people, you need to realize that if you buying a kit is because 1 you crash the plane and have the original electronic or you have similar at home, the kit is not for you to install full side servos and a 2816 motor. Is common sense. Come on.

[@k1ortia]

Most of the Zohd models are half decent, so glad I didn't bother with this one.but seriously what's going on with their R&D when it comes to us having to redesign Thier models??. Come on Zohd, sort your engineers out or start Employing some.!

[@humbertomontalban3932]

Lol why you suffer so much? You models do not last that long anyway!!!