Volantex Ranger 1600 PNP build

[@wazza7575]

Hi Andrew. Only this year I have started rc planes after a lifetime of motorcycle riding. Im now 60 and absolutely love this hobby. What i wanted to say is that you are an inspiration and do not talk the crap that pervades similar youtube sites. Love your real life Australian personality. Regards from the Blue Mountains NSW.

[@AndrewNewton]

Hi Wazza, thanks mate. 60 here too, RC flying is keeping me young.

[@pete_stevens]

I have learnt something new today by seeing foam being restored somewhat with boiling water. Good detailed video too. Thanks.

[@AndrewNewton]

First time I have actually used this method.

[@icecream547]

Another great video! I’m new to RC flying and have had a few smaller models but really want a bigger plane to cruise around. There were some truly epic shots in your review flying by the ocean with the surf splashing up.....magic. Anyway I will get one soon. Your reviews have resulted in a buying spree. I have in the box a Hookll PT-17 1200mm Hookll P51, Durafly Spitfire Mk24 1100mm ... they will stay there until I get more experience!

[@AndrewNewton]

I like your plan. Instant cool fleet there.

[@kevalinopicks5555]

Love the Ranger 1600.

[@wmdayman]

Thanks Andrew, your review is greatly appreciated.

[@AndrewNewton]

So it your comment William

[@KenKneknaneek]

Great demo as usual and liked the scraping of the leaves ending in the word "subscribe" ha ha you are getting so good at making videos lol, nice job. Waiting now to see the first flight of the Vol. Ranger 1600. Happy Flying

[@AndrewNewton]

Well I'm having fun, that's what counts.

[@julianhumphrey4843]

Mine is the plug an play 1600, had it near on 2 years, love it, its the plane that i learnt to fly fixed wing with and still in pretty good shape, but i have got 2000 wings coming so it will be both, and going to do a full rebuild using MG servo`s and a 2216 sunnysky motor

[@sams9716]

The one I have is the PNP. One thing to watch out for is the set screw on the motor for the outer bell. Mine got loose on me and had no power. Plan on getting a new one like the one you have on your kit version as I fly on 4S mostly now.

[@AndrewNewton]

Thanks for the motor screw tip. Yes 2836 1200kV is perfect

[@cameronwilliams3042]

What a beauty!

[@andy1514-g1q]

that box looks like it's been banged good!

[@AndrewNewton]

Banged very good!

[@tim7402]

Hi Andrew from Thailand. I just did my first flights on my Ranger 1600. Firstly your advice on the "Deny the Dip" video was bang on and I had always shoved full throttle on my past tosses with EDFs and many other models (got 30 yrs. Of hand launches) so I was hesitant to try a maiden on about half to three quarters power for the toss - but I did !!! Had good success noting some dip but NOT huge thanks to your help. Running mine "stock" on Gens Ace 2200 3s 60C. It's a heavyweight bird but getting 15 min flts with reserve if needed. I'd like to try an APC 8 X 4e prop, maybe get some added thrust ??? Comments appreciated. Cheers Mate.

[@AndrewNewton]

Great to hear Tim. The throw is more important than the throttle

[@prestonshute7243]

Super video but you needed to save some hot water for your tea. 😂 Looking forward to the flight & soar video. Cheers

[@AndrewNewton]

Made sure to refill. I have learned that is helps with domestic harmony

[@GroundControlRC]

Definitely not bad for the money ;-) Nice dent removal technique. I've use that method to straighten foam but not to remove dents. I'll give that a try in the future. Looking forward to the Maiden flight. See you in the Air!

[@AndrewNewton]

It works! First time I have used this method

[@thomasshelley4617]

Perfect timing, just bought one :)

[@EnglishTurbines]

I'm training a friend on a buddy lead with his Ranger 2000...Frankly, it's an epic performer, vice free...and on 4s climbs almost vertically on full power..Makes me want the 1600 for fpv.

[@AndrewNewton]

Vice free describes it well.

[@typxxilps]

hobbyking single day sale 2018 for less than 80$. Arrived late but had no time to build cause house needed repairs first before Winter arrives. Great to see your improvements. Can't wait to see the stock one flying.

[@Lawzy]

Looking forward to that maiden, Andrew. May be a few days looking outside today. I have the PNP ready to build. How did you fabricate the motor mount? Any clues on how to extract and replace the aileron servos? Thanks.

[@AndrewNewton]

Yes, we will all have to be patient unfortunately

[@roadstar499]

Hi Andrew, your links to ranger are not working anymore.... i really am looking for the best deal on the 1600 or smaller one..maybe 1200 mm ...don't want anything bigger than 1600mm... Kit version is what i like... i have all the parts already since i went over board into rc planes etcs a few years back....I have the Volente 1600 glider which is great can't beat the plastic fuses on these birds).... but i want a pusher also,which i may add a camera on and try fpv...You do the best reviews for sure...thanks

[@jimmytheriot8978]

I lost my 1600 trying out my 900mhz long range system , went out 5miles got to excited and pushed it to 7miles then released i only had a 3000mha battery, against the wind on the way back ran out of juice, thats what made me buy the pinpointrc tracking system

[@AndrewNewton]

Oh no! It's always just one fault away with long range

[@MABFR01]

Couldnt find somewhere to land where you would find it more easily I guess, sucks

[@jimmytheriot8978]

@@MABFR01 i actually had the recording of the flight but the flight controller i was using didn't have osd so i didnt have gps coordinates but I was able to watch the recording and locate the field where I went down but the sugar cane was too thick, 3 days later they started harvesting the sugarcane

[@furonwarrior]

Just use clear packing tape over the dent foam... hot water can cause more problems... also, you’re getting 17 amps because it’s not in the air.

[@prophoto1675]

tough is an understatement for this model

[@AndrewNewton]

Yes indeed.

[@damonharris649]

Andrew I have a few of these planes now with plastic gear 9g servos. Can you recommend a quality budget metal gear servo?

[@AndrewNewton]

I use TowerPro MG90 from Banggood or Turnigy TGY9018 from Hobbyking.

[@ianbird5390]

Hi Andrew. Would the PNP Ranger 1600 be ok if I fitted and undercarriage ? I very much liked your review, However, in the UK to pass an 'A' certificate,the plane has to take off rather than hand launch. Your advice is apprecitated. Kind regards, Ian. London. UK.

[@AndrewNewton]

Yes it could handle landing gear easily

[@ianbird5390]

@@AndrewNewton many thanks

[@darabell9193]

Thanks again john w

[@flyingdream777]

Hi Andrew, how does it fly compared to the AXN Cloud Surfer ?

[@AndrewNewton]

Never flown AXN but its very much like a Bixler 2, but bigger, more powerful and tougher.

[@DjArity]

Andrew..thank you for posting this very informative video. Could you refer me to any information on what types of cameras will be good to install on this model ? I don't see anything in the PDF manuals to indicate what would work best or how to fit/install anything FPV. If you already have a video, can you point me in the right direction? Thank you again.

[@AndrewNewton]

Any camera up to a GoPro would be OK, it can handle the drag and extra weight easily. I use a Runcam2 4K for HD and any 16:9 FPV camera with 2.1mm lens or wider.

[@marhar2]

Have you tried a HK Bixler 2? They look pretty similar, how does this compare?

[@AndrewNewton]

B2 was my first bought plane, on my second now. Originally bought the Ranger 1600 to be a bigger B2 and it is exactly that, a bigger tougher Bixler 2

[@ozzinedyoutubechannel1851]

Hi Andrew what glue is used to repair the fuselage plastics ?.....or is it chuck away ? please ?

[@AndrewNewton]

Best to ask these guys facebook.com/groups/211495486116748/

[@olekolef773]

Hi Andrew. Love your content. Bought many of your Revued planes. Razor bixler phoenix 2000/2400 lightning. Arwing etc.I put the rozor fc on the phoenix 2000 and on maiden it works perfect for 3 or 4 flights. Than on the 5th it went in a heavy dive crash for some reason am I don’t know why. Perhaps of the pusher horns not glued in?or the stock servos failed. Or the clevis snaps up because not using the secure tub? Or the Razor fc? Anyway I bought a new phoenix 😂

[@olekolef773]

Ranger 1600 of course too

[@olekolef773]

I don’t flew them all of course because I’m still beginner. Started with skysurfer,drift,razor, phoenix 2000 and destroyd them all

[@AndrewNewton]

Could be any of those things. Best to learn how to fly without crashing first, then add an FC

[@razvanmocanu8178]

Hi Andrew, Great video! What kind of protective tape did you applied on your older Ranger 1600 ? I bought the Ranger 16000 PNP version , its my first RC plane, I only have experience on simulator and I would like to protect it as much as possible. Thanks !

[@AndrewNewton]

Good luck, it's a great plane. 50mm clear packing tape, heavy duty 60micron if you can find it

[@emeriodiaz5222]

Hi Andrew... I really enjoy your videos and I am an avid watcher. I recently bought the Volantex Ranger 1600 and find that the supplied servos may be a little bit flimsy. Have you thought of replacing the servos, if so how would you suggest taking out the aileron servos, and what would you replace them with. Also what motor would you install on the bird__I heard that it sort of rattles a bit. I really appreciate your suggestions. Thank you very much, Emerio.

[@AndrewNewton]

Thanks Emerio. I would fly with the installed gear to start with. Have a look at all my other Ranger 1600 video for alternative motor and servos. Just have to carefully pull the servos out, maybe slide a knife down the sides to separate the glue.

[@jerrynormandin2892]

Andrew. I am building the plug n play ranger 1600. I have the pushrods connected as stated in the directions. Up and down elevator travel doesn't look right to me. Too little. What should it be ?

[@AndrewNewton]

Mine has elevator throws abuot 10mm up and 10mm down. Ailerons are about 13mm up and 10mm down

[@justme.9711]

Is this a replacement for the Firstar?

[@AndrewNewton]

Yes, much better version

[@justme.9711]

Some people I know are like the bixlar, but I preferred the larger firstar. Is this better to fly than the firstar and if so - where is it better, OR, is it just better and that's that....

[@AndrewNewton]

Which Firstar are you asking about?

[@justme.9711]

@@AndrewNewton I think it was a 1600, hobby king used to have them.

[@jibbajabba4597]

Ha! Those tail screws are not awkward for us lefties lol. Left handed I meant, not the other kind of leftie.

[@AndrewNewton]

Curse your leftie dexterity

[@jibbajabba4597]

Andrew Newton another advantage of being cack handed is it's easy to catch your wing while still maintaining control of it, but we still haven't got left handed potato peelers though... ;)

[@bleeksbentbits3150]

One 'arrow' I'd definitely like to add to my quiver- when finances allow it!

[@paulmason114]

Hi Andrew is there anywhere in Ausi I can get this as a kit or PNP, Banggood seem to be the only one selling it as pnp, like you I am from a land under NZ they want high shipping price great reviews keep it up

[@AndrewNewton]

HobbyKing used to stock it

[@planksimonproduktion9399]

Can ypu fly this pnp version on 4s too or will o damage something if i try?

[@AndrewNewton]

4S is no problem, maybe don't go full throttle for too long

[@planksimonproduktion9399]

@@AndrewNewton thank you! Have a nice day.

[@ab7rs]

I'm not sure if you use your ranger 1600 in this way but I am a mail man and take my planes with me. In your opinion would the ranger wing system survive taking them off and on on a regular basis? Thank you

[@AndrewNewton]

I dont have to break mine down usually but it would work better than a lot of other wing connection systems for repeated use.

[@ianbird5390]

Hi Andrew, Re: Volantex Ranger 1600 Mods/upgrade, you installed NMT Propdrive 2836 1200 kV to run with 4s mAh 3000 Did you install a higher amp Esc ? The propdrive motor suggest a 50-60 amp Esc. Your thoughts would be appreciated. With thanks, Ian Bird. London UK.

[@AndrewNewton]

Depends on the prop. My 8x4 was only drawing 20A maximum so a 30A ESC was fine

[@ianbird5390]

Hi Andrew, Many thanks for fast reply. Am using 8x4 prop.

[@wadedittus3552]

Mr. Newton I'm assembling my ranger 1600. I have found the plugs for the wings not marked. Is this a problem. Does it matter?

[@wadedittus3552]

It seems like I can not send pictures of what in looking at. The controller plugs I can not access to plug in to the receiver or wings. Do I need to take the fuselage apart?

[@AndrewNewton]

What do you mean? If he servo wires are not long enough then you need to buy extensions.

[@hansvandendoel8488]

Hello Andrew, first : congrats with your great program: love it! Your thoughts: Bixler 1.1 v2 or this great Volantex 1600 To buy them both, haha is also a possibility. I am a beginner pilot!

[@AndrewNewton]

You have good taste in planes. They are different enough to have both. Bixler 1 for learning, Ranger 1600 for faster longer further and FPV

[@hansvandendoel8488]

Andrew Newton Hello Andrew, thanks for your reply, makes me 👍. You wrote what I am thinking: both planes. 🤩 Plse continue with your super videos on KZbin!

[@scalerc2842]

Nice vid Andrew, When was the last time you took your T-28 for a spin?

[@AndrewNewton]

Last time was to demo the 200º roll gimbal 3 months ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kILQkpyXrr2CZ8k

[@rigo4080]

question the fuselage in not to heave?

[@AndrewNewton]

Too heavy? Just right

[@darabell9193]

I am building a hobby king piper j-3 cub 1800mm wingspan could you suggest a servo I would like to use metal gear ,you have mentioned servos you are now using but I cannot find it on your video thanks John woodfine Traralgon

[@AndrewNewton]

From Hobby King I like these hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigytm-tgy-9018mg-mg-servo-2-5kg-0-10sec-13g.html From Banggood I like these www.banggood.com/6X-Towerpro-MG90S-Metal-Gear-RC-Micro-Servo-p-1072260.html

[@martinverbaas]

Does the DJI air unit fit?

[@AndrewNewton]

Easily, although I dont have one

[@Swimfinz]

Andrew----my Voltatex 1600 is enroute!

[@AndrewNewton]

Excellent choice. To avoid the dip on launch you need to give it a strong throw and just above half throttle.

[@Swimfinz]

@@AndrewNewton ..thank you! Lovely videos. Love the use of your electric kettle to rid your wing of shipping dings.

[@toolbaggers]

1:38 🦄

[@AndrewNewton]

Stickers?

[@SteveGergetz]

Don't make us wait for the maiden!!!

[@AndrewNewton]

Winter has returned unfortunately.

[@SteveGergetz]

@@AndrewNewton Nooooo! Can't you watch for a "not-too-bad" day and squeeze that maiden in?

[@AndrewNewton]

Watching hourly Steve. I'm busting to get it in the air.

[@rcflyer3984]

China shipping received my Sonic model binary on Thursday both aileron snapped off.

[@AndrewNewton]

Damn!

[@MABFR01]

Fuck, bought mine a week and a half ago. Hope everything arrives fine

[@MABFR01]

Where did you get it?

[@rcflyer3984]

@@MABFR01 I bought it from banggood mate

[@rcflyer3984]

@@MABFR01 the problem is there's no support in the box anything sat on top of the box and it'll squashed down and the first things to be hit is the wings. I hope you have better luck than me Mark.

[@cliffordbradley5579]

Very amusing as you say it’s brilliant and then give a list of faults as long as your arm 😹

[@AndrewNewton]

Not perfect but still an all time favourite for me.

[@cliffordbradley5579]

I agree….just bought one and think it’s great value. Have you tried launching with flaperons employed. It’s something I’ve been considering hoping that it will reduce the ‘dip’.

[@AndrewNewton]

No but it's worth trying

[@jacksampson7711]

I thought I was gonna love this plane after my RMRC Strix Stratosurfer flew away on my. For some reason this plane just does not fly that well. It seems way under powered and not easy to control. I bought the pnf kit and made sure my cg was on point. Recently it caught a gust of wind and smashed in to the ground. Either need to buy a new fuse or repair the old one some how. If I get it flying again I will most likely just do a death flight.

[@AndrewNewton]

Cant be set up correctly. Mine was wonderful, but I do prefer it with 1100kv and 4S

[@ChrisCanMakeStuff]

The box looks promising.... EDIT: Disappointment @2:20 :(

[@AndrewNewton]

No the best box unfortunately

[@berkanoncel6002]

First....