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February 9th, 2009, 02:04 PM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New Mexico, USA
Posts: 30
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Slow Stick AP modifications
I’m interested in aerial photography and have converted a number of different models into successful AP platforms, but the GWS Slow Stick is my favorite for a number of reasons. The stick fuselage allows the components to be moved around easily for fine-tuning the CG, it allows for simple and adaptable mounts of camera equipment, and it's low wing loading means it can carry a bunch of extras. For this particular plane I used a plywood battery tray, control horns (the ones that come stock are very flimsy) and an adjustable motor mount (so the plane doesn't start looping at full throttle). I custom fabricated an aluminum landing gear set to which I attached a foam dampened ballhead camera mount. The gear set deflects nicely on hard landings but keeps its shape. I tried to come down stiff on a few touch-and-gos and it performed flawlessly. I used Hitec HS-65 servos mounted in the back (alleviating pushrod flex and helping balance the forward placement of my landing gear). The most important part was the motor… I hunted for quite a while to find one that would pull my plane and camera around the way I wanted it pulled around (it’s 27oz. without the camera). I finally decided on a JustGoFly 550XT. It is extremely nice. I haven’t had this much fun with a slow stick in a long time. I set it up with a 3S 2200mAh Lipo, a 30A ESC, and a 12 X 4.7 APC prop. Without the camera it will lift off in about 10 feet and do infinite vertical. With the camera and triggering servo it will do close to vertical and will still slow to floater speed for pictures. Add a breeze and the plane will hover. This is a great set-up. I’ll post some aerial shots as soon as the nasty wind settles down.
The landing gear set with ballhead camera mount:
Tha fabulous 550XT JustGoFly motor and the adjustable motor mount:
The high contrast underbelly... helps in maintaining orientation at really high altitude:
and a short little cheesy video:
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February 9th, 2009, 03:41 PM
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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Bakersfield, California USA
Posts: 59
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Oh verrrrry nice Damon verrrry nice.
__________________
Shut up a FLY already 
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February 9th, 2009, 06:48 PM
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 19
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Thats such a beautiful thing.... 
Skipper Likes it, Right Skipper?  (Squawk)
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February 9th, 2009, 08:44 PM
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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Melbourne - Australia
Posts: 35
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Very Nice Damon, love the colors!
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February 10th, 2009, 08:32 AM
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Administrator
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 291
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wow nice pics Damon! 
__________________
...I see you. 
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February 10th, 2009, 10:28 PM
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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Turnersville,NJ
Posts: 30
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Slow stick
Nice Job on that Slow Stick Damon .
I aways take my slow stick whit me love it.
Now I Want More POWER !
I am useing TP 2410-9 /prop EP 1147 from http://www.HeadsUpRC.com
and i upgrade the wing
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February 10th, 2009, 11:17 PM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New Mexico, USA
Posts: 30
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Thanks for the comments everyone!
hisky3d,
I definitely recommend the upgrade... a stock wing needs to be reinforced but the added performance, response, speed, and maneuverability is sooooo worth it. I've always enjoyed the slow stick, but that 550XT opened up a whole new realm of appreciation for it. I'm thinking about building another one!
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February 27th, 2009, 06:38 AM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New Mexico, USA
Posts: 30
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Here's an animated .gif of the camera mount:
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February 28th, 2009, 04:48 PM
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Duckeron MOD (aka "Dred")
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Ohio, USA
Posts: 735
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hahaha, Damon, that's an awesome camera mount.
Love the rotating system. =D
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Linear Mode
