Review: HobbyKing 950mm DLG
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- Опубліковано 13 жов 2024
- The HobbyKing 950mm DLG looks to be a great way to get started in the Discus Launch Glider aspect of the hobby for a relatively small amount of money.
In the end, I used 2S 180mAH lipo and a tiny SBEC from RCTimer. This, combined with the FrSky 4-channel receiver put the CG in exactly the right place and provided flawless control.
Here are the pro's and cons:
Pluses:
very quick build time, less than 5 minutes requiring only a single screwdriver
very compact and easy to transport (wing can be removed and re-fitted in just a minute)
nice construction quality, warp-free
Cons:
elevator pushrod on mine was a little too long and had to be "kinked" to shorten it
plastic "pod" up front may crack/fracture in a crash
no spare nylon wing bolts included in case of crash
Flight characteristics: The model launches well, although its light weight and basic flat-bottomed wing section mean it doesn't reach as much altitude as a larger and more sophisticated model will. Despite performing the flight test in the rain, the hang time was remarkably good for such a basic model. Rudder and elevator are more than powerful enough to provide excellent control.
Summary:
Yes, I would buy this model again and so long as you have a suitable receiver and battery (or battery/UBEC) setup it's a super-simple way to get into DLG.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 in all area.
Notes:
The wife is trying hard but still has some way to go on camera.
Flight tests filmed at secret locations :-)
Really enjoyed that Bruce,looked at that dlg myself,for something a little different.
Tell your good lady wife,not to worry about filming wibbly wobbly as Barry is far wobblier.
Hi Bruce, Great video and great Wife-cam! I saw your video a few days back and ordered one of these. Mine had warped wings which I squared up with hot iron and had to add some ballast to right wing, this little model flies remarkably well and is well worth the cash!! Recommended!
Well done Bruce! This might get me into DLG glider flying as well. Bonus points for getting the wife involved.
I do like the look of that. For such a small bird it was doing rather well in those conditions.
The videographer is far better than I am and should be proud that she got the plane in frame so much. I rarely do unless I use a wide angle lens. And even then I often miss :(
Very cool small DLG! You hit the nail on the head on all the downfalls of the smaller DLG's. But the fun is no less!
Great to see you flying again Bruce!
great video. saved by the best camera person I have ever seen on UA-cam! You better keep that one happy Bruce!
Bruce, tell your wife, she did very well with the video under difficult conditions, grey skies. I'm sure she would have had an easier time under blue skies. Good job!
Good to see you behind the sticks again!
Great video, Bruce. Tell the missus she did a fine job videoing the flight
That looks like a lot of fun! No muss, no fuss - just flying :)
Great Review Bruce! I have one and it's served me well for many months. So far I have rebuilt the Vert Stab from to many draggy end landings and working on more hand catches. Best I got was near 4mins in a little thermal it bumped into. Most glides are generally in the 30-50s range. With decent weather it can hang for 1-1:30s. I have her stock (apart from the vert stab) with a orange 4chnl Rx, 1s 250lipo and voltage Booster. A little blue tack in the nose for added nose weight as it gets windy here. Some mods were a layer of Glass around the wing mount post as some tears occur in the CF over time. I love it for its cost and makes a great entry into DLG
Good review thanks Bruce.
Love your relaxed looking throw technique.
Your dear wife did a great job behind the lens. Keith.
That looks like a great little glider, Bruce! I'm glad that you got out for a bit of a fly. Do tell the wife that she did well with the camera.
Great stuff... Feeling a little nauseous after the flight video but I'm quite impressed... A fair departure from my 50cc gasses but I'm tempted to give it a go.. Always looking for something to stick in the back of the car... many thanks Bruce...
A great review Bruce! I was thinking about getting one of these, and when I saw how well it climbed from your full spin launch, I was convinced! Hmm, I'll have to convert my Tx to Mode2 and learn to fly gliders like that as I'm a right hander. I even won the "Throwing The Cricket Ball" comp at school. (49 years ago)
I must admit that's the first time I've seen a "DLG" in operation and it really does look really challenging, in a good way, tho alas due to my disability it's not going to fly here. Really glad to hear your voice has all but returned to normal. Oh and Mrs S. did a great job with the camera (Sorry Barry). My wife also says hi to the guy who says "Sivin" (Seven) but what does she know as she's from LA. All the best = Nidge in Otley.
I got a Vladimir models ELF and its just amazing both how it fly's (1min dead air time) and the quality you should take a look at one Bruce!
And one of the biggest advantages is the flying weight of 96 grams. The ELF is really amazing.
Hi Bruce
nice to see you again in the great white open.
You could do with some sunlight!
Nice to see you getting a bit of stick time there Bruce.
You really know your stuff. Very informative. You never leave me wongering more.
Bruce, any chance you could do a video on how to setup a transmitter for DLGs please?
***** Thanks for the reply, that's OK then, I just heard about people having fancy mixes set up for the launch, Thanks
Chris Blackburn Ask flitetest to make a episode like that. David is a big fan of DLG gliders and I know he have some ''advanced'' mixes for his planes,
Have a look at flitetests DLG video, they show how david has his set up, its just a switch that he holds to give a little extra pitch to maximise lift during launch I think
Great to see it flying so well.......I was wondering how it would go early in the review....Thanks...Laurie
Nice DLG and what a nice plan to be a rebel/outlaw pilot. Tell you're wife she did a great job with the camera. I love her accent. "...a little bit jerky".
Thanks for the review. Building a scratch Alula like DLG and watching your review! Congratulations
Hi Bruce,
Great reviews, pity Google+ is messing up UA-cam.
Keep up the good work
Try to program a tad of down elevator on a switch for a "Launch "mode, so it does not go on a steep climb and almost stalls when you launch it and it will allow you to execute more powerful Discus Launches which will result is better height.
With DLG I had a lot of fun and it is somehow relaxing.
Bruce, great review and as Chris requested, please do a set up video.. just ordered one.
I got the umx whipit as I was unsure if I'd like dlg flight. Needless to say I've just ordered this little dlg looking forward to flying it soon
Your wife did a fine job on the camera. You should team up more with her on projects. Do a road trip with her and bring some of your planes. Hope to see the Taft Viper Jet when you are able to fly it.
Awesome! I've been wanting one of these for a LONG time! Good to hear a positive review, and if it came from you, then I know I can trust it. Glad you're getting some stick time, your wife did a great job! "WifeCam" rofl!
Please let us know what weight battery you end up using Bruce, so I can order up a couple of something similar when I buy the glider. And tell the missus that her camera work is a good average and better than many.
Hi Bruce,
I got one of these to get my 12 Year old into RC. He took to this model very fast. My two nephews also got one each to get into the hobby. We put one of the HK altimeters in ours to record the flights. We normally get 30m+ height and flights of 40s typical. Many over 1 minute. The best was 2:30. I am left handed he is right handed so we have a peg on both sides. The wing is a bit fragile I dented the balsa on a catch.
The problem we had was with the wing bolts coming out. On one launch a bolt popped and the force ripped the canopy off. The logger recorded it alone reaching 15 meters :) I had to rebuild the canopy and replace the servos but it flew great again.
My dog also bit a hole in the wing but thats not the plane's fault!
Great review! I love the close-up shots. Looks like a lot fun to fly a glider like this :D
Wife-cam was hilarious! Thanks for review, I am looking into either this model or the slightly more expensive composite DLG (green + black wings)... I heard it suggested on another video to not get the PNF version of this plane but the ARF, I think I heard that from you bruce.
I have a rather noobish question: I am returning to gliding as a hobby some 15 years after being into it with my Dad. I have a 2 channel Futaba remote, could I just use it and its frequency with a new glider such as this DLG? I know it seems obviously yes, but I was unsure if there have been any fundamental changes to transmitter/receiver RC technology in all these years that would mean I'd need a new remote. Thanks
Hi Bruce you got me into DLG, watched your video along with other dlg vids, very helpful, not much videos on Radio set up, as well as thermals ,what they are and how I find them. Any ways waiting for HK versus (Topsky I think) to arrive, just throwing ideas, Thinking this is the new Trend, LOL!!
Nice ! Ive been looking at this model to be my first cheap dlg .. Now to explain how good a deal it is to the wife :)
what a nice little model. tell the wife that she did a great job filming!
Fantastic more more more Bruce !
Good review Bruce enjoyed watching
I was really surprised how much altitude you can get from the disc style launch.
Tell your wife that she did a good job! It wasn't a speck in the sky and she followed the plane very well!
Good afternoon. Tell me, please, do you have drawings of the wing consoles of these gliders? Interested in the balsa wings of this white glider.
Bruce, please post more videos more frequently!
I have one of these had issues with the canopy flying off during dlg and the electrics all disconnect and the plane falls to the ground. Nose smashed but everything else was good. The tail fin is also a bit weak.
Looks clean. Might be fun in lite slope lift, like an Alula.
You forgot the Official Notice: No babies were killed or otherwise injured in the making of this video.
Excellent review on this cute little DLG. I'm considering getting back into RC aircraft after a decades long hiatus (not much experience to speak of back then, just a few hours), but have a pretty good idea of how planes fly, as I've had 11 hours of dual instruction in a sailplane, and fly X-Plane 10. So, having said all of that , how would this little thing compare to a dream-flight Libelle? I know there is more surface area with the later, and I do like the idea of getting a bit of performance growth out of any trainer that I would purchase. Oh, no real slope opportunities in my area, so it would be hand launch only (-unfortunately). Many thanks for your feedback...
+Daniel Berry The Libelle is a failure as a DLG - but a fair slope soarer. Most cheap rtf DLGs are soft and heavy and disappointing - Fling and Apollo included. The latest yellow Unique that HK are selling and the one with the ailerons are too heavy. This white one is probably ok as an intro to DLG but is not for beginners. If you can build from a kit then look for the QFII or DL50 from Mountain Models or the Gambler. For a scratch build the Evolution is excellent, Mimi is good and plans are available for the Gambler and QFII. RCGroups.com have all the info.
+Wayne Russell Thanks for that very thorough reply, it's very much appreciated...
you can always do bungee launch.... I get a lot of fun and quite long flights. .. on days with cumulus it's great. ... I botch an acipiter badius electric glider for like 20 or 30 bucks and was quite impressed my first flight lasted only couple minutes ... bright it in to adjust mechanical trim.... the second flight with that thing lasted 45 minutes and I only used the motor to get up the first climb all the rest was Thermal ... only problem with it was so small if you get into a boomer it could be out of sight in no time. ...... I have a few gliders ....bird of time is my fave because it's big enough to see at high altitude. ... I have a foam 8 ft span aileron eleven rud spoiler bungee launch that I love and can't remember the name. .. I have an electric aspire few I have built from old school plans some that I built from pictures and some right out of my mind with no plans just start building. ... I have some total of about 60 altogether mostly glow electric one diesel and some 20 helicopters
+jolllyroger1 I forgot to say right this minute in building a very small 18 inch span SG 38 because I'm planning to build a full scale one soon and wanted to get a feel for its construction and flight character
+jolllyroger1 Thanks for that feedback, and I tried bungee launches a few times, way back when, and for me it is too much trouble. For example, trying to find a convenient launch site where you do not have to worry about people tripping over the bungee, etc. And after reading more about DLG sailplanes, it seems that most people do not get very long flights all that often, maybe a minute or two, unless you hit a thermal, and even then, thermals do not usually stick around in the same area all that long.
So, I have decided that if I do get back into RC flying, that it will be e-powered sailplanes, starting out with a Bixler 2, and focusing on ALES / F5J soaring eventually.
* However, for me, there is nothing like flying the real thing, so I just might start saving my money for a full-scale Wills Wing hang glider, because in another year or two, I am planning to move to an area that has some fairly decent slope soaring locations, and, pretty good thermal activity in other locations as well, and sometimes those two areas can overlap quite a bit, which makes for some awesome, hours long flying.
** Looks like you and I both want to do full-scale flying! I never heard of an SG-38 before, just looked at a few YT videos, and wow, that is one gorgeous old time bird! Hope you do it, and I'm looking forward to seeing those vides!
Hello, great video, I bought that DLG glider a few months, tried to flew it once but it kept going by itself to the left even if I was giving right direction with the Rc, hope you can help me out, thank you
Brilliant review Bruce!
Bruce; How does this match to your Mountain Model DLC ?
will be ordering mine very soon :)
great intro into dlg's thansk mate.
hi, I enjoed your video! i have one question for you. just I bought a mini DLG PRO and i have the RC FS T4B. I dont know if I can set up with this plane. if I can what I have to do? I need the driver?
Great review, love the close up
You Sir inspire me!
Nice video.
I think I'd have to buy two, as my first DLG launch would probably result in catastrophic results, LOL.
HI
did the single cell lipo work out
can you tell me if the 7ch futaba receiver will fit and work from 1 cell lipo, if not can you suggest a cheap one
Cheers
Great Review and flight Video ***** looks like its a keeper for sure
I think your wife did quite well on the video considering the plane was not flying as predictably as it could have :) Thanks for the review.
Nice video. Could set and listen to the wife narrate all day. The accent I guess. ;) real good job both of you
what a sweet fly
Bruce you should have you Mrs teach Barry how to shoot some video :) Nice video. Thanks
Wife-cam AND wife-voice! Is that a first? Still, a dream if compared with Barry-cam (love Barry though).
That doesn't look like the Taranis, what radio you flying with?
Mrs. Xjet you did a fine job, better than Barry! Sorry Barry :)
Tell your wife I think she did a good job on the camera. It's not easy to follow planes on video. Thumbs up
Yep - not too shabby for a rookie. She is miles better than Barry for sure!
Hohoho, what a glider!
You have the CG 90 mm from the leading edge of the wing ?
nice video, could I use a normal sized rx and a 2s lipo in this?
Hi Bruce, Can you use these for slope soaring?
Probably
***** how were you able to fly it I thought your council changed there regs so you could not fly at parks without wings I should probably look into the regs in tauranga
***** Ha ha OK good luck on getting you wings back our new zealand govt are bloddy muppets you can't fly but yet people can have drones to fly round there farm to herd there sheep and do other stuff :(
***** I was expecting the FAA to show up and handcuff you and send the attack dogs after you playing with your toy! Love your videos sir.
That's nice of them to think of the wrong-handed people too.
;)
nice man ! She did good filming!
I seem to recall that a non powered model has different regulations which is why he is allowed to fly
Most amusing cameraperson :)
The canopy is not strong, if you will do full dlg launch it may broke, I hardened mine with epoxy and carbon strands.
Tip for the wife: Don't touch the zoom button. All RC clips are ruined by the use of the zoom buttons on a cam.
Nice review!!
good show.
Show us your voltage boost circuit
thumbs up for wife cam!
Mrs. Xjet has a nice voice.
love it!
Looks like a little ripper. Cheers.
Wife Cam review.. not as bad as you think, like every thing practice and you'll be better than barry : ).
actually you do get lift in rain .... just as soon as it passes you will have strong lift and from the sight of and sound of that weather you have lots of lift developing .....just might be coming or going
+jolllyroger Yes storms create strong lift. Enough to keep heavy gliders up with motors and batteries. Ive done it.
+Ell198679 but in rain the odds of up draft are much less however in slopes the direction of wind to slope determines lift
at altitude if you fly into the portion of a storm cloud that is raining and there is clear sky around you are very likely to be in heavy sink and on the edge of the Rain you will likely find shear.... ..... the area surrounding the rain area will likely be lift
Bruce, tell your wife she's NOT a terrible camera person ! ;) :D
I want one :)
It ain't no Barry cam but I guess it works.
Tell the wife to stay zoomed out until the plane is near the ground then she has a backround reference to track it, an can zoom in for a tighter shot.
I think your wife did quite well!
Wife-Cam > Barry-Cam :op
Oooh look - no body's thumbs downed this video yet.
Think I'll do it, just to see if I get a buzz out of it.
Nope didn't feel a thing!!!!
I got the same chip as chips scale :-)
Wife-Cam or Barry-Cam its a close call :D
Not to bad.
Better than berrycam!
Not a big deal, but your lighting is a bit weak. Have you painted the walls white? The one behind you looks a bit grey.
thw wife-cam was really enoying
+toukasz i think you mean annoying
You are better off getting a camera and straping it to your head to self record as i seen other youtubers do. If the wife-cam must be used please disable the zoom function as it makes it even harder to track objects if you zoom in.
Side85Winder Sorry, I meant annoying xD Also, why are you tell me this?...
"why are you tell me this" Because your grammar is bad...
toukasz Enjoy and Annoy together
Lol Wife cam!!
Hahahaha Paul McCartney
Oh I for got to mention Bruce ur all wet mate. :)