Multiplex Solius
The Multiplex motor speed controller and the battery hold-down strap are installed in the fuselage.
The wings are also carefully built and ful- ly assembled. Each wing half includes an in- ternal aluminum tube spar and joiner. The wing roots incorporate molded plastic com- ponents that allow the wing halves to con- nect and be held firmly when fitted to each other. Mounted wing stiffness is quite good with this mount mechanism, and the compo- nents are designed to release when neces- sary in event of a crash.
The wing servos are installed, linkages constructed, and servo extension cables in- stalled. The horizontal stabilizer mounts with two nylon bolts and links to the eleva- tor servo with an ingenious slide-in quick- connect hardware fitting. Decals are al- ready applied to the wings, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer.
The only QA issue found in this kit. One of the four servo extension wires coming from the tail was outside the hold downs, and was caught in glue when the kit was built at the factory. When pulled out to clear the battery path, some insulation pulled off. It was repaired with heat shrink tubing.
Assembly
In the RR version the motor, spinner and propeller are already bolted in place. The ESC is wired and secured with sticky- back hook-and-loop tape. Plenty of this tape is provided to mount the radio receiv- er. A circle of hook-and-loop tape is in- stalled as a battery hold down. The battery compartment is not conveniently located, but it is logically located, back near the c.g. where it can be used to fine tune the fore-and-aft balance. If you don’t use a Multiplex battery pack, you’ll need to change the battery connector on the ESC to match your battery pack. A 2200 3S Li- Po battery pack is recommended, but the battery compartment appears visually to be able to accept larger packs which could serve as ballast.
When the receiver and battery pack are installed, bolt on the horizontal stabilizer and center the rudder and elevator. Me- chanical adjustment of the rudder linkage is performed with the hex wrench supplied, and for the elevator by turning the linkage rod, as it’s threaded to the clevis at the ser- vo. Much detail is provided in the building instructions manual.
Ingenious wing joiner mechanism shown disassembled (above). Ingenious wing joiner mechanism shown assembled (below).
A steel ball bearing is provided in the parts packet, to be installed in the fin if more tail weight is needed. Peeling back the decal and white servo cover reveals two more ball bear- ings installed in the tail, and a third hole to receive the ball bearing in the parts packet. A model aircraft
design that uses tail
weights allows the opportunity to substitute instead a heavier and stronger elevator ser- vo if that path seems desirable to the builder. Plug in the wings, insert the wing locking pin and test the aileron servos. Center them mechanically if needed. Set up aileron, rudder and elevator control surface throws in your transmitter according to specifications in the building manual. A good idea suggested in the building instruc- tions is to secure the wing locking pin to the airframe with a loop of string. Check the c.g., charge the battery pack, and it’s now ready to fly.
Flying
For my first launch, a hand toss with mo- tor on gave a solid climb sustained at 45–50 degrees. Cut the motor, level off and the Solius glides just fine… really fine. I quick-
48 DECEMBER 2013
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