How much to wind?

[Science17]

When I wind 1500 winds, the plane flies normally but I want it to go higher, so I winded it to 1800 winds but now it just dives to the ground. What is the problem?

[Kyle_Guo]

I have the same problem. When I increase more winds, the opposite takes effect, Instead of more lift from the higher torque, it shoots down immediately.

[bernard]

When I wind 1500 winds, the plane flies normally but I want it to go higher, so I winded it to 1800 winds but now it just dives to the ground. What is the problem?

Your motor stick may be bowing. As you add more winds. your motor shortens and pulls on the two motor hooks more, possibly causing your motor stick to bow more, decreasing your front wing incidence and decalage. Look at this video where the plane initially descends, then climbs. This can be a useful trick for short rooms.

To fix bowing, stiffen your stick by adding a vertical post perpendicular to the motor stick, and gluing carbon fiber running from the nose of the plane, over the post, to the tail hook end of the plane. There are other ways to stiffen motor sticks that increase mass more.

[Kyle_Guo]

My Motor stick is very stiff. It light density balsa stick reinforced with higher density balsa plates (running along the entire stick) covering the lighter density balsa. It will not bend. If I tried harder, it would snap. I also observe that with full winds, the MS does not warp or bend.

[jander14indoor]

Most likely cause is bending motor stick, as already mentioned. Classic behavior with these planes if you aren't aware.

If you are SURE your motor stick isn't bending (check it with a ruler, no motor, and again with a fully wound motor, check that the tail boom isn't drooping too) it could be excessive down thrust on the prop.

Another possibility, is the plane taking on a harder bank and possibly rolling left into the ground? If so, you might add more left wing wash in.

Jeff Anderson
Livonia, MI

[mchoi595]

The best solution would be to add a little scrap piece of balsa beneath the wing and staff which will create more lift in the front, this should make the plane fly higher

[Kyle_Guo]

I added more left wash-in and the plane flew normally at higher torque.