X-UFO upgrade path

From UfoWiki

The Silverlit X-UFO can be upgraded in relatively small steps from its original "toy" state to a high quality, high power, "professional" model aircraft.

Contents 1 General upgrades 2 DIY upgrades 3 Historic commercial upgrades 4 Currently available commercial upgrades 5 Upcoming commercial upgrades

[edit] General upgrades

Some general RC flight components can be used to improve the X-UFO:

• Lipoly battery packs for the X-UFO

replacing the standard NiMH battery pack by a lighter and more powerful Lipoly battery, for a dramatic increase in flight time per charge and more agility.

• RC transmitters for the X-UFO

replacing the standard X-UFO transmitter with a more reliable, more precise professional RC transmitter

Often used transmitters for the X-Ufo:

Futaba:

-

Graupner MX12:

High quality transmitter by Graupner; one of the most often used transmitters to replace the original X-Ufo-TX. The original transmitter has a bad reputation regarding its short range (often not much more then 10m) and its temperature sensitivity, and it often doesn't work well with rechargable batteries. Note that the transmitter, when sold stand-alone, does not come with crystal pairs! You might consider buying a complete set; but even then you need to purchase a battery loader (the battery itself is included in the set)! The receiver crystal in the X-Ufo can simply be replaced by the new Graupner crystal. The X-Ufo main board ("china board") is quite tolerant regarding the TX/RX frequency band, so usually there is no need for further modifications. The programming of the MX12-transmitter is described - by forum member NO.3 - here: http://forum.xufo.net/bb/viewtopic.php?p=9341#9341

When using the X-Base, programming of the transmitter is not necessary; instead the calibration can be done using the X-Control PC software.

[edit] DIY upgrades

• Plottermod

Modification of the standard Mech-Gyro to use electronic gyro elements instead of the spinning disc.

[edit] Historic commercial upgrades

Upgrades that were previously available but are no longer being produced.

• Hammer frames, a.k.a. X-Frames

A series of sturdier, more flexible and very stylish replacement frames made of carbon and/or aluminium, plus optional aluminium motor mounts and gearwheel protectors, designed by "Hammer" and produced by CADmium - now apparently discontinued.

• Q4 frames

Successor to the Hammer frame series, similar design. Production and availability status unclear.

[edit] Currently available commercial upgrades

Several components have been developed specially for improving the X-UFO and can be bought at the X-UFO Shop

• Lipoly sets

Lipoly battery packs, chargers and balancers selected for suitability with the X-UFO.

• Ascending Technologies X-3D

An electronic heading-hold gyroscope, replacing the standard Mech-Gyro

• Ascending Technologies X-CSM

A sturdier, more reliable and more elegant replacement frame made of carbon-balsa-carbon "sandwich" arms and a magnesium core cell.

• Ascending Technologies X-Base and a special ACT receiver

A new mainboard replacing the infamous "china board" and adds the option to install the BL-kit.

• Johnson motor mounts

Aluminium motor mounts replacing the plastic mounts on the X-UFO's standard frame and on Hammer frames.

[edit] Upcoming commercial upgrades

• Ascending Technologies X-BL kit

A set of brushless direct-drive motors and brushless motor controllers for dramatically increased thrust and stability, and reduced noise.

• Ascending Technologies X-ACC

An add-on module for the X-Base containing accelerometers, simplifying the flight controls.