Ember 2

Ember 2  Video

Last year, ParkZone introduced a great little indoor/outdoor Ready-To-Fly (RTF) aircraft known as the Ember. Soon after its introduction, Sport Aviator tested this airplane and found it a really fun, beginner’s indoor performer.

While the original Ember flew well in calm outdoor conditions, it really excelled when flown indoors. Its performance was outstanding for an inexpensive RTF indoor aircraft. However, this neat little airplane had one minor drawback. While the Ember’s radio system used the new 2.4 GHz technology, its system was based on DSM technology.

A DSM, 2.4 GHz radio system performs well and has all the advantages common to every 2.4 GHz radio system. These include no possible interference, no need for frequency “rationing” using the pin system and increased safety. However, a DSM receiver must use only a DSM transmitter. Other than the transmitter that arrives with the original Ember, none of the other Spektrum or JR transmitters could operate it. All current Spektrum and JR 2.4 GHz transmitters use the newer DSM2 technology and are not compatible with the original Ember. This limited the original Ember to only an RTF version.

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Enter the new Ember 2 to solve this problem. When I received the ParkZone RTF Ember 2 for testing, I opened the box to see that it closely resembled the original Ember photos I have seen. However, the wing trim colors are blue/black rather than the original Ember’s red/black trim.

The Ember 2 RTF is true RTF airplane in every sense of the word. The system comes complete with all required “AA” batteries for the transmitter and charger, as well as the Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) flight battery for the airplane. The package with this little model is excellent, and what I really like is the fact that you can re-use the box to keep and transport everything back and forth to the flying site.

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The Ember 2 is listed at 16.5” wingspan and 13.25” long. Flying weight is 20 grams. While the transmitter is the PKZ 4-channel Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM2 technology, the Ember 2 uses only three channels – Rudder, Elevator and Throttle. The model is powered by a single-cell, 3.7V 70 mAh Li-Po battery.  

Assembly of this jewel begins by removing everything from the Styrofoam packaging. A nice touch here is the center brace that holds the model firmly in place for transport. This brace just slips into place and is held there by the outer cardboard box. Simple!

Next, install four of the eight included “AA” batteries in the transmitter and the remaining four batteries into the flight battery charger. This takes only a minute or so. While you have the charger in hand, locate the single-cell Li-Po and slip it into the charger so it will be ready when you are. The label side should face outwards from the charger.

I was surprised to find that it only took about 10 minutes to charge the battery the first time! The instructions call for a 20-minute charge time, but this battery obviously had a pretty good charge on it from the factory. That is nice, because it let’s you go out and enjoy flying the Ember 2 just about as soon as you get it assembled.

It also proves that ParkZone knows how to store a Li-Po battery. Because of their chemical nature, Li-Po batteries last the longest when stored at a 50% charge level. Since the battery required only half the charge time, it was stored at the 50% charge level from the factory. This insures maximum battery life.

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The airframe is completely assembled, except for the landing gear. It just slips into place in a small plastic mount just behind the battery pack mount. It is easily removed to go back into the package when needed.

THAT’S IT! You are ready to fly once the battery charger’s red LED goes out. This charger informs you when the battery is beginning to reach maximum charge. When the battery is first inserted into the charger, the charger’s red LED will glow steadily. As the battery reaches the near-full point, the LED begins to rapidly blink. As full-charge is very close, the blink rate slows dramatically. Once the blink rate reaches about once every 15 seconds, the battery is fully charged.

I was eager to try the Ember 2 so I took it outside for the maiden flight. First, I turned on the transmitter, making sure I had the throttle in the idle (low) position. Then, I installed the battery pack into the airplane. The pack has a small dot of hook and loop fastener to help hold it in place. Just slide the battery into the mount and the fastener does the rest! Now, plug in the tiny battery connector, making sure it snaps in place.

I held the model by the center-section of the wing while I tested the controls, including the motor control. Everything moved in the correct direction and the travel looked good on the rudder and elevator. Note that the transmitter is a 4-channel unit, and this airplane is a 3-channel. Therefore ParkZone has elected to set this model up to use the right-hand stick to control elevator and rudder (Mode 2, the most common US format). The left stick controls only the throttle.

If the controls do not move in the correct directions, or if you eventually want to use the compact radio system in another model, this neat little, under-spoken transmitter has servo reversing. To reverse a control’s direction, turn the transmitter off. Then hold down the control’s upper or lower (depending on the direction desired) trim button for 5 seconds until a series of beeps is heard. That control’s direction is now reversed. To return to normal movement, do the same using the other trim button.

In addition to servo reversing, a very cool dual-rate function is also built into this transmitter. Instead of having a switch lever to work the elevator and rudder dual rates, ParkZone had a great idea to put the dual-rate switch ON the elevator/rudder stick. Well, you can’t see the switch, because you actually press in on the stick with your thumb while in flight to go from high to low rates and back again! This really makes changing rates convenient and quick! One press and you are in low rate. Just press again to switch back to high. Cool!!

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So, how does it fly? Just great! This little model has two micro servos for the elevator and rudder, and they work very well indeed. They center well and have plenty of power to take the little model through loops and spirals and even barrel rolls! The motor provides plenty of power to literally jump off the ground! At full throttle it will loop, but with a little dive, it does larger loops. Not only will it move when you peg the throttle, but it also will fly nice and slowly. Really fun in the gym!

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What I really enjoy about the Ember 2 is the great touch-and-goes it performs. Landings are really easy, especially at low rates. But even at high rate, the airplane is easy to control and everyone that flew it commented on how well it flies and how relaxing and enjoyable it is.

During one particular flight at the gym, I passed it to two different pilots who enjoyed taking the model through its paces. When I finally got the transmitter back in my hands, I found that we had the little airplane in the air over 15 minutes! Just cruising around at 1/3 throttle obviously gives you lots of flight time!

But if you really like to push the airplane, flight times could dwindle down to 10 minutes. In this case, purchase the 110 mAh battery, part no.EFLB1101S, originally designed for the MCX mini helicopter. This battery has 57% more capacity without a real weight penalty. It costs only $2 more than an additional 70 mAh battery yet increases flight times to 20 minutes or more. This airplane is so much fun that you will find yourself buying several extra batteries just to enjoy more flight time with this amazing airplane.

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(Photo courtesy Horizon Hobby)

As you will most probably be buying several extra battery sets, at $9 to $11 each they are very affordable, you might wish to consider getting the new E-flite Celectra multi-battery charger (up to 4 batteries simultaneously) as well. It uses higher capacity D-cells for power so it can charge many more cycles than the 15-20 times the single battery charger is capable of doing on a set of “AA” batteries. Plus, with its optional 6V AC adapter (part no. EFLC1005), you can charge forever without having to change the charger’s power batteries.

Getting back to the Ember 2, we were speaking about battery weight and weight in general; this is the only detectible difference from the original Ember. The original Ember weighed 18 grams. The Ember 2 is heavier at 20 grams. While not much of a difference, it remains an 11% weight increase. Since I never flew the original Ember, I asked the Editor, who has, to “weigh in” on this subject.

(While Tony reviewed the RTF version, using DSM2 technology has allowed ParkZone to offer a Bind N’ Fly (BNF) version of the Ember 2. The BNF version is priced $30 lower at just $90 (the RTF version is $120). The BNF version is exactly the same as its RTF cousin except that no transmitter is included. I use my trusty Spektrum DX 7 to fly my BNF Ember 2.

So what difference does the weight increase make? For indoor performance, the extra 2 gram weight is undetectable. The motor is so powerful that loops remain the same size and acceleration is the same as the lighter Ember. Glide speed and distance also seems the same. While I am not the pilot Tony is (he flies FAI Pattern while I am just in the Masters class), the Ember 2 seems to fly any indoor maneuver that the original Ember can perform.

But there does seem to be a slight difference outdoors. The Ember 2’s 11% weight increase seems to make the airplane calmer and more predictable in light winds. It points better and is not as sensitive to small gust changes. While indoor performance remains the same, the Ember 2 is just that little bit easier to fly outside than the original Ember.

For outdoor flight, it is best to set the Ember 2’s adjustable (Center of Gravity) full forward for better stability in mild winds. Getting back to Tony’s report…)

The Ember 2’s moveable (Center of Gravity) (CG) feature mentioned above allows handling adjustments better matching the airplane’s performance to the pilot’s abilities. The Ember’s battery tray slides forward or rearward about 1 inch. This shifts the CG forward for more stable flight (best for outdoors) or rearward for wilder indoor aerobatics. This is a nice feature to have. Having the CG move forward also makes flying easier for newer pilots as the aircraft remains more stable with the forward CG.

 

    

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I even let a first-time pilot, my wife Genie, who had never flown before, take the Ember 2 up. With just a little coaching for about 2 or 3 minutes, she was able to take it around the gym all by herself! Sure, it banged around a little and ran into a wall a few times, but the Ember 2 just keeps on flying! Its low weight turns a crash into a bounce, with almost never any damage. This is a real confidence-builder and can quickly make you into an “indoor pro”.

 

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Enough extra parts are available that the Ember 2 can be constructed from the ground up. Horizon Hobbies can provide any repair part you may ever need. There is even a package that includes two extra propellers and 2 additional flight batteries available.

All in all, Horizon Hobbies and ParkZone have a real winner in my book. A very enjoyable model that flies just great! It is tough, but simple. The design flies well and is a perfect way to get your indoor wings!

So, go ahead…. Pick one up at your local hobby store today…. You will be glad you did!

 

Additional Aircraft Specifications Manufacturer: ParkZone                   Length:           13.25 in.          Cost: $120.00                                     Wingspan:       16.5 in. Radio: PKZ 4-channel with DSM2      Wing Area:     62 sq. in. Servos: 2 built in                                 Wing Loading: 1.63 oz. /sq. ft. Motor: Geared                                     Weight:           0.7 oz (20g). Airfoil: Under-Cambered   Special Airframe Features: “Stick” Fuselage; Very Light Weight; Adjustable CG; Very Powerful Motor; Includes 3.7 V 70 mAh     Li-Po battery

Notable Positives Completely Ready to Fly Light flying weight Very Easy to fly – even for non-pilots Factory assembled Box is a carry all Notable Negatives Wonder what would it be like with ailerons?

 

For more information about this amazing little airplane, go to: http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ3400

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