BD OWLjet 64mm EDF ~ 2 Variants : PLA and/or LW-PLA Digital Balsa and Foam Series ~
BD OWLjet 64mm EDF
The cool look of BD OWLjet model is inspired from BD models designed by Jim Bede. This model design can be printed with PLA or LW-PLA. The best performance for sure is if printed all with LW-PLA. It can be mixed for some parts for example, the fuselage all are printed with PLA but others with LW-PLA. We have tested as posted in our video channel where the all printed with PLA but stabilizers. Using OWLplane catapult, it flew really great and we are happy with the performance. It should fly lighter and better if all printed with LW-PLA.
BD OWLjet is design so that it is easy to assembly, has spacious room for electroncs and easy to set up before flying when attaching the wings (servo and LED cables are easy to insert into the fuselage). Not only having a unique shape and easy to assembly but also fun to fly.
Although BD OWLjet is designed so that it can use either 50mm or 64mm EDF with 4s ranging from 1500mAh to 2200mAh LiPo battery, it is recommended to use 64mm EDF instead. When using 50mm EDF, please print the parts all using LW-PLA, use 1500mAh 4s battery and also catapult launcher. Please note, we have not tested the model flying with 50mm EDF and 1500mAh 4s with catapult launcher, but we believe it should be able to fly also with that setup.
Please note, it is required to remove the 64mm EDF intake lip before installing into the fuselage so that the EDF will fit into. BD OWLjet can not use 64mm EDF size with fixed intake lip *** will not entertain any request for EDF with fixed intake lip ***.
We continue releasing the model with a “digital balsa and foam” approach when printing with LW-PLA. So far, we are very happy to get feedback from some of our customers when slicing the model designed with that approach. The printed parts are much stronger and still keep the weight about the same as “digital balsa” approach. You could print with LW-PLA filament using vase mode approach (w/o infill)/”digital balsa”, please use LW-PLA STL files to slice. Please note we will not entertain if the result not strong enough. In this case, please print the parts using “digital balsa and foam” approach instead.
To protect from scratches during landing, you may want to use fiber tape (you can find it in details below in this page).
If you are not familiar with launching an EDF jet rc plane model, we would suggest you to use our OWLplane Catapult Launcher (it is human free error from throwing the model). During maiden, also suggest using that launcher to get you familiar first with the model. When you have trimmed aileron and elevator control surfaces already, you will have no worry and no need anymore setting the control surfaces at the same time especially when trying to hand launch the model.
Although this model can be printed with PLA, it is recommended to print with LW-PLA/ePLA-LW/PolyLight 1.0 filament instead. We have tried to print the model with PLA but stabilizers (horizontal and vertical) to get the correct CoG with 2200mAh 4s battery). It flew great as you can find the videos in our channel. Two separate STL files are provided to print with LW-PLA and PLA since two design approaches are utilized.
Flying Play List
Digital Balsa and Foam Series
BD OWLjet model is part of “Digital Balsa and Foam Series” model. Two set of STL files are provided, PLA and LW-PLA. LW-PLA STL files set are modeled using “Digital Balsa and Foam” approach. Following explains about the approach :
Printing Profiles with Gyroid Infill :
As you can see from the pictures below, they illustrate a 3D printed part when using gyroid infill and ribs. You can pick infill percentage to you preferences where the higher you set it will be stronger. To get optimal result, we also still use ribs so that we will achieve parts using optimal gyroid infill percentage. With having gyroid infill, we have tried to use top and bottom layers. The good news is that the AUW is still acceptable for the jet and allow it to use like lego style blocks to assemble.
We run some research and experiment with some number of setting values for infill percentage. Final values will be used in our OWLplane slicer profiles. Feel free to increase or decrease the values including playing with other settings if you feel better than ours (we are happy listening / getting your input/feedback, so keep us posted about your build in our facebook group).
*) Below is from F16 part for illustration.
Like Playing Lego :
As explained above, click the right side youtube video showing how to assembly the fuselage like playing “lego” blocks.
Expected Some Stringing but Easy to Clean :
Since active foaming filaments such as LW-PLA is not affected by retraction, some stringings are expected. The good news is that they are easy to clean compared to printing with standard PLA/PLA+.
Note : sample parts from F16 model.
- Suggested using knife to clean initially.
- Once completed using knife, continue using sandpaper for sanding some strings that still attached to skin.
- Sandpaper could also used to make smoother skin.
- For the plug-in blocks, also use sandpaper to eliminate excessive materials.
Sandpaper Cleaning the Excessive Materials Surrounding Plug-In Blocks :
Sanding parts would make assembling much easier and clean. Excessive materials can be found on the top surfaces. For example, the circle in the picture need to sand so that there is no need to push the part later to fit into the next part.
Note : sample parts from F16 model.
Sand The Surfaces To Get Smooth Ones :
Comparing surfaces before and after sending it. LW-PLA material let you smoothing surfaces where it would not be applicable with standard PLA or PLA+.
Specification and Some Details
- Wing Loading : 92.3gr/dm^2.
- AUW/Flying Weight : 1200gr (LW-PLA, with battery 2200mAh 4s).
- Wing Area : 13dm^2.
- Wing Cube Loading (WCL) : 25.5.
- Flight Performance Category : Racer.
- Radio Channels : Throttle, Aileron and Elevator.
- Length : 817mm.
- Wing Span : 872mm.
Spar Requirements :
- 1 x 6mm OD and with 570mm long fiber carbon tube as front fuselage and wing spar.
- 1 x 6mm OD and with 750mm long fiber carbon tube as back fuselage and wing spar.
- 1 x 5mm OD and with 345mm long for stabilizer spar.
Locking Belt for Attaching Wings to Fuselage :
Aileron/Wing Control Surfaces Rods:
Elevator/Horizontal Stabilizer Control Surfaces Rods:
Canopy Assembly Support Rod and Pins :
See below figures to assembly the Canopy by using 1.5-2mm support rod.
Installing Nose LED, Left and Right Wing LEDs :
Try to find transparent filaments either PLA or PETG filaments to print LED parts. It may be easier to find transparent PETG type of filament rather than PLA. In the repository, the PETG gcode files are provided in case you would like to print them using PETG. 3MF PrusaSlicer files are also provided in case you would like to change the setting values to suite your 3D printer need.
After printing the parts, you need to drill a hole using 5.5mm drill so that the LED can be inserted into the parts. Feel free to glue LED into the parts using CA or hotglue.
Try to search and find similar LED navigation LEDs as shown on the above pictures. You can find them using Aliexpress.com or any other hobby stores.
Make sure the LED diameter is 5mm. The following right side pictures show the 5mm LEDs that can fit also for the model for your reference but you need to do it yourself turning on the LEDs using available power source in the model.
- Use hot glue to attach the LED into its holder.
- Push the holder to its place when attaching it to the fuselage or wings.
- Please watch the right side video showing how to install LEDs into the model.
- See @6:45 for Nose LED
- See @0:25 for Wing LED
Flying Play List
Electronic Positions :
Feel free to locate the electronics for getting the correct CoG.
50mm and 64mm EDF Bracket and Installation (Recommend to Power with 64mm EDF, Feel Free to Test with 50mm EDF ):
Two type of EDF brackets are provided, they are for 50mm type of EDF and 64mm type of EDF. Please note for 64mm EDF that only removable intake lip EDF can use the bracket. STEP file is provided if you want to modify for brands not in the list. It means that fixed intake lip would not be supported only for 64mm EDF. Make sure your EDF are supported by the requirement above since we will not entertain if your EDF can not be installed. Please check if your current EDF can use the provided brackets by printing them. It is free to download by clicking the button below.
In summary *** requirements to use the brackets *** :
1. 50mm EDF – need to keep/to use intake lip. Please hot glue the EDF into the bracket. Since it uses hot glue, it should be easy to remove the EDF later from the bracket using hot water to loose the glue if you would like to reuse the EDF.
2. 64mm EDF – need to remove/take out intake lip. Since it uses hot glue, it should be easy to remove the EDF later from the bracket using hot water to loose the glue if you would like to reuse the EDF.
Please go to “BD OWLjet 64mm – SUPPORT v1.0\EDF BRACKETS” directory to get EDF brackets for 50mm EDF or 64mm EDF motor.
Below are 50mm and 64mm EDF bracket pictures from the CAD :
Below some QX-Motor 64mm EDF pictures installed into the fuselage :
*) Pictures above are from OWL ViperJet 50/64mm EDF for illustration only.
Left side : using hot glue for 50mm EDF motors.
Right side : using hot glue for 64mm EDF motors.
Special note when gluing 50mm EDF bracket :
Make sure that the 3 cables from EDF about perpendicular with EDF bracket arms as shown by the picture below.
Cutting Some Areas for LW-PLA Parts :
Due to avoid stringings for LW-PLA parts, some parts are designed so that minimum travels are required to print the parts. Some areas need to close since vase mode can not be achieved if a particular layer has more than one island. Below are some of fuselage parts that are affected by the vase mode design.
Center of Gravity (CoG) :
- CoG is 68mm from Wing Root Leading Edge (see the pictures below).
How to Launch BD OWLjet 64mm EDF Model :
Two methods are suggested to launch the model. The first one is to use OWLplane Catapult Launcher. Please visit OWLplane Catapult Launcher product page menu under “SHOP & PRODUCT LIST” tab after hovering the mouse over (you can use your own Catapult Launcher so that you just need to print the hook adapter). The second one is by hand launching.
It is recommended to launch the model by utilizing OWLplane Catapult Launcher or your own launcher since it is human error free.
#1 – By Utilizing OWLplane Catapult Launcher.
Watch the following videos how easy it is to launch the rc model with OWLplane Catapult Launcher and human free errors.
#2 – By Throwing.
Follow the following tips to launch :
– Lean your body backward.
– Put your fingers on designated locations (shown in the following section below).
– Start throwing by also moving your body forward.
Note : Above pictures are illustration only, using 50mm BAE Hawk T1 model.
Printing and Preparing BD OWLjet 64mm EDF Launcher Adapter :
If you plan to launch the model with your own catapult launcher, please print the parts shown on the right side from “BD OWLjet 64mm – SUPPORT v1.0\CATAPULT ADAPTER\STL and GCODE” for the puller and need to glue the hook bar “FL-HOOK # GR4” from “BD OWLjet 64mm – STL and G-code v1.0\1. FUSELAGE 64mm\STLs” directory.
Feel free to use your own catapult launcher or you can print OWLplane catapult launcher for free.
Finger Resting for Hand Launching :
Optional : Fiber Tape Protecting The Model During Belly Landing
By using fiber tape attached to the belly skin, it will protect a model during landing from rough surfaces. Not only protecting, you may no need to clean the belly after sometime by replacing it to get back clean.
We have tested it and really happy with the result. The model is still in a good condition after landing it on rough surfaces.
*) Using F16 belly part as illustration only.
Some Note for Slicing STL Files :
Default Value are :
– Retraction : Set enabled only to make “extra restart length = 0.05mm” (PrusaSlicer), “extra restart amount = 0.05mm” (IdeaMaker) or “retraction extra prime amount = 0.5mm^3” (Cura) to compensate loosing materials due to stringing issues.
– Heatbed: 55 degree C.
– Hotend: 245 degree C (you may want to change it between 240 – 250 degree C).
– Extrusion Multiplier : 0.55% (feel free to update this value).
– Extrusion Width: 0.40mm (feel free to find your preference value, but it will be around that value).
– Extrusion Height: 0.25mm (greater is faster but less stronger bonding).
– Printing Speed: 35mm/sec.
– Retraction Speed : 50mm/sec.
Weight and Time Estimation :
Following tables show the weight of printed parts, number of required filament rolls and time required to print. But the number may vary from printer to printer due to:
– Stepper Jerk value.
– Stepper Acceleration value.
– Steps per unit (either calibrated or uncalibrated).
– Extruder quality/condition.
– Nozzle quality/condition.
– Filament quality/condition.
– Etc.
Here are the summary table (estimation with 64mm EDF setup) :
Klipper Firmware Does Not Accept “#” / Hash Character
Unfortunately the Klipper firmware does not accept the “#” / hash character when naming the file. More and more 3D printers nowadays and upcoming most likely will use the Klipper firmware where when using previous firmware such as Marlin, Prusa, etc. do not prevent it from processing.
Since our naming convention for our g-code files utilize the “#” character and already since we started the OWLplane, we still keep them until our new release models dated after July 2024 (after BD OWLjet 70mm 6s EDF).
No worry, to use our g-code files, just need to remove the “#” character, that is it !
Fore example :
“FUSELAGE-1 # P3_H15″ replace the file name with “FUSELAGE-1 P3_H15”
Note : no “#” character is used in the new file name.
How To Extract Our Zip Files
Somehow when the folder path is too long, files and directories can not be extracted directly to a destination directory. There is a workaround for this, just follow the guide below. What you need to follow is to double click zip file until you find the directory. From there, double right click to invoke a “copy” command. After that, just paste the directory into your destination directory. That is it !
Table of Contents
Update History
None.
Recommended Setup
- All 50mm and 64mm EDF above are supported to use with the model since their brackets are provided. If you would like to try the brackets, feel free to download by clicking free brackets button above.
- Servo Options : 4 x 12gr servos for aileron (left and right) and elevator (left and right).
- ESC Options : ESC ranges from 40A - 60A (40A ESC is for 50mm EDF where 60A ESC is for 64mm EDF), please consult to your EDF manual if safe enough to use that rated Ampere value.
- Battery Size : LiPo 4s 1500mAh - 4s 2200mAh rated 70C with weight around 185gr - 270gr respectively. It is suggested to use 2200mAh for 64mm EDF but whatever the battery you would like to use, make sure it will get the correct CoG location.
Tools and Materials
- Printer, in general 200mm x 200mm x 200mm (W x L x H) for all OWLplane Models.
- Filament: LW-PLA from ColorFabb, ePLA-LW from eSUN and PolyLight 1.0 from 3DLabPrint.
- CA glue with accelerator. Use thick glue to join surface to surface. Use thin CA glue for coating the joint surface areas.
- Velcro sticker/polyester hook and loop peel-n-stick self-adhesive for locking the battery.
- Fine sandpaper.
- Sharp knife.
- Screwdriver and/or allen wrench for chosen screws/bolts.
- Pliers, needle-nose pliers, nippers.
- Steel bolt cutter.
- Dremel/rotary tool for cutting carbon fiber tubes and rod with more than 2.5mm.
- Electric drill, its drill-bit size from 1.5mm - 5mm and step cone drill.
- Propeller shaft reamer or hole puncher reamer.
Hardware Needed
For Fuselage and Canopy:
- Self tapping screw M3x25mm or M2.5x25mm with their washers (optional) for mounting left and right wings including EDF hatch - 5x (2x for wings and 3x for EDF hatch).
- Ballpoint pen springs for Canopy - 1x.
For Aileron and Elevator Servos:
- 1.0 - 1.5mm rod for aileron and elevator hinges (ER308L - TIG Stainless Steel Rod but preferred TIG Aluminum Rod instead).
- 1.0 - 1.5mm rod for aileron and elevator pushrod (ER308L - TIG Stainless Steel Rod).
- 1.5 - 2.0mm rod for aileron, horizontal stabilizer and canopy support (ER308L - TIG Stainless Steel Rod).
- Landing gear wheel stop set collar 9x2.1mm for aileron and elevator - 4x.
- Linkage stopper D2.1mm for aileron and elevator - 4x.
*) Illustration only
Setup for Servo Travel/Throw
Suggested setup for medium travels/throws are depicted below and you may adjust the setup according to your need.
Please pay attention to start and end measurement location.
- Elevator = 6.5 - 8.5mm. Suggested to use 6.5mm setup for maiden.
- Aileron = 5.5 - 7.5mm. Suggested to use 5.5mm setup for maiden.
Assembly Figures
BD OWLjet 64mm Fuselage Assembly
BD OWLjet 64mm Wings Assembly
BD OWLjet 64mm Stabilizer Assembly
BD OWLjet 64mm Canopy Assembly
