Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > "1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes
Reload this Page >

Electric Power Setup

Notices
"1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes These are the small ones...more popular now than ever.

Electric Power Setup

Old 06-07-2013, 02:49 PM
  #1  
Steve Westphal
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Fremont, NE
Posts: 506
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Electric Power Setup

I would like to get an electric setup for our 1/2a planes. Size from 24 inch span up to several HOB warbirds up to 39 inch span. Would recommendations for a motor, an esc and a battery. The 39 inch stuff would be the biggest planes. Just want 1 set up to use for several different planes. We still fly glow 80% of the time. Thanks.
Old 06-07-2013, 03:18 PM
  #2  
Thomas B
My Feedback: (4)
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Electric Power Setup


ORIGINAL: Steve Westphal

I would like to get an electric setup for our 1/2a planes. Size from 24 inch span up to several HOB warbirds up to 39 inch span. Would recommendations for a motor, an esc and a battery. The 39 inch stuff would be the biggest planes. Just want 1 set up to use for several different planes. We still fly glow 80% of the time. Thanks.

I have a great electric simulation of a Tee Dee .049. Creates similar prop noise! Use it in a number of converted .049 ARFs and models.

Balsa Products 2212-6 outrunner (or any outrunner of the same basic size and Kv)
6x4 prop or 6x3 prop
30 amp ESC
1300-1600 lipo 3S lipo.

Setup is pretty hot on a 6x4 prop and the batteries need to be up to the task. Milder amp draw on a 6x3 prop. If you want a truer to life .049-like power output, you can go down to a 2S battery.

Old 06-09-2013, 10:30 AM
  #3  
ChicaWolverina
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Kalamazoo, MI
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

That sounds good, how do you think that set up would be for an ACE Owen Kampen 1/2A Pacer etc?
Old 06-09-2013, 12:18 PM
  #4  
Thomas B
My Feedback: (4)
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Electric Power Setup


ORIGINAL: ChicaWolverina

That sounds good, how do you think that set up would be for an ACE Owen Kampen 1/2A Pacer etc?
It would fly like it never flew before. Nearly ballistic. You can throttle back to simulate an .049 if you so choose to.
Old 06-09-2013, 03:00 PM
  #5  
fritzke
My Feedback: (1)
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Crystal, MN
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

That motor is 2200kv and 220 watts max.
(And out of stock at BalsaPR) http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id...7&pid=B2632603
Similar motors abound:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ner_Motor.html
Most motors sold as "Speed 400" replacements are good .049 substitutes.
Lower Kv would be more reed valve-ish, higher Kv's are more TeeeDee-ish!
Dave
Old 06-09-2013, 06:33 PM
  #6  
Andrew
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Murray, KY
Posts: 3,213
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

Here's another source: http://www.headsuphobby.com/370-450-Class_c252.htm


$2.00 flat rate shipping to CONUS. I've used these folks a lot and been very satisfied - but I'm not associated with them.
Old 06-10-2013, 12:21 PM
  #7  
Thomas B
My Feedback: (4)
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

ORIGINAL: fritzke

That motor is 2200kv and 220 watts max.
(And out of stock at BalsaPR) http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id...7&pid=B2632603
Similar motors abound:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ner_Motor.html
Most motors sold as ''Speed 400'' replacements are good .049 substitutes.
Lower Kv would be more reed vale-ish, higher Kv's are more TeeeDee-ish!
Dave
Like I posted, any motor close to the size, weight and Kv of the BP works well for me as a .049 subsitutue as they spin 6" props with enthusiam.

The milder Speed 400 class outrunners spin larger props and do not give, in my opinion, a reasonable .049 substitution experience. They are OK if you want something mild, though.

The real 1/2A guy wants something with a 5 or 6" prop.....

And with the 2200Kv, 2 cells is more reed valve ish and 3 cells is more Tee-Dee-ish. (Actually, two cells is more than a normal Tee Dee and three cells is ballistic. That is what the throttle is for!)

I have the following Heads up 400 class outrunner (nearly identical to the BP motor listed) in a .049 size delta model and it works great:

http://www.headsuphobby.com/Power-Up...otor-E-557.htm

Also currently out of stock like a lot of the hot 2200 Kv outrunners that size. There is a reason they are popular....

Old 06-10-2013, 01:30 PM
  #8  
MJD
My Feedback: (1)
 
MJD's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Orangeville, ON, CANADA
Posts: 8,658
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

I've used the E-Flite Six Series motors in 1/2A's. The 2700kV on 3S and a 5.1x4.5 APC prop is pretty sporty - 206kph on an ACE Simple 400 for example, unlimited vertical. Great fun. The 2000kV is probably more sensible coupled to a 6x3 or 6x4 prop.

I don't think these qualify as Cox substitutes, more like .10-.12 performance. But, you have the virtue of a linear throttle.
Old 06-10-2013, 06:04 PM
  #9  
fritzke
My Feedback: (1)
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Crystal, MN
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

I have used HeadsUp as well, very fast shipping, good prices-
If you still fly FM, they have decent cheap receivers and $2.50 crystals.
Just this weekend ordered 2 Rx's, 3 crystals, a "400" sport brushless motor,
2 lipo battery packs and 4 cheepo $2 servos, all for under $80
Dave
Old 06-10-2013, 08:25 PM
  #10  
skaliwag
My Feedback: (1)
 
skaliwag's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Corralitos CA
Posts: 2,469
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

Thomas B .... What would you suggest using from Heads Up that would be behave like a Sure Start power-wise perhaps using a 7 inch prop instead of a 6 inch. 2 or 3 cell?
Old 06-11-2013, 06:14 AM
  #11  
Andrew
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Murray, KY
Posts: 3,213
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup


ORIGINAL: skaliwag

What would you suggest using from Heads Up that would be behave like a Sure Start power-wise perhaps using a 7 inch prop instead of a 6 inch. 2 or 3 cell?
A Black Widow is rated just under 60 watts, but that only gets you into the ballpark. The electrics have so many combinations available that you can tailor for speed, duration or 3D. Here is a table that gives some data on how to match your motor with your needs.

• 50-70 watts per pound; Minimum level of power for decent performance, good for lightly loaded slow flyer and park flyer models
• 70-90 watts per pound; Trainer and slow flying scale models
• 90-110 watts per pound; Sport aerobatic and fast flying scale models
• 110-130 watts per pound; Advanced aerobatic and high-speed models
• 130-150 watts per pound; Lightly loaded 3D models and ducted fans
• 150-200+ watts per pound; Unlimited performance 3D and aerobatic models

It would really help if you let us know model weight, span and what sort of flight characteristics you're looking for. While I might have a Mini-Mambo and a flying wing that have about the same weight and span, the motor/ESC/battery combination would be completely different. The Mambo would be set up for slow flight with maximum duration while the wing likely will have a hotter motor, greater speed and much less flight time. The lekkies have opened up a whole new world in how we can power the planes as opposed to changing nitro content and prop size.
Old 06-11-2013, 10:13 AM
  #12  
skaliwag
My Feedback: (1)
 
skaliwag's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Corralitos CA
Posts: 2,469
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

To replace a Sure Start on this 24 inch span bipe. Weighs in at 11oz. 200 sq in area.
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Sq45655.jpg
Views:	27
Size:	129.3 KB
ID:	1890944   Click image for larger version

Name:	Zx71438.jpg
Views:	32
Size:	137.4 KB
ID:	1890945  
Old 06-11-2013, 01:36 PM
  #13  
fritzke
My Feedback: (1)
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Crystal, MN
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

A few possibilities

http://www.headsuphobby.com/Emax-CF2...otor-E-605.htm
http://www.headsuphobby.com/Firepowe...otor-G-555.htm
http://www.headsuphobby.com/Firepowe...otor-E-530.htm

That plane looks like a Ted Strader Chicken Hawk.

Dave

Old 06-11-2013, 04:03 PM
  #14  
Andrew
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Murray, KY
Posts: 3,213
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

ORIGINAL: fritzke

That plane looks like a Ted Strader Chicken Hawk.

Dave
Dave

It does, but I don't think the Chicken Hawk had the interplane struts and I believe the top wing was close to 34", quite a bit larger than Steve's model.

Here's my hat in the ring (all from Heads Up):

HURC 250 Plus, 1300 KV, Wt. 20g

Propeller Test Data for the HURC 250 Plus Motor:
Battery Size Propeller Size Thrust (oz.) Amps Notes
3-Cell 11.1v GWS 7035 14.0 oz. 7.0 amps Avoid constant wide open throttle
3-Cell 11.1v GWS 6030 11.0 oz. 5.5 amps
3-Cell 11.1v GWS 6030x3 12.0 oz. 6.0 amps
3-Cell 11.1v GWS 5030 8.0 oz. 3.5 amps
2-Cell 7.4v GWS 8040 10.0 oz. 6.5 amps
2-Cell 7.4v GWS 7035 8.0 oz. 4.0 amps
2-Cell 7.4v GWS 7035x3 8.5 oz. 5.0 amps
2-Cell 7.4v APC 7 x 6E 8.5 oz. 6.5 amps
2-Cell 7.4v GWS 7060 8.0 oz. 7.0 amps Avoid constant wide open throttle
2-Cell 7.4v GWS 6030 6.5 oz. 3.0 amps
2-Cell 7.4v GWS 6030x3 7.0 oz. 3.5 amps

HURC 10A ESC, 1A BEC builtin (12.7g)

Use either a 2s 800 mAh (42.5g)or 2s 1000 mAh (57g)

A Sure Start with a 6x3 prop weighs 54g, so dropping the RX battery in place of the BEC, the fuel tank and throttle servo, weight would come close to being a wash.

I would be inclined to run a 2s, either the GWS 7035 or 7035x3 and go for duration.

Old 06-11-2013, 05:42 PM
  #15  
skaliwag
My Feedback: (1)
 
skaliwag's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Corralitos CA
Posts: 2,469
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

Steve's model is a Slenderized version of the Skaliwag. Same 24 inch spans but slightly shrunk and Skin-eed. A lot lighter also. This baby debuted at SMALL this year.
Old 06-11-2013, 08:11 PM
  #16  
Steve Westphal
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Fremont, NE
Posts: 506
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

I would like to find plans for a 16 inch Pitts for my .010. I guess I could scale down a bigger plan but sometimes that doesn't work well, but, maybe it's the only way to do it. I think a small Pitts for .010 would be a gas!!!
Old 06-11-2013, 08:41 PM
  #17  
skaliwag
My Feedback: (1)
 
skaliwag's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Corralitos CA
Posts: 2,469
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

SIG / Herr has a 24". Might scale down. Little exie though.

http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.ex...FV5.html?E+Sig
Old 06-20-2013, 01:31 PM
  #18  
hllywdb
 
hllywdb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Vero Beach, FL
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Electric Power Setup

For light wing loading planes like a Jr Falcon, I like the BP 2208-14 with a 8X6 or 9X5 and 3S. Lots of thrust and normal reedy speed.

For TD style I have used the BP 2208-12 with a 7X5 and a 3S Again, good speed with extra thrust.

With the 22k motors I always end up with heat issues because they run so nice over propped.

Has anyone found a good cleaner to wipe off the spent electrons when you get home? Windex doesn't seem to touch em.

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.