Maudib

My Feedback: (51)

I'm going to be building my first giant scale...an AW 33% Edge 540T...

I get alot of cross-opinions about which engine to use...

I was leaning toward the BME102, then some told me that the 3W and DA had better 'mid-range". What do they mean by that, and are there any 102 owners who can tell 'bout there nidrange?

The I leaned toward the 3W100B2 because they had lightened this new model, but then heard from another that he has seen several have the 3W and have had lots of iginition/starting/running problems...

Haven't heard much of any negatives about the DA-100....

So what all yer takes on the subject?

Sure I want power, but not at the expense of didlin' with it every time I get to the field...

I wanna flip the prop a few times and start taxiing, not flip the prop dozens of times and then take the cowl off, scratch head, etc....

Thanks guys in advance for your insight.... I heave read the other threads, but they rarely discuss the differences/advantages of the 3...

Hubb

My Feedback: (1)

I fly the BME 102 and recomend it for certain applications. I have flown it in a lanier staudacher and currently in a H9 33% extra. Both planes have been in the 25 - 26 lb range.

I would recomend it in the AW edge as that is the wieght range it would come in at.

the DA and 3W have different porting in thier cylinders. those engines seem to have more guts down low or tourque at the low / midrange of thier power bands. the BME likes to run a little higher rpms - I get 6600 on a 26 x 10 mens s. where as the Da ? 3w will turn a 28 x 10 at the same rpm. I have seen the DA pull the heavier cardens at 28 - 30 lbs better than would the BME.

take that info for what its worth. My BME has been very reliable though and has always been happy in the lighter airframes, most of the time out pulling the DA / carden setups

If you are in the columbus area, check with Kurt Koelling as well as Jim Neal. they fly at the wmaa field (alum creek). Kurt has the AW edge with the BME and Jim has the AW with a DA (i think) you might get a better apples to apples comparison from there.

good luck

Hubb

CAPtain232

My Feedback: (40)

I really do not think that you will have any problems with ANY of the mentioned engines when it comes to starting them. Yes there have been issues in the past, but you will encounter these issues with all makes of engines sooner or later. It is really up to the company to make it right with the consumers.

I am getting ready to start on the same plane that you are speaking of. At this time I am planning on using the DA100 as it seems to be the best overall engine in this class. HOWEVER, BME is coming out with a NEW 102. It is supposed to be EXTREMELY light for this class, in the 4 pound range. I am hoping that by the time I am ready to get the engine, there have been many BME102EXTREME engines out and running with good report.

I do not think you can go wrong with any of the mentioned engines. Keep a look out for TAURUS engines as they are working on a single and a twin that will be in this class.

Jeff

MGLAVIN I believe has a TAURUS 94 cc single that he is to be testing. Maybe he can chime in here.

Diablo-RCU

My Feedback: (1)

I have a 3W-100 (7lb version) in my 33% 540-T. I don't think the lighter engines will do you much good if you plan to put the 4 servos in the tail. Mine balances without added lead. The only problem with the 3W ignitions is if the plug caps start leaking to ground. This was a problem with the old style caps. This was fixed over a year ago on the new engines shipped out. You can also retrofit the older ignitions with the new style 3W cap or DA cap. It costs $20/cap.

If you like to be different, you could also stick a ZDZ-120 twin (about 7 lbs) in the plane. You would save yourself about $250 and have more power than any 100cc motor.

Charles Thomas

My Feedback: (43)

I have a 3W100-TOC, it may not be the lightest but it is the strongest 100 I have ever owned

Charles

CAPtain232

My Feedback: (40)

The ZDZ 120 doesn't fit inside the cowl unless you cut holes and make "CHEEKS"

The lighter engines can do you some good, you may just have to move the batteries and rudder servos as far forward as possible. I really do not think that balancing will be an issue.

Jeff

JohnW

My Feedback: (6)

I can't speak for the other engines because I have never owned one. But for comparison I provide the following readings from my DA100:

6350 RPM with Menz 27x10 standard. Using 91 Octane fuel, Amsoil 100:1 mix. About 95F outside airdensity was around 3500. Engine has about 20 gallons in it.

Diablo-RCU

My Feedback: (1)

None of the 100cc motors will fit in the AW cowl without clearance holes and or cheeks. The BME has to have the holes up high near the corners. My plane has cowl cheeks. It would be nice if the kit manufacturers cheated a little bit and produced a wider cowl to allow for plug clearance for the needed left-offset of the engine. Either that or offered a cowl with cheeks.

Bigplaneflyer

Like Diablo said, if you want to put all 4 servos in the tail,(which is where they should be anyway), put the 3-W on it. I have over 200 flights on this Edge/3-W set-up, no "head scratching", just put gas in it about every 3rd flight. The torque is what you want in this airplane, not RPM's.

UNLDAVE

My Feedback: (2)

Here's a photo of the AW33%540T arf with the new lite version of the 3W-100B2, this is all that sticks out. My friend has the same plane witha Da100 in his and the hole is very similar if not exactly the same.

I have not owned a BME or DA but I have seen them fly and I'd have to say ,Please give this 3w a chance .. With only 1 gallon of Honda Hp-2 50:1 fuel thru the engine it was taching 6900 with a 26-10 Mejzlik on it for breakin .Too much ripping noise at full throttle so I'm ging to try a 24-12-3 Mejzlik next . I'll probably end up with a 28-10 on it when it's completely broken in at 6300-6500 rpm. This engine starts easily and is coming on more and more with each gallon of fuel and has not missed a beat since I bolted it on.

Hope this helps, Dave

UNLDAVE

My Feedback: (2)

here's the photo

Dave

UNLDAVE

My Feedback: (2)

Here's a photo of the pull-pull setup to take the servos out of the tail to balance with the lighter 3W engine . 1 Big hitec digital 5735 and a nelson 3-1/2 in. bellcrank get the job done well.

hope this helps, Dave

PS I LOVE this Plane and Engine!!!!!!!

Maudib

My Feedback: (51)

Thanks guys for all the input!

I'm still on the fence, but believe the choice now is between the 3W and the DA...

Thanks Hekter for the pics and setup info... that'll help... I was thinking of going with 2 ganaged servos for the rudder and a tiller arm similar to yours...


I am still open to further opinions...

jjpitts

I would go witha bme 102 because I have one for my 33% radiocraft extra. I think that would work the best or the new bme 102 extreme you could go with. That is what i think hope you agree.

Thomas Williams

My Feedback: (4)

Like someone else said none of these engines will fit inside the cowl without cutouts.Personally I would go with the zdz 120.I have one in a hanger 9 cap 97 inch ws.More power for your money and I also have a 60 zdz.Great engines.I have a friend who purchased a d&a 100 and is having problems with it shutting down in flight.Recently has caused him to damage a35% edge.I am sure he will get it running ok but he likes my zdz.

stomper

My Feedback: (20)

If you want a DA 100 you will have to get in line for a wait of four to six month's! Good luck with your engine choice.

If your friends DA 100 is cutting out in flight it is not set up right!

Doug

Luke 3D

Forget the 100 twins! Go for a ZDZ 80 single- much much much lighter with 56 lbs of static thrust- loads of power and perfect for a 33% edge

klbass

My Feedback: (7)

I have a 33% Hanger 9 Cap with a 3w-100 and it is the perfect combination. I have no starting problems whatsoever. The engine is not broken in yet but I turn a 3w-26X10 at 6600 RPMS. This prop is a MENZS copy. The engine is getting better with every run. I have no experience with the DA100 line but I am sure their performance parallels that of the 3w. I have seen ZDZ's in action,though, and I must say I was not impressed. I almost bought one of these prior to getting the 3w. I was attracted to the"its so light..blah...blah..blah" that you here all over this forum.The club that I vistited had four flyers with zdz engines. Two of the guys could not get their engines to start and the two other guys had inflight running problems. All of these ZDZ's were broken in. It may have been the heat that day, who knows??? I, however, will definately stay with 3w or DA. One interesting note about the ZDZ is that they are a relatively new engine and I think it would be worth the wait to see if they "wear" as well the DA or 3w. Most of the ZDZ's out there are less than a year old. Another issue is parts availability for the ZDZ. I know that there is a wait for certain engines, so I worry that there might be a long wait for parts also. Just my two cents.

Diablo-RCU

My Feedback: (1)

Just this last weekend I saw a ZDZ-80 single in an AW 33% 540-T ARF. Performance was outstanding. The plane needed elevator and rudder servos all up front on pull-pull and all the batteries near the cowl to balance. Still, it came out a little tail heavy according to the owner. But, for 3D flying it's fine. He was able to get the weight of the plane down around 25 lbs. Most are in the range of 29 lbs with a 3W-80 or 3W-100. The performance was great despite the extraordinarily hot weather on Sunday (about 100 F with high humidity). I have also seen about 8 other ZDZ-80 motors in action. Haven't seen a poor performer or an unhappy owner yet. There are a lot of great motors to choose from for this size bird.

If you chose another light motor, like a BME, you'll likely have to move the servos forward too.

Forgues Research

My Feedback: (7)

I think ZDZ is going to blow everybody away with this new engine Boxer 100cc at 4.9 lbs at under $1000.00 USD.
http://www.rcshowcase.com/answer%202.htm

Mike Wiz

My Feedback: (2)

What ZDZ could do to blow me away is make a bigger single. A 105 (Half of their 210) would be perfect. Forget all those expensive twins!

Wiz

Thomas Williams

My Feedback: (4)

Hi Diablo and Aerografixs,I am glad someone has a positive attitude and realizes that zdz engines are great engines.I would also like to say that there are zdzs which have been flying over a year.And if you have one which is hard to start, the low end setting is too lean just as my friends d&a 100 which is also lean on the low end and also I would like to say 3w,bme,d&a,tarus,and first place engines are all good quality engines.It is just the fact that some people know how to make these engines perform while others do not and then make negative remarks.I was the first in my club to own a zdz and now several members have purchased zdzs.Also the way I arrange batteries and servos I have only had to add weight to an extra 300.I had my zdz60 on a lanier cap with servos in the tail and it came out nose heavy.I put my throttle servo and my choke servo inside the engine box with my battery packs attached to the sides.Thanks guys for your positive attitude which alot people in this hobby do not have.

Diablo-RCU

My Feedback: (1)

Yeah Thomas:
On any given day at my field, about 1/3rd of the flyers are having engine troubles.....with a wide variety of brands. Mostly it's inexperience, taking shortcuts, poor tank plumbing, not knowing how to adjust the engine properly.

And to Mike:
I heard at Toledo from RCS, that he believes they are working on the 105 single. I would think the only holdup would be if it vibrates too much. The 210 uses the 80-sized piston and a longer stroke crank. I assume the 105 would also be a stroked version of the 80-single.

Thomas Williams

My Feedback: (4)

If you are impressed with 6600 w/t 26-10 for a 100 it does not take much to impress you,especially when a zdz 80 will do what your 100 will do.And as for anyone who has a zdz which is hard to start it is because their low end is too lean.As a matter of fact any engine reguardless of who manufactures it,if it is hard to start its the idiot opperating it not the engine.Bme,3w,zdz,d&a,tarus,and first place engines are all quality engines.And also if you want to talk about a waiting list to get a certain engine,you will also have to wait for a zdz because of the demand.For the longest time RC Showcase could not keep up with the demand.And also my friends problem with his d&a 100 was a air leak around the carb which is the second engine with this problem in my area I was told about.Their warranty has taken care of this I was told.

FastLaneAK

Has anyone seen the new ZDZ 100 and 50? The ZDZ 100 looks like it has awesome spec and is light. It should give the others a run for their money!
Check it out at:

http://www.rcshowcase.com/answer%202.htm[/URL]

Lane