Tommygun

My Feedback: (2)

Has anyone here tried converting one of the old Cox .049 ARFs to electric? This would be the Cessna Skylane, Sportavia, Fairchild Monoplane, PT-19, EZ Bee, and I think they even had a Centurian. If so, can we see some pics, and hear some flight reports? What motor/esc/radio gear do you have installed?

Trogdor the Burninator

I've seen a few threads like this over the past 6 or 7 months and with my experience and others responses I think with modern micro radio equipment a GWS 350 should fly one of these just fine. Some mentioned speed 400s direct drive on small 5 inch props but that seems less efficient because of heavier motor, battery, and small fast prop. I have a skylane 182 and want to convert it some day although its pretty beat up after the few glo flight attempts its had over the last 20 years! I guess there's always ebay, I've seen them semi regularly go for between 80 ish to 150...

Matt Kirsch

My Feedback: (21)

I didn't have time to respond earlier, but I've got to agree with Trogdor. Those old Cox R/C planes bring big money on Ebay if they're in decent shape, especially if they're complete. From a nostralgia perspective, it would seem a shame to tear up one of these rare finds.

On the other hand, if it's already torn up, then it might not be a bad idea to try out an electric conversion on one. Shooting from the hip, the GWS EPS350C drive on 7 or 8 KAN650 or CBP650 cells, as Trogdor mentioned above, would seem to be about right. I would use the standard gearing that comes with most GWS foamies, the "C" gearing (EPS350C C), and a 9x7 prop, or maybe a 10x4.7.

KA6IPK

I know this is an old thread, but here's my recent E-conversion of a Sportavia in May 2006. I used a Hobby Lobby Red Heli motor because the original e-flite motor I used snapped it's small motor shaft (2mm) on a hard landing and the Red motor has a larger shaft (2.3mm).

Here's some photos:

Trogdor the Burninator

Wow! Brushless motor, lithium battery and micro rc gear.. whoda thunk it back in 1985...

dhdickson

Would anyone have a Sportavia cowling that they would be interested in selling?

Thanks

MrGoodwreck

I am bumping this up looking for some updated info from the tribe.

Im an electric noob.

I have one Cox Cessna 182 Skylane that I have flown over the years, and one still in the box. I also have an EZ Bee that I have also flown over the years along with one still in the box. I would like to convert the two open ones to electric, but have no clue what size motors, or batt's.

Thanks for any help.

Dr Kiwi

For the Cessna I'd imagine that the venerable Blue Wonder or the Turnigy 2730 equivalent (24g motors) would do the trick. Depending on battery used, and prop size, either the 1300Kv or 1500Kv should work.One guy had success with a Komodo 2204-11, but I believe Komodo is no longer in the RC business.

Much the same for the EZ Bee: here is a link: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1363197