C141FlyGuy

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I have decided to experiment with a Radientech / Nitro Planes Edge 540 conversion. the purpose was to find out how cheap I could do the conversion, and possibly compare it to the same plane built for a friend with more expensive components. I am looking at prices and I see this can be done for the same cost as a park flyer size plane.

C141FlyGuy

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Here are some of the things that I need to figure out. What motor to purchase, how to mount it. Speed control how many amps. Servo's what size and where to buy them. UBEC How it works and where to buy it. And of course how much should I spend. I decided to take my time and search the net to find everything I need. I purchased the plane from Raidentech/Nitro Planes, I used a coupon and the plane cost me $60. It is currently on sale for $69 and you can get a coupon for 10% and I think free shipping.

C141FlyGuy

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I received the planes (two) each in their own box. They were well packed so I opened one up and started to build it. I must say they are OK better than expected for the price quality, and a bit on the heavy side but they are built strong. I decided to use larger wheels for flying off of grass. I purchased the wheels from Radical RC $5 for the set. I don't think it gets any cheaper than that. I also looked around and purchased my HS81 Hi Tec servo's from dave at Radical RC they were on sale $13 each when buying 4 or more. This is plenty of servo for this plane and will save some weight over full size zervo's. While talking with dave he explaned to me the importance of using a UBEC on larger planes it is great to talk to someone who understands exactly what you need.

C141FlyGuy

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After searching the net, I found the motor I was Looking for along with a speed control. I decided on the Hi Model BM3520 830Kv motor $36.25 and fro the speed control you can run the TP-40A 40 Amp ESC for $15.99 or be conservative and go with the TP-65A 65 Amp ESC for $19.99 and the UBEC from the same placswitch mode UBEC 3 Amp $8.75. SO for around $62 we have a motor, speed control and a UBEC not bad we are only up to $185 total for the plane, motor, speed control, UBEC, and servo's. So far I am under my target budget. Since I have decided to use smaller servo's, so I have to do some minor adapting.

C141FlyGuy

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Mounting the motor! I decided to mount the motor using blind nuts in the fire wall. I started by taking the mounting plate for the motor and tracing and cutting out and driling a one inch thick wood moult. I had the wood laying around so it was free. I purchased mounting hardware for the motor at ACE Hardware 4 white plastic bushings $.19 each screws with lockwashers and blind nuts were $.30 each so for less than $2 I mounted the motor. Cooling is always good so I made sure the motor could get air all around it. I also drilled and cut one long hole on each side of the motor mount to help cool the battery and the speed control.

C141FlyGuy

My Feedback: (1)

I am using Hi Tec HS81 servo's they will give 42oz of torque with a speed of .09 sec using 6 volts. I can do this since my UBEC can be swithed from 4.8 to 6 volt by moving a jumper. The servo's are less weight at just over a half an ounce in comparison to a full size servo. Mounting them in the wings was not an isue. Mounting them in the fuselage where the mounts were pre cut for full size servo's was a bit more tough. I just cut two strips of 1/8 inch ply and glued it down to down size the hole this worked well utill I went to hook up the pushrods. The set screw in the servo connectors were to high and hit the aft wing rod. I removed the set screws and used some allen screws out of some wheel collars I had laying around. This allowed them to countersink and no longer posed a problem. Here is what it looks like with the servo's mounted and all set up. I also decided to go with a receiver that I have used many times in the past. It has worked without a flaw. The RD620 from BP (Balsa Products) I purchased them at the Toledo show for $29 with the crystal of my choice. This is a dual conversion full range micro receiver, just another way of saving some weight. I also purchase two 6 inch servo extensions from radical RC for the wing servo;s. The total is $220 for the plane ready to fly minus battery.

C141FlyGuy

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After all of the radio gear was mounted I soldered up the UBEC and speed control to a deans connector. I then chose one of two props (12/6 and an 11/8) for testing. I decided on an APC 12/6 prop using my tach and the Astro what meter I found out that I would get over 11000 RPM at 41 Amps. The battery I was using a four cell 4000 mah Battery purchased at Toled from Sky SHark RC for just over $55 (show price) Normaly $75. Using Thrust HP It looks like almost two to one on the thrust to weight ratio. I added some Velcro to the battery and to the fuel tank compartment floor to hold the battery in. The battery easily fits in where the fuel tank was going to be placed. I am figuring in the Air unloaded I will never see more than 40 amps.

C141FlyGuy

My Feedback: (1)

In order to make it easier to get to the battery at the field I decided to mount the canopy using Magnets. Again this idea came from Dave Thacker at Radical, He got me into to using magnets several years ago. I also purchased a spinner but forgot how much I did pay for it at RC Hobby Center. i must say when I get a chance i purchase thing from my LHS to keep them in buisness. I will not mail order glue or CA I always purchase it from the LHS. After balancing I find that without adding any ballance weight the plane balances 2 and 7/8 of an inch back from the leading edge. This is close to the reccomended aft CG fo 2 and 3/4. I will test fly it where it is.