dale691

Hi Guys, anyone know of a 40 size decathlon that would be an easy conversion to electric?

The ones I have found are the Thunder tiger, seagull, black horse. none of them seem to have being electric in mind. I don't really want to be taking the wing off all the time for a battery change let alone worrying about the wing struts as well

cheers

viva_peru

Hi,

If you do not mind building the model from a kit, Sig makes a very nice. Keep in mind that if you build the model yourself, things such a battery access can be included without having to worry about ruining the model's finish. Also, it generallly results in a lighter plane.

If you are set on an ARF, I would consider using a A123 pack which could be left within the plane while charging. If might be somewhat more expensive to take this approach since the pack will be dedicated to the model, but it does solve the problem of trying to get at the battery every time it needs to be charged.

Good luck,

Teo

rc_man1

Here is one that I just converted over..Phoenix Models Super Decathlon ARF .46-.51,66"

I just finished the Decathlon. It came out to 7LBS. The only MOD i did to it was move the tail feather servos under the stab. My final setup:

Motor: Trinity 50-55B 600Kv 16x10E APC
Battery: 7s1p A123's
ESC: CC80
Hitec optic 6 2.4Ghz with 2s1p A123 for reciever

The motor test
1050watts at WOT
so she comes out at 150 watts per pound. I think she will fly.

I had to cut a hole in the covering to put the 2s1p in the aft fuselage to C.G. correctly. It looks nice all cleaned up. I'll post Photo's and Video later.

Mike

flyingtraveler

I have just finished a Decathalon with 48" wing span from Black Horse. It was designed specifically to be electric. I modified it and increased the motor size to a Axi 2820 outrunner, with LiPo 4 cell power. I found the plane on sale for $65.00 and had the motor and speed controller at home. Had to relocate the battery to the cockpit, which does require that I remove the wing and struts, Not too big a task,

It is a hot rod... obviously alot of power and speed. However it was crazy squirrley on take off. A buddy of mine loaned me an old Gyro he had and we connected it to the rudder and the difference is absolutely amazing. It runs down the runway like it is on rails..... Lots of fun to fly, easy to get to the field and quick to get it up into the air. Quality of Black Horse kit was good, and it flys good. Dont know how it would be with the standard motor and 3 cell battery. But you might want to check it out.

Love the way it looks in the air, the paint scheme is really eye catching.