Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie)  
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Tower Hobbies
Enter up to 4 keywords or Tower stock numbers
Logged in as Guest



Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
       

All Forums >> Electric Aircraft Universe >> Electric Training >> Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie)
Page: [1]

Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie) - 12/3/2006 4:20:01 PM   
vtsigns


 

Posts: 2
Joined: 12/3/2006
From: , VT, USA
Status: offline 		New to the Site, and certainly new to Electric RC flight stuff. I have a homebuilt, all foam constructed plane (pusher) - using a Speed 400 motor - Futaba 2 channel Radio / receiver (aileron and elevator). I don't have the ability for throttle control with this set-up, so can I get away without the ESC and just run the motor full-tilt until it dies, or will this smoke my receiver / servo set-up?

Shane
       Post #: 1

RE: Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie) - 12/3/2006 7:29:49 PM   
scoooper



Posts: 277
Joined: 6/19/2006
From: crawfordville, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Thats a set-up for a sailboat RC, but what the heck! go on an run her up, I fly about full power a lot with no harm done, just keep in mind your deal'in with a "moter gone wild" and she lands or crashs without the ablity to shut her down is when moter damage is like'ly to happen, put a BIG switch on her so you won't get nicked dumb-thumb'in for the tiny on-off switch, have at it an I hope you have a ball!! your bub, scoooper

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize 		Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize


< Message edited by scoooper -- 12/3/2006 7:43:18 PM >

(in reply to vtsigns)
       Post #: 2

RE: Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie) - 12/3/2006 7:47:33 PM   
intimidator_md



Posts: 54
Joined: 8/19/2006
From: Oshkosh, WI, USA
Status: offline 		no, but be aware of the consequences. Always having a prop spin at high rpm and not having any control can result in severe injury. Also, if you get into trouble flying you have no way of throttle management which can lead to a crash. It is in your best interest to get an ESC for your plane. For safety reasons. They are fairly cheap anywhere from $15-$35 depending on what you get. So it won't hurt to make the investment now. Good luck.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2378922/tm.htm
I know this isn't the result of not having an ESC (it was a nitro engine) but this is what could happen if you hit a spinning prop.

< Message edited by intimidator_md -- 12/3/2006 7:48:55 PM >

_____________________________

I've never had a plane I couldn't crash.

(in reply to scoooper)
       Post #: 3

RE: Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie) - 12/3/2006 8:24:21 PM   
scoooper



Posts: 277
Joined: 6/19/2006
From: crawfordville, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Intemadator MD He's only got a two ch, tran's-reciever, Wo'nt he in that case get a 3-4 ch+ reciever+ESC, ? May a sailboat for the rest of his stuff? you make a good case for safety, your bub, scoooper

(in reply to intimidator_md)
       Post #: 4

RE: Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie) - 12/3/2006 11:56:23 PM   
vtsigns


 

Posts: 2
Joined: 12/3/2006
From: , VT, USA
Status: offline 		Thanks for the advice. I'll wear a helmet and flak jacket! I guess I'll invest in a four channel radio set-up.

(in reply to vtsigns)
       Post #: 5

RE: Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie) - 12/4/2006 12:02:38 PM   
intimidator_md



Posts: 54
Joined: 8/19/2006
From: Oshkosh, WI, USA
Status: offline 		You're right, he'll at least need a 3 channel for throttle control. I would recommend getting one so you have the ability for throttle control. Just go for an inexpensive 4 channel 'cause trust me, You will get hooked on flying and move up to 4 channel trainers in no time. Ebay some 4 channel radios. You can fine some nice ones for around $50 brand spanking new. I have a Lanier Indicator 2 channel with a .049 killer bee. While it is fun to fly, I do miss not being able to set different throttles for flight. And I have to start the engine last right before flight, otherwise I burn through too much gas and the plane will start to jump through the grass and get away from me.

_____________________________

I've never had a plane I couldn't crash.

(in reply to vtsigns)
       Post #: 6

RE: Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie) - 12/4/2006 3:51:54 PM   
soarhead-RCU


 

Posts: 262
Joined: 7/24/2002
From: Omaha, NE, USA
Status: offline 		vt:
You could do like wedid in the "old days", Rig up a toggle switch to the servo arm so when you went full up or full right it flips the toggle off and you just float down. Used this in eley powered sailplanes before ESCs were available. Also some guys used trip wires that pulled a rubber band off of a micro switch at full deflection, use a plug in type auto fuse on the outside of the plane to arm it and also protect your motor from going up in smoke if the switch doesnt work and you land with enough juice to burn it up before you get to the plane to unplug the battery. IT CAN BE DONE!!!!!!!!
Good Luck
Bob

(in reply to intimidator_md)
       Post #: 7

Page:   [1]
All Forums >> Electric Aircraft Universe >> Electric Training >> Do I need an ESC? (Electric Newbie)
Page: [1]





Jump to:


Google 



Search | Marketplace | Event Calendar | Local Clubs | Magazine | Product Ratings | New Products | Discussion Forums

Photo Gallery | Member Video Posts | RCU Video Gallery | Instructor Search | Field|Track|Marina Search

Advertisers | Hobby Vendor Resources | Rate Manufacturers | Sign In/Sign Up

SITE MAP!   : :   FORUM RULES

© 2001 - 2007 24-7 RC, LLC, all rights reserved.

Charities we support that also need your help
Yorkie Rescue | Humane Society | ASPCA | Crohn's-Colitis America

Kaango.com Classifieds

0.578RCU5