Help a newcomer get started with a JetCat P-120
08-14-2021, 01:35 PM
#1
Help a newcomer get started with a JetCat P-120
Hey everybody,
My first post here after lurking for a long while! I've been flying RC for some time and I've always wanted to get into turbine powered builds. Well today I sorta impulse bought a JetCat P-120 turbine. The turbine itself supposedly works well, and comes with a V5.0 ECU. But, thats all it comes with. As for right now I'd like to do some ground testing with it and could really use some help on what all I need to get in order to get this thing up and running, and where to get the supplies. I know I need a GSU and was going to go with the Jetcat Mini, I know I need a I/O board, and I've found the cables I need. What I DON'T know about is the battery for the ECU. The owners instruction says to use a 6 cell 1250mAh 7.2V NiCad, and I've found some online but know nothing about the specific connectors that are needed to connect it to the ECU. I'm also having trouble finding a fuel pump, and shut off valves.
So, does anybody have any recommendations for a battery, fuel pump, SO valves, and anything else I may be missing?
I look forward to hearing from you guys!
My first post here after lurking for a long while! I've been flying RC for some time and I've always wanted to get into turbine powered builds. Well today I sorta impulse bought a JetCat P-120 turbine. The turbine itself supposedly works well, and comes with a V5.0 ECU. But, thats all it comes with. As for right now I'd like to do some ground testing with it and could really use some help on what all I need to get in order to get this thing up and running, and where to get the supplies. I know I need a GSU and was going to go with the Jetcat Mini, I know I need a I/O board, and I've found the cables I need. What I DON'T know about is the battery for the ECU. The owners instruction says to use a 6 cell 1250mAh 7.2V NiCad, and I've found some online but know nothing about the specific connectors that are needed to connect it to the ECU. I'm also having trouble finding a fuel pump, and shut off valves.
So, does anybody have any recommendations for a battery, fuel pump, SO valves, and anything else I may be missing?
I look forward to hearing from you guys!
08-14-2021, 02:54 PM
#2
Giving a Country/location would help.
Even a V2.0 early ECU will work with a 2s Li-Po. If it’s gas start 2200 up is good, if it’s been converted to Kero start 3500 and a high C rating is better.
Battery connector is MPX female.
Dave
Even a V2.0 early ECU will work with a 2s Li-Po. If it’s gas start 2200 up is good, if it’s been converted to Kero start 3500 and a high C rating is better.
Battery connector is MPX female.
Dave
08-14-2021, 03:02 PM
#3
I'm on the East coast of the US. And thank you! that solves the battery+lead adapter question. It is the gas start version. Now I just need to find a fuel pump and shut off valves, fuel lines/connectors, and I should be good to go.
08-14-2021, 03:33 PM
#4
My Feedback: (20)
Hi aerocube,
There is lots of jet activity on the US east coast. I highly recommend you hook up with some jet pilots in your area. It is really helpful and important IMO to get some good advice and counsel when getting started. It's been done solo but you can avoid lots of pit falls and learn faster if you have a local coach. Feel free to reach out and I'm sure you will find lots of help. I started with RAM 750/1000 and JetCat 120 gas start turbines many years ago and they all ran great. Keep asking for advice, there are no dumb questions. Jets are really fun. Good luck getting started.
Gary
There is lots of jet activity on the US east coast. I highly recommend you hook up with some jet pilots in your area. It is really helpful and important IMO to get some good advice and counsel when getting started. It's been done solo but you can avoid lots of pit falls and learn faster if you have a local coach. Feel free to reach out and I'm sure you will find lots of help. I started with RAM 750/1000 and JetCat 120 gas start turbines many years ago and they all ran great. Keep asking for advice, there are no dumb questions. Jets are really fun. Good luck getting started.
Gary
08-14-2021, 03:57 PM
#5
The V5 ECU can only take 7.2V, a two cell LIPO will get it going just fine, you will need a propane can valve adaptor, Dreamworks have them, you will also need cold glow plugs, I've been using K&B cold glow plugs lately with great success, you have to pull two coils out of the plug body to expose them to the gas for a more reliable start, two is all you need for now.
Get a strainer from HD to use as a FOD screen for $3 or one made for the P120 for a bit more, cut an X on the center of it, slide it over the started, add electrical tape to hold it down, add a small drop of mid CA to the tape to stop it from unwinding.
HD strainer on my SimJet 2200 on my first jet, a Kangaroo assembled nearly 22 years ago ( man oh man, times flys when you fly jets 😁 )
Ok, it's $4.5 my bad 😁
Get a strainer from HD to use as a FOD screen for $3 or one made for the P120 for a bit more, cut an X on the center of it, slide it over the started, add electrical tape to hold it down, add a small drop of mid CA to the tape to stop it from unwinding.
HD strainer on my SimJet 2200 on my first jet, a Kangaroo assembled nearly 22 years ago ( man oh man, times flys when you fly jets 😁 )
Ok, it's $4.5 my bad 😁
Last edited by CARS II; 08-14-2021 at 04:19 PM.
08-14-2021, 04:45 PM
#7
For the pump, place an add on RCG ( best place to sell and buy ) we all have one or two spares, place the add, see what kind of reply you get.
Also get a propane can, the Colman green one will last you a life time, one can is all you need, not six 😁
You will need a one way Festo fitting fort the gas line coming from the propane electric valve, there is where the tube from the gas can connects during start, a gas filter for the fuel line and one for the gas line on the gas can.
Also get a propane can, the Colman green one will last you a life time, one can is all you need, not six 😁
You will need a one way Festo fitting fort the gas line coming from the propane electric valve, there is where the tube from the gas can connects during start, a gas filter for the fuel line and one for the gas line on the gas can.
Last edited by CARS II; 08-14-2021 at 04:55 PM.
The following users liked this post:
aerocube (08-14-2021)
08-15-2021, 10:42 AM
#12
Also, that is a super clean build you did with the P-80! Fingers crossed that my first job is as neat as that. With the fuel pump and shut offs acquired, all I need now is go grab the fittings you sent, get some fuel lines and I should have it up and running as soon as I get everything together. I’ll keep you updated on how it goes!
08-15-2021, 12:32 PM
#15
Yes, I've already payed the person who contacted me and they've given me a tracking number. Please let your friend know that I appreciate their help, and I also appreciate your help as well! I'll likely have to put your name on the side of my build after all of this hahaha
08-15-2021, 04:29 PM
#18
I get my batteries from these guys, very happy with the performance of the batts and the customer service.
High discharge is what you're looking for.
https://rcdude.com/products/batteries.html
High discharge is what you're looking for.
https://rcdude.com/products/batteries.html
Last edited by CARS II; 08-15-2021 at 05:44 PM.
