Robart Electric Retracts Update
Electric Retract Update, January 31, 2012
As with most major projects, we are slightly behind schedule – but only slightly. We are excited to see all the variables coming together in this ambitious electric retract program.
The first electric retracts to be released will be for the new 30 cc, Hangar 9 P-47. This will include both electric main retracts and optional tailwheel retract. Of course, a pneumatic version of this gear is also available. Both items will be available directly from Horizon or one of their dealers. Robart will not be selling these retracts. Please see the Horizon Hobby website for pricing and availability. These retracts should be available in approximately 2-3 weeks.
The Hangar 9 P-47 mains use our 630 Series main and 160 tailwheel mechanisms so we will be offering retracts and conversion kits for airframes using the 630 series in a 90 or 95 degree configuration in approximately 3 weeks. For airplanes that have a 100+ degree nosegear, it will be about 30-45 days until we have that actuator produced. The 160 tailwheels in all configurations will be available in the 2-3 week timeframe.
After the 630 and 160 Series, we plan to be rolling out actuators for the 510 and 550 Series retracts (3-4 weeks), the 148 rotating retracts (4-5 weeks), 590 and 810 Series (5-6 weeks), 150 Series (5-6 weeks), 622 Series (5-6 weeks but could be sooner) and 145 Series (5-6 weeks but could be sooner).
Please keep checking back for more information.Robart,
if your reading this, please hurry!!!!! My build is on hold till I get my gear...
Anyone heard anything? I mean it's the middle of April?
Wingspan is definitely an option, I just already have the Robostruts.
Dust
Looks like Robart is close to releasing a few more model retracts as I see them listed at the Tower. Need 100 degree rotating 60 size in a big way.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...SM&C=QEL&V=ROB
Just got my 148's back from Robart. I had sent them a pair of Corsair 1/5th scale set of Robarst 148's to convert to electric. They did so at the rather expensive cost of $229.95. It would have been 45.00 dollars more but they threw in the labor cause I'm such a nice guy...........
Well, I can only tell you, at this point, I VERY DISAPOINTED.........I've only worked them on the bench and have already burnt up one actuator. With a 6.6 volt 2100 mah freshly charged LiFe, they take 11 seconds to extend and 10 seconds to retract...........that's very very slow after an engine quits, like a life time, if you know what I mean.......I'm gonna call Eric tomorrow, they've been closed all week and see if they'll help me with the actuator and try and figure out why their so dang slow......I'll report back.
Happyeeeee New Year guys, What a great hobby we're all involved in...............
CAPTAIN RON
Guys........
Just got my 148's back from Robart. I had sent them a pair of Corsair 1/5th scale set of Robarst 148's to convert to electric. They did so at the rather expensive cost of $229.95. It would have been 45.00 dollars more but they threw in the labor cause I'm such a nice guy...........
Well, I can only tell you, at this point, I VERY DISAPOINTED.........I've only worked them on the bench and have already burnt up one actuator. With a 6.6 volt 2100 mah freshly charged LiFe, they take 11 seconds to extend and 10 seconds to retract...........that's very very slow after an engine quits, like a life time, if you know what I mean.......I'm gonna call Eric tomorrow, they've been closed all week and see if they'll help me with the actuator and try and figure out why their so dang slow......I'll report back.
Happyeeeee New Year guys, What a great hobby we're all involved in...............
CAPTAIN RON
I been waiting for mine for a long, long time.. Please keep us posted on them Ron and let us know how it works out.........
I spoke with Eric this morning and as I had expected, he was very accomadating to my problems. He said, just send the actuator back and they would repair or replace it. I asked if they had had much problem with them and he replied very little.
As or the speed, It's just as simple as the more voltage, the faste they run. You can go up to a 9 volt LIPO and get some real speed. I'm gonna stick with the LiFe 6.6 volt 2100 mah, as it's already in the plane. Robart is a good company and we have to remember this electric stuff is new to them also. I just apprecaite them standing behind their product, as alot of companies out there these days don't have that kind of integrity.
CAPTAIN RON
OK Guys,
I spoke with Eric this morning and as I had expected, he was very accomadating to my problems. He said, just send the actuator back and they would repair or replace it. I asked if they had had much problem with them and he replied very little.
As or the speed, It's just as simple as the more voltage, the faste they run. You can go up to a 9 volt LIPO and get some real speed. I'm gonna stick with the LiFe 6.6 volt 2100 mah, as it's already in the plane. Robart is a good company and we have to remember this electric stuff is new to them also. I just apprecaite them standing behind their product, as alot of companies out there these days don't have that kind of integrity.
CAPTAIN RON
Ok, here's the results..
6 volt NmH 2500mah .............11 seconds down 10 seconds up
6.6 volt 2100 mah LiFe........9 seconds down and 9 seconds up.
7.4 volt 2s LIpo (which I will go with).... 8 seconds down and 8 seconds up.
This is definately no walk in the park installng these Robarts electrics. They have the Robart conversion flange on them also. Good Luck. I'm available for any questions.
There's really not a lot of heavy work or giant mods. I used the Robart flange mod so the gear rails would lay on teh exsisting wood in the wing. Otherwize the Robart are too small in width. Then it's just it's just a matter of some light trimming, positioning, adjusting. OH Yeah, don't forget the ordiginal Robarts are slightly short, so I had Robart also extend them with modified longer struts, I've got $329.00 invested in the Retracts that I already owned, plus freight shipping them back and forth.
Captain Ron