Hi gang,

I am currently looking into electrifying some of my favorite 1/2A designs, and I've been playing around with motocalc. I am left with the following questions:

What is the difference between electric props and regular? If I buy a 6x3 master airscrew, do I want to get the "Electric only" version? How is it differenct that the standard 6x3 props I use on my Norvel's? Are these props types (electric and Nitro) all the same shape and size, just electrics are made outta different material? Are the prop shaft hole sizes all standardized?

Jason

PS: No, I am not gonna get rid of my Cox and Norvel motors! There is no electric replacement for that wonderful sound, smell, and fury! :-)

The electric props don't have to deal with the compression and expansion cycles each go-round so can be made of less and/or thinner material. Putting a engine prop on an electric motor is over kill, putting an electric prop on an engine is get killed.

Also maybe electric props are more efficient because they can have thinner blades?

Jason, I'm also getting ready to electrify two 1/2A models. Not because I like electric more than glow, but because I want something I can grab out of the trunk and fly at a school or public ballpark at a moment's notice.

I'm actually buying two different setups, so I'll find out which works better:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZJ1&P=0
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHHJ8&P=0

With an 8x4.3 prop and 8.4v 750mAh NIMH pack the GWS does 13.65oz of thrust/75.6watts. Using the 3 watts per ounce rule for mild aerobatics it should fly my 16oz Jr. Falcon just fine... I hope!

I would agree with mclintock. But I also think you get better efficiency out of a given electric system using a larger/higher pitched prop that is thin and light than you would with a heavier, thicker, smaller one since it all has to do with the volts/amp draw/load/watts formula stuff (which I'm still learning).

rainedav- That's what I'm up to too with the electric converstion- plane in the trunk to be flown as opportunities come up. There's a couple of large ball fields I pass going to work, that would be a great place to put in a couple flights after work.

mclintock- Thanks for the info! Now I know the difference! PS- I love your tag line in your avatar! I talked to two of the astronauts of that flight, one by email (Conrad) before he passed away, and I met the other (Bean) at an art signing event at a local art store. I've read up many many books on those days- and am a HUGE fan of Apollo!

Jason