Most of the "commercial" use blimps run an outdated R/C car ESC with reverse. Reversing the prop is a poor solution for turning but it's the most cost effective for the manufacture. As most ESC's do not dump 100% power in reverse flip the prop around so it is spinning in the proper direction when the ESC is reversed then when run forward the prop is actually spinning backward (not efficient) but it is spinning at 100% power (faster than reverse)... This sorta makes the blimp turn equally in both directions. The only real solution to your power woes are larger props and efficient gearing. The solution to your turning woes is a reversing pitch blade (like the tail rotor of a heli).

I fly Mobile Airships blimps exclusively - and have more experience then I care to with Aerostar's products. I have found MA to be the better of the blimp vendors...

The drafts in the arena are pretty killer and most all of MA blimps are way underpowered. The best thing I have found to do is gut the 280 and 400 size motors run a minimum of 7 cells and switch over to a geared speed 300 drive system with a larger blade. I have laser cut some nice motor mounts to accept the gear drive and also have ditched the foam core fins for stronger/lighter laser cut balsa built up fins.

Overall I have hacked well over 8 oz out of the blimp by upgrading to modern micro electronics and gear driven systems.

If you are ever in the need of Fins / Coupon Drops (Spiral and 4-Pin) / Motor mounts / Banners / Envelopes / etc... let me know. I network with a number of blimp opperators through the US over the last few years we have become a pretty tight group. Many of us have found cost effective solutions for most of the day to day supplies and maintenance items.

If you need assistance or would just like to chat contact me through www.arenablimp.com

-Bill
[email protected]
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