Hi all,

Anyone out there converting (converted) a Nexstar 46 Trainer to Outrunner?

We are in the process of doing this, and have the following setup...

AXI 4130/16 (390Kv)
CC Phoenix 80 Amp ESC
DM 5C2P 8000 mAH Lipoly

Trouble is, the Kv rating (390) on this motor selection is too low, and we can't put enough prop (Diameter) on it to pull the rated loads and clear ground. The max diameter is about 15 inches (leaving only 1/2 inch ground clearance). Should pull ~50 Amps at over 1100 Watts. We bought the setup on the recommendation from a "reputable" hobby shop specializing in electrics. They sold us a Master Airscrew 16x10-3 Blade prop to go with.

The MAS 3B-16x10 only loads it up to ~830 Watts, and pulls about 7-1/2 lbs thrust. Enough to fly, it seems, but way short of expectations. Bad part is, we need to jack this thing WAY up, or convert it to tail dragger to clear this much prop. This hardware will eventually go into our BME CAP Maniac, where we can swing a much larger props.

Tried an APC 15x10E, will only pull around 5 lbs thrust @ approx. 400 Watts. (sorry, don't have my notes with me for accurate numbers, going on memory). The OS 46 it came with makes about 1200 Watts (1.6 hp). So, the questions are:

a. Is 5 lbs thrust enough to fly this trainer? (I'm thinking not)

b. Has anyone converted this bird to tail-dragger?

c. Any ideas?

Appreciate any feedback!

Good Flying...