RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Very cool! :D

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

How easy is it to upgrade the GWS 300 gearbox with the Razor motor?

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

You can get a mounting kit, I beleive Aero Micro might carry them, or you can do what most do and that's find a couple of o-rings the right size and slide them on the razor. And you have to replace the pinion. Which requires a puller.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Foam Question

I have bought some grey 6mm depron foam. Is this the correct type?

Do I cut it with a sharp scalpel?

Should I sand the edges round?

What is the best way to add colour, without adding too much weight?

Thank you for the help.[:o]

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

nosram, you have the right material. Use a new #11 blade and change it if it starts to drag in the Depron. Use a straight edge for the long straight lines and one thing I found out on my first one, don't hurry the cut, use several light passes, at least three or four, or the blade will tear out when it cuts through. I lightly rounded all the edges on mine and I think it looks better that way. As for as color, two methods that are the most popular are PermaPaque paint pens, and color packing tape. The pens are ok, but on my next I'll use the tape. It does a much prettier job.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Sorry I've been a stranger lately. Been trying to get the Yak plans done...

RCU/Ezone Forum exclusive... Get them before anyone else...

Yes, they are $12.00 USD. I've got to get my hobby money somewhere... This price is a pre-release price. They will be going up to $15.00 later.

The plans zip file includes a .pdf full sheet plan formatted for 36"x48" paper, a full sheet plan formatted for an A0 sheet, and a tiled set of plans on 18 sheets.

Here's the order page http://www.jetworksmodels.com/yakplans.htm

Later,

Tim H.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

After reading tons of stuff on rcgroups, I have decided on a final combo with only two variables. I have read tons of data on these motors and they seem to be very comparable to the razors and weigh less than the mpjet.

3DX
Himaxx 2015-3600kv
etech 3s1p lipos
CS gearing
gws 12x6 or 7 prop

Himaxx 2015-4100kv
etech3s1p lipos
DS gearing
Gws 12x6 or 7 prop.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

The Himaxx motors are looking pretty promissing. I didn't know the smaller ones were out yet. I'm gonna have to crunch some numbers...

Tim

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Ok who is going to buy my gas planes?
I love this thing but have a few questions.

1. I'm using the stock gws motor re-timed, a CC Pixie 20P, and 3 1200 ETECS.
What cutoff voltage do I use on the esc.

2. I am pulling @ 10 amps at half throt. and 12 amps at full. Is this too much
for the etecs.

3. If I use a brushless will it pull less current at the same performance.

I have looked at most of the threads and have not seen too many people using the LiPo's with the stock 300 motors. Is there a reason.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

What the gearbox/prop are you using? 10 amps is way to much for that motor. I'm using EPS-300C/BB - D (6.60:1) and I draw 4-7 A. Increasing Voltage from standard 9.6 to 12 doesn't increase current much, just the power. Lower gear ratio or bigger prop can increase current beyond the limits.

Now for your question. If you use cheap stuff than you go with GWS 300, NiCd and cheap ESC (total cost about $60). If you want to go with LiPo then you need ESC that can be programmed for cut-off voltage appropriate for LiPo - it's $40 alone. So you pay extra about $40 (battery and ESC) just for 2 oz weight saving without any better performance. I guess it's not worth. better deal is to spend extra $100 for brushless setup. You save weight and increase performance.

RysiuM

P.S.

Here is example setup:

Standard setup:
EPS-300C/BB D (6.60:1) = $17.00
GWS ICS-300E Speed Controller = $18.95
GWS Propeller (EP-1260) = $ 2.40
Subtotal: = $38.35

Ni-MH 9.6V - 700mAh = $16.38

Total: = $54.73

Brushless setup:
AstroFlight 010 Brushless = $75.00
Phoenix-10 ESC = $59.95
GWS Gearbox 300/350 D = $ 5.00
GWS Propeller (EP-1260) = $ 2.40
Subtotal: = $142.35

Lithium Polymer 11.1V 1500mAh = $54.95

Total: = $197.30

I think that helps.

RysiuM

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

You don't have to go with a programable esc with li-polys. I'm running a 350C-D on three e-tech 1200mils and my GS 400E works just fine. I know the motor will not last forever, but so far I've got about twenty flights on it and it's running strong and when it does go **** up, I'll either replace the motor with another brushed motor, or step up to a brushless and a brushless esc.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

I am using the same gearbox 300s with D ratio and the GWS 12x6 prop. I was pulling 8 amps with the AAA
720mah batteries. The castle creations 20P does have cutoff programable. I was wanting to know which cutoff to use, 5, 6, 7.2, or 8.4. With the three 1200mah in series and a min voltage discharge of 3 volts, you would think the 8.4 volt cutoff would work. However I have seen where people use no cut off at all claiming that loaded you get down to 3 volts per cell pretty easy. Then when you unload it your cells go right back to 3.7-4.o volts again. I just don't want to damage the LiPo batteries.

When you say your only drawing 4-7 amps, that is with the 8 cell nickle metals right. I timed my motor using the 2 cells, originaly drawing .7 amps then rotated clockwise. the current went down then back to .7 amps. Something doesent seem right if I draw 8-9 amps with the same battery and the same gearing and prop. I do get 6 to 7 min. flights but requires 3/4 throttle. Plane AUW is 12 oz.

I have not flown with the new LiPo's yet just took some measurements and 12 amps seemed high.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

This is the same, what I have. Of course, I din't measure the current when flying - just on the bench. 4amps is when motor starts running, about 7amps on full throttle. The flight time 3/4 to full throttle is about 8 minutes then it starts folling of vertical.

I have cheap GWS 8amp ESC so I don't want to go with LiPo with that (the battery will be more expensive than ESC:))


Instruction says which setup is for 3 LiPo (I don't remember which one).
I know people don't use cut-off for LiPo, but then it requires practice, how far can you go without dicharging the battery. But you will never get "the last drop" and it's to much stress fo me :D


That's about right. I had mostly the same, except that I run the motor on 1.5 V for about 1 hour spraying it with contact cleaner from time to time. Now it runs excelent (until it dies).

Did you measure 12 amps on that motor on 12 V? It seems to high.

RysiuM

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Hmmm, I need to invent something to sell to pay for my stuff.... :D

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Thanks for the response. Yes that 12 amps was with the 11.1 volt etec pack at full charge, @ 12 volts. I just reduced my timming a tad, maybe that will help.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

I use the CC Pixie 20P. I set the voltage cut off initially to 8.4v, but it kept cutting out. Changed it to 7.2 and set it to soft cut off and it was much better. You can tell when the voltage has dropped and you do not risk your airplane at the same time. My batteries (E-Tec 3S1P 1200ma) in an unloaded condition never go below 9 volts after 15 minutes of flying.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

I'm assuming the wing and horizontal stabilizer are epoxied to the fuse, correct?

Does anyone have a way of mounting these components without actually glueing them? I'd like to
fit my 3DX in a large suitcase, so that I can take it with me on an airplane.

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Yes they are epoxied in. I don't think you'de have any luck in trying to make this design into a two piece airplane.

If you're looking for something to take in your suitcase, take a look at Wild RC's Mini IFO.

Tom

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Just finished my up and got the madien in. Love it. Right now its got a 300c D drive 10x4.5 prop and a 3s 1200 e-tec pack. I've got a razor on the way baby. Here's some pics. Had to fly at night due to the weather.

Jason

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Did anyone say Indoors!!
:D

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

COOL :D

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Here is my 3DX. Too much fun with the Li Poly batteries.:D:D

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

M DiMonte,

Nice paint job. Did you use paint? What kind: latex or enamel?


Guys: I made the mistake of buying gray 6mm depron. It's harder to decorate (I think). Buy the white 6mm depron instead. I've sprayed on a
light coat of enamel on a scrap piece and the foam hasn't melted (yet). ;)

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Sweet Mark, ;) is that tape or paint?

Tom

RE: Front Yard 3D+Video
 

Thanks for the compliments, It is in fact paintmarkers. I got them at my local art supply store. I used a raised edge ruler and drew the lines on then coloured them in. I did make mods to the fuse though. Instead of using foam for the fuse, I built one up using 1/4 inch balsa sticks and covered it with ultracoate film. 1/16 ply on 2 sides of the 1/4 by 1/4 main spar was used to to complete the gearbox mount. No need for the cf fuse spar because the 1/4 inch fuse is stronger torsionally. This strengthens both the main wing mount and the stabilizer mount so fuse does not twist 1/2 as much during rolling circles. To make the fuse I used the plan as an outline and drew all of the braces in to allow for the wing and stab mounts as well as glued foam sheet in between the sticks at key points to allow for easy servo and battery mounting. The all up weight did not change at all so I am quite pleased how things went. The plane is holding up quite well considering the unplanned landings. :D;)