Okay, here's the scoop on the "electrification" of the standard size Tamecat.
a. Installed BP Hobbies "4120-7" brushless outrunner w/APC 12x8E prop. Could not use the supplied spinner as the backplate distorted when the prop nut was tightened. Tried to use an "Extreme Flight" spinner but the stock cut outs are too big and the spinner catches air and spins out of balance. Used a BP "80A" ESC which was overkill I know but the price was right. Together motor and ESC was right at $100! (Okay so sue me, I'm cheap).
b. Flight battery was a FlightPower Evo-Lite 3200mah 5S (18.5v). all connectors were Dean Ultras.
c. Used standard sized servos for all flight controls but I did decide to use a Hitec 605HD for the rudder since it did double duty with the remote nose wheel. I also upgraded the nose wheel steering pushrod to 4-40 size, the sub 2-56 stock pushrod was just too flimsy.
d. Due to balancing issues I used a separate 2000mah 4.8v Ni-Mh receiver pack mounted in the tail and even though I do not like to use any unnecessary weight, I added 4oz. of lead sheet to the tail.
e. I also upgraded the wheels to 3.25 Dubro Light Weights for better handling on grass.
f. AUW was measured with an electronic fish scale and the plane ,RTF, came in at a respectable 6.11 pounds.
Maiden flight was GREAT! Plane tracks very nicely (as most trikes tend to do) but you have to feed in a little up to get her to break contact with mother earth. Once up and at 1/2 throttle she comfortable tracked straight up at about 80 degrees with no effort! My cheap motor and esc performed flawlessly. I only had to feed in 4 clicks of down to arrive at straight and level flight. Half throttle provided ample power for big round loops and cuban eights. Landing was a pleasure as well. Just before turning on final I chopped the throttle and glided her in. She has to be landed just like she takes off, you have to fly her onto the runway. Once down, I allowed her to stop and then used the throttle to get her back to the pit area (ain't electricity a wonderful thing!).
Anyway, I wish I had some pics available for you guys but my camera is ka-poot! The plane was basically my first endeavor in electrifying an otherwise glow-engined plane. The "Tamecat" was an excellent choice, I highly recommend her to anyone desiring to do the same!
Happy Flying!
Loopman
