Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > ARF or RTF
 Glo to electric conversion >

Glo to electric conversion

Community
Search
Notices
ARF or RTF Discuss ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) radio control airplanes here.

Glo to electric conversion

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-24-2008 | 08:52 AM
  #1  
ppkk's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Dallas
Default Glo to electric conversion

I originally posted this in the electric forum but only received one reply, so I thought I would try my luck here:

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8268707/tm.htm]Original post[/link]

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Old 12-24-2008 | 01:50 PM
  #2  
ChuckW's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,165
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
From: Clovis, CA
Default RE: Glo to electric conversion

First off, how much is the finished plane going to weigh approximately? Are you sure that motor will do the job? The mount you have is for a stick-mount application.

What I would do is cut the existing glow engine mount flush with the firewall. Then select the appropriate outrunner based on the expected finished weight of the airplane. since this is a Cub, you don't need to overpower it. I'd say 100 Watts per pound would be plenty. Then you can determine what you need to do to mount the motor on the firewall and space it out as needed.
Old 12-24-2008 | 04:46 PM
  #3  
ppkk's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Dallas
Default RE: Glo to electric conversion

Chuck,

The plane is very light. Without the electrical gear it weighs under 12 ounces, so I will have more than 100 Watts per pound with this motor - assuming I can trust the specs at 200W.
Old 12-24-2008 | 11:25 PM
  #4  
ChuckW's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,165
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
From: Clovis, CA
Default RE: Glo to electric conversion

Wow, that is light. I'd toss the stick mount and try to bolt the motor directly to a flat firewall.
Old 12-24-2008 | 11:34 PM
  #5  
Ram Jet's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Burtchville, MI
Default RE: Glo to electric conversion

I think ChuckW has got it. Simplicity is beauty.

Bill
Old 12-25-2008 | 04:37 AM
  #6  
ram3500-RCU's Avatar
My Feedback: (221)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 9,737
Received 13 Likes on 7 Posts
From: n. canton, OH
Default RE: Glo to electric conversion

I don't think bolting the motor to the firewall will get you past the cowl.

I wouldn't use the plastic GWS mount.

I would make a fixture consisting of a 1/8 ply firewall large enough to mount the motor to plus some extra, and another piece of 1/8 ply at a right angle on the back and in the center, with gussets to the motor mounting plate for extra strength. Make this horizontal piece the same width as the mount you already have and deep enough to cover about 3/4 of it when the vertical part is slid back against the front of the rails. This whole assembly could then be slid fore and aft on the existing mounting rails till you have the correct clearance for the cowl, and then screwed directly to the OEM mounting rails. This will also preserve the designers thrust lines for you.

In other words, take advantage of what you already have to make it easy to set up the motor. And you could always mount a larger motor to the same rig in the future.
Old 12-25-2008 | 11:12 AM
  #7  
ppkk's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Dallas
Default RE: Glo to electric conversion

Thanks for the responses everyone, much appreciated.

ram - great advice, I think I'll do it exactly as you said.
Old 01-01-2009 | 10:54 PM
  #8  
ppkk's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Dallas
Default RE: Glo to electric conversion

Alright, this is what I ended up doing: I shortened the existing mount and made this "adapter" which simply slides over it. All I have to do now is reinforce it using a few pieces of triangle stock and I should be good to do.

I now have a new problem: When trying to install the servos, I was surprised to see that there was only a very thing strip of plywood available to screw in the servos. This problem became somewhat worse as I had to make a "notch" to allow the servo wire to clear the opening. If I tried to screw in the servos as is, I would likely split the strip of plywood or at best have a very weak installation which would eventually let go. Interestingly enough however, there is plenty of room on the sides of the servo. Only if the mounting wholes were there... To make it easier to follow what I am saying, I have drawn lines to illustrate where the plywood is under the covering.

Any suggestions on the best way of properly securing the servos in the wing?
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Rp42785.jpg
Views:	27
Size:	53.5 KB
ID:	1101295   Click image for larger version

Name:	Bw71830.jpg
Views:	34
Size:	24.5 KB
ID:	1101296   Click image for larger version

Name:	Yd83137.jpg
Views:	32
Size:	47.1 KB
ID:	1101297   Click image for larger version

Name:	Un34087.jpg
Views:	34
Size:	32.7 KB
ID:	1101298  
Old 01-02-2009 | 12:11 AM
  #9  
ram3500-RCU's Avatar
My Feedback: (221)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 9,737
Received 13 Likes on 7 Posts
From: n. canton, OH
Default RE: Glo to electric conversion

Looks like that will work fine.

For the servo mounts....CA some balsa stock under where the screws will be. Pilot the holes with a 1/32 drill bit, run the screws in then back out, then drop thin CA in the holes. After it is dry, the threads are hard and strong. No worries.

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.