what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

hi,i want to convert my hobbyzone supercub to brushless but that means redoing all the electrics? if so, can i have a list of the things i need or recommended items eg servos.

thanks

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

I doubt you'll need to replace your servos.
I can't give you any details as I'm not familier with your plane and I don't have time right now
to do all the research but here is an idea of the equippment you're looking at getting.
you can get good deals at hobbycity.com

1) you'll need a brushless motor (big/powerful enough for the plane) and
2) matching speed controller (matching, meaning one rated at the amperage your motor draws depending on how you prop it)
3) Electric props I use APC brand I'm not sure what size as I have no Idea the size of the plane you have
4) I'd suggest LiPo batteries, again, rated to match/exceed what your motor draws (read read read)
5) you'd need a charger for those batteries, and a ballancer or a charging ballancer
6) lots of reading to learn how to handle those batteries (they can get very dangerous if you're careless)
if you treat your batteries right you can get upwards of 70 cycles out of them and although that doesnt seem like a lot it actually is!
7) Soldering iron
8) Possibly deans connectors depending on the batteries/ESC/motor some dont always come with these things attached
9) a watt meter (I dont have one, I use the reviews to get a good idea of what I buy and what to expect. but ill get one soon)

here are some examples

.60 size motor
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLWV8&P=7
.46 size motor
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLWV6&P=7

these require between 60-100A speed controllers (ESC) those are towerhobbies links for motors but you can get similar motors
at hobbycity for better prices its up to you.

check these out

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idproduct=4907
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idproduct=2098
be sure to read the reviews

Ballancer
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXMGS7&P=ML

I use this charger
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXKSY1&P=7

All in all going electric is expensive!
but I do like it! and am not interested in fuel

ok so i've got to run! but I hope this is a good enough ball park idea of what you're looking at.

if you've got a smaller plane some where around 2lbs or less the motors i listed wont be for it!
what i've listed are for size .40 to .60 glow to electric conversions around 4-7lb or a little higher

Good luck I'm sure others on here will be a lot more helpful than I can be rigth now :)

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

OK so i went and checked out your plane! sorry those motors are waaay off and definitely NOT for your plane.
looks like you've got a park flyer there so you'll need brushless 400 type motors and much smaller speed controllers
so the cost "should" be much less
hobbycity has some great deals on those kinds around $20 just match the ratings on what is suggested for you plane
looks like you're uses a 10x8 prop you're likely going to want to use an outrunner type motor for that (it's not a must though)
the speed controllers for a motor like that can run you anywhere from $20 to $70 (you don't need the $70 one hehe)
lipos might be around id say 2200mAh that should get you good run times to ($20-40 hobbycity)

but please please check out the official super cub thread here on RCU

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4371835/tm.htm

read read read they can be loads of help to you for sure!
I know its a lot but start from the first post in the forum its the only way you can learn man!

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

oh yeah and there is a good chance you will need to replace those servos, receiver and transmitter.. sorry I know i said you wouldnt
but like i said before i had no idea what plane you had.(and i still have not properly checked it out). that was realy bad on my part not checking first sorry i'm in a rush here.

if you're plane uses three wire servos, and at least a regular style 3 channel receiver that accepts an ESC you're blessed! if not yup you'll need to change out stuff sorry here are some suggestions

Tx
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCXM7**&P=7
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXLGF4**&P=7

these come with receivers and servos you'll need to pick your channel for them though :(
join a club or get an experienced flyer to help you with that.

check the forum for better suggestions I just did this quickly just so you get an idea of the cost involved! this is by no means
a guide.... just for ball parks ok?

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

There are a number of specific Super Cub threads here and elsewhere. Many owners on those sites have already gone through the exact replacement items needed. However, I can tell you that switching to brushless would be not be the first thing that I would do. I left my "standard" cub motor on; switched to LIPO batteries..and found great improvement. Since you will probably go that route sooner or later, you might just want to start there.

regards, Rich

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

richg99

you're so right! I scooted off for breaky and I was thinking to my self.

"WHAT??? why not just upgrade the battery"

You're right going straight into brushless may not be the best bet for right now

I've checked out the dimensions on that 7cell pack needed for that plane (I have one here), it's about 6.5mm by 3mm by 3.5mm

and a great lipo of those dimensions would be this one here

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=6472
its under $8!!!!!!!

all that is need to do is swap out the connectors/add deans to his plane and get a lipo charger or ballancing charger and he's have lots of fun with that thing for some time to come! Longer flight times to boot!

UUUm just remember to read about lipos and let your brushed motor cool down some before going up again!

Anyway it's the most cost effective upgrade for right now.

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

Unfortunately, I've taken my Super Cub down and I no longer remember specifically what LIPO I used. I think it was this one
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=6784

but I am not sure. I know that I had to cut the battery box to make it fit.
The 3 cells gave the motor a great boost. Some said it might wear the motor out over time. If so, A replacement motor is only five or ten dollars.

Again, there are TONS of guys/gals who have done this exact thing the Super Cub threads are here and on RCG, also. READ those threads before doing anything and you will be well served. Rich

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

ok thanks alot guys, you have really helped!

i have had to strip my cub anywayz because of a acident but i would really like just to get a lipo battery but its the fact i do not want to blow my plane to bits! haha is there a website on how to maintain a lipo battery?

ok thanks !

scott

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

would this be a good charger?

Turnigy 420 Balancer/Charger 2S~4S?

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s.../Charger_2S~4S

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

I have that charger, and I like it.

You would be better off getting a new brushless plane than trying to convert a super cub. Those things are like air hogs toys to me.

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

Yes, that will see you through many different electrics.

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

ok thanks

i will stay stcok but for now, convert to li-po

i will aslo buy that charger

thanks guys

scott

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

Since you are making a switch anyhow... switch the connectors to Deans ultras. You are going to do it sooner or later anyhow. I was amazed at how much additional power got through the Deans compared to the stock connectors. Rich

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

If you get the 3S pack you may fry the motor. The motor provided is only rated for 8.4 volts and that would mean a 2S pack.

RE: what do i need to convert to brushless?
 

If you still want to go brushless, as long as the receiver and motor controller are two different pieces in the setup, all you would need sould be a brushless motor and controller. If they are in one package you will also need a receiver. It will run on your present battery packs, but will do better on LiPo packs, and you may be able to upgrade to 3S packs with the brushless, but you don't have to do it all at once.