bmatt

Hello All,

I recently decided to venture into the world of electric flight and bought a GWS Slow Stick (w/ EPS300c motor). It has gotten rave reviews online so I figured it would be a great plane. I took it out this evening and was disappointed by the power I was getting. I only had enough power to maintain flight for about a minute and couldn't climb more that 15-20 degrees. After that I could barley keep it flying for 30 seconds. Does anyone have any ideas why this might be happening? I noticed the engine started to sputter after a minute and the battery was getting warm. I ran the battery down and am going to recharge it after it cools down. One other thing, before I secured the tail (the manufacture installation didn't hold at all) I ran it into the ground as the tail came off and bend the prop shaft a little. I bent it as straight as possible but the still wobbles at the tip a little. Could this cause my power problem?

Here are a list of my components:
- Stock Motor
- Upgraded to 12x6 prop
- 1100 mah NiMh battery (7 cells)
- Great Planes C-10 Micro ESC
- GWS Micro Receiver

Another couple of questions:
- Is there a way to tell if the motor is running at full throttle?
- Should I upgrade motors? (It seems like everyone else is fine with the stock motor)

Thanks

Matt Kirsch

My Feedback: (21)

The bent prop shaft isn't doing it any good, that's for sure. You're probably eating up a lot of Amps just overcoming the excessive friction caused by the bent shaft. That would cause the battery to get warm.

NiMH batteries need a few cycles to get into their "groove," though yours should be performing better on such a light load. How are you charging them?

bmatt

I am charging the battery with a Great Planes charger at 800 mah. I never drained and fully charged the battery until tonight. I will try to fly again in the morning. Hopefully your right and the battery just needs to get in the groove. Do you recommend a full drain and recharge every time? Also what can I do about the prop shaft. Is it replaceable?

Thanks

PHIL I.

[8D]
It will take 3 to 5 cycles to get the full charge and run time.....
[8D]
PHIL I.

Time Pilot

Yes, prop shafts are available. If you can't find them at your usual shop, try backyardflying.com.

Click under motor accessories. The part you need is GW/EPS-6AC. Guess how I know that!

$2.49 CAD each.

bmatt

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good voltage meter? I would like to check the voltage to see if the charger is fully charging the battery.

bmatt

I figured out the problem and it turns out is was a newbie problem. I had the prop on backward which apparently drastically affects the power of the motor . Once I got that on right there is plenty of power for some good flying.

Here is hoping I save someone a great deal of grief:
- The concave part of the prop goes to the back (or for GWS props the writing goes toward the front).

Thanks for everyones help.