Recently bought a Great Planes Reactor Bipe and trying to obtain my power setup as funds allow. I have a Great Planes Rimfire motor # 35-36-1200 But I am a little confused on the ESC spec'd out by Great Planes. They are calling for a SS-35 ESC which is only 35 amps but the motrs Max. Surge current is 55 amps and the Max. Constant current is 45 amps which is well above the 35 amp rated ESC. Is this correct? If so what motor spec's do you take in consideration when specing out a ESC?

Thanks in Advance

Harley.

Just because the motor current is more than the ESC dosen't mean you can't use one with the other. The spec's of each one is for you to know how much they can handle with out danger of damage. You always going to go with the device that have the lowest constant current (lipo or esc or motor). Only draw is that if you let a big diference on constant current between each other you will not be able to use the full capacity of the other 2 parts.

In your case 35A is not to much diference to 45A, so the 35 ESC will be ok but you will have to keep an eye on the throttle so you don't over amp the ESC or the Lipo. If you want full power for 3D the 45A or plus will be a better choice as long as the lipo can handel it also. For example if your lipo can't handel more than 35A there is no need for a 45A ESC. It's all about balancing the whole system. A wattmeter will help you find out how much you can get from your setup.


Fernando

Harley,

While the motor used in the Reactor Bipe can handle the current you mention when fully loaded, it does not when using the recommended Reactor Bipe configuration. The recommended battery and propeller only draw around 34A max thus the 35A ESC is more than adequate for the job. The recommended setup delivers what we consider excellent power/weight ratio for this plane (over 160w/lb) so the motor does not need to be pushed to its limits thus running cooler and lasting longer.

I hope this answers your question

RCmob
Hobbico R&D

I was not looking to use the battery G.P recommends BUT out of curiousity how long of a flight will the battery (11.1/1500) they recommend get me. I have several 11.1/2100's that I was planning on using. They weight about 75 grams more then the Electrifly and have a 30C rating. Running the 35 amp ESC kind of scares me as I have been in the hobby for 4 years now (mostly nitro) but took a long recess to get divorced and had to sell all my Rc stuff for a lawyer[:@] and it seems like I am having to learn to fly all over again and I tend to be a little more agressive on the throttle. Unless your saying if I use the recomended prop they is no real chance of over amping anything. Thanks in advance for everyones input.

Harley.

If your going to go more agressive on the throttle then go with the 45A to be safe. The small diference in weight whon't hurt the performance of the plane. You can use the 11.1/2100's but don't over do it with the throttle or you will burn the motor or ESC. Now about how long of a flight, that depend on your way of flying. A 2100 can last as much as a 1500 if your agressive all the time, if not, it will last longer. If your planning on using the 2100, go ahead they whon't affect to much the performance.

Like RCmob said if you use the recomended propeller you should be fine. But for me 34A is to close to 35A so if it was my plane I'll go with 45A or try a few other props and check the amp drawn for each with a wattmeter and chose the best. A very important advice: make shure you have a good flow of air so your system don't overheat and shut down. Any other question feel free to ask.


Fernando

My Reactor Bipe came in Yesterday and I have to say this is the most beautifulest plane I have every seen. The color scheme is awesome and picture don't do it justice. Of course when it arrived I am like a kid at Xmas, Got to open it and check it all out. From the looks to all the little features it has to offer it is a awesome plane. From the pre-cut cowling that is held in place with magnets, to the big battery hatch, to the small details, supplied servo arms, and Cg stand, to flawless covering, to the over all quality this is plane #1 in my hanger. looking forward to the build and flying of this amazing looking plane. Sad part is the fly season is about over in these parts so it will be spring before I can fly this beauty. As far as my setup, I am thinking of going with the 60a ESC so I have a matching motor/ESC combo that might go into another plane one of these days.

Im happy for you, hope you enjoy it. It's an awsome plane but hey!! who said flying season is almoust over? You can still fly in the cold.

You going with the 60A ESC that's a little overkill but go ahead as long as you don't install a bigger motor on the plane.

Fernando

I fly a Reactor Bipe, went with diff motor and ESC than recommended. Using a CC45 ESC and Himax HC3516-1130 motor and an APC 11x7e prop. The motor weighs slightly more than the recommended rimfire, but the CG turned out perfect with the battery installed back against the fuselage former in the battery tray area.

Power is incredible, instantaneous vertical and it honks! There's 3 Reactor Bipes now at my airfield and all except mine have the rimfire in them and 35A ESC's. All 3 fly great.

Power system temps after flight are good, nothing gets hot... just slightly warm to touch and flight times are easily +7minutes and the packs have plenty of juice left in them. I'm using FP EVO25 2170 and TP 2100 15c.

I had 3 Spektrum S75's strip out in flight... result was landing gear broke off, firewall pushed back and motor box and cowl demolished. Should take about 2 hrs. of repair time, just need measurements on the motor box.

This plane is awesome, the power setup that GP recommends works great, i've seen it for my self 1rst hand, but the servo recommendation is wayyy off. 1 friend at the field used the recommended Futaba 3154's and they stripped out quickly. HS65MG are the only way to go in my opinion. Hitec's HB servo lineup would probably fair better than the plane jane white nylon geared servos, you might get 2-3x's more flights with HB's before they strip, but they WILL strip. 65MG all the way.