Howdy! I'm looking for some thoughts and opinions on an approach that I've taken to a problem that I'm facing. That problem being ground clearance and Watts/square inch in the resulting maximum propeller disc. I know that a nice, hot, brushless would do the trick, but I'd like to stay with the current motor, just give it a little help.
I'm flying (or at least attempting to!) a Sig Kadet Senior on a Robbe 710/12 Planeta 3:1. On the first attempt, I used a Master Airscrew 13 X 8 three blade (just under 20 amps static w/fresh 14-cell pack) which dragged it around fairly well. The flight ended poorly due to a tail-heavy condition...improper battery remounting (Velcro) after charging...I've taken steps to correct that!
I'm now working on a multi-blade folding prop yoke for 2, 3, or 6 blades...can use 4 blades too, in an "X" pattern. I acquired an Astroflight Model 101 Super Whatt Meter with which to take some readings. (readings taken static) With three Aeronaut carbon 13 X 8's, I'm showing 295 Watts and 18.4 Amps after voltage falls off its initial peak and stabilizes at 15.7. For comparison's sake, I swapped props and did another "pull" with the Master Airscrew. When voltage again stabilized at 15.7, it was showing 266 Watts and 16.6 Amps. 'Looks like I've made a positive move...but have no thrust numbers yet.
I'm about to head out to find a tachometer and a digital fish scale so that, with the aforementioned Whatt Meter, I can get some complete numbers from the "redneck wind tunnel" (imagine two brothers and an old Firebird with a T-top) this weekend.
I'm a big boy, so I can take criticism...has anyone heard of, or seen any research on multi-blade props?
Thanks!