Tri Motor Setup
 

I have a question for you. I am building a Graupner Ju52 and plan to use 3 brushless (400) size motors. Please have a look at my simple sketch and let me your opinion if this is the correct to set this up.
My biggest concern is the Y harnesses tieing the 3 ESC's together going to the receiver.
Thank you!

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

As you show, a Y joining two ESCs, than another Y joining those two to the third ESC ... then feeding the last single all-combining lead to the Rx, would do it. You would need the sever the red power leads from two of the three ESCs.... leaving just one BEC to supply power to the RX.

You might be better off with a UBEC (e.g. Castle 10A) and not use the integral BECs in the ESCs at all.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

OK. I feel good about that, i knew something wasn't quite right. Thank you!!!

UBEC it is.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

I'll send you a PDF of the set up for my Dornier Do-24T, it also mixes the rudder to the outboard engine for turning on the water, if you email me [email protected]

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

Just sent you an e mail. Thank you.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

I had a Graupner Ju52 and it was a great flying bird. I used brushed motors which were simpler to set up, but I second all the good advice posted above.
Walt

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

Thanks Walt, that is good to know. I had not heard any information regarding how this plane flew.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

I really enjoyed mine until I was flying at a local school and the groundskeeper came up behind me and said "Hi." It startled me and I hit a lightpole. RATS. I'd love to have another one.
Walt

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

Finally have this Ju52 finished. When using the UBEC as suggested should i use only one (3 cell) lipo to power the entire system? Taking this a step at a time with all the esc's hooked up with Y harnesses to the UBEC i plugged in one lipo and all three esc's had power to them. I don't want to try plugging in additional batteries in fear of damaging some of the electronics.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

OSG, typically you disarm two of the ESC's by removing the red wire from the lead shells. Just bend them back and tape them, in case you want to use them for something else.

Now, it's my turn: is this the discontinued Graupner kit? If it is, can the plans be copied? I've been trying to find my plans without success for a guy who was given a damaged one.
Walt

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

Oops, misread your post. The answer to your question depends on what you are using for motors. You should use one pack with the voltage (ie cell count) for which the motors are rated. You can use a larger capacity pack (more mahs) to increase duration. Using a single power supply is one of the great advantages of e-power- no one motor out take-offs or landings.
Walt

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

Walt, I think i have this figured out. I have cut the red wire on 2 of the ESC's and taken the UBEC out of the system. Will confirm that in the next day or two. Today i sent the plans to a fellow in Florida, Tampatexan, that may be the same fellow you are speaking of. If not, i should have them back in the near future and could send them to you.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

Yes, Tampatexan is the guy I was corresponding with. Glad the two of you got together.

Okay. sounds like you've got a handle on what to do. I hope your JU52 flies as well as mine did. It was really cool and I wish I had another one.
Walt

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

I suspect these kits are few and far between these days. This one was given to me by a good German friend. When i visited him and his family 3 years ago we went to watch some flights of a full size Ju52. That inspired me to build the kit as soon as a couple of other projects were finished. It was a joy to build, even though it is smaller than most other kit built and scratch built projects i take on, it was a lot fun. I too hope it flies as well as yours but probably won't have a chance to confirm that until spring.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

After reading through the posts I was looking forward to seeing a picture of the Ju-52. Can someone post one?

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

I will post some this evening.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

Here are some pictures of the Ju52. The cowls and nacelles need to be finalized as well as the flaps. Also will have to go to a smaller prop and larger tires.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

Thank you.  Great pictures.

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

I used 7.2v brushed motor with advanced timing and the scale 6/3 props. Plenty of power and no ground clearance problems. Still use those great lightweight wheels on indoor models.
Walt

RE: Tri Motor Setup
 

All finished. Now all we need is some decent weather.