what about electrics
06-19-2003, 02:27 AM
#76
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what about electrics
Hi electron,
Some good thoughts. Perhaps you and I see a broader picture and have had pleasant experiences flying both gas and electric planes, however some folks have had problems trying to learn to fly electric - at club fields. Others have been warmly received. Those that have had problems certainly have the right to fuss about it. And, I think (for whatever that’s worth) that we should listen and see if there is anything that can (or should) be done. And dare I say, AMA has assumed leadership in our hobby and perhaps they should at least be aware of the problems too. Maybe they could even offer some help?
I know that some strongly held opinions sound like, and may in fact be, “ranting” and some comments may even be “baiting” us a little. But so is, “I love vanilla ice cream and I hate strawberry!” That’s just an opinion, but if enough folks rant about flavors, perhaps there will always be a choice - and the, gosh darn, strawberry lovers of the world won’t take over!
How’s that for a really screwed up allegory ?
Some good thoughts. Perhaps you and I see a broader picture and have had pleasant experiences flying both gas and electric planes, however some folks have had problems trying to learn to fly electric - at club fields. Others have been warmly received. Those that have had problems certainly have the right to fuss about it. And, I think (for whatever that’s worth) that we should listen and see if there is anything that can (or should) be done. And dare I say, AMA has assumed leadership in our hobby and perhaps they should at least be aware of the problems too. Maybe they could even offer some help?
I know that some strongly held opinions sound like, and may in fact be, “ranting” and some comments may even be “baiting” us a little. But so is, “I love vanilla ice cream and I hate strawberry!” That’s just an opinion, but if enough folks rant about flavors, perhaps there will always be a choice - and the, gosh darn, strawberry lovers of the world won’t take over!
How’s that for a really screwed up allegory ?
06-19-2003, 02:47 AM
#77
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Oh so true! Excellent analogy using Ice Cream!
We have a rift going at one of our local clubs right now with helicopters. It's amazing that people that all love the RC sport can be some dang stubborn sometimes.
The reason I brought about one of local clubs is it's just not electrics its helicopters sail planes and basically anything that they are not flying. I have come to the conclusion that there are these types of people no matter where you go. I stay out of these issues myself simply put, I am out there to Fly that’s what I love to do and those types well they are in the wrong place for that and need realize that the world doesn’t revolve around only for them.
It’s works pretty well too! I had one come to me complaining about the Helicopters and I just told them I am out here to Fly and if you don’t want to talk about Flying then I am not interested. Funny thing they responded with I can respect that, and they seemed to have chilled out little after that.
We have a rift going at one of our local clubs right now with helicopters. It's amazing that people that all love the RC sport can be some dang stubborn sometimes.
The reason I brought about one of local clubs is it's just not electrics its helicopters sail planes and basically anything that they are not flying. I have come to the conclusion that there are these types of people no matter where you go. I stay out of these issues myself simply put, I am out there to Fly that’s what I love to do and those types well they are in the wrong place for that and need realize that the world doesn’t revolve around only for them.
It’s works pretty well too! I had one come to me complaining about the Helicopters and I just told them I am out here to Fly and if you don’t want to talk about Flying then I am not interested. Funny thing they responded with I can respect that, and they seemed to have chilled out little after that.
06-19-2003, 06:29 PM
#78
what about electrics
This thread should be watt about eletrics 
I fly glow/gas & electric (of all sizes), and I'm really starting to like electric for a multitude of reasons.
One thing I hear folks routinely do is consider the battery cost as part of the cost of the aircraft, when the battery is actually fuel. Sure, you can't fly the electric plane without the battery, but you can't fly a glow plane without fuel. Only difference is that you can pay for liquid fuel on an "as needed" basis, and you have to purchase electric fuel "in advance".
That said, if you want to compare the fuel costs there are some numbers you can put to paper using what known variables you have. I put a Fuel Cost Calculator on my club's web site. You can use something like that to compare the cold hard facts.
There are of course other factors involved which can be quibbled about, but you can still get a good idea of the picture with just a few pieces of data and some simple calculations.
People who don't like electric flight will argue about things like the fact that as the batteries get older you don't get a full discharge from them, but those poeple overlook the fuel they spill on the ground, and the fuel they waste starting, warming and tuning an engine, and running the fuel out of the engine at the end of the day. If you forget the Ford/Chevy part of it, fuel cost for electric flight looks pretty dog gone good.
For reference, if you try the calculator, typical cycle life for NiCd & NiMh batteries are around 100 to 200 cycles (when used for eflight). Lipoly batteries have a cycle life of up to 500 cycles.
I fly glow/gas & electric (of all sizes), and I'm really starting to like electric for a multitude of reasons.
One thing I hear folks routinely do is consider the battery cost as part of the cost of the aircraft, when the battery is actually fuel. Sure, you can't fly the electric plane without the battery, but you can't fly a glow plane without fuel. Only difference is that you can pay for liquid fuel on an "as needed" basis, and you have to purchase electric fuel "in advance".
That said, if you want to compare the fuel costs there are some numbers you can put to paper using what known variables you have. I put a Fuel Cost Calculator on my club's web site. You can use something like that to compare the cold hard facts.
There are of course other factors involved which can be quibbled about, but you can still get a good idea of the picture with just a few pieces of data and some simple calculations.
People who don't like electric flight will argue about things like the fact that as the batteries get older you don't get a full discharge from them, but those poeple overlook the fuel they spill on the ground, and the fuel they waste starting, warming and tuning an engine, and running the fuel out of the engine at the end of the day. If you forget the Ford/Chevy part of it, fuel cost for electric flight looks pretty dog gone good.
For reference, if you try the calculator, typical cycle life for NiCd & NiMh batteries are around 100 to 200 cycles (when used for eflight). Lipoly batteries have a cycle life of up to 500 cycles.
06-22-2003, 03:05 AM
#79
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what about electrics
Electron,
Great job, plane looks awesome. What paint did you use on
the canopy? I was going to outline my frame silver and
do the rest black, I have changed my mind the all black
looks great. They recommend CA glue for the canopy,
did you have any problems using epoxy? I was going
to opt for probond on the canopy, but I have plenty of 12
min epoxy, oderless CA is tough to find and I would rather
not use it.
Thanks,
MAC
Great job, plane looks awesome. What paint did you use on
the canopy? I was going to outline my frame silver and
do the rest black, I have changed my mind the all black
looks great. They recommend CA glue for the canopy,
did you have any problems using epoxy? I was going
to opt for probond on the canopy, but I have plenty of 12
min epoxy, oderless CA is tough to find and I would rather
not use it.
Thanks,
MAC
06-22-2003, 03:35 AM
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Thanks,
I really like the way it turned out also, looks a lot like a real tomcat.
I just used some off the shelf generic gloss black spray can enamel for the canopy. The real key is to paint the inside only, this gives a real deep clear coat look to the outside.
To me epoxy was the perfect choice for gluing the canopy on, works great with foam and plastic and has enough working time to get it positioned right before it sets up. I then just took some alcohol on a rag and wiped any excess off. Alcohol will clean epoxy right off, as long as you don’t let up completely set. I used 6 min but 12 would work just as well.
CA and foam is a no no, I guess the odorless is ok on foam, but why bother when like me you have some good ole epoxy around.
Again thanks for the complement on the plane.
I am still waiting on the batteries to get her in the air. UPS tracking says they will arrive in the next couple days, so if the weather is good I will be giving my flight review soon...
I really like the way it turned out also, looks a lot like a real tomcat.
I just used some off the shelf generic gloss black spray can enamel for the canopy. The real key is to paint the inside only, this gives a real deep clear coat look to the outside.
To me epoxy was the perfect choice for gluing the canopy on, works great with foam and plastic and has enough working time to get it positioned right before it sets up. I then just took some alcohol on a rag and wiped any excess off. Alcohol will clean epoxy right off, as long as you don’t let up completely set. I used 6 min but 12 would work just as well.
CA and foam is a no no, I guess the odorless is ok on foam, but why bother when like me you have some good ole epoxy around.
Again thanks for the complement on the plane.
I am still waiting on the batteries to get her in the air. UPS tracking says they will arrive in the next couple days, so if the weather is good I will be giving my flight review soon...
06-24-2003, 06:04 AM
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YES! My batteries came in today finally !!! AND GUESS WHAT, THE WIND BLEW 20 MPH GUST ALL DAY @#@#@..
Well I figured I could at least give them a field test tonight.
Well first thing was to install the pack in the plane. GUESS WHAT THE CG was perfect if anything a hair nose heavy, but really closer to a perfect balance. It was perfect with the canopy off, but with it on it almost makes it tip forward slightly at same CG location. Couldn't be better that is CG I would have setup even if I had to move something.
So next I used an MRC959 charger and charged a pack up. Well after a good charge it peaked at 11.38 volts and was pretty warm. I hooked up the battery to the planes speed controller, then put it in between the arms of a office chair so it couldn't fly off and the prop was clear and started her up.
WOW the thrust was pretty impressive, it actually got the chair to turn some in it place.
Here is what the initial charge of a 9.6 volt 8 cell 2/3 1000mah pack discharged at.
4.45 seconds full tilt power even with aileron and elevator movement.
2.35 seconds of semi good power definitely enough to still fly around and with.
30 seconds of greatly reduced thrust might be enough to fly on but I would be looking at my approach for landing..
Well I am impressed need less to say. I figure with any throttle management at all this plane with these cells is good for 6 minute flights no problem and maybe upwards of 7 to 8 minutes of flight.
WOW WOW HOT BATTERIES AND I MEAN HOT... TO HOT TO HOLD... I AM PLAYING HOT POTATO WITH THE PACK.
Wonder if this is normal? I raced rc cars before and I know the batteries got rather warm in them as well, but I think this was even warmer. Wonder if this is a characteristic of NiMh's? I am new to the NiMh's but wow this pack was hot! I have since let it cool and charged it again, seems to be fine so who knows!
I am excited this looks to be fun plane. Now if the weather will just cooperate and give some calm weather. I will head to the RC field for it's maiden flight and my fight review of the ElectraJet..
Well I figured I could at least give them a field test tonight.
Well first thing was to install the pack in the plane. GUESS WHAT THE CG was perfect if anything a hair nose heavy, but really closer to a perfect balance. It was perfect with the canopy off, but with it on it almost makes it tip forward slightly at same CG location. Couldn't be better that is CG I would have setup even if I had to move something.
So next I used an MRC959 charger and charged a pack up. Well after a good charge it peaked at 11.38 volts and was pretty warm. I hooked up the battery to the planes speed controller, then put it in between the arms of a office chair so it couldn't fly off and the prop was clear and started her up.
WOW the thrust was pretty impressive, it actually got the chair to turn some in it place.
Here is what the initial charge of a 9.6 volt 8 cell 2/3 1000mah pack discharged at.
4.45 seconds full tilt power even with aileron and elevator movement.
2.35 seconds of semi good power definitely enough to still fly around and with.
30 seconds of greatly reduced thrust might be enough to fly on but I would be looking at my approach for landing..
Well I am impressed need less to say. I figure with any throttle management at all this plane with these cells is good for 6 minute flights no problem and maybe upwards of 7 to 8 minutes of flight.
WOW WOW HOT BATTERIES AND I MEAN HOT... TO HOT TO HOLD... I AM PLAYING HOT POTATO WITH THE PACK.
Wonder if this is normal? I raced rc cars before and I know the batteries got rather warm in them as well, but I think this was even warmer. Wonder if this is a characteristic of NiMh's? I am new to the NiMh's but wow this pack was hot! I have since let it cool and charged it again, seems to be fine so who knows!
I am excited this looks to be fun plane. Now if the weather will just cooperate and give some calm weather. I will head to the RC field for it's maiden flight and my fight review of the ElectraJet..
06-24-2003, 11:23 AM
#82
what about electrics
electron; Have you tried searching the discussion groups on EZone for information about the Elextrajet? I just tried a search about it there and it looks like there's quite a bit of good information there.
It varies from battery to battery, and don't quote me here, but a battery temp of over 130 to 140 deg F is not good. It will reduce flight time and battery life. Some cooling air over the batteries in flight is a good idea on setups where the batteries get pretty warm. If the batteries are imbedded in a foam plane like the Elextrajet, the foam is an excellent thermal insulator and it makes the batteries run hotter.
The KAN 950 batteries are real nice and might be the best bet for the Electrajet. I had a friend who was running some 1100 mah batteries in a plane and he was getting very poor results. It was hard getting the plane airborne and he could barely keep it in the air for one lap. I ordered some KAN 950's for him and now he's having a great time flying that plane.
If you find a plane that you really like, the lithium polymer batteries are the kat's meow. Much lighter than NiCd or NiMh batteries, with much higher capacity. Flight times of 20 minutes and more are not uncommon with lipoly batteries .
It varies from battery to battery, and don't quote me here, but a battery temp of over 130 to 140 deg F is not good. It will reduce flight time and battery life. Some cooling air over the batteries in flight is a good idea on setups where the batteries get pretty warm. If the batteries are imbedded in a foam plane like the Elextrajet, the foam is an excellent thermal insulator and it makes the batteries run hotter.
The KAN 950 batteries are real nice and might be the best bet for the Electrajet. I had a friend who was running some 1100 mah batteries in a plane and he was getting very poor results. It was hard getting the plane airborne and he could barely keep it in the air for one lap. I ordered some KAN 950's for him and now he's having a great time flying that plane.
If you find a plane that you really like, the lithium polymer batteries are the kat's meow. Much lighter than NiCd or NiMh batteries, with much higher capacity. Flight times of 20 minutes and more are not uncommon with lipoly batteries .
06-24-2003, 07:58 PM
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Thanks for the information and I will check ezone out.
I looked at the KAN 950 but the weight was actually a little bit more then the 2/3A 1000's I choose so my thinking is little more capacity less weight is a good thing.
Well I did another test run today since the wind is blowing like crazy again, go figure wait over ten days for the batteries and just about every day was calm..... Now that I have the batteries guess what the wind decides to do....$#%%#$%#
This test run I use a Tach and checked the RPM at in 1 minute incrementals.
Here is the data I came up with... Yes I know I do tend to get a little over board on the scientific data guess that just the engineer in me coming out!!!
Minute RPM Throttle at Full
1 5250
2 5300
3 5300
4 5250
5 4800
6 4200
7 4100
8 3600
9 1200
10 1200
11 1200
Batteries didn't get near as hot this time not sure why the difference... If I could find my thermal probe for my DVM I would have taken temp reading as well...
I did charge the batteries at a different rate on the second test, wonder if that was the difference.
Still waiting in the weather give me some calm winds!
I looked at the KAN 950 but the weight was actually a little bit more then the 2/3A 1000's I choose so my thinking is little more capacity less weight is a good thing.
Well I did another test run today since the wind is blowing like crazy again, go figure wait over ten days for the batteries and just about every day was calm..... Now that I have the batteries guess what the wind decides to do....$#%%#$%#
This test run I use a Tach and checked the RPM at in 1 minute incrementals.
Here is the data I came up with... Yes I know I do tend to get a little over board on the scientific data guess that just the engineer in me coming out!!!
Minute RPM Throttle at Full
1 5250
2 5300
3 5300
4 5250
5 4800
6 4200
7 4100
8 3600
9 1200
10 1200
11 1200
Batteries didn't get near as hot this time not sure why the difference... If I could find my thermal probe for my DVM I would have taken temp reading as well...
I did charge the batteries at a different rate on the second test, wonder if that was the difference.
Still waiting in the weather give me some calm winds!
06-25-2003, 02:29 AM
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YEA the weather never fails to fail!!!!!!!
That is what I was also thinking on the batteries... Really looks to be a good 5 minute flight and then a couple minutes of cursing time before you land... Because really anything after 7 minutes is questionable to if it would even maintain flight altitude.
Sure hope the wind takes a rest!
That is what I was also thinking on the batteries... Really looks to be a good 5 minute flight and then a couple minutes of cursing time before you land... Because really anything after 7 minutes is questionable to if it would even maintain flight altitude.
Sure hope the wind takes a rest!
07-03-2003, 06:01 AM
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what about electrics
Batteries in Weather Nice and an ElectraJet flight review...
Well after a few bumpy starts on the initial flights of the ElectraJet, I have finally gotten some good solid flight time on it and have to say WOW it’s a blast.
I thought I would cover the bumpy starts I had, this will hopefully help others experience a much easier to control ElectraJet on the initial flights.
These are the Items that need particular care in getting right.
The first would be about setting up the neutral position on the flight control surfaces. Using a ruler just make sure it all touches flat on the ruler and tighten the control rod set screws. I centered mine and it took full down trim to keep if from stalling it was a really wild fiight! With that even with the bottom setting I only needed a few clicks of trim to gain level flight
Second on setting up the CG, using the factory marks on the under side of the wing was way to tail heavy. I ended up moving the radio and all the electronics to the very back of the radio/battery compartment (I read about this in the news groups of other owners as well) this was so I could get the battery as far forward as possible. This made mine about a 1/2 inch forward of the factory marks to gain good flight characteristics. I will be including some photos soon of the reconfiguring of the radio equipment. Again really wild flight with a tail heavy way to much up trim setup!
Third is the amount of control surface movement. This is a big one! My first flights with 100% control surface movement made it very hard to fly, not to mention being tail heavy and to much up, It was a wild one even for an experienced RC pilot like me to fly.
I gather you are all getting it was really wild ride HUH?
Once I reduced it down to 60% travel using the ATV trims on the radio it was MUCH easier to control.
My thoughts on how the ElectraJet performs.
General Flight performance I would rate as great smooth basic park flight performer and with not having any expertise with other park fliers, I think this one is pretty quick 25mph for sure maybe closer to 40mph with a down wind drive.
Vertical I would rate as decent no straight up vertical but 45% climb rate is easy obtainable. I was able to manage a loop with a dive to gain speed.
Barrel rolls are great even better with a little extra aileron throw. My radio settings are now 60% throw on the elevator and 80% on the ailerons, unfortunately you wound not be able to use these settings if you are using an analog radio instead of a computer controlled radio.
Flight times using 8 cell 2/3A 1000mah battery configuration are at a solid 6 minutes. I am going to play with some other battery configurations as well but nothing wrong with a 6 minute flight!
Aerobatic flight performance if very minimum, inverted and some loops is all this one is capable of. Which for a stock out of the box park flier is excellent in my thinking?
I would strongly suggest this model as a second model! It uses ailerons to turn and some low wing expertise would be a definite positive. I think its little fast for a true back yard flier in confined spaces. (Haven’t tried my back yard yet but that will be next!)
Till then I will be having fun flying my ElectraJet.
Full Review at
http://www.electronware.com/electrajet/electrajet.html
Well after a few bumpy starts on the initial flights of the ElectraJet, I have finally gotten some good solid flight time on it and have to say WOW it’s a blast.
I thought I would cover the bumpy starts I had, this will hopefully help others experience a much easier to control ElectraJet on the initial flights.
These are the Items that need particular care in getting right.
The first would be about setting up the neutral position on the flight control surfaces. Using a ruler just make sure it all touches flat on the ruler and tighten the control rod set screws. I centered mine and it took full down trim to keep if from stalling it was a really wild fiight! With that even with the bottom setting I only needed a few clicks of trim to gain level flight
Second on setting up the CG, using the factory marks on the under side of the wing was way to tail heavy. I ended up moving the radio and all the electronics to the very back of the radio/battery compartment (I read about this in the news groups of other owners as well) this was so I could get the battery as far forward as possible. This made mine about a 1/2 inch forward of the factory marks to gain good flight characteristics. I will be including some photos soon of the reconfiguring of the radio equipment. Again really wild flight with a tail heavy way to much up trim setup!
Third is the amount of control surface movement. This is a big one! My first flights with 100% control surface movement made it very hard to fly, not to mention being tail heavy and to much up, It was a wild one even for an experienced RC pilot like me to fly.
I gather you are all getting it was really wild ride HUH?
Once I reduced it down to 60% travel using the ATV trims on the radio it was MUCH easier to control.
My thoughts on how the ElectraJet performs.
General Flight performance I would rate as great smooth basic park flight performer and with not having any expertise with other park fliers, I think this one is pretty quick 25mph for sure maybe closer to 40mph with a down wind drive.
Vertical I would rate as decent no straight up vertical but 45% climb rate is easy obtainable. I was able to manage a loop with a dive to gain speed.
Barrel rolls are great even better with a little extra aileron throw. My radio settings are now 60% throw on the elevator and 80% on the ailerons, unfortunately you wound not be able to use these settings if you are using an analog radio instead of a computer controlled radio.
Flight times using 8 cell 2/3A 1000mah battery configuration are at a solid 6 minutes. I am going to play with some other battery configurations as well but nothing wrong with a 6 minute flight!
Aerobatic flight performance if very minimum, inverted and some loops is all this one is capable of. Which for a stock out of the box park flier is excellent in my thinking?
I would strongly suggest this model as a second model! It uses ailerons to turn and some low wing expertise would be a definite positive. I think its little fast for a true back yard flier in confined spaces. (Haven’t tried my back yard yet but that will be next!)
Till then I will be having fun flying my ElectraJet.
Full Review at
http://www.electronware.com/electrajet/electrajet.html
07-04-2003, 05:04 AM
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Thanks, had a bunch of flights on the ElectraJet today weather was hot, but the wind was calm... It's a great little flier... But it's already getting to tame for me...
Dang now I have the electric flight itch!!!
So in stride I bought me another electric plane today!!!
I bought a Ripmax Alliance pattern plane...strange thing is I have been reading a lot about electric fliers lately but this one hasn't really gotten that much coverage.
I wouldn’t have know about it either, but an RC buddy of mine had a tape of an electric fly in (since he heard I was getting into electrics) Well while I was watching the video I saw a plane perform that I knew I wanted, whatever it was!!! Of all them I saw on the tape it was the only one I saw that really did patterns... There were a couple electro streaks, slow sticks and lots of zagi’s but this one plane stood out...
If I hadn't said before I really love pattern flying... To me it's ballet in the air!!!
Well it took a little checking with my RC buddy to find out what it was, If he hadn't know the guy that was flying it, I would probably would still be guessing...
Anyway I will try to make this short... As I know I can really get on a roll and end up typing pages of details...
Where was I? Oh so anyway he emails this guy and asked him what kind of plane where you flying... He say's a Ripmax Alliance.
Well after I have a name I think oh boy probably some Holland made plane that you can only get on leap years!!!
So I go to checking on the internet and what Tower does have them! It's an ARF and it's a foam and balsa setup, which suprised me after seeing it fly on the tape.. Not that this is a problem because after the ElectraJet I have grown to like the electric and foam Idea.. Well guess what? Before I know it, I am making an order!!
I think I will start a thread on the Ripmax Alliance and of course make another flight review... I found with the ElectraJet it was fun making a review and I can get even more refined on doing these reviews.
SO with that said I went to ordering...
My initial order consisted of the Ripmax Alliance, a 3.1 ball bearing 400 gear box and cobalt BB 400 motor and some various electric APC props.
The one I saw in the video had a cobalt 480 direct system which from reading I believe this 400 geared system I choose will outperform it.. at least that’s my thought on it anyway.
Well till next week when the Ripmax comes in I will be cruising with the ElectraJet!
Dang now I have the electric flight itch!!!
So in stride I bought me another electric plane today!!!
I bought a Ripmax Alliance pattern plane...strange thing is I have been reading a lot about electric fliers lately but this one hasn't really gotten that much coverage.
I wouldn’t have know about it either, but an RC buddy of mine had a tape of an electric fly in (since he heard I was getting into electrics) Well while I was watching the video I saw a plane perform that I knew I wanted, whatever it was!!! Of all them I saw on the tape it was the only one I saw that really did patterns... There were a couple electro streaks, slow sticks and lots of zagi’s but this one plane stood out...
If I hadn't said before I really love pattern flying... To me it's ballet in the air!!!
Well it took a little checking with my RC buddy to find out what it was, If he hadn't know the guy that was flying it, I would probably would still be guessing...
Anyway I will try to make this short... As I know I can really get on a roll and end up typing pages of details...
Where was I? Oh so anyway he emails this guy and asked him what kind of plane where you flying... He say's a Ripmax Alliance.
Well after I have a name I think oh boy probably some Holland made plane that you can only get on leap years!!!
So I go to checking on the internet and what Tower does have them! It's an ARF and it's a foam and balsa setup, which suprised me after seeing it fly on the tape.. Not that this is a problem because after the ElectraJet I have grown to like the electric and foam Idea.. Well guess what? Before I know it, I am making an order!!
I think I will start a thread on the Ripmax Alliance and of course make another flight review... I found with the ElectraJet it was fun making a review and I can get even more refined on doing these reviews.
SO with that said I went to ordering...
My initial order consisted of the Ripmax Alliance, a 3.1 ball bearing 400 gear box and cobalt BB 400 motor and some various electric APC props.
The one I saw in the video had a cobalt 480 direct system which from reading I believe this 400 geared system I choose will outperform it.. at least that’s my thought on it anyway.
Well till next week when the Ripmax comes in I will be cruising with the ElectraJet!
07-04-2003, 01:00 PM
#89
what about electrics
Lots of information about the Ripmax Alliance on EZone. Looks like a nice plane but I haven't researched it. From my experience, and that of some friends I know personally, the motors that are supplied with many e-planes are marginal, and in many cases almost worthless.
If you want a e-plane that rocks your socks off, get a good brushless motor, and batteries (preferably lipoly's), and point the nose upward and let go That's how I get my RRC Edge 540 airborne. It will ROG from grass, but it's much more fun to point the nose skyward, throttle up, and release it. 20 minutes later I usually need to stop and catch my breath
If you want a e-plane that rocks your socks off, get a good brushless motor, and batteries (preferably lipoly's), and point the nose upward and let go
That's how I get my RRC Edge 540 airborne. It will ROG from grass, but it's much more fun to point the nose skyward, throttle up, and release it. 20 minutes later I usually need to stop and catch my breath
07-04-2003, 04:00 PM
#90
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what about electrics
Yea I have read the same thats why I am going with the cobalt 400 BB motor and a after marktet ball bearing gear box.. I am looking in to the lipoly's what do you use to charge them?
I am sure that I will end up going brushless later, but they are pretty pricy right now!!! I hear that second generation of these motors will be out soon and a lot more reasonable in price..
Im kind of wondering about the cobalt 400 motor now after I have ordered it.. Been reading some groups and I wonder if I should have just stuck with a ferrite motor...
I am sure that I will end up going brushless later, but they are pretty pricy right now!!! I hear that second generation of these motors will be out soon and a lot more reasonable in price..
Im kind of wondering about the cobalt 400 motor now after I have ordered it.. Been reading some groups and I wonder if I should have just stuck with a ferrite motor...
07-05-2003, 02:09 AM
#91
what about electrics
I have not heard of a new generation of cheaper brushless motors, but I'm no industry expert, so my lack of knowledge is not significant.
Some of the brushless motors aren't all that much more expensive, and they will outlive a whole bunch of brushed motors. Some brushed motors do not have a real long lifespan, especially when pushed hard to achieve appreciable performance.
I've never used any brushed cobalt motors. Although they offer more power than ferrite motors, from what I've seen, and what I've checked in the motor calculators, they appear to be "amp hogs" which consume large quantities of current to achieve their additional power.
The motor calculators like Motocalc and Electricalc are valuable tools and they can give some good insight about motor performance.
Some of the brushless motors aren't all that much more expensive, and they will outlive a whole bunch of brushed motors. Some brushed motors do not have a real long lifespan, especially when pushed hard to achieve appreciable performance.
I've never used any brushed cobalt motors. Although they offer more power than ferrite motors, from what I've seen, and what I've checked in the motor calculators, they appear to be "amp hogs" which consume large quantities of current to achieve their additional power.
The motor calculators like Motocalc and Electricalc are valuable tools and they can give some good insight about motor performance.
07-05-2003, 04:50 AM
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what about electrics
Thanks for the links. I have been trying to find some links with formulas to calculate the amp draw ETC...
I might end up sending the cobalt one back and investing it in a good brushless setup after some reading and your advice...
From what I have been seeing it looks like a 400-480 type brushless with a speed controller will run in the 150-200 range...
Do you have any links with some good selection and prices on the brushless motors?
Oh hope you had a nice 4th!
Well I took ElectraJet to the back yard festivities and the first flight had everyone impressed and the second well hum lets say the tree got the better, I have now concluded that my back yard is not the prime spot to fly the ElectraJet in! I need something with a better vertical climb from takeoff... I couldn't get enough height before I had to turn which caused me a loss in altitude and ended with a plane stuck in a tree!
Not a total loss but it will have one wing tip glued on now and new prop, that and some other minor dents and scratches next time it fly’s! Thank goodness I was able to throttle her out of the tree!
Sure was a great time and big hit at the 4th festivities though!
I might end up sending the cobalt one back and investing it in a good brushless setup after some reading and your advice...
From what I have been seeing it looks like a 400-480 type brushless with a speed controller will run in the 150-200 range...
Do you have any links with some good selection and prices on the brushless motors?
Oh hope you had a nice 4th!
Well I took ElectraJet to the back yard festivities and the first flight had everyone impressed and the second well hum lets say the tree got the better, I have now concluded that my back yard is not the prime spot to fly the ElectraJet in! I need something with a better vertical climb from takeoff... I couldn't get enough height before I had to turn which caused me a loss in altitude and ended with a plane stuck in a tree!
Not a total loss but it will have one wing tip glued on now and new prop, that and some other minor dents and scratches next time it fly’s! Thank goodness I was able to throttle her out of the tree!
Sure was a great time and big hit at the 4th festivities though!
07-05-2003, 04:02 PM
#93
what about electrics
I keep forgetting that the brushless motors require a more expensive brushless controller 
I have 6 Hacker motors and I've never done much reasearch on the other brushless motors. The Mega's are more economical and real popular. And the new Razor's look real good. Try Esprit Model and Northeast Sailplane.
You can download a 30 evaluation version of MotoCalc and get some idea of the results you might get with different motors. Both it and Electricalc are relatively inexpensive, and they are better than "stabbing in the dark" when you're trying determine where to invest your money for a motor.
There's a good online calculator called P-Calc that's free to use at Diversity Model Aircraft
I have 6 Hacker motors and I've never done much reasearch on the other brushless motors. The Mega's are more economical and real popular. And the new Razor's look real good. Try Esprit Model and Northeast Sailplane.
You can download a 30 evaluation version of MotoCalc and get some idea of the results you might get with different motors. Both it and Electricalc are relatively inexpensive, and they are better than "stabbing in the dark" when you're trying determine where to invest your money for a motor.
There's a good online calculator called P-Calc that's free to use at Diversity Model Aircraft
07-06-2003, 10:03 PM
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what about electrics
Well I ended up ordering a mega 15/3 brushless motor and 25A brushless speed controller as well.
Guess tower is going to be getting a return on the cobalt motor !!!
The more I read about the brushless the more I had to have one..
Man talk about day and night..
From my calculations I can get 30% to 40% more thrust at half the amps of a cobalt motor.
To me that a no brainer!!!! Go brushless....
Guess tower is going to be getting a return on the cobalt motor !!!
The more I read about the brushless the more I had to have one..
Man talk about day and night..
From my calculations I can get 30% to 40% more thrust at half the amps of a cobalt motor.
To me that a no brainer!!!! Go brushless....
Originally posted by KatManDEW
I have not heard of a new generation of cheaper brushless motors, but I'm no industry expert, so my lack of knowledge is not significant.
Some of the brushless motors aren't all that much more expensive, and they will outlive a whole bunch of brushed motors. Some brushed motors do not have a real long lifespan, especially when pushed hard to achieve appreciable performance.
I've never used any brushed cobalt motors. Although they offer more power than ferrite motors, from what I've seen, and what I've checked in the motor calculators, they appear to be "amp hogs" which consume large quantities of current to achieve their additional power.
The motor calculators like Motocalc and Electricalc are valuable tools and they can give some good insight about motor performance.
I have not heard of a new generation of cheaper brushless motors, but I'm no industry expert, so my lack of knowledge is not significant.
Some of the brushless motors aren't all that much more expensive, and they will outlive a whole bunch of brushed motors. Some brushed motors do not have a real long lifespan, especially when pushed hard to achieve appreciable performance.
I've never used any brushed cobalt motors. Although they offer more power than ferrite motors, from what I've seen, and what I've checked in the motor calculators, they appear to be "amp hogs" which consume large quantities of current to achieve their additional power.
The motor calculators like Motocalc and Electricalc are valuable tools and they can give some good insight about motor performance.
07-07-2003, 02:58 AM
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what about electrics
Well I found this link http://www.club-chat.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=433 that has a little review over basically the exact same setup that I am going to have... Same plane, same motor, the only difference is I am going for a 3.1 gearbox... But it is really wild how close they are going to be to the same... Makes me really happy, now I know I am getting a better understanding of electrics when I am cooking up my own setups and they are starting to match others with more experience...
I have really gotten hooked on these electrics... It's like a whole new science in RC flying...
I love to grow in knowledge!!!
I have really gotten hooked on these electrics... It's like a whole new science in RC flying...
I love to grow in knowledge!!!
10-01-2003, 02:05 AM
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RE: what about electrics
Some of you guys come across as really over the top here. I am an absolute newbie who one day recently decided that it would be fun to fly r/c airplanes. Knowing no more than that I went to the local hobby store and bought a little deal for 50 bucks that had two motors, plastic fuse, no control surfaces. Turning was via the right stick which would cut power to one of the motors. Climb, descent was all power. I don't remember the brand as it lasted about a day before getting tossed in the garbage, or was it left in a tree.
I found where the local club flies and talked to a guy there. He dismissed all things electric as junk and told me to get about 500 bucks ready for a real plane. I ended up buying a (you guessed it) Slow Stick and have had a lot of fun with it so far. All my flights have been self taught and the Stick has taken the abuse. I might get bored with it eventually but so far, no luck.
I don't want a gas plane that flies, what, 50-60 mph, requires a concrete landing strip, so I can fly in big circles. I'll keep the Stick for now so I can fly out of small spaces, maybe put a camera on, or some lights and goof off at night.
I know everybody has a little different angle on what they need for their particular fun, but a few should realize gas, or lack thereof, does not make a real r/c plane. The kids that want to know about the Stick in my neighborhood don't seem quite so discriminatory.
Of course I could be flying jets in a couple years and eat my words!
hmmm I just read the rest of the thread and this really only applies to some of the first comments. But if you're having fun, who cares right?
I found where the local club flies and talked to a guy there. He dismissed all things electric as junk and told me to get about 500 bucks ready for a real plane. I ended up buying a (you guessed it) Slow Stick and have had a lot of fun with it so far. All my flights have been self taught and the Stick has taken the abuse. I might get bored with it eventually but so far, no luck.
I don't want a gas plane that flies, what, 50-60 mph, requires a concrete landing strip, so I can fly in big circles. I'll keep the Stick for now so I can fly out of small spaces, maybe put a camera on, or some lights and goof off at night.
I know everybody has a little different angle on what they need for their particular fun, but a few should realize gas, or lack thereof, does not make a real r/c plane. The kids that want to know about the Stick in my neighborhood don't seem quite so discriminatory.
Of course I could be flying jets in a couple years and eat my words!
hmmm I just read the rest of the thread and this really only applies to some of the first comments. But if you're having fun, who cares right?
10-01-2003, 10:43 AM
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RE: what about electrics
Yea slag there are some of "those" as you mentioned in the first of this thread, but they are the few and we are the majority... And we the majority are in RC for the fun and thrills of it... Gas, Electric, rubber band, air, water it makes no difference just as long as you are having fun that’s my motto....
And that’s great the kids in the neighborhood are enjoying, hey in the future that could be some more new members in our great sport....
And that’s great the kids in the neighborhood are enjoying, hey in the future that could be some more new members in our great sport....