Hello Everyone. Been using this forum for months... a lot of great info, thanks!

I just upgraded my HBK2 to a 3100KV brushless w/ 9t pinion and the 25A ESC (EK1-0350) with DEAN connections. When I power up, the ESC beeps and is set to brake off. When I go to full throttle, the heli is light on its skids, but won't leave the ground. It sounds like the motor has not reached full power. If I trim my throttle all the way up, then go to full stick... I will get off the ground, but just barely! All of my critical settings seem correct (pinion to main gear tension, belt tension (I also have 43t tail pulley), blade pitch, etc) and I've tried adjusting these anyway, just to see if there would be a noticeable difference. I've also tried several different LiPo's all 100% full from a CellPro 4s charger.

So is there a way to set a range in the ESC? I've tried setting the ESC to brake on and brake off. Can someone recommend something else to try? I know the 3100KV isn't a monster motor, but I would have assumed it would be strong enough for a person who flies like I do --> Hovers and Putts around the yard.

Thanks for any advice you might have.

Hey pronoman;
You may not have enough head speed with the 3100kv motor with a 9 tooth pinion. If I were in your shoes I would get a 11,12, 13 tooth pinions and try them on that motor.
With a 10t pinion and 140t stock gear you will only have a head speed of 2460 respectively. It will probably fly with that head speed but, the tail will be unresponsive. No authority at all. A 12t pinion will give you 2950 rpm respectively. Here is the math. Kv (3100) times voltage (11.1) = motor rpm (34410). Main gear (140) divided by pinion size (12) = gear ratio (11.66), then motor rpm (34410) divided by gear ratio (11.6) = head rpm (2951) Maybe this will help you when you need to pick a motor next time. You need to know what you want the head speed to be on a given chopper. 3000 is a good speed for the King II IMHO. Gittle

ok this makes sense to me (im shocked). I currently kind of had the same thing but mine was a 3900 with the fact 9 tooth. so would be like headspeed of (2783) where as as soon as I change to a 10 that I have (waiting on my puller) will give me just above 3000. interesting info thanks

I will very soon get my dynam 30A esc (without program card) and wonder how to set it up when it arrives. I have a new 3900 brushless motor.

Can I just install the esc and fly? If not, will I mange to set it up without program card? how?

Thanks Gittle. The dealer I got the upgrades through is really a good guy and he already has a new motor, ESC and some larger pinions (just in case) boxed up and shipping tomorrow. So hopefully one of those things gets me off the ground. Thanks for the response, more are welcomed.

I tried the same combo. Like Gittle said, I think 9t just isn't enough pinion. I swapped the 9t out for a 10t and it flies fine for gentle flying but the tail is a little sluggish (I have a 43t tail pulley upgrade that I've yet to install). I feel an 11t might be better for more aggressive flying but haven't tried it.