50 cc warbird setup question
 

I am planning setting up a 50 gasser warbird. I do not know where to start. What is the best setup for 9 servos? I am running a DSX9 and I am looking for reliability and some redundancy built in. What servos, regs, batteries and RX would be best. I don't want to skimp cos it has taken years to build this bird.

TIA

RE: 50 cc warbird setup question
 

Your best bet is to run a dual receiver set up with one receiver operating the left side flight controls and the right receiver operating the right side. With this setup you have two receivers, two batteries and two switches. Its easy to setup and you have your redundancy.

RE: 50 cc warbird setup question
 

Well lots of folks will say that a 50cc bird doesn't need all that much and it just adds complexity and weight, bit different with a Warbird and you should do what makes you feel comfortable.

That said; dual rx's on a model this size is not only "old school" but way more monkey business and expense than you need to get a reliable setup. To some extent, the old axiom about having fewer parts means fewer possible failure points is applicable.

Since you're running JR/Spektrum 2.4GHz the PowerSafe rx's are the ticket for high current demand setups. Dual 16g battery inputs, built in battery isolation, built in "Fail On" softswitch, buss can handle 35 amps continuous and burst to 50 amps like all the JR/Spektrum 9 channel and above rx's and data capablity to work with the Flight Log giving you RF link information.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=JRPR922

There is also a Spektrum version of that rx which has the same specs used to be a bit less money and as far as I know the only difference is the warranty, JR is 3 years, Spektrum is 1 year. You'll need to check with different vendors for pricing and I suspect you'll find the Spektrum will be a bit less than the JR but don't know for sure. Also the Horizon links are for the USA stuff and may be different where you are "down under".

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...odID=SPMAR9100

As for the batteries; A123 has got to be the slickest thing for our hobby that's turned up in some time. High current output capability at 30C continous and burst to 60C, don't require regulators, have an extremely low self discharge rate, can be charged in about 20 minutes (limited by your charger's capability) and won't blow up/start fires. There is a bit of a learning curve involved and your charger needs to have A123/LiFe programming but there's lots of information available on using A123 batteries.

Last, if there's one issue I see consistently with the Warbird guys it's the inattention to the electrical systems with small wires, small switches and too many use whatever battery/s is the least expensive. If you go with the PowerSafe rx that part is taken care of but you also need HD servo extensions preferable with gold plated pins in the connectors. Also, be extremely careful if you opt to go with NiMH battiers or Li-Ion with regulators as there can be some significant restrictions of continous current output with those chemistries.

RE: 50 cc warbird setup question
 

I have several 50cc models and 1 warbird. Here's my set up... (1 servo on each ail control surface), (1 0n rudder),( 1 per elevator half)(1ea flap) (1 on throttle), 2 HD switches & 2 batteries (li-ion 2600s) with regulators to the(1) reciever. 1 2600 li-ion on ignition w HD switch & regulator. I use this up thru my 100 cc size models. The Reg on the ignition can be omitted if useing 4.8v & on some 6v ignitions. I have used a Y connector to add the second battery, and a servo to the rudder on the other side of the Y if you start running out of slots on the reciever, and it has never given me any problems, and is less expensive than buying a 12 or 14 ch reciever. This has worked for me for the last 10 or so years...Gene;)