Greg Covey

The manual says to replace the CA hinges with metal ones. I didn't see any metal hinges in the kit, so I decided to use [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXET57&P=ML]Robart Super Hinges[/link]. I have used these in the past on giant scale projects as they come highly recommended.

Each of the 8 CA hinges was replaced with a Robart Super Hinge. After first checking the fit and swing, I glued them in place using BVM V-poxy for a strong hold that won't weaken or yellow over time.

Greg Covey

Before installing the aileron servo and linkage, I covered the gap on the bottom side with a strip of clear Monokote. In this manner, the dust and dirt won't stick to the center and the strip can't be seen from the top side.

Greg Covey

The hardware set that comes with the World Models 42% Ultimate is pretty good. I have used this hardware on their other giant scale models with great success and it adds to the value of the ARF.

Greg Covey

The hardware set that comes with the World Models 42% Ultimate is pretty good. I have used this hardware on their other giant scale models with great success and it adds to the value of the ARF.

The servo arm extension attached to the stock wheel of the Spektrum [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPMSA6030]A6030[/link] servo without any modifications. After cutting away the covering over the inner servo bay (I'm using a single servo per aileron), the servo mounted in place without issue. I attached a 24" HD extension on the servo wire which easily routed through the wing due to the pre-installed strings.

A hardwood block exists in the aileron where you need to drill the hole for the horn. Each end of the control rod is threaded for a clevis which is then attached to the bearings with a screw and locknut. The horn covers are a nice added touch giving the linkage a cleaner look.

Three more wings to go so repeat ad nauseam.

Greg Covey

Hi Saul,

I have decided to go with the Hacker A200-8 motor instead of the Neu 2225/P62 combo for several reasons.

First, MadDog RC has decided not to make the custom mount that Josh Young used. I also had reservations that 9200 watts would not be sufficient power for my demos so I feel better having a 14K to 15K watt capability. I'm not really a fan of geared solutions and prefer the simple standoff mounting method of the Hacker outrunner. The Hacker compatibility with a DA150 prop mounting is also a plus. Lastly, both solutions are about the same price.

I had a few questions for you. The standoffs used in [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8318435/anchors_8323418/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#8323418]your A200 mount[/link] don't exactly look like the electric standoffs from [link=http://www.pspmfg.com/ElectricEngineMountingHardware.html]PSP[/link]. You also mentioned that you needed 6mm bolts but the electric standoffs appear to only support up to 5mm bolts. What am I missing here?

Also, have you decided on an ESC selection for your A200 yet?

Thanks.

slevin1

My Feedback: (23)

Hi Greg,

You'll need the spacers that have the 1/4" hole. PSP's website says they will also handle the 6mm bolts. http://www.pspmfg.com/RCAirCoolingSpacers.html

As far as the ESC goes I have decided to go with the Schulze 300 ESC fut-xxl-40.303K. This is currently the only 300 amp ESC on the market today capable of handling 14s & the kind of amps the A200 generates plus I have seen video of a plane fly with it.
http://www.icare-rc.com/motor_controls_brushless.htm

I received a reply from Lucien at Innov8tive Designs , maker of the Scorpion line of motors and ESC's, and he told me they will not be releasing any of the 16 cell ESC's including the 300amp version as the 16s is lethal if electrocuted. Bummer.

I know that Jetti makes a 300 amp version but I was told on the phone by a rep from Aero-Model, the American distributor for Hacker, a couple of years ago that the A200 cooked those ESC's.

Also don't forget to purchase the 8mm bullet connectors from Xtreme Power Systems. They can handle 300amps continuous with a 400 amp burst (see my post for 09/11/2010 on this thread). Keep in mind that you will not only need them for the motor but you will need them for the batteries, parallel & series connectors, etc.

You're gonna need a heavy duty soldering iron because you'll need to use solder capable of handling those amps.

Also I would strongly advise you to order the motor now as mine took 12 weeks to arrive. Hacker only makes them when they are ordered. I ordered mine through www.chiefaircraft.com.

Hope this helps,
Saul

P.S.- Greg I have a question for you completely off this topic. Have you ever done a review of the brushless NexStar EP Select RTF trainer from Great Planes? Not the little one but the one with the 68" wingspan. I ask this because I sell planes at a hobby shop and electrics are becoming easier to sell than nitro planes & I wanted to get feed back on the brushless version of the NexStar.

Greg Covey

Saul,

Ok, thanks for the information. I'll get the motor ordered soon. I assume that your LiPo configuration will be 14s 3p 5AH or similar.

I have reviewed the Superstar EP and the 63" ElectriStar EP Select but not the larger 68.5" NexStar model. I think that one ended up replacing the Electristar.

Regards.

slevin1

My Feedback: (23)

Yep. The total mAH will be 15,000 although I have considered 10,000 mAh.

Saul

slevin1

My Feedback: (23)

Yep. The total mAH will be 15,000 although I have considered 10,000 mAh.

Saul

ironJaw

Greg

I am asking about the need to use the FMA DPM units in these large models.

I don't see anyone else but you using them. You used them in the Horizon Edge 540
but I am not sure if you use them any more.

Tom

Greg Covey

Hi Tom,

I haven't used the FMA Discharge Protection Modules (DPMs) in many years. Although they were a good idea at the time, the implementation was too complex and the product never caught on. A similar demise as the original brushless motors with sensors. Once the pricing came down, and there was more competition, the products tend to become more compatible with others.

On the larger models, .60-size and up, I have always found that the plane will no longer fly before the LiPo packs are drained to low. With this in mind, I typically do not use a Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC) on any of my glow or gas conversions. A transmitter timer works best so that you get an audible beeping when your flight time is up. The newer transmitters can even vibrate for an alarm which helps competition pilots flying to loud music or practicing with an iPod. If the charger has a fuel gauge, you can use the remaining pack capacity to adjust the transmitter timer.

Regards.

Greg Covey

After completing the second wing half, I needed a diversion so I assembled the cockpit. Although the World Models 42% Ultimate comes with a closed cockpit (which is much better than many other giant scale open cockpits) the dash is left blank without any decals. Further, the supplied pilot was actually only a quarter-scale sized figure so it needed to be replaced.

I detailed my Ultimate cockpit using the Aeroworks 150cc [link=http://www.aero-works.net/store/detail.aspx?ID=380]Ultimate Instrument Panel[/link] and the Great Planes ([link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVSEARCH=GPMQ9006&search=Go]GPMQ9006[/link]) 1/3 scale sport pilot. It isn't a perfectly scale size but it was reasonable and well priced.

The new Aeroworks Ultimate has a very different fuselage width than the original World Models design so I needed to cut down the instrument panel and then make a backing from felt. The result was a better detailed cockpit with little effort.

ironJaw

Hey Greg

Thanks for the quick reply on the DPM issue.  I have a couple of questions on the Hacker a200.

1. Are there any sites for obtaining the dementions?  I would like to start some CAD work.

2. What size spinner is required with the 32" D. Props?  I have several Tru-Turn 4" spinners will they work?

3. I am planning to do some research work with a 42 to 50 lb. airplane and want to get the most flight time using the A200.
     There will be no fancy flying, just routine straight and level with varying bank angle turns and at about 800 to 1000 ft. alt.
     and at nearly sea level operations.  If I use the same battery set up you are proposing what kind of flight time can I get?
     I would like something in the range of 15 min. or more.

Tom

slevin1

My Feedback: (23)

Ironjaw,

I can answer your questions:

1. Are there any sites for obtaining the dimensions? No. there wasn't even a diagram of the mounting plate with the instruction. I actully had to make a photocopy of the mounting plate by placing the motor on a copy machine just so I could get the proper location of where to drill the holes in the firewall. The mounting plate is part of the motor.

2. What size spinner is required with the 32" D. Props? I have several Tru-Turn 4" spinners will they work? It should work. You'll probably have to make the slots for the prop wider. I am using a 6 inch spinner because that is what the plane calls for.

3. I am planning to do some research work with a 42 to 50 lb. airplane and want to get the most flight time using the A200.
There will be no fancy flying, just routine straight and level with varying bank angle turns and at about 800 to 1000 ft. alt.
and at nearly sea level operations. If I use the same battery set up you are proposing what kind of flight time can I get?
I would like something in the range of 15 min. or more. I would suggest at least a 20,000 mAh or larger. The 10,000 mAh pack will probably give 6-8 minutes where as the 15,000 mAh will probably allow for 9-12 minutes.

Saul

slevin1

My Feedback: (23)

Greg and Ironjaw,

I found this. It is a 50% extra 260 (I think it is a Bill Hempel ARF) with DUAL Hacker A-200's.
http://www.hanke-online.de/maggerbil...slides/01.html

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqUAI...layer_embedded


According to YouTube info:
Motor: 2* Hacker A-200
ESC: 2* Master Spin 220
Battery: TopFuel 14s 4p 5000mAh

Saul

slevin1

My Feedback: (23)

Greg,

I also found this. It is a 122" Raven which would be about 43% scale using a Hacker A200 with Top Fuel 14s 2p 5000mAh LiPo batteries. That is a 10,000 mAh pack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQSM_...eature=related

Saul

Greg Covey

Saul,

Thanks for answering Tom's questions.

As for the twin A200 setup, all I can say is "Holy Crap!"

I'm expecting to use a 14s3p LiPo setup with my Ultimate for a more reasonable flight time but it is nice to know that a 2p setup will also work. I'll assume 30C (minimum) cells.

Regards,

Greg C.

ironJaw

Saul

From the pictures of the A200 Twin set up it looks like the motors are each using the 14s 2p battery arrangement
not 14s 4p

Tom

slevin1

My Feedback: (23)

Tom,

I agree but keep in mind that your application of the A200 is more about duration where as the planes on You Tube are flying 3D where weight is an issue. Keep in mind that you are looking for 15 minutes of flight time so you really need the motor to run for 20 minutes to allow time for landing and a go around in the event you overshoot the runway or have a strong headwind. Ultimately it is going to require some bench testing to get an exact time on the duration.

Saul

Greg Covey

My Spektrum AR9100 Power Safe receivers will be fed by two Hobbico [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYAT1&P=ML]LiFe 6.6v 3200mAh[/link] packs. The LiFe packs can be charged up to 1,000 times with no loss in performance. Further, no regulators are required and both packs can be recharged at the same time using a single FMA CellPro 10s charger. The combination of using the AR9100 Power Safe receivers with dual LiFe packs provides an extreme level of safe redundancy.

I made a short adapter to temporarily allow me to use the system until I figure out where things will reside in the Ultimate.

slevin1

My Feedback: (23)

Greg,
FYI on the AR9100: You'll want to have a hard switch between the Rx and each of the batteries for the Rx. I learned this first hand from the folks at Horizon Hobbies who were setting up one of the planes for Pat Hartness at the Joe Nall. They explained that the receiver has a digital switch but that there is still a low current draw from the batteries even when the receiver is switched off.

Saul

Greg Covey

Hi Saul,

I'm not a fan of switches in the receiver path unless they are designed to be fail-safe. I have seen too many planes go down where the On-Off switch has been the suspect.

In my case, I plan to have reasonable access to the receiver pack connections so I will keep it simple and just use Dean's Ultra connectors without a switch. The 3200mAh packs should provide 3 flights easily without even looking at their charge (although I typically check them after every flight until they have a track record).

My bigger concern is in having an external cutoff for the main power connection to the ESC. In my 1/3 scale Cub, I used an RV cut-off switch. The Jeti SPIN ESC also provided an anti-spark wire that I tied to a toggle switch. This made for a convenient anti-spark arming system external to the plane. On the Ultimate, the RV cut-switch does not have the rating so I may use an 8mm bullet plug much like the guy from Sweden (Jocke) did on RCG.

Regards.

LDHFlyguy

Hey Guys,
Have you made any progress on your A-200 power systems?
I'm particularly interested in knowing with what ESC you have had success operating the A-200?
I'm going with a Predator 37-6 /Schulze Future 40-303 power system. It's been ordered and now I'm waiting.
I couldn't find any success stories/data in the forums/threads to convience me to go with the Hacker A-200.
I have to admit though, one of the videos in this thread shows an A-200 pulling a big plane with a lot of authority.
I've seen several posts and a website with success stories/data about the Predator.

Please keep posting.
I wanted the Hacker becuase of it's prop mounting system and because you apparently can use a standard spinner with it.
With the Predator I will either go with no spinner or a modified carbon spinner.

Saul....we've PM'd a couple times about this subject a couple months ago.

Best Wishes on your projects and their power systems.

Larry

slevin1

My Feedback: (23)

Hi Larry,

My a200 project is on hold at this time due to having to buy holiday gifts. Happy holidays.

Saul

Greg Covey

Hi Larry and Saul,

I was beginning to think that Saul's hobby funds were unlimited as he has been buying some expensive items lately.

Larry asks a good question that I was hoping to spend more time on before bringing to this forum. You are correct in your findings about the lack of success stories for the A200-8 motor. From my research, and discussions with reps, it would seem that Hacker is still waiting for the "optimal" controller to be available before allowing people to use the A200-8. My guess is to protect the product from misuse.

Although Saul seems to have picked the best choice of existing controllers for the A200, the Hacker reps seem less than thrilled with this selection. I have even read one post on RCG where a customer could not purchase the A200 because it didn't have a proper controller unit.

I'll report back when I have updated information. I am also looking for example ratings on the A200-8 with various cell counts and prop sizes. Castle Creations is still not committing to the ICE SHV line. I am also considering the A150-8 motor since it has similar mounting as the A200 and gas engines.

I had to clean up my "work shop" family room for Thanksgiving but have started to return boxes and get back to work. I used to be bored in the winter time but now I'm hoping the season is long enough for me to finish all my R/C projects!

Regards.