Looking for good 3D prop for OS 160FX
12-16-2002, 05:57 PM
#2
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Looking for good 3D prop for OS 160FX
Seems like the general consensus here is the APC 18x6W. I can't comment on this one because the only thing I can get from my LHS is a Zinger 18x6. It's not all that great for this engine. Mine will only turn up 8100 with it. Others are getting 9000 with the APC. I'm trying to get my LHS to order some for me. Hopefully they'll show up soon...
12-18-2002, 03:15 AM
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Trade off
You will have to decide what "BEST" means to you. I looked for the best mix of Vertical pulling power with good (quick) throttle response. Also, noise might be a consideration.
Monday at the field I tested several 3-D props for the OS 1.60.
I'm running a Slimline Inverted Pitts muffler, Cline regulator, Cool Power 15%, and OS "F plug.
Monday was 57 degrees F and sunny, low humidity. About 800 Ft. ASL.
Plane is a Lanier 120 size Edge 540T at 12lbs, 4 oz dry or 13 lbs, 6 oz full of fuel.
Props tested:
APC 18x6W Fun Fly.
Zinger Pro 18x6
Regular Zinger 18x6
Zinger Pro 20x6
Regular Zinger 18x5
Top Flite Power Point 18x6
All RPM readings are backed off about 150 RPM rich as flown. All props gave a reliable 1800 RPM idle.
The best Vertical performer was the APC 18x6W. I got 9100 on the ground with this prop. Acceleration out of a Hover was aggressive, even with full load (20 fluid ounce) of fuel. Problem with the APC is it is HEAVY, 4.8 oz on my digital scale. Throttle response was sluggish. It was ok for a hover, but noticeably sluggish doing waterfalls and The Wall. The Engine is loud at this RPM, (probably close to 100 DB at 9 ft) and the prop is very loud when it unloads in the air.
The Pro Zinger 18x6 and the Top Flite 18x6 were about dead even. Both turned about 8600 RPM. Both gave good vertical, with good pull out from a hover. Not quite as aggressive as the APC, but close, and still very acceptable. Throttle response is very good with these props. Zinger pro is 2.2 oz, Top flite is 1.8 oz. Throttle response in a waterfall or Wall was very crisp and effective, unlike the sluggish APC. Engine is noticeably quieter at this RPM, maybe about 96 DB. The Pro Zinger is quiet in the air air, the Top Flite was much louder, about like the APC. Of note, the Pro Zinger is a harder wood than the Top Flite. I noticed this as I was tightening the prop nut. I got a softer squeeze on the hub with the Top Flite, and was a little concerned about distorting the hub.
The regular Zinger 18x6 (flat, square tips) was a DOG on this engine. It only turned 8100 rpm, and vertical was noticeably less. It would pull out from a hover, but I would not call it good. Engine and prop were very quiet though.
The regular Zinger 18x5 is not enough prop for this engine. I got 9300 on the ground. The engine is VERY loud at this RPM ! Vertical was good, about like Pro Zinger 18x6 or maybe a little better. Throttle response was very crisp. When the prop unloaded in the air it was VERY, VERY loud !! Left thumb control is required to prevent over revving the engine with this prop. Also, at these RPM's fuel consumption was noticeably greater.
Finally, the Pro Zinger 20x6. Maybe Too much prop for this engine. RPM was 7900. Vertical was about equal to the Pro Zinger 18x6. Throttle response was a little less, but not as bad as the APC. Pro Zinger 20x6 is 2.8 oz. At this RPM, engine noise and prop noise is very quiet. My concern is that on a hot summer day this prop load at this lower RPM might cause the engine to over-heat.
Final thoughts:
My first choice for all around 3-D flying is the Pro Zinger 18x6, with the Top Flite 18x6 being a close second.
If I just want to hover most of the flight I will put on the APC 18x6W.
I want to try the Pro Zinger 20x6 on a hot day to see how the Engine temperature reacts. It may be my third choice.
Only in a pinch will I use regular Zinger 18x6 or 18x5.
Monday at the field I tested several 3-D props for the OS 1.60.
I'm running a Slimline Inverted Pitts muffler, Cline regulator, Cool Power 15%, and OS "F plug.
Monday was 57 degrees F and sunny, low humidity. About 800 Ft. ASL.
Plane is a Lanier 120 size Edge 540T at 12lbs, 4 oz dry or 13 lbs, 6 oz full of fuel.
Props tested:
APC 18x6W Fun Fly.
Zinger Pro 18x6
Regular Zinger 18x6
Zinger Pro 20x6
Regular Zinger 18x5
Top Flite Power Point 18x6
All RPM readings are backed off about 150 RPM rich as flown. All props gave a reliable 1800 RPM idle.
The best Vertical performer was the APC 18x6W. I got 9100 on the ground with this prop. Acceleration out of a Hover was aggressive, even with full load (20 fluid ounce) of fuel. Problem with the APC is it is HEAVY, 4.8 oz on my digital scale. Throttle response was sluggish. It was ok for a hover, but noticeably sluggish doing waterfalls and The Wall. The Engine is loud at this RPM, (probably close to 100 DB at 9 ft) and the prop is very loud when it unloads in the air.
The Pro Zinger 18x6 and the Top Flite 18x6 were about dead even. Both turned about 8600 RPM. Both gave good vertical, with good pull out from a hover. Not quite as aggressive as the APC, but close, and still very acceptable. Throttle response is very good with these props. Zinger pro is 2.2 oz, Top flite is 1.8 oz. Throttle response in a waterfall or Wall was very crisp and effective, unlike the sluggish APC. Engine is noticeably quieter at this RPM, maybe about 96 DB. The Pro Zinger is quiet in the air air, the Top Flite was much louder, about like the APC. Of note, the Pro Zinger is a harder wood than the Top Flite. I noticed this as I was tightening the prop nut. I got a softer squeeze on the hub with the Top Flite, and was a little concerned about distorting the hub.
The regular Zinger 18x6 (flat, square tips) was a DOG on this engine. It only turned 8100 rpm, and vertical was noticeably less. It would pull out from a hover, but I would not call it good. Engine and prop were very quiet though.
The regular Zinger 18x5 is not enough prop for this engine. I got 9300 on the ground. The engine is VERY loud at this RPM ! Vertical was good, about like Pro Zinger 18x6 or maybe a little better. Throttle response was very crisp. When the prop unloaded in the air it was VERY, VERY loud !! Left thumb control is required to prevent over revving the engine with this prop. Also, at these RPM's fuel consumption was noticeably greater.
Finally, the Pro Zinger 20x6. Maybe Too much prop for this engine. RPM was 7900. Vertical was about equal to the Pro Zinger 18x6. Throttle response was a little less, but not as bad as the APC. Pro Zinger 20x6 is 2.8 oz. At this RPM, engine noise and prop noise is very quiet. My concern is that on a hot summer day this prop load at this lower RPM might cause the engine to over-heat.
Final thoughts:
My first choice for all around 3-D flying is the Pro Zinger 18x6, with the Top Flite 18x6 being a close second.
If I just want to hover most of the flight I will put on the APC 18x6W.
I want to try the Pro Zinger 20x6 on a hot day to see how the Engine temperature reacts. It may be my third choice.
Only in a pinch will I use regular Zinger 18x6 or 18x5.
12-18-2002, 03:27 AM
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Looking for good 3D prop for OS 160FX
Aerosplat,
That's a great and very informative writeup. I was getting a little worried that my engine was not up to par with what others were recording with theirs'. I've only tried the regular Zinger 18x6 and was turning 8100 like you. My LHS only has this and the Dynathrust in 18x6 sizes. I think I'll try and see if he can order some Zinger Pros.
That's a great and very informative writeup. I was getting a little worried that my engine was not up to par with what others were recording with theirs'. I've only tried the regular Zinger 18x6 and was turning 8100 like you. My LHS only has this and the Dynathrust in 18x6 sizes. I think I'll try and see if he can order some Zinger Pros.
12-18-2002, 05:09 PM
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Looking for good 3D prop for OS 160FX
Not THAT'S what I call information.
From your descriptions it looks as if the Pro Zinger or Power point are what I'm looking for.
Great write-up!! Thanks for sharing your results with us!!
Frank
From your descriptions it looks as if the Pro Zinger or Power point are what I'm looking for.
Great write-up!! Thanks for sharing your results with us!!
Frank
12-18-2002, 05:18 PM
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Looking for good 3D prop for OS 160FX
I'm a little confused because the manual says for aerobatic flying, 16" props should be used.
So far from what I've read, everyone agrees with an 18" prop. But not the manual.
Anyone try a 16" prop?
Mike
So far from what I've read, everyone agrees with an 18" prop. But not the manual.
Anyone try a 16" prop?
Mike
12-19-2002, 12:50 AM
#8
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16" props
The way I understand it----
In general, Aerobatic Flying and 3-D Aerobatics have different characteristics and requirements. Usually, General Aerobatic refers to Pattern and IMAC type of aerobatics, very precision. The requirements here are more toward higher air speed, so higher pitch props are used (10, 12, 14). A 16x10, 16x12, or 16x14 would probably load the OS 1.60 sufficiently and give excellent General Aerobatic air speed and vertical performance. For 3-D type Aerobatics the plane is usually at or close to stall speed, and the requirement is for lots of Static pulling power, and lots of prop generated airflow over the control surfaces. Thus the lower pitch props (4, 6, 8) with higher diameter are generally used.
I don't think the OS 1.60 will pull a 18x10 or higher fast enough, and I think a 16x8 or lower would let the engine destroy itself with high RPM's.
In general, Aerobatic Flying and 3-D Aerobatics have different characteristics and requirements. Usually, General Aerobatic refers to Pattern and IMAC type of aerobatics, very precision. The requirements here are more toward higher air speed, so higher pitch props are used (10, 12, 14). A 16x10, 16x12, or 16x14 would probably load the OS 1.60 sufficiently and give excellent General Aerobatic air speed and vertical performance. For 3-D type Aerobatics the plane is usually at or close to stall speed, and the requirement is for lots of Static pulling power, and lots of prop generated airflow over the control surfaces. Thus the lower pitch props (4, 6, 8) with higher diameter are generally used.
I don't think the OS 1.60 will pull a 18x10 or higher fast enough, and I think a 16x8 or lower would let the engine destroy itself with high RPM's.
12-26-2002, 01:13 PM
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Re: Trade off
[i]
The Pro Zinger 18x6 and the Top Flite 18x6 were about dead even. Both turned about 8600 RPM. [/B]
The Pro Zinger 18x6 and the Top Flite 18x6 were about dead even. Both turned about 8600 RPM. [/B]
Here's my result:
8600 on Pro Zinger 18x8, 5% Omega fuel
8000 on Top Flite 18x6, 5% Sig fuel
How come my Pro Zinger 18x8 rpm is same as your Pro Zinger 18x6?
And how come my Top Flite 18x6 is less than yours? Can fuel make that much difference?
12-26-2002, 04:49 PM
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Looking for good 3D prop for OS 160FX
Fuel type, Nitro percentage, Oil content, Altitude, etc all make up the differences in prop and engine specs. You would have to compare all of these variables with Aerosplate readings.
12-26-2002, 09:06 PM
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Looking for good 3D prop for OS 160FX
Sig fuel does have more castor than Omega. I guess extra castor can slow down an engine, but for better protection.
12-27-2002, 05:15 AM
#12
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Difference in readings
seanychen,
I cannot explain the difference in readings between my results and yours, but i will offer these thoughts.
True, Atmospheric conditions and altitude will make significant impact on an engine's ability to perform. Fuel will also, but in my experience, not as much.
I have also experienced 100-200 rpm differences in the same size and manufacturer's prop. For instance, I have tried two Zinger 15x6 props on my Saito 100 and gotten a 200 RPM difference in peak. When my current Pro Zinger 18x6 wears out or breaks
, I may get slightly different results with the replacement.
In your readings I would investigate why the Pro Zinger 18x8 turned 600 more rpm than the Top Flite 18x6.
They have a very similar shape and profile. An 8 pitch should offer significant more load than a 6 pitch. Something just ain't right there
The only real way to make meaningful comparisons is to put the Engines side by side in a stable atmospheric environment; and use the same fuel, plug, muffler, props, and tach on each.
I cannot explain the difference in readings between my results and yours, but i will offer these thoughts.
True, Atmospheric conditions and altitude will make significant impact on an engine's ability to perform. Fuel will also, but in my experience, not as much.
I have also experienced 100-200 rpm differences in the same size and manufacturer's prop. For instance, I have tried two Zinger 15x6 props on my Saito 100 and gotten a 200 RPM difference in peak. When my current Pro Zinger 18x6 wears out or breaks
, I may get slightly different results with the replacement.In your readings I would investigate why the Pro Zinger 18x8 turned 600 more rpm than the Top Flite 18x6.
They have a very similar shape and profile. An 8 pitch should offer significant more load than a 6 pitch. Something just ain't right there The only real way to make meaningful comparisons is to put the Engines side by side in a stable atmospheric environment; and use the same fuel, plug, muffler, props, and tach on each.
01-01-2003, 06:06 PM
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Looking for good 3D prop for OS 160FX
Aerosplat
i am going to try out my OS-160 this week with an APC and the Mejzlik 18 x 6. Have you had a chance to try the Mejzlik?
I ran both props on an RCS 1.4 last week and both were great with the APC doing a better pulling job even though it had lower RPM numbers over the Mejzlick.
i am going to try out my OS-160 this week with an APC and the Mejzlik 18 x 6. Have you had a chance to try the Mejzlik?
I ran both props on an RCS 1.4 last week and both were great with the APC doing a better pulling job even though it had lower RPM numbers over the Mejzlick.
01-01-2003, 08:59 PM
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Mejzlik 18x6
krayzc,
No I have not tried the Mejzlik. I have wanted to, but have not been willing to fork out the $'s to experiment. I will be VERY interested to hear your results with the Mejzlik vrs the APC on the OS 1.60. The higher RPM they should turn on the OS vrs the RCS 1.4 might yield different results. Also, If the Mejzlik turns higher RPM than the APC, I might be more interested in a Mejzlik 20x6. I think the OS is happiest in the mid to high 8000 rpm band. The OS specs say peak HP (3.7) at 9000. But I called and they said peak torque is at about 8500. I suspect running a prop above 9000 on the OS is burning excess fuel without appreciable increase in performance. 
If the OS will spin a Mejzlik 20x6 about 8300 - 8500 rpm, that might be the best prop for 3-D work. Can you get an accurate weight comparison between the APC 18x6W and the Mejzlik 18x6 ? If you don't have a good Digital scale, your local post office will probably weigh them for you. 
Also, what fuel, plug, and muffler are you using?
Thanks for your information.
No I have not tried the Mejzlik. I have wanted to, but have not been willing to fork out the $'s to experiment.
I will be VERY interested to hear your results with the Mejzlik vrs the APC on the OS 1.60. The higher RPM they should turn on the OS vrs the RCS 1.4 might yield different results. Also, If the Mejzlik turns higher RPM than the APC, I might be more interested in a Mejzlik 20x6. I think the OS is happiest in the mid to high 8000 rpm band. The OS specs say peak HP (3.7) at 9000. But I called and they said peak torque is at about 8500. I suspect running a prop above 9000 on the OS is burning excess fuel without appreciable increase in performance. If the OS will spin a Mejzlik 20x6 about 8300 - 8500 rpm, that might be the best prop for 3-D work. Can you get an accurate weight comparison between the APC 18x6W and the Mejzlik 18x6 ? If you don't have a good Digital scale, your local post office will probably weigh them for you. Also, what fuel, plug, and muffler are you using?
Thanks for your information.
01-02-2003, 03:18 AM
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Looking for good 3D prop for OS 160FX
Mejzlik 3 oz
APC 4.5 oz
this is off the old type postal scale not digital so there a ball park #.
I will be glad to get the bird (DP Bipe) in the air to so i can give you all the scoop. That APC does have a very thin hub don't you think compared to the thicker mejzlik?
15% cool power
jett muffler the round one i think they call it a tuner pipe type all wrapped up in that circle muffler. I am not sure if i have the f or another type of glow plug i will check that out here soon.
APC 4.5 oz
this is off the old type postal scale not digital so there a ball park #.
I will be glad to get the bird (DP Bipe) in the air to so i can give you all the scoop. That APC does have a very thin hub don't you think compared to the thicker mejzlik?
15% cool power
jett muffler the round one i think they call it a tuner pipe type all wrapped up in that circle muffler. I am not sure if i have the f or another type of glow plug i will check that out here soon.
12-08-2003, 08:07 AM
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Great Job!
Aerosplat,
Great job about the various props on the 160. This is too good of a post to let go past the 365 day limit.
I'm about to fly my Lanier Edge 540 / FX-160 / Pro Zinger 18x6 for the first time and your posts about this plane and various props has been a great help. I ahve poat in the 3D forum about it's CG and want to wait a little more before adding some weight to it's nose.
Thanks,
Bill
Great job about the various props on the 160. This is too good of a post to let go past the 365 day limit.
I'm about to fly my Lanier Edge 540 / FX-160 / Pro Zinger 18x6 for the first time and your posts about this plane and various props has been a great help. I ahve poat in the 3D forum about it's CG and want to wait a little more before adding some weight to it's nose.
Thanks,
Bill
12-09-2003, 09:46 AM
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RE: Great Job!
For 2.5x the cost, Menjlik 18x6 or Bolly 19x6 may be worth a try, if U got cash to burn. If the Bolly is not too heavy, it may do well on the 160. Menjlik 18x6 may not be enough load, propably 9400, didn't you run this one, Aerosplat?
12-27-2003, 05:13 PM
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RE: Great Job!
I'm just going to chime in here. I've been running the Mejzlik 18x6 on the OS 1.60fx / BCM Pitts muffler / Perry VP30 pump. I'm getting about 9300 RPM (slightly rich) on the ground at 1000' ASL, on a 65 degree day. I'm using 15% nitro, 18% castor/synthetic Wildcat fuel. The Mejzlik spools up quickly and though I haven't tried any other props with this engine (yet) I'm very happy with the Mejzlik...and the OS in general. Flying it on a GSP Katana.
-Tom
-Tom
