Welcome New Members to Wattflyer - We ONLY do electric flight here!
11-18-2008, 11:52 PM
#2501
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 32
how to electrify a piper cub
Hello folks
As a new member to the group I would appreciate any advice on the above, I have a west wings piper cub kit designed for rubber power which I would like to change to a radio controlled electric flight model, I have built and flown a few radio controlled models which were 2 stroke glow powered but this was some 12 years ago, and I am now a bit out of practise and want to get back into the hobby. and as I understand it electric flight has come on leaps and bounds and would appreciate any help or advice on this as regards motors, servos , escs, batteries, chargers etc
Thanks all the best,murphy.
As a new member to the group I would appreciate any advice on the above, I have a west wings piper cub kit designed for rubber power which I would like to change to a radio controlled electric flight model, I have built and flown a few radio controlled models which were 2 stroke glow powered but this was some 12 years ago, and I am now a bit out of practise and want to get back into the hobby. and as I understand it electric flight has come on leaps and bounds and would appreciate any help or advice on this as regards motors, servos , escs, batteries, chargers etc
Thanks all the best,murphy.
11-19-2008, 12:19 AM
#2502
Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 167
Originally Posted by murphy
Hello folks
As a new member to the group I would appreciate any advice on the above, I have a west wings piper cub kit designed for rubber power which I would like to change to a radio controlled electric flight model, I have built and flown a few radio controlled models which were 2 stroke glow powered but this was some 12 years ago, and I am now a bit out of practise and want to get back into the hobby. and as I understand it electric flight has come on leaps and bounds and would appreciate any help or advice on this as regards motors, servos , escs, batteries, chargers etc
Thanks all the best,murphy.
As a new member to the group I would appreciate any advice on the above, I have a west wings piper cub kit designed for rubber power which I would like to change to a radio controlled electric flight model, I have built and flown a few radio controlled models which were 2 stroke glow powered but this was some 12 years ago, and I am now a bit out of practise and want to get back into the hobby. and as I understand it electric flight has come on leaps and bounds and would appreciate any help or advice on this as regards motors, servos , escs, batteries, chargers etc
Thanks all the best,murphy.
11-19-2008, 03:09 AM
#2504
Super Contributor
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 5,455
Welcome!
Hello To Fazerdreamer + Murphy, Welcome to Wattflyer!
To Murphy, I agree with HoaRC, there are certainly easier ways to try electric R/C, but if you're determined to convert the Free Flight Cub, I'll offer some advice.
First off, is this the model you're considering?
http://aabt.co.uk/prd337-1120.htm
If so, it is on the large end of the "Micro" R/C spectrum, but a small and lightly-built "Park" flyer.
I would project the completed weight would be 5-7 ounces, of which 1/2 will be the completed airframe and half the R/C and power system. To fly successfully, you will need about 35 to 50 watts output.
There are 3 main concerns with converting a Free Flight in this manner. (1) Strengthening the structure for the additional weight and power.
(2) Selecting a power system and R/C system compatable with the (projected) weight and power output.
(3) Adding R/C controls, motor mounting and battery mounting areas, airflow for cooling the battery + motor, fabricating servo mounts and pushrods, etc.
Here is a long build thread I did on a similar (but smaller) FF to R/C conversion;
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33844 I've detailed the motor mount, servo tray, "Home-made" balsa + wire pushrods, landing gear reinforcement and general strengthening of the airframe.
I'm guessing you're located in the UK, if so, here's some suppliers of "Micro" gear and a few motor recommendations;
http://media.hyperion.hk/dn/motor/z17/
http://robotbirds.com/catalog/index....f983f415a06573
http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/De...rodID=EFLM1130
The E-Flite brand is carried in the UK by BirminghamModelCentre, but they don't list this size. A call or E-Mail may confirm whether they can get it;
http://www.birminghammodelcentre.co....essMotors.html
The motor weight will be between 15-25 grams.
Batteries will be 2S (2 cell) or 3S LiPoly of about 400-500Mah. Battery weight will be about 15-24 grams.
You will need 2 "Micro" servos (assuming rudder, elevator and motor control) weight about 4-6 grams each.
A brushless speed control of (about) 8-10 amps capacity, weight 5-8 grams.
A four channel Micro receiver (very few 3 channels available), weight 3-7 grams.
A small 2 or 3 cell LiPoly charger.
And, of course, a transmitter compatable with the receiver.
Here are more Micro suppliers in the UK;
http://www.atomicworkshop.co.uk/catalog/index.php
http://www.falconmodels.uk.com/
http://www.indoorflyer.co.uk/index.asp
http://www.samsmodels.com/site/Catsectionf.html
Hope this helps! If you like, I can move this post to "Scratch + Kit Builders Forum", or you can start a thread there.
Ron
To Murphy, I agree with HoaRC, there are certainly easier ways to try electric R/C, but if you're determined to convert the Free Flight Cub, I'll offer some advice.
First off, is this the model you're considering?
http://aabt.co.uk/prd337-1120.htm
If so, it is on the large end of the "Micro" R/C spectrum, but a small and lightly-built "Park" flyer.
I would project the completed weight would be 5-7 ounces, of which 1/2 will be the completed airframe and half the R/C and power system. To fly successfully, you will need about 35 to 50 watts output.
There are 3 main concerns with converting a Free Flight in this manner. (1) Strengthening the structure for the additional weight and power.
(2) Selecting a power system and R/C system compatable with the (projected) weight and power output.
(3) Adding R/C controls, motor mounting and battery mounting areas, airflow for cooling the battery + motor, fabricating servo mounts and pushrods, etc.
Here is a long build thread I did on a similar (but smaller) FF to R/C conversion;
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33844 I've detailed the motor mount, servo tray, "Home-made" balsa + wire pushrods, landing gear reinforcement and general strengthening of the airframe.
I'm guessing you're located in the UK, if so, here's some suppliers of "Micro" gear and a few motor recommendations;
http://media.hyperion.hk/dn/motor/z17/
http://robotbirds.com/catalog/index....f983f415a06573
http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/De...rodID=EFLM1130
The E-Flite brand is carried in the UK by BirminghamModelCentre, but they don't list this size. A call or E-Mail may confirm whether they can get it;
http://www.birminghammodelcentre.co....essMotors.html
The motor weight will be between 15-25 grams.
Batteries will be 2S (2 cell) or 3S LiPoly of about 400-500Mah. Battery weight will be about 15-24 grams.
You will need 2 "Micro" servos (assuming rudder, elevator and motor control) weight about 4-6 grams each.
A brushless speed control of (about) 8-10 amps capacity, weight 5-8 grams.
A four channel Micro receiver (very few 3 channels available), weight 3-7 grams.
A small 2 or 3 cell LiPoly charger.
And, of course, a transmitter compatable with the receiver.
Here are more Micro suppliers in the UK;
http://www.atomicworkshop.co.uk/catalog/index.php
http://www.falconmodels.uk.com/
http://www.indoorflyer.co.uk/index.asp
http://www.samsmodels.com/site/Catsectionf.html
Hope this helps! If you like, I can move this post to "Scratch + Kit Builders Forum", or you can start a thread there.
Ron
11-20-2008, 01:11 AM
#2505
New Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 15
Just introducing myself
Hello to all here, I've just registered on the forum and thought I'd introduce myself.
I'm a born-again aeromodeller in that I built and flew all types of model for many years, up until I made the mistake of taking-on the running of a model shop, never take up your hobby as your job! After dealing with models all day, every day, you do not feel like modelling in your spare time! So I built my last model in about 1975. Having now retired, I found the interest returning, and decided to get back to the fold about a year ago, did I get a shock! the hobby has changed so much over the last 30-odd years that I was totally lost! I'm just about beginning to find my way around again, and decided to give electric R/C a try, since I like the idea of just switching on and flying! I've just scratch-built a little foamy trainer and I'm just waiting for some reasonable weather to maiden it.
Since I will definately need lots of help and advice I thought it only sensible to join a forum where I hope I can appeal for both when I have to!
I'm a born-again aeromodeller in that I built and flew all types of model for many years, up until I made the mistake of taking-on the running of a model shop, never take up your hobby as your job! After dealing with models all day, every day, you do not feel like modelling in your spare time! So I built my last model in about 1975. Having now retired, I found the interest returning, and decided to get back to the fold about a year ago, did I get a shock! the hobby has changed so much over the last 30-odd years that I was totally lost! I'm just about beginning to find my way around again, and decided to give electric R/C a try, since I like the idea of just switching on and flying! I've just scratch-built a little foamy trainer and I'm just waiting for some reasonable weather to maiden it.
Since I will definately need lots of help and advice I thought it only sensible to join a forum where I hope I can appeal for both when I have to!
11-22-2008, 12:39 AM
#2510
Redneck Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Huntsville AL.
Posts: 5,624
Originally Posted by fazerdreamer
One million thunderwatt Hello's to your lovely forum!I'm not really fan of the internet though my age 30 something...very-very glad to find that people love electricity and all of it's benefits!
Warm Regards from Greece who still flying glow engine things....
P.S. I hope my fellow's in my country to feel as comfortable as a wattflyer can feel in here!
Warm Regards from Greece who still flying glow engine things....
P.S. I hope my fellow's in my country to feel as comfortable as a wattflyer can feel in here!
That is really a nice thing to say. Thanks from everyone..
11-26-2008, 05:05 PM
#2514
Community Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NY, USA
Posts: 5,822
To all our new members, welcome.
If you are a new RC pilot, be sure to visit the Beginner forum and read the Sticky discussions. These are the ones that always appear at the top of the page. They have been put there because the Moderators felt they had so much value that we wanted to be sure they were always in view.
You will find an e-Book on electric flight, discussions about amps and volts and such, Six Keys to Success for new Pilots, Discussions about clubs and so much more.
It is funny how often these discussions are overlooked by the new members, yet they contain some of the best informatoin on the forum.
Welcome to all, and to all, many good flights!
If you are a new RC pilot, be sure to visit the Beginner forum and read the Sticky discussions. These are the ones that always appear at the top of the page. They have been put there because the Moderators felt they had so much value that we wanted to be sure they were always in view.
You will find an e-Book on electric flight, discussions about amps and volts and such, Six Keys to Success for new Pilots, Discussions about clubs and so much more.
It is funny how often these discussions are overlooked by the new members, yet they contain some of the best informatoin on the forum.
Welcome to all, and to all, many good flights!
Last edited by AEAJR; 11-30-2008 at 03:21 PM.
11-27-2008, 03:43 PM
#2519
New Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
Hi everyone, I am new to rc planes of anykind. My first is a MiniMag from multiplex with 2200kv outrunning motor, dualsky 30amp esc , 3cell Lipo.
The plane looks very different from the original after a few major crashes but its still flying. This forum does answer some of the problems that I face. Thanks
The plane looks very different from the original after a few major crashes but its still flying. This forum does answer some of the problems that I face. Thanks
11-30-2008, 12:23 AM
#2523
Flying since 1978
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Posts: 2
As you can see I've been flying R/C for 30+ years.
I've flown Sailplanes, Scale, Sport, Pylon and electric. The electrics I've flown used the Sub-C battery packs. This whole thing about LiPo's, 'C', brushless, balancers etc intimidate me
I've already started reading Ed's "EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRIC POWERED FLIGHT" andI'm learning some things. It's still confusing but I hope everyone here can help me and not diss me for asking dumb questions
I've already have a P-47 with a Spektrum 2.4 GHz park flyer radio and a coaxial chopper. I'm hoping to convert my Electric Hots to the new motor/battery system.
Take care.
I've flown Sailplanes, Scale, Sport, Pylon and electric. The electrics I've flown used the Sub-C battery packs. This whole thing about LiPo's, 'C', brushless, balancers etc intimidate me
I've already started reading Ed's "EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRIC POWERED FLIGHT" andI'm learning some things. It's still confusing but I hope everyone here can help me and not diss me for asking dumb questions I've already have a P-47 with a Spektrum 2.4 GHz park flyer radio and a coaxial chopper. I'm hoping to convert my Electric Hots to the new motor/battery system.
Take care.
11-30-2008, 01:50 AM
#2525
Administrator
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Middle Tennessee
Posts: 13,090
Hey Ricky and Warthog. Welcome to WF!
Warthog, there are several excellent threads on understanding lipos. Don't forget to visit that forum for additional information to supplement Ed's fantastic threads.
Warthog, there are several excellent threads on understanding lipos. Don't forget to visit that forum for additional information to supplement Ed's fantastic threads.
Linear Mode
