RE: Axe CP Heli- Replace ESC with lipo compat? Broken part identification? (pic)
[quote]ORIGINAL: Shadow99 Keep it simple! The stock 3in1 (main motor ESC, tail motor ESC & rate gyro) on the AXE CP (V1 thru V3) is LIPO COMPATABLE! A 4in1 is a receiver, main motor ESC, tail motor ESC & rate gyro. This is all you'll need to convert to separates: 1.) A 25amp brushed Electronic Speed Control (ESC) for the stock main brushed motor 2.) A 5 to 8amp brushed ESC for the stock brushed tail motor 3.) A RATE or Heading Hold gyro (Futaba G190 rate gyro, telebee TB-1 HH, GY240 HH, etc.) On my AXE CPv1 when I swapped out the 3in1, I got a 30amp ESC from Tower for around $40 bucks I think it was a Electri-Fly C-25, the tail ESC was a C-12. The Gyro I had used was a Futaba GY240 Heading Hold, a heading hold gyro holds the tail in whatever spot you want. Where as a RATE gyro requires corrective action depending upon throttle position (this is what the AXE comes with), ever notice with the stock 3in1, when you added throttle quickly that the tail would more right input, this doesn't happen with a properly set-up HH gyro. If you wish, you could just order another 3in1 it will work fine with a 11.1v 3 cell lipo. Shadow [/quote] Then i wonder why i fried the esc with the lipo i was using? Could it be, because i didnt realize the juice was getting low, since there is no throttle cutoff, like on my lipo esc in my twinstar? I just went too long? It sure didnt seem like i ran long though. So in your setup of parts, 1-3 above, you think the above 3 total less than say $85 (the cost of a new 3 in 1 unit).. I'm assuming to get those parts working, i'd have to do soldering (no big deal to me), though the exact wiring isnt obvious to me as of yet (i come from using mainly electric planes, this being the first chopper)... I'm hesitant to use the esc with the lipo, if i did buy another 3 in 1, again. I think i'd probably just use the nimh packs and sell the 910mah lipo, though i'd have to buy the charger that came with the set originally, as my friend couldnt find his.
Posted on: 6/16/2009 11:00 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Helimax"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8858071

RE: Axe CP Heli- Replace ESC with lipo compat? Broken part identification? (pic)
[quote]ORIGINAL: r_william If you have a "V1" Axe it's 3 in 1 is (was) NOT compatable with the 11.1v LiPo, the V1 were NiMh powered so if that is the case you damaged the 3 in 1 due to excess voltage. (It's possible that it [3 in 1] just went bad as well.) You now must replace the 3 in 1 or convert to separates, i.e. 2 ESCs and a gyro. I don't know if the NiMh 3 in 1 is still avaialable but you don't want it anyway. The 3 in 1 is actually a 4 in 1... 2-ESCs, gyro, and BEC. Most of the [new] ESCs contain a BEC for powering the electronics. There are plenty of threads describing this modification. [/quote] From everyones help here.. it appears i need this blade grip to fix the broken one<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"> <![endif]><![if gte mso 9]> <![endif]><![if gte mso 10]><![endif]>http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNWH9&P=M, a set of new rotors, and a new ESC I've done some searching, but unless i'm not using the right terms, i'm not finding much about what ESC i should be switching to, on this version 1.0 axe cp, to be able to use the lipo (3s 910mah 11.1v) pack i just bought. Either way, if these parts total any where near $140, i should skip it, i've seen version 3.0, lipo ready with battery for the same price. I do know that the original ESC is around $80, so that almost rules out fixing it with all original parts. I'd probably keep the old one for spare parts or sell it as is. Is there anyone here that can point me to the right discussion on what ESC i would want to replace the original v1 with? Thanks </meta></meta></meta></meta>
Posted on: 6/16/2009 4:01 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Helimax"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8857000

RE: Range video system
[quote]ORIGINAL: chrisa101 What about the FCC Licensing requirements for using it. It is required, however, there are no classes available to get ready for the 35 question test. The online courses run around 100 bucks for non members. This isnt a dmv, no free books or anything. I am going with this system, with all the upgrades in addition to the co-pilot 2 enhanced version that is on back order. Cool, plane loses radio signal it flys back to where it started, or until radio signal returns. I plan on using a telemaster senior, upgraded batteries, extra large fuel bladder. From what I see the simple verion has a 1Km range. I tried to get additional info on extended range. I was reading articles where they flew the planes from one town to another, about 14 miles away. With the nav system you can plot gps style way points. [/quote] Wow, 14 miles away, i wonder what wattage transmitters they were using? I wonder what type of radio controller? My controller is the older futaba 6xa fm.. i cant imagine it has more than 1 mile, line of site.. I'd have to guess if they were doing gps, they just plotted a course and set it, not really controlling the plane? Pretty cool though
Posted on: 6/16/2009 2:50 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8856874

RE: Range video system
[quote]ORIGINAL: rcplaneslovers I have too this system and i hadn't any problem with it, i highly recommend it. [/quote] Cool.. You have the 500mw/900mhz one? Which cam are you using? Whats the max range on the video you can get? Thanks
Posted on: 6/14/2009 10:01 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8850707

Rangevideo or flycamonev2, range of control, final questions...(OSD, gps etc)
I'm trying to finally get either of these two setups.. from what i can tell, to go with the servo flycamone, the total will run me about $125.. not bad, but no way to overlay OSD, or maybe there is.. My other option, is the standard 900mhz, 500mw, rangevideo (191 camera)/setup.. this setup appears to be about $375 plus shipping (without OSD in that price).. I was hoping for more like $300. So a few questions.. with the 500mw, rangevideo says this is 0.6 miles range.. is this about right (3000 feet or so?).. I have an older futaba fm transmitter (6 channel).. what would its maximum control range be (what would it take to be able to go as far as say 5000 feet, both video tx mw or plane transmitter controller)? My plane i'll be doing this on, is the twinstar II (www.remotelypossible.info), brushless setup.. Full details are here. Basically i use 3200mah batteries for the plane itself and brushless motors for a combined 23 amps i think.. it weighs around 45.2oz (stock setup would have been 53oz) and climbs really well as is. Any thoughts on this above, or what i was going to order below.. any way to trim this down? I was considering the "poor mans OSD", see below, for around $117 from a guy on the rcgroups forum (for now, until going rangevideo OSD, or maybe eagle tree, not sure which b/w eagle tree elogger and Rangevideo is better??) - OPTION A: Flycamonev2, possibly using eagle tree elogger, they state that there is onboard recording of a file which could be played back as a video file and hence overlayed onto the flycamonev2 video feed (chroma key).. not sure which eagle tree devices i need here, but i think just the base unit and the altimeter and speed sensors (not the OSD). OPTIONB: Rangevideo wireless ($375 b4 osd, gps etc and shipping) At any rate, with the rangevideo setup, i estimate, with a 500mah battery pack, ill be adding 4.5oz of weight to the plane, which isnt too bad (51oz or so total weight). WIth the RV setup, i would hook up the video receiver to my laptop USB capture device to record the video. Here are the range video parts i was going with, if this route: $295 combo kit with kx 191 camera (is this cam pretty decent, even with night time ability)? This combo set seemed to be about $50 higher than i thought buying individually would be, but i may have been missing a part or two. $50 Twinstar mount kit $15 TX Battery (3s 500mah 20C 11.1v with JST female? plug, 41.4g) *should power things for 51 minutes (2 total batteries in plane, this one plus my 3200mah pack) $24? RX battery pack with female deans plug (800-950mah? cellpro brand perhaps?) *I'm not clear on whether the rangevideo rhino battery pack can be charged by my 2 year old fma direct cellpro 4s or if fma has an adapter. OSD options? elogger, complete OSD/GPS, $309 total plus (Fma copilot needed?) rangevideo OSD, these guys offer a $355 package, but it includes GPS return to home, which is great, but if i just want basic OSD that can be interfaced easily, its a bit pricey (though i think for $355 you must add fma copilot to it, so higher cost, and probably the same is true with elogger) cheaper OSD, but again, not sure how it interfaces or if it does onboard recording of a file: http://www.gentles.ltd.uk/gentvu/altiosd.htm ($174 US).. cheapest OSD, remzibiOSD, $117 or so total, even has some limitted GPS, but no return to sender (can this return to home be added on?) <! / edit note >
Posted on: 6/12/2009 11:12 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8846651

RE: Range video system
[quote]ORIGINAL: Rhodesw I have this system and it has a clear picture, with minimal interferance. I would highley reckmend it. [/quote] I keep flip flopping b/w this type of setup and just flycamonev2 with maybe some sortof osd merging of two video sources (post record) for my twinstar II brushless setup. Curious on this setup that you purchased... Did you buy rangevideo lipos for this? (I have an fma cellpro 4s or similar lipo charger from a few years ago, i didnt know if there is an adapter to be able to charge these rangevideo lipos? or should i just buy two lipos (which specs) from FMA direct... What sort of range can u get (are you doing goggles too?).. I think they state 0.6 miles range.. i have an older futaba 6 channel transmitter (FM). I plan on hooking this up to my laptop to record the video if i go this route.. This came with the OSD ability right (or do you have to add OSD later, seperate purchase.. any OSD solutions that are under $150?)? Can u minimize the display to just show speed and alititude? Finally.. which camera did you go with.. :) (servo mounted?) (i'm thinking of mounting it to my canopy after removing some of the canopy, somehow). Sorry for all the questions.. I guess to top it off, "technically" you need a technicians class ham license too. Thanks for any tips here.
Posted on: 6/11/2009 1:17 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8844183

RE: Axe CP Heli- Replace ESC with lipo compat? Broken part identification? (pic)
[quote]ORIGINAL: JEMFLYER I have been using LIPO's with my version 1 Axe, that came with NiMH battery, for a couple of years. The original 3 in 1 works just fine with LIPO's. In fact, the version 1 manual states "The optional " 910mAh LIPO "can be use for longer flight times and increased power."(See page 5) The NiMH battery pack was 10.8 volts, versus 11.1 volts for the LIPO. The 0.3 volt increase doesn't make any difference in this application. [/quote] I have to figure out which version chopper i have.. not sure if its 1 or 2 etc.. I must have just ran it too long on the lipos i guess.. the battery life was down to 14% on the lipo.. which is bad, and it had only been 5-10 minutes, though full throttle. *Does anyone know, based on the photo i attached, which part that is, that broke? Though, when all is said and done, i may be better off just buying a second one and keeping this one for parts.
Posted on: 6/7/2009 10:34 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Helimax"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8832367

Axe CP Heli- Replace ESC with lipo compat? Broken part identification? (pic)
I had read on here, that people were using lipos with success with the axe cp heli-max chopper (not sure which version i have, i got it used).. So i picked up an FMA 3S 950mah 11.1v battery pack, rigged it to fit etc.. http://www.fmadirect.com/detail.htm...2208&section=69 It ran fine, then after about 5 minutes the battery was drained already.. as i took the canopy off, i noticed smoke coming from the ESC . I thought maybe it just overheated, so i later tried it aga in, but the chopper flopped all over the place when i tested the throttle, destroying the rotor blades pretty good, and broke part of the top part of the rotor assembly, the 2 pieces that connect from the top (see photo). One of the server arms also broke, but i can fix that. I'm assuming i need a Lipo compatible ESC ? If so, which type/one would be good. The exact same ESC , if i went back to the NIMH pack, is $85 alone plus shipping Frown Also, does anyone know how i would make sure the chopper is balanced, both as a whole and with the blades etc.. is there any benefit to getting the carbon replacement rotor blades?
Posted on: 6/5/2009 11:58 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Helimax"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8827761

RE: Experience with "FlyCamOne2" Micro Video Camera
Nice! Hadnt realized it came with a safety strap.. inversions here we come :)
Posted on: 8/29/2008 3:14 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7899432

RE: Experience with "FlyCamOne2" Micro Video Camera
Has anyone tried this cam on the twinstar II electric and could suggest some mounting tips? Or.. in general.. is everyone using the velcro mount.. fears of falling off/able to do rolls/inversions? I'm still debating whether to get this unit.. My long term idea was to go 900mhz 500mw range video remote camera system with my laptop, but that would run me around $325 for everything, vs $99 plus a 2gb card ($120), but i believe i'd have to have a technicians class license for this (still unclear there).. It would be really cool if this could be integrated with a system that shows you altitude (elogger?).. an onscreen overlay essentially.. Is it worth the $99..
Posted on: 8/29/2008 11:02 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7898723

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
[quote]ORIGINAL: mtbrider alright, what battery would you reccomend for just starting out then? just a normal 8 cell 2000 nimh? [/quote] Have you looked here: http://www.hobby-lobby.com/twinstar2.htm They list a battery option, which I believe is a good choice based on what I've seen, anyway.
Posted on: 7/30/2007 3:44 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6175005

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
I'm not sure on the non-lipo batteries.. I haven't messed too much with them, except the ones I had in my zagi's (sold)... Did your kit not come with batteries I take it?
Posted on: 7/30/2007 3:41 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6174997

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
I believe you can, except that without a "lipo" safe ESC, you run the risk of battery damage and other issues. The lipo safe ESC's will auto cutoff (and warn you) when you get close. The motor may also burn out after a few uses (maybe alot of uses though). I switched my bird out completely from stock and run 3S 3200 MAH cellpro batteries.
Posted on: 7/30/2007 2:07 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6174633

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
[quote]ORIGINAL: twinturbostang [/quote] I dont think I asked you this before.. but for your custom pan/tilt setup.. do you have any details on how you did this.. is that just standard plywood or balsa you used for the base board? I was thinking of taking two servo's and somehow joining them together to give both pan/tilt with the camera.. but I'm not sure on this. Initially I wont be doing First person flying, just video recordings.. but I want to get everything set ahead of time. Do you think I should rig up the tilt/pan now, so I dont have to redo it later.. if just doing the camera.. would I want it pointed straight ahead or slightly downward (for static video recording, maybe trying FPV from a laptop at some point though).. What position is best to put the camera.. I originally was thinking somewhere on the Nose, but the canopy seems to be more popular.. Any tips on the whole gryo thing.. did you get your gyro and goggles as one unit (i'm not too familiar with gyros).. Do you need a gyro on both the plane and the goggles.. Eventually I was going to get a goggle setup like this.. with gryo built in : http://www.rc-tech.ch/web/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=69&category_id=18&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26&lang=en I'm assuming these goggles are good as well. How are your goggles in sunlight.. do you need to shade them at all? Thanks for any help :) I'm almost ready to get the camera gear going :)
Posted on: 5/4/2007 1:49 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5810860

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
[quote]ORIGINAL: RickAvery This one has two Hi-Maxx 2812-850s, CC 25 ESCs, 9X6, MAS counter rotating 3 blade props, steerable nose wheel and flies 10+ mins on a cheapo Hi-Model, (from RC Hot deals), 2200, 3cell, 20c Lipo. After 10+ mins of flight, the battery is barely warm. A rock solid flyer. Rick [/quote] Whats your amps/wattage on a fully charged battery? Any tips on how you did the gear.. IE: Where you bough them, how you attached them.. any sort of "plates" to prevent them from pushing up into the foam.. Steerable gear.. is this off the rudder servo or another servo? AUW? Cheers
Posted on: 4/27/2007 12:30 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5778352

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Danny.act Interesting information and facts about Brushless tuning of the MPX TS II, different BL setups, select "construction" on side bar and scroll down for BL info, don't forget to take a look at the Video section also! http://www.bungymania.com/twinstar2/index2.html [/quote] Nice site.. very nice indeed. Side question for us ts2 owners.. I know this is offtopic .. but oh well :)... Anyone know where online I could find latches similar to the ones used in #39 on this link? http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/sho...?t=13518&page=2 I want to find alternative to either magnets or the default latches for the canopy.. I like this bolt and nut method better, specially if a cam is ontop :)
Posted on: 4/26/2007 2:08 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5773753

Good thrust values for power etc? Astro readings off? TwinstarII...
I've seen this type of rule of thumb b4: 50 watts per lb = trainer/slow flyer 75-100 watts per lb = sport aerobatics 100-150 watts or more per lb = 3d But I'm curious on my rough estimate of thrust I did with my TS2.. My twinstar 2 has xtra 2829/10 motors (rated at 9-12 amps operating range or 15 amps max) x 2. I'm using Tbird 18 amp ESCs (2 of them).. with the battery leads going into a Y cable of deans adapters which then goes into the female port on the battery (3s 3200mah 20C 9.2oz lipo). Prop is 8x4e APC x 2. I did a rough (bad lighting) rpm test in the basement and got 8222 on each prop ( i think this should be more like 10k). I've seen stats on the total amp draw for this motor combo and it should be 19 amps/ 210 watts. My crude thrust test, using a scale.. standing the plane on its nose.. zeroing it out.. came out to 43 oz or so (+-1oz). The weight of my plane is 43.9oz AUW (no paint/decals as of yet). With this thrust value (ignoring watts/amps).. does it imply very good possible performance.. if so.. which of the 3 categories above would it fall.. ie: "Aerobatic"? I'm not yet ready to take it for a test flight due to some conflicting Astro readings. I put deans on the Astro Super Whattmeter 101.. But I think i put the female/male ends on the wrong sides.. As a result I ended up plugging the LOAD side into the battery (lipo) and the SOURCE into the motor deans Y cable coming out. Some have said this shouldnt matter, that my values would be the same in either direction? At any rate, I read 12.25 amps or 136 watts (this should be both motors combined), which seems very low. I've done the whole pre throttle full then back to low thing with the ESC.. the only thing I can think of is that maybe the source/load do matter somehow or the throttle at 100% is not really 100% (atv is at 100%). Any thoughts on this issue as well? Thanks for any assistance.
Posted on: 4/19/2007 9:57 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5739195

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
twinturbostang: Since you have a ts2.. maybe you can help with my issues.. from another thread here is my issues/questions: Sorry to thread, as this is slightly off topic. ----------------- I've seen this type of rule of thumb b4: 50 watts per lb = trainer/slow flyer 75-100 watts per lb = sport aerobatics 100-150 watts or more per lb = 3d But I'm curious on my rough estimate of thrust I did with my TS2.. My twinstar 2 has xtra 2829/10 motors (rated at 9-12 amps operating range or 15 amps max) x 2. I'm using Tbird 18 amp ESCs (2 of them).. with the battery leads going into a Y cable of deans adapters which then goes into the female port on the battery (3s 3200mah 20C 9.2oz lipo). Prop is 8x4e APC x 2. I did a rough (bad lighting) rpm test in the basement and got 8222 on each prop ( i think this should be more like 10k). I've seen stats on the total amp draw for this motor combo and it should be 19 amps/ 210 watts. My crude thrust test, using a scale.. standing the plane on its nose.. zeroing it out.. came out to 43 oz or so (+-1oz). The weight of my plane is 43.9oz AUW (no paint/decals as of yet). With this thrust value (ignoring watts/amps).. does it imply very good possible performance.. if so.. which of the 3 categories above would it fall.. ie: "Aerobatic"? I'm not yet ready to take it for a test flight due to some conflicting Astro readings. I put deans on the Astro Super Whattmeter 101.. But I think i put the female/male ends on the wrong sides.. As a result I ended up plugging the LOAD side into the battery (lipo) and the SOURCE into the motor deans Y cable coming out. Some have said this shouldnt matter, that my values would be the same in either direction? At any rate, I read 12.25 amps or 136 watts (this should be both motors combined), which seems very low. I've done the whole pre throttle full then back to low thing with the ESC.. the only thing I can think of is that maybe the source/load do matter somehow or the throttle at 100% is not really 100% (atv is at 100%). Any thoughts on this issue as well? Thanks for any assistance.
Posted on: 4/19/2007 9:55 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5739193

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
[quote] KX131 380 line camera (KPC-S226) Lawmate 2.4GHz 500mW transmitter and matching receiver 480mAh 2 cell Lipo (for powering camera and transmitter) Dimension Engineering 5V regulator Custom pan/tilt system for camera (HS81 for pan, HS55 for tilt) [/quote] How do you like the 2.4ghz? Are you also using 2.4ghz radio control too? If so.. any issues with interference.. any issues with interference of other 2.4ghz stuff.. how bout range? I was going to go with the rangevideo 900mhz stuff, figured i'd get better range etc? How bout battery life on the lipo.. how long can you record for? Are you doing any goggles or gyro stuff as of yet.. Still a newbie on cam stuff so sorry for mass questions.. the 5v regulator.. is that what goes in the plane or what you use on the ground to power the video RX? You said your using 2S on the video TX.. is that enough volts.. At least the Tx's i was looking at .. they required 12 volts.. so I was thinking 3S 450-850mah 12-20C type packs for mine.. and for the ground about the same, though I still dont know how they all connect, specially the ground rx unit to the lipo pack. [quote] Are you talking about CASA? That's the place off of Guide Drive in Rockville. Haven't been there yet, although a friend of mine is on the board of directors. I'm going to try to get out there sometime this year. There's also DC-RC which is just outside of Germantown. It's a nice field. [/quote] I never got to check out the DC-RC, but yeah.. CASA.. I used to be a member there.. nice field too :)
Posted on: 4/13/2007 10:56 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5709682

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
LOL.. Quite funny sounds cool.. though the purists out there would probably have a fit over it going so fast.. but then again.. I'm no purist :) What camera gear (and battery) are you running on there? Any pics? :) Hey.. I see your in Germantown, MD.. I used to live down there for 5 years.. till a few years ago, back in PA.. lived around Oak Mill apts down there.. Do you fly down at that rockville flying area? I always liked that one.. with the cement runway and all. Cheers
Posted on: 4/13/2007 9:42 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5709438

RE: Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
[quote]ORIGINAL: twinturbostang Here's my combo... TwinStarII (2) 400F motors (from either rc-dymond.com or justgofly.com) (2) APC 6x4E props (2) CC Thunderbird 18 ESC's (2) ThunderPower 3S 2100 lipo's in parallel (4200mAh total) AUW is 47oz w/ FPV video gear onboard. Performance? She goes vertical at full throttle and 43Amps total. :D Or can fly at 1/4-1/3 throttle for 1/2 hour easily. [/quote] I found your motor.. pretty cool.. only around $30 , just like the Xtra 2829/10's i just got (~1100 kv or so). Curious.. you said the total watts are 43 amps combined? Each motor is rated at 15 max.. curious how this would be the case (Still kinda new to the upgrade world).. The extras on my 8x4's should pull 19 amps total. I may have to switch motors some day, if I dont like the performance.. your the first whose described vertical ability with camera equipment ! :)
Posted on: 4/12/2007 9:41 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5707368

RE: Smokers for RC planes?
Sweet mother of Jesus.. you did find one.. thanks man lol Just what I was looking for :) -M
Posted on: 4/8/2007 9:39 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5686027

RE: What electric Plane is recommended for aerial video
[quote]ORIGINAL: Martin V I use a Twinstar but think the Easystar would be a simple/cheaper way to go and should handle the weight fine. Here is my setup: http://martinv.4t.com/photo.html http://www.controlreset.com/projects/rc_uav/index.shtml Video from Twinstar using cheap 200mw ebay camera system and sligthly upgraded camera. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpOIhZj4AJE [/quote] Hi there.. I'm about to start building my Twinstar II kit.. What motor/esc combo do you use in yours.. whats your auw? (or your weight with just battery and then how much the camera equipment weighs ontop of that).. Are you using Lipos.. if so.. which model? What model is that device that levels your plane for you.. looks interesting? I was going with Hackers A20-26M (1130kv, maybe a max of 15amps.. more typical with a 7x5 prop is 9 amps on each motor).. and a 15 amp GWS (if this is enough.. or maybe hextronic 18 or higher amps, if these are any good). It was either that motor or Ripmax Xtra 2829/10 (1210kv, 12 amps max?, 7x5 prop.. maybe 18 amps combined).. Either way it sounds like about 200 watts on 3lbs.. is the rule for fun 100watts per lb.. if so then I may be alittle short.. though some report good results with this. I was guessing my auw would be somewhere b/w 45 and 53oz.. but I want performance with rangevideo camera and another 950mah lipo battery to be better than stock. I'm still undecided on battery.. to go with say 2500mah or 2100mah or 3200mah.. I thought maybe 2100mah for now.. but then I found a 12C (not 15) 3100 polyquest for $29 bucs.. this seems too good to be true? (going to use cellpro 4s charger).. http://www.cheapbatterypacks.com/main.asp?sid=5610&pgid=showlipos&sale=Y (7.23 oz, vs a 15C 3200 pack being around 9.2 oz).. or any of the 2100's at about 5.6 oz. Thanks
Posted on: 4/5/2007 4:07 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5670248

Twinstar II Lipo Battery confusion/decisions (3s 2500-3200 ideal) thoughts?
I was going to purchase the CellPro 4s charger, which does have adapters for various non CellPro battery packs.. Like PolyQuest/thunderpro. They dont list DN as a type of battery they support (though the universal adapter may work as well). I am finally building the twinstarII, which eventually will haul up a camera (with another 950mah 3s battery).. so initial weight might be 43 oz, then 48oz with camera (motor either ripmax xtra 2829/10 or Hacker A20-26M, leaning towards hacker, either motor choice (x2) pulling about 18 amps). My thought at first was to go with a cheaper 2100mah battery pack (lighter 5.6-6 oz) then later on throw a 3200mah (9.2 oz) to give longer flights if it is needed (I should get 15 minutes out of a 2100-2500 pack, or so i think based on what I saw). I was originally just going to go CellPro on batteries, but then I found some cheaper alternatives. Any thoughts on the non cell pro ones or even some of the competitive ones that are about the same price: CellPro CP03200-3S-N http://www.fmadirect.com/detail.htm?item=2213&section=69 $84.95 9.2oz 20C 3200mah; CellPro CP02100-3S-N http://www.fmadirect.com/detail.htm?item=2210&section=69 $47.95 5.1oz ; 18C; 5.1oz; 2100mah; PolyQuest (poly/rc) 3s 2500mah 12C http://www.cheapbatterypacks.com/main.asp?sid=5610&pgid=showlipos&sale=Y $28.95 6.18oz PolyQuest (poly/rc) 3s 3100mah 12C http://www.cheapbatterypacks.com/main.asp?sid=5610&pgid=showlipos&sale=Y $29.95 7.23oz **This $29 price seems amazing, too good to be true.. I was originally looking at 15C as the value that everyone said was good enough, so CellPro had the 18/20's at those prices which seemed decent, but these Polyquests at 12C should be sufficient too? (motors will probably pull a combined amp of about 18 amps max) Others I've found as well: GPMP0725 Great planes : http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNYK8&P=7 $79 3200mah 15C, has deans plug already on it; 9.8oz GPMP0721 Great Planes: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNYK6&P=7 $54.99 2100mah 15C ; 6.5oz; Fullymaxhttp://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=A3097705&pid=A3467965&img=l, 9.6oz weight $89 Fullymax 3300 3s lipo with his Bp-12’s. ($90) 15C one person getting 20 min flights? DN 2150mah 3s 15C: http://www.xushobby.com/servlet/Categories?category=Li-poly+Battery%3ADN+Power+15C+Continuous (may not have a cellpro connector?) So in short, the CellPros, to me, seem decently priced, though I'd like to really go with a 2500mah battery pack minimally, so that makes the PolyQuests attractive, even though their C is at 12C, or better yet, the 3100mah Polyquest. Any thoughts on this, as I'm new to choosing the right Lipo here.
Posted on: 4/5/2007 3:02 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5669993

TwinstarII with Hacker A20-26M and 15 amp ESCs a good combo?
Motor + ESC question: I decided to drop the bp-12 idea for my motors (these $12 motors were my original choice).. and go for hackers. The hacker I'm going with is the A20-26M (for around $54). Specs are 1130kv, 1.48oz, 4-12amp operating with 15peak (this is with 9x4.7 prop). In reality it appears that it works well with a 7x5 prop and draws around 9 amps max.. about 17-18 amps between the two based on someone else's TS2 experience. I called hacker.. they didnt think this motor would be good enough (borderline) for hauling say 45-50oz weight (camera/data equipment).. Since others had success, I think Hacker is a bit off on their comment. They recommended the A20-22L for only $2 more instead.. specs are 924KV, 2.01oz, 6-14 amp operating, with peak of 17 on a 10x4.7 prop. I also thought I would go with the GWS 15amp esc http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...?&I=LXLAA0&P=FR at only $22 x 2. The local shop thought that the 15 amp ESC was pushing it, though again, some others are running with these and are ok. Anyone have any thoughts.. I still think I'd be fine with a20-26ms and two 15amps escs.. If the esc is borderline.. any 18-20 amp escs out there that would be just as good and not much more money? I think this was the 18 amp Hextronik recommended by someone else: https://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITE...?idProduct=4313 Is this one adequate, anyone used it? (will i have enough features that I need compared to the GWS model)? Feature wise on either of these ESCs.. am I losing something important compared to say a Phoenix 25? I just want the lipos to cutoff when needed, I guess it should go into pulse or low power mode to warn me to land and that should be good enough? Speed brakes would be a bonus I guess? Thanks
Posted on: 4/5/2007 11:53 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5669202

Best Lipo choice for Tx and Rx on a "rangevideo" type 900mhz camera system?
Curious what Lipo packs everyone is using with their camera setups. I am going to go with 900mhz for mine. Would I need a 3s say 1500mah 15C pack for the Rx, or would something lighter work.. same question on the Tx.. I guess I'd want to get at least 45 minutes of video time perhaps? (I'm not sure what is typical). I'd want to obviously get the least expensive battery solution for as much battery life as I could. Here are the systems I was looking at: [url]http://www.rangevideo.com/900mhz_500mw.html[/url] $74 [url]http://www.rangevideo.com/900mhz_receivers.html[/url] $65 [url]http://www.rangevideo.com/patch4.html[/url] $80 (maybe need) [url]http://www.rangevideo.com/151_cased.html[/url] $100 $230 without batteries! IF the above are not in stock, I was going to go with something like this below: [url]http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/hg908p.php[/url] flat patch antenna [url]http://www.supercircuits.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3443[/url] Receiver [url]http://www.supercircuits.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3453[/url] Tx Audio mic: https://www.supercircuits.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4123 Also, has anyone used any of the latter systems, not from rangevideo with success? Thanks for any tips.
Posted on: 4/3/2007 11:28 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5662191

RE: flight data recorders for rc planes?
Well based on what I've read and gathered so far from everyone.. here are the current top data recorders (unless I'm missing one): Cheapest might be the Garmen Geko 201 ($65), will soon have OSD ability with artificial horizon, in conjunction with software like Garmin Mapsource. Zlog mod4.. just does altitude, can track multiple flights? $90, post flight Ram2 zlogger .. altitude.. $99 (ram3 due out in 2007), post flight. Micropower from EagleTree $200 ($69.99 for the base unit, more for features like lcd, rpm, altitude, airspeed, temperature), no live data ability, only post flight. Picolario telemetry via earpiece $?? (couldnt find online), does height, battery info, etc Seagull Glide System from Eagle Tree $369 plus more for other sensors.. lcd readout attaches to your radio transmitter for Live data, hookup to PC for live data (gauges) as well, including artificial horizon, dont believe there is an OSD version (for goggles).. does just about everything including googlemap 3d graphing ($150 for gps addon), gforce sensors too **RTL (return to landing) device.. http://www.u-nav.com/picopilot/picopilotn.html $400 with GPS ability, will basically fly your plane back to a designated spot (what if the battery dies.. i guess it would still crash eh? :) Money aside, my fav is the seagull.. for that live data stream.. or the Garmen device (if you had a laptop handy), though once garmen has the OSD, you wouldnt need a laptop, especially if using goggles. I'm assuming even with 4oz camera gear and 2oz of a Seagull system, even a plane like the TwinStar II with brushless Hackers could handle this load easy :) Thanks to all for the info thus far.
Posted on: 3/31/2007 11:02 AM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5644024

RE: flight data recorders for rc planes?
Cool.. did you have to buy the altimeter or any other things that you didnt mention (IE: What did it come with ability wise out of the box for the $70 or whatever the price tag is) Mark
Posted on: 3/30/2007 10:36 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5642423

RE: flight data recorders for rc planes?
[quote]ORIGINAL: WJCJR This gadget doesn't do everything you want but it is a fun start. Wayne http://www.kennedycomposites.com/accessories-zlog.html [/quote] Yeah I saw that before.. I wasnt sure if it would do multiple flights, then download them to a PC at home later on, or if you have to reset/download after each flight.
Posted on: 3/30/2007 1:39 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5640236

RE: flight data recorders for rc planes?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Flypaper 2 The one I use from Eagletree is the Micropower. Much smaller and lighter and more reasonably priced. not as many functions but does what I want to know. Just another choice. [/quote] Ah .. I didnt see that one.. did you have to buy all the sensors seperately.. Which rpm sensor are you using (which is better, the optical or the one that connects to the motor)? It appears you have to add $40 for lcd sensor (which doesnt show live data remotely while your flying.. only attached to the plane?), then $29 for altitude, $14.99 for rpm, $9.99 for temp.. looks like about $200 for the whole deal right? Will that lcd show the max altitude/speed, after you land, or do you have to hook up to a laptop to see this info? I guess I wouldnt need to spend $50-$60 on a watt meter if I used something like this? How are most people measuring thrust?
Posted on: 3/30/2007 12:15 PM by Author "markm75" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5639745