PHIL's "Newbie Question" Thread

[prlsr]

Hi ALL,

I thought I'd start a thread that was strictly for asking (what I consider) dumb questions that I need answered by some advanced pilots/mechanic's. My apologies if some have been asked before by others - and seem redundant. I hope this thread will help other "newbies" as well as myself with questions they may have along the same lines as mine. I will assume we all go thru similar "learning curves".



With that;
First one to start the thread is:
WHAT SIZE MOTOR for a 450 size HELI?

I ask because I have already acquired an EXCEED RC Alpha 400 for mine. Being a new pilot I figured it would work as long as I don't do any 3D stuff - which for ME is a long ways away!

So, how bout it all you "X-spurts"? What say you?

[19000rpm]

The Alpha 400 3500kv motor will work fine.

Happy landings

[ranben]

Welcome to the forum Phil !!!

Don't worry about asking newbie questions here and there is really no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to heli's, at least in my opinion.

There are lots of newbies here, including myself (6 months) so whatever you ask might help everyone else as well.

Also, lots of old farts (over 50) here too.

So......what heli are you building ? There is some really good info on the Build / Mod section of this forum.

[19000rpm]

I don't think there is anybody on this forum who won't jump at the chance to answer questions...We were all newbies once and were asking the same questions. ;D

Happy landings

[prlsr]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate ALL of your reassurance, from ALL of ya who's answered me thus far.

Now, that said, the first reply said it would "work fine". Could you please explain any "rules of thumb" (if any) that made you come to that conclusion - when it comes to motor/ESC matching?

Newbie "details", PLEASE! Remember, I'm still on a "BAH BAH" and suckin my thumbs!

PS.....
If any MOD or ADMIN wishes to, feel free to move this to the appropriate Forum - if this ain't it.

[Dave]

19k you want to move it? I ain't touching it
Dave

[19000rpm]

Phil, Since these are going to be "general" questions I moved it over here; General Talkville. I could have moved it elsewhere or left it there in advanced, but I needed something to do in "general". I have way too much time on my hands while the packs are charging. ;D

Most 450 size helis use 3500-3800kv motors. These motors provide the appropriate amount of power required for the weight of the heli.

The ESC is like the pipe between the motor and the battery and it is important to have the "pipe" large enough to accommodate the flow of juice between the motor and battery to prevent ESC overheating and/or "Magic Smoke". Magic Smoke, which can be accompanied by Magic Fire, is something you don't need around your heli unless you're planning an expensive weenie roast instead of flying.

The choice of an ESC is (or should be) based on the peak Amp draw of the motor. Most of the 3500-3800kv motors draw about 15-20 Amps constant with peak draws of around 30 Amps. A choice of a 30-35 Amp ESC is usually a good match.

I'm going to anticipate your next question. I apologize if it wasn't, but you'll ask it sooner or later. We all did: What battery should I choose? Batteries are rated in volts (11.1 in this instance), mAh (milli amp hrs oft referred to as "the gas in the tank", or how long the battery will fly your heli; thanks Raygun) and C. C being the battery "constant" charge and discharge ratings in Amps. The battery will also have a "burst" rating that can be 50-100% more than the C rating. The burst capability of the battery may last from 15 to 30 seconds. So, if you match the constant Amp draw of the motor to the battery C rating and match the motor max Amp draw to the battery burst rating you've chosen something that is going to perform well.

Oh, oh the battery charge timer just went off. Back to flying. ;D

Happy landings

[akent]

Good info 19k!

The Alpha 400 motors are great for a 450 class heli.

You will not be disappointed. Plenty of power for 3d or anything else you want to do. That's what I'm running on my Exi T450 CF hotrod. I am new to 3d, but did do a loop and a flip. I'm learning!

Best,
Kent

[prlsr]

19000rpm-

Thanks for the explanation. I love it. And you did it just like I like it - with analogies. FYI - I have electrical background and know a tad bit about current "flow". I like your pipe analogy. Great way of explaining "resistance" and current "flow". Gotcha!

On the ESC's, all made perfect sense. I have a 20c 1500mAh LiPo so my 20A ESC runs real nice and cool on this Walkera 35c. After one battery the ESC is still "cool" to the touch - and so is the motor housing. NOT "cool" cool but, you get the drift. I can touch it and hold my fingers on it indefinitely w/o burning em or removing them due to extreme heat.

I conclude that for the 450's my EXCEED Alpha 400 will "get er done". Good. I am set then. I just need that ESC now. I'll go 40A. That should work fine.

Kent, thanks for your input as well.

[prlsr]

Next question/s.

What battery connector is better? "Banana" plugs, or the T-type "deans"?
The Heli came with banana plugs, but the spare BATT I got had the other on it, so I had to get an adaptor for it.

While on the BATT subject, which is best? What brand makes the best one for the least amount of money? "Tight wad" question.

Lastly, what's the diff between a 13 and a 14 tooth pinion - besides the obvious of RPMs increasing on the rotor. It was suggested to me while discussing putting a Mystery brushless outrunner into my WALKERA, along with new ESC (30A) and a pinion. I didn't understand the pinion deal.

Anyone wanna help me on this?

[19000rpm]

Glad we could help. ;D

Both are good connectors. The Banana plugs are pretty tough to pull apart compared to the Deans. Once you make choose one style or the other it just makes sense to keep them all the same.

There are a lot of good batteries out there. Cheapest lines come from China. Look at Wowhobbies or Hobbyking.

I'm not a "gear head", but the difference in performance of a 13 t and a 14 t would be negligible in a 450 set up for a new pilot, IMO. I'm using a 13 t.

Happy landings

[lowbudget]

there are no dumb questions just dumb answers ;D = VIC

[prlsr]

Apr 24, 2009 17:12:01 GMT -6 19000rpm said:

Glad we could help. ;D

Both are good connectors.......choose one style or the other - it just makes sense to keep them all the same.

There are a lot of good batteries out there. Cheapest lines come from China. Look at Wowhobbies or Hobbyking.

I'm not a "gear head", but the difference in performance of a 13 t and a 14 t would be negligible in a 450 set up for a new pilot, IMO. I'm using a 13 t.

Thanks again for the answers. I will go deans I guess. Although those ain't easy to separate either (imo).

I will try both hobby sources U suggested. I have been on Hobbyking before and saw the great prices there. I have never been to the other site - yet. I will ASAP.

The pinion is for the WALKERA 35c I have. A "400" size, not a 450. The upgraded pinion was suggested (I am assuming) mostly due to going to brushless upgrades.

Would going "brushless" make a difference and cause one to change to a 14T? I'm wondering what the person was trying to accomplish by getting me one more tooth?

[coffinsnail]

Phil, i have one for you.

Is this your first Heli? because with some of the questions your asking im beginning to wonder if a 6ch CP is the right heli for you, if its not your first then im sorry for the misunderstanding.

[19000rpm]

I haven't tried a 14t on a 400 size just 11t and 13t. The 13t works better than the 11t on my brushless G2 which is similar to the 35C with a brushless.

The brushed pinion was an 11t. The 11t seemed perfect for the brushed motor.

As coffin suggested; if this is your first heli a 6ch is not be a good place to start. Most success comes from coaxial and/or FP as first helis to learn the basics of flight, orientaion and repair.

Happy landings