OK, so I finally got some flights on the Novi at the Portland contest last weekend. Still needs some trimming (and, of course, I forgot the tool at home - now modified to not need a special tool). But I had some observations and some questions. I flew it initially with a Thunder Tiger Cyclon 11.5 x 4.5 prop and it seems to do well on the plane. But I have to set the engine a bit rich to get a consisent run that isn't too fast. Great for the dead calm weather we had most of the weekend, but in wind, I'd be a bit concerned. I also tried a Bolly 11.25 x 4 two blade that also worked well, but in order to get decent lap times, I had to dial the engine up a bit. Seemed happy there, but didn't have the authority I really liked with the Cyclone above 45 degrees. I think something like an 11.25 or 11.5 x 4.25 two blade Bolly may be the ticket.

Any thoughts?

OK, so I finally got some flights on the Novi at the Portland contest last weekend. Still needs some trimming (and, of course, I forgot the tool at home - now modified to not need a special tool). But I had some observations and some questions. I flew it initially with a Thunder Tiger Cyclon 11.5 x 4.5 prop and it seems to do well on the plane. But I have to set the engine a bit rich to get a consisent run that isn't too fast. Great for the dead calm weather we had most of the weekend, but in wind, I'd be a bit concerned. I also tried a Bolly 11.25 x 4 two blade that also worked well, but in order to get decent lap times, I had to dial the engine up a bit. Seemed happy there, but didn't have the authority I really liked with the Cyclone above 45 degrees. I think something like an 11.25 or 11.5 x 4.25 two blade Bolly may be the ticket.

Any thoughts?

Hi Randy

I have setup the engine with those props and many more, The Cyclone is typically too much pitch, the 4 pitch Bollys are too little, Best I have had was the 12x 4 pitched to 4.5, the  11 1\4 x 4 pitched to 4.25, and the  11 x 4 n # blade is  killer  pitched at 4 1\4 to just a little above that. The wide blade  Majik 10.5 x 4.5  work well in smaller planes.
I do not recomend trying to repitch the plastic propsas none I have ever repitched will stay!, they ALWAYS come back within 1 day
I also flew my plane at KOI with a  wood 11 \2 x 4 1\4 BYO. This is using Sig Champion 5% with 1 ounce of Aero-1
The motor make very good power with 5% nitro with almost zero windup, 10% here will accelerate a little

Regards
Randy

Thanks Randy,

I have a Zinger 12 x 5 that's been cut down to 11.5 x 4.25 and reshaped that I want to try. Been hanging around Pat Johnston too long, I guess. Plane to try that this weekend along with a Bolly 11.5 x 4.25 (this from a 12 x 4).

We'll see how it comes out. As I said, in dead calm, the Cyclone worked pretty well, but the engine was loafing. In wind it would be, ah, interesting. Really want to fine something else where the engine is running a bit faster and working less.

HI Randy

The repitched 11.5 x 4.25 should work very well for you. I also think you will find the engine is not at all prone to any runaway problems, it is a very mild  low timed motor that has a  very wide envelop that it will run in

Regards
Randy

It's certain that the engine is a horse. Even loafing along it's has more than enough power to pull my 48oz classic plane around.

Hi Randy

The PA ultralight will pull a 65 ounce impact better than a OS VF 40 that weighs over 3 ounces more, and using the same or a bigger prop.
The little motor is the most tailorable  motor up or down on power I have ever seen. It is flying many planes from 500  to 700 sq inches and from 35 to 65 ounces in weight.
Let me know how your prop trials  go

Regards
Randy

Randy, I have been watching this thread and was wondering what you ended up with?

Cheers.....