One of my old pylon racing buddies e-mailed me asked me for some information on getting started in Electric Stunt. He mentioned he had read my Cookbook on stunt set-up. He had some further questions on what parts to buy to - he wanted to buy the right parts the first time and not get down the road and hit a dead end. He said he bought a Brodak Vector ARF. I think the Vector is a good starting point. So his questions got me to thinking. What would I tell a newcomer to get started with? Better yet how would I spend my own money with what I know today?
Ok we have a Vector we need to decide 4 cell or 5 cell battery system? The battery cell count will influence the motor Kv rating and the mAH capacity on the battery for a 4 cell (4S) system we want a Kv rating of around 900Kv for the 5 cell (5S) we would prefer a Kv rating of around 750Kv.
So if it was my money here is how I would spend it on a 4 cell battery
system for the Vector.
1. Starting at the very front a APC 12 x 6 E Pusher prop.
2. A Scorpion SII 3020-890 motor
3. ICE Lite 50 ESC with Castle Creations cable and interface to down/upload
information.
4. If you are just testing the water and don't expect to fly electric much
any cheap 4S3300mAH battery will get you started.
4a. If you are serious about flying and don't want to buy new batteries 50 or so
flights down the road get - ThunderPower 4S3300 G6 25C batteries.
5. Will Hubin FM-9 Timer and controller.
For a 5 cell system - now you are serious.
1. Same - prop as above APC 12 x 6 EP
2. A Scorpion SII 3020-780 motor - notice the Kv rating is lower!
3. Same - ICE Lite 50 ESC with Castle Creations cable and interface to
down/upload information.
4. ThunderPower 5S2700mAH G6 25C batteries. Notice higher cell count -
lower MAH required
5. Same Will Hubin FM-9 Timer and controller.
Source of supply for the items mentioned certainly not the only sources but reliable sources in my experience.
Motor =
http://www.gobrushless.com/shop/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=catshow&ref=scorpionESC = Tower
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXXT8&P=7Batteries = Advantage Hobbies
http://www.advantagehobby.com/185520/THP27005SPL25/?cat=1069Timer = E-mail Will, tell him Norm sent you
whubin@kent.edu
Now I didn't mention a charger but if you want to take care of the most
expensive part of your investment - the batteries - don't go cheap here.
I spend my money on an FMA 10XP ($159) plus Balancer boards and a power
supply
http://www.progressiverc.com/fma-cellpro-10xp.html these guys are up
in Seattle: They also sell iChargers which are very good also.
There are hundreds of alternatives to the above, remember I said if it was "MY" money.
On my Sultan-e (a somewhat larger stunter at 700 sq in wing area) I run the Scorpion 3026-710 motor, the ICE Lite 75 ESC, ThunderPower 5S2700 G6 25C batteries and of course the Will Hubin FM-9 timer system.