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Electric Stunt => Gettin all AMP'ed up! => Topic started by: jfv on June 05, 2012, 11:45:30 AM

Title: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: jfv on June 05, 2012, 11:45:30 AM: I went down to Joe Nall with a friend (owner of 3DX Hobbies) and flew some control line. My friend, who is a very accomplished giant scale RC and helicopter flier, took a turn flying control line on the Stevens Aero plane Mark put together. He really enjoyed it and the first thing after he got home was to get a Pathfinder ARF from Brodak. He asked if I would convert it to electric for him. E-Flite Power 25, CC Phoenix 45 ESC, Hubin F9 timer. Very pleased with the resultant layout. First flights should be next week. Waiting for props.
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: John Cralley on June 05, 2012, 06:24:27 PM: That is a very neat conversion!!! y1

I hope you have Velcro or 3M Dual Lock on the back side of the battery to keep it form sliding.

John
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: jfv on June 06, 2012, 07:07:56 AM: Yes, lots of Velcro on the back of the battery and ESC. Timer is screwed in place.
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: Dennis Adamisin on June 06, 2012, 08:12:29 AM: Very NICE - clean & functional, all parts accessible. the electric PF remains one of my favorite airplanes too.

I also like the Joe Nall angle - that the CL demos recruited someone - well done!
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: Andrew Borgogna on June 06, 2012, 09:20:04 AM: Nice setup, but what is holding the motor in? I would like to see some detail on your motor mount for future use.
Andy
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: jfv on June 06, 2012, 12:08:00 PM: I made a 3/16" ply motor mount from 3 plys of 1/16" ply. Epoxied and glassed to the front of the fuse. Added an extension to match the spinner. Very rigid.
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: Andrew Borgogna on June 06, 2012, 12:39:19 PM: That is really slick! :) The part appears to be laser cut, do you have access to laser cutting equipment?
Andy
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: jfv on June 06, 2012, 12:54:53 PM: Yes. I have a small laser, 14" x 9" Never enough tools!
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: Dennis Adamisin on June 06, 2012, 01:27:56 PM: Quote from: jfv on June 06, 2012, 12:54:53 PM
Yes. I have a small laser, 14" x 9" Never enough tools!

Hmmm, you might be everyone's new BEST FRIEND!
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: Andrew Borgogna on June 06, 2012, 02:41:31 PM: Yep, he is now my best friend in the whole world.... ;D Sorry Denny, sorry Larry. He has a laser after all.
Andy
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: jfv on June 07, 2012, 08:17:33 AM: Friends are good!
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: Dennis Adamisin on June 07, 2012, 05:58:21 PM: Andy, you are SOOO fickle!

JFV: The more I see the more I want to ~~steal~~ reverse engineer your motor mount system. Looks like it would work great on a new build with the motor centered on the profile, and the donut shaped sections fore & aft. Is that balsa with glass cloth on the outside? Can't tell, is it glassed on the inside too?
Title: Re: Pathfinder ARF E-Conversion
Post by: jfv on June 07, 2012, 10:33:36 PM: Yes, there are balsa rings behind, and in front of, the plywood motor mount. The front most ring behind the spinner is lite ply. The whole assembly is glassed on the outside. This ties it to the fuselage and the cheek on the outside. I have a similar mount on my original profile that's presently in the paint stage. Pictures attached.