I have a RSM speed controller and timer on my Primary Force. It runs good with a Cobra 2820-12 motor and a 2800 4 cell battery. After the 5 min run and a 5 second warning it speeds up for 5 additional seconds but then goes to a low RPM and does not shut completely off. I have to land with the prop spinning at an idle.

Is this normal?

Steve

Steve,
I assume from your description that the motor is still turning the prop even when the ship comes to a stop. No, not normal for CL and would not be allowed in competition. If the prop is windmilling once the timer cuts power and stops turning once the forward motion of the ship stops this is OK. Do you have the break set in the ESC (or timer)?

Best,   DennisT

Steve What Dennis asked.  Does the prop keep turning after the ship comes to a complete stop?

That would be "brake" not break......

RSM sells the KR timer so that is probably the timer you are talking about.  It is not in the DNA of a KR timer to run a motor slow (unless it is broken). So your prop windmilling on landing is probably what is happening.  Besides if your motor was still running when the prop hit the grass bad things would happen causing smoke.  If your ESC has a program card brake ON/OFF should be one of the functions.  At any case prop windmilling on landing is not a bad thing so fly and have fun - all is good!          

I'm stumped, I cannot find a ESC Manual that is referred to in the Overview of the ESC literature and in the KR Governor literature. Both refer to the ESC Manual to set the brake to stop rotating the propeller.

I have E mailed RSM, waiting. Does anyone have such a manual?

Steve

If your ESC is a ZTW brand you need a program card to change the settings.

https://www.motionrc.com/products/ztw-led-esc-programming-card?variant=19068680326

Google the model of ZTW ESC you have and you should find information on the required program card.

Steve,
Sorry about the misspelling of "brake". You really want to be able to set the brake to stop the prop as letting it windmill can cause problems if the wind comes up. I had one of the first ships I converted to electric without a brake. It was fine until on landing a gust of wind hit the ship with the prop windmilling, POW it stop forward motion and the ship just dropped out of the sky. Luckily it was only a few feet off the deck but that spinning prop acts like a big brake when the wind hits it.

One point, since it is windmilling the US contest PA rules would allow the landing to count. I don't think FAI international rule allow the prop to be spinning, maybe local contests allow it. Maybe someone that flys under them can clarify.

Best,    DennisT

Eric,

Thanks, I'm waiting to hook up with a friend that has a card so I can set my green color case KR timer to "BRAKE" the prop at the end of the flight.

Steve