Andrew,

Nothing against the Hacker 55 amp X-Pro-Controller but I would go with a Castle Creations ICE 50 (lite) controller (the ICE has a special control line mode and you can download flight data from it to a PC). You will need a Castle Link USB cable to use the ICE features (about $20 but some ICE ESCs come with a coupon for a free USB adapter). I also recommend a Will Hubin FM-9 timer system (FM-9 timer and programmer). If you want to go with the Hacker motor consider the A-30 -10XL V2 with a 900 kv (RPM per volt) and use a 4S Li-poly battery.

Just my 2 cents and others may will doubtless also have advice.

John

Wynn,

Plug and play sounds good.

Does the P & P system log data during flight that can be downloaded and examined?? Does the P & P system have a timer that allows for easy changes of the timed duration and RPM in the field that the Will Hubin FM-9 timer features?? These features are not necessarily needed but are a great help in trimming and fine tuning for best performance. If a plug and play system has been perfected for that particular model then a data log and convenient time/RPM adjustments may not be really needed. One can just install it and go flying.

John

So would someone address the real question as far as I'm concerned: How are the governor and brake functions?
Is the governor tight enough? Fast enough? Adjustable or not? Does the brake work in Heli-mode or whatever it's called?

This would be an opportunity for the folks who use the Hacker to do a commercial!
Regards,
  Dean P.

Andrew,

Sounds like you are all set!!

I, and I suspect others on this forum, would be interested in the detailed tech specs for the Hacker (programmed for Control Line) ESC. I think maybe this is what Dean is really asking.

Here is what is listed on the RSM web site (www.RSMdistribution.com)

Hacker X55 Pro Speed Controller 50 Amp
Automatic Timing, LiPo Voltage Cut Off, 55 Amp Operating Current
Selectable Acceleration, Motor Direction Adjustment, Heli Governor Mode
Low Voltage Cut Off Brake On or Off, Soft Start Adjustable Timing
Weight 1.6 oz

It also sounds like Eric has a quality combination worth considering for those thinking of entering the electric control line era and who do not want to mess around gathering components that will work for their particular model.

John

Hi Dean, (and others ;-)

1. In the interest of full disclosure:  I do NOT have any stock in Hacker Inc., nor do I sell them! So no commercial here.   ..... But I am good friends with Eric, and Jason. But you have all seen me recommend Pletts, and AXI too. :-)

2. Here is their web site with some info. for this ESC:  http://www.aero-model.com/Hacker-Brushless-X-55-SB-Pro-ESC.aspx

3. This ESC was not made with ECL in mind. It does not have a brake in gov. mode, at least I have not found one. It is programable, it is very similar to the CC Phoenix, and Jeti ESCs. The gov. seams to be as tight as the CC Phoenix. This ESC is used in Heli's so my guess is that it has a good tight gov. It has all the settings we need except brake.

4. The brake is nice, and I am glad that CC and Jeti gives it to us, but we all have flown thousands of CLPA flights now without it and we have done just fine. It is not a big deal for landing under the AMA rules. The plane does not fall out of the sky, even under high winds. Please don't forget that we have the ability to program a slooooow spool down so that we can actually land under low power which gives very reliable landings. This is available in all the programable ESCs we use in ECL. I have been using this for many years and it works well. ..... Obviously the FAI pilots need the brake. To my knowledge Andy does not plan on entering any FAI contests in 2011, maybe 2012, but by then he will be flying a Plett and Shultz combo! 

5. Eric's system is a quality power package and a very good value for your $$. And like John said, it is convenient to have a "Plug & Play" system to get in the air fast with little or no hassle. :-) Since the Hacker distributor in the USA also sells CC ESCs I am sure Eric can order one to go with his P&P system.

Regards, 

I'm using this exact set up in my Cobra-E.  I love the Hacker motor - it's great and more than enough for the Continental ( of which I have also, but with an Aero Tiger 36)
The Hacker esc works well, but as pointed out, no brake when set up for our C/L use.  The Hubin timer works fine as well and with the programming box, easy to make changes out the field.
I am thinking about using the Phoenix 50 Ice just so I can get my brake function back.  Have not made the switch yet, even though I have the Phoenix.  The difference for me
is where I practice, I have an area I cannot land in.  Without the brake function, it's really hard to whip.  If I could land anywhere, it wouldn't be as big as an issue.

The one thing I would look out for on the Continental is ground clearance for the prop.  I have to use a three blade 10-4 and even that is very close.  If I went with the
APC electric 12-6p on a Continental, I would need to add length to the gear.

RobertC