35% H&A Yak 54 Electric Conversion

[Team Astro]

Hello,
I have been trying to get some advice on basic set up of this new addition to our hanger. The power system is already in the works... more info on it as the new products are developed...
I could use advice on servo matching and single or dual rx set-up.
I wanted to know some opinions on running one or two esc's. Would one with two rx packs be better or two rx's with two packs? What surfaces do you put on each seperate rx?
Ailerons will use 4 hs5985 digitals, rudder x2 5995's and elevator halves each a 5995. x2- 5 cell 2100 rx packs for the rx. Have all the hardware upgrades, aluminum servo arms, HD horns, wheels, etc.. and a cf wing tube.
Do you reccommend using matchboxes to match the multi-servo surfaces or will the hitec didgital servo programmer do the job better? I would say every ounce saved will be helpful.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Heres a not so great pic of this monster!
Terry
Team Astro
http://teamastroelectricsite.com
www.astroflight.com
www.castlecreations.com

[jonnyjetprop]

My only area of knowledge is about the matchbox vs. Hitec servo programmer. Our local area expert loves the Hitec programmer. But it will only work with Hitec digitals. His thinking was one programmer vs. many matchbox units. From a weight standpoint, the programmer stays on the ground while the matchboxs fly every flight.

I'll see if I can get Charlie to pipe in.

If you can get your hands on the latest issue of Fly RC magizine, Scott Stoops has a couple of large ( one electric, one gas) planes reviewed, including the on- board equipment.

John

[Team Astro]

Thanks John,
I will looks for the issue. Usually servo and rx set up arent well covered in these articals. I have 1.60 Ultimate and .60 convesion and been doing e-versions for 4 years now. Sandard set ups arent the issue. This 35% is a little different since it has multi servo surfaces and I thought 2 rx's would be better, but alot of people sware by one. I know someone who lost a 35% because the rx failded with two packs plugged into 2 chs right next to each other. I dont need to dork in my sponsors equiptment just because I didnt want to ask for advice. I agree with the weight but cant find any info on the programmer. The hitec didgitals are my servos of choice and what I have for this big bird. Id rather be well informed than ignorant to these subjects. Safty is of the most inportances ad this will be demoed at shows we go to and dont need rx failures, been extremely luck, knock on wood and had very few and minor issues so far. This ones big enought to kill someone easily. I want it as bullet proof as possiable! Thanks for everyones help!
Terry
Team Astro
http://teamastroelectricsite.com
www.astroflight.com
www.castlecreations.com

[jonnyjetprop]

While your finding a copy of FlyRC, I looked over the articles. Scott was using these http://www.smart-fly.com/Products/Expander/expander.htm with a single RX and dual batteries (2S lipos with regulators).

John

[sukhoi26mx]

Hello,
I have been trying to get some advice on basic set up of this new addition to our hanger. The power system is already in the works... more info on it as the new products are developed...
I could use advice on servo matching and single or dual rx set-up.
I wanted to know some opinions on running one or two esc's. Would one with two rx packs be better or two rx's with two packs? What surfaces do you put on each seperate rx?
Ailerons will use 4 hs5985 digitals, rudder x2 5995's and elevator halves each a 5995. x2- 5 cell 2100 rx packs for the rx. Have all the hardware upgrades, aluminum servo arms, HD horns, wheels, etc.. and a cf wing tube.
Do you reccommend using matchboxes to match the multi-servo surfaces or will the hitec didgital servo programmer do the job better? I would say every ounce saved will be helpful.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Heres a not so great pic of this monster!
Terry
Team Astro
http://teamastroelectricsite.com
www.astroflight.com
www.castlecreations.com

Terry,

If you trust the receiver you fly, there is no need for a second. You absolutely need a second battery pack, preferrably run through a redundant regulator or battery share system. I also try to avoid running that many servos through the receiver and prefer to run a seperate power distribution system, like the one John mentioned.

FWIW, my preferred setup for the model you show would be:

One receiver - if you trust the receiver you run, there is no need to run a second. Incorporated with the Power Expander, the receiver gets its own regulated voltage, while you can run higher voltage to the servos with all of the load being carried by the bus on the power expander rather than pumping it through the receiver.

Hitec digitals with programmer and no Y-harnesses - Each servo plugs directly into the Power Expander. No voltage loss over multiple Y-harnesses, etc.

Smart-Fly Power Expander www.smart-fly.com

Smart-Fly TurboReg- If you're using Li-Ion or Li-Poly receiver packs, the TurboReg acts to regulate the voltage, discharge the batteries evenly, and eliminates one from the circuit in the event of a failure. Works brilliantly. Really, really simplifies dual battery setups.

Scott

[AggieFlyer]

.... cant find any info on the programmer.

yep, instructions for the hitec programmer are sparse. The fellas on the DOD site have some helpful videos on using it.
Link: http://www.downonthedeck.com/videos_instruction.htm

They use kinda of a 'test, guess, retest, and then guess-a-mate' type of approach for the actual endpoint programming. If this isn't your style, you might consider excel spreadsheet approach that is described on the aeroperfect website.
Link: http://www.aeroperfect.com/program.html

I have used both approaches with success. I hope this helps. Good luck with your build!

[Team Astro]

Thanks AggieFlyer,
This was just what I was looking for. I am sure this information would be a must for anyone wanting to set them up. Looks like I got to buy a programmer and save the weight!

Scott,
I will be going this route with the power expander. I have flown these 2- jr 770 rx's on foamies and other planes for almost 3 years, so I'm very confident either one would be fine by itself.

Thanks for all the information. I will be posting more about the plane after the motor and esc are built. Im sure it will get us good press when its done!

Thanks
Terry
http://teamastroelectricsite.com
www.astroflight.com
www.castlecreations.com

[twest]

I imagine a double-length astro 120 would be a pretty good 8-10 kw motor.

[aerofundan]

Can't wait to see more pics of the build and video of the plane flying!, Good to see you going BIG! :)

Daniel

[Team Astro]

I imagine a double-length astro 120 would be a pretty good 8-10 kw motor.


Thanks Dan...
You know Ill send you the first video clip-LOL... Maybe one day well be doing some more PA. That extra looks sweet!!! Hey fill me in on an electric shock. Steve and I might need one. How does it do compaired to the extreme flight yak. Talk with you soon Dan. Got to get ready for SEFF these next few weeks...

Twest,

We discused the x2 8120 and these are used in a military blimp right now, but it wont be enough power for this monster to 3-d well. I think AstroBob might do a new motor, so when its made longer it will also be more power than a da-150. The 4" or 5" version he and Steve discused will be more than a da-100 to offset the weight of the batteries! I understand he has the parts or has one ready to test our prop size on. This big boy wont be ready for SEFF unfortunately, but I heard things are in the works and she might be ready soon than anyone thinks! Steve spoke with him tonight on the subject!

The double length 8120 will spin a 30x12, I believe @4000. We wanting a 26x12 @6900-7000. It just takes time when doing r&d... AstroBob promised to do some r/c projects next week... Might even see the new Astro 60 fly for the first time @ SEFF.




Terry
http://teamastroelectricsite.com
www.astroflight.com
www.castlecreations.com