Graupner Taxi 2400 Conversion

[Jimmy_H]

Hi,

Just thought I would contribute with a giant conversion .....

A cryptic text message from my wife asking what was in the box as big as her signified the arrival of the graupner taxi 2400, in short the box was massive ! The service from Motors and Rotors (UK) was excellent, packaging was first rate and delivery was as promised. Opening the box showed that this was a true ARF, all surfaces were pre hinged (and pinned) the only setup was required for the stab, the hardware was extensive, possibly too extensive as we will come onto.

The first job after checking all the components were present was to decipher the instructions, unfortunately this lets the kit down a bit. The instructions and photos are primarily in German, English is presented later in the manual but without pictures so you have to cross refer, especially where dimensions are present, in the end I pulled the instruction book apart and put the German / English pages side by side.

Construction was pretty simple the only things worth pointing out is the hardware packages, the control horns supplied were very large and setting up for the pivot to be on the hinge line was impossible, it wasn’t until I was fixing the close loop to the ruder that I found another set of horns that were more suitable, unfortunately I had soldered the pushrod before discovering this. The 3 point control horns supplied come with 3/4” screws so quite a lot of trimming is required, I found that making a template to fit over the horn is needed (I used a margarine tub) as covering does stand up to a freshly ‘dremeled’ end.

The elevators come in two sections (left and right) and each are controlled by standard servo, connection to the main body is via a aluminium tube kept in place by a robust plastic clamp.

The rudder and a tail wheel are connected through separate closed loops, the tail wheel is joined to the closed loop via 2 springs to prevent stressing of the servo, as I chose this model as a glider tug I opted for a mighty Hitec 645mg as rudder is (from bitter experience) your best friend during take off.

The choice of motor was made on the basis that I wanted lots of power and lots of durations, in electric flight terms this isn’t always easy to achieve, I knew from the distant days of school that amps watts and volts were all related in some fashion so decided to opt for a 12S HV setup so I could reduce the amps and increase duration.
Determined not to be beaten by the myriad of numbers associated with brushless motors I started ‘googling’ and stumbled across a great formula from Bob Boucher that assists with determining the correct prop size for desired power or amp draw, anyone interested can e-mail me for the spreadsheet I developed.

After several days cogitating different setup I opted for an AXI 5345/16 and a Jeti spin 99 all purchased from the ever reliable John Emms at Puffin Models.

Looking into the multitude of lithium polymer batteries available and determining from the wing loading that weight wasn’t important I opted for 2Nr 6S 10,000 maH lipos from Maxamps in the USA, these were competitively priced with a good reputation, they arrived faster than some UK mail order items, upon close inspection they reminded me of my ‘oily’ days and the 12v battery used for the power panel, with the exception that these were 22V and 200A continuous !

The cowl in the Taxi 2400 is massive (dalotel style) and 70 mm of boxing was required to get the correct bit of the motor to poke out !, I’ve seen many electric conversions use aluminium spacers to mount electric motors away from the bulkhead but I’ve always opted for widely available plywood with 4mm threaded rod bolted through. As with all large AXI motors mo motor mount is supplied so one was knocked up using 1/16”” epoxy board from Macgregor industries.

Building was completed in a sedate week of evenings, all the parts were exceptionally well cut and apart from the hardware no surprises were found

Unfortunately the terrible weather delayed the maiden for a couple of weeks but a break in the clouds one Saturday evening gave me the opportunity I was looking for, the model was put together in a few minutes and after a few static photos a range check was carried out, the range check didn’t go well, the right flap and aileron appeared erratic, everyone present was baffled by this, several ‘theories’ were offered but all to no avail, eventually one of the younger member, Connor asked if it was because the metal spinner was on the ground causing interference, when the model was place with the tail on the ground it passed the range check thank goodness.

The motor was armed and ‘taxied’ out to the runway after a fail safe check was carried out power was applied and the model moved forward, after a few feet it took off with authority, a couple of clicks of left aileron saw the model flying straight and things settled for an innocuous first flight, the landing was uneventful, flaps were not required as the wind was quite strong.

Since completing the model I have had several flights and comfortably get 25 minutes from the batteries, the weather has not been good enough for towing yet but I'll keep you posted.........

[GordonTarling]

I'd be very interested to hear your current draw, Watts etc., as well as how warm the battery is when you land. This is exactly the same battery pack as I'm planning to buy for my 1/4 Piper Pawnee, so any more info you can provide would be very useful.

[staggerwing]

Jimmy,
So is the "Taxi" a real plane & is this a scale model of it ?
Either way, I'd appreciate knowing the size, AU weight & airfoil ----what type of flying is it mean't for ?

Thks
Bob

[Jimmy_H]

I'd be very interested to hear your current draw, Watts etc., as well as how warm the battery is when you land. This is exactly the same battery pack as I'm planning to buy for my 1/4 Piper Pawnee, so any more info you can provide would be very useful.

Gordon amp draw is as the spreadsheet 58A on a 20x10

[Jimmy_H]

Jimmy,
So is the "Taxi" a real plane & is this a scale model of it ?
Either way, I'd appreciate knowing the size, AU weight & airfoil ----what type of flying is it mean't for ?

Thks
Bob

Hi,

I don't know if its a scale version of a real plane, googling the taxi cup doesn't help either, I don't have any scales so cannot weigh the model but I would guess from lifting it that the total is in the region of 16-8lbs, the wing section is semi semetrical constand cord, I am planning to use it as a glider tug.

Take a look ...

on board video (flycamone)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mN8_cBsz1Q

from terra firma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCXkc7VrMIM

[Jimmy_H]

I'd be very interested to hear your current draw, Watts etc., as well as how warm the battery is when you land. This is exactly the same battery pack as I'm planning to buy for my 1/4 Piper Pawnee, so any more info you can provide would be very useful.

Gordon,

i am not pushing these cells at all, the main reason for purchase was for duration and current test indicate that 25 minutes is a resonable estimate for flying.

Previous experiments with towing have found that the average length of tow for reasonable size aircraft is 1:30 (total run time taken from the spin controller) so I should get a confortable 6 tows from a charge.

The packs are barely warm when I land and although there is not 'forced'' cooling in the plane the cavenous fus and the open tail provides good natural ventilation.

James

[GordonTarling]

James - Thanks, very helpful info. FYI, the Graupner Taxi is not a scale model of anything as far as I am aware, but appears to be a melding of many similar light aircraft. I'll be interested to hear how the towing works on that power!

[davecee]

I saw one of these planes crash at a fly-in in Raleigh NC. The vertical stab broke off in flight. I had a close look at the wreckage and if I had that plane I'd make sure to reinforce the vertical stab/fuselage joint. Dave

[Hiflyer]

Hey Guys

The plane that met its premature end in North Carolina was mine. The actual cause of the failure was the result of some damage that happened to the tail on the day before the fateful flight.

The tail was inadvertantly stepped on by another modeler. They looked at the plane and did not see any damage, but did not let anyone with our group know that this incident had occured. What couldn't be seen was that the tail retention device (a nylon part that holds both stabs in place) was sheared. In the next flight during a snap roll the stab slid out enough to let the alignment pins loose, the stab then rotated 90 degrees and was destroyed by the wind. The plane was a total loss. The motor, controller, servos ect did survive but the 10s battery did not.

The point that needs to be made is that the airplane and the tail are perfectly sturdy enough in the kit as it comes, mine failed due to loads on the unit far beyond anything that they were designed to withstand.

Taxi 2400 is a really great flying model and makes an easy to do electric conversion. For any more information regarding what I used in my 2400 you can look it up on the Hobby Lobby website.


Thanks,
Mike Hines

[Chuck McHugh]

Gordon amp draw is as the spreadsheet 58A on a 20x10
Don't go past 10c with those batteries!!! The tabs will not take the amps.I had a pair of them for my Bronco and the heatshrink burned away at the end of the pack also burned the wood on the battery tray. The website shows them as 10c now but I wouldn't trust them past 8c.
Jimmy H, I see that you amp draw is quite low and the tabs should never be a problem just didn't want to see someone else get stuck with a battery that will not handle the load it is rated for.
Chuck

[Jimmy_H]

Chuck,

Thanks for this I don't plan on towing up monster gliders and am really happy with the performance on 58A, the reason for choosing the packs was that they were big and reasonable price and reputation.

I notice the there has been a lot of debate in the battery forum about them but to date (10 flights) I have had no issue, but there again you would hope not as I'm flying at 6C !!!!

The plane is fantastic, very clever use of colour.

[LaxLife]

I picked up one of these in the RCGroups classifieds. I haven't flown it yet but I've spent a good deal of time tweeking it and dialing it into my Tx. I DO NOT like the flap-servo connection. It doesn't have the correct alignment/leverage between the control horn and the servo horn and it over controls and binds. Did you notice this issue on yours?

[Jimmy_H]

I picked up one of these in the RCGroups classifieds. I haven't flown it yet but I've spent a good deal of time tweeking it and dialing it into my Tx. I DO NOT like the flap-servo connection. It doesn't have the correct alignment/leverage between the control horn and the servo horn and it over controls and binds. Did you notice this issue on yours?

Hi,

I've never liked the concealed flap system, my previous 'tug' the multiplex big lift was the same, initally I tried using a reversing Y lead for the flaps but I couldn't get proportional movement out of both flaps, so I opted for a mix on the JR and a further mix on the elevator, they both work well now, I must admit that I was nervous at first as they stil don't move in sync but the end result is the same and after several flights it hasn't caused an issue.

As with most things to do with large planes I think we forget the due to the size of the plane a few mm out of sync has little or no effect.

hope this helps, happy to show pictures / screen shots of the mixing if it would help

[authomassen]

Hi!

I’m considering this plane as an electric tug myself, and I have some questions.

I want to power the plane with an as big A123 pack as possible, a 14s4p pack will weight close to 9 lbs. Is it to heavy, or will the plane handle it? The maxamps pack used here is close to 5.5 lbs.

If the plane can handle the pack it will give me almost the same voltage as a 12s lipo and a capacity of 9200 mAh, and with a generator and two 1000w cc/cv power supplies it can be charged in 13 minutes if completely drained. Perfect for a tug!

The rest of the equipment will be in the same weight range as what’s used in the model discussed in this thread.

What size propeller can the plane handle without modifications? Hoping for at least 22 inches.

Thanks!

[Jimmy_H]

Hi,

THe plane will handle the weight no problems, there is guy flying his with a Steve Neu Bam on 12S 12000 lipos (4 x thunderpower 6S 6000) which will weigh in at 9lbs.

As for prop clearance there is room for a 22" prop and the AXI will handle it although expect a 90A draw !

i like the 13 minute refuel idea and may consider something similar in thefuture, however the hour off towing can be useful, especialy if you are hungry !

[LaxLife]

We maidened our 2400 last week. Here is some video
Axi 5330-18
20" APC
JetiSpin99 ESC
10s, 5000 mAh TP lipos
as you can see more than enough power

Click here to watch Graupner-2400-Electric-Maiden (http://media.putfile.com/Graupner-2400-Electric-Maiden)

827]http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/9/24311542422.jpg[/URL]

[Jimmy_H]

Nice video, it really is a great plane, the control surfaces are very responsive for its size, happy flying .....

[authomassen]

Thank you guys for the good answers!

I have some new ones regarding what powerlevels are needed for towing.

In the club I fly in we have a lot of 3'rd scale sailplanes, the most difficult one to tow is probably the Paritech DG303 acro, wich is a 20-25 lbs highly aerobatic sailplane. However, a 80cc (4.6ci?) equipped tug tows it up without problems. I want to be able to tow planes like this with my taxi.

I have been thinking of three different setups regarding motor/esc beeing as follows:

3000 watt $160 powersystem (unitedhobbies motor/esc)
4000 watt $470 powersystem (axi 5345/14 and phoenix 110HV)
5000 watt $1300 powersystem (neu 2215 and spin 200)

As i live in cold Norway it will not be a problem pushing the powersystems to their maximum levels, at least not for the first 15-20 seconds to get a safe takeoff.

I will start out with the cheapo system just to try it out, but what will I need to safely tow 3'rd scale sailplanes?

[LaxLife]

A limiting factor to power is prop diameter. the Neu2215 is going to need a 22+ inch prop and I bet 26" would be better for that motor. We have mounted the Neu2215/1.5y in a TopFlite Giant Scale P51 with a 24" four bladed prop. On 12s it has incredible power. So start with your maximum prop clearance and once you have the prop diameter pegged work backward to a motor that fits the prop. My guess is that a Neu 1515 would work or an Axi 5330/16 or a Hacker C50-14XL and 10s should be plenty so a Jeti Spin 99 would do just fine.

[Jimmy_H]

Hi,

A friend of mine Jonathan Alpert's setup is pretty unreal, have a search on youtube for jeffersontucker as I think there are some videos of the monster.

Here is the e-mail from him about his setup ...

James:


I own the Taxi 2400 that we are using for aero towing- I use a 12S2P 10,000 mah Thunderpower batteries with a Steve Nu BAM motor with a 6.7:1 planetary gear swinging a 26X15 APC prop and a Castle Creations HV85 speed controller. We have installed a tow release (same as you see in the Gliders front nose) in the top of the fuse behind the trailing edge of the wing. I get about 6 monster tows before having to charge, however after each tow, I land and charge up (uses about 1.5 amps per tow). I use a separate receiver batter pack. Also I have a 12S2P Evo 7400 mah pack as my second set of batteries. They will give me 4 -5 good tows. (by the way, we put a GPS on one of the flights, and we get app 1800-2000 ft up prior to release (WAY UP THERE!)

I had custom landing gear made by TnT Landing Gears to extend the distance between the ground and the prop, as well as the carbon 3” tail gear (also from TnT). Also I use 6” Du Bro balloon tires to help as well. This raises the ground clearance high enough not to get any prop hits.

I can tow just about anything with this set up. The plane will go vertical without a tow and is quite aerobatic. It can climb at an unreal rate with a light 4 meter plane and will towed up my Ventus 3rd scale 5 meter scale plane without any issues, (this plane is heavy!) I have taken it to several aerotow events and everyone who see it performs says the same thing- “Holly s**t- I would not have believed it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes” !

[LaxLife]

A 26" prop is probably right for that power train. Wow! Ask your friend to send some pictures or videos. In particular I'm vexed by the servo to flaps linkage. Mine is binding as it deploys the flaps because the horn-linkage-servo arm overextends itself and gets trapped in a bad place with no mechanical advantage. Anybody got pics or video of their flaps operation? Even simple pics of their flaps setup would be helpful.

[Jimmy_H]

Pictures from my friend Taxi, I haven't had a problem with the flap linkge, did you follow the instructions to the letter ?

[LaxLife]

interesting. totally internal flap servo. It does eliminate the linkage binding problem with external servo arms--control horns. Anyone else have pics of 2400 flap setups?

[Jimmy_H]

idon't have any specific pictures but the setup is as per the original instructions, works a treat and I use standard JR 591 servos for each flap :)

[LaxLife]

Those pics are very helpful. No my flaps aren't setup that way and I'm digging for the parts box to see if I still have the original components and the instructions so that I can retrofit them back into my wings.

[authomassen]

I own the Taxi 2400 that we are using for aero towing- I use a 12S2P 10,000 mah Thunderpower batteries with a Steve Nu BAM motor with a 6.7:1 planetary gear swinging a 26X15 APC prop and a Castle Creations HV85 speed controller.

If this is correct, your friend is pulling less or at least not much more than 85 amps. Thats 12x3,7Vx85A=3774 watts. If this can pull up a 5 mtr glider, then this is going to be less expensive than I feared.

A limiting factor to power is prop diameter. the Neu2215 is going to need a 22+ inch prop and I bet 26" would be better for that motor.

If I go with the 2215/1Y it do have a kv of 1440 compared to the 1.5Y kv of 1020. I think you use the 1.5Y? The 1Y will pull close to 140 :D amps on a 22 inch prop and 14 123 cells, at least according neumotors calculator. If I go with the axi 5345/14 with a kv of 225 I think this one allso will pull enough amps on say a apc 22x12W as well.

[pteromorph]

One of the guys (creeve) in our club (http://www.skss.org) has played with various power systems in his Taxi and seems to have settled on the Neu BAM. There is some info in this thread (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=708772) and videos of the aerotow are here (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=633900&page=3) (post 38 onwards). With the BAM, it's an awesome towplane.

[karl k]

With the factory landing gear and wheels, what size prop can you run?

I'm looking at a 12s2p a123 4600maH setup (close to a 10s lipo setup)with a Hyperion z5045-16 motor. I'm just not sure if I have the room to swing the huge prop.

If I don't have room for a giant 2 blade prop, who knows of some good 3 bladed ones of adequate size that won't break the bank.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Karl

[karl k]

Another question:

Does anyone have or know of where I can get a sim model of this plane for Aerofly Pro Deluxe?

Thanks

Karl

[Jimmy_H]

With the factory landing gear and wheels, what size prop can you run?

I'm looking at a 12s2p a123 4600maH setup (close to a 10s lipo setup)with a Hyperion z5045-16 motor. I'm just not sure if I have the room to swing the huge prop.
Karl

Hi stock clearance on the Taxi is 22" comfort, you may get away with 24 if the surface is very good, If the hyperion is like the AXI 5330/24 then a 10S setup is suited to a 24x12 prop

[karl k]

So, I guess the landing gear should be stretched and larger tires added.

What size tires come with the ARF? Just so I know what size tire I should go to.

Because I fly off of a grass field, I'll have to make up some of my own gear or order some, I guess.

The Axi 5330/24 is rated at 197kv while the Hyperion Z5045-16 is rated at 168kv.
That make for a larger propeller to be used.

The reason I want to use a Hyperion motor on this plane is because of it's extra bearing to support the end bell. From what I hear, this keeps the end bell round even though the forces on the motor are trying to pull it out of round. This helps with keeping the magnets from coming detached from the can.

Thanks for the information. I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future as well.

Karl

[authomassen]

Mine is now pretty much good to go.

It has the following gear in it:
AXI 5345/14
Jeti Spin 200
14s4p A123 50,4V 9200 mAh pack (4,5 kg...)
JR DS821 srevos on ail/flap/ele, hitech 5645 on rudder, 645 on tow release

Going for 4000+ watts/100 amps+ for the first 15-20 seconds for a safe take of when towing, then reduce it simply by using DR to about 3200 watts/80 amps for the rest of the tow.

I don't have an AUW, but the motor, motor mount, esc and batteries totales in at 6,2 kg. It's probably overweight, but I'll give it a try. If its to heavy, I'll put the gear in something like a world models 1/3 scale super cub.

One question, I've set the flaps up on a three way switch, with the throws at 0, 30 and 60 degrees. Is 30 degrees flaps OK for take off?

Will post some pics when I get the beast outside for a run up. Due to bat weather forecast it's going to be a week or so until maiden.

[Gordon]

Hi AU. I just clicked on your name to view your blog page and note that you're an MP! Wow!!. A Member of Parliament flying R/C models!! I wish we had some MPs in our Parliament as sensible and in-touch with reality as you are! (or are you a military policeman in fact ;) )

Now for my proper question :)

Earlier you mentioned using a generator and two 1kW cc/cv psu for field charging. Please will you say which psu you will be using and where one can buy them in Europe. The only suitable ones I've found are from Mastech ( HY5020E and Mastech HY3010E-3 )and they don't seem to be readily available over this side of the Atlantic.

Regards

Gordon

[authomassen]

Hi AU. I just clicked on your name to view your blog page and note that you're an MP! Wow!!. A Member of Parliament flying R/C models!! I wish we had some MPs in our Parliament as sensible and in-touch with reality as you are! (or are you a military policeman in fact ;) )

Now for my proper question :)

Earlier you mentioned using a generator and two 1kW cc/cv psu for field charging. Please will you say which psu you will be using and where one can buy them in Europe. The only suitable ones I've found are from Mastech ( HY5020E and Mastech HY3010E-3 )and they don't seem to be readily available over this side of the Atlantic.

Regards

Gordon

I was a military police, now I do other things but with the same firm. Good thing you mentioned my profile, It has'nt been updatet in quite some time. Member of parlament - no thank you!

I have bought a 5020E from tanicpacks.com, I paid around $60 in shipping. If it work good, I'll get another one, I've wired may packs so that I can charge with two PS's.

I will also repeat my own question; I've set the flaps up on a three way switch, with the throws at 0, 30 and 60 degrees. Is 30 degrees flaps OK for take off?

[Gordon]

Hi AU

Glad we got your employment sorted out ;) and congratulations on your promotion.

Regarding flaps, the 60deg for landing will be fine with lots of lift and a nice helping of drag to let you steepen the landing approach without increasing airspeed. For take-offs the 30deg intermediate flap setting will work, but you might find a 20deg setting better as there'll still be a good extra lift increment but with a useful reduction in drag compared with the 30deg setting. The drag reduction could be handy if you want to use the intermediate setting during glider towing, as at take-off.

Naturally you'll want to experiment with the flap settings following test flights and you might eventually find the 30deg setting will be optimal despite my foregoing comment. Because there'll most likely be a nose-down or nose-up trim change when you deploy the flaps, it'll be advisable not to lower them initially until you have the plane flying at a reasonable height. Then you can watch the model's behaviour, and after the first landing, program in a spot of elevator trim compensation to operate when you lower the flaps.

Whether the nose rises or falls or even stays level when the flaps go down is a feature unique to the plane so is not generally predictable, though maybe Graupner's instructions will have this aspect covered and tell you which way to trim the elevator and by how much.

Thanks for your hint regarding the power supply. I'll look into Tanicpacks. I'm going A123 and this psu should be great for fast charging large packs at the field using a Honda generator.

Regards

Gordon

[authomassen]

My Taxi 2400 is now flight ready, hoping for a maiden on tuesday.

My Taxi looks just like any other, but I'll show you my motor instalation. I've used the espritmodel HD motormount, and just made my own mount for the spin 200 on that one. When/if I get rid of the micrologger the instalation will look cleaner.

I did run the motor some days ago, and on 14s4p A123 and an APC 22x12 wide electric it gave me 97.5 amps and 4270 watta peak reading. Should be OK for sailplane towing.

[Jimmy_H]

That's a lot of power, its really intersting to note the amp draw between the 20x10 @ 48A and the 22x12 at 97A !

I've towed 14lb with no issue and half the pony's of yours, prepare for 1/3 scale !

Post some video if you get chance

thanks for sharing

Jim :)

[karl k]

Which axi motor are you running in that monster?

Karl

[authomassen]

That's a lot of power, its really intersting to note the amp draw between the 20x10 @ 48A and the 22x12 at 97A !

I've towed 14lb with no issue and half the pony's of yours, prepare for 1/3 scale !

Post some video if you get chance

thanks for sharing

Jim :)

I've got the APC wide prop that has a wider blade, probably the same blade area as a 24" prop, also I have the AXI 5345/14 with a kv of 225, you stated earlier that you have the 16 wind with a kv of 197.

Karl K, guess this answers your question as well:-)

[karl k]

Just curious because I am building a Lanier Husky and will be running 12s2p a123's and am shopping for a motor.

I've heard of some problems with the large axi motors, but I guess they have a good warranty!!

I am looking at running the 5345/14 and the largest prop I can fit to hopefully hit my 3000 watt target.

I was mainly looking for a large bush plane when I settled on this model. I may end up using it as a drop plane for model skydivers. I would live it if someone had a sailplane that I could tow up. I fly at a fairly small electric field, though.

Karl

[retflyer]

Just finished putting my Taxi together and found out why there are 2 full sets of fittings. One set contains 2.5mm quick links which I my case the pins fell out when the link was opened, they had not been correctly attached, all the 3mm ones seem ok, suggest you check if you have used any 2.5 ones.

[preditor4u]

These are great planes. I have mine equiped with flight power 7400's and get more than 30 minutes of flying time out of it. Unfortionatly I am going to have to sell it to finish a 33% project I have currently going. The thread is here.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=806066

[authomassen]

Did the maiden on mine today, and got two tows as well.

Plane flies great, though very heavy. My AUW ended on 12.5 kgs or 27 lbs.

My esc and motor is not totally in sync, have to work on that some.

When I was at release height on the second tow my mind shifted into glider mode, and I hit the release switch on my TX. The following three hours was spent searching the tow line, but no luck. I'll gather some friends and try again in the weekend.

Anyway, here is a short video shot with my compact still camera an edited in movie maker, so nothing fancy. Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9492NYmXdKE)

[tulz43]

Now that is one heavy plane!

At any rate how are you guys liking it? I currently fly a senior telemaster. About the same wingspan but would like something a little nicer. If built per the specs of hobby-lobby can it float around like the telemaster?

[Jimmy_H]

I love it, it has a real presence in the air, mine doesn't wiegh quite 27lbs although its quite heavy, i reckon you could eassily get away with an AXI 5330 on a 20x10 and 10S 3700 lipos to make it a floater.

Here is a video of its first outing this year, I changed the prop form a 20x10 to a 22x10 the amps increased to 65 giving power out at 2650W

Just picked up a picolario vario so will check how high she flys when the weather improves

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il_bbsdDAbE

[tulz43]

What kind of amps were you pulling with the 20x10?

[Jimmy_H]

around 45

[Test005]

I know this is electric forum and all, but do you think a 50cc gasoline engine would be OK on this plane?

[authomassen]

An update on my Taxi.

I've been towing some with it, and it tows really big sailplanes with power to spare. The biggest plane I've towed is a 1:2.75 ASW 27, it went effortless. I tow 1:3 scale planes all the time with it.

I did put it on the scale during last weekend, and it stopped on 11.7 kg, a little less than what i thought. The plane can handle this weight OK, but the landing gear is not completly up to the task. I'll try to strengthen it with some wires in the future.

My 5345/14 burned this weekend. I don't blame AXI as I was pulling more than 100 amps continious on the motor speced for 85 amps. On the other hand, when I bought it it was speced to 95 amps continious and 110 amps peak. Guess AXI allso learnt that it will not handle those power levels.

At this point I dont know if I will update the taxi with a new motor, or if I will buy another plane where it will be easier to change between two battery packs. I want he abilety to fly with one pack while I charge the other one, and I dont like the idea of having to take the whole wing off and on every time I change batterypacks.

[authomassen]

I know this is electric forum and all, but do you think a 50cc gasoline engine would be OK on this plane?

Yes.

I have run my taxi with the power levels of a 80cc motor, thogh electric. This has worked just fine.

If I decide to convert my taxi to gas I will use a DL50 on a can or pipe.