Originally Posted by ajbaker

The ESC in this plane runs too hot IMO. So, I moved it to the outside of the plane. On my next arf, I will probably run it on top of the plane in a nicely cut pocket for it. For this plane, it was the quickest way to do it. I will add this post to Page #1 also. If someone else does it another way, I will add theirs, too.
AJ

I like that way of doing it, this is my way just as you said put a pocket on top. Also cut the channel down for the main wires, the other wires could also be shortend and put into that main channel for the motor wires so its hidden. Just take care of the piece to cover that channel or else you just can leave it as cooling. Using velcro under esc, the wires holds it down good enough but a little extra is always ok

Originally Posted by ajbaker

This plane is specifically designed for FPV (V1 mostly) and that additional weight should not be a problem. Make sure you have a lanyard attached to the motor just in case.
AJ

Heheheheh - not a bad idea actually I was going to mount my future gopro with the servocity pan/tilt on my Skywalker, but I might give it a shot on this first and then save the Skywalker for next spring.

I don't think the 450 or 480 have high enough RPM for this plane though. I can't fit a 11x5.5e onto the Skysurfer (well, I can, but I won't have a tail!) so I need a motor that is good for FPV. I have the stock one which I can try to repair I guess.

I bought the eneloop 4 battery charger with 4 batteries plus another pack of 4 batterys for 30 some $. I have made as many as 20 10 min. flights before recharging but usually recharge after 10-12 flights. Anyone know if it's best for max battery life to recharge more frequently? (after 20 flights it took almost 8 hrs to recharge)

Bob

I'm readying myself for ordering parts for building my new Bixler. Unfortunately, I'm still unsure about what motor to use. The original is 2620 at 1950 kV. Since I will be ordering other stuff from Hobby King, I'd rather like to order the motor from there as well. The closest thing I found there is Turning 2826 2200 KV, but that has Imax at 34 Amps, so I would need 40 A ESC. And the power seems to be overkill for this plane, even when it carries GoPro camera. The other suggested option is AXN FloaterJet replacement motor, which seems about right (and has long wire leads, which is a plus).

Is there any other option, preferably orderable from Hobby King?

Originally Posted by jrjr

And then throw them out after one use.

I have Tenergy AA nimh cells that are 5 years old and still work fine. I do cycle them over the winter occasionally but no rigid schedule... just when I think of it. However, this winter I plan to fly inside. Buy once, use for a loooong time. Can't do that with your alky's. My old matched sub c packs from car racing have turned into receiver packs on larger planes, starter power for nitro planes, etc. They just keep going and going and going.... lol

The thing is, and basically my point here, if a set of 8 lasts 3 months, which I well expect.....even if they only last me 2 months, we're talking about only an $8.16 yearly cost. One use or not*, any way you look at it that just ain't much cost! Plus, I'm not gonna be out there flying EVERY weekend. (Cold weather, rain etc.) Compare that $8.16 to the 1-buy cost of ~$40, and there's your 5-year supply, not even figuring the cost of your recharger into the equation, and the electricity to run it.

*Which they wouldn't be (re one use) as, I swap batteries out of 'critical' appliances while there's still good juice left, & use them to power like, flashlights, clocks...anything with low-energy demands.

YMMV and I got no problems with that....but it works for me!

I can't get the prop adapter off my Bixler. I've tried heating it with a soldering iron, hot water, and even wd-40, but it just won't come off. To those who have been successful, how much force did you have to use? I just don't want to bend the shaft. I'm about ready to drill out the 6X4 prop I have and be done with it.

Originally Posted by dmoshiloh

I can't get the prop adapter off my Bixler. I've tried heating it with a soldering iron, hot water, and even wd-40, but it just won't come off. To those who have been successful, how much force did you have to use? I just don't want to bend the shaft. I'm about ready to drill out the 6X4 prop I have and be done with it.

Did you try the method described on page 1 post 3 item 3?

Originally Posted by StarHopper44

The thing is, and basically my point here, if a set of 8 lasts 3 months, which I well expect.....even if they only last me 2 months, we're talking about only an $8.16 yearly cost. One use or not*, any way you look at it that just ain't much cost! Plus, I'm not gonna be out there flying EVERY weekend. (Cold weather, rain etc.) Compare that $8.16 to the 1-buy cost of ~$40, and there's your 5-year supply, not even figuring the cost of your recharger into the equation, and the electricity to run it.

*Which they wouldn't be (re one use) as, I swap batteries out of 'critical' appliances while there's still good juice left, & use them to power like, flashlights, clocks...anything with low-energy demands.

YMMV and I got no problems with that....but it works for me!

I suppose it is probably a wash as far as cost goes in the long run. The new rechargeables seem to keep going for ever, although that was not the case with some of the older versions. Convenience would seem to be on the side of the standard throw away batteries but that shuffling of batteries from critical use to non critical use sounds like a hassle to me. I would rather just stick them in the charger when they are getting weak and have fresh batteries next time I need them.

The thing that really decides it for me is that I just hate anything 'throw away'. When I think of the energy spent in mining the materials and then processing them to produce the batteries, and then even more in reprocessing them again in recycling (you are not just throwing them in the trash I hope) I just can't use single use batteries anymore. It's a green thing to me. Like you said, YMMV.

Gord

Originally Posted by flyvertigo

Did you try the method described on page 1 post 3 item 3?

Yes, I tried that after heating the adapter etc.

Originally Posted by StarHopper44

The thing is, and basically my point here, if a set of 8 lasts 3 months, which I well expect.....even if they only last me 2 months, we're talking about only an $8.16 yearly cost. One use or not*, any way you look at it that just ain't much cost! Plus, I'm not gonna be out there flying EVERY weekend. (Cold weather, rain etc.) Compare that $8.16 to the 1-buy cost of ~$40, and there's your 5-year supply, not even figuring the cost of your recharger into the equation, and the electricity to run it.

*Which they wouldn't be (re one use) as, I swap batteries out of 'critical' appliances while there's still good juice left, & use them to power like, flashlights, clocks...anything with low-energy demands.

YMMV and I got no problems with that....but it works for me!

I have a couple of 72mhz xmitters and planes in the garage that I use to fly my "front yard" evening planes. I have Alkaline cells in them and they are still working after 2+years and 100+ flights. One use..... Hmmmm. I don't think so. That is a little too pessimistic for me.
This is one of those areas that has many "right" answers. All choices have their pros and cons. Personally, for my SkyS planes, I use LiPo's in of my transmitters with a voltage drop diode and a low cell alarm. Down side - When LVC goes off on the liPo, there is no such thing as getting one more flight - with the other choices, I can get at least one more flight. The big upside-I only charge them once a month if I fly a LOT. If I took an average over a year, I charge them (3 xmitters) once every 4 months. I have not tried Enloops or Tenergy yet (I thought they were the same thing). But, there seems to be no downside to them. Maybe someone else knows one.
AJ
P.S. Went flying today. BEAUTIFUL. But, I cannot find my camera or I would have a flight video. I think someone took it from my flight box. As usual, though, "If it isn't on video, it didn't happen".

Originally Posted by dmoshiloh

Yes, I tried that after heating the adapter etc.

Grab a 17/64 drill, pop it in your drill press & have at it, dude.
Then balance the prop & slap it on -- there ain't a thang wrong with the stock adapter.

Originally Posted by ajbaker

AJ
P.S. Went flying today. BEAUTIFUL. But, I cannot find my camera or I would have a flight video. I think someone took it from my flight box. As usual, though, "If it isn't on video, it didn't happen".

Was Gene anywhere around?

Originally Posted by StarHopper44

Was Gene anywhere around?

Good point. I am not sure. But, I am suspicious now.
AJ

Check out www.headsuprc.com. They will take care you WELL.
SARG5

FWIW, regarding "rechargeable or alkaline batteries", I switched 2 years ago to Powerex AA NiMh 2700mAh batteries. I use them in just about everything I own that requires AA batteries including LED flashlights, transister radios, my R/C transmitters, a scanner, two Canon cameras (A-590 IS & SX-10 IS), and two CO detectors. For charging I use a MAHA 8-cell charger that can Fast charge, Soft charge, or "balance" charge 8 cells at a time. I started with the charger and 8 cells and have added 32 cells over the 2 years because I found them so convenient and long lasting on a charge. I would say on average I charge them roughly 5 times per year, maybe more often for the batteries in my cameras and less often for the radios and CO detectors. This may or may not be the least expensive way to go, but I never have to wonder if I have enough alkalines in the house.