So which one is it???

I'm using an Astro 020 in my Zagi. When using a 5.5/5.5 cam speed prop I get amazing vertical performance, but my flight times are only about 1 1/2 minutes. I switched to a 4.7/4.7 cam, and I have great performance and about 3-4 minute flight times

[This message has been edited by Adam in Toronto (edited 05-17-2001).]

I understand someone has strapped an Aerotech E15 on a Zagi. Should be really fast, but burn time is only a little over 2 seconds .

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

- Roger

Originally posted by gnofliwr:
I understand someone has strapped an Aerotech E15 on a Zagi. Should be really fast, but burn time is only a little over 2 seconds .

... the Zagi and the prop spun in opposite directions at the same RPM?

yeah and my simple promax 4014 14 turn with a fourbladed prop kicked its ass all over. to bad i get longer runs with consistant torque than you astro .020 no matter how hard or tight i pull loops does inverted loops and faster top end its a damn shame i only spent 64.00 hell i think im gonna cry !
darn i didnt spend 200.00 your combo must be
better you spent more money right :-)

For a cheap but VERY fast combination the tried and true Multiplex 450 Turbo and 8x800ARs sounds like the way to GO.

mw

The combo that Mark described is great with an Aeronaut 6.5x4 prop. It howls.

I run an Astro 020 in my 400X. I tried a few props and am very happy with the CAM 4.7 x 4.7. I get about 14 minutes at full throttle with great speed. 17 minutes with throttle management. I have also logged 40 minute flights with thermals - could have gone more - but wasn't going to risk the battery going flat.
It is a bit expensive at $200 - but keep in mind that the speed controller comes with it. I priced others and found that you come close to the same price after you buy everything.

One person say the astro gets 3 and a half mins..And one says they get 17 mins...SO whos telling the truth????

He has longer flight times because he's using larger batteries(1700 mah I think). His plane lasts much longer, but i'd bet mine goes faster because its lighter

I have a regular Zagi with RS 1600 Nimhx8, 500ARx8 and 800 ARx8. I flew it with the regular s400 motor first. OK. Then I saw the astro 020. What a difference! 1.5 minutes 500 AR and they are HOT. 5" 1600Nimh and they are so hot they melt the glue on the velcro attachments. I have not tried this with the 800 AR. I am a little worried about the amp draw, as I am already close to 20 or so.

I then bought for comparison a Permax 450 turbo and 6.5x4 prop with my 800 AR cells. I would say performance is at least equal to the Astro 020 with 1600 Nimh cells. I have yet to compare the 800 AR cells. I was using a cox 5x3.5 3 blade pusher prop with the astro, so it's hard to make an apples/apples comparison. I would have to send it back to astroflight for retiming if I want to use the 6.5x4. As I am so happy with the Permax 450 I will probably keep the astro for a fast s400 pylon if I ever get up the nerve, or if I don't sell it first.

The permax setup: 8x800AR Jeti 35 Permax 450 turbo and 6.5x4 cam prop=about $130 (3" full throttle or so...)

The astro setup: 1600 Nimh RS x8 Astro 020 and controller, cox prop = $226 or so. (5"+full throttle)

My zagi is a bit heavy, too, for "structural integrity" (It was my trainer...)

DPW

My friends use a Norvel .061 with a tornado 6x4 prop. and a 4 oz. gas tank. That setup CRANKS OUT THE POWER for over 10 minutes.

Adam -
You may want to try the 1700 packs - it will turn the motor faster. I had a 400 with this motor running 8 x 600AE batteries and the current draw would immediately drop the voltage of the battery causing it to spin slower.
I built a new 400X using no fiber tape and no covering tape. I installed 2 3/16th's carbon fiber rods and covered with econocote. This saved tons of weight and it is not much heavier than the stock 400. I run 1700 packs and get 14 minutes at full out. I made the battery bay longer in the front as it wouldn't balance out with the size provided. And it still fits the 600AE's and will balance with them all the way forward (good thing - I have 8 of those packs).
I decided that since I had such a weight savings that I added blinking landing lights for night flight. Neon will be coming soon.

I also covered my Zagi with film and have also placed a carbon fiber rod too. I have decided to go with 10 500 mah batterries. It will not solve my duration problem, but my Zagi would outperform almost every other one.

What motor do you use 10 cells on Adam? What is your duration?

Also, is a speed 450 stronger than a speed 480?

And, what duration do you get, Andy, with a speed 450 and 8 800AR cells? Are these the same 800AR's they sell at tower hobbies for rx packs and individual "fast-charge" cells?

Thanks,
Austin Carpenter