Hey Guys

I've decided to start my Seagull Models PC9 1.20 project after having the kit for over a year. I guess with spring time approaching I'm getting the bug for a new project.

Do any of you have this model? I'm trying to get a better idea of what I need as far as an electric setup.

I plan on using the Turnigy RotoMax 1.20 Outrunner, with the Turnigy dlux 160a HV esc on a 8s system (2 x 4s 4000mah - 5000mah), and a SBEC with 2s for the servos.

RotoMax Specs:

Battery: 8 Cell /29.6V
RPM: 280kv
Max current: 65A
Watts: 1924w
No load current: 29.6V/1.55A
Internal resistance: 0.027 ohm
Weight: 622g
Diameter of shaft: 8mm
Suggested ESC: 80A 8S Compatible
Suggested Prop: 19x10" or 20x10" APC

Turnigy dlux 160a Specs:

Max Cont Current: 160A
Max Burst Current: 180A
BEC: N/A
LiPo: 6~12S
NiMH: 16~36cells
Weight: 157grams
Max RPM (2-pole): 200,000rpm
Size: 83 x 33 x 23mm

For a more scale appearance I want to use a 3-blade (15.75x13 APC) or a 4-blade (15.5x12 APC) prop, and I want to use servoless retracts (oleo struts) vs the mechanical retracts that included in the kit.

I will test each prop and esc settings to see which provides the best power. I've heard that 200-300 watt per flight pound is the desired power. This this true? I think this model weighs 10 to 12 lbs.

Any input and advise would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Kingair,
200 to 300 watts/Lb. is 3D ratio I shoot for 120 - 175 watts/Lb. for nice scale flight and and some in reserve. With the weight you have stated I'd shoot for 1600 to 2000 watts and she should rip. I have 2 60e sized planes at 9 & 10,5 lbs. running on 1400 watts and they do not lack for power and fly very well. I'm currently building a Seagull models T-6A 90e, is supposed to come in ~ 11lbs and I'm motoring up for 1500 - 1600 watts using the same propeller you want to use. Good luck.

Rick

I just happened to purchased this plane and it's on the way to me. I did some reading on previous builds (all gas), and have learned this plane tend to be nose heavy requiring adding tail weights, so you might want to find a light motor to put in the nose. Also the wing loading of 35 is a bit on the high side. So I am going to try and build her as light as possible.

A fellow club member flies a similar plane, Seagull Super Tucano, on a 6S setup, and it flies very well. I might just duplicate his setup to keep it light. He uses E-Flite 60-120 retracts on his and other than occasional hiccup on nose gear (it cycles instead of staying locked), it is holding up well.

Here are some reads over on the other forum:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...rticle_id=1402
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_91...tm.htm#9188141

Good luck on the build, and please post tips along the process. I will check back with anything I find as well.

Stephen

Thanks for replying guys. I'll do some research on a 6s system, which would work perfect has I already have 6s 5000mah batteries . I plan on using the turnigy servoless retracts with oleo struts. Once I find which ones will work, I'll post links.

very interested in this thread, looking at buying this kit from the website and doing an electric set up rather than nitro - im a complete beginner but want something to build while i learn and become proficient enough to fly this type of thing.

Originally Posted by Stevos

very interested in this thread, looking at buying this kit from the website and doing an electric set up rather than nitro - im a complete beginner but want something to build while i learn and become proficient enough to fly this type of thing.

Stevos - This should be a fun plane, I ordered my motor and ESC and should have them in hand in a week or so.

May I ask what your learning to fly on? From what I have read, this plane isn't for beginners.

I ran into a guy building a P-51 with about an 8' wingspan. He was wondering what size electric motor it would take. Holy Cow! Any ideas?

Originally Posted by kingair301hc

Stevos - This should be a fun plane, I ordered my motor and ESC and should have them in hand in a week or so.

May I ask what your learning to fly on? From what I have read, this plane isn't for beginners.

I have 7 planes - been in the hobby for 3 months

I have only flown 3 of them -
The hobbyzone Champ
The Parkzone Ultra Micro T28 Trojan
The Hobbyzone Glassier Sportsman

I also have 4 other planes that i will not attempt to fly without being proficient with the Sportsman:
Hangar 9 p51 Mustang Progressive Trainer System - (nitro)
Artech p51 mustang
FMS p51 Mustang
Parkzone Corsair.


The aim is to have something to keep me occupied so i don't go out and buy more planes the girlfriend is sorta getting a bit tired of it already haha.

I really have a soft spot for the roulette's seeing them a few times a year its pretty much the only other plane i want to add to my hangar besides a p3 orion but haven't found a kit for that yet.


What is the quality of the Seagull kit like? Is it worth the $300 investment? why are you swapping out these retracts?

I have several of their kits and like them a lot. Good quality at a good price. A bit heavy as some are designed for both gas and electric. The supplied retracts are mechanical and difficult to install and maintain. Plenty of good electric retracts out there which will do the job as well without all the mechanical hassle.

I am in the planning phase for my Seagull Super Tucano which will have a sound system as well as electrical retracts.

Originally Posted by Stevos

very interested in this thread, looking at buying this kit from the website and doing an electric set up rather than nitro - im a complete beginner but want something to build while i learn and become proficient enough to fly this type of thing.

Stevos, also take a look at the Phoenix Top Model PC-9. A mate built one up recently and it was superb. Fantastically easy battery and fuselage access - the whole top including the canopy comes off. Nice air retracts too (see my Corsair thread for a fill solution).

Originally Posted by scirocco

Stevos, also take a look at the Phoenix Top Model PC-9. A mate built one up recently and it was superb. Fantastically easy battery and fuselage access - the whole top including the canopy comes off. Nice air retracts too (see my Corsair thread for a fill solution).

id need to get a R decal done for the back tail other then that this model does look ok, not to sure which way i will go, the Seagull one does have spares easy to buy so thats what makes me think ill go with the seagull

After hinging all the control surfaces, I'm at the motor installation step now. Seeing how heavy the fuse and wings are, I suspect a 6S power system will not suffice. But a 110/120 size motor will require 8-12S pack, which would definitely make this plane nose heavy. May have to mount the batteries in the middle of fuse.

Video I found on a 8s conversion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTyvGcJE19U

7s conversion:

Steve's 120 size PC-9 by Seagull HEMFC (5 min 58 sec)

Originally Posted by Stevos

I have 7 planes - been in the hobby for 3 months

I have only flown 3 of them -
The hobbyzone Champ
The Parkzone Ultra Micro T28 Trojan
The Hobbyzone Glassier Sportsman

I also have 4 other planes that i will not attempt to fly without being proficient with the Sportsman:
Hangar 9 p51 Mustang Progressive Trainer System - (nitro)
Artech p51 mustang
FMS p51 Mustang
Parkzone Corsair.


The aim is to have something to keep me occupied so i don't go out and buy more planes the girlfriend is sorta getting a bit tired of it already haha.

I really have a soft spot for the roulette's seeing them a few times a year its pretty much the only other plane i want to add to my hangar besides a p3 orion but haven't found a kit for that yet.


What is the quality of the Seagull kit like? Is it worth the $300 investment? why are you swapping out these retracts?

Stevos-

The parkzone corsair is a great and durable bird. I've been flying one since they came out and its proven to be my favorite foamie

The quality of this kit is amazing if you ask me. I haven't began the build yet but from what I have seen I am very impressed with the craftsmanship. As far as the retracts go - HighFly is correct. I dont see a reason to use mechanical retracts in this day in age. They are very difficult to setup and maintain and for the price of retract servos you could save a little and get servoless metal retracts.

I ordered a pair of turnigy metal servoless retracts to test. Hopefully they will work well and I'll throw 'em in the PC9 with robart struts.

I'm planning on starting my biuld here in the next few days - Once my servos arrive, motor and esc should arrive a week after the servos. I'll keep you all updated with pics along the way. I have decided to go with a 8s 4500-5000 system with either 2 x 4s or 6s + 2s in series. I'd like to go the 6s + 2s since I could use the 6S batteries on other models. Got to maximize our resources right

These are some mods I'm thinking about.

Flaps, nose gear doors, and possibly a removable canopy to center the battery which will aid in solveing the COG issue that others are having without making the model heaiver.

i ended up going the Phoenix model pc9 as i couldnt find any seagull models with retracts in Australia.