Could someone recommend what i should change in this configuration to get better performance than what i have now?

Zagi 400 plane flying weight = 23 oz
7cell 650mah battery
Graupner 480 competition motor
Jeti 25 speed control
tried both 6.5X4 and 5.5X4 prop (neither fly well)

I thought that i would see this plane scream thru the air by upgrading to this new motor, but the thing is very sluggish and
slow. My stock prop and 400 motor out perform this setup. Do I need different batteries, different prop? Could someone help me out here. I dont want to have wasted my money going to the 480, shouldnt i see a huge performance difference now?

Thanks for any advice.

Mr. Foam.

Use eight cells. What kind of cells are the 650s? What Graupner # is on the motor?

mw

Though i am not at home rite now, the motor is GR6304L 7.2V (a reverse rotation motor made for pusher planes). The cells are Sanyo. Dont have the rest of info off hand though. The batteries are about 2 yrs old, but dont have more than 35 flights on them.
Ill post the exact cell specs tonight.

Would going to 8 cell and higher capacity batteries also help power (probably stupid question, but hey, i dont know the answer!)?

Mr. Foam

Another battery tip - If you are looking for power use Nicd cells rather than NiMH, in general they have a higher discharge rate.

I agree with the 8 cell suggestion.

Good Luck!

RPatrick

Ahhh, Mark nailed the problem with his motor # question.

A 7.2 motor like your Speed 480 Reverse should be run on 8-10 cells...preferably 10 cells.

Your original speed 400 was 6volt, your new is 7.2. That's why the old flies better.

7 cells on the stock speed 400 is not all that great to begin with. I'm surprised it flies with the 480 7.2v.

You're definately going to want to go to 10 cells. Every additional cell add 1.2 volts.

A better combo would be a 6v 480 with 8 cells

Wow, thanks for all your input..Im leaving town for this week so no flying but ill give that 10 cell pack a try next week, and possibly look at exchanging the motor for a 6v motor.

thanks again.

Mr. Foam

I fly 3 different zagi clones and P-cat on that motor. Don't exchange it for a 6v yet. I use 8cells and anything from 800ar, 1400ae and 1300cp with a Master Airscrew 5.5x4.5. It's a great balance of perfomance and flight times. Make sure you have the prop facing the right way.

What mrneutron said.

mw

Had a chance to finally fly with a 10 cell. My zagi now screams through the air as i hoped it would. Thanks for all the help!!