Another Electric Conversion of the Hangar 9 Sukhoi

Geoff Dryer · Oct 04, 2008, 05:00 PM

I decided to buy the Hangar 9 Sukhoi SU-26MM for my next project. I managed to get it just before the price went up by $200.00
(http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Def...ProdID=HAN1225)

Because I am an electric flyer I decided do do this as an electric conversion.
I thought I would try the low end (price) motor and ESC first to see if they are up to the task. I purchased the HXT 80-100-130 motor and the Turnigy Sentilon 100A speed controller ( http://www.hobby-city.com). Total investment was about $250.00. I wanted to make sure that this combination would work running using 12S lipos. I will likely run 4-6S packs in a 12S-2P configuration.

In order to test the motor I built a test stand that would allow me to also measure thrust using a digital fish scale.

HXT 80-100-130 motor
Turnigy Sentilon 100A speed controller
Xoar 27x10 propeller
4- 6S Hyperion LVX 5000 batteries 12S-2P

40 lbs 11 oz thrust
116 Amps
5215 Watts

The bad new is speed controller loses timing with the motor when I moved the throttle too quickly. I tried the timing settings on the speed controller. I already had it on the high timing setting which was definately the best. It will however work fine if I am gentle on the throttle but this will not likely work too well when hovering, so I guess I am in the market for a better speed controller. Anybody have any ideas!

I am using the same Turnigy Speed Controller on my Hyperion YAK 180 (Hyperion motor) and it works just fine. I guess that the programming was not designed for the mass of the big HXT motor.

More details later on the build of the plane.

Yardbee · Oct 04, 2008, 05:13 PM

Hi Geoff: Have You Looked Into the Castle Creations HV 110 Speed Controller? The Specs Do Not List the Maximum Burst Current, But Will Run @ 110 Amps Continuous.

Cheers: Joe

jfetter · Oct 04, 2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff Dryer

HXT 80-100-130 motor
Turnigy Sentilon 100A speed controller
Xoar 27x10 propeller
4- 6S Hyperion LVX 5000 batteries 12S-2P

40 lbs 11 oz thrust
116 Amps
5215 Watts

Geoff,

What are you seeing for RPM's?

Jack

appleflyer · Oct 04, 2008, 06:41 PM

cool, im doing a similar conversion here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=901041

i would like to see how this one is going turn out.

appleflyer · Oct 04, 2008, 06:45 PM

what watt meter are you using for that?

Geoff Dryer · Oct 04, 2008, 07:53 PM

AppleFlyer - I was already following your thread with interest. I was trying to avoid purchasing an expensive (but probably really great) Jeti ESC.

I just found a fellow club member who can lend me a Castle 110HV for testing. We have not had too much luck with the Castle HV controllers in our club though.

I am using a Watt's Up meter that did not smoke at 115 Amps so I am impressed.

JFetter - I don;t have an RPM meter but If I can borrow one I will send you the numbers.

bsipro · Oct 04, 2008, 09:05 PM

hey Geoff Dryer
I'm glad to se you started your project. I would see what type of performance you get out of using 12s 1p 5000mah. I think you can get the same performance with a lot less weight. I have been flying my suk on 12s 2p 4200mah and the flying weight is 23.5lb. if you can save 3.lb on li-po's and 1-2 lb. on the motor / esc that will bet you in the 19lb. range. the guys at 3D hobby are flying a 35% close to that weight on 12s1p 5000mah. If I were to to redo my suk I would look in to a lighter motor than the Hacker A100 it is 4.5lb and it needs a lot of mah.
you will need to add wieght to the nose of the plane if you have a light motor. mine was right on CG but the motor and ESC is the same weight as the DA85
you should be in good shape if you keep the RX batterys up front and the lipos on the fuel tank mount
let me know if you have any questions i will be following your build
Ron

Geoff Dryer · Oct 05, 2008, 01:52 AM

Hello BSIPRO;

I contemplated a Neu geared motor and Steve Neu sugggested a 1527 1.5Y. The issue is that this light motor would likely require weight in the nose of the plane even if I pushed the batteries as far forward as possible.

I have ordered the Flightpower Evolite 6s 4270 packs. They are only 580 grams each. At a 100 amps I came to the conclusion that a 2P configuration would be necessary.

jfetter · Oct 05, 2008, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff Dryer

Hello BSIPRO;

I contemplated a Neu geared motor and Steve Neu sugggested a 1527 1.5Y. The issue is that this light motor would likely require weight in the nose of the plane even if I pushed the batteries as far forward as possible.

I have ordered the Flightpower Evolite 6s 4270 packs. They are only 580 grams each. At a 100 amps I came to the conclusion that a 2P configuration would be necessary.

I think he was saying that the Turnigy seems completely overweight (some 1,600 grams) compared to the larger Hacker and Axi motors at half that weight which people routinely use to power 50cc conversions (5330's and A60's)...

Jack

MarkF · Oct 05, 2008, 06:01 PM

My Neu powered 30% yak came out way tail heavy. So I took the 2 elevator servos out of the tail and moved only 1 of them into the fuse and made a double pull pull system. I had to add 2 lbs of lead to get my plane to ballance before and it weighed over 20 lbs. Since my mod it now weighs in at 18.7 lbs. It took a little work to do but was worth it to save all that weight.

Mark

Geoff Dryer · Oct 05, 2008, 08:13 PM

MarkF - Which Yak is that?

MarkF · Oct 05, 2008, 09:42 PM

It's the 30% magichand yak from TBM.

Mark

Geoff Dryer · Oct 05, 2008, 10:07 PM

Here are the components (other than the motor and ESC) that I have sourced for this project:

4 - FlightPower Evolite 6S-4270 batteries (580g each)
JR-790 PCM Receiver
Smart-Fly Power Expander Pro with failsafe switch
Duralite 2 cell A123 receiver pack (2300 mah)
3 - Hitec HS-5955TG servos
2 - Hitec HS-5985 servos
4 - MPI 1.25" aluminum servo arms (MXKA1251 www.maxxprod.com)
1 - MPI 1.5" aluminum servo arm (MXKA1501 www.maxxprod.com)
3 - 36" Hitec heavy duty twisted servo extensions
1 - 24" Hitec heavy duty twisted servo extensions
4 - 12" Hitec heavy duty twisted servo extensions
M5 x 60mm bolt to attach the spinner to the HXT motor
MPI 3.75" aluminum spinner
5" aluminum hub main wheels (grass fields)
1.75" tail wheel

The plane comes with all surfaces hinged and sealed (except the rudder). The only real work so far is installing the pilot, dash and gluing the windscreen to the canopy. Gluing the canopy turned out to be a real pain as it is difficult to hold the windscreen in place while the glue dries. I used lots of masking tape.

With the big servos running at 6V I decided to use a Smart-Fly Power Expander. This provides power for the servos rather than running power through the receiver. The failsafe switch is electronic so no worries about a mechanical switch failure. The Power Expander also provides regulated 5V for the receiver. The Duralite A123 pack has a built in balancer.

appleflyer · Oct 06, 2008, 10:31 AM

nice. so you are building a sukhoi in this thread, and the cap 580 in you're other thread?

Geoff Dryer · Oct 06, 2008, 11:21 AM

FlyRobert is building the Cap. We just happen to be using the same HXT motor.

Oct 04, 2008, 05:00 PM	#1
Geoff Dryer Turnigy Sponsored Pilot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 488	Another Electric Conversion of the Hangar 9 Sukhoi I decided to buy the Hangar 9 Sukhoi SU-26MM for my next project. I managed to get it just before the price went up by $200.00 (http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Def...ProdID=HAN1225) Because I am an electric flyer I decided do do this as an electric conversion. I thought I would try the low end (price) motor and ESC first to see if they are up to the task. I purchased the HXT 80-100-130 motor and the Turnigy Sentilon 100A speed controller ( http://www.hobby-city.com). Total investment was about $250.00. I wanted to make sure that this combination would work running using 12S lipos. I will likely run 4-6S packs in a 12S-2P configuration. In order to test the motor I built a test stand that would allow me to also measure thrust using a digital fish scale. HXT 80-100-130 motor Turnigy Sentilon 100A speed controller Xoar 27x10 propeller 4- 6S Hyperion LVX 5000 batteries 12S-2P 40 lbs 11 oz thrust 116 Amps 5215 Watts The bad new is speed controller loses timing with the motor when I moved the throttle too quickly. I tried the timing settings on the speed controller. I already had it on the high timing setting which was definately the best. It will however work fine if I am gentle on the throttle but this will not likely work too well when hovering, so I guess I am in the market for a better speed controller. Anybody have any ideas! I am using the same Turnigy Speed Controller on my Hyperion YAK 180 (Hyperion motor) and it works just fine. I guess that the programming was not designed for the mass of the big HXT motor. More details later on the build of the plane. Attached Thumbnails The test stand uses a pivot arm supported by a lazy susan stand. The plastic container holds the counter-weights. The whole contraption is mounted to a Black&Decker WorkMate stand. I also tied the stand to my house using a rope. 112.8 KB · Views: 955 The big motor and the 27 inch propeller 94.7 KB · Views: 768 The digital fish scale will measure up to 50 lbs. 71.8 KB · Views: 471 Last edited by Geoff Dryer; Oct 04, 2008 at 05:07 PM.

Oct 04, 2008, 06:41 PM	#4
appleflyer Fly DW foamies! Join Date: May 2006 Location: longmont, CO Posts: 1,119	cool, im doing a similar conversion here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=901041 i would like to see how this one is going turn out. Last edited by appleflyer; Oct 01, 2009 at 02:18 PM.

Oct 05, 2008, 06:01 PM	#10
MarkF Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Orange, California, United States Posts: 384	My Neu powered 30% yak came out way tail heavy. So I took the 2 elevator servos out of the tail and moved only 1 of them into the fuse and made a double pull pull system. I had to add 2 lbs of lead to get my plane to ballance before and it weighed over 20 lbs. Since my mod it now weighs in at 18.7 lbs. It took a little work to do but was worth it to save all that weight. Mark Attached Thumbnails 45.4 KB · Views: 688

Oct 05, 2008, 09:42 PM	#12
MarkF Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Orange, California, United States Posts: 384	It's the 30% magichand yak from TBM. Mark Attached Thumbnails 36.6 KB · Views: 402

Oct 05, 2008, 10:07 PM	#13
Geoff Dryer Turnigy Sponsored Pilot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 488	The Build Here are the components (other than the motor and ESC) that I have sourced for this project: 4 - FlightPower Evolite 6S-4270 batteries (580g each) JR-790 PCM Receiver Smart-Fly Power Expander Pro with failsafe switch Duralite 2 cell A123 receiver pack (2300 mah) 3 - Hitec HS-5955TG servos 2 - Hitec HS-5985 servos 4 - MPI 1.25" aluminum servo arms (MXKA1251 www.maxxprod.com) 1 - MPI 1.5" aluminum servo arm (MXKA1501 www.maxxprod.com) 3 - 36" Hitec heavy duty twisted servo extensions 1 - 24" Hitec heavy duty twisted servo extensions 4 - 12" Hitec heavy duty twisted servo extensions M5 x 60mm bolt to attach the spinner to the HXT motor MPI 3.75" aluminum spinner 5" aluminum hub main wheels (grass fields) 1.75" tail wheel The plane comes with all surfaces hinged and sealed (except the rudder). The only real work so far is installing the pilot, dash and gluing the windscreen to the canopy. Gluing the canopy turned out to be a real pain as it is difficult to hold the windscreen in place while the glue dries. I used lots of masking tape. With the big servos running at 6V I decided to use a Smart-Fly Power Expander. This provides power for the servos rather than running power through the receiver. The failsafe switch is electronic so no worries about a mechanical switch failure. The Power Expander also provides regulated 5V for the receiver. The Duralite A123 pack has a built in balancer. Attached Thumbnails Nice aluminum hub wheels that I have used on other projects. Very durable. 61.1 KB · Views: 258 I salvaged a canopy latch from a crashed plane. This will allow me to open the canopy without undoing bolts. I will also add some magnets later. 44.0 KB · Views: 240 Nice and reasonably priced MPI aluminum servo arms. All other hardware came with the plane. 61.5 KB · Views: 269 I moved the blind nuts to the outside of the canopy This made for a more snug fit. I will not be using the bolts but rather relying on magnets and the canopy latch 52.0 KB · Views: 234 The Power Expander and receiver battery. 80.7 KB · Views: 287 The plane came with a piece of hardwood as part of the packing material I decided to use this for the motor standoffs. 1.5" length were required. The bolts are 1/4-20. 59.6 KB · Views: 209 I opened up a cooling hole under the bottom of the fuselage 55.0 KB · Views: 224 I had heard from a couple of people that they had trouble with the windscreen blowing out. I carved and added a piece of foam under the canopy to deflect the air. 66.8 KB · Views: 231 The fuselage is taking shape. I need to install the receiver. The final work will need to wait until I get the batteries. 91.2 KB · Views: 391 Last edited by Geoff Dryer; Oct 05, 2008 at 10:13 PM.

Oct 04, 2008, 05:13 PM	#2
Yardbee Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kapowsin, Washington Posts: 387	Hi Geoff: Have You Looked Into the Castle Creations HV 110 Speed Controller? The Specs Do Not List the Maximum Burst Current, But Will Run @ 110 Amps Continuous. Cheers: Joe

Oct 04, 2008, 06:45 PM	#5
appleflyer Fly DW foamies! Join Date: May 2006 Location: longmont, CO Posts: 1,119	what watt meter are you using for that?

Oct 04, 2008, 07:53 PM	#6
Geoff Dryer Turnigy Sponsored Pilot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 488	AppleFlyer - I was already following your thread with interest. I was trying to avoid purchasing an expensive (but probably really great) Jeti ESC. I just found a fellow club member who can lend me a Castle 110HV for testing. We have not had too much luck with the Castle HV controllers in our club though. I am using a Watt's Up meter that did not smoke at 115 Amps so I am impressed. JFetter - I don;t have an RPM meter but If I can borrow one I will send you the numbers.

Oct 04, 2008, 09:05 PM	#7
bsipro Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ithaca NY Posts: 143	hey Geoff Dryer I'm glad to se you started your project. I would see what type of performance you get out of using 12s 1p 5000mah. I think you can get the same performance with a lot less weight. I have been flying my suk on 12s 2p 4200mah and the flying weight is 23.5lb. if you can save 3.lb on li-po's and 1-2 lb. on the motor / esc that will bet you in the 19lb. range. the guys at 3D hobby are flying a 35% close to that weight on 12s1p 5000mah. If I were to to redo my suk I would look in to a lighter motor than the Hacker A100 it is 4.5lb and it needs a lot of mah. you will need to add wieght to the nose of the plane if you have a light motor. mine was right on CG but the motor and ESC is the same weight as the DA85 you should be in good shape if you keep the RX batterys up front and the lipos on the fuel tank mount let me know if you have any questions i will be following your build Ron

Oct 05, 2008, 01:52 AM	#8
Geoff Dryer Turnigy Sponsored Pilot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 488	Hello BSIPRO; I contemplated a Neu geared motor and Steve Neu sugggested a 1527 1.5Y. The issue is that this light motor would likely require weight in the nose of the plane even if I pushed the batteries as far forward as possible. I have ordered the Flightpower Evolite 6s 4270 packs. They are only 580 grams each. At a 100 amps I came to the conclusion that a 2P configuration would be necessary.

Oct 05, 2008, 08:13 PM	#11
Geoff Dryer Turnigy Sponsored Pilot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 488	MarkF - Which Yak is that?

Oct 06, 2008, 10:31 AM	#14
appleflyer Fly DW foamies! Join Date: May 2006 Location: longmont, CO Posts: 1,119	nice. so you are building a sukhoi in this thread, and the cap 580 in you're other thread?

Oct 06, 2008, 11:21 AM	#15
Geoff Dryer Turnigy Sponsored Pilot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 488	FlyRobert is building the Cap. We just happen to be using the same HXT motor.

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