Hi guys, we have 2 spree sports - the first we built, and tried to fly - but the battery pack we bought was too heavy for the plane - please could someone recommend a suitable battery for the plane? with decent run time...we went and returned the battery we bought (a nicad one, with tamiya plug) but unfortunately they didn't have any lighter ones.

it has a 380 brushed motor, with a 20A esc. and needs a 8.4v/9.6v nicad battery.

also, for the 2nd spree we plan to upgrade with system (motor, gear reduction and prop). since we are beginners, i am not sure if this would be sufficient:-

http://i13.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/0f/7d/6d80_1.JPG

what kind of ratio gear box would we need with this motor and ESC, and what kind of prop?

any advice is much appreciated - we would really love to get flying!

any body?

Ok, so here's a little bit od advice for eBay items:

If it has "Mystery" clearly labeled on the motor/ESC, then it's probably crap and don't even bother with it.

As for a power system, just upgrade both to brushless.

Ditch the heavy geared application, and go with an outrunner.

Here's a nice power upgrae system, with motor, ESC, and battery ready to go:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXRNF8&P=7

Pricey, but is high quality, and ready to go and is perfect for the spree sports. Much more power ready on hand (should give you near vertical performance).

Also, you WILL need a lipo charger. You can get a decent one for less then $100, like the Triton Jr.: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXMAH9&P=ML

This is the more expensive end of the power systems you can get. I'm certain people will chime in here with cheaper power systems.

Also, I really suggest finding a local flying field, and hooking up with one of the members on a buddy box if you have not flown before. They can ensure your success in the hobby, and help you earn your wings faster then you can alone. Also, The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is a good idea. AMA membership is required at most flying clubs in the U.S., and it can eally help out incase something happens. In basic terms, they are model aircraft insurrance (no, they won't pay to fix your plane if you crashed it). It's a good idea to have it, just incase.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

Hmm that does look good, but is quite expensive for us maybe at the moment :S

could anyone suggest something similar but less priced as a power system for the spree?

ps. does the prop connect directly to the motor shaft with outrunners? they don't need a gear box?

Outrunners eliminate the need for the gearbox. The prop just mounts to the shaft using either a prop saver (collet with 2 screws) or a clamp style mount.

As for acheaper power system (price, not value), here:

Motor:
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...less_Outrunner

ESC:
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...eed_Controller

Battery:
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...00mAh_3S1P_20C

Prop:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGXB0&P=7

Charger (I have this one, it's the best I have used):
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=7028

That's about all you need. Should be a drop in upgrade, and most certainly will give you more power then that junky 380 system.

Total price:
Less then $100.

Xpress...you've been a great help, I'll take a look at all these, thanks for the info!

Is there any decent nicad battery you could recommend for the first spree - just so we can learn a lil more and get it airbourne? Coz I'd hate to upgrade the second but mess it up - we can spend more time on that one, as the first has already took a lil damage. but we repaired it well.

I have found the best setup for that plane to be a brushless outrunner of around 1000kv with at least a 185watt rating. run a 3s lipo in the 1200-1800mah range and somewhere around a 9x6 prop. this has worked well for me over the last few years on this plane.

specifically, I am using the NippyBlack 1812-100 motor, 20amp EFlite brushless ESC, and a PolyQuest 3s 1800mah "Twenty" pack.

thanks for that info dmiller, i'll check those parts out - can i ask you a question seeing that you have the spree sports - with the use of a brushless outrunner, do change the way the motor is mounted? because i see the hole on the nose cone is raised from where the shaft would point (without a gear box). did u raise the mount?

I mounted a 1/4in plywood plate vertically between the two existing rails. move it forward or back to match the length of your motor and you will mount the motor above the rails to match the height of the cowl opening.

thanks for that - you've been a great help. soon as i get the parts i'll give it a go.