Has anyone built the new Top Flite Cessna 182 ARF as an electric? I have not been able to find any information in terms of battery sizes, building tips, etc.

From what I see it looks like they are asking for a 12S battery.

Ok that is just wrong and there manual Sucks. The motor they requirement max voltage is a 8S battery. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLWW0.

Originally Posted by Fidelity101

Has anyone built the new Top Flite Cessna 182 ARF as an electric? I have not been able to find any information in terms of battery sizes, building tips, etc.

Yes, I just finished one. The manual is plenty clear. It requires one 3200 mah 3s lipo and one 3200mah 2s lipo for a total of 5s. You can run a pair of 3s for a little extra oomp, but it flys plenty good with 5s. The cessna is not a 3d plane, it has no need for anything bigger

Originally Posted by Fidelity101

Has anyone built the new Top Flite Cessna 182 ARF as an electric? I have not been able to find any information in terms of battery sizes, building tips, etc.

Putting the finishing touches on the cockpit of a KIT version today. Hoping it flys before the snow does

Equipped with a Turnigy E-Drive 5065/380 - 5000ma 6s1p - 14x10 APC prop.
Calculates to ~1000 watts and expect AUW to be near 10#.

Custom fabricated the battery holder behind the firewall with an external hatch on the starboard side, tight fit but worked well for the CG.

Birdy
could the bay handle a single a 5S 4900 20 rhino?

Originally Posted by Thrawn150

Birdy
could the bay handle a single a 5S 4900 20 rhino?

for the arf version (that I have), no. It has two slots that will only fit 3s max. Now you may be able mod it or strap the battery to the tray above where the factory spot is located. I can snap a pic when I get home

Please do snap that picture birdy. Also, if possible, can you provide dimensions of the included battery trays. The manual advises a 2S on one side because the front wheel control wire will get caught up if you use anything larger. I'm hoping to either go 2S+3S 5000mAh packs, or 3S+3S 4000mAh packs. Since I have to buy new packs anyway, I don't want the short run times I'd expect from 3200mAh packs.

Originally Posted by Fidelity101

Please do snap that picture birdy. Also, if possible, can you provide dimensions of the included battery trays. The manual advises a 2S on one side because the front wheel control wire will get caught up if you use anything larger. I'm hoping to either go 2S+3S 5000mAh packs, or 3S+3S 4000mAh packs. Since I have to buy new packs anyway, I don't want the short run times I'd expect from 3200mAh packs.

Measured the tray, I run 3200's and you'll get around 10 mins depending on the motor you run.

The tray is 2" wide 1" tall and 5" deep

You can see the tray one on the left, one on the right, use a rubber band to keep them in there.

Thank you...Is there any blockage on either side? The manual mentions the front gear control may interfere with the battery on the left side. Is that a problem or are both locations free

The recommended packs are

2S = 15mm x 45mm by 155mm (that's less than 1" H by less than 2" W by a little over 6" length)

3S = 24mm by 45mm by 155mm (one inch equals 25.4mm)

Also, stock batteries are 195g for 2S and 285g for 3S

no blockage, I can fit my 3S on either side

Originally Posted by birdy233

Measured the tray, I run 3200's and you'll get around 10 mins depending on the motor you run.

The tray is 2" wide 1" tall and 5" deep

You can see the tray one on the left, one on the right, use a rubber band to keep them in there.

Birdy, would you mind putting a battery pack inside the enclosures and taking another picture? The stock packs are 155mm which is just a little over 6"

I was hoping to go with some Hyperion 4000mAh packs which are 135mm, which would mean my CG might be further forward. Total stock weight is 480g while my cells will be 522g. Not a big deal, but the packs will also be further towards to nose since they are shorter.

Sure, I'll have to post the pic in a bit, the wife is on the main computer and Im stuck on the netbook. Where you located in Chicago? I grew up in New Lenox (right next to Joliet) It's hell being in Cowboy country being a Bears fan..

I fly at the field in Palos Heights, IL. Great field and great group of guys. Joliet seems to be a nice area, they have more hobby fields than the city by far!

Do the batteries extend out into the front cowl?

no, those packs on that pic are for the lights on one side and radio gear on the other.