Mini-Funtana Motor questions

[bubbagates]

Hi everyone,

I just ordered a Mini-Funtana and have been reading all the good and bad on the included gearbox.

I was wondering what everyone recommends for the motor setup. I have a NIB Park400 to go with the included gearbox but I'm all for canging to an outrunner setup.

The requirements I am looking for are gobs power (of course :D ). The plane will be flown in extreme 3D most of the time.

I would prefer an outrunner setup something like an Axi or anything else you want to recommend. The only thing I ask is if you do recommend a different gearbox or an outrunner, please provide me with links so that I can go take a look. On the oputrunner, I'd like to know what mount you used and where you got it from.

I'm just trying to narrow my choices so all suggestions are appreciated :D

Here is what I have so far.

Mini-Funtana (NIB)
4 JR241 servos
Castle 35 ESC
2000mAH Lipo 3-cell (Electricfly)
Park 400 4200Kv

All the extensions, plugs, etc...

[Reformed Nitroaddict]

I have seen two seperate members of my flying the MF with a Himax 2025-4200, which is the exact same motor as the one you have, just under a different name. They are both using the himax aluminium gearbox on 6:1 spinning a 11x7 prop I think.

Both of these can perform full 3D.

Does this help?

[JFGrn]

I've Heard people are liking the Hacker a30-28s for there MF's.

http://www.hackerbrushless.com/motors_a30.shtml

And mount.

http://www.aero-model.com/misc.aspx

John

[bubbagates]

Guys, this helps allot, keep 'em coming. it's all good. :D

[Slowroll90]

I Have a Himax 2025-4200 with a 6.6/1 gear on it and a CC PH-25 Kokam 3 cell 1500
it has enough power to fly but it takes around 3/4 stick to hover and the gears are loud i preffer my little e-flight outrunner for my foamy , so if i were buying it again i would definatley go outrunner.

[CaptainoftheClouds]

A gent in the club I visited had an Axi 2808 series on a mini funtana and told me that 100 watts per pound or so is the ticket to great performance.
I saw it take off from grass and tear up the sky. I would go this route.

[juanmorog]

Hello, i new member of wattflyer,sorry english mal,mi name is Juan Carlos,living on spain,i have one mini funtana,i love the plane,is beautiful and great performance,mi configuration:
axi 280824
phoenix 35
polyquest 3s1p 2600
apc e 10x5

[tulsa3d.com]

There are several videos of the Mini Funtana in flight on Tulsa3d.com (http://www.tulsa3d.com)

[gixer11]

just for info i am running the recomended setup with the 4200kv park 400 and 2100 lipo 3 cell and she flys great no probs at all. climbs vertical until its a dot.

Cheers

Mark:D

[proptop]

I went from the Park 400/ stock gearbox/12x6 to an AXi 2808/24 and APC 10x5E...
Still using the same Kokam 2000 3cell, and e-flite 20A. ESC
The AXi has substantially more power, and it's noticeably faster, w/ a much better vertical.
I wouldn't really call it a 3D machine though, at least not mine anyway...
It's a little heavy perhaps, at 26.25 oz. but it makes a nice little IMAC style pattern type park flyer.
I can save a little wt. (about 3/4 oz.) by switching to a TP 2100

Another one of the big advantages of the AXi w/ a 10" prop, is there is a lot more prop to ground clearance! W/ the supplied 12" prop, there is very little of that. I put ultra lite GWS foam 2" wheels on it, and w/ the 12" prop there still wasn't enough to suit my tastes...(maybe 1/2"?)

[mikel-t]

I swapped out the 400 & gearbx for a 400 outrunner which I mounted using the plate onto a plywood frame. The frame resembled a 3 legged stool. I used some cardboard taped to the fuse to get the distance correct for the shaft to clear the cowl then worked backwards for the plywood (1/8ths) frameto the firewall. THe TP 3-cell 2100 lipo makes a nice combo. BTW I switched to larger foam wheels and added 2 (3/8th) rubber bushings between the LG and the fuse for extra ground clearance & prop height. DO NOT USE Slo-Fly props with this set-up. You'll need to get outrunner type props with an adapter. Good flyin! Mikel-T

[debhicks]

Hello, i new member of wattflyer,sorry english mal,mi name is Juan Carlos,living on spain,i have one mini funtana,i love the plane,is beautiful and great performance,mi configuration:


Welcome and glad to have you around to talk about your set up. Don't worry about your english. When you have so many with the same hobby communication is usually not a barrier:)

[bubbagates]

Folks,

I'd like to thank everyone for their ideas on the setup :)

I finally went with the Himaxx 2816/0890 with a CC 35 ESC, a TP 2100 3 cell, the new JR sport RS6UL receiver, SM15 servos with the long arms and an APC 10X4.7 and just got back from the maiden. AUW ready to fly is 1lb 8oz (24oz's)

I was able to takeoff from the grass runway at about half throttle and needed 2 clicks up trim and 3 clicks left aileron.

After all the trims were set it was time to see what she'll do. Most flying was done at half throttle since I did not have the ESC programmed yet with the wing in the back hole.

At that throttle setting she flies nice and stable for the 10mph winds we have today in 90 degree high humidty heat. Vertical was a little lacking for my tastes but not bad at all. The one hover I did was around 3/4 throttle and stayed locked in fairly well in spite of the wind and wing position. Pullout was a little lacking. good but not ballistic. Landings were not bad at all.

I basically ran it through all of the IMAC basic schedule without any thing unexpected. I did not try a knife edge with it. I'm planning on changing the prop out to a 10X3.8 to see what she'll do then unless others have a better idea for prop.

I guess it boils down to this. I like it :) , it's stable and responsive but with my combo it's a little lacking for my tastes. The landing gear really could be better but again I fly off grass. It definitely flies allot like it's big brother, the Funtana90 which I have. Kinda looks cool with them both sitting side by side.

[sb13]

My MF has a PJS 3d 1200 outrunner, jeti 30 amp ESC and I'm using Kokahm 2000 lipo's. It seems pretty strong but I've only flown it 2 times now but can't wait to fly it some more and see what she will really do.

[sb13]

I flew my mini funtana today and had the landing gear break on an easy landing. Seems to be the problem alot of others are having. I put an aluminum gear on tonight and I'll try again tomorrow. I changed my prop today to a 10-5 from a 11-4.7. I was pulling 32 amps peak and now it's down to 24 amps. I hope it will still do all the 3-d stuff. Whats everyone else running?

[nrichardz]

sb 13 where or what landing gear did you get to replace the stock cf gear mine cracked this weekend and it is still flyable with the gear but I want to replace it with aluminum gear and be rid of the problem alltogether thanks in advance for the info

nrichardz

[sb13]

The gear came from majorsmackdown.com but after I did that the next rough landing ripped the balsa out where the gear mounts. Since the aluminum gear wont break the wood did. I went back to the original gear becouse it's easier to replace than the wood repair.

[jamarca]

I had an Astro 020 geared(3.3:1) sitting around doing nothing, and when I saw the kit in my local Hobby Shop I couldn't resist. I first flew it with an APC 12x6 E and it was OK, but....when I put an APC electric 13x6.5 up front, the airplane improved dramatically!!!! It'll do anything you can think of and then some. So, if you have one of these motors, I think it's not a bad choice.

[TManiaci]

I now run the AXI 2808/24, APC 10x5E, Dymond 3S 2100 mAH 12C, Phoenix 35 Amp. Pulls 23.5 amps WOT, 250 Watts pulls 45.2 oz's thrust. Verticle is incredible!:eek:

Putting on an APC 11x5.5E it pulls 27 Amps, 285 Watts. Not flown yet this way, taking it easy and happy with the 10x5E performance.

AUW is only 23.8 oz's, mostly due to the super-light CF outrunner mount.

[snort-snort]

you should have went for a lehner 1020/15. They produce 55oz of thrust with a 3 cell 2100mah cell and a 12x6 prop!!!:eek:

the only thing is that the motor cost is $160:( :(

check them out: www.b-p-p.com (http://www.b-p-p.com)

anyways since you already bought the motor good luck with it:)

[ajg333]

[quote=bubbagates;1046]Hi everyone,

I just ordered a Mini-Funtana and have been reading all the good and bad on the included gearbox.

I was wondering what everyone recommends for the motor setup. I have a NIB Park400 to go with the included gearbox but I'm all for canging to an outrunner setup.

The requirements I am looking for are gobs power (of course :D ). The plane will be flown in extreme 3D most of the time.

I would prefer an outrunner setup something like an Axi or anything else you want to recommend. The only thing I ask is if you do recommend a different gearbox or an outrunner, please provide me with links so that I can go take a look. On the oputrunner, I'd like to know what mount you used and where you got it from.

I'm just trying to narrow my choices so all suggestions are appreciated :D

Here is what I have so far.

Mini-Funtana (NIB)
4 JR241 servos
Castle 35 ESC
2000mAH Lipo 3-cell (Electricfly)
Park 400 4200Kv



I have flown my mini-fontana approx 200 flts with "ASTRO FLT 020 GEARED MOTOR WITH CONTROL"; TOWER HOBBIES PART#LX 3531 AND 12X6 PROP. THE UNIT COSTS $199 DOLLARS ! Great results all-around.(battery Thunder Power 2100mah,11.1v part#TP2100-3S) expensive but reliable and durable no trouble. Full 3D and more! All my freinds with the same plane using enclosed gear box have disasterous results !

[ajg333]

I have flown my mini-fontana approx 200 flts with "ASTRO FLT 020 GEARED MOTOR WITH CONTROL"; TOWER HOBBIES PART#LX 3531 AND 12X6 PROP. THE UNIT COSTS $199 DOLLARS ! Great results all-around.(battery Thunder Power 2100mah,11.1v part#TP2100-3S) expensive but reliable and durable no trouble. Full 3D and more! All my freinds with the same plane using enclosed gear box have disasterous results !
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[ajg333]

added info; remove wheel pants and install light weight 1 1/2" wheels with 4-40 screws as axels for better landings and takeoffs less drag on grass field !

[geo8498@mac.com]

I just got a new EFlite 450 890Kv outrunner today. I was going to get an axi 2808/24, but LHS had the 450 in stock. $64 . Plan on running it with Thunderpower 2100 3s lipo, CC25 ESC and 11x4.7 prop. Hope to test it this weekend.

[geo8498@mac.com]

Eflite 450 890Kv flies alright using 11x4.7 or 9x6. Both give similar performance. Nothing earth shattering, but solid. just got a 10x7 prop which I'll try soon.

[LuckyArmpit]

My MF is running the himax 2025-4200 at 6 to 1 gearing. I am running eflite 3S lipoly 1800 lipos (these are actually made by thunderpower) and even 1200 3S lipos. Also running an APC 10x7 prop. This setup is not as powerful as some but flies the plane awfully good. It will hover and do all that other stuff. I could up the power by using an 11x7 or 12x6 but I like to keep the batteries warm and not hot. Heck, the lipo packs cost almost as much as the plane!

Dave...

[6inchesinverted]

has anybody used the himax 2025-5400, i just orderd a mini funtana and a mini edge today and was wondering if anybody has used this motor on either plane? bought a corbi 20 gearbox as well and a thunderpower li-po 1200pl, is this a good setup or should i go wiht something else?

[Jimmy Hoffa]

The 2025 5300 will work, but you will need a battery that puts out the proper amount of amps. Go with a Thunder Power 2100 Pro-Lite. A 1200 just won't put out enough power. The Cobri 20 is a great box and will hold up to the power of your motor. Be sure and get the correct setup with regards to the gear ratio and prop size and type.
Phillip

[Hotshot Charlie]

I'm running a HiMax 2816-0890 outrunner on my Mini Edge 540, plenty of power and nice quite motor.

[sideshow]

I got over 34 amps with my 2808/24, cc 25 with the 10x5 APCe. The 10x7 was 31 amps and the 11x4.7 is running at 27. I dialed down the EPA on my throttle so that at WOT I was getting 24 amps. I'm gonna get an 11x7 and see where that puts me. I may just put a cc 35 in it and not worry about it.

btw...the 11x4.7 is putting out about 280 watts.......not too shabby;)

[TManiaci]

I got over 34 amps with my 2808/24, cc 25 with the 10x5 APCe. The 10x7 was 31 amps and the 11x4.7 is running at 27. I dialed down the EPA on my throttle so that at WOT I was getting 24 amps. I'm gonna get an 11x7 and see where that puts me. I may just put a cc 35 in it and not worry about it.

btw...the 11x4.7 is putting out about 280 watts.......not too shabby;)

Dude, those numbers seem real funky. I'm running a 2808/24 too, and the APC 10x5E pulls ~24 amps on a 2100 mAH 12C Lipoly, and both the 10x7 and 11x4.7 should pull more than the 10x5E.

You sure you got good numbers here? What battery?

Something fishy here... your 25 amp ESC should be enough.

Also, word of caution. I've been told that you should not push a SF prop over 250 watts, it will break under severe load at the thin root. You should use the E-Series props at these power levels.

BTW, nice mount! Check out mine...

[sideshow]

I'm using the E props....I was a little surprised by the numbers.

I'm using a Hyperion 2100 3s 16c pack (my TT 2100 pack puffed up for no apparent reason :()....the pack gets a little warm but the esc gets pretty hot with the smaller props, I using the watt meter in the pic. Not sure why the numbers might be wonky.....

[TManiaci]

sideshow,

The APC does not come in a 11x4.7E, it must be an SF prop. There is a 10x7E, but that should easily pull more than the 10x5E. Still confusion...

[sideshow]

My mistake....it's an 11x5.5.

I'm gonna run the whole thing tonight and see if I get the same numbers again......

[Rugar]

My mistake....it's an 11x5.5.

I'm gonna run the whole thing tonight and see if I get the same numbers again......

My 2808/24 with a APC 11X5.5E draws 26amps @ 265 watts. You need to use a Phx 35 as that Phx 25 WILL shutdown on you pushing it to the limit and running 4 servos. Maybe not the next flight or the one after that, but eventually it will. It cost me a plane, a Lipo, and two servos learning my lesson. Save yourself some money by upgrading to a 35amp ESC before it costs you even more.

[Bob_CO]

I got over 34 amps with my 2808/24, cc 25 with the 10x5 APCe. The 10x7 was 31 amps and the 11x4.7 is running at 27. I dialed down the EPA on my throttle so that at WOT I was getting 24 amps. I'm gonna get an 11x7 and see where that puts me. I may just put a cc 35 in it and not worry about it.

btw...the 11x4.7 is putting out about 280 watts.......not too shabby;)

Remember that no matter what the throttle settings is (other than off) a brushless motor and ESC always see 100% throttle. If you run at 75% throttle then your ECS and motor are seeing 100% power 75% of every second. Roling back the throttle is never a way to compensate for too big of a prop.

The problem with our watt meters is they display the average power consumption over a 1/10 to 1 second interval. The switching rate on the ESC is much much faster.

[sideshow]

To remember, I would have had to have known that in the first place.

Thanks for the info Bob.......I'll be picking up more props tomorrow.

[sideshow]

OK, showing my electric ignorance.....I tried to use a bigger prop to make the motor spin a lower RPM....which is completely wrong because it pulls more amps!

I put the 10x5e on it and I got 22 amps and 230 watts....which is more like it.

[Bob_CO]

I put the 10x5e on it and I got 22 amps and 230 watts....which is more like it.

Just be sure to check your watts at WOT and you should be getting a pretty accurate reading on what current you are running.

[6inchesinverted]

sideshow,
did you make your aluminum mount or did you buy it?

[sideshow]

Bob, thanks for the info.

6, I made the standoffs from aluminum rods that I tapped for 4-40 screws.

[Bob_CO]

Both of those mounts look pretty cool. Does it twist at all when you punch it?

[sideshow]

Nope, it's solid. I'm sure it's no better that the stock mount. I just did it 'cause it looked cool. Which is stupid because you can't see them when the cowl is on....but I tend to do stuff like that.

[6inchesinverted]

how much does the mount add to the weight of the plane?

[sideshow]

Sorry, I have no idea......I didn't have to add any weight for balance so I imagine it's actually lighter than the stock mounting option.

[Elfwreck]

Hey now,
I'm running a Mega 1615-4, Cobri gear box @ 3.01:1, APC 12-6 "e", TP 2100-3s, CC Ph 25 ESC. A bit over twenty amps (well, more than a bit:p )
and plenty of power for anything I want to do; vert till I can't see it, hover at a little under half power, knife edge all the way across the field and greasy landings. I did replace the landing gear. I made my own set from carbon tow and epoxy so I've got an extra inch or so of clearance.
Nice model, it's kinda become my beater fly anywhere any time model...
RobII

[rhaskin]

Hi guys, this is my first post on this forum. I've been poking around and it looks like a good hangout :)
I got a Mini Funtana for Christmas. I had my heart set on a Katana Mini but I guess this will have to do. I have two possible motors for this plane; a Himax 2025-4200 with Cobri gearbox or Hacker 20-20L. I think the Hacker is capable of more power than the Himax but I haven't tested the Hacker yet so I don't know for sure. I'm not able to buy another motor anytime soon so one of thse two is going to have to do. I actually bought the Hacker to replace the Himax since I hate gearboxes but I'm a little hesitant so I'm looking for advice from others who have this model. Which of the two motors do you guys recommend? I have 1800mah 12c batteries and a CC phoenix 25 also. Thanks
-Rick

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Hi guys, this is my first post on this forum. I've been poking around and it looks like a good hangout :)
I got a Mini Funtana for Christmas. I had my heart set on a Katana Mini but I guess this will have to do. I have two possible motors for this plane; a Himax 2025-4200 with Cobri gearbox or Hacker 20-20L. I think the Hacker is capable of more power than the Himax but I haven't tested the Hacker yet so I don't know for sure. I'm not able to buy another motor anytime soon so one of thse two is going to have to do. I actually bought the Hacker to replace the Himax since I hate gearboxes but I'm a little hesitant so I'm looking for advice from others who have this model. Which of the two motors do you guys recommend? I have 1800mah 12c batteries and a CC phoenix 25 also. Thanks
-Rick
Rick,
The Hacker A20-20L with a Thunder Power 1320 Pro-lite battery and a APC 10x4.7 Slow Fly prop with make this plane fly like a dream. :cool: The Himax 2025 and a TP 2100 battery will make it fly heavy and not very maneuverable. :( I've been flying the MF for one year now and for the first 10 months I had the heavy setup. It's a dog, do not even consider it. 3 or 4 ounces completely changes the way this plane flys.
Phillip

[rhaskin]

Thanks, that tends to confirm what I already thought :)
Do you have any pictures of how you mounted your hacker motor? Thanks again
-Rick

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Thanks, that tends to confirm what I already thought :)
Do you have any pictures of how you mounted your hacker motor? Thanks again
-Rick
Here's a good lightweight and inexpensive motor mount.
http://tinyurl.com/8akb2

I'll work on downsizing some pictures and post them.

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Rick,
Here are some pictures of the light weight setup. The electronics had to be mounted up front to get the CG correct. Also, attach the wings in the rear position. Check out my set of wheels!:eek: They constantly spin just like the "Gangsta" wheels you see spinnin' at stop lights. :rolleyes: They are functional though. They are lightweight, aerodynamic, absorb shock and will roll thru grass like it wasn't even there. :cool: This plane is a blast to fly! :D
Phillip

[Jimmy Hoffa]

The wheels are GWS 3", the aluminum landing gear is from 3D Hobby Shop. The 3D LG is 1/2" taller and 2" wider than stock and does weight a little more more. The axles are very heavy duty and the GWS wheels fit right one. I also run several other sets of wheels with this LG.
http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/detail.aspx?ID=542

If I'm flying off of pavement, I can install the stock carbon gear with wheel pants in one minute with my allen driver. So even though these wheels are a bit wierd, they are only for specific flying fields.

Phillip

[TManiaci]

I put the 10x5e on it and I got 22 amps and 230 watts....which is more like it.

Now that's more like it on an AXI 2808/24. Just about where mine runs with that prop. I think the 11x5.5 would be a little better. I bought one, but have not load-tested or flown it yet.

[TManiaci]

Rick,
Here are some pictures of the light weight setup. The electronics had to be mounted up front to get the CG correct. Also, attach the wings in the rear position. Check out my set of wheels!:eek: They constantly spin just like the "Gangsta" wheels you see spinnin' at stop lights. :rolleyes: They are functional though. They are lightweight, aerodynamic, absorb shock and will roll thru grass like it wasn't even there. :cool: This plane is a blast to fly! :D
Phillip

Hey Phillip... what is your AUW on your "go-light" setup???

I managed to get my MF down to 22.6 oz's with the super-lite CF outrunner mount. If flies very nicely there. I have seen that most are comining in well over 25 oz's. I had to move the wing forward to get balances with all the weight savings up front. Flying the AXI 2808/24, Phoenix 35, 3S 2100 mAH 12C, APC 11x5.5E pulling 26 amps, 275 watts. NICE power on a lite build = FUN!

I got a Fliton Edge 540 Mini for Christmas. Going Ultra-Light on that build. This is an amazing aircraft. I have a thread up on it HERE (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3736262/tm.htm). I will tell you, once you've seen one of these Fliton Mini's (Extra (http://www.chiefaircraft.com/cgi-bin/rcm/hazel.cgi?action=serve&item=/Models/ElectricAirplanes/Kits/FLIExtra330Mini.html) and Edge (http://www.chiefaircraft.com/cgi-bin/rcm/hazel.cgi?action=serve&item=/Models/ElectricAirplanes/Kits/FLIEdge540Mini.html) here), you'll be very tempted to strip your MF to put one of these together. These are WAY nicer quality than the E-Flite MF and Mini Edge, and wiegh in 4-6 oz's lighter!

[Jimmy Hoffa]

what is your AUW on your "go-light" setup???
21.1 oz AUW with the heavy aluminum LG. It weighs 1 oz less with the stock LG.

I almost got a Fliton Edge or Extra and looked them over at a LHS, but decided on the Mini Ultra Stick instead. I'm sure that Fliton makes great products and I will probably eventually buy one. Beefing up the wing mounts and landing gear would be easy. With the stock LG, the weight of my MF will be very close to that of the Flitons.
Phillip

[rhaskin]

Rick,
Here are some pictures of the light weight setup. The electronics had to be mounted up front to get the CG correct. Also, attach the wings in the rear position. Check out my set of wheels!:eek: They constantly spin just like the "Gangsta" wheels you see spinnin' at stop lights. :rolleyes: They are functional though. They are lightweight, aerodynamic, absorb shock and will roll thru grass like it wasn't even there. :cool: This plane is a blast to fly! :D
Phillip
Thanks Phillip, wish I had one of those mounts, it would make life a lot simpler. I have to do this with what I have on hand, can't even spring for a mount right now so I'm going to have to make something. I have lot's of wood and some carbon fiber so I'm sure I can come up with something. Thanks again
-Rick

[TManiaci]

Hey RHaskin,

Try this mount if you are fabricating and have CF rods. You can see a detailed photo sequence of the build procedure HERE (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3319069) and a detailed written procedure HERE (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3477481). The trick is to maintain the thrust angle and cowl offset with this mounting method. These build threads explain how to keep it right. ;) Works awesome and saves major weight on the front end. Mine weighs only 22.6 oz's with a big fat 2808/24 and 2100 mAH lipo.

[Crash Test Dummy]

The wheels are GWS 3", the aluminum landing gear is from 3D Hobby Shop. The 3D LG is 1/2" taller and 2" wider than stock and does weight a little more more. The axles are very heavy duty and the GWS wheels fit right one. I also run several other sets of wheels with this LG.
http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/detail.aspx?ID=542

If I'm flying off of pavement, I can install the stock carbon gear with wheel pants in one minute with my allen driver. So even though these wheels are a bit wierd, they are only for specific flying fields.

Phillip
Phillip,

That is funky, but in a weird way I like it. Bet it works great in grass feilds. Kind of reminds me of some of those guys running 22 inch wheels on there cars. They look like wagon wheels. There is this one guy in the aera that has an old 1970 something lincoln with 22+ inch spoked wheels on it. Talk about over the top!

CTD

[Jimmy Hoffa]

That is funky, but in a weird way I like it.
CTD
Crash Test,
I get those exact same comments from others. :p

With a steerable tail wheel, I never have to walk out and pick it up on the grass. I just drive it "home"! He He He! With my 1/2" taller LG, 3" wheels and 10" prop, this thing has a ridiculous amount ground clearance. Not a bad deal for 15 bucks.

Phillip

[Crash Test Dummy]

Crash Test,
I get those exact same comments from others. :p

With a steerable tail wheel, I never have to walk out and pick it up on the grass. I just drive it "home"! He He He! With my 1/2" taller LG, 3" wheels and 10" prop, this thing has a ridiculous amount ground clearance. Not a bad deal for 15 bucks.

Phillip
Yup I'll bet you could do some monster truck car crushing he he. I was looking for some new gear for my MF. I'll have to order them.

CTD

[zonker123]

I've picked up the 480/920kv last week and put on my MF that ive been flying for quite a while with the park 400/4100 cobri gear box at 6.6:1..
With the 12x6E APC and GEN 2 2100 TP's the 480 is showing 20-21 amps static around 200 watts or so. Performance is good, speed is better, pullout from a hover is decent with good vertical but no rocket, and after climbing out a couple hundred feet after a hover or harrier the plane starts to fall off abit. The watt meter showed the same thing during static testing. throttle up and amps where good for a few seconds then would taper off pretty quick from 20 to around 15 within eight to ten seconds or so.
I saw this same thing on a fx ultimate with a park 450 using GEN 2 1320. Went to GEN 3 1320 and saw a pick up of 20 watts -around 170 watts peak but a not near as much drop after a few seconds of running as the GEN 2 packs-which only peaked a 150-160 but fell off much quicker
I guess that the 480 really needs to have the GEN 3 cells to really shine. But even with the older packs the plane is so much smoother with the outrunner and the performance while not spectacular is more than adequate i won't be putting the gearbox back on.
Would like to know from you guys if what I am seeing might match any you might have experienced.

Take care
Zonk

[fat boy]

Hello, this is my first post on this site. I have been flying my MF for a year now with the following...

axi 2212/20
Kokam 11.1v 2000mAh 3 cell 15c
I just sent ecs to be replaced with a CC 35, I believe I was flying with CC 25

I think the prop was a 9/6.3 or something like that.

My mini has flown well, seems fast. But never has had any vertical authority and will not hold a hover for anything.

I sent the esc back because it started getting hot to touch almost instantly. Any suggestions on changes to achieve more 3D power, I'm not to concerned with speed. Thanks...Fat Boy


http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A555%3A6%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E5%3A7%3E%3A7%3 A%3EWSNRCG%3D3232889465328nu0mrj

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Any suggestions on changes to achieve more 3D power, I'm not to concerned with speed. Thanks...Fat Boy


http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A555%3A6%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E5%3A7%3E%3A7%3 A%3EWSNRCG%3D3232889465328nu0mrj
Fat Boy,
Put a Hacker A20-20L in it with a TP 1320 Gen 3 and a APC 10x4.7 SF prop. It'll be a whole new plane with a AUW of 21 oz. :D
Phillip

[TManiaci]

Hello, this is my first post on this site. I have been flying my MF for a year now with the following...

axi 2212/20
Kokam 11.1v 2000mAh 3 cell 15c
I just sent ecs to be replaced with a CC 35, I believe I was flying with CC 25. I think the prop was a 9/6.3 or something like that.

My mini has flown well, seems fast. But never has had any vertical authority and will not hold a hover for anything.

I sent the esc back because it started getting hot to touch almost instantly. Any suggestions on changes to achieve more 3D power, I'm not to concerned with speed. Thanks...Fat Boy

Nice look Skinny! Love the contrast and artistic randomness.

Yea, AXI 2212/20 is not enough motor, but the Hacker A20-20L will be marginal, but adequate. You need a motor that can make 275 watts (around 22-25 amps) to really get this bird to jump out. If you want sick power, go with the AXI 2808/24 or the Hacker A30-16M. CC 35 and your 15C 2000 mAH will match up well with that setup. You'll love the overpower you get there.

What's your weight as-is?

[rhaskin]

I think you just don't have enough power as the others have said. I have a hacker A20-20L for mine and I'm hoping I'll be happy with it but I think I'll want more power. I also have an AXI 2820/12 which I think is -too much- for it but I may wind up using it anywy.
I want to customize the finsih on mine and since I haven't put it together yet, I'd love to know how you did yours. Did you use iron on film or is it something else? Paint? Vinyl? Thanks
-Rick

[Bob_CO]

I thihnk the A20-20L (180W) is more suited for 3D ships in the 13-18 oz. range. The A30-16M (350W) is overkill for this plane. I think the A30-28S (260W) or A30-22S (290W) is a happy medium.

[Jimmy Hoffa]

IMHO, the A20-20L with a TP 1320 PL makes the MF a fantastic plane. The flight characteristis are completely different at 21 oz vs 25 oz...for the better.:cool:

It's funny, but the more experienced I get, the less I become concerned about power and speed. For me, agility is where it's at with the MF. If I want speed, I would pull out the stops and get a F5B class pylon racer that will go 130+mph. :eek: This is just my opinion, and we all know about opnions. :rolleyes:
Phillip

[Bob_CO]

The weight difference between a A20-20L and a A30-22S is .4 oz. The A20-20L will certainly power the MF. At 21 oz you are looking at 138 watts per pound. Perhaps a bit anemic for some 3Ders.

My feeling is that for .4 oz weight and $5 cost the extra power from the A30 motors is a sound choice over the A20. I like the 150-180 watts per pound for 3D flying.

I do agree with Phillip about opinions however. lol :)

[Jimmy Hoffa]

The weight difference between a A20-20L and a A30-22S is .4 oz. The A20-20L will certainly power the MF. At 21 oz you are looking at 138 watts per pound. Perhaps a bit anemic for some 3Ders.

My feeling is that for .4 oz weight and $5 cost the extra power from the A30 motors is a sound choice over the A20. I like the 150-180 watts per pound for 3D flying.

I do agree with Phillip about opinions however. lol :)
Bob,
The weight difference is in the battery, not the motor. IMHO, the A30 will overtax the TP 1320 PL. A 2100 battery will make the MF a fly like a "manhole cover". I don't mean to be argumentive, but I've flown the MF for 1 year in almost every configuration. Again, this is justmy opnion. Others may prefer "balls to the wall" speed. I know people that fly like that. Unfortunately, they usually crash a lot too, though no fault of the plane. :(
Phillip :)

[Bob_CO]

I know what you mean Phillip. The MF is already a bit heavy on the wing loading.

As far as speed goes, I don't think I have had a plane at high speed since I flew my Zagi last. For me it is about torque and a quick response. That being said I don't like flying bricks either. :)

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Bob,
I think the new Thunder Power Pro-lite (Gen 3) batteries have opened up a new era in lightweight performance. :cool: Prior to their recent release, we really had nothing else that could provide the amps and light weight. Just imagine what the future holds for battery development. :D

I do understand about your desire for "torque and quick response" though. As long as it's not at the expense of handling, that's great. Actually, we probably agree that the MF is not really a 3D plane compared to others. It is a lot of fun though.

Phillip (does not work for Thunder Power) ;)

[Bob_CO]

I jsut happen to have a TP 3S 2100 prolite here. :) It weighs 5.1oz. My Apogee 3S 1570 weighs 4 oz.

I think Apogee has a new series of packs that are have a higher C rating than the TP ProLites. So one could sacrifice flight times for better wing loading and in theory have the same current available.

Edit:

I just confirmed that Apogee has a 20c pack. http://pfmdistribution.com/secure/shop/item.asp?itemid=133&catid=38 So you can get 30a from a 1500 pack with the new Apogee or the same 30a from a 2100 pack in the TP ProLite series. Kind of wishing I got the Apogee pack now. :(

[fat boy]

Nice look Skinny! Love the contrast and artistic randomness.

Yea, AXI 2212/20 is not enough motor, but the Hacker A20-20L will be marginal, but adequate. You need a motor that can make 275 watts (around 22-25 amps) to really get this bird to jump out. If you want sick power, go with the AXI 2808/24 or the Hacker A30-16M. CC 35 and your 15C 2000 mAH will match up well with that setup. You'll love the overpower you get there.

What's your weight as-is?

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A5%3B%3A72%7Ffp335%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E5%3A7%3E%3 A7%3A%3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3B966%3B2%3Cnu0mrj

Just as it sit's and that's all up, it weighed a hair under 20 oz. But that was taken on a kitchen scale, not so sure about it's accuracy. I figured it would be close to 25 oz. or so. It's got a coat of pearl, then the rips were painted Ford Mystic Green. I then pinned striped with House of Kolor pinstripe enamal, and finially two coats of clear.

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A5%3B%3A72%7Ffp335%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E5%3A7%3E%3 A7%3A%3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3B966%3B34nu0mrj

I installed a tail wheel on the rudder, I couldn't stand hearing it drag the ground.

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A5%3B%3A72%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E5%3A7%3E%3 A7%3A%3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3B94588%3Cnu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A5%3B%3A72%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E5%3A7%3E%3 A7%3A%3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3B945889nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A5%3B%3A72%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E5%3A7%3E%3 A7%3A%3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3B966%3B36nu0mrj

I ripped the gear out after the first flight. I found that the real problem with the stock gear is actually caused by severe toe in of the gear, causing one or both wheels to toe in even more upon touchdown. So to remove the tow in problem I cut a piece of aerofoil shaped aluminium tubing that was close to the same diameter of the axle bolts. I then epoxied the axle bolts inside the tubing...no more tow in.

I beefed the mount by cutting and shaping a piece of aluminium sheet then epoxied the sheet to the gear. Then I added a brace within the fuselage with some blind nuts and attatched the gear with longer bolts. I even changed the stock foam wheels with aluminium/rubber wheels. Seems it would weigh more.

I'll try the AXI 2808/24. That's the response I was hoping for, I wasn't looking forward to having to purchase any new electronics. Thanks, when I get it flight ready again I'll post on the perfomance.

Fat Boy

[Bob_CO]

I like the colors. What kind of covering/paint did you use? Sounded like you painted it somehow.

[fat boy]

I like the colors. What kind of covering/paint did you use? Sounded like you painted it somehow.

DuPont Pearl (cause I've got a whole gallon of it)
R&M Mystic Green (1000 '96 Mustang Cobras were painted in Mystic) Mystic Green was the first true flip flopping color on the market. Ford was pretty stingy with the paint. If a car needed paint repair Ford would send one of their owns reps with the paint, if any was left over from a job the rep would take the remainder with him. I'm thinking is was somewhere in the $2,600 dollar a gallon range. I was very lucky to "aquire some". It looks really cool in the sunlight, it flips from green to purple and a bunch of colors in between.
PPG 2021 clear .
As the covering was already yellow all I had to do to pearl it was add a pearl mid-coat.

All automotive paint.

To prep the parts for paint I used a light grey Scotch Brite pad with Blend Prep ( I think the PPG # is DX101) You don't have to use the blend prep, I like it because it cleans the surface and leaves the surface with more uniform scratches. I do this wet (with water) just gotta watch out and not soak any balsa.

Fat Boy

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Fat Boy,
I remember that paint. Wasn't it used on the Cobra? It chances color depending on lighting and at the angle you are looking at it.:cool: I wish I could see it in person on the MF because pictures will never capture how it really looks. Will the paint flex with the covering? Please let us know how it flys.
Phillip

[fat boy]

Fat Boy,
I remember that paint. Wasn't it used on the Cobra? It chances color depending on lighting and at the angle you are looking at it.:cool: I wish I could see it in person on the MF because pictures will never capture how it really looks. Will the paint flex with the covering? Please let us know how it flys.
Phillip


I ordered the 2808/24 today so I should have it in the air by the end of the week. A far as the paint goes, when a wrinkle in the covering appears I just hit with a heat gun, the paint/clear lays down right along with the wrinkle.

Same paint, R&M supplied it to Ford.

Fat Boy.

[Gullwing]

Hi all, any of you guys running an AXI 2808/24 have a secret on balancing out the plane? Mine is very nose heavy. Not a lot of room to move the battery pack aft. I don't want to add a lot weight to it. Any help would great........Thanks......GW
Here is my setup
AXI 2808/24
CC 35 esc
Hitec electron 6 RX
HS-55 servos
TP 2100 3 cell pack
APC 10x5E prop
287 watts WOT @25.4 amps

[TManiaci]

I got mine to balance with a lightweight mount up front for the AXI 2808/24. In fact, I am a bit tail heavy... gotta push the battery right to the firewall.

[Gullwing]

TMan, I used the Eflite stick mount adaptor for their outrunners. The AXI weighs very little more than the extreme outrunner setup they suggest. I like your setup, I just didn't want to take the time to fab. one up. We are talking a couple of grams on the difference in weight of mine and theirs. I don't know maybe I will have to re-think this simple idea and do something like you did...Thanks GW

[TManiaci]

TMan, I used the Eflite stick mount adaptor for their outrunners. The AXI weighs very little more than the extreme outrunner setup they suggest. I like your setup, I just didn't want to take the time to fab. one up. We are talking a couple of grams on the difference in weight of mine and theirs. I don't know maybe I will have to re-think this simple idea and do something like you did...Thanks GW

Gullwing,

The CF Mount was not hard to do, and it saved TONS of weight. My MF with that big 2808/24 only weighs 22.6 oz's! That stick-mount stuff, and the outrunner reversing kit really represnts a lot of mass. My mount weighs just a few grams, and is super strong. You can see how I used the stick-mount hardware to build from HERE (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3319069) and a detailed description of the process HERE (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3477481).

[6inchesinverted]

what prop are u using on the axi 2808/24?

[Gullwing]

I am using an APC 10x5E prop. I have heard of other people using larger props but that gets the amp draw on up there. ....GW

[TManiaci]

I am using an APC 10x5E prop. I have heard of other people using larger props but that gets the amp draw on up there. ....GW

I run the APC 10x5E also. Pulls a little over 22 amps there, about 240 watts.