Eclipse conversion to electric

[JOddino]

The Eclipse looks like it might be an ideal airplane to build as an electric.  I was wondering how well it flies compared to the other top pattern planes of the day?  As good as the stuff coming from Europe?  Starting to think about my next project.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Jim
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Steve & Cindy Kessler 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Monday, July 05, 2004 6:41 AM
  Subject: Eclipse conversion to electric


  I have converted one of my Eclipses to electric.  There is a full report in RC universe in the pattern section under Eclipse conversion to electric http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Eclipse_conversion_to_electric/m_1936912/tm.htm

  I have been able to get another five flights on the electric Eclipse. This time I had the Hacker C50 14XL 6.7:1 motor and the APC E22-12 prop. I am impressed on how well it flies even in a moderate wind (some 15 mph). It has plenty of vertical for the Masters pattern. 

  I did experience a battery failure. The air temperature was 93F. The maximum motor temperature I measured was 132F after landing. The batteries never got hot. The first picture shows that cells second from the end failed. I discussed the situation with Thunder power. They are replacing the TP6000 5s3p packs under warranty. They have had some failures in these packs. Mostly with the packs installed in pattern planes. Apparently the cells are not getting enough cooling. I have since  revised support plates with plenty of cooling holes. I have also ducted all of my air across the motor and directly to the batteries. I hope to get some more test flights next weekend. I still hope to bring the plane to the Nats. Just need some more practice. 

  The original conversion weighed in at 11#-6oz. That means I gained exactly one pound, one ounce in the conversion. I now have the plane below 11# by 1 to 2 oz. Here is what I had to do: 

  First I removed the wheel pants and Dave Brown 3" light tires. I also carved all excess material from the Bolly CF landing gear. I will be using the central hobbies aluminum axels and MK 55mm tires. This saved some 5oz. 

  Second I removed the 1600ma NiMH receiver battery and installed a 770ma NiMH battery. This saved 2.1 oz. 

  Third I removed all excess material from the fuselage. You don't need wide flanges on an electric motor. There is almost no vibration in the air frame. 

  There is some two more ounces of weight savings I could do such as using the new JR770 pcm-s credit card mini receiver and using the mid size aileron servos. This is more expensive and is not necessary. 

  All in all, a glow conversion to electric can come in under 11#.  It is best to start with a plane weighing in at no more than 10#-4oz. 

  I would not hesitate to conseder converting a glow pattern plane to electric.

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