[NSRCA-discussion] Electric Power Consumption

[Adam Glatt]

It could be that the magnets have been demagnetized in the Actro, 
George.  Avoid this in the future by starting with a copy of someone 
else's power system, and using the wattmeter the first time you power 
up, and every time you make a change.
-Adam

George Miller wrote:
> I have a problem with an electric conversion which while not precisely 
> pattern related, I'm sure will be applicable to electric pattern 
> problems...so I'll ask it here.
>  
> I am trying to convert a Showtime from YS 110 4 cycle power to 
> electric power.  After looking around the web, I got an Actro 32-3 - 
> which is a popular motor for the Ion electric helicopter.  I know that 
> this motor runs well with available ESC's on 5S4P lithium packs, so I 
> set it up with a 17X12 APC e prop and a 77amp ESC from Hobby Lobby  ( 
> esc and prop recommended on their website).    To make a long story 
> short, the ESC litterally burned up 30 seconds into the first 
> flight....but BOY WHAT POWER for that 30 seconds<G>!!!
>  
> OK, so I'm thinking that burning up probably indicates a 
> problem.....and I start to investigate...I hook up a watts-up to my 
> Focus II with a Plettenberg 30-10 and a 21X12 APC and it pulls about 
> 65 amps at full throttle on the bench....Then I set up the Showtime 
> and it tops 75 amps at half throttle!! HMMM, so there is the 
> problem....Now I try to make changes to decrease the amperage -- 
> larger prop and smaller prop---no major change, then I tried just 
> using a 5 cell pack cutting voltage in half...still about the 
> same....so the question is:  How do you adjust the current drawn by an 
> electric motor?  Can this set up be salvaged...Where did I go wrong 
> and how can I avoid this in the future?
>  
> TIA for your help and the benefit of your experience!
>  
> George