Align 420LF motor on Concept Models Elite

[Plane Hazza]

Hi guys,

I have one of these planes (Concept Model's Elite website (http://www.conceptmodels.co.uk/Elite%20photos.htm)) and I have an align 420LF and 25A ESC lying around after upgrading my helicopter. I want to use this power combination, along with 3S 2100 LiPos on this model.

Looking at this picture:

http://www.conceptmodels.co.uk/Website%20pics%20in%20use/images/Typical-MPX-gearbox-and-Ron.jpg

...what would be the best way to mount the align motor, replacing the brused 400 motor in that photo?

Thanks :)

[Plane Hazza]

I don't particularly want to go with this method in case of a heavy nose in crash:

http://www.conceptmodels.co.uk/Website%20pics%20in%20use/Elite-and-Typhoon-optimised.jpg

...or this:

http://www.conceptmodels.co.uk/Website%20pics%20in%20use/images/Geared-brushless-installati.jpg

Cable ties don't look strong enough for a powerful brushless motor IMO.

Any motor mounts out there for use with my motor?

[FLYCHOPPAZ]

Regardless of how you mount it, if you are going to run a direct drive set-up with that motor and esc combo, your prop choices are limited to very small props. 4.75x4.75 max. I would mount it to the same gearbox or any other 400compatible gearbox for better results.

[Efliernz]

Cable ties are fine. The 420LF will need a gearbox to be useful in a parkflyer. I am going to put mine in a flying wing with a 4.75x4.75 because I have a spare wing.

[wash]

I'm thinking about putting my 420 into one of these...

[Plane Hazza]

I'm thinking about putting my 420 into one of these...So can I use the same gear tooth combination thats on the current 400 brushed motor on the 420LF brushless?

[cdyckes]

Use a reduction gearbox as here:-

http://www.pbase.com/cdyckes/image/67713641/large.jpg

Full size image at

http://www.pbase.com/cdyckes/image/67713641/original.jpg

I found this was the best use for a 450TH. Utterly ballistic on 20C packs because I've propped it to draw 30 amps on 1500MAh packs using a 12x6 APC-E prop!

[umran]

cdyckes,
nice set-up there!

[cdyckes]

This was the gearbox I used:-

http://www.e-flight.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=495

but I can't recommend this supplier. The brass pinion I received was very roughly bored and bored oversize. I asked them to just ship a repacement pinion but they wouldn't do that simple thing for me so I did some searching and found a pinion elsewhere.

I have seen these gearboxes advertised on a US site and would buy from there if I need another (sorry, can't remember the link at the moment).

You will need green Loctite to secure the pinion to the motor shaft, even if you get one that fits properly, as it doesn't have a grub-screw!

[cdyckes]

Found the US link, and these people offer a choice of ratios:-

http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?cPath=55&products_id=1133

OR

http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?cPath=55&products_id=1335

[Rick Rotorhead]

Wow - this is great! - I've been after a robust gearbox for my motors for some time. I've got a spare 430L and also a medusa 28/32/1200 and I realised that you can't really use direct drive except in a few special cases (tiny planes with tiny props doing insane rpm flying like a bullet). One of my motors in a gearbox like these could power a fairly big glider or old timer design.

If I order from the States it looks like it will be cheaper than from UK, even with overseas postage - cooool. Thanks guys.

[cdyckes]

Give it a try with decent C rated batteries and you'll be amazed by the results. The 44" foamy Extra plank accelerates vertically and just keeps going up faster and faster. Definitely the best performance of any ordinary plank, and even gives the turbines some competition if you don't take the planes inertia into account.

You probably need MotorCalc or ElectriCalc (I have both) to work out the best gearbox ratio and prop size, or just use the 1:3.6 ratio with APC 12x6E and make sure your batteries can give 30 amps plus. This is a tried and tested combination with the 450TH, but may need slight adjustment if the Kv rating of your motor differs from that of the 450TH (just adjust the gearbox ratio proportionately).

Hope this helps.

[Rick Rotorhead]

Crikey, thats well over 300 watts! For my purposes I want a lazy big prop on moderate to low amps. I'm thinking 10x4 upto 12x4 prop and only around 3-4 amps for long flights with a glider type model. The gearbox should make that possible.
I see 'Medusa Research' have a motor calculator you can use for free on their web site to work out watts needed :D