Couple questions...

[Aussie_G]

Im getting everything together for a new 550 setup..

I am trying to decide on a suitable motor, is the GAUI 1100kv a good choice.
I would really like to find a motor that offers good efficiency.
But I dont want to spend a fortune.


Im just a newbie & Im far from any 3D.

I have DS821's, Align 75A esc, BEC & reciever pack.
I have bunches of new 2200 3s packs, I know they arent the best, but I do have enough to fly forever with little stops every 4+1/2 minutes or so...

[mjdee14]

If yourusing 2200 packs the Gaui 1100 will eat every one of them......

You best bet would be to get a Z20-980 kva motor. It can be run on 2200 packs....has good power and flight time.

Maybe one of the Scorpion motors would work, but so far I have only seen a few that really like them and it's a toss up on which kva is best suited.

The Z20 -980 has proven itself over time and many are using it...

Do a search for the Z20 and you can read for yourself. if you want more power with a bigger motor you'll need bigger lipos.

I'm sure several of the other Z20 flyers will repond also...

You'll really enjoy the 550....great flying heli..

[Mikej]

Z20A 980kV is the boy for you. I get 6.5 - 7.5 minutes from my 2200s

[xodarap1]

No 3-d you say? The z20 is the way! :)

[Aussie_G]

Thanks - Ill check it out..

What would be the reccomended pinion for this motor??

[xodarap1]

I think most are running a 14T or 15T with it.

[Drew816]

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=71718

Get the calculator here and you can figure it all out for yourself; I just learned this last week myself otherwise I'd act all smug and such! :YeaBaby:

I'm using the Gaui 1100Kv Super-Pig motor and I have to say, just poking around on my T-Rex batteries it's doing okay. I'm getting 6.5-7.5 minute flights with no problems. Now I know this bugger isn't the most efficient motor out there and I'm working on getting a Z20A-980 for that reason but if you've got the option on one for cheap, don't totally discount it. IF you're paying full price, spend a few more and get the Tonic-X from Helidirect (US) or the Z-Power from Flying Hobby (overseas).

http://www.helidirect.com/product_info.php?products_id=6027

http://flying-hobby.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=18_184&products_id=3005

Happy Building followed by Gaui 550 Bliss! :cheers

[Aussie_G]

what is a good headspeed to shoot for? using the calculator it seems the stock setup with a 14t is 2400

[Drew816]

These buggers aren't T-Rex's, the 500 woodies shouldn't be spun more then 2000 rpms and you'll find most non-3D guys flying the Gaui at around 1800 rpms plus or minus 100.

As for the Gaui, sounds like you're in the same boat as me, I also got a kit with a 42 instead of a 50 gear. I have a 50 on the way, in the meantime I'm shooting for a headspeed of about 1800 RPM. So use your radio and drop down the indicated RPM's to that approximate speed range depending upon the KV of your motor.

You can read forward and back in this thread but good numbers are on #21:

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=80232&page=3

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=80232

If you get the Z20A-980 (and if you're starting from scratch you might as well!) calculate accordingly. So at 22.2 volts with a 15-19-50-61 setup you're cranking out 1830 RPMs at 90% Efficiency which is what I'll ultimately be setting up myself.

In the meantime I'll be running a 14-19-50-61 with the Gaui Super-Pig 1100 and in theory it's at 1907 rpms but I suspect it's efficiency is more like 85% so that drops it to 1810 rpms AT max throttle mind you.

And hey, I'm just a rookie here myself; someone with more time on the 550's throttles please chime in!

[Aussie_G]

I figure with the 980kv, 6s, stock gears & 13t pinion I will see 1850ish..

Looks like a good starting point to me.
I have ordered the 12,13,14,15 tooth pinions.

Really sucks that the Z20A-980 is a 100 dollar motor, but I guess you get what you pay for.. when I get over the sticker shock, Ill order it.

[mjdee14]

Make sure you order a new 20t OWB if you don't have it already. The 19t OWB had problems....and Ive heard the newer ones are better....and the Z20 is not a power house that it would ruin the OWB...but for $8.95 it's not worth taking the chance....

I have two 19t that just sit in my drawer...besides...you pick up an extra 100 rpm with the 20t.

I'm running the 14t pinion, 1st gear, 20tOWb and stock 61t main gear....

My Eagle tree shows 1800 rpm in normal with an 70% TC and 2000 rpm in IU1 with 85% across the board.

When using the hs calc...I usually figure 85 - 90% efficiency.

I would start with a 14t pin...