Tyler
08-27-2008, 10:33 PM
I posted this on another site, so you may recognize it if you frequent multiple forums.
Stock Atom
Stock motor
Stock esc
Stock 9T pinion
Airtronics RDS 8000 2.4ghz radio
Airtronics 94761 digital servos (smaller than the popular 9650's)
CSM 420e gyro
JR 8700G tail servo
Radix 430's
Weak Thunder Power 2200mah 3cell packs wired in series AND new Impulse 20c 2500mah 3cell packs wired in series.
The Thunder Power packs seem to have several hundred rpm lower headspeed from start to finish. The Impulse batteries are WAY more powerful. The impulse batteries are brand new, so I have been carefully breaking them in gently and in progressively longer flight sessions.
After flying for 3.5 minutes consisting of hovering, fast forward flight, tic tocs, rainbows, and full power climb outs I am amazed at the results. In 91 degree weather the motor is landing at anywhere between 87-101 degrees. Yep, it actually was cooler than ambient temps a couple of times. If I shot the temp gun into the windings of the motor I could poke around until I found a max temp of 124 degrees. The battery packs are between 101-134 degrees. The stock esc seems to almost always match the temperature of the motor. I have found it to be cooler than the batteries every single flight.
Tonight I used the old packs and hovered around the front yard to practice slow piros and gentle forward flight as the sun was setting and mosquitos were biting. 7:40 into the flight I decided I had given enough blood, so I headed indoors to see what the charger would put back into the pack. The temp of the pack was 124 degrees. The Hyperion Duo charged and balanced the packs in sync mode. The packs took 1830 and 1880 mah.
I found the headspeed to be plenty enough for crisp flying with plenty of tail authority. The gyro held perfectly. I actually believe I could easily drop the headspeed a little more to increase flight times further. The throttle curve was set to 55% at 3/4 stick.
My overall impression was that this little Atom is as solid and stable as a 30 class helicopter, very much unlike the typical T-rex 450 or Blade 400's I have flown. In a hover is is predictable and solid. In fast forward flight it is very locked in. I enjoy a helicopter that grooves like a pattern ship. I was was pleased with the Atom.
Full power climb outs are simply fantastic. The Atom turns into a speck in no time. The motor simply digs in and delivers.
I have finally fitted the canopy and have the batteries recharged for the next flying session. With the canopy installed I will be able to open my flying envelope significantly due to increased visibility and improved orientation recognition at a distance.
The parts listing is now posted on Compass Model's web site. I hope to see prices for parts very soon. I also anticipate the arrival of plenty of spare parts within the next week or so.
Tyler
Stock Atom
Stock motor
Stock esc
Stock 9T pinion
Airtronics RDS 8000 2.4ghz radio
Airtronics 94761 digital servos (smaller than the popular 9650's)
CSM 420e gyro
JR 8700G tail servo
Radix 430's
Weak Thunder Power 2200mah 3cell packs wired in series AND new Impulse 20c 2500mah 3cell packs wired in series.
The Thunder Power packs seem to have several hundred rpm lower headspeed from start to finish. The Impulse batteries are WAY more powerful. The impulse batteries are brand new, so I have been carefully breaking them in gently and in progressively longer flight sessions.
After flying for 3.5 minutes consisting of hovering, fast forward flight, tic tocs, rainbows, and full power climb outs I am amazed at the results. In 91 degree weather the motor is landing at anywhere between 87-101 degrees. Yep, it actually was cooler than ambient temps a couple of times. If I shot the temp gun into the windings of the motor I could poke around until I found a max temp of 124 degrees. The battery packs are between 101-134 degrees. The stock esc seems to almost always match the temperature of the motor. I have found it to be cooler than the batteries every single flight.
Tonight I used the old packs and hovered around the front yard to practice slow piros and gentle forward flight as the sun was setting and mosquitos were biting. 7:40 into the flight I decided I had given enough blood, so I headed indoors to see what the charger would put back into the pack. The temp of the pack was 124 degrees. The Hyperion Duo charged and balanced the packs in sync mode. The packs took 1830 and 1880 mah.
I found the headspeed to be plenty enough for crisp flying with plenty of tail authority. The gyro held perfectly. I actually believe I could easily drop the headspeed a little more to increase flight times further. The throttle curve was set to 55% at 3/4 stick.
My overall impression was that this little Atom is as solid and stable as a 30 class helicopter, very much unlike the typical T-rex 450 or Blade 400's I have flown. In a hover is is predictable and solid. In fast forward flight it is very locked in. I enjoy a helicopter that grooves like a pattern ship. I was was pleased with the Atom.
Full power climb outs are simply fantastic. The Atom turns into a speck in no time. The motor simply digs in and delivers.
I have finally fitted the canopy and have the batteries recharged for the next flying session. With the canopy installed I will be able to open my flying envelope significantly due to increased visibility and improved orientation recognition at a distance.
The parts listing is now posted on Compass Model's web site. I hope to see prices for parts very soon. I also anticipate the arrival of plenty of spare parts within the next week or so.
Tyler