Pack options for E5

[FlyawayClyde]

Hello my fellow freaks,
After nearly a year off from flying helis, I have gotten a new E5 done & rebuilt my N5C. So I'm having no problems with the nitro bird. My question is for the E5, I'm running a 12s system on it, and currently have only one stick pack made up for it.
It's 2 Rev-Electric 60c 5000mh 6s packs configured as one stick pack. It's heavy and just a bit too big in my opinion. What packs and cell size is everyone using to get the best flight times and set-up configurations? I was thinking somewhere in the 3600 to 4500mh sizes? but what fits the best?
Oh I'm running a Quantum 4135-530kv motor, a Hobbywing 120 pro ESC, and a LiFe Rx pack for the radio.
Thank you in advance.
Erik

[Chris Sexton]

Welcome back man!!

I have flown the E5 in many setups. As a 12s E5 on 556 mains I ran (2) 6s 2600mAh packs getting 4.5-5 minutes of flight time at 2350 and 2450 rpm.

As a E5s with 606 mains I run (2) 6s 3300mAh packs and get 5 minutes easy at 2150. With my new 626 mains I have had no reasons to go over 2000 rpm. Of course on my E5s I used the E7 tail gear ratio of 4.5:1 to get my tail speed.

2 5000s would be very heavy for an E5 even on 600 mains.

[FlyawayClyde]

Wow really 2600mh packs? just seems so low of capacity.
Erik

[Chris Sexton]

Double the voltage, almost half the amp load.

I have always preferred 12s setups on 550+ birds. Things run cooler and longer.

My e5 12s setup is:

Synergy E5
Rail 556 Mains
Rail 96 tails
Scorpion HKIII4025-550kv /w 14t pinion
iKON FBL
iKON GOV @ 2350/2450/2550 (though I almost never try 2550 just not worth the flight time loss)
Castle EDGEHV 120
BK Cyclic Servos
BK Rudder Servo
Castle BEC Pro @ 7.5v (wired off 6s)
Pulse Ultra 45c 6S 2600mAh packs in stick form

Timer set to 5 minutes. Normally have ~ 3.75-3.77 per cell at the end of the flight with my Sport Big Air style. Some would say that's too low but these Pulse packs seem to handle it fine. Next time I charge I will make a point to see how much I am putting back and not just look at the voltage.

Comparison sake:
My 6s bird:
E5 kit
Rail 556 Mains
Rail 96 Tails
Scorpion HKIII4025-1100kv /w 14t pinion
iKON FBL
iKON GOV @ (2350,2450,2550)
Futaba BLS452 Cyclic
Futaba BLS251SV Rudder
Castle EDGEHV 120
Castle BEC Pro @ 6v
Glacier 35c 6s 4400mAh pack

Timer set to 4 minutes and it is always at 3.7 or under.

[FlyawayClyde]

Thanks Chris.
At least now I know what to shop for, though I think I will look for just a slightly higher capacity pack, such as a 3000 or 3300 mah. just for that bit more flight time. Since I also fly sport big air. And am at this time refining my thumbs again, I'm having to relearn how to fly a heli, very rusty.
Erik

[crickr1]

Originally Posted by FlyawayClyde

Thanks Chris.
At least now I know what to shop for, though I think I will look for just a slightly higher capacity pack, such as a 3000 or 3300 mah. just for that bit more flight time. Since I also fly sport big air. And am at this time refining my thumbs again, I'm having to relearn how to fly a heli, very rusty.
Erik

Be cautious with the 3300s as they may be nose heavy on the E5 without stretching. 3k should be ok, just be cautious of your weight/size ratio for balance

[FlyawayClyde]

Thank you for the reminder.
Erik

[Funky]

On 12s with 2600s, my e5 was over 9 lbs. It was a very heavy 550 for what I am used to. I changed mine to 6s and won't be switching back. If you really like 12s, the good thing is the e5 makes an awesome 12s 600 with just stretching the tail. The motor you have makes a perfect 600 motor as well. My buddy runs a stretched e5 with that same quantum motor, 606 blades and 3300 packs. It is a great setup that runs very well.

[flyswatter40]

We'll I am running 3300 x 2 packs, perfect balance with 553 mains. I am getting 4:15 flight time doing 3D and big air sport flying.