Basic Wiring Design

[21Ohio]

I am COMPLETELY NEW to electric rc flying but not new to building balsa planes. I built my 1st plane at the age of 8 yrs. and I am now 57.By the way my 1st plane was a Curtis Robin. Heres whats -up! I was in a SEVERE industral accident 28 mo. ago (CRUSHED FOOT) 2 to 5 yr. repair time ,that is if the DR`S dont take my foot first.Oh Well!!! I have a lot of reading time Ive built TONS of balsa planes.My question is (dont laugh) ! Can anyone out there send me just a simple electric wiring diagram from the electric motor,battery esc,and what ever else it takes for power?Like I mentioned ...I can build them just dont know how to wire them. Thanks everybody ,Iam down for the count and got time to learn BASIC wireing . 21 Ohio

[Leo L]

I don't have a diagram for you, but I'll try to give you a simple description. Lets start with the Electronic Speed Control (ESC). Most ESCs today contain a battery elimination circuit, which means that the main battery provides power for both the motor and the controls. The ESC has three sets of wires. The three small gauge wires plug into the "throttle" port on the receiver. The two large gauge wires, black and red, connect to the battery. The other large gauge wires connect to the motor. The ESC and the motor must be matched in type: both brushed (called SPEED) or both brushless. If they are brushed, there will be two wires. If they are brushless, there will be three wires. When you test the motor, if it turns in reverse, swap the two wires for a brushed motor or swap two of the three wires for a brushless motor. The servos all plug into the receiver, just like in nitro and gasser planes. The battery is the heaviest item that you will be placing in the plane, other than the motor. If at all possible, try to set up the plane so that the battery is at the exact CG of the plane. That way, if you decide to use smaller or larger batteries than you originally intended, the CG will not be messed up.

[21Ohio]

Hi LEO, Sorry I didnt get back to you sooner. I did some cross refference on the ( Spacewalker) . The plane I am building is a HOUSE of BALSA . ME -109 -E. Span 36in., Area 216 sq. in. Length 28.5 in., Weight 22-28 oz., Wing Loading14.6-18.6 oz./ sq. ft. the two planes are almost identical in specs. Here is what the Space walkerwas to use. GWS EPS-400C BRUSHED motor; Mpi mx9120 20 amp ESC ; 3 cell Thunder Power 910 mah--14.5-22 amps; 3 IMEX micro servos and a 8 channel Futaba FM Duel Conversion R168 DF. What do you think Leo? Will this electrics work in my ME -109 -E? Thanks 21 Ohio

[aeajr]

You might find this e-book helpful:

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRIC FLIGHT
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31071

As for wiring, if you have worked with glow planes, everything works basically the same with the following exception.

If you are flying large electric planes, say over 6 pounds you will still likely use a receiver pack.

Instead of a throttle servo you will have an ESC, electronic speed control, to control the motor. This may also have a LVC, that keeps you from running the motor battery down too much. You can read about this in the e-book link above.

Other than that it is all the same as a glow plane.

On smaller planes you may choose to eliminate the receiver pack by using a BEC, battery elimination circuit. This may be a separte device or it may be built into the ESC. Again, this is described at the link.

[21Ohio]

Thanks aeajr!! Went out to slowthread, its a little deep but I think Iam getting the jest of things I HOPE! Cant wait to get this ME-109 in the air. 21 Ohio

[21Ohio]

AEAJR; Hi, its me 21 Ohio, All I can say is YOU AMAZE ME !!! Where did you ever learn your wealth of information? I sure wish you lived near me as I (pardon the pun) am winging it. I try to read anything that is got your name on it because its worth reading! I am 57 yrs old and I feel so stupid not knowing the basics but I am trying. I owe a lot to you I really meen it! I hope you dont mind if I pick your brain? Theres nobody close to give me any help.Just curious are you my age or close? Let me know if I can ask of your help. Thanks 21Ohio

[Leo L]

Hi 21Ohio,

AEAJR is a terrific contributor. I've known him through the forums for about 3 years now, and I met him in person last summer at his flying field. A terrific guy all around, he's close to your age, albeit a few years younger, as I am, too. Did you finish your ME-109 and if so, how has it flown?

Unfortunately I don't get onto this forum very often because my time is somewhat limited and I usually go on the more popular, and busier, forums at Wattflyer, RCGroups and RCUniverse.

[dnkehl]

21Ohio Sorry to hear about your accident.