Optech
Key Veteran
Location: Vista/Oceanside, CA.
| Dave,
A few years ago I did a Caliber30 electric conversion along similar lines as you described above.
The motor was a Hacker listed at 1578kV but was using the Cal30's gearing. I used a 12tooth pinion to keep the head speed around 2200. Back then I used 24nickel cells which is between 7-8Lipos and a 60amp Kontronic ESC.
Here's some pics;
  
I didn't bother trying to find a Metric S3M pinion. The HTD tooth pattern is very similar and comes in a bunch of sizes from SDPsi.
I did have to bore the shaft hole to 5mm though. I also re-drilled and tapped the set screw hole for a larger set screw. At first you could feel a tiny bit of "notchiness" but after the first flight everything wore in and is now very smooth. If you're going to do it, don't get wrapped around the axle over getting a S3M pulley.
_________________________________________________
Although the heli flew it was pretty heavy and back then good Lipos were terribly expensive so I put the heli on the shelf.
To tell the truth, and I've thought about this alot over the years, I really don't see the point of the gasser Cal variants as electric. Other than the fact that you'd be flying a Kyosho, there are much better electric specific airframes to choose from...... especially in a 6cell Lipo configuration. I've got a 550mm Century Swift that is much lighter than any gas Cal variant would be. The lightness combined with longer flight times makes for better flying and reduced equipment wear and tear.
Even the guys with Align 600s, on 6 cells, will tell you that you must have the best batterys if you want them to last. Unless all you want to do is piddle around, 60-80amps tears the heck out of run of the mil Lipos and even those are not cheap.
_____________________________________________________
In no way am I saying converting the gas Cals is not a worthy endevor but I would advise you go for a set-up that uses 8 or more cells (550-570mm blade), or preferably, a 10-12 cell (600-620mm blade)set-up. Your amp draw will go down enough that your batteries will last and the extra power will make up for the weight. Also the sturdiness of the gas Cal frame could then be more justified. When or If I take my conversion off the shelf, this is the set-up I'm going with.
______________________________________________________
What I really think Kyosho should do if they want the 6-cell market is to design a specific electric heli or at least a lighter weight, electric specific frame for the gas Cal mechanics.
Mike
Viva La Airtronics! |
