Ralphw
Key Veteran
Location: Spring, TX
| Ron,
5 to 8 minutes is on the very low side. I was getting better than that with the stock motor on 8 cells and much better than that when I flew the Astro. A couple of questions that may help diagnose the problem.
First, what throttle curve are you using? Many people tend to run the curve on the low side when they first go brushless. You need to have a power setting between 80% and 100% even when hovering to get the most out of your packs. With the 15t pinion and a good 10 cell pack, you should have plenty of headspeed.
Second, what charger are you using? Is it a peak detect charger/cycler or just a slow charge/ low amperage type (wall wart). If you're not getting a good charge the flight time is defintely going to suffer. If it's a cycler, run the pack through a couple of discharge/charge cycles and see if that helps.
Third, is the NiMH pack new? If so, it will take a few cycles before it gets to it's full potential. By the way, if choosing between NiCD and NiMH, Id go with NiMH.
Fourth, have you checked for any kind of mechanical binding? For example...if the T/R belt is too tight, it WILL cause enough drag to cause reduced flight times. Run it a little loosely than the instructions call for. Check the T/R shaft and main shaft for freedom as well. Also check the lash between the pinion and the intermediate gear...if this is too tight...more drag (for a while at least  ).
Other things that can contribute...any excess weight !! Less weight = More flight time in nearly every case. Also your flying style...hovering and mild F/F are going to be less demanding than a bunch of basic to heavy acro. Thats all I can think of right now...I'm sure there is more.
Hope this helps some!!
Ralph W.
"Life's Short, Fly Fast"
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