FE 1/8th scale set ups

[Duck899]

Looking at converting a nitro 1/8th scale to FE. What do I need and what to look out for? Tips, etc?

 

[raptor347]

It really depends on who you plan to race with. If you're just looking to build a NAMBA legal boat, power is anything goes up to 10S.

I don't know what the RCU guys settled on for power, but I thought it was a 1527/1.5y Neu, 6000 mah 8S battery and a 55mm max diameter prop.

 

[John Finch]

I ran my first 1/8th scale electric at Centerville last weekend. IMPBA.....used 10s 5000 mah. Ran a x450 three blade prop de-tounged. Boat was plenty fast. Advantage is accelleration! I almost got caught by Eric Thompson's nitro boat in the last turn but a quick burst after the boat straightened out gave me the win by a few feet. I am sure there is more to be had by the boat but racing was close and that is what we want. I have not even tried another prop yet. I am sure it will pull more but I need to get the boat dialed in with a deeper fin and rudder first. I have to admit it was nice for the following reasons.......... not having to clean up fuel on the boat.......the CG never changes........no water in the boat.....no needle valve to set......no electric starter needed.......and no nitro fumes in the eyes!
What I missed........the noise of the nitro engine screaming.

 

[Don Ferrette]

Looking at converting a nitro 1/8th scale to FE. What do I need and what to look out for? Tips, etc?

First and foremost you need to turn the boat into a giant watertight radio box as water inside an FE boat is your mortal enemy! Try to get your packs as physically far forward as possible since they will have the biggest impact on your CG and go from there.

 

[Duck899]

It really depends on who you plan to race with. If you're just looking to build a NAMBA legal boat, power is anything goes up to 10S.

I don't know what the RCU guys settled on for power, but I thought it was a 1527/1.5y Neu, 6000 mah 8S battery and a 55mm max diameter prop.

Brian, Your correct on the RCU set up except I believe the prop is max. 57mm.

 

[lohring]

An article on my conversion of a 1989 Dave Frank Executone is in Electrifying Adventures in Scale. Brian drove it to the NAMBA 1/8 scale and T hydro two lap records as well as winning both those classes at the 2012 Electric Nationals. The major change I would make is to include the motor in the radio box(es) with the batteries and speed control. Motors aren't as sensitive to water, but need immaculate maintenance for long life if they get wet. That's what happened to the Scorpion motor we started with. The Neu isn't much more expensive than the current Scorpions and is a lot better motor. Lower cost motors that we are having good luck with are the HET motors. Brian ran one to a new P hydro record.

Lohring Miller

 

[Hydro Junkie]

This is from the latest R/C Unlimiteds FE rulebook:

Power and Drive Train:

Motor:

-NEU 1527 1.5Y

Experimental options for 2013

-Scorpion 4035-800

-Turnigy SK3 Fandrive- 3994-850kv

Batteries:

-8S1P configured Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery(s). The total capacity of batteries in

the allowed chemistries and configurations shall not exceed a total capacity rating of

6,000 mAH. Only LiPo batteries with a manufacturer’s minimum discharge rate of 30C

constant but no higher than a 65C constant shall be allowed. There is a maximum

$200.00 msrp per set limit.

Speed Controller:

-Any speed controller may be used as long as it is a minimum of 150Amps.

-For safety, anti-spark resistors are advised on all speed controllers.

Propeller:

-Any propeller may be used up to a maximum of 57MM diameter.

 

[Greg Wannamaker]

Anyone have some pictures of your set up and your willing to share????

 

[keith warham]

Rob which boat are you converting?

 

[Duck899]

Rob which boat are you converting?

Smokin Joes

 

[BrianTooms]

Rob here's some info on set ups from Castle if you haven't seen it.

http://www.castlecreations.com/support/documents/neumotors-castle_boat_apps.pdf