power for load carrying chores and more aerobatic performance.
Also, the motor you choose should be rated at 500-800 KV, in
order to turn an appropriate size propeller.
Another good measure of brushless electric motors is the com-
mon 7-digit system of actual motor dimensions, followed by a hy-
phen, followed by the KV rating.
Here is a sampling of motor sizes that work well in the KADET
SENIOR using the numbering system:
4220-770
(Himax)
4250-770
(E-Flite Power 32)
4250-800
(GP Rimfire 32)
4260-800
(Rimfire 46)
5018-530
(Himax)
5055-670
(E-Flite Power 46)
❑
MOTOR MOUNT
A laser-cut plywood adjustable motor mount is included in this kit.
It should work perfectly for any suitable brushless outrunner motor
which has an “X” or “cross” motor mount plate on the back.
❑
60-75 amp ESC
(Electronic Speed Control)
We used a Castle Creations 75 amp ESC in our KADET SENIOR
prototypes. This is an excellent "switching type" ESC that has a
built-in BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit).
Important Note: BEC allows you to use the same battery pack to
power both your motor and your radio system, eliminating the nor-
mal radio battery pack. When the single battery pack runs down
in flight to a prescribed point, the BEC circuit in the ESC will shut
down the motor and leave enough power to operate the radio
while you land the model. Note that the BEC feature in some
cheaper ESCs does not work with 4 cell and larger lipo battery
packs - only 3 cell packs. Check carefully to make sure you know
all the specifications of the ESC that you are buying.
❑
4 to 6 cell 4000-5000mah LIPO BATTERY PACK
The electric motors commonly used in the KADET SENIOR will
typically require a 4, 5, or 6 cell lipo battery pack, depending on
the motor's design. Refer to the motor manufacturer's instructions
for guidance. We've found that the motors with a 42mm dia. case
will typically use a 4 cell pack. The motors with a 50mm dia. case
will typically use a 5 or 6 cell pack. Capacity of the lipo battery
pack will usually range from 4000 to 5000 mah for adaquete du-
ration.
❑
PROPELLER FOR ELECTRIC
With electric powered models there are many factors that have a
bearing on what propeller to use. The best place to start answer-
ing that question is in the instructions that come with your motor.
Another fine source of information is one of the electric flight cal-
culators that are available for you to use free online (there is a
good one on Castle Creations web site).
CAUTION: You must match your propeller size to your motor and
to the cell count of your lipo pack, to avoid drawing too many amps
and damaging your ESC or motor.
OUR FLIGHT TEST REPORT
After extensive test flying, our favorite setup for the KADET SEN-
IOR is the Himax 5018-530 (530 KV) brushless motor, with a 75
amp ESC, 5S 5000 mah lipo battery pack, and an APC 12x8E
propeller. This combination gave outstanding flight performance
with flight times around 8-10 minutes, depending of course on
throttle management. Your results may vary. For more flight time
use a larger mah capacity pack. Prop size, size and quality of the
battery pack, throttle management, air temperature, etc., all have
a bearing on electric flight performance and flight time. Experi-
ment to find the best combination for your setup.
❑
BATTERY CHARGER
FOR SAFETY AS WELL AS PERFORMANCE, CHARGE LIPO
BATTERIES ONLY WITH A LIPO BATTERY CHARGER!
In addition to providing the critical charging profile needed to
safely charge lipo batteries, a lipo battery charger also includes
the capability of "balancing" the available voltage in the cells, en-
suring that the battery pack is at peak capacity at the end of the
charge cycle. This translates to better flight times and a longer
life from the battery pack.
REQUIRED TOOLS
For proper assembly, we suggest you have the following tools and
materials available:
A selection of glues - SIG Thin, Medium, & Thick CA Glue
CA Accelerator, CA Debonder
SIG Kwik-Set 5-Minute Epoxy
Screwdriver Assortment
Pliers - Needle Nose & Flat Nose
Diagonal Wire Cutters
Small Allen Wrench Assortment
Pin Vise for Small Dia. Drill Bits
Hobby Knife with Sharp #11 Blades
Small Power Drill With Selection of Bits
Dremel
®
Tool With Selection of Sanding & Grinding Bits
Scissors
Sandpaper
Heat Iron & Trim Seal Tool
Masking Tape
Paper Towels
Alcohol and/or Acetone For Epoxy Clean-up
COMPLETE KIT PARTS LIST
The following is a complete list of all parts contained in this kit.
Before beginning assembly, we suggest that you take the time to
inventory the parts in your kit. Use the check-off boxes (
❑
) pro-
vided in front of each part description.
❑
(1) Fuselage
❑
(1) Right Wing Panel & Aileron, hinges not glued
❑
(1) Left Wing Panel & Aileron, hinges not glued
❑
(1) Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevator, hinges not glued
❑
(1) Vertical Fin & Rudder, hinges not glued
❑
(1) Fiberglass Cowling
Main Landing Gear
❑
(1) Aluminum Main Landing Gear; painted white
3
What do those numbers mean?
NOTE: This numbering system is very common, however there
are exceptions. For instance, some motor manufacturers will
list the actual diameter of the stator (armature) inside the motor
instead of the case diameter. Some may list the length of the
stator inside the motor instead of the case length. Some will
give you both if you dig far enough into their specs. Make sure
you understand the motor manufacturer’s numbering system
when shopping for a motor.