I'm building my first UAV, based on a Multiplex Easystar. It comes with a brushed motor, which I know isn't very good, but I'm a high school student so I need to keep the budget as low as possible. Is it worth replacing it with a brushless motor, or should I just spend the money elsewhere?
Also, I know I need 2 batteries; one for the APM and one for the propeller. Any suggestions as to which ones, with prices as low as possible?
Thanks so much.
Replies
OK. As you guys suggested, I got a brushless motor and a 2200 mah 3S battery (I hadn't seen how the power adapter leaches power for the autopilot from the battery-ESC connection), and I'll look up how to enlarge the rudder appropriately.
Again, thanks so much,
Marcus
You don't need a second battery for the APM. Just power the APM from the main ESC/UBEC. A 2200mAh battery balances the EasyStar nicely and yields 30+ minutes of aggressive flying.
Upgrading to brushless makes a HUGE difference. There are too many possible configurations. Search for "easy star mods" to find lots of options. With the right motor you will be able to get:
-Takeoff from grass with no wheels
-Unlimited vertical
You will need to enlarge the rudder to make the EasyStar flyable (assuming you are not talking about the EasyStar2)
@Marcus,
I am in agreement with Sgt_Ric. All of my 8 EZ*s have had brushless motors and LiPo batteries and they performed very well under all wind conditions. On a slightly breezey day I could easily fly for 1/2 hr on a 2200mahr 3S LiPo using a well managed throttle.
Yes, the brushless motor/ESC combination costs more, but I keep transfering that combo from plane to plane as each one wore out or crashed. I have only lost one brushless/ESC combo in a very severe crash.
Just a thought.
Regards,
TCIII
I don't think you'll see that big a difference between the brushed motor and the brushless.
-Rupert Doorstin