Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / August 2006

The prop depends on the cell count.

I would say try www.astroflight.com, but the web site is nerfed

Google for `motocalc', get it and download it.  It gives you a 30 day
trial free, which should be more than enough.

Tell it about the plane you have, tell it you've got an Astro 10
motor, direct drive, then give it a range of props and of batteries,
and let it work out the expected performance for each setup and make
your own conclusion.

There's a small learning curve, but it's not too bad.  And it can save
you hundreds of dollars guessing at the right battery packs and props
and frying ESCs because you over-amped them ...

Is this the little Astro 010, smaller than speed 400 sized?  If so,
it's meant for around 8 cells NiCd/3 cells LiPo, so you'll probably
want to start around there.  I think the maximum amperage is around
9-10 amps.  I'd start with 6x3, 5x5, 4.7x4.7 and similar props.  You
might also want to get a gear box for it -- I think they're around
$30-$40, and might help it perform better for most of the sorts of
models you'd use it on.  Model it all with motocalc first before you
buy anything.

David:
             Since you specified direct drive instead of geared, i can
show you two examples of Astro 010s on 2-cell lipos that perform
extremely well. One plane uses the Master Airscrew 5.5 X 4 prop that
came with the motor. The other uses the popular Gunther 4.9 X 4.3
'Wingo'/Zagi prop. Both draw about 7½ amps static at WOT. No doubt
they unload some in the air. See-
http://community-2.webtv.net/oldcoot/TurboTipsyand

The 2-cell lipo is equivalent to 7-cell NiCD/NiMH. You could do 8 cells
if you go that route, and amp draw would probably approach 9 amps.
Although the 010 is rated for 3-cell lipo, it would be overkill IMHO,
and would reduce run time and cycles-lifetime of the pack.  
                These little motors are real gems, and mine have
hundreds of flight hours on them with never a moment's trouble. Just
give the bearings a little shot of oil once in a while.  

Bill(oc)

Never heard of an Astro FLight 10 , but they have an 010 and an 020
I have the 020 brushless on a VIP 400 pylon racer. I run a
Cam 5.25 x 4.75 prop on it , course that won't help you any.
These small direct drive motors will not swing a very large prop.

Call Bob Boucher at Astro Flight and if it's not one of their motors
I'm sure he can give you the info on what you have. He's one of , if
not THE best motor engineers in the country.

Ken