Getting back to RC airplanes with some older radio equipment

by Ron
(Louisville, OH, USA)

I have been away from RC airplanes for nearly 15 years. Getting back in is taking some study. I have Futaba 72 MHZ PCM equipment (T8UAFS/T8UAPS transmitter and R148DP/DF receiver) that I would like to use initially.

I want to convert my aircraft from glow and gasoline to electric motors. The first aircraft will need a Rimfire 80 and will be using 4 standard Futaba 3000 series servos.

Can the Futaba 72 MHZ receiver be used with the ESC? If it will work, then what would be the right ESC and battery to run this aircraft.

Thanks
Ron

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Some Answers
by: rcdude07

Q: I want to convert my aircraft from glow and gasoline to electric motors. The first aircraft will need a Rimfire 80 and will be using 4 standard Futaba 3000 series servos.
A: Traditionally just swapping previously glow powered planes to electric have failed. Primarily due to the equivalent electric motors not being strong enough due to the weight of the old planes. You may need to go up a size or two in electric motors. Your mileage may vary.

Q: Can the Futaba 72 MHZ receiver be used with the ESC?
A: YES, but you will likely be the only one using this technology as most everyone has moved to 2.4GHz for years as this solves the old issue of frequency control.

Q: If it will work, then what would be the right ESC and battery to run this aircraft.
A: The ESC needed will depend on the motor specs and prop size you will be running. The specs listed on Tower Hobbies website indicates you should use at least an 80Amp ESC. https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?I=GPMG4740#technotes

Thanks
Ron

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The ESC will work no matter what
by: Anonymous

The esc will work no matter what, But it's very hard to convert nitro to electric as they tend to be a lot bigger than most electric planes get, so good luck. I would also reccomend getting a flysky radio (Look on amazon), or a FRSKY taranis as they are 2.4ghz and have a much lower chance to lose connection in mid air. That's not to say it still doesn't happen, it is just a lot lower than a 72-74 mghz radio.

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older radio use
by: STEVANE

Yes you can use 72mhz with esc's with no problems. It is correct that most people have changed to 2.4ghz but that's what I love at my club. I have no radio conflicts because of that :) I am still using my 72mhz with no issues and we have had some 2.4ghz drop out problems so as long as you continue to do range checks before flying=== use it ")

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Nitro to electric NEW
by: Quornengs

Whilst it is perfectly possible to replace an IC with electric you face two issues.
1. For the same power and endurance electric will be considerably heavier. Sacrifice endurance to 3 minutes and electric will be more competitive.
2. An IC airframe is designed to contain a motor that vibrates like hell so has to be built suitably robust. Electric motors are both super smooth, fully throttleable, can restart in the air and give a constant torque so are kinder to prop allowing them to be designed for maximum efficiency rather than strength to withstand the torque burst at each firing stroke.
So if you make use of a much lighter build and improve the airframe aerodynamic efficiency electric can equal or even improve on the performance of IC but a simple conversion it is not.
I hope this helps.

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