Homemade Wind Machine

by Hans Sitte
(San Jose CA)

Dear rc flight expert,

I have been requested to build two wind sources for wind cart experiments. This experiment will be used by a physics instructor who will take it to different schools for visual experimentaion.
These wind sources will be shrouded to be safe for the operators and are stationary at both ends of a "wind tunnel" with the wind cart between them.
I have a 7 cell NiMH battery and I would like to use a similar battery for these wind sources.

1) With that information do I need a gearbox to drive a 10" prop to get an approximate 5, or better, mph wind?
2) What size/type/style (# of turns or scale size, brushless, in or outrunner) of motor do you recommend?
3) What about an ESC?
4) Do I need a propsaver?
5) The cost target per source should be ~$200, not including batteries.

I do not know who else can answer these question and I know that I have a lot of questions but I have little experience with flight RC and if you can suggest a drive system I would appreciate it.

Thank you in advance for any help you can supply.
Hans Site

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by: rcdude07

I have a 7 cell NiMH battery and I would like to use a similar battery for these wind sources.

personally, I would choose a lipo and teach the instructor how to safely charge a lipo and store a lipo. Quicker charge time, better power

1) With that information do I need a gearbox to drive a 10" prop to get an approximate 5, or better, mph wind?

Only testing will tell you what you need to know. You can try things like online calculators for this information too.

2) What size/type/style (# of turns or scale size, brushless, in or outrunner) of motor do you recommend?

brushless will last longer and provide a little more power. Motor size will be determined by prop size and thrust you want.

3) What about an ESC?

brushless and brushed motors will require an ESC. This provides power to the motor.

4) Do I need a propsaver?

ABSOLUTELY YES!!!! prop will fly off without. Either use an o-ring type saver or a collet style keeper

5) The cost target per source should be ~$200, not including batteries.

Easy to do for under 200 if you buy from places like Heads Up RC. For reliability needs, stay away from Hobby King.

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Here it is!
by: Hans Sitte

It's finished, the 10 mph wind source!
I would add a photo but I don't see any space for a photo.

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by: Matt

Would love to see it. You can send photos to matt-brown@hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com

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