Ok, I have to take it back one step and need help...
I have two questions that need clarification
Background: Picked up a Chris Gold Lancaster 90" WS, 19 lbs to obtain C/G It came MH batteries Panasonic 1.2V X10 making it 12V total 3000 mah. There were 4 batteries in the nose of the model and c/g was around 25% of the leading edge. The motors are Axi max 5S spec but the ESC's are rated for 3S max. I hooked up some 3S 2200's and there is loads of power with 3S.
Q1) I want to go with Lipos, due to the weight and amount of space, 12V from the Mh batteries is 12 V, 3S is 11.1, I assume the power will be the same. Do I go with 3S, 5000 packs X4? The weight is still a bit less than the Mh. I don't want to add more nose weight if not needed.
Q2, the plane came with some JR spektrum equipment, one looks like a box with two battery leads in it with a white button? The person also labelled some battery wires that say Switch and Hot? The RX has wires that say Battery one and battery two? I am a bit confused. My assumption is that this is a back up power if the first RX battery gets low.
Q3) All the motors spin freely except the right inner one appears to have a brake on it. Is this normal to counteract the torque effect of all the motors turning the same way or a set up issue? I want to know if I should reprogram the esc and take the brake off.
Guys this plane is massive! After a good wash, it looks good and I touched up some of the hangar rash.. looks great!
Q1: the voltage under load will likely be higher with the Lipoly cells and you will have more usable mA available. Both gains!
Q2: This is a big plane and quite possibly has a redundant battery system in it. I would do some testing to see if it works as I suspect by pulling one battery pack off at a time and seeing what happens (no motor batteries or props!!). A photo would be helpful or a model name if there is one visible.
Q3: I would suspect all should be the same. Personally I would have all motors with break turned on so if there was ever a motor trouble there would be some chance of deadstick landing. All those props windmilling would make a huge amount of drag.
For reference, My Sandringham is powered with 3s x 4400mah per motor drawing about 30A. Weight WAS about 16lbs.
I just ordered 4X 3S, 5000 packs and an extra RC pack. I just hope it is enough weight..