Pitts-S12 Python build blog

Scott, I just changed my prop over from a 16x6 to 16x8 and it made a world of a difference on my setup plus I used a lighter 3,000 mAh battery instead of a 5,000mAh but you could go with a 4,000 mAh battery which should be just right in regards to flight timing and power to weight ratio.
In regards to your motor I think it would be good but i would suggest a larger ESC above 70A. for the servos. Im using large 9KG servos on the wings because when I first built the plane i used smaller servos and my maiden nearly turned into a disaster. for the rudder I also used a large 10KG servo. I used a Mi Digital High Torque MG Servo 6.0kg for the tail which seems to be sufficient.
for the horns if you dont like t he stock horns you can try out these carbon fiber horns http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10075

Originally posted by bluegsxr6 Boostoman, ty for reply What servo did you have problems with? The lighter ones im suggesting have 5.7k of torgue at 6v. I believe that is twice as much as you were using. The hyperion build of this plane calls for the use of HS225 servos which have a 4.8k of torque at 6v. just trying to figure if 5.7k of torque is enought for the control surfaces. It would save me 20 grams on each servo if they will work. Unfortunately your MI servos are on backorder Are you able to cg with just the use of the battery, not adding weights? Is your cg neutral or do you like it more nose heavy? Im wanting to keep tail section as light as possible. May go with standard servos in wings and lighter servos for rudder and elevator. You may be right on the esc but the 60amp one i chose will handle burst of up to 80amps. Looked like a lot of the builders were running under 60 amps at max. Are you pulling more amps than 60? What are your flight times with 3000mah battery? For horns i may go with Extreme Flight set for $9.99 Horn set Or make my own with HK carbon fiber 1.5mm sheet Carbon sheet Have you tried 17x6 or 18x6 prop? Should allow better vertical performance if 16x8 is working for you. Ty Scott

well you can try 5.7kg but it might be too little for this size of plane. keep in mind that the servos are moving 2 alirons on each side so what ever servo calcualtor you use make sure you double the number to get the torqou required form the servo. i used the 6.0 KG servos and they were not enough. it's better to be safe than sorry.

I,m able to set my CG just by moving the 5,000 6S battery. you don't need to add any extra weight there is enough space to move the batteries around .
For the esc there are the numbers i was pulling on a freshly charged battery
-Turnigy 16x8
Voltage:21.6
Amps: 62A
Watts: 1,330w
but its better to have a higher capacity esc if you would like to try out larger props which would raise the amps. but i haven't tried any anything larger than a 16x10 which improved my performance alot compared to the 16x10.i didn't measure the amps draw on the motor with the 16x10 prop.

for the 3,000 mAh battery i did a 4min flight and the battery came down with 3.8v on each cell and the battery was warm. so I think 4:30 should be long enough. but I think a 4,000 mAh would be alot better with longer flight times.

Also I'm planning to design larger opening at the rear of the plane so that I can get better air flow pass the battery to keep them cool during flight. I will share my modifications once I do it.

BOOSTOMAN: if you are still here....I just purchased the HK S12 Python yellow/black and it is enroute. I have a Dynam Peaks 42" which I fly every chance I get. Looking forward to visiting this forums' Python thread during my build. Thanks!

boostoman: Great video. My S-12 also has the 60 motor; however, I am using a Castle 75 ESC and a 17x8 wood prop. Try this prob...It takes off at just over 1/2 throttle and cruises the same. No heating of batt and esc. Using a 6 cell, 4000 battery. Full throttle and it climbs like crazy. I dont do 3D, just like to sit in a chair and do slow loops and rolls. I removed the wheel fairings and put 4" dubro no bounce wheels and 1-3/4" tailwheel with sullivan gear, as I fly off grass fields. I am not much on videos, but may post a picture or two later.
Thanks.

Just got my Pitts last week and trying to figure out how to acheive the 2 degree offset and down thrust for installation of the G60 outrunner.
I have looked closely at the photos in your excellent build log and it appears as if the mount box is squarly mounted and that the motor is also mounted squarely to the mount box. I can only guess there may be spacers or wedges not visible from the photos.
Any advice you have in tis regard would be greatly appreciated

John,   Eumundi, Qld