motor comparision

[MCO3024]

I'm trying to compare the power of an e flite apprentice with a freewing Pandora to see if the Pandora will have more speed/power.

The Apprentice comes with a 15 size brushless outrunner.

The Pandora comes with a brushless 3536 - 800kv motor

how do those motors compare?

[OV10]

Hello MC,
Unfortunately neither Eflite or Freewing posts any technical specs(max voltage or current) on their motors so the only definitive comparison that can be drawn is based solely from the kV ratings. The eflite 15 used in the Apprentice has an 840kV motor whereas the Pandora has a 800kV motor. The 40kV more that the Eflite has would suggest by the numbers that using a 3S power system would turn the prop 444 rpm more than the Freewing motor can develop.
I don't know how new you are to electric RC but if you are going to be doing any power mods it would be in your best interest to save frustration and money by getting a power meter to measure the loads you will subject on the power system(ESC and motor) by changing motor kV's or prop specs(diameter, pitch,blade count). Changes on either one of these parameters does not have to be huge in order to affect the power demands required. This is because the effects are exponential rather than linear.
Again, strongly urge you to get a power meter, here's a good one:
https://www.motionrc.com/collections...nt=19057495750
Based upon the numbers I stated above on the kV/rpm increase you are going to need to increase your ESC rating from the stock 30amp to 45-50amp rated one.
Also, Eflite motors are in my opinion very pricey. I have recommended this FMS motor to several of my club members as well as to one of our own Squawk moderators as an upgrade for the Pandora. It is half the cost of the Eflite.

https://www.motionrc.com/products/fms-3536-kv850-motor

Hope that I have been of some help.
Best regards,

[MCO3024]

Thanks for the response Charlie. It went well beyond my comprehension. I was basically trying to find out how the two planes compare in their stock configurations. I was thinking of a Pandora as a second plane to the apprentice I already have. I would hate to buy one only to find out that speed and power wise, I had bought something that was pretty much the same.

If the difference is only 40kv, that may very well be the case.

[OV10]

Oh.......sorry thought the way you worded your question you were looking for power upgrade advice.
As far as comparing the two airframes against each other, it is very subjective. I have flown both(owned by my students) and this is my thought about your second plane considerations.
1 - Size and speed envelope are pretty much comparable
2 - The Pandora is not as floaty as the Apprentice. Its a good second step towards weaning off the landing without power that the Apprentice seems to favor and induces a bad habit to new pilots.
3 - Pandora has no SAFE or AS3X which can be used too long as a crutch versus actually acquiring the higher skill sets of advanced flight controls
4 - Pandora has both high and low wing configurations as well as tricycle and taildragger which gives a lot of latitude to a new pilot developing the advance skill sets.

I would definitely recommend the Pandora as a second bird. If you look in the Pandora threads, I am sure you will see that others would agree. If you take this bird and fly it in all its different configurations to where you can take off straight without the proverbial left yaw launch and then land where you want to land it without the plane taking you to where it wants to go then you should have no issues on progressing to the next level airframe whether it be a prop/EDF warbird or pylon/pattern or 3D.
Best regards,

[MCO3024]

Thank you Charlie. VERY helpful!

Scot

[Dewey H Lee]

You better believe Charlie's the man. He will definitely not steer you wrong. The only thing I found with the Pandora is it definitely needs more power.

[boomer108]

Hey guys!

. Got this idea from Grossman on upgrading the power on my Pandora. The Roc Hobby Waco motor which is 850kv is a direct bolt in plus the FMS 50 amp esc makes a impressive power upgrade.
Roy B.

[OV10]

Hey guys!

. Got this idea from Grossman on upgrading the power on my Pandora. The Roc Hobby Waco motor which is 850kv is a direct bolt in plus the FMS 50 amp esc makes a impressive power upgrade.
Roy B.

Boomer,
Your absolutely correct because Grossman got the recommendation from me which is the motor I linked up in post #2 and he is the person I inferred to.

[boomer108]

Boomer,
Your absolutely correct because Grossman got the recommendation from me which is the motor I linked up in post #2 and he is the person I inferred to.

My apologies OV10 for not giving credit where credit was due. It's a great upgrade to a great plane and gets alot of compliments at the field. Thanks and good flying!
Roy B.

[OV10]

Boomer.......no apologies needed man, you weren't aware that I worked with Gman on his upgrade