Official Freewing F/A-18C Hornet 90mm EDF Thread

[xviper]

I have learned that the color of the motor wires really don't matter. They are quite arbitrary and only for reference so you remember which wire goes where to make the motor run in the correct direction. Once you get them hooked up the correct way, you can simply use the same color of heat shrink on the black ends so you can easily match it up if you ever need to take the fan out and put it back again.

[jetpltrich]

Thats not the F18 is it!? You move the ESC on top??

No it is not the F-18 but it is an ESC for a 90mm which I removed from that airplane to an F-16 90mm. I took that pic to ascertain the correct wire configuration less I screw up. F-18 ESC is no different in your pic. My experience has been white is always the middle and the yellow and red are the outer, you’ll either hook it up backwards or forward. This pic should help you. White is like the white or yellow on a servo, I forget what that wire is called but you know what I mean.

Rich

[InTheTubeDeep]

Thats not the F18 is it!? You move the ESC on top??

[jetpltrich]

[InTheTubeDeep]

Fun flight with Ute on nice morning, Surf Report was Epic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Dv1rF-5rvc

[InTheTubeDeep]

My parts came in. Need guidance on installing the ECS. Thanks in advance.

Just remove the 2 screws holding wood strip on top of ESC, use long phillips head through the intake grill, attach 3 pole wires same as existing or in existing hook up and test, if reversed just swap 2 of the wires- really easy! Run the Burner wires in same duct

[xviper]

You need to tell us what it is that you need guidance for. We don't know what you know or don't know. Some well worded questions will be helpful.

[Juan De La Garza]

My parts came in. Need guidance on installing the ECS. Thanks in advance.

[jetpltrich]

Just don’t crash!

[InTheTubeDeep]

High 5!! Hey Megan Heather Chrissy- can't go wrong!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT4z63dBO6k

[InTheTubeDeep]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC7JyF4NqtE

[InTheTubeDeep]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEM_bwK-p1I

[InTheTubeDeep]

911 Memorial Fly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTpUiKTZZZE

[Elbee]

Love the size of this model. Afterburner is on order. Can't wait for her flight. Hoping the family sees this eventually or anyone that knew Captain Jeff Kuss.

Juan, Looks great, Sir. Best, LB

[InTheTubeDeep]

Love the size of this model. Afterburner is on order. Can't wait for her flight. Hoping the family sees this eventually or anyone that knew Captain Jeff Kuss.

Yup looks bigger in hands! Which Afterburner did you get? If it doesnt work out I made a few extra Burners for this F18

[Juan De La Garza]

Love the size of this model. Afterburner is on order. Can't wait for her flight. Hoping the family sees this eventually or anyone that knew Captain Jeff Kuss.

[jetpltrich]

That is some serious sand action! Definitely FODng the EDF. Well I’m still very impressed with you flying off the beach. Awesome!

JPR

[InTheTubeDeep]

If you have the unfortunate luck and end up in the water your electronics are done for. My most immediate concern would be the EDF/ESC. My F-18 sucked in a 1/2” diameter rock and tore up the fan, brand new 12 bladed one so I know it’s is sucking in a tremendous amount of air. I know from morning ops off my property’s grass strip the dew gets all inside the gear and intake area thus the EDF. It is the main reason why I’ve switched to flying out at the local airport where the runway is flat and no rocks and or water. My F-4 and A-10 are the only ones that don’t ingest FOD. BTW I hated FOD walk downs on the carrier.

JPR

Its hit or miss from my ocean crashes! My fav Su30 Alenka went in on LVC last year (was using high end SMC which has linear power output- I didnt know that at 3.51v the voltage falls off a cliff unlike the HRBs I was using which have a curved power output)- on impact the nose section with 6s Lipo broke off on impact with ocean, I didn't know this from shore- was waiting for the smoke and fire as she floated- never came a paddle boarder brought her in 20 mins later to see batt and fusi had broken off- and saved all electrics! Every electric survived, ESCs retracts servos all of em! was cuz the batt broke off and no current while submerged! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9HZUH86am8 I 3D designed new nose fusi section and the saga. continues- she fell a 2nd time from LVC on a Liperior 5000- same as SMC linear power output! this time batt stayed put but no fire! I did lose 2 servos still amazing ESCs survived again! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oSL7mghuQM. Amazing how some much of the electrics in this EF Su30 survived ocean water- I had the FMS 80mm F18 before this beauty FW 90mm, it fell in ocean from landing stall, NOTHING survived the ocean water, not a single servo retract servo ESC, nada- go figure! I used to fly at SEFSD which has the USA's worst AMA runway- red Martian dirt with sand pebbles and rocks! I made FOD screens for both my Su35s, screens on grey camo, doors on desert camo, this was 8 years ago - if I do it again I'll design a sweet FOD door on 3D and print them., If anyone thinks this F18 needs FOD Doors I'll be happy to make a set!!

Su35 FOD Screens Test in FLight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwtRitmH_64

FOD Screens in action, after this flight they were linked to Gear so down with gear down up with gear up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQSn_ybPPE4

Su35 FOD Doors Sneak Peek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFA6KPm7EBM

Su35 FOD Doors in flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBrrAex0_Yo

SEFSD dirt runway in action!!

[jetpltrich]

Ha all true ;). I've applied CorrosionX but even CorrosionX may not save electrics in salt water, this is know for fact ;)

If you have the unfortunate luck and end up in the water your electronics are done for. My most immediate concern would be the EDF/ESC. My F-18 sucked in a 1/2” diameter rock and tore up the fan, brand new 12 bladed one so I know it’s is sucking in a tremendous amount of air. I know from morning ops off my property’s grass strip the dew gets all inside the gear and intake area thus the EDF. It is the main reason why I’ve switched to flying out at the local airport where the runway is flat and no rocks and or water. My F-4 and A-10 are the only ones that don’t ingest FOD. BTW I hated FOD walk downs on the carrier.

JPR

[InTheTubeDeep]

Flying off the beach, novel idea. Smooth and you can put it in the water if needed. I’d implement a corrosion control program though. Remember, you’ve only got one good turn in the F-18 and don’t go vertical to chase your opponent. 😜

Ha all true ;). I've applied CorrosionX but even CorrosionX may not save electrics in salt water, this is know for fact ;)