112 replies to this topic

[Phil Hackett]

Single prop or twin?  

 

No props... turbines!

[Mr. GoFast]

I have read all the post on this and it looks like a lot of time is being taken trying to find a good motor but nobody wants to build a motor because it takes up to much time and money to buy motor building equipment.  

 

But yet you will spend $80 on a break-In motor stand and God only knows how much money is spent on these motors.

Just saying!!!

[Butters37]

Maybe it's just the race and racer that will be involved in a motor building race...

[Butters37]

Maybe you could sell us 800 dollars worth of motor building tools and meters to show us the joys and the light. $80 seems cheap by comparison. Plus all I need is a power supply soldering iron and a car. Ready to race.

[James Grandi]

Did anyone notice/realize that it was just one guy that wanted to know who was selling a break in stand and what the price was? Gorski asked a question - it's obviously not the only possible way to run motors on a power supply. It's a nice luxury to have, sure, but it's not a requirement.

[John Streisguth]

I haven't bothered running dyno readings on Hawks. I just change out the motors until I find one I think is fast enough. And what works super on one track can be so-so on another (I do keep notes...)

 

JJ, why do you think the top guys are constantly on the track, right up until time for tech?  

[Tim Neja]

I have read all the post on this and it looks like a lot of time is being taken trying to find a good motor but nobody wants to build a motor because it takes up to much time and money to buy motor building equipment.  

 

But yet you will spend $80 on a break-In motor stand and God only knows how much money is spent on these motors.

 

Just saying!!!

 

I've raced both ways! And it always cost a lot more to build motors! This is a dead argument! Retro exists for people that don't want to build motors.

 

There's lot's of classes to build motors in. Race those if you want to build! 

[James Grandi]

JJ, why do you think the top guys are constantly on the track, right up until time for tech?  

 

You mean thrashing like maniacs and ending up being one of the first five cars to go out for qualifying? That's me, every race LOL.

[Samiam]

Warning... thread drift alert! 

 

JJ, why do you think the top guys are constantly on the track, right up until time for tech?  

 

Which is why there has to be a rule to limit how long any one racer can hog a lane. I just want to get a few minutes on an inside lane and the gutters.

 

But it's impossible when guys are testing five cars at a time.

[Mr. GoFast]

Maybe you could sell us 800 dollars worth of motor building tools and meters to show us the joys and the light. $80 seems cheap by comparison. Plus all I need is a power supply soldering iron and a car. Ready to race.

 
And 50 motors at $13 each, total $650.00 and a motor break-in stand for $80 –  total $730. Difference of $60 bucks.

Just doing the math here!!!

[Butters37]

No one says you need more than a few motors. Your math is off and you know it. Then add on the price of materials to make a good built motor. A lathe, etc. It's still cheaper the spec way.
 
If you want to do it locally go, for it. Hopefully it works out well.

[idare2bdul]

Generally the better motors on the Trinity machine tend to run well on the track but there are some that break that rule.

 

I can't imagine a downside to breaking-in a motor pointed down. When started the armature centers itself in the field. If it is dragging against the can bushing this would help reduce friction before putting it under increased load.

 

Most motors have an imbalance point in the RPM range. Revving a motor in your hand, it you have a good power supply, can often tell you a lot about a motor that combined with amp draw can help you make a decision.This does require experience, sorry. Nobody has mentioned an oscilloscope but they can be useful too but not on my budget.

 

I never test a motor at 12 volts no load. It will never see that kind of RPM under load so whats the point? I'm using 8 volts and that avoids brush bounce and unneeded arcing.

 

Just putting it in the car without trying it with different gear ratios doesn't give you a 100% answer.

 

There are some people in this world that are just way more motivated and willing to spend both time and money than I am. 

[Mr. GoFast]

No one says you need more than a few motors. Your math is off and you know it. Then add on the price of materials to make a good built motor. A lathe, etc. It's still cheaper the spec way.

 

If you want to do it locally go for it. Hopefully it works out well.

Just for the record how many times a month do you race and how many motors do you buy? Just wondering...

[Mr. GoFast]

Generally the better motors on the Trinity machine tend to run well on the track but there are some that break that rule.

 

I can't imagine a downside to breaking-in a motor pointed down. When started the armature centers itself in the field. If it is dragging against the can bushing this would help reduce friction before putting it under increased load.

 

Most motors have an imbalance point in the RPM range. Revving a motor in your hand, it you have a good power supply, can often tell you a lot about a motor that combined with amp draw can help you make a decision.This does require experience, sorry. Nobody has mentioned an oscilloscope but they can be useful too but not on my budget.

 

I never test a motor at 12 volts no load. It will never see that kind of RPM under load so whats the point? I'm using 8 volts and that avoids brush bounce and unneeded arcing.

 

Just putting it in the car without trying it with different gear ratios doesn't give you a 100% answer.

 

There are some people in this world that are just way more motivated and willing to spend both time and money than I am. 

 

A motor machine hum motor building equipment something I didn't think you need with Retro Hawks.

[Butters37]

Usually twice a month. I cycle through 10 motors. When one goes down I lose it. Sell it to drag racers.
 
My curiosity is why you are arrogant enough to think what has been going well for years needs you trying to change it. Doesn't seem to be going so well for wing racing these days.
 
Your comments in the other thread were I believe "maybe it's time for a change." Fiddle sticks, gauss meters, and whatever else you will come up with to sell serves no purpose in Retro. And that will not be changing any time soon. Maybe at your local track it might.
 
But on a larger scale... Retro racers don't want it.
 
Just my opinion, of course.

[Mr. GoFast]

You're right. I just need to sell everyone a ton of motors they can't work on – good idea!! Don't need to sell any tools, just motors. Less inventory for me. I'm in!!!

[Mr. GoFast]

Usually twice a month. I cycle through 10 motors. When one goes down I lose it. Sell it to drag racers.

Also I just figured out you're selling motors to others racers at your track and the owner is not making any money on it. If you did that at my track you would not be racing.

[Butters37]

And where did I say I sell them at the track? I didn't ask how you run your track. That is your business.

And does this all have a point or did you come on to this thread just to say I'm Tracy Brown and you need to listen to me. I'm right.

Facebook seems to like your idea of a built motor race. I would discuss it there. The interest didn't seem to be here. As I said about your "world's race," good luck.

[Mr. GoFast]

Unless I am blind in your post #55 you said sell to drag racers.

[Butters37]

Yes, sell to drag racers.

Does this have a point, Tracy? You seem to be talking about nothing.

[Zippity]

Guys - cut the crap!!
 
This pointless discussion has gone on far too long...

[Butters37]

My bad, Zippity. If it continues it will be via PM.

[Mr. GoFast]

Does this have a point tracy? You seem to be talking about nothing.

My point is you buy motor after motor after motor. They don't run, they are crap, and then you sell them to drag racers at the track. And then the track makes no money and then you can go buy more motors for yourself.

[Cap Henry]

Tracy,

The raceway already got the money for the motor AND made a profit. No different then a racer selling a used car/chassis to someone. Plus if the motor is slow he's buying another motor from the raceway.

At least that's how I see it. To each their own though.

[bbr]

Off the subject... the motor issues would not be an issue if you design a class where the motor is so much better the the chassis... but then everyone would be flying off track.