foobarbazqux Registered User Thread OP

Data Thrust Test: SunnySky X2204S 2300KV and new Hovership H2204X 2300KV Change log:

November 16, 2014

- Added 4S tests for the SunnySky motor. Used ZTW Spider 20A ESCs. See below.

- In my 4S tests, I wrote that GemFan 6030 grips the air better than HQProp 6030 in higher RPM scenarios (4S), but I should clarify while this may be true, GemFan 6030 props have been known to explode. I experienced this on the bench tonight in a different set of tests (Airbot Titan 2204 2300KV). Be careful.



July 7, 2014

- Added test details (ESC)

- Added link to PDF of data



July 6, 2014

- Added pictures of motors





Since this is the first time publishing my data, the below wall of text will be a one time thing to get you familiar with what I’m doing. In the future, it will likely be just data and very little comments.



Introduction

After months of researching and experimenting with thrust testing in pursuit of being able to produce consistent motor/prop combo data, I'm ready to publish my first set of results. My time spent with this thus far is dwarfed by the long-time effort of Dr. Kiwi, Lucien Miller, and many more, so I welcome any critique. I was fortunate to have been given feedback by a few key members of the multirotor community, to whom I am thankful.



I've chosen to measure, archive and present thrust and efficiency data in a manner that is suitable for my personal use. I'm choosing to publish my results as a reference point that others may potentially benefit from. My data is not totally comprehensive, nor is it to be considered professional/scientific-grade. I do not claim 100% accuracy. In some cases, I will also be attempting to push motors beyond their limit to try and discover new data and acceptable risk within the bounds of the motor engineer’s/designer’s safety margins. Just because I tested a high-risk combination doesn’t mean I recommend it. Be advised.



I’ve spent time ensuring that my tractor-style test stand adheres to fundamental engineering principles for this kind of setup. Over the course of my preliminary tests, I was able to spot flaws and fix them. I tested the same motor and prop combinations (dozens) multiple times (half-dozen) to ensure the stand setup was producing consistent data. I’m using an Eagle Tree eLogger v4 with an RPM sensor and a camera to interpret the values.



Goals and Testing Philosophy

My goal is to maintain my methods across all of the tests I intend on performing in order to develop a baseline comparative perspective of motor and propeller data that I can use to reference when choosing future power systems. I also want to produce data in a manner that takes into account real-world factors, like LiPos as a power supply. At the same time, I also want to provide fairly consistent voltage, so I will be using many LiPos in parallel. I know that it’s not possible to be truly consistent while attempting to re-create real-world results, so I’ve sought a fair balance.



For this reason, I also decided against a pusher configuration stand. I’ve read some people’s concerns regarding the prop’s air altering readings with tractor stands, but in my test cases I’ve found the disparity to be negligible. This might be different with much larger props. I welcome the real-world element of an arm being in the path of a prop’s output.



I do like the idea of testing with a single LiPo that closely matches the pack to be used with whatever motor/prop combination, but it ends up introducing voltage consistency flaws. In this case, I sacrifice a real-world element for consistency and practicality. I’d prefer to discourage voltage sag and try to maintain a fairly high level of input voltage so that my readings consistently reflect the upper levels of a motor’s potential.



Whether from a single LiPo, LiPos in parallel, or a power supply, I think testing on the bench is inherently flawed when trying to produce real-world data. We’ll often find that the numbers produced from a static position on the bench will differ when load is alleviated in flight and all other motors are vying for power from the same source. Current draw will likely be slightly lower per motor. Temperatures will differ. Thrust will change. However, if we can produce consistent data to reference by maintaining testing conditions, we can at least have a way to derive reasonable expectations and make fairly accurate choices in the future. And it does give us good insight of what to avoid.



Notes

I will likely never post video as I find it unnecessary.



The only other thing I can think to mention regarding my testing workflow is how I initiate throttle points. I use a Taranis with switches set to manipulate throttle to 50%, 75%, and 100%.



For the most part, I will let the data speak for itself so please look closely so that you don’t miss the interesting bits.



I’ll leave it up to the reader to Google around for the manufacturer’s specs of whatever given motor. Finally...





Thrust Test: SunnySky X2204S 2300KV and new Hovership H2204X 2300KV





There have been great tests for the SunnySky motor already but I wanted to gather my own data so that I could give it a true comparison with a new 2204-sized 2300KV motor: the Hovership H2204X.



I also wanted to test some of the latest props coming out of the GemFan and HQProp camps.



Summary is that the Hovership motor showed real potential at being a worthy alternative to the SunnySky counterpart. On the thrust level, it outperformed the SunnySky motor in some cases. It also seemed to want, handle and maintain more power much better.



"Player has entered the game"



The improved GemFan 6030 handles higher KV much better than the last one, and produces more thrust than the HQProp 6030. On to the data for efficiency values...



3S LiPo Test:

MS 12amp ESC (Blue Series but with 05-15-2013 SimonK pre-flashed and linear BEC instead of SBEC)



HQProp 5030 (Glass Composite)

GemFan 5030 (Composite)

GemFan 5030 (Carbon Fiber)

HQProp 5040 (Glass Composite)

GemFan 6030 (Improved Composite)

HQProp 6030 (Glass Composite)

HQProp 6030 (Carbon Composite)

FC 6045 (Composite)

HQProp 6045 (Glass Composite)

HQProp 6045 (Carbon Composite)













SunnySky X2204S 2300KV











Download PDF





UPDATE: SunnySky X2204S 2300KV - 4S







Download PDF







Hovership H2204X 2300KV











Download PDF





November 16, 2014July 7, 2014July 6, 2014