GP Cap 580 questions...

[Jonathan Ott]

Hi guys, I'm sure there are postings about the GP Cap 580 here on FG someplace, but the search feature can't find 'em.

Anyway, I'm in love with the Great Planes Cap 580. Something about it makes me all a'flutter. I will own one someday, but I'm curious about engine choices. I'd love to be able to put a DA 100 in it, but it is a bit too pricy for me (and I'm afraid that by the time I save up enough for it, I'll be in love with some other airframe). I've been thinking about the ZDZ 80 and the Brisoin 5.8. Those can be bought used for a great price (compared to the DA) but I don't know how they would be on the Cap 580. I know the ZDZ is a great engine for the old Red White and Blue H9 Cap 232, but I can't remeber how the H9 Cap and the Cap 580 compare (spec for spec).

So, bottom line question is this: For a budget minded modeler, would the ZDZ 80 or Brison 5.8 be a viable candidates for the GP 580? I'm not a hard core 3-D pilot, but I want to get into IMAC and be the better than average sport pilot (but still want to huck it some when the urge hits).

Thanks for your help folks.

Jon

[MrKiwi]

keep it light and go with the zdz.

[xtdsm]

I don't think you will be that happy with anything less than 100cc with that plane. if you just wanna fly around then the zdz will do, but latter on when you become a better pilot and want to try hovering down-low, then the zdz might not have enough emph to pull out of hover as fast as you want it to. you could also think about diffrent bird to fly the zdz80 with, there are tons of other planes that will be perfect with that enigne, but not the GP 580.

just a thought.

Ahmed

[Breakstuff5050]

I have a 3w 100 on mine, and IMO it is barely enough for the hard 3D, but plenty to IMAC as far as the pilot can take it. But like xtdsm said, you'll likely not be happy with it once you develope your skills more. If you GOT to have it then go with the ZDZ, but it wont be enough to get ya out of a hairy situation when you try 3D, because when i get into a bad situation I have to be FULL BORE and it doesn't do a very good job pulling out, and thats with a 100. IMAC type flying, it MIGHT get you as far as intermediate, but you'll definintly be hurting for power.

[AHP]

If you must have it up and ready to go quickly, Troy Built Models has the ZDZ 80 Super on sale for $675. However, I'd definitely suggest saving up for a little more under the hood. From what I've seen, you're looking deep into the upper 20lb range all-up. To have fun, you're going to want at least 100cc's of quality engine.

I have the H9 Cap and it's 23lb's stock as a rock (no carbon, etc.,) with the BME 110. It's a blast and the power to weight is insane. The plane was originally a little over 25lb's and it had a 3W 85; which would be pretty comparable power-wise to the ZDZ 80. It had enough for IMAC and 3D, but the power definitely wasn't impressive. Hover pullout was pretty anemic and it didn't really inspire confidence down on the deck. Considering the GP Cap will probably 27-28lb's, well... you can do the math.

Long story short, I would save up for a little more engine. To me, it's not worth a few hundred dollars in my pocket to handicap my plane, and ultimately my fun.

[aerowiz]

i flew a friends gp 580 it was decked out with a da100. that was ok. i couldnt imagine having a smaller engine. this is where the single vs twin debate starts up. from what i saw of his plane it would be a pain in the butt getting it to balance with a smaller engine. a twin engine is sliky smooth and allows your servos and other plane mounted gear an easier time. from memory i think the cap weighed in at 31 real pounds. that was using the stock gear and suggested items.

i have been flying giant scale a long time and the term budget minded modeller is hard to comprehend. this new 580 that you want will need at least 700 dollars worth of servos alone. three battery packs. some form of power expander/box. 1 or 2 rx's and other ext leads etc.

i am not trying to stop your dream of flying giant scale but only make it a better experience for you when you do.




aerowiz

[Jonathan Ott]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I really appreciate it. I got to thinking about it more and I will hold out for a DA 100, it is money well spent. I'm not new to Giant Scale. I know not to skimp on hardware (especially servos), I was simply curious if engines in the 80-95cc range would cut the mustard.

I want the DA (gotta love their support -- second to none), they hold thier value all too well , Unlike many other engines for example: (Seller : "FOR SALE: My XYZ Super-turbocharged 113cc Liliputian assembled reverse-reverse rotation boxer horizontal flat three cylinder super engine. New, never mounted, never ran, never seen fuel. Only exposed to atmosphric oxygen/nitrogen mixture for 6.0839164587832 minutes when I took the lid off the box to look at the decals.Asking $1300.84 you pay shipping" Prospective buyer: Since it was exposed to breathing air, I'll offer you $450.00, if sunlight touched it...$400"

With a DA folks have been known to offer above the asking price, just because it is a DA .

I'm being silly, you know...