I'm getting ready to start a TopRC P51 build and there are so many options for the electrical setup, I'd like some links to diagrams, other threads, suggestions - whatever I can get to help me sort this out. I'm running 10 HV servos (Savox SV-1270), TopRCs electric retracts and a 60cc RCGF gas engine. I've seen several older threads about power distribution systems with back-up LiFe or Lipo batteries (not sure which is best for this application). Do I need a power system with voltage regulator?

I look for you this groups input and suggestions!

What brand transmitter do you use?

Spektrum - DX9

Interesting question I get 8 servos unless you have some on the gear doors so I'll assume that.

For that radio, a Power Box Cockpit features servo mating features that will let you run the flaps and elevators on a single radio channel, as well as 2 rudder servos if you need one for tail wheel steering, freeing you up to run a kill switch as well, and the integrated door sequencer will take care of all the landing gear functions. It offers dual power inputs, a power safe switch, and you don't even need a receiver, just get 3 or 4 DSMX satellite receivers, plug them into the Power Box.

Then a Tech Aero IBEC or PowerBox Spark Switch pro can power the ignition and act as an optical kill switch for the motor.

If you had a DX-18 or 20 I'd say a 12 channel power safe receiver, but the Power Box will let you get away with running out of transmitter channels.

one possibility is using the Extreme Power Systems XPS 24 receiver. it will solve your channel problems and has a built in IBEC for throttle kill. you will need Spektrum satellites. it has dual battery inputs.

here's one installed...(from another thread)

https://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/...=3#post2810951

I’ve actually been looking at those. Greatly appreciate the recommendation!

Originally Posted by BarracudaHockey

Interesting question I get 8 servos unless you have some on the gear doors so I'll assume that.

For that radio, a Power Box Cockpit features servo mating features that will let you run the flaps and elevators on a single radio channel, as well as 2 rudder servos if you need one for tail wheel steering, freeing you up to run a kill switch as well, and the integrated door sequencer will take care of all the landing gear functions. It offers dual power inputs, a power safe switch, and you don't even need a receiver, just get 3 or 4 DSMX satellite receivers, plug them into the Power Box.

Then a Tech Aero IBEC or PowerBox Spark Switch pro can power the ignition and act as an optical kill switch for the motor.

If you had a DX-18 or 20 I'd say a 12 channel power safe receiver, but the Power Box will let you get away with running out of transmitter channels.

Servos:

2 ailerons
2 flaps
2 gear doors
2 elev
1 rud
1 throttle
1 tail wheel retract

I had miss counted - that makes 11

I'm eight flights into a new build with this plane (Blondie). Limited to nine channels on Hitec with Optima9, I used a Hando SC271 door sequencer to get gear and gear doors on one channel. That sequencer supports endpoint adjustment EPA which was critical to getting the doors just right. AIL and ELE were 4 separate channels. Having run out of channels, I added a PowerBox micromatch (smart Y with EPA) for the FLAPS to fine tune the endpoints, which I could not just right mechanically.

I added 2 13g micros for the tail doors. No detail was provided in the instructions for rigging that up mechanically and it looked painful to adjust. Tactic TSX57s for the flaps and TSX47s for everything else. Without power management, I am at risk of a short or bad servo bringing her down.

One mistake I made was using a lighter analog standard for the main gear doors. They had no holding torque and I burned up the servo. Fixed by adding magnets and switch to TSX47.

60CC warbirds do not need power distribution system. But you will need to share channels. You have 11 servos and you didn't list a gear channel. You can use Smart Fly Equalizers, Powerbox Micro Matchers to put your El, Flap, Gear door, and ailerons on a single channel each.

Flying my TF-51 with 7 Futaba HV servos, Fromeco 5200 lions, Jeti radio, Robart electric retracts and DA-60/ Menz 24x10.

Scott

Something you might consider is to upgrade your transmitter. So far every recommendation is based on a lack of channels. Compare the cost of purchasing all the equipment needed to operate more channels than your Tx has to the purchase of a more capable Tx & Rxs. I have several 1/5th and 1/4 scale war birds all using a single Rx with a Techaero IBEC and two 2500Mah A123 batteries. I like the KISS principle. A friend has last years NASA raffle TopRC P-51 and is flying it using Spectrum. He has nothing special in regards to equipment and the TX allows him to program the P-51 gear doors.