Q) I have brought a 2C-20-310 but i am having problems getting my castle creations phoenix 10 controller configured properly. Can you offer any advice?.

A) Yes here are our recommended settings for the most popular speed controllers.
Please follow the manufactures recommended instructions.

The castle creations Phoenix 10 when using the 2C-20-310.
Programming setting 1) Cutoff Voltage.
Choose option 2, 5.0V cutoff 2cell lithium.
Programming setting 2) Current limiting.
Choose option 3, Standard.
Programming setting 3) Brake type.
Choose option 5, Brake disabled.
Programming setting 4) Throttle type.
Choose option 1, Auto calibrating.
Programming setting 5) Electronic timing advance.
Choose option 1, High advance timing 12-35 degs.
Programming setting 6) Cutoff type.
Choose option 2, Soft cutoff.
Programming setting 7) Soft start.
Choose option 3, Fast start.

The castle creations Phoenix 25 when using the 3C-20-340 or 3C-38-Dual.
Programming setting 1) Cutoff Voltage.
Choose option 4, 7.2V cutoff 3cell lithium.
Programming setting 2) Current limiting.
Choose option 3, Standard.
Programming setting 3) Brake type.
Choose option 5, Brake disabled.
Programming setting 4) Throttle type.
Choose option 1, Auto calibrating.
Programming setting 5) Electronic timing advance.
Choose option 1, High advance timing 12-35 degs.
Programming setting 6) Cutoff type.
Choose option 2, Soft cutoff.
Programming setting 7) Soft start.
Choose option 3, Fast start.

The Jeti 08-3p and 18-3p when using all C&K motors.
Brake setting.
Choose Brake off/Gradual low voltage cutoff.
Timing setting.
Choose hard timing.

 
Q) I would really like to try and build my own motor kit, i am fine with plane kits. But how difficult is it and how long can I expect it to take?
A) The kit is very easy to make, all the hard work has been done. Basically you will have to glue in the magnets, this is made extremely easy because the inside of the bell has twelve slots machined in to it so the magnets simply slot into these, for positive location. Then the stator has to be wound, this is a case of winding the wire around each arm of the stator a certain amount of times in a certain sequence. It easier then it sounds as full color photos step by step instructions are included. Build time is determined by having to wait for the glue to dry. Expect it to take two or three evenings.
Q) The motor I was thinking of buying, states that it weighs 40 grams and has 370 grams of thrust. This must be more powerful compare to the C&K motor.
A) Firstly check the weight of your proposed motor because some manufactures state their motor weighs 40 grams but then require a prop adapter and flange mount. These can add considerable weight to the set up. Many also require a three-cell lithium pack to deliver this power. Compare these setups. Lets presume an average shocky type plane with standard lightweight radio weighs 125 grams. A very aerobatic plane would have between 1.5-1 to 2-1 power to weight ratio.

40 grams Motor With 370 grams thrust
8 grams Prop adapter and flange mount
30 grams Lithium 3 cell
118 grams shocky with standard light radio
196 grams total weight
Therefore this set up has 1.89-1 power to weight ratio.

21.9 grams C&K motor 310-gram thrust. Including prop adaptor and carbon tube mount at 1.9 grams.
20 grams lithium 2 cell
118 grams shocky
160 grams total weight
Therefore this set up has a better 1.93-1 power to weight ratio.

You are probably thinking that's not much better, but remember you have saved a massive 36 grams on this set up that's a 19% saving on the heavier setup. A lighter plane will take off and fly a lot slower, but also react a lot faster than a heavier one.
Q) I am new to indoor flying and want to fly slowly at first. Is the C&K motor suitable for me?
A) Yes very much so, because the all up weight AUW is much lighter that when using other makes of motor? The plane will take off and fly at much slower speeds. The power delivery from the motor is so smooth and progressive that it is possible to have the prop turning, with the plane on the ground without the plane being pulled forward. Some other motors have a more aggressive power deliver, Great for 3D fliers but not so practical for novices.
Q) Do you need a special controller for the C&K motor?
A) Yes you will need a brushless controller with at least an 8 AMP rating.
Q) Can I use my nicad batteries with the C&K motor for the time being?
A) Yes this is fine, a 6 or 7 cell pack is recommended. You will have to remember that the maximum current draw at full throttle is 6.7 grams on a 9x4.7 prop and average aerobatic flying draws approximately 4 amps, simple circuit fling draws approximately 2-3 amps. So ensure your cells are capable of this delivery.
Q) The C&K motor looks very small and delicate, how would it fair in a crash.
A) Although the motor is small it has been CAD designed to be very rigid in its build, it is far from delicate. The center shaft is held by two ball races, which are spaced as far apart as possible to give maximum rigidity. The aluminum used is resistant to dents and scratches. I have yet to see a motor that has been damaged in a crash.
Q) I fly a shock flier and perform lots of aerobatics. What sort of flight times can I expect using 340 mah Kokam 2 cell lithium.
A) Even flying full on aerobatics you can expect flight times of around 9-11 minutes. This time is increased with a lower flight speed.
Q) I am learning to prop hang with my shocky. But when I get the plane vertical it either topples over or accelerates through the roof. Will the C&K motor make this any easier?
A) The reason it is difficult to hover with most motors is simply the weight. The motor is the heaviest part of the plane making it top heavy and gravity wants it to fall to the ground. It's hard to balance the throttle without giving to much power whilst trying to control this topple. Because the C&K motor is so light the plane will balance much easier. The smooth progressive power delivery makes getting the right throttle point much easier. If you also use a recommended 8x4.3 prop the Torque roll effect is almost eliminated, which is what catches most people out. You will find hovering much easier with this motor.
Q) I have a GWS Pico cub with a geared can motor and nicads. I cannot fly as slowly as I would like. I am guessing the C&K motor although light, may be too fast for this type of plane.
A) Not at all, If you replaced the Geared motor with the C&K motor and you NiCad with a lithium. The weight saving would dramatically reduce your stall speed. Sure you would have far more power than you would need indoors. But if you fly in the park the extra power will appreciate the improved climb rate and loops.
Q) Why does C&K recommend only 8x4.3 and 9x4.7 props and the use of 2 cell 340mah lithium batteries?
A) The reason is that the 340-mah-lithium cell is now the most popular, lightest battery for flying indoors. These cells have one draw back; they can be damaged if they are over discharged. The 340 mah is rated at 20C this means it has a maximum safe discharge of 6.8 amps. The C&K motor using the recommended props will draw a maximum 6.7 amps at full throttle. This has purposely been design so that there is no chance of battery damage. Having said that, it would be very unlikely that any one would be flying at full throttle anyway. Most aerobatic flying would use an average of 3-4 amps current draw, with maybe the occasional full throttle burst. If anyone wishes to try a different combination then they are responsible for checking their own figures.