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™
by Great Planes
®
AMMO 36mm
POWER SYSTEM
Congratulations, you have just purchased the
Ammo 36mm power system components. All
the components are sold separately to allow you
to customize your power system to y our airplane.
The components needed to assemble the Ammo
36mm power system are: Ammo 36mm motor,
36mm Large Gear Drive, Large Motor Mount,
propeller, propeller adapters and brushless
speed control. This instruction sheet explains
how to determine what you will need and how to
assemble each component.
MOTORS BRUSHLESS LARGE MOTOR MOUNT
Model Stock #
36-30-3200 ..........GPMG5240
36-30-4000 ..........GPMG5245
36-30-5300 ..........GPMG5250
36-40-2250 ..........GPMG5255
36-40-2900 ..........GPMG5260
36-40-3900 ..........GPMG5265
36-50-1500 ..........GPMG5285
36-50-2300 ..........GPMG5290
36-50-3300 ..........GPMG5295
36-56-1200 ..........GPMG5310
36-56-1800 ..........GPMG5315
36-56-2600 ..........GPMG5320
36-88-1280 ..........GPMG5325
The Ammo motors are labeled to provide the
most information at a glance. For example: the
36-50-1500kV is 36mm in diameter, 50mm
long and has a kV (rpm-per-volt) of 1500 rpm.
30, 40, 50, 56 or 88mm
25mm
5mm
3mm
MOUNT
SCREW
15mm
36mm
25mm
Motor Output Shaft
Diameter x Length: 5x14.5mm [0.2" x 0.58"]
Weight (30mm): 138g [4.8oz.]
Weight (40mm): 185g [6.5oz.]
Weight (50mm): 243g [8.6oz.]
Weight (56mm): 283g [10oz.]
Weight (88mm): 461g [16.3oz.]
1. Front Plate (1)
2. Back Plate (1)
3. Motor Bracket (1)
4. Screw Plate (4)
5. 6-32x1/2" SHC Screw (8)
6. #6 Flat Washer (8)
7. 4-40x1/2" SHC Screw (2)
8. #4 Flat Washer (2)
9. 4-40 Lock Nuts (2)
The ElectriFly Brushless Large Motor Mount
combines the ease of installation with the
adjustability to fit most motor applications. The
Large Motor Mount is designed to fit the bolt
pattern of the Great Planes .60-1.20 Nylon
Engine Mount. This easily allo ws the conv ersion
of a glow powered plane to electric powered.
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GEARBOX PROPELLERS
The ElectriFly Ammo motors have high kVs
meaning that they like to run at very high rpm.
A gear drive is used in order to reduce the rpm
allowing a larger, more efficient propeller to be
used. Great Planes ElectriFly offers a 36mm
Large Gear Drive (GPMG0515) with several
pinions that allow for the following gear ratios:
Spur Gear GPMG0668 ........70 tooth
GPMG0672 ........90 tooth
Pinion Gear GPMG0637 ........14 tooth
GPMG0643 ........20 tooth
Low Ratio> 6.4:1, 5:1, 4.5:1, 3.5:1 <High
Ratio.
If you use a prop that is too small with a gear
ratio that is too low , the motor will dra w v ery little
current and the prop will turn at too low of an
rpm to produce any usable power. The higher
the gear ratio, the smaller the prop will need to
be and the higher the rpm will be. If the gear
ratio is too high for the prop used, the motor will
draw excessive current and overheat.
The 36mm Large Gear Drive is designed to fit the
Great Planes Large Motor Mount (GPMG1260).
1. Aluminum Front Plate (1)
2. Aluminum Back Plate (1)
3. 2.5x18mm FH Machine Screw (2)
4. 6x11mm Aluminum Spacer (4)
5. 70 Tooth Spur Gear (1)
6. 90 Tooth Spur Gear (1)
7. 3x23mm SHC Screw (2)
8. 3mm Star Washer (2)
9. 14 Tooth Pinion Gear (1)
10. 20 Tooth Pinion Gear (1)
11. 6mm Collet Type Prop Adapter (1)
12. 3x8mm Machine Screw (5)
PROPELLER ADAPTERS
The 36mm Large Gear Drive uses a 6mm
prop adapter. If you will be using the 36mm
Ammo Motor without a gear drive, it requires
a 5mm prop adapter.
GPMQ4939 5mm Set Screw Type
GPMQ4942 6mm Set Screw Type
There is a wide selection of propellers available
for electric use. The 36mm Ammo Motors use
high performance electric props such as the
APC E-series props. The larger the propeller
used, the more current your motor will draw.
The smaller the propeller, the less current the
motor will draw.
Shown are a few of the recommended electric
props. Due to the large range of propellers
and the constant addition of new sizes, visit
our web sites at www.electrifly.com and www.
greatplanes.com for the most up-to-date listing
of electric type props.
APCQ4110.............8x4 Electric
APCQ4115.............8x6 Electric
APCQ4118.............9x6 Electric
APCQ4120...........10x5 Electric
APCQ4123...........10x7 Electric
APCQ4128...........11x7 Electric
APCQ4129...........11x8 Electric
APCQ4130...........12x6 Electric
APCQ4133...........12x8 Electric
APCQ3065...........13x6.5 Electric
APCQ3080...........13x8 Electric
APCQ4145...........14x7 Electric
GPMQ4966 5mm Collet Type
GPMQ4968 6mm Collet Type
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BATTERIES: CHEMISTRY
The Ammo Motor/Silver Series ESC
combination can use NiMH or LiPo batteries.
Typically, NiMH batteries are heavier but much
more affordable for the same capacity as LiPo
batteries. If you want a very light, highperformance airplane, you might want to use
LiPo batteries, but if weight is not a concern,
then NiMH batteries might be for you.
If a battery is arranged in PARALLEL it might be
labeled as (P). Arranging the batteries in parallel
will give you more duration (more capacity). You
can use the parallel Y-connector (GPMM3142)
to connect two batteries in parallel.
ElectriFly offers a full line of NiMH and LiPo
batteries. Airplanes that use the AMMO 36mm
motors will typically use batteries with a
capacity of 2000 to 5000mAh with the higher
capacity batteries delivering more flying time
but also being heavier. All of the batteries have
connectors that fit the recommended ESCs.
Due to the constantly changing battery
technology, check out the ElectriFly web site at
www.electrifly.com for the most up-to-date
listing of the ElectriFly battery lin
e.
Silver Series 60 (SS-60) ESC (GPMM1850)
for 60A maximum constant current draw.
Silver Series 80 (SS-80) ESC (GPMM1860)
for 80A maximum constant current draw.
Silver Series 100 (SS-100) ESC (GPMM1870)
for 100A maximum constant current draw.
BATTERIES: NUMBER OF CELLS
Cells can be connected in series or in parallel.
Usually batteries are labeled as 8-cell NiMH or
3-cell LiPo. This means the cells are connected
in SERIES (S). Arranging batteries in series
gives you more power (higher voltage).
• Each NiMH cell has 1.2V, so an 8-cell
NiMH battery has 1.2x8 = 9.6V
• Each LiPo battery has 3.7V, so a 3-cell
LiPo battery has 3.7x3 = 11.1V
If you need a higher voltage than what is
available in the LiPo battery line, you will need
to connect two battery packs together in series.
If you need a battery voltage of 14.8V you can
use the series Y-connector (GPMM3143
connect two 7.4V batteries together.
) to
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL (ESC)
An ESC is basically the device that controls
your motor through your radio system. Never
run any Ammo motors with a brushed ESC. It
will not work and you may damage both the
motor and the ESC. Always use a brushless
ESC. ElectriFly offers Brushless ESCs that will
work with the Ammo 36mm motors.
Silver Series 45 (SS-45) ESC (GPMM1840)
for 45A maximum constant current draw.
Silver Series Programming Card (SS-60, 80, 100)
(GPMM1895) for programming the SS-60, SS-80, and
SS-100 brushless ESC's.
The SS-45 and SS-60 ESCs come with 4mm
female bullet connectors that plug directly into
the 4mm male connectors installed on the
AMMO 36mm motors, so no soldering is
required. Also, these ESCs come with a Deans
Ultra Plug™ battery connector that matches the
connectors that are found on most batteries that
it will use.
®
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DETERMINE WHA T Y OU NEED TO
BUILD YOUR POWER SYSTEM
Now that you have a component for your power system,
there are several different ways to select the rest of the
components of your power system. In time, experience will
help you to determine what works best for you, but an easy
way to determine what you need now is the following.
PROCEDURE #1: If you know the size of the propeller you
want to turn and the rpm, then look at the chart included in
the packaging and:
❏ 1. Find the combination in the motor/prop chart that
delivers the closest performance to what you want.
❏ 2. Note the gear ratio you need.
❏ 3. Note the recommended battery voltage.
❏ 4. Determine if you want to use LiPo or NiMH batteries
based on the desired ready-to-fly airplane weight.
Select the number of cells based on the recommended
voltage shown on the chart.
❏ 5. Determine the battery capacity needed based on the
current draw of your system and your desired flight time.
❏ 6. Determine the ESC you need based on the system
current draw shown on the motor/prop chart. See the
ESC section.
PROCEDURE #2: If you know the approximate weight of
your airplane, including the motor and battery, and the
performance you want from it, answer the questions below to
determine the correct power system for your plane. You may
need to make more than one calculation using different
motors and battery combinations. See the battery section for
some of the battery weights for the suggested batteries.
❏ 1. Perform the following calculation to determine the
wattage required:
• If you expect trainer-like performance then multiply 75
x Airplane Weight (lbs)
• If you expect aerobatic or high speed-like performance
then multiply 100 x Airplane Weight (lbs)
• If you expect 3D or extreme performance multiply 150
x Airplane Weight (lbs)
❏ 2. The number you get is the minimum wattage you will
need for your plane to perform as you wish. Look at the
chart and determine what combination gives you the
performance you want based on wattage and maximum
propeller size that will fit on the plane.
❏ 3. Note the gear ratio you need.
❏ 4. Note the recommended battery voltage.
❏ 5. Determine if you want to use LiPo or NiMH batteries
based on the desired ready to fly airplane weight.
Select the number of cells based on the recommended
voltage shown in the chart.
❏ 6. Determine the battery capacity needed based on the
current draw of your system and your desired flight time.
❏ 7. Determine the ESC you need based on the system
current draw.
In addition to these two procedures, you can also visit
the Great Planes ElectriFly web site for descriptions of
the power systems recommended for our line of electric
and glow airplanes as well as more detailed explanation
on the subject.
UNDERSTANDING MOTORS
kV (rpm/volt): This is a number that gets thrown around
quite a bit when talking electrics and it is important to know
what it is. kV is the number of rpm a motor will spin per each
volt applied (rpm/volt) under no load.
This means that basically a motor that has a kV of 1000
when connected to a 12V battery will try to spin at 12,000rpm
(1000x12) under no load. Like wise a 3500kV motor will try to
spin at 42,000rpm (3500x12) under no load.
When a propeller is attached to the motor, the motor will try
to spin the prop at the rated kV. Depending on the diameter
and pitch of the propeller (the larger the diameter or higher
the pitch, the harder it is to spin), the motor’s current draw
can be increased or decreased. There are meters available
from your hobby dealer that measure current and voltage.
Because every motor has a maximum current it can take
based on its design and cooling ability, the maximum size of
propeller that can be used with each motor can be determined.
Too large of a propeller and the motor will spin at a much
lower rpm than its rated kV, causing it to draw a lot of current
and overheat. If the propeller/fan is too small, it will require
little effort (current) to turn the prop at the rated kV.
Ideally the motor should be matched with a propeller that
causes the motor to draw 80-100% of its rated maximum
constant current. Once a power system is set up, it can be
fine-tuned by adjusting the propeller size and measuring
the amount of current the motor is drawing.
Please note that the kV of a motor does not change with
voltage, but if a higher voltage is applied to the motor, it will
try to spin the same propeller at a higher rpm. This will
cause the motor to draw more current and possibly exceed
the maximum rated current of the motor. So, if a battery with
lower voltage is replaced with one with a higher voltage, it is
recommended that a smaller propeller be used to keep the
current in check. If a higher voltage battery is replaced by a
lower voltage battery, the size of the propeller can be
increased to keep the motor at its rated current.
Another possibility to fine tune the power system’s
performance is to use another motor with higher kV to
increase the current or a lower kV to lower the current.
ASSEMBLE YOUR POWER SYSTEM
INSTALL THE PINION GEAR
Once you have determined the
gear ratio you need, the pinion
gear will need to be installed on
the motor shaft. The pinion gear
is a press fit on the motor shaft
and it will need to be heated and
pressed on. Never force the
pinion gear on the shaft without
supporting the other end of the
motor shaft. A small wheel collar
works well for supporting the
motor shaft. If you have a drill
press, the motor can be placed
in a vise with the motor shaft
supported on a small wheel
collar. Use a small micro torch to heat the pinion gear and use
the drill chuck of the drill press to press the pinion onto the
shaft. Note: The pinion gear uses a small set scre w to secure
the pinion gear to the motor shaft. When installing the pinion
gear make sure that the flat on the motor shaft is aligned with
the set screw.
If you do not have a drill press a small vise can also be
used. Place the motor between the jaws of the vise with the
end of the motor shaft supported and the pinion gear
centered on the
motor shaft. Heat
the pinion gear and
slowly close the
jaws of the vise.
You may need to
use a second
wheel collar so that
the pinion gear can
be pressed on past
the end of the
motor shaft.
Page 5
Once the pinion gear is in position on the motor shaft, apply
a drop of Great Planes Threadlocker (GPMR6060) to the
threads of the set screw and tighten it down on the flat of
the motor shaft.
REMOVAL OF THE PINION GEAR
The best method of removing the pinion gear is by heating
it with a micro torch and using a pinion puller to carefully
pull the gear off.
REPLACING THE SPUR GEAR
To remove the spur gear, loosen and remove the two
2.5x17mm flat head machine screws and 5.5mm aluminum
spacers.Remove the backplate, being careful to not lose
the 6mm bearing spacer.
Press the output shaft out of the
spur gear and remove the spur
gear pin. The spur gear can now
be replaced. Reverse the order to
reassemble the gear drive. Be
sure to use a drop of threadlocker
on the two 2.5x17mm flat head
machine screws to prevent them
from loosening during operation.
70/14 = 5:1
70/20 = 3.5:1
90/14 = 6.42:1
90/20 = 4.5:1
MOUNT THE MOTOR T O THE GEAR DRIVE
Loosely mount the motor to the back of the back plate with
two 3x23mm SHC screws and two 3mm flat washers. Place
a piece of notebook paper between the pinion gear and the
spur gear. Squeeze the two gears together while tightening
the two 3x23mm SHC screws. Remove the piece of paper
and the gear mesh should be set. Rotate the gears to make
sure they rotate smoothly. If they do not, slightly loosen the
SHC screws and adjust the gear mesh until the gears do
rotate smoothly.
MOUNT THE BRUSHLESS
LARGE MOTOR MOUNT
In the center of the header card you will find the mounting
hole pattern template for the Brushless Large Motor Mount.
The Motor Mount has the same bolt mounting pattern as
the Great Planes .40-.70 and .60-1.20 Nylon Engine
Mounts. If you are replacing a glow engine with an electric
motor system, remove the nylon engine mount and replace
it with the Large Motor Mount using the same bolts to
attach it to the firewall. If the firewall has not been drilled for
an engine mount and blind nuts, use the mounting template
on the header card to locate the mounting holes.
Attach the Backplate to the
firewall using four 6-32
machine screws and four
#6 flat washers when
replacing the .40-.70 nylon
mount; or four 8-32
machine screws and four
#8 flat washers when
replacing the .60-1.20
nylon mount. Note that if
you are using a gear drive
you may have to cut a hole in the firewall for the motor. The
motor and gear drive can be mounted to the Front Plate
using the 3x8mm machine screws. If you are using a gear
drive other than the Great Planes gear drive, the hole
locations may need to be modified. Also, if you are mounting
the motor to a firewall, longer screws may be required.
In-runner motors that will be run direct drive or gear drive
and are mounted inside the front plate.
Install the prop adapter on the motor shaft or gear drive
output shaft. The Brushless 36mm Gear Drive uses a 6mm
prop adapter (GPMQ4968 Collet Type or GPMQ4942 Set
Screw Type). The Ammo 36mm motors direct drive uses the
5mm prop adapter (GPMQ4966 Collet Type or GPMQ4939
Set Screw Type).
COLLET TYPE PROP ADAPTER INSTALLATION
Slide the prop shaft over the output shaft of the gear drive or
motor. Next slide the prop shaft retainer over the prop shaft.
Note that the hole through the retainer is tapered. Make sure
that the side with the larger diameter hole is installed first.
Install the spinner backplate (if used, not included), the
prop, prop washer and then the prop nut. Tighten the prop
nut against the prop. This will cause the tapered hole in the
prop shaft retainer to squeeze the prop shaft around the
output shaft. Carefully pull on the prop to make sure it is
securely attached to the output shaft of the gear drive.
Page 6
SET SCREW TYPE PROP ADAPTER
INSTALLATION
Slide the prop adapter over the output shaft of the gear
drive or motor. Align one of the set screws with the flat on
the output shaft of the gear drive. Apply a drop of
threadlocker to the set screw and install it in the prop
adapter, tightening it against the flat of the gear drive output
shaft. Remove the second set screw that does not tighten
onto the flat. When installing the prop adapter onto a shaft
that does not have a flat spot, tighten both of the set screws
against the shaft. Install the spinner backplate (if used, not
included), the prop, prop washer and then the prop nut.
Tighten the prop nut against the prop. Carefully pull on the
prop to make sure it is securely attached to the output shaft
of the gear drive.
Determine the distance the prop adapter needs to be from
the firewall by using the recommended distance in the
airplane instructions or by installing the cowl and measuring
the distance from the firewall to the front of the cowl. Add
approximately 3/32" to 1/8" to the distance. Attach the Front
Plate of the motor mount to the Back Plate using the eight
6-32x1/2" SHC screws, eight #6 flat washers and four
aluminum screw plates, spaced out as far as possible. A
drop of Threadlocker on the threads of the screws will
prevent the screws from coming loose.
MOTOR BRACKET INSTALLATION
(OPTIONAL)
The Large Motor Mount comes with an optional Motor
Bracket. If you have installed a 40mm or longer motor in the
Motor Mount; we recommend installing the optional Motor
Bracket. Attach the Motor Bracket to the sides of the Motor
Mount using two 4-40x1/2" SHC screws, #4 flat washers
and 4-40 lock nuts. Position the Motor bracket as far back
on the motor as possible. Once the Motor Bracket is
installed, secure the motor to the Motor Bracket using the
nylon strap.
INSTALL THE BRUSHLESS ESC
Because most of the power systems using the 36mm
Ammo motor are drawing more than 35 amps continuous,
the ElectriFly SS-45 Brushless ESC (GPMM1840), for
power systems drawing less than 45 amps, works well. If
you will be using an Ammo motor and prop combination
that draws more than 45 amps continuous, use the SS-60,
SS-80 or SS-100 Brushless ESC. Always make sure that
the ESC is positioned so that it gets some cooling air
flowing over it.
Use the instructions included with the brushless ESC to
correctly connect the ESC.
AMMO MOTOR MAINTENANCE
Ammo brushless motors require virtually no maintenance.
There are no brushes to wear out and replace. The
precision bearings have a very long service life and should
last a very long time. The internal parts of the motor should
not require any cleaning.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
• Once the battery is connected to the ESC, stay clear of
the motor and prop.
• DO NOT apply an input voltage that exceeds the
maximum specification of each motor.
• DO NOT apply currents to the motor that exceed the
maximum specifications of each motor.
• DO NOT allow the input connectors to accidentally touch
each other while power is applied to the motor. Make sure
all input connections are insulated electrically.
• DO NOT allow water or moisture to enter the motor, as it
can cause permanent damage to the motor and possibly
short out the attached ESC.
• DO NOT cut the coated wires from the motor. If you must
remove the bullet connectors, unsolder them.
• Allow the motor to cool after each flight.
• The motor shaft of the motor will rotate at very high rpm.
DO NOT attempt to touch the shaft while it is rotating. If
setting up the motor/ESC on the workbench, make sure
the motor is
attached to the motor shaft BEFORE applying power.
• Never attempt to use a damaged motor (having mechanical
or electrical defects).
• Great Planes carries a complete line of Ammo (in-runner
style) and RimFire (out-runner style) brushless motors,
gear drives, motor mounts, prop adapters and speed
controls. For a complete list of these products, check out
our web site at:
or visit your nearest hobby shop that carries the full line of
Great Planes and ElectriFly products.
securely attached and that nothing is
www.greatplanes.com
www.electrifly.com
GPMZ0026 for Ammo 36mm SystemsEntire Contents Copyright©2008
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