Testing motors on quad

[Derek]

I have a Turnigy watt meter that I use on my planes to tell me the amps, Watts, and voltage. How can I use this on my quad? Do i plug it in and test each motor individually, or test them all together?
I basically want to be sure that my 18amp esc's will handle the weight of the quad with the HQ6045 props.

[Lee]

I would think you could do both Derek.

[Tony]

I've just lost a post here, I posted same time Lee did and mine disappeared..

Anyway Derek... Just connect meter to lipo and divide results by 4 would be easiest way. If you require more exact results then note the current used with motors static first, this is FC and RX current. Deduct that from current when motors running then divide by 4..

[Derek]

What about the amps and wattage? Will pull a "x" amount of amps and then divide that by 4 or would that "x" amount of amps be correct?

Maybe I just need to hook up the meter and then report back with the results for discussion.

[Tony]

The wattage is easy when you know the current flowing through the battery. Just multiply the current by the volts on lipo... E.g. Let's say there's 30 amps in total and a 12 volt lipo (3S) that equates to 30x12= 360 watts.. Divide by 4 gives you 90 watts in each motor. But you don't need wattage do you, you need amps. So it's 30 amps total divide by 4 which is 7.5 amps to each motor, ignoring RX and FC current...

Yeah send results...

[Tony]

Send current with no motors running, then current with motors running

[Derek]

Thanks Tony

[Derek]

well, I dunno what to do now, lol. I just hooked up my watt meter to the quad and tried to test this. I almost got to half throttle and I just didn't feel safe. I may have to have my Dad help me test this.

[pvolcko]

Are you trying to fly it? Run it strapped down? What safety issue did you have?

[Derek]

I want to bench test it...stationary because, although the meter will show the Max Amps, it went show the max wattage unless its running. I was just trying to hold it down myself.

I just didn't feel safe with my hands that close to the four spinning props lol

[DOG]

Have you try using a small Table clamp. Just put on each side of the clamps arm some kind of protection so when you apply pressure it wont hurt the quad? The weight of the table clamp should keep the quad from moving. Just a silly thought.

[Stambo]

Do it the easy way, just fly it and check motor and ESC temps.
Or my way, fly until it breaks then find out why.

[Derek]

I dunno about that, Stambo lol. In a bit more methodical than that

[danhampson]

Do it the easy way, just fly it and check motor and ESC temps.
Or my way, fly until it breaks then find out why.

+1 to that, I work the same way fly it and if it's not on fire it's ok. Lol

[Derek]

Do it the easy way, just fly it and check motor and ESC temps.
Or my way, fly until it breaks then find out why.

+1 to that, I work the same way fly it and if it's not on fire it's ok. Lol

That's funny!!!

[Derek]

I'll see about securing the quad to the bench in a safe fashion. I just like being able to see what kind of amps and watts are being used. I do the same testing with my planes but this quad just startled me a bit because of the high pitch sound of ALL 4 props instead of just one, lol.

[Tony]

Put some ear plugs in.... Lmao

[Derek]

lol, it just sounds like it's going to explode, lol. I spoke with my Dad. He's gonna help me get this beast tested so that I have my numbers.

[Giles Darnell]

Try to find some expertise thread on good forums and see info videos.

[Derek]

Actually, my quad flies very well. Im not really concerned with the numbers anymore lol. Check out my flight log for the ECHO 290 quad. Its been an awesome lil machine.