How much power can a wire drive take

[Camman]

Ok
I was up at the Dallas Classic race May 2nd&3rd
Saw all the new LSH setups & said to myself
My old H&M Viper with 700 cordite, 12cell Nmh
.062wire drive 3/16 end just is not up to the task at
hand anymore :-(

Just as the title says
How much power can a wire drive take
I think I would like to put in a brushless setup now
Already have a UL-1 60amp esc & motor
would like not to have to pull my existing drive line
to switch to .150 flex

Appreciate the help

Mike

[Jeff Wohlt]

Not up to the task with a 700? Not a chance. If it is well made a 700 does not even flinch a 62 wire. I have some out there running 6S on them but I would not do it. I warn them but you know how some are.

Well the wire is stronger than anything its size because it is mainly carbon steel. The real question is at the stub connection. I have made some for SAWs that use both locitie and where the setscrew of the DD locs to the wire. No fun drilling those holes!

To answer your question. 062 is good for 4S and 078 can go on up to 8S or more. Joerg ran 2mm/078 at 140 mph.

There is an issue of not using too small of hole so you are bascially wiping the compound off as you insert the wire. 603 is good if your hole is correctly sized....but bad if you use a larger hole...fine line.
With motors as strong as they are now most are going with 78 wire. Hydros are sweet for these as are monos. Steven stocks the ones I make and I make every effort to take the time and cleaning they need before putting them together.

I have tested more on the silver soldering and I am impressed with the holding power...some are now out there using them and I have had no call backs...just more pain to make. Loctite is simple but must be right.

I also dry drill mine...lots of bits but no worries of crap left in them...and they still get a good cleaning with acetone. Prepping the wire is also important.

[crrcboatz]

Jeff,
will the 78 wire setup you sold me work with the 580 feigao in my whiplash??
Seems like a large motor for that.

Curt

[Ub Hauled]

if a Lehner 2250 is good with the .078 wire the Feigao 580 should be covered...
I will be using a 1521/1D with mine... Jeff, your wires are going to take some abuse, hehehehehe.

[Jeff Wohlt]

Let it rip! The only real issues I have seen is asking the wire to do more than it is intended for...like hard Js or S turns. Nice thing about hydros is it is an easy shot to the strut...as is the mono. One thing I do, though, is mount my motors more forward but I do run a Campell Shovel at the stock location but I tilted the motor a bit more...never a problem...actually very fast with my old 290/30/4 plett. 12 cells was good but needs to be run on 4S to see how she does.

You break it at the stub and I will replace it

[Jeff Wohlt]

Sorry , yes it should handle a 580. Certainly they have been used with bigger faster motors.

Joerg did run a SS metric tube over the entire wire for a prop shaft...not sure but I would assume he ran a collar and not a nut on the end but it can be done as well.

I actually like wheel collars... Most my wire drives use these since I do not have to thread the stub then and my boats get all the crap and rejects from myself :)...fast on and off and have never had one let go.

[Ub Hauled]

You are right Jeff... this is from Joergs boat...

[paulwilliams]

Jeff is absolutely correct regarding Loctite 603 - it is gap filling up to a point, but the hole for the wire really should be a good sliding fit. If you have to hammer the wire into the hole, it's too tight, and if there's any discernible side-to-side play it's too loose.

My only reservation with silver soldering is that the piano wire becomes *very* brittle when heated to the temperatures needed for silver soldering, which could be a potential weakness. 603 is used at ambient temps, and does not affect the temper of the wire.

As to strength, if installed correctly a wiredrive should be capable of handling very high power levels.

Paul

[Jeff Wohlt]

Just shows to go ya....don't need to be pretty to work. That does not look like something the Geramns would build for 140 mph but they did and it works.

[properchopper]

OK Jeff, good info here & I'm learning Here's what I got : 31" H&M shovel w. 1515 1Y/4S. Shaft is almost completely straight, just a slight bend to the low-mounted motor. Running .187 cable to 5mm Octura shaft coupler. Length of shaft is 18" from front of shaft to motor side of drive dog. Runs inside brass tube with no teflon liner. Can I get a .093 that long, and how about a Octura-style coupler instead of setscrew type ? [ I've stripped so many setcrews in my time, and I assume lubing after every run is recommended so the setscrews will get used a lot ]. I don't mind paying for custom work if needed. What's motivating this switch to wire is that I'm of the opinion that there's way too much drag on a flex cable that long & puts undue stress on the motor. Also, will the install need a liner ? Post answer here, or if you'd rather PM me or E-Mail to [email protected]. Thanks !

[Jeff Wohlt]

I do not see why you do not go with 78. I do sell some 93 but usually 1/8 scale where they can run it long. 31" boat with 78 ansd that motor should not be a big issue.

All I can do is modify a Flex hex to fit the 93 wire. Eats bits like crazy but can be done.

I like smaller id tube for the wire...no teflon. 5/32 is sweet for 078. All you have to do is taper the nose slightly with a piece of KS tubing. I always shrink wrap mine anyway at the nose and stuffing tube.

[properchopper]

OK, .078 it is, and the Oct - style collett. Can I get one in the length I need ? Are you suggesting I slide 5/32 tube inside the entire length of what I now have ?
[ I'm obviously new to wire drive tech !]

[Ub Hauled]

Tony, you've seen my DH shovel, she is driven by JW Wire (0.068), very snug tubing thru the hull but exposed all the way to the strut... tapering to strut nose is a MUST, she behaves REALLY erratically if the front of the strut is flat (or offers drag). Colet type adapters are the S***! As far as my money goes, that's all I am ever getting... Jeff also sells a really neat one, ask him about it.

[txboatpilot]

Camman,

You are good,, no need for any changes..