How to select a propeller for a brushless motor and speed control.

This article will tell you how to select the right prop for your brushless motor and speed control combination. Using the wrong prop could cause the motor to pull more current than it or the speed control can handle, resulting in the speed control shutting down in flight or worse, burning up.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• R/C plane with brushless motor and speed control.
• Watt meter
• Selection of props

1. Install a propeller on your airplane.

2. Connect the watt meter between the battery and speed control.

3. Select the amps reading on the watt meter.

4. While holding the airplane so that it won't fly away, move the throttle to full throttle.

5. Check the current reading on the watt meter.

6. Move the throttle to minimum.

7. Was the current reading below the rated current for the speed control and motor? Yes - try a prop with higher pitch. No - try a prop with a lower pitch.

8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 until you find a prop that is below but close to the rated current for the speed control and motor.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to hold your airplane when you are testing it.
• Watch out for the propeller. It can cut and serouisly injure you.