Brushless Motor Ratings

Hi all, need to ask the stupid question to make sure I have this down.

1. Inrunner means a powered shaft, outrunner means a powered outer can?
2. kv is how many rpm per volt the motor does?
3. Amps is how many amps it will pull at full chat?
4. Wattage is similar to any other motor, in that its volts x amps and therefore the max power it gives off regardless of can size?

Been looking at brushless motors for a planned beetle and whilst some manufacturers give you something like 2830, it's a 28mm can with 30mm shaft length, you can have two 2830's and one be double the power of the other depending on manufacturer. Other manufacturers don't even give you that you just get something like NT17 etc. So...to try and get round this I'm just looking to confirm the above so that if I select motors on Hobbyking etc. by size I can then compare the power outputs of the different models to get to where I wnat to be.

As ever any input with examples of what your using for feather vs beetle applications massively appreciated. (ie. what do the big feather spinners run vs the scary beetle spinners. What sort of wattage and kv do you look for. Pro's cons to inrunners and outrunners.

The info is scattered through a few different threads but want to get it all down in one place so I can refer back to it.

Thanks in advance as ever.

You asked:

1. Inrunner means a powered shaft, outrunner means a powered outer can?

Yes, and the powered outer shell drives a shaft.

2. kv is how many rpm per volt the motor does?

Yes

3. Amps is how many amps it will pull at full chat?


Yes.

4. Wattage is similar to any other motor, in that its volts x amps and therefore the max power it gives off regardless of can size?

Yes.

Outrunners usually have a lower kv rating than inrunners.

Just to add to Johns response,

"Outrunners usually have a lower kv rating than inrunners"

They also generally have a greater torque value for a given size of motor

Oh OK that's cool. Which brushless do you run in your feather?

If you are talking weapon, it varies depending on the type of weapon but generally you are look something with 2500W+ of power, eg -

NTM 50-60
Scorpion HK4025 or 4035
Turnigy HeliDrive SK3

Discs and drums don't need such big motors as they are fairly aerodynamic. But if you have a beater or bar then you need more power, generally speaking. Binky has a HK 4035-560, max output of 3500W, running on 10S. Conker runs a massive HK 5020 with a max output of 5350W, on 12S.

Note, I am having to put up the maximum power ratings as many companies advertise their motors based on that number rather than the continuous rating. Easiest option is to go with a known motor like the NTM 50-60.

It's been a few years since I've used boner (heh) but I was running a scorpion 4525 or 4535 (can't remember which). Either way, lots of power and pricey but a lovely motor.

That's fab thanku loads! Been a big help!

What are you considering building, Dave?

Wanted to build a nice drum but with my skills god knows. Will probably end up with the usual tie wrap / gaffa tape creation. It's hard finding a brushless with a metric shaft.

Where are you looking? Generally unless you're looking at 540 class replacements it's hard to find one without a metric shaft.