Electric Twins Are the Thing

Some shy away from flying a twin model due to horror stories of matching rpm or losing an engine on takeoff, leading to instant rekitting. Modern electric power pretty much eliminates this.

Here is the way I set up the Phoenix A-26 Invader, but it’s pretty much the same for most twins:

• Use a Y connector for the dual speed controls. This ensures that both receive the same signal from the throttle lever. If using the built-in BEC, most require you to disable one side.

• If using multiple batteries, wire them in parallel, then split them to the ESCs (think of it as an X connector). You could have a dedicated battery for each motor, but then you’d run the chance of having varying power output, which defeats one of the benefits of going electric. With the batteries combined, it ensures that both motors receive equal power, no matter the level of the batteries. Make sure you use a set of matched batteries (and it’s best if both start out new).

• You can use counterrotating props (both sides turn toward the fuselage) to eliminate the asymmetrical effect of twins. The only thing is that you do need to change the thrust line of the right side from down/right to down/left. It’s a little more work but worth the effort, if not for looks alone.

That’s about it. There’s no fiddling around with needles and tachs, or worrying if an engine will quit when it matters most. And for those of you thinking electrics don’t sound cool enough, twins of this size swinging larger props produce a very pleasing sound. So don’t hesitate— give electric twins a shot; you won’t be disappointed.

Here is my custom X connector that joins both the batteries and speed controls in parallel, ensuring that power is distributed equally, no matter how much juice is left.