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The Multiplex Easystar is a 3 channel, powered RC glider. The multiplex Easystar comes with a great set of equipment, including a 400 size motor, NiMh rechargeable battery and a proportional radio system. It has become very popular among RC aerial and UAV enthusiasts, because it is very easy to modify.

One of the coolest modifications involves replacing the included brushed motor with a brushless motor, and replacing the NiMh battery with a lithium polymer pack. Using a brushless motor will increase the speed of the Easystar, and let you carry payloads (such as cameras for aerial photography.) The lithium polymer battery will let you fly for up to a half an hour, or even longer if you can catch some thermals (warm, upward currents of air.)

Parts You Will Need to Modify the Easystar

There are several different combinations of brushless motors, ESCs, and lithium batteries that will work for this modification. Here is a list of the parts that we recommend. They have been chosen to minimize cost, and maximize performance. You will need:

1. A Himax 2815 2000 brushless inrunner electric motor
2. A 35 amp Castle Creations Thunderbird ESC
3. A 6 x 4 APC composite propeller
4. A Thunder Power 3 cell 2100 lithium polymer battery
5. A Lithium polymer battery charger. We recommend either a Thunderpower 535C or a 610C. Both of these chargers can use a 12 volt battery, or a 12 volt AC adapter. Suitable AC adapters are available on our website.

We will eventually offer these components in a set, but for now you can order them individually by clicking the links or pictures above.

Procedure for Modifying the Easystar

One of the great features of the Easystar is that it is easy to modify. Every component that we mentioned should fit perfectly, and the foam the Easystar is made of is superglue safe.

Follow these guidelines when installing your new hardware in the Easystar.

Motor - Remove the brushed motor by unbolting it. The bolt holes will match the new brushless motor, so simply insert it and bolt it in. Be extremely careful to not damage the motor wires when doing this. Feed them through the fuselage to where they will connect to the ESC.

ESC - Place the ESC in the fuselage, and then connect it to the brushless motor using the wires. It’s always a good idea to tape over the connection, so that it won’t accidentally disconnect in flight. Also connect the ESC to the Easy star’s receiver.

Battery - Use Velcro to secure the battery in the fuselage. Then connect the battery leads to the ESC.

Rudder - Because of the huge increase in power that the brushless motor provides, you might want to increase the effectiveness of the rudder. You can do this by simply gluing a business card to the rudder, and then trimming it to shape. Here is a picture of one such modification:

Benefits of Using a Brushless Motor and Lipo Battery for the Easystar

• Using a lithium polymer battery will allow you to fly the Easy star for very long periods of time.
• Lithium polymer batteries can be charged quickly and easily at the flying field.
• The brushless motor will provide much more power than the regular speed 400, and will last longer too.
• The increase in power from the brushless motor will allow you to carry payloads, such as a digital camera for RC aerial photography.
• The aircraft will perform better in all aspects of flight, giving you a more enjoyable flying experience.

This article has barely scratched the surface of the possible modifications to the Easystar. If you would like to learn more about these modifications, or learn how to do others, we suggest you read the rcgroups.com forums.

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