[martin417]

I have a suggestion for measuring prop speed. The device you are using in the video looks for changes in light intensity. The room you are in has florescent lights. Florescent lights flicker 120 times per second. This flickering is picked up by the photo-tach and you will not get a good reading, if you get one at all. (try aiming the tach at the overhead lights, you should get a reading of around 3,600 RPM if you are set for a 2-bladed prop). You should make your readings outside, or turn off the overheads and use an incandescent light source like a flashlight, aimed from the far side of the prop (so the beam passes through the prop) at the tach.

On another note, you probably already know this, but static thrust (and the speeds you will be reaching in the game will be so low that static thrust is all you care about) is not affected by prop pitch, but power consumption is. So the trick is to swing the largest diameter, lowest pitch prop you can get. That will maximize the thrust you get.

For quick analysis, google thrusthp. Tis is a free program that will calculate power consumption, thrust and top speed based on prop diameter, pitch, and rotational speed.

Good luck at your regional!