The POPO (pop on, pop off) Quick Swap system has spent a full year on the market for operators all around the world to use an and enjoy. The Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro series of motors sports the second generation of this system, and has the durability, efficiency, and power to compete. This system has been revolutionary for the change out in props, eliminating the need for a prop wrench when using POPO compatible props, which are now available from several manufacturers, with more to come![vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4067″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro – 2407 2550kv Specs
- Kv: 2550
- Configuration: 12N14P
- Windings: 7 turn DLRK
- Termination: D (Delta)
- Stator Diameter: 24mm
- Magnets: N52SH Curved
- Bearing Size: 9x4x4
- Inner Shaft Diameter: 4mm / Steel
- Base Mounting Pattern: 16x16mm M3 Thread
- Motor Dimension: 29.5×19.5mm
- Weight: 36g (short wires)
- Idle Current @12.6v: 1.2 A
- Cells (LiPo): 4S
- Continuous Current Max (A) 60s: 35A
- Burst Current Max <10s: 45A
- Continuous Power Max (W) 60s: 560W
- Internal Resistance (Rm): 180mΩ
- Motor Wire Length: 150mm / 20AWG
- Motor Connection: Bare Wire
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4072″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
First Impressions
The Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro motors sure make a great first impression. They look and feel like a stout and sturdy, well engineered piece of technology. At a 2407 size (24mm diameter / 7mm height) these are the largest motors that I have put on a 5″ multirotor. However, they aren’t so overly large that I felt it would be an issue.
Motor Design
The bell ring, which the magnets mount on, comes in at 1.2mm thick, giving both the entire motor added durability in a crash or collision. In the case of all motors, heat is the enemy as excess heat can cause the magnets to lose strength, however Lumenier put in 14 of the N52SH arc magnets, which rate up to 150°C (302°F). Using the arc magnets also keeps the air gap very tight, ensuring that there is little loss of efficiency.
The top of the bell sports a five spoke minimalist design, allowing air flow through the open bottomed motor. The bell mounts to the body of the motor via a screw, which allows for easier maintenance of the motor. (Oops, you landed in a sand pit… don’t laugh, we’ve all done it!). Upon inspection of the inside of the bell, there is balancing goo present which is evidence of the balancing process. However, there is very little present in all of the motors, showing overall consistency in the manufacture of these motors.
As well as being the largest motor I have on a multirotor, The Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro is also one of the heaviest I have personally used, coming in at 38.5 grams with the full 150mm wires. After a quick trim down to 50mm, the motors did indeed weigh in at the advertised 36 grams. Furthermore, having the long wires from the factory makes this motor a very viable candidate for a 6″ or 7″ build.
The POPO Pro Quick Swap System
Of course, let us not forget that ever so important feature of this particular motor; the POPO Pro Quick Swap system! This system enables the operator to rapidly change out POPO compatible propellers quite literally with a press of a button. The Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro series motors features the second generation of the system, in which the button is fully encased within the motor shaft. This protects the system from both damage and accidental activation of the button.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4070″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Flying with the Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro – 2407 2550kv
After pilots move past the initial drooling over all the engineering and design of the motor, there comes the implementation, quality, and performance of the motor. How does it stack up? Well let me share my thoughts on that.
Installation
When prepping any motors for install in a multirotor, I spin the bells to check the consistency of the rotation. Three of the motors had free motion, with little resistance beyond the magnetic drag. One motor however was a little tighter and harder to spin. I was curious about this, as this has been the chief complaint among pilots about the screw based bell retention systems. To loosen up the motor simply release some tension on the screw under the motor (not too much, don’t want to lose that screw mid-flight). After that, the motor now spins just fine.
Side note: I highly suggest removing the screw completely if change is necessary. When the adjusting the screw, you break the Loctite adhesion present from the factory. It’s a good idea to clean it off and put a small (and I do mean SMALL) dot of blue Loctite back on the screw. Additionally, make sure none of the Loctite gets into the bearings or any other part of the motor.
Impact of Weight
I must say, despite the weight of these motors, which next to the battery itself are the heaviest component of any multirotor besides the battery, I don’t feel the weight as much as I thought I would. The Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro motors were installed on one of my heavier multirotors. Post install, the aircraft came in at 653 grams, with a GoPro Session and battery on-board. At 36 grams each, the motors alone account for 144 grams. However, In the air, no real difference in feel vs. the 28 gram Lumenier MX2206 2450kv motors present before. Comparatively, 36 grams for a motor this size is lighter than most in the pack.
In the Air
The Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro 2407 2550Kv motors feel like an excellent balance of torque and speed when airborne. They have the ability to drive an aggressive propeller, such as the 5×5.3×3 Lumenier Gate Breakers. When first flying, I did have to tune out some oscillation from the system due to the high Kv of the motor paired with the high pitch propellers. However, after adjustments were made, they were just as smooth as I would expect from a Lumenier motor.
It is definitely a fast motor, and even on the heavy quadcopter, it ate through the distance like there was no friction. Keep in mind however, that while efficient, this motor has the potential to suck a battery dry very quickly, so appropriate throttle management as well as ESC’s that can handle the bursts are necessary.
Using the POPO Pro Quick Swap System
I must admit, when I look at the quadcopter, it’s a little disconcerting at first not seeing prop nuts on the Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro motors. There is a little cringe factor when taking the first flight, but after putting the aircraft upside down into the middle of a tree and being able to recover almost instantly, that goes away very quick. Honestly, hit something with your props first time out. Go ahead and get it out of the way, your confidence in this system will increase automatically.
Swapping out a a propeller is as easy as using a small hex screwdriver, a pen, a twig, or even the included SIM card tool (if you want to be boring) to press the button down and pull up the propeller. To put new ones on, slip the new propeller down on the shaft, press the button again to drop it down on the shaft, and then push and twist. You will hear and feel a solid click when the retention bearings have engaged.
The one downfall of the POPO Pro Quick Swap system is the inability to use non-POPO compatible propellers. This only becomes an issue if you don’t stock up on compatible props before heading to the field. So unless your friends are also flying POPO propellers, you won’t be able to snag a set from them. All the more reason to show off your new POPO motors, and spread the POPO love!
Moreover, with over 60 different styles, colors, and sizes of POPO compatible props to choose from, there’s a propeller for everyone to use with their Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro motors! You (and your friends) can check out the massive selection here: POPO Compatible Propellers[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4071″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4069″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent durability, efficiency, and power.
- POPO Pro system is protected inside the shaft of the motor with no exposed parts.
- POPO system is easy, quick, and maintains the propellers in on the shaft despite hitting objects.
- Long wires from the factory make this a versatile motor for larger builds.
- High grade N52SH Arc magnets are able to withstand high temperature punishment.
- The motor is a great balance between torque and speed, making this a very good choice for multiple applications.
Cons
- The POPO Pro system will not accept non-POPO compatible propellers. There is no way to secure them to the motor shaft.
- The rubber washer that provides positive engagement against the retention bearings is not secured to the motor, and has the potential to be lost.
Final Thoughts
The Lumenier ZIP POPO Pro is a fantastic motor that will not disappoint. They are built tough, built efficient, and built powerful, and while it does carry a premium price, I might just make this motor, and it’s line, my go-to choice when quality is needed. Reminder, it does have a non-POPO compatible sister who will love to take your legacy propellers just like any other motor. Give this motor a try, I would be shocked if you didn’t fall in love with it on your first flight.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][vc_separator][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4095″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”]