2nd Heli Options?
I've been flying around my old Blade CP for a couple years now and want to upgrade to another larger 2nd heli. Don't want to spend a small fortune since all I do is some basic flying, nothing aerobatic or extreme. Just something without a tail motor, larger, more stable. I've been looking at the Blade 400 but would like to get some other opinions from you guys on what a good 2nd heli would be. Thanks!
Posted on: 11/1/2008 12:38 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8104683

Blade 400 Li-Po Battery
Hello, Can anyone please tell me if the stock E-flite battery for the Blade 400 is compatible and can be charged using an Align Balancing Charger? Thanks guys!
Posted on: 11/1/2008 12:27 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8104652

RE: 2nd Helicopter Options?
I was thinking about the Blade 400 as an option. I'm not against putting a kit together or buying my own parts, just looking to keep it probably under $400 (going to need ebay and used stuff probably) to make that happen. Still open for suggestions and help.
Posted on: 3/15/2008 11:02 AM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7228159

RE: BLADE 400 questions
Got some questions on the B400. I've been flying a Blade CP for 1.5 years now on Lipos and got some questions about the 400. I'm just a backyard flier that hovers, does patterns, flies high above the trees, nothing fancy. Looking for a larger more stable heli to replace the very well used (i.e. crashed CP) beginner heli. 1. What type of connection into the heli (JST, Deans..) and charger connection (align balance connection..) does the stock battery have? 2. What are the flights times you all are seeing? 3. Thoughts on radio and electronics quality/reliability 4. Any comparisons to a Blade CP in terms of stability and flying Thanks guys.
Posted on: 3/14/2008 6:04 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7225349

RE: 2nd Helicopter Options?
Well I'm definetly looking at a belt driven tail type of copter but not sure yet if I want to go to the expense of buying a radio/receiver/gyro, etc.. Trying to keep the budget low-medium on this one if possible. Keep the suggestions coming!!
Posted on: 3/14/2008 5:44 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7225261

2nd Helicopter Options?
Time to start looking to get a better second copter. Currently been flying a Blade CP for 1.5 years on LiPos and its been good to learn on and has been plenty crashed. Reallly looking for a larger more stable heli that won't break the bank. My flying style is just doing patterns, hovering, climbing above the trees in the backyard in the evenings after work, nothing fancy. Looking for suggestions on a second heli, ideally one where I'm not fighting the tail motor or always burning it out. Whats your suggestions?
Posted on: 3/14/2008 4:55 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7224992

RE: recommendation for reasonably priced LIPO charger
[quote]ORIGINAL: drphoto Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced LIPO charger? (Like $100 or less) I want one that will run off AC and will do 2 and 3 cell packs. I was leaning toward the Align that HD has for around $50, but not sure about it. Or is this another 'you get what you pay for'. thanks, doc [/quote] I have that Align charger, I got off E-bay (same one heli-direct sells) I use it with their 3 cell Lipo pack for my BCP and so far both have worked great for me. The battery did have a lead come un-soldered but that was easily fixed. Charger and battery both have many many flights on them and still work great with no problems. Its a simple "probably not the worlds best" charger, but it works well enough.
Posted on: 10/13/2006 4:30 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4863992

RE: Newbie to Helicopter
Anybody have any links on how to make your own TX cable interface and how to setup FMS for use with the TX on your computer?
Posted on: 9/23/2006 9:45 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4784637

RE: Newbie to Helicopter
Are there any decent Free or cheap fligh sims that will work with the BCP radio. Like FMS Simulator? I"ve learning to fly and hover and do side-in hover but really want a cheap sim to learn nose-in orientation control.
Posted on: 9/22/2006 5:34 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4780380

RE: Hard Time Holding Altitude
The main hub (center spindle with gear on it) is brand new. I'll check the dampening perhaps. Odd thing was though that it flew very nicely with the stock setup and once I switced to the lipo and 8t motor the problem developed. Everything as far as I can tell is straight and not bend, etc.... What size are the shims and where do you get them at? Thanks for the input.
Posted on: 8/10/2006 8:09 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4607726

Hard Time Holding Altitude
Just upgraded to a 3S Lipo from helidirect and went with a 8T main motor on my BCP. I've rebuild the entire heli recently but it seems now that it has a hard time holding a constant altitude like it used to with stock setup. All it takes is one click up or down on the throttle (around 55% throttle) to send the heli up really quick or bring it down to the ground. Not sure if there is too much pitch or too little pitch in the blades to where I may be stalling the blades at a certain head speed or what? Blades are balanced and track good. Any thoughts or advice here? Makes flying a bit tougher when it doesn't maintain altitude and bounces around the sky!
Posted on: 8/9/2006 9:52 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4603914

RE: intermitant power
Mine does the exact same thing, seems like the power drops out or spikes for a second causing the heli to rise or drop in the sky. Not really sure the reason though, don't think its radio inteference. I thought maybe it had something to do with the stock batteries I'm using. If anybody has any info let us know.
Posted on: 7/11/2006 7:51 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4490117

RE: A battery delema
[quote]ORIGINAL: Gonwee I'm trying to decide whether or not i should get a lipo, heres the cons i see a crash could kill them they have to be watch carefull when charging they kill the tail motor quicker then the nimhs do and die if discharged to much. I don't know if i should get a lithium yet, i can't hover for a whole pack, and i crash at least once during each flight i do. [/quote] I'm in the exact same dilema as you!!! I'm debating going to Li-po's or buy one more NiMh pack (making 3 total) I don't want to be frying tail motors often and it seems it requires a decent investment to buy a lipo and good balancing charger. Unless I do the helidirect lipo and cheap $10 charger. Only thing holding me back really is the tail motor life.
Posted on: 7/6/2006 5:14 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4470607

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
So, if I got with a 3S lipo and a 9T main motor, how long can I expect the stock tail motors to last when using the LiPo? Both main and tail motors have heat sinks on them. What's everybody else experience with Lipo's and the life of their tail motors? Thanks.
Posted on: 6/29/2006 10:02 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4446798

RE: SETUP FOR EASY TRAINING THAT IS EASILY UPGRADEDABLE
I'm planning on going to 3S lipo and 9T motor also but worry about the stock tail motor. How long on average does the tail motor last with the Lipo and a heatsink? Don't really want to be replacing tail motors every few flights.
Posted on: 6/29/2006 9:11 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4446571

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
Many thanks for the info choppersrule. One other question. Going to a 3S Lipo, hows the life going to be on the tail motor? Will the increased voltage and all affect the 4-1 unit and shorten its life? If going to a 9 tooth main motor can you still use the stock nimh batteries also? Lastly, how long does it take to charge a li-po battery? Thanks for all the info!!
Posted on: 6/25/2006 4:04 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4429147

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
[quote]ORIGINAL: Truglodite the stock charger cutoff is 4.2V per cell, so it will charge any lipo. it'll take probably another 10 to 20 minutes for the stock charger to fill up the extra 300mAh. it's economical to get a couple of stock chargers to charge multiple batteries at once. 2 $20 stock chargers charging at 0.6C are faster than one charger at 1C (i wouldn't charge faster than 1C anyways). btw, i did a rough calculation and figured one would need a total of 5 stock batteries and 4 stock chargers to stay flying continuously (assuming 1.5hr to charge, 10min flights, 10 min cool down heli & battery between flights/charging). i found the stock batteries have enough juice to easily overheat my motors before the pack dies, especially in the 100+degree weather i've had lately. so i haven't thought about upgrading capacity as it would make motor failures more likely, at least until i get a brushless. as far as the stock cp's ability to handle a 3S lipo: most ppl prefer the performance gained from lipos regardless of the risk in overheating motors. so much so, that it new comes with the cp pro and cp2. yes, you will start to blow tail motors frequently with 11.1V, but the added power often saves you from crashing and so can save you untold amounts of parts at the cost of replacing the tail motor when it gets weak. [/quote] Are you saying the stock NiMh charger that comes with the BCP will charge Li-po's also? Didn't think that was possible or safe. I like the idea of going to Li-Po's but with a stock heli don't really want be frying tail or main motors ever few flights. I have noticed there are some 2S 9.6V Li-Po's out there, wouldn't that be better than the stock nimh batteries but less "dangerous" to the heli than the 3S 11.1V li-pos? How long can you fly on a 3S lipo and how long does it take to charge one? I guess going to Li-Po will also force me into a decent battery charger for them is seems like.
Posted on: 6/25/2006 2:37 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4428909

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
[quote]ORIGINAL: AJ DRAGON [quote]ORIGINAL: BLBncsu Are there any good or proper Li-Po batteries that can be used on a stock BCP (it has heat sinks). I'm really looking for something with longer run times than the 2 stock batteries I have now. Don't really want to invest in a expensive charger yet, so are there any Li-Po's that will work with a stock BCP and have a charger
Posted on: 6/25/2006 12:54 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4428672

RE: Blade CP - I keep getting hits. Anyone else?
I'll bring this thread back up! I get these same "hits" where after putting in a fresh battery and flying for 1-2 minutes the motor tends to drop down and the pitch of the blades jump way up. The heli tends to go jumping up in the air quite a bit and it losses tail rotor power throwing it all over the sky. It does this very severly after 1-2 minutes with a fresh battery and then doesn't really do it much after that. What did everybody else do to fix this or what is the problem?
Posted on: 6/24/2006 7:21 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4426667

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
Are there any good or proper Li-Po batteries that can be used on a stock BCP (it has heat sinks). I'm really looking for something with longer run times than the 2 stock batteries I have now. Don't really want to invest in a expensive charger yet, so are there any Li-Po's that will work with a stock BCP and have a charger? If I were going to get a charger in the future, what is a good one that is able to use a wall outlet? Thanks.
Posted on: 6/24/2006 6:47 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4426548

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
Got a BCP question. Flying the heli in the backyard now but the problem is after every 1 or 2 minutes of flight, the heli seems to automatically increase the pitch of the blades and slow the head speed down, noticeably so. And the heli tends to jump up in the air a few feet. This kinda freaks me out when I'm flying. Is this normal for the heli to do? Its all stock. Is this how it compensates for the battery draining or is something else screwed up?
Posted on: 6/20/2006 6:34 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4411844

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
Well I am happy to report that after taking my time over 2 weeks and about 15 batteries I am able to confidently hover the heli for the entire battery in the garage. I haven't broken a single thing yet or had to replace a single piece (knock on wood). The heli is hovering good once I got it trimmed out and I've been lucky and haven't had any problems with my BCP. So I guess flying these things can be done!
Posted on: 6/14/2006 7:54 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4391175

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
My tail motor housing that goes onto the end of the tail boom is starting to rotate a lot. I mean the entire motor and tail blade and tail motor mount rotate around the tail boom. It being able to rotate is great while I'm learning, saved me many a tail blade and all. But my questions is, is there a way to stop the tail motor/blade from rotating SO much but still let it be able to move some. I don't want to CA the whole thing in place quite yet since I'm still learning, just need a way to tighten it all up. Thanks.
Posted on: 6/12/2006 6:20 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4382794

RE: BCP battery "weird"
My battery and charger do get warmer after 1.5 hrs to 2.5 hrs. The charger is always much hotter than the battery is. Its normal for them to heat up a bit.
Posted on: 6/11/2006 10:30 AM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4377677

RE: Blade cp beginner?
Yeah, nice job on the hovering. I'm on my 10 battery and still haven't really gotten it up in the air. I seem to scoot it along the floor but not brave enough to get it up yet. Maybe if I actually get it up in the air it will be easier to control than it is now barely off the ground.
Posted on: 6/10/2006 10:11 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4376449

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
I'll keep trying the Velcro, I've had it come off both the battery and battery mount. A rubber band or two should help I guess. Thanks.
Posted on: 6/10/2006 1:14 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4375045

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
Thanks for all the advice. I'm definetly going slow trying to follow Radd's school of flying and having fun. I'm at the point where you get it really light on the skids and run it around the floor. I find that tough to do since you have to add a lot of stick movement which I don't feel simulates real flying too well. It also tough to scoot it around the floor when it tends to drift forward-left quite a bit (not the nose, the whole heli, I got the gyro dialed in I think). Its one of those things where you don't know exactly when your ready to try flying? One other questions. How do you all attach your batteries? I've got 2 batteries and I've tried using different types of sticky-back Velcro but none of it stays stuck to the plastic of the heli...need some suggestions.
Posted on: 6/10/2006 11:50 AM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4374764

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
Well need some more newbie flight advice! Got the pitch problem fixed, it now gets really light on its skids at half throttle. I'm still having the problem of it always drifting off to the left all the time. I've got a decent amount of right trim in but it still tends to go off to the left. Bear in mind I'm not really "flying" yet, just trying to get it very light on the skids and maintain it within a certain area as best I can. Any Advice? Thanks.
Posted on: 6/9/2006 10:12 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4373347

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
Thanks for the advice. I'll add another full turn to increase the pitch and hopefully help the problem. I figured it was jumping up since I was moving above ground effect, kinda scary when learning though. Think I may have to move out of the 2 car garage to the backyard to learn hovering, but no major crashes yet!
Posted on: 6/9/2006 7:09 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4372803

RE: E-FLIGHT BLADE CP
I've moved the pitch linkages out 2 full turns. I think I am right at zero pitch or even a bit under still. It still took me almost 90% throttle plus a bit of forward collective to get it up off the ground. Once it did though get off the ground a bit it did kinda "shoot" up into the air about a foot. This is tough to learn!!
Posted on: 6/9/2006 6:53 PM by Author "BLBncsu" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4372744