New Owner of E620 - Need Recommendation on Parts
I now the owner of an E620 Tiger Raptor. After getting the heli-bug and fooling with a cheap FP, I was wavering on a T-Rex 500 and 600, but found this for a fairly good deal. I've been accumulating some of the electronics, but need some input on motor, BEC, ESC, etc and whether the electronics I already have are workable with this size heli. [b][u]Expected Use[/u][/b] I'm not going to be flying this 3D. What I'm interested in long term is aerial photography/videography and scale flight. I've read where the E620 flies heavier than the 600, so this should actually help me with the AP. [b][u]What Other Equipment I've Accumulated[/u][/b] [ul][*] Futaba 7C 2.4 GHZ Transmitter with R617FS receiver [*] (4) Futaba S3152 Servos [*] Futaba GY401 Gyro with S9253 Servo[/ul] [b][u]Recommendations/Comments?[/u][/b] [ul][*] Are the S3152 servos going to be workable with a heli this big considering the type flying I'll be doing? [*] Is the GY401 going to be acceptable? [*] If I upgrade the gyro, is the 9253 servo still going to be usable? [*] Motor , BEC, ESC, etc recommendations? [*] I figure the battery needs to be a 10s considering I'm planning to add weight later on for a camera mount. [/ul} Thanks
Posted on: 5/8/2008 11:19 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7473917

RE: honey bee fixed pitch
If you're just starting, you're likely to go through landing gear, blades and some other parts. [8|] I have a HBFP as a starter item, but already looking to a larger (more $$$) heli. You can get Lipo's and they will help you out with flight duration. It's just a matter of how much you want to spend. A couple of recommendations: [ul] [*] Extra blades [*]Skids [*]Motor Heatsink (particularly for the tail motor) [*]Spare tail motor (they just don't last on these things) [/ul] I got Lipo batteries, but I would suggest getting a couple of extra stock NiMH batteries instead since you already have the charger. If you get the bug, you'll be looking at a more expensive heli soon, which will have it's own battery requirements.
Posted on: 1/27/2008 6:07 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6979860

Worst Wreck Yet Walking in the Door
I got the replacement head for the HBFP and took it to my gym to try it out. There were a couple of other issues I had to address, but got i it flying correctly again. I had the heli in a box I was carrying with my parts and tools and as I walked in the door. The tail was sticking out the corner of the box and caught the door pulling the heli out of the box... Broken skid (all spares used) and the 4-in-1 controller mount cracked off. Not a good end to the evening!
Posted on: 1/24/2008 11:13 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6965522

RE: Model Listing for T-Rex's
[quote]the black plastic head looks better than the blue aluminum one anyway.[/quote] I wonder if metal (silver/gray) colored metal would look authentic? [sm=50_50.gif] I'm also looking at GAUI models along with the T-Rex models. I found links to the videos of a guy doing a build-up on the 550 model. I've only found online reviews for their smaller GAUI model.
Posted on: 1/22/2008 5:08 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6951502

RE: Anyone in the Memphis, TN area
[quote]ORIGINAL: denandlissa I live in EADS TN and fly with the Memphis Propbusters Club. Several of us fly helos...maybe there is something we can help you with. Let me know and i will e-mail you with my phone number.... [/quote] Sent you a PM.
Posted on: 1/22/2008 10:46 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6949659

RE: Model Listing for T-Rex's
[quote]The X and XL are older and don't use direct link between the swash and servos. If you don't do any 3D then the SA is a great deal, around $200 for the kit including motor and esc.[/quote] I'm assuming that the SA can be upgraded with metal for the head and tail at some later date?
Posted on: 1/22/2008 8:30 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6949210

Model Listing for T-Rex's
As I am planning to move to a full model from the advanced electric toy helicopters (my HBFP), I'm trying to find a listing with details/differences of the various T-Rex models. I know some of the differences are carbon fiber, metal head, etc. My search for a previous thread was to no avail, so I figured I would ask. In case this matters, I don't think I'm looking to do any 3D anytime soon, so a model heavily designed for that type of flying wouldn't necessarily apply. Probably more interested in scale flying with a replica body over the heli frame. Right now I'm considering electric 450 to 600 size unless someone thinks nitro is more applicable to the type of flying I'm considering. Thanks [:D]
Posted on: 1/22/2008 12:06 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6948259

RE: 600 Size Electric Heli's
Although I don't have the backseat concern, just looking at all the options and parts in the 450 size, I might change my thinking and go 450 size first and make sure I get a 2.4 ghz radio, tools and good balancing charger with the smaller heli. Work on the 600 later. (Of course, you never know what may come available on eBay as people trying to get out of the hobby will sometimes have a deal.) Found a good space to fly inside and train some (racquet ball court at my gym). Got too cute with the FP after a few batteries hovering and try to do a quick spin. I got turned nose in and over corrected into the wall. Have to replace the rotor head, but overall, not too bad a wreck. [:D]
Posted on: 1/21/2008 10:22 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6947758

RE: 600 Size Electric Heli's
[quote]Cazenave26 you suck (just kidding ), I can't get it out of my head now, gonna have to suck it up and order me a 600 kit this weekend or Mon. I want a big heli, gonna skip the Belt CP and go for the E-smart, unless there is some MAJOR reason not too (I'm not worried about the price either, I read somewhere it'll cost somewhere around $1500 for the complete build)[/quote
Posted on: 1/19/2008 11:15 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6933071

RE: OK, HAVOC heli's were fun but what's next for the kids?
4 channel fixed pitch will fly under control, you just can't do the inverted stuff. Lift is a function of throttle because the pitch is fixed, and being fixed means you can't invert and fly upside down. (I would thik you should be able to roll and loop fixed pitch provided you have sufficient altitude, but I haven't tried it.) Quite a few of the new folks (like me) have the Esky Honey Bee FP. I'm having fun with it, but kids might depend upon their age and ability to follow instructions. If they're really young, you might consider one of the coaxial models as the next step. I'm going to allow my 6 (almost 7) year-old give it a go with the HBFP. I'm not sure he has the discipline, but I'm going to give it a try.
Posted on: 1/18/2008 12:07 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6928017

600 Size Electric Heli's
I'm having a good time with my HBFP, but I'm looking ahead. I think learning on a smaller heli is going to be better than starting big and going small. Getting prepped for the first big buy in a heliopter and am considering going larger than a 450. Other than T-Rex are there any other electric heli's in the 600 size. There are a ton of 450's from various manufacturer's and I've seen some 500 (Black Hawk) and 550 size helis but I've struggled to find many options in the 600 size.
Posted on: 1/18/2008 11:52 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6927946

RE: Windows Xp 64 Sims
In some cases, 64 bit Windows OS (XP or Vista) will run 32 bit applications without issues. Most developers are not interested providing support in the event they don't work so they are officially not supported. I'm running 64 bit Vista, and most of the issues with 32 bit applications have been things like virus protection or custom hardware driver like 3rd party DVD or CD burner applications. It's unlikely that G3 or G3.5 are going to work, but you might find that their latest version G4 works (although not officially supported). The problem is that you would have to drop the money on the simulator software to test it. I'm not sure if you can run a 32bit emulation within 64bit XP that would enable the software to run. They are very clear that the software does not support Mac-Windows emulation. I have been running the freeware HeliSimRC in 64bit Vista. For freeware it's great. Obviously you get all the bells and whistles with something like RealFlight, but if the idea is just to train on stick control this one works in a 64bit Windows OS. Here is the link: [link=http://www.marksfiles.net/HeliSimRC/index.htm]HeliSimRC[/link]
Posted on: 1/14/2008 4:41 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6906787

HBFP Parts: Batteries and Blades
[u][b]Batteries Question[/b][/u] The "stock" HBFP batteries are the 8.4V 650mAh Ni-MH and I have two of those. I also purchased two Lipo 2S 7.4v 850mAh (and a charger) made as replacements for the Lama batteries. I've been able to use either battery type, but there hasn't been a significant improvement in flight time with Lipo batteries. Has anyone tried anything different in a Lipo upgrade? Any suggestions? [u][b]Rotor Blades Question[/b][/u] I purchased back-up main and tail rotor blades when I got the heli. They are the same plastic blades. Are there any better options for the main blades (like wood) or should I just stock up on the plastic blades until I'm competent enough to upgrade to a Belt CP model? Thanks
Posted on: 1/13/2008 10:39 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6903345

RE: Well, it was bound to happen
I cracked my first blade, but I'm still in the garage. I've only had it flying four different times, but I was finally able to get some (mostly) controlled hovering. Had to remove the training gear to get any kind of battery life. With the gear on, I could only go a couple of minutes before I needed full throttle to keep it off the ground. Not ready to go outside for sure. I need to find a bigger indoor space.
Posted on: 1/13/2008 10:27 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6903269

RE: Advice from a Newbee to other Newbees
My problem is not that anything is loose, but I'm unable to confirm that my set-up and trim are right. I've got the Honey Bee FP like a few folks. I balanced the blades (main and tail) and I adjusted to the flybar paddles to what appears (at least to me) to be zero degrees. However, without any experience it's impossible for me to tell if the heli is trimmed out right. I think I'm adjusting the trim correctly. I've fooled around a little bit with the HeliSimRC and if that is any indication I should be able to do some little hover hops anywhere from 10-15 seconds, maybe longer. The biggest difference I see in the SIM from my heli is the sim appears to be a lot more responsive on the cyclic than mine. My servo connections are in the neutral hole locations. I'm wondering if I should move them some to get more response? I expected the heli to pendulm back and forth as I have no experience, but it appears to take major stick input to get movement in any direction then a ton more to correct. Any other newbie seeing that with an FP heli?
Posted on: 1/12/2008 11:55 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6898207

RE: Anyone in the Memphis, TN area
[quote]ORIGINAL: VinceHerman Oh, and have you read through [link=http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html]Radd's School of Rotary Flight[/link]? Great way to get familiar with the heli with minimal risk of damage. [/quote] Yes, I started looking at it today. Thanks
Posted on: 1/11/2008 1:16 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6890580

Anyone in the Memphis, TN area
I've started "light on the skids training" with my FP Honey Bee. I went through the effort of balancing blades and confirming pitch on the flybar paddles, etc. It would be nice to have someone look it over to make sure it's been prepped properly. I've got training gear on it and when I'm revving up I get some high frequency bouncing (shuddering) in the training gear, that is present only in a particular rpm band. My first thought is that it's caused by the air flow on the light weight gear while transitioning to just short of lift off. It wouldn't hurt to have someone experienced look at it though. Thanks
Posted on: 1/11/2008 11:52 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6890274

RE: Beginner Question on the TX
Ahhh, Now that makes sense. I'm new at this so finding the proper focus point for linking my control action with the helicopter action isn't engrained yet. I'm flying from behind to maintain proper left/right orientation, but for the rudder I need to be thinking about the heli from "front" or nose. I'm focusing too much on the tail. Thanks [8D]
Posted on: 1/11/2008 10:50 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6890024

Beginner Question on the TX
Honey Bee FP I started my training with the "skid" floor training just powering enought to keep it light on the skids. The transmitters has reverse switches for the two servos, throttle and rudder. When I recieved it had the two servo switches set to reverse and the rudder. Only the throttle was set to normal. The servo settings make sense in reverse to me as they seem to make the helicopter respond in a more natural (natural to me anyway) plane like way. I fought the rudder almost immediatealy because it seemed backwards to me (push right to get clockwise thrust). I finally switched the rudder to normal. What would be standard set-up for these reverse switches on the TX?
Posted on: 1/11/2008 8:55 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6889645

RE: Another Noobie
[quote]Just learn to fly with it, then give it to the kids and buy yourself a belt CP. [/quote] That is what I was thinking. [:D]
Posted on: 1/10/2008 9:08 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6884476

RE: My First Heli (Esky HB FP) Arrived Today
Thanks [:D]
Posted on: 1/10/2008 8:34 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6884376

Another Noobie
Just got my FP Honey Bee today. My boys were pretty excited even though it's Dad's toy. [:D] It's all prepped for some "floor sliding" tomorrow. Rather than sim learn, I'm going to try the other learning methods laid out on a couple of the websites like kaplanes. I asked this in the beginner forum, but since this is the Esky forum, I'll ask here too: 1. How long are the stock motors going to last with the heat sinks on? 2. When they do die, what is a good brushless option to replace the the 370 motor? (Is there a brushless option for the tail motor?) Thanks
Posted on: 1/10/2008 1:31 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6883669

My First Heli (Esky HB FP) Arrived Today
Figured I start flying with something a little more manageable and pick-up a sim next before upgrading to something with pitch control and 3D capabilities. [:)] Haven't posted alot yet, but reading the forums has already been pretty helpful in getting set-up. (FYI - I used Xheli before I saw some of the issues others had with their orders. Everything showed up as ordered so I guess I came out okay.) I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions. Here are a couple to start: 1. I got heat sinks for the motors, but how long are these stock one's going to hold-up. I've seen a couple posts indicating they might last less than 12 or 15 battery cycles. I hope I can get a bit more as my Lipo upgrade batteries are not even here yet and it might take me that long to get good control hovering. 2. If said motors do flame out on me, does anyone have a recommendation on a brushless replacement for fixed pitch HB? Thanks
Posted on: 1/10/2008 1:22 AM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6883655

RE: Video - Modified Esky Honey Bee FP - Slo-Max 300/DD Tail/Ar6100 Rx
Nice video. I just purchased an FP Honey Bee and can't wait to get started. I haven't ordered Lipo replacements yet as I wasn't sure if 800 or 1200 mAh was the way to go. I've seen both offered for the HB. Did you have to modify the battery cage and adjust the CG after going to Lipo batteries? Also, is the Slow-Max a brushless motor? Thanks (Will be spending some time learning how to hover first in the garage, but it will be nice to get it outside eventually.)
Posted on: 12/30/2007 11:44 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6829455

Another Noobie: FP Esky Honey Bee 4CH
I've been intersted in regular aviation and RC for some time (not necessarily helis), but we got our kids those Havoc Heli's and they were interesting enough to warrant some web searching. Found an RC site that had evaluated various helicopters and they had good things to say about the Walkera Dragonfly IV. Figured starting with a fixed pitch would be a better way to go. It would give me an excuse to buy another one if everything works out. [:D] Got a blade balancer and a blade angle tool. Have read several placed where the fixed pitch helicopters come from the factory with a slightly positive pitch to the paddles so that they hover better, but it impacts forward flight. Can't have that if I want to upgrade someday. [;)] After some more searches it appeared that the Esky 4 channel fixed pitch had more available parts and could more easily be converted to Lipo with a battery that actually fits the existing cage. (Didn't buy the Lipo stuff yet, just an extra Nimh for now) Wasn't sure about the best Lipo to get. It's clear that a 7.4V is the right voltage, but one site hobby site was offering a 800 mAh upgrade and another the 1200. [b]What is the risk/reward of the 1200 mAh over the 800?[/b] Also, if I fly this to the point where motors have to be replaced [sm=spinnyeyes.gif], [b]is there a brushless upgrade for the 370 motor?[/b] Thanks I wonder how much this little hobby will end up annoying the wife??? She already calls my Jeep (CJ7) the other woman. [:D]
Posted on: 12/30/2007 4:54 PM by Author "Cazenave26" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6827287