RE: Blade MCX S300
Another warning when buying the four port charger. The power supply that you can get to run it off the mains has a sibling that looks EXACTLY like it, is also 1.5 amps, but is 12V instead of 6V. I ordered the wrong one by mistake, the hobby shop did not notice the error (they were ordered together) and I now have a damaged 4 port charger and a power supply that is useless to me. I am out of pocket $60. The website has no warnings about checking if you are getting the correct version of the power supply. So, I now need to repurchase them, but I'll be using a different store from now on. I know that may sound harsh, but I expect more from the folks I give my hard earned cash to.
Posted on: 7/2/2009 5:21 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8901568

RE: Trex 450 CLONE WARS
[quote]ORIGINAL: stainlesss Hi guys, I have posted this before, The flasher metal head and tail are very soft . You can solve this by installing a copterx head. I have both, the copterx looks like its machined and the flasher looks like the pieces have been cast. My opinion is that if you want a v2 get the copterx, better fit and finish and higher quality aluminum . [/quote] Also interested in some evidence. I have one (SE V2) built. Waiting for my RX (from USA) and batteries (Zippies from HK). I'm new to helis, but a long time plane flyer. The parts look good to me and the build, such as it was, went smoothly. Can't wait to get this thing in the air...
Posted on: 6/19/2009 11:15 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8866042

RE: SNHobbies Flasher 450 V2 Build/Review ($135 Metal Heli)
[quote]ORIGINAL: Flying Canuk I have a 450 PE in the mail should be here by Tuesday.[:)] [/quote] Cool. Did you get the combo motor and ESC as well ? If not, what will you be using ?
Posted on: 6/19/2009 10:45 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8865979

RE: SNHobbies Flasher 450 V2 Build/Review ($135 Metal Heli)
I solved my servo mounting woes with some socket head servo screws and old servo arms. I cut the last three holes off the servo arms, drilled the center hole out with a 1/16 bit and they lock down perfectly. Now I have another couple of newbie questions. Nothing seems to come with any instructions !!! 1. Gyro. I have the 401B recommended above. Which way round does it get mounted ? A picture showing the bottom rear of the heli would be perfect. 2. Gyro. I am going to need some instructions for setting the gyro. Nothing came with it. 3. Canopy foam. Per the instructions, one should mount some foam on the bottom ridge of the canopy to prevent it rubbing and breaking. What did you use for this ? What glue did you use ? 4. Pitch guage, paddle guage etc. It also came with no instructions. I have no idea what I am supposed to do with it. 5. Where did you mount your RX ? Rear of the bottom plate ? 6. Main blades and tail blades - how loose or tight should they be? One of my main blades locks up very quickly, the other remain looser. Sorry for all the questions, Craig.
Posted on: 6/15/2009 6:49 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8854589

RE: SNHobbies Flasher 450 V2 Build/Review ($135 Metal Heli)
Thanks. I just placed an order with Micro Fasteners. I got a good assortment of M2, M2.5 and M3 items. Now I have to wait again... sigh !
Posted on: 6/13/2009 3:14 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8849278

RE: SNHobbies Flasher 450 V2 Build/Review ($135 Metal Heli)
I have a few issues, please help if you can. 1. The screws and plastic nuts to mount the servos were not in my kit. The manual has them included, I think (see Pg 14 step 4). Where did yours come from ? 2. Tail Boom Brace: The manual shows M2 Specialty Washers on both ends. Mine only had washers on the frame side. I moved the washers to the other side so that the screws on the frame side would go deeper into the plastic and hold a bit better. Did you get the extra "M2 Specialty Washers" with yours ? 3. My battery holder is only 2" long. Is this right ? Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 6/13/2009 1:19 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8849143

RE: Extreme Flight Extra 300-EXP 48
How are you guys mounting the AirBoss 45 ESC ? It's just a bit too big to fit under the motor box. Should I turn it sideways ? Also, are you mounting it directly onto the wood, or are you using velcro ? If using velcro, which side of the ESC should it go on ? What makes you think I'm new to electrics :)
Posted on: 6/12/2009 2:16 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8847017

RE: Extreme Flight Extra 300-EXP 48
Chris, I loved the knife edge touch-and-go. When do we get to see that off the water ? :)
Posted on: 6/11/2009 7:16 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8845133

RE: Extreme Flight Extra 300-EXP 48
I have about 80% of the build done. Next step is the cowl. I'm still waiting for my batteries, so no hurry. I just wish I could CA hinges without getting CA all over myself and the plane :(
Posted on: 6/9/2009 5:55 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8839221

RE: SNHobbies Flasher 450 V2 Build/Review ($135 Metal Heli)
If you are in any doubt, look at the little dude on page 24 of the manual. He's wearing an 'Align' T-Shirt. I wonder how that slipped through QC. Mine arrived today. Other than some dings on the canopy, everything looks good. The manual is all pictures and no instructions. Not in a hurry though, as I have a plane to finish and my batteries and charger are backordered. This is going to be an interesting journey.
Posted on: 6/8/2009 9:54 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8836881

RE: Toolkit help needed.
Thanks. I have added a sizing tool to my shopping cart. The Flasher arrived today, so I'll be placing my order this evening. Craig.
Posted on: 6/8/2009 6:14 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8836251

RE: Toolkit help needed.
I have a syringe and needle I can use for oil. I already have locktite. Can calipers be used as a ball link sizing tool or do I need a special tool for that. If so, what is recommended, are are they all pretty much alike ?
Posted on: 6/8/2009 3:02 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8835833

RE: Blade MCX S300
Details ? I have thought about getting the 4 port, but if I can get the stock one to charge off my 1-3 cell charger that would be great. Craig.
Posted on: 6/7/2009 1:06 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8832698

Toolkit help needed.
I have a Flasher 450 arriving soon. I have the servos, gyro, radio etc, but I want to know what tools are needed to build and maintain the heli. Here is what I have in my shopping cart so far: 1. Ball link pliers. 2. Calipers. 3. Metric hex drivers - 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3mm. 4. Metric nut drivers - 2.5 to 6mm in .5mm increments. 5. Pitch and paddle guage. 6. Watt meter. I have the usual assortment of general tools so I am looking at what is specific to a heli. Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 6/7/2009 12:22 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8832614

RE: Extreme Flight Extra 300-EXP 48
Nice to see you have it flying - so what's your opinion ? Hey, does anyone have the current Tower Hobbies discount codes ? I need about $90 worth of stuff for my plane and all I can see is the $25 off $199 offer. I can pad it a bit (to $100) but not all the way to $200. Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 6/5/2009 3:33 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8828249

RE: Extreme Flight Extra 300-EXP 48
Google MPI 2818 or see page 108 of the June Model Aviation mag. I intend to use these. I hate soldering Deans or MPX. My HS-65MG's arrived today. Still no sign of the plane. Craig.
Posted on: 5/30/2009 11:04 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8812555

RE: Extreme Flight Extra 300-EXP 48
My understanding is that they come with Deans Ultra, but I could be wrong. Some of my stuff is on backorder, so it's going to be a while before I see them. [quote]ORIGINAL: therupman CrashMeister, What connectors will fit the supplied connectors on the FlightMax 2650's? Thanks, Bob Ruppel Nashville,TN [/quote]
Posted on: 5/29/2009 7:55 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8809877

RE: SNHobbies Flasher 450 V2 Build/Review ($135 Metal Heli)
Thanks for all the pictures. These are going to be a huge help when my heli arrives, as this will be the first one that I really delve into. Do you know of any good online tutorials, instructions or 'how it works' that I can look at ? Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 5/27/2009 6:03 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8803725

Motor/ESC/Battery/Prop - I need a tutorial !
Is there an online tutorial somewhere that will provide the basics I need to know so that I can correctly choose the right components to power a plane ? Haveing just blown a battery, I figure I have some learning to do. Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 5/27/2009 5:38 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8803666

RE: Extreme Flight Extra 300-EXP 48
Ordered mine today. The blue one with the combo motor & esc. I've been out of flying for a few years, so I'm really hoping this will get me back into it. If I can handle it tight in, I may even fly it at work. Problem is it will be over concrete, so not forgiving of any oopsies. I'll be using Hitec HS-65MG, APC 12x6, Zippy FlightMax 2650 20C 4S packs, Spektrum AR6100 Rx and DX7 Tx.
Posted on: 5/26/2009 9:12 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8801096

RE: Blade MCX S300
My wife is very amused by the fact that I fly 'missions'. I make up a 'mission before starting so I have some purpose to the flying. Example mission: Take off from coffee table; fly into foyer (two stories high), fly up to light height and fly around the light, come back down; fly into dining room (I have an upside down bowl on the table), land on the top of the bowl (without touching the sides). Take off; fly back into lounge for a little nose-in eye-to-eye staring contest. Land on coffee table. I really get a kick out of flying right in my face with the nose in. I've had to duck a few times, but putting your face on the line keeps the concentration going :) I got this heli a couple of weeks ago (at the Joe Nall) and have been having a blast ever since. Craig.
Posted on: 5/26/2009 7:52 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8800859

RE: SNHobbies Flasher 450 V2 Build/Review ($135 Metal Heli)
Thanks for the quick response. After much surfing and pondering, I have come up with this list: SN Hobbies: Flasher 450 SE with Motor/ESC : $160 shipped. XMSeller: G401B Gyro $42 shipped. A-Main Hobbies: Align pinion gears 11/13/15 Tooth Hyperion DS-12-GCP Tail servo (1) Hitech DS-65MG servos (3) $146 shipped. HobbyCity: Zippy FlightMax 2650 3s1p 20C LiPo packs (2) ($25 ea) Turnigy Accucell 6 Lipo Charger ($38) << a bunch of other stuff for airplanes>> Still to find: Spektrum receiver. Which one do I need ? Is the AR6100 OK or do I need the 6200 ? Given that I'll be learning, I would guess the 6100 is OK as I won't be flying far away. What else so I need to get ? Do I need any connectors other than Deans for the ESC and Batteries ? Your help is much appreciated. Craig.
Posted on: 5/25/2009 5:47 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8797605

RE: SNHobbies Flasher 450 V2 Build/Review ($135 Metal Heli)
Hi guys, I am very interested in getting one of these to learn on. I'm thinking of getting the Flasher 450 PE with motor/ESC. I have some questions: 1. Is the MKS-GY293 gyro compatible with the Spektrum DX7 radio ? 2. What servo is recommended for the tail (speed, torque) ? 3. Are Hitech HS-65MG ok for the rest of the heli ? 4. Battery size and weight. I am about to order some Zippy FlightMax batteries. They have: 2200mah 176g 100x34x27mm $17.00 2650mah 212g 135x45x16mm $22.50 Will the 2650mah fit in the heli ? The weight difference is 1.2oz, not a problem, right ? Other notes: Pinions - I will get an 11 tooth to start with. What else will I need to get this thing built ? Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 5/25/2009 12:43 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8796917

RE: DW Yak - balancing question
[quote]ORIGINAL: lilbanchee I always put the CG 1/4" behind the spar. If you really want a locked in yak, then you need to run a setup that keeps the plane under 14.5-15oz. With the CG on the spar, flight is neutral on all axis. Awesome flying. [/quote] Thanks. I thought the balance was a bit back, as I am about 1/4" behind the spar. I'm not sure how to get the balance forward without adding weight. I may try slotting the battery in sideways to see if that will make a difference. I could also cut out the bottom firewall peg. That will allow the battery to move forward about 5/8". OK, I've got some work to do to figure this out. Right now I'm looking for a balanced plane, not a 3D monster. I'll get to that later, when I get my touch back after a few years of not flying. Craig.
Posted on: 10/23/2008 10:50 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8079375

RE: DW Yak - balancing question
I'm looking for a neutrally balanced plane. Mine is climbing when inverted. Does anyone have any helpful information regarding the battery placement ? Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 10/22/2008 5:26 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8074711

DW Yak - balancing question
I test flew my DW Yak this weekend. I have the battery all the way up front, just behind the firewall, and it still seems to be a bit tail heavy. Where do you have your battery located and where is it balanced (relative to the spar) ? Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 10/20/2008 10:15 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8068523

RE: Which Plane ?
Thanks, I'll order an Edge to try and If I like it I'll get a Super Xtra + Hacker.
Posted on: 9/25/2008 4:39 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3DFoamy Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7990271

Which Plane ?
John, I am coming back after a couple of years off. I have the following components: 1. Himax 2015-4100 + gearbox 2. Castle Creations 25amp ESC 3. 11.1V 1200mah Lipo batteries 4. GWS 1260 props (big orange ones) 5. TX & Berg RX. I was flying a home design Edge 540 and some YAK from downloaded plans. The Yak was quite difficult to fly and had some tail vibration issues. The Edge flew better but I dorked it in last weekend when trying to regain some flying skills. OK, finally the question: Which of your planes do you recommend for: 1. An easy flier to get back into the swing of things. 2. Something a little more challenging/fun. I don't mind upgrading the motor for this plane if the Himax won't cut it. Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 9/24/2008 5:05 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "3DFoamy Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7986979

Old Newbie questions
Back in the dark ages (when I was a kid), I had an OS MAX .35 engine which I used to fly Goldberg Voodoos. Something about CL keeps tugging at me, and with the availability of ARFs, I want to give it another go. I have a couple of questions: 1. The current ARFs that are available - are they any good ? What about the Nobler ? 2. Finding a CL engine. What are the current recommendations for a good quality engine. Around .40 to .46 size (I guess). 3. Lines and Handles: Sullivan OK ? BTW, I fly RC - everything from foamies to IMAC. So this would just be for fun. Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 9/3/2007 12:32 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6321911

SIG Four Star 60 ARF Bashing
I got a Four Star 60 ARF and want to make a few mods. I was wondering if anyone else has done these mods yet, and if so, what was the result. My intention is to make the plane perform a little better so it's more fun to fly. Mod #1: Take the dihedral out of the wing. Join the wing halves so that the wing is flat. Pros: Improve aerobatic performance. Cons: Have to make a triangular fillet to fill the gap between the wings or sand root ribs. Possible wing fitting issues ? Mod #2: Increase rudder size and add a counter-balance. Pros: Improve rudder authority. Cons: ? not sure. On Mod #1, it may be possible to just remove the stringy stuff and sand them at 90 degrees to the wing. Does anyone know how thick the root ribs are? That would be a LOT easier than using a fillet. I could also use carbon fiber instead of fiberglass to wrap the wing joint. Thanks, Craig.
Posted on: 8/17/2007 1:53 PM by Author "CrashMeister" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6250503