RE: Wheeeeeeee.......... Blade CP!
[quote]LMAO.....I won't be ordering anything till this $$$ drought is over. I had to throw $200 at my tractor for a new rim and inner tube...haven't recovered from that yet. [/quote] So if everyone sees us out doing the lemonade stand thing at the end of our driveways, they'll know why.......................... [:)][:D]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 11:55 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9269129

RE: Wheeeeeeee.......... Blade CP!
[quote]Jeff, I am sure your right with slimming down the HUGE paddles I would get some more poop out of the old girl. [/quote] JPEE ~ And you don't even have to slim them down.... The best ones that are the hottest right now are the KBDD paddles... They even come in different colors to assist in orientation. They offer to different mounting holes for wild or mild performance, and are lightweight, but still provide a larger surface area for more response. Everybody raves about them constantly on the forums. I'd get a pair, but I'am cheap ! So I just cut and hack up whatever padds are laying around here... With the 600, I really doubt you'll feel a diff in stability, but a gain in when your doing your loops, and flips and such... When I took off the Logo's stock 26.5 gram padds and put on those 7 grams padds, I couldn't even tell any diffs at all just because the helicopter is larger. But it helped wonders then in some of the moves that I'd do with her... So just a thought for the future... [:D] There cheap also, only like $12.00 or so... Just find your flybar size (since I don't know) and have a gander : (KBDD) http://www.heliproz.com/products.asp?dept=117 ~ Jeff
Posted on: 11/20/2009 11:54 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9269123

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]I think I'm going to check out Outrunner mode on my Castle tomorrow. Might as well compare. Remember that boredom thing... hitting home hard, now. Scott [/quote] Cool Scott, let us know how it works out, and report back on if you can tell the diffs or not.... Eddie needs to get that Ice Data logging going on, and trying the different settings and posting graphs for us ! How cool...! That dog...! [:)][:D] Ivan ~ Yeah burn some packs, and get in the air again.... WE MISS YOUR VIDS also.....!!! [8D] Brian ~ That's cool you got your AMA membership....! I still need mine, but most likely Springtime for me. The weather has been so crappy now, that I'am with Scott and in bored-land currently ! Can you tell..... (LMAO)..... [&:] [:)] [quote]so ne ways, i ran all over town and didnt find chit, by that time i didnt have time to stop and fly. [/quote] Was that you I saw rootin' around in the back of that electrician guy's van then when he wasn't looking................... ?? ! [:)] Did you try RadioShack, or Home-Depot / Lowes by chance ? Remember................... Auto's comrad..................... [:D] [quote]Like you said at your own pace - I'm really sloooooow. [/quote] Chuck ~ I don't believe it...... I know you can do it partner..... [;)] Like Ivan said, stick time helps wonders also. I wish I would have done more in my times with the heli's, but like you said some go at there own pace. And besides, I'am not made of money, and so I gotta watch the crashes ! (LMAO).... I wish I was there to help you, or to even buddy-box with ya, but then who's gonna save my azz then when I fail ?? ! [:)][:)] So is that your FP heli below then ?? It looks like it wood be a good sturdy trainer ? [8D] Everyone has there own pace, there own ways, and there own techniques... You'll find yours soon I know. You'll find how to tweak your heli's for your flying preference, and which heli's are the better ones for advancing with. Coming soon, I want you to pay attention to Bill's progress. You know his level in the game with these heli's and how he somewhat struggled with the fiesty 450 even. Let's see what becomes of him now with the Gaui 550, and maybe that might be then a possibility with you perhaps on getting you there. There not to awfully expensive at all, and in fact it might be stable enough where crashes could be far less and it could equal out expense wise ya know ? Glad your liking your Losi ! Yeah, I hear they do good in the wind ! [:)][:)] No chasing the cats now........... [:D]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 11:46 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9269112

RE: Wheeeeeeee.......... Blade CP!
[quote]Jeff, did you notice how responsive the flybarless head is?[/quote] Are you kidding...?? ! [:)][:D] That's what gave me the biggest woody ever ! LMAO.....( you know me).... [:D][8D] But yeah, eventually I want to get a stab unit for sure. The Skookum's are good, and not so bad in price but still about $250-$300.00 bucks... The best on the market currently is the Mikado V-Bar, and then even the newest which is the Mikado Mini-V bar... BUT $450-500.00 bucks ! Yikes I know..... [:D] Yeah some that go without a stab unit will start there expo out at like 60 or 70% and go down from there and usually end up at around 30-40%... They do have special weighted blades, and some get there CG lower to also compensate. And then just tweaking the radio some... But I'am dying to try ! The bigger the heli of course, the easier it is without a doubt... I've done a buttload of research, and so I'am really itching about it ! Here's a couple good threads about it : http://rc.runryder.com/helicopter/t544894p1/?highlight=450+flybarless http://rc.runryder.com/helicopter/t546219p2/ I seriously think you should try the multi-rotor unit.... If you google on You-Tube, or Vimeo for video's, you'd be surprised how stable the heli is with that unit and no stab unit.... Just include a few other tricks on the set-up of the heli, and your golden.... Seriously... [8D] Now go order one, and report back...! [8D]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 9:32 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268793

RE: Wheeeeeeee.......... Blade CP!
Dave ~ I know those batteries are awesome ! Very affordable among that.... [;)] I was thinking of getting a greaser in time perhaps... Its just that it adds to those extra things I want, but don't need really quite yet. I guess its not to bad for $38.00 though... [:D] https://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv? I haven't had any bearings fail in 2 years, but only twice, but that was in 2 aftermarket motors which require the sealed ceramics anyway... Which really is where I want to go eventually for my bearings. And since there sealed, there's no reason to lube them, and ya can't really squeeze much in there anyhow without doing to much damage to the seal from what I gather. But still I agree its a cool little gadget, and you know I love those ! [:D] Especially for our bigger birdies... I'am still on my 2nd set of main bearings even for the 450 in fact. Yeah I did the mind thing for the 450 before the Auto's, and that did it for me also. [:D] Mind over matter right ?! [:D] Or by Newton's Third Law, "For every action, there's and opposite and equal reaction".... So if the flybarless thing is reacting one way in being sensitive, I react just as equal with more stick movements me thinking...?! [:D] As if one has to do with switching to lighter padds for instance. [:)] Which speaking of, JPEE should try and free up his head by trying some lighter paddles for his 600. He'd be amazed at the less bogging just from that, along with some other things you can do. That weaker 430L motor for my 450 performed great once I started to tweak with some things, and even using a weaker 15c battery.... Now there's a thought ! [8D]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 9:17 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268762

RE: Wheeeeeeee.......... Blade CP!
Vic ~ That's true though...... [;)] Look at the guys who go flybarless for that matter... 20% reduction in weight, and even 20% gain in time.... And if he didn't go flybarless, he could find other things. For starters, the head-button can go ! [:D] For the 500 mine weighs 4 g's alone... I lost that thing long ago... [:)][:)] But your point is a serious point made really... Look at Benoah's Trex 500, and with just one way of modding the stock head components, he lost a lot of excess, and his flies great ! [8D] The same could be applied to the Trex 600 for that matter, with even better flying results.... And yes, you know there will be a video in a month or so of me trying ! You know I can't resist temptation !!! LMAO... [:D] If you ever want to see a 600 flip like a 450, watch one with a flybarless conversion mod with no stabilization ! [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/user72491_pic27995_1258667307.jpg?t=1258765047[/image] [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/user72491_pic27993_1258667307.jpg?t=1258765409[/image] Here's a more conventional method : http://www.rchelimag.com/pages/howto.php?howto=33&page=1 And here's one video of a Trex 450 SE with stock Align blades flybarless without a stab unit below... Crazy stuff.... Makes ya kind of want that multi rotor head eh ?! [:D][8D] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWN6kNpndhI [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWN6kNpndhI[/youtube]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 8:07 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268589

RE: Wheeeeeeee.......... Blade CP!
Vic wants a 600.................!!! [:)][:D][8D] Dave ~ That's cool you burnt a pack or two ! [8D][8D] Ya know, its crazy but the flight times i've always heard about for the 600 with a 6s 5000 mah battery was 4-6 minute flights ! Jeez, your starting to break the standard mister ! I'am going over to HeliFreak and braggin' for ya.....Heh ! [:)][:)][:)] ..................... And I'll tell them fools to grease there bevel gears while I'am there for ya ! LMAO.............!!!!!!!!! [:D][8D] I'll tell em' the Chopper sent me ! [:D] Seriously though, incredible flight times, and it just makes it then more enjoyable... Glad your liking it... [;)] I bet if ya wax yer blades you'll get an additional 20 seconds though... [:)]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 7:29 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268504

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]Ouch, Uncle Jeff! You really took the strap to my hide!! LOL I cut & pasted both previous posts & printed them out to read again. I'll get back to you, bud!!!! lol [/quote] Oh my good father Chuck ! No intention of strapping anything anywhere there mister.... [;)] Well, maybe a lipo in one of your heli's to keep ya flying.... [:)] [quote]PLEASE HELP ME OUT HERE!!!! Tell them how important setup is!!!!! [/quote] Which was my whole point and example in my post, is that set-up goes far and beyond just the head of the heli is all, and is VERY important... ! And even still can be configured in many different ways. For example look at Benoah's Trex 500, and how his head is configured below... And his heli flyes great ! All those missing bits that just aren't needed huh ?! Now I wonder how he is going to use a pitch gauge with no flybar now ?! [:)][:)] This is just one "set-up" or configurations of many out there... [:D] If one is still struggling, he needs to configure his setup to what works for him, not what others are doing IMO... [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/user72491_pic27995_1258667307.jpg?t=1258755549[/image] [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/user72491_pic27993_1258667307.jpg?t=1258755835[/image] Randy ~ I know a few guys who still use the 9257 on 6v's and still no problem... Snjbird who's some of his vids I've showed here is one after a few years of doing it even ! Crazy.... And he is one who should be sponsored ! But yeah, that was my hinting for that for the future, no more Futaba tail servo's for me ! [:-] Didn't you tell me this anyway like way over a year or so ago anyway...? (LMAO)... Now I need to apply the advice ! [:)] Gary ~ The mitt looks good....! VERY reasonable among that from all the others out there also for sure.... +1.... That was one downfall from previous posts that I've read about them mitts was the price... The other, was that even if there were "braces" inside to help keep the sticks getting conflicted with the material, most found the mitt still got in the way of things though. There has been threads about it on Helifreak. The ones without the braces were the worse ones I heard... I've never tried one, but when it gets cold out, or the wind is houling, I'd try anything ! Burrrrr......! [:D] Tell Chuck he needs those EZ Blades !! LMAO....... [:)] Hope things have been well for ya... [;)]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 5:35 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268237

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]It never ceases to amaze me how much time newbies spend setting up their helis only to smash the thing up within 15 seconds of trying their first hover (and I was one of them!!!).[/quote] Its only as complicated as they make it become... The more they make it complicated, the more time there going to be spending scratching there azz ! LMAO.... [:)] [:D]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 12:17 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9267632

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]hahahaha, i knew that was comin lol. ur right [/quote] Eddie ~ LMAO.... Never a matter of if.... Just when... Lol ! [:)][:D][:D] [quote]I guess its easier doing it on the paddles since you have the flybar cage right there for ref. on getting them straight. ive actually never tried to eye the pitch. [/quote] That's how I do the main blades also, is since the flybar is directly in my line of sight, I get eye level with the blades in relation to the flybar and check for 0 pitch. We all have our own knacks, but this way just seems more accurate to me is all I guess. Because since the gauge is out of the way and off the blade, I step back eye level and can see very clearly if the flybar is level with key objects like the main shaft mount, locking collar, washout etc. etc. And then eye the blade to see that its square level and at 0 degrees very quickly. I only use the gauge for setting my ranges then. Just my thang ya know...? ! Its funny, but I never even used the gauge starting out with the Trex. I never set my idle up pitches because just starting out, I didn't need any negative pitches configured into the equation... I wasn't planning on doing any Tic-Tocs, or inverted flying, and since I was new, I definately wasn't planning on flying in any wind either, or wanting the higher headspeeds... I also didn't want any negative pitch, because since I was new, and unfamiliar with the sticks, I didn't find it a good idea then to have the heli suddenly slamming to the ground if I got nervous and dropped the collective some... I just made sure I had a few degrees of negative in normal mode just in case of a wind gust to help bring her down, and set my 0 pitch level eyeing it, and found a comfortable spot for the max pitch range at high stick, and adjusted the DX7 accordingly... Its worked for me, and I was well into forward flight as a result from it... Lol... So "setting up" the heli that way worked great ! And this is why I joked back to Dave just a bit ago that it was not needed, but still a must have... As a beginner that's all I needed to learn was how to hover, how to learn some orientations, and even some forward flight. In my idle up settings, my pitch curves would be the same as my normal mode, but my throttle curves were set higher for a higher headspeed if need be... I didn't even use a pitch gauge until I went to set up my curves to make sure I had equal travel positive and negative for going and trying my first backflips and loops as you saw in those videos I've shown before. It would seem doing it this way one would have to get use to the new positioning of how the sticks are reacting with now negative pitch in the idle ups, but it didn't phase me any ?? But I'am the odd duck ! But didn't need a pitch gauge in the very begining of my adventures with the T-450. Another thing that I want to get for the 450 in which will also make things quicker, faster, and more effecient, and something your familiar with coming from the RC-Cars and something I never understood in why the heli "Engineers so to speak" didn't come up with long ago, is adjustable turnbuckles without having to pop off the links on our heli's and providing more wear and tear and consuming more time...? [&:] It always makes me wonder where these guys got there knowledge from ?? ! I've always said, you get the heli as a "general" and then its up to you to make it fly well ! Anyhoo, dang I might have to just slap the 500 back together really quick-like as it looks like there might be a break in the weather for Sunday ! Otherwise they say rain all week, and then I can take it back apart and play some more... I just hope I remember how to fly ! Eh.....! Go do a mini-Auto in the 500 for me !!! Come on, be the test pig ! [8D][:)] http://www.miracle-mart.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3031 [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/EA-045_MED-1.jpg?t=1258734614[/image]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 12:08 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9267615

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote] Dave - I'm not sure if anybody mentioned Loctite! Must have. I've talked to Gary (SuperSkids) & Ivan (9sec240) a lot about setups & they are both convinced that it is critical to get it "right" to fly well & it makes it easier (I can attest to that 1st hand!). I don't mean to speak for them. but they've convinced me! Now if I could just figure out how to do it! Good luck. The 450 is something else to fly & GREAT FUN. If you can fly the FP pretty well, the move to the 450 should be smooth! Did you ever manage FFF with the FP? [/quote] [quote][color=#FF0000]To see what I mean watch this vid. I'd kill to get my 300 to fly that well.[/color][/quote] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdaBX3eJS-4&feature=player_embedded [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdaBX3eJS-4&feature=player_embedded[/youtube] Chuck ~ You don't have to die to get yours to fly like that ! [:D] If you want it to hover great like Gary showed in his video then go inside where there is no wind, get those heavier SuperSkids to help lower the center of gravity for stability and get those EZ Blades he's promoting in the video, & stay in normal mode with the tamer headspeed. No reason why yours shouldn't do the same taking what you've learned and applying it. Really.... I think you should try those blades.... Like Gary quotes about those blades is one of the keys to hovering success "SuperBlades EZ excel at hovering and slow speed stability and are designed to help beginners learn how to fly and encourage them to stay with the hobby. They are not designed for fast forward flight (FFF). EZ have lots of lift with stock motors and gears." Now if your going outside and you are wanting to fly, grab the XP Blades "SuperBlades XP are for intermediate and advanced pilots and excel at fast flight and handling. XP have shallower pitch (less lift). While they can work with stock motors, gears and 2S LiPo if the helicopter is light enough, they're normally used with a 12T pinion on the stock motor, or a faster motor, or a 3S LiPo battery." The same principle can then be applied to your 450... Like you saw Gary do in his video for the hands off, he wasn't in idle up until the end when he then had his hands on the TX. So for your 450 if you want a mellow graceful machine keep a lower headspeed... Put a shorter flybar on, heavier paddles to slow the response down, add some Expo to soften the sticks at center, install some heavier skids which the SuperSkids are good, or the Align bump Resistance ones I told ya about before, as there heavier also to provide a lower CG for stability, get rid of the 325mm blades and throw on a set of 335mm blades to create a lower Disc-Loading and also provide added stability, and make sure your head is all set properly and you will be amazed ! If you want better hovering ability like in Gary's video for the 450, you then could go for some of those flat bottom style of blades instead of the symmetrical's. Just watch it in the wind though ! Different variables (like blades) are going to give you different results... And if your now using the longer blades you could go for a heavier battery to increase the weight now to assist also in some stability. The longer blades will help lift the extra load... Maybe even drop the pinion size down to help slow things down, and to help with the additional weight for that matter. The heavier it is, the more stable it is... A good quality machine with good quality components is also the other half as well to the equation... I agree a good set-up heli is going to provide results, but you can't polish a turd no matter how many hours a gent is caught "setting up" his heli. So don't go cheap, or you get cheap results hands down, and you will always be fighting a battle... Even back when I first got my Trex and even had the right tools like a pitch gauge or ball-link pliers, with quality comes satisfaction. And back then I didn't know squat. I didn't learn on woodies, but even CF because I'am big on that, and just take things slow to avoid the expense in crashing. 3 sets of CF blades in 2 years was worth the less headaches. Those blades in the videos below are also the shorter 315mm CF MAH's, and so some stability was even lost and it also increased the Disc-Loading because of there smaller size. Back then the Trex weighed 860 grams. Now it weighs 722 grams. The extra weight provides stability for learning. I was even running the huge standard size Futaba 9254 on the wrong side of the boom, and didn't know any better that the servo was to big for the tail back then ! My point is, the stuff you've learned and acquired being in this hobby now needs to be applied, and you'll have no worries achieving success, or dying to get your heli to fly ! [:)][:D] .... These videos were back in Dec of 07' when I first got the 450 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaaSmCo8vNA [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaaSmCo8vNA[/youtube] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m0INC_MkLk [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m0INC_MkLk[/youtube] But ya might have to wait until spring though..................... (LMAO)..................... [:)][:)][:)]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 5:07 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266993

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]seems my "pitch guage" worked pretty good on setting the blades to zero, even with out a flybar lock..... [/quote] Ok.... Gonna rib ya again, so brace yourself ! [:)][:)] Seriously though, I have no problem setting my flybar level, and eyeing down the main blade, looking at the leading edge and then at the trailing edge and seeing if its at 0 pitch or level...?? Really... I can tell if the blade is half a link off or what not ? Just seems like to much time to grab the pitch gauge and have the chunky bulky thing in the way ya know ? It could be I'am very use to doing it with the CPP for so long possibly i'am guessing... Dunno... So then, how do you guys get your flybar paddles level with the washout arms...? Please don't say you use the pitch gauge ??? [:)][:)] And if you say you eye it, then what's the diff again from just doing it on the main blades again...? [:)] If there is a question on whether the flybar is level, or if I feel dizzy in the head, I'll grab a simple "line-Level", actually two so they weigh out the same on the bar, and throw it up, the flybar is then level, and they I eye the blades.... I've always used good quality CF blades though, and even starting out and so that could be making it easier to see if there true and level at 0 degree's of pitch though ? Just a guess.... [:D] Yeah, I can't wait for some field flights with the new 450 ! You'll really like it... You'll find that with the less weight, it will turn better and perform better all around... Less collective needed to keep it floating also you'll find. Do some loops ! Jon ~ They still sell the regular Phoenix controllers (Castle) at almost all the popular sites like A-Main, Helidirect, HeliProz, Readyheli etc. etc. Even the 80 amper... The 80 amper goes for about $135.00... So much better to go with the new Castle ESC's... You get so much more, and there even lighter for that matter... Top notch stuff ! [8D] [:D]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 4:05 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266960

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]scott - thanks for the tips on cleaning. ill go ahead and change out my tips, or clean them up some, and possibly look into getting a 60watter to try out. [/quote] And don't forget the sponge ! I'am constantly wiping my irons butt on that wet piece ! A must have..... [:D] Plus I'll even use the moist sponge to apply to the wires or connections directly after I'am soldering for a quick "cool-down" so to speak... [:D]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 2:03 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266869

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
Eddie ~ Lol.... [:D] Well dang, if Randy ran the Futaba 9257 which requires 4.8v's on 6v's and others also doing the same without ever having any probs, then what's the diff on me sneaking a couple extra points on the cyclics ?? ! [:)] Its only a .2 diff so.... Ya know ?! [:D] I thought of going to the 9v offer, but thought..... Naw, I better not ! [:)] (kidding)... Yeah I noticed on your 722 g 450 that you weren't running a Futaba tail servo. Because I was evaluating in my mind the components you had to get the heli that light. And so just the voltage reg gone, and that lighter gyro helped a bunch. I had to really work hard to get mine that light simply because of the heavier crap components I have like the 401, the reg, and the MG servo's etc. etc. [:D] If you tried hard, I bet you could lose that 26 grams to get to the B-400 weight ya know... I was checking that out on your heli a page or so back yesterday. To lighten your tail you also could Dremel out the "slots" in those fins on the back also. They'll still be strong enough... I did that to the 500's awhile ago and lost some grams by shaving out those slots, and mainly the V-fin as its just a solid glob of weight sitting back there... In fact, I might even shave her some more. Or buy a Protos one.... [:)][:)] Hey, you can practice soldering and start cutting away servo, gyro, esc and all those wires to get them shorter ! LMAO.... Shorten your battery leads, vent the fiberglass canopy some etc. And if you got bored you could do the gears or any of that other stuff we do... And then for fun, to get a smidge more of collective range you can shave a bit off the washout... Lol... That was done before the Auto vid also... [:)] Check it with your "pitch gauge" thingy ([:)]) and see where your at then.... Or just eye it like me ! [8D] [:D] Jon ~ I watched your video earlier ! Dang, it looks almost like a tinge of snow on the ground.... [:D] All that rain eh...?! That thing seems like it has a nice power to weight ratio BTW... [8D] Waiting for that Auto with her still............................... [:D][:D][:D] Oh...! BTW, the other night RCU was down because I couldn't get on either at that time for a few hours like you asked a page or so back.... Heh....
Posted on: 11/20/2009 1:59 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266867

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
Ok, couldn't resist......... 6.2 volts..... [image]http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/happy/happy0148.gif[/image]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 12:32 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266777

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
Eddie ~ I just updated my CC BEC, and the Castle 80 amper for the Trex 500 now... [:D] I checked my BEC to make sure it was set at 6v's and it was, as I thought, since those HS-5245 MG's can run at 6v's... But, I'am wondering when things are under load, or any battery drainage or whatever if that 6v's decreases any to those servo's ? Because I wonder what would happen if I increased the volts to like the 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, or the 6.4 volt setting ya know...? I'am contemplating.... [:)] I suppose 6.1 or a 6.2 volt output wouldn't hurt anything, but maybe I better wait and do that at a later time... I'am starting to change to much to fast ! Heh... [:D] But still..... (LMAO)... The BEC is flashing right now saying to me "So what are you gonna do...?? !" [:)]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 12:30 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266774

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]Eddie, nice you're getting the little auto landings down! That's how I do it also. Just grab TH when it's close to the ground and let her settle in. [/quote] +1........! So Eddie, next time out and maybe over grass (your call there) just do that a few more times, nice and low... You'll then know what is going on then and get the "feel" of it very quick... That day when I ran 2 packs in the 450 and then trying those Auto's I did the exact same thing as you... My actual very first couple of ones were only a couple feet off the ground just like what you did... You didn't see this because it wasn't in the edited version of the You-Tube video of the 2 clips combined together from the 2 different batts that you saw... So my VERY first couple of autos's to give you an idea is in the video below. I didn't want to bore anyone with just podging around, and so I only edited the last portion of the video which is in the Vimeo video below onto the You-Tube video then. So if you watch this video, you'll see my tiny little Auto's... Ok, so now I got a good feel and sense then and knew what to expect, and so then you'll see later I tried them a bit higher like in the end... No difference really either. Only that I got less kick with the tail because now I was in a forward momentum and that helped with taking some of the load and torque off the main blades... After I tried those few short Auto's in the beginning, this is when I got the feel, and then turned around so that the heli was now facing into the mild 3-4 mph wind to assist in floating it down as you've seen that part already in the You-Tube version already.... [;)] A bit of wind, is your friend.... And this is why I wasn't planning on doing any Auto's that day, but felt like the conditions were to perfect ! [:D] http://vimeo.com/7690523 Ok then so that wasn't so bad, so then on my 2nd battery I then tried them just a bit higher then... This was then showed in the first portions of the You-Tube video you saw already below... And then when you see the edit in the video, that 2nd portion was from the 1st battery pack and was already showed in the Vimeo video that you just saw.... You'll get it trust me... And higher isn't so much any different. Its scary to be moving forward in a sense, and then cutting the power even... But VERY quickly your senses will kick in on what to do with the sticks to just keep everything going smoothly... No reason to be nervous, and when you get to the end just make sure you flare so that you don't do it to soon, or to late. Practicing them lower will give you this "sense" however, and no different than doing them a bit higher... Serious... [;)][:D] With you 450 being lighter, its going to make a world of difference... In my video's my 450 also weighed 722 grams, and I was even using the shorter 320mm CF SABS... You have the 325's which should provide even a better effect as its better as far as the disc-loading goes... Shorter the blades the higher the disc-loading is.... [:D] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O71UyWum08k [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O71UyWum08k[/youtube] Don't rush anything, and don't let me pressure you, but I bet you'll get it faster than you think ! [8D]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 9:17 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266370

RE: Wheeeeeeee.......... Blade CP!
[quote] I'm impressed with that combo. Actually, they were designed to work with each other. [/quote] You did good in combining those two for sure.... [;)] [quote]However, you can still take a 2x4 and club them in the head. LMAO! Just an old Mafia thing..[/quote] LMAO...! I almost coughed up my dinner...! Lol...!! [:)][:)] I had to laugh earlier, because here Rick is all weak and sick and tired and he's still fiddling around ! [:D] Because I'am the same way, and when I'am sick its hard to sit still to get better as I'am always wanting to be doing something and such ! [:D] He's just like me.... Lol... Reason why I also don't get out much to visit people, is I'am always "doing something" or draining myself mad in doing to much stuff or projects... Arrow had me thinking about that earlier is all, because even my friends usually come and see me, and I never much really go and venture to visit them... [&:] Time to change my ways a bit me thinking.... [;)][:D] Another laugh from earlier that Rick had said, was they had to "pry the DX7" out of his cold hands or whatever...... LMAO...!!! [:)] Yeah that would be SO COOL Dave if you can get out into the country for sure... Especially now that you got the 600... Because dang, when you said you could fly it in the daughters barn I about cried ! [:)] No way mister, that thing belongs in the open airspace... I know you will love it... Just some nice slow circuits, you'll see.... [8D] Kyle ~ I keep thinking of you and that Vision.... [8D] I got reminded of you when I watched a guy with a Solid G gyro doing insane 3-D with one of those new Avant .90 Electric heli's the other day ! and I'am with Dave, you can always charge now and pay later eh...?! [:)][:)] Remember Black Friday is coming up.... Get what ya need ! [:D][8D]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 8:54 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266321

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
Eddie ~ I would guess part of your struggles are using those 20 watt irons possibly... Even though some say they have no probs with the 25 watters, I still think for my personal preference a good "general" is a 60 watter. The 40's are nice also, but just a 60 watter is my sweet spot so to speak... It all depends on the gents ability, personal choice, and technique also... If your good, what works very well even like Scott suggested is a good hot iron. So if I did want to use my hotter Weller, I can pull the trigger on it and it and the iron heats up instantly. Then, I can just VERY quickly touch the surfaces and they get hot fast... So, it can be a quick spot check solder weld, and less chances then of getting the wire or components "to hot" then as some cooler running irons can do. So a guy could also be doing harm by using a smaller iron, because he's letting the iron rest on the components forevor trying to get things heating up, and also causing the heat to travel up the wire and to the esc or other things for instance. (melting the connector...etc.).. If that makes sense..? Lol...But also in the same sense, a less experienced gent could do some damage with to hot of an iron... Confusing huh ?? ! [&:][:)] I'am not the best of explaining things ! Like Scott said, the 60/40 solder works SO WELL... Your LHS shoud have some in fact. Usually in those little tubes with a bit in there all coiled up. But dang, they are usually overpriced there. I got a whole roll of some 60/40 stuff, and its even the thin stuff so it makes soldering the small connectors a breeze also from Home-Depot for a few bucks. I use it the most... Then if I'am doing any heavy apps, like for the Deans, which I don't use anymore, or for soldering the motor hot to the ESC's, I use then my Weller with some thicker solder and its the silver bearing type of stuff. In conjunction I then use flux from a different container and then that works good for that particular application... The Silver bearing solder is ideal for strength and low resistance and in conjunction with soldering my motor and ESC together is why it also made my Scorpion motor run even cooler. Its literally cold after a flight. Less resistance than any connector out there having a direct connection... My 40 and 60 watt irons don't even phase the Silver bearing stuff, and this is why then I use the 150 watt Weller... Crazy stuff maynard ! Like Finless stated, you can get one of them 30 watter irons from like Ratshack (Radioshack), for like $14.00 even... But ideally, what would be VERY nice is one of those soldering guns that has a regulated heat dial on her to adjust the temps, and some brands even come with a soldering station type of thing. So many good brands out there, and its nice then to have just one soldering iron to do a variety of jobs. Like our chargers, you can have a bunch of those, or just one to do the job well. Same goes for the irons also in a sense... The reason I say this is I wish I would have gotten one way back instead of having 4 different irons ! LMAO... Even your LHS will probably have one of those good ones, or from any of your electrical outlet stores for that matter. Just another thought is all... [:D]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 8:22 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266217

RE: Wheeeeeeee.......... Blade CP!
David ~ ([:)]) Nice on the Sears jobber.....! I'am thinking of going solar ! LMAO...... (kidding) Someone tell Rick to quit tinkering around and get some REST.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [:)][:D] Kyle ~ I tried to see how far you were from Dave on Mapquest, but for me it kept saying to enter a ending destination ?? And I did...? I had "Greenwood" typed in a few times ? I was curious how far you guys lived is why... I thought maybe it was a Mafia thing, or the location doesn't exist ! Lol..... [:)] I did see Vic and Jaybird are 128 miles apart though... [:D] Yeah, I'll have to make some time to go visit the Arrow maybe this Summer... It would be TO COOL to see him and his fellow flyers fly some stuff for sure.... Dang, I'd be in heaven I think... I'd have to move then I bet ! [:D] Kelly always did want to possibly try a transfer to the Issaquah Costco which is not to far from Kent where Tracy lives.... Hmmmm.... [:)] Just so many people out that way..... Eh...! [:D]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 7:09 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266044

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]just the little mini auto i did in the street today, i could tell a big difference. it didnt drop like a rock. i thought it was like 4 or 5 ft, but on the vid, it looks more like 3 or 4 lmao.. i did push it a little forward b4 i killed the power. i was a little leary of doing it on the street without knowing how its going to react!!! seems my "pitch guage" worked pretty good on setting the blades to zero, even with out a flybar lock..... [/quote] I saw the Auto...! That was excellent see.... !!! +1..... [8D][8D] Oh, before I head out you probably don't need a higher power soldering iron if there's problems as its most likely you just need a new tip I'am guessing... A 25 watt one works great for any boards, a 40 amp one works great for almost all are RC apps, and a 60 watter is even better... My 150 watt Weller is for HEAVY apps, and I never have really used it for anything RC related... My "fine tip" iron for example is a 60 watter, then I have another that is a 40 watter, and then another 60 watter... Finless has a few vids on soldering which might also assist you, for soldering bullet connectors, Deans etc... He even states that a 30 watter is plenty and works fine for most RC apps, as he states on his bullet connector video. They really work the best, and all is that is needed... [:D] There's a buttload of threads out there on what gents prefer. Here is one below also : http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=72184&highlight=soldering+irons Get some new tips, and always keep them clean and in good condition... Always make sure all your connections are clean also. I always flash some acetone with a small microfiber rag to my connectors, but I'am anal about that... Like painting, prepping is equally important. Gotta run to town.... Talk later, [;)]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 6:58 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266018

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]Just a quick update. I downloaded and installed the Castle upgrade to 3.0. It worked just fine. I've opted for not selecting outrunner mode for the motor for the time being because it seems the majority of folks on Castle's forum elsewhere are running at PWM 8, so I did, too. Other than that, I kept everything as it was and see no issues after four packs. Just thought I'd share that. I had a late day at work (because of a change gone bad and a meeting) and it's a break in the rain, so it seemed like a good time. I'll be on days tomorrow so I won't be able to fly at all. I don't think I could have installed the software and not flown. I have to say that the helicopter has never flown better. I didn't do anything radical, but it's killing me not be able to show y'all what I'm doing. I feel like I'm leeching off the group, here by getting vicarious jollies from all the wonderful flying you all do. In time, I'll have the hat cam! Scott [/quote] Good stuff Scott ! I'll go ahead then and update all mine then... [;)] I haven't had the time to see what others were inputting on the matter about it... So cool ! [8D] Oh yeah, that 700 was sick ! Unsponsored though....?? ! What the hek ?! [:D] Eddie ~ For soldering those EC3 connectors I just use one of those cheapo 40-60 watt irons. They work very well, and most will agree that's all ya need to solder those connectors and easy to handle. The one you see with the "fine" tip is my favorite in fact. Just takes a quick second to heat it up, and get both the connections hot and ready for soldering. I always like to have a moist sponge nearby also to clean the tip after each run. This Iron also works well for even the small MCX ESC boards for soldering the leads off and on, like you've seen me do before... And even for "burning" holes in stuff ! Venting holes, etc, etc...[:D] The bigger iron is nice, but is just way to much overkill for just a small solder job, but does work THE BEST for a solder job like if you were doing the motor to ESC connections, just because the copper wiring of the motor (Scorpion) takes and needs plenty of heat then to get things to flow smoothly. [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/Apr01109010.jpg?t=1258669248[/image] We all have our little knack in how we do it, and it seems you found yours so its best to stick with what works, but I'll show ya my little way below for how I do it... For the connectors, I rest one inside those little "holes" in those wire strippers. And so its now resting snug there without any movement. Then, I bring over the battery or ESC or whatever next to that and bend the wire so it will fit into that connector nice for soldering. Sometimes you can even use your little Dremel vise to hold the component also. Anyway, so I just get everything hot like the wire and the connector, and rest the wire in that connector, so the only thing I'am holding or touching is the iron if that makes sense... But it works all so well for me and is very quick ! [:D] [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/Apr01109001-1.jpg?t=1258669976[/image] Then when it comes time to "push" that connector snug into the blue terminal, I have my favorite pair of old needlenose pliers that when I close them up, they will go right inside that connector without stress to it, and I'll push it down until the connector "clicks" inside that blue terminal then.. Works good...[:D] [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/Apr01109015-1.jpg?t=1258670388[/image] [quote]i also installed the 3.0, but went with pwm 12. it was already set there, so i didnt mess with it lol. i havent had a chance to check it out yet though. guess i should slap the 12t on the -8 and put her in and go check it out lol. i still need to solder the connectors on the ice 50. man, i suck at solderin, so im not lookin forward to that.[/quote] I've tried the "Outrunner Mode" for awhile as you may remember, but if you do a search on the Trex forums for our Scorpion motors and the Castle ESC's, you'll see that others will say exactly what Lucien from Innovative has said, and that is for our Scorpion motors they run the best with the Castle ESC's with a PWM of 8, and the timing set to low... Just some FYI for ya... [:D] That's cool your newest 450 weighs the 722 g's, as that is what my 450 weighs ! Your lucky to have a nice light gyro you dog ! My 401 even gutted is a heavy pig ! Eh... [:)] You'll notice a BIG improvement with things. Much less load on the blades now also as you'll see... This will make Auto's much better, and most likely also less kick possibly... Add some forward momentum to take even more of the load off, and you will have it down pat ! [8D] Ivan ~ Glad to have ya back mister...! We missed your love here ! [:)][8D] Eddie's out doing Tic-Toc's now and chit...! [:)][:)][:)] Speaking of, I have his video buffering so I better go see what mischief he got into.... Heh...! [:D][8D] Then I gots to run into town for some errands... Damn the weather sucks ! Pouring again like a big dog, and is suppose to all week ! EH...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [&:][:D]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 5:54 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9265873

RE: Wheeeeeeee.......... Blade CP!
JPEE ~ Great flights with the 600 ! She sure looks purty up in the sky for sure... [8D] Keep them coming... Gotta convince Dave to get his up there in that open sky and not in any barns ya know...?? ! [:)] Dave ~ Cool on the gears ! I didn't go that far, but you'll have to let me know how that happens to work out for sure... [8D] I did my 500 gears a bit, and so that will help with just 7.53 g's of less mass to swing from the motor. And also help reduce the ESD or static that the 500 is popular for especially coming out of the main gears. I guess reducing some of that plastic helps, but dunno as I don't have a ESD tester but just heard it from a few over on Run-Ryder. Kinda interesting though... [:D] Rick ~ Some nice backyard flights with the mSR... We all know Vic wants a couple so no worries... [:)][:D] Eric ~ Keep your instructional videos coming... Good stuff... [8D] [quote]I would toss JMicheal a smooch but he never got ahold of me this summer or fall........ Must be able to smell me all the way from his place in Sequim.........heh! (Thats pronounced Skwim) [/quote] Well if it wasn't a 2 hour drive and about 107 miles ! [:)] LMAO... I guess the ferry could be a bit quicker, but that is then still venturing through Seattle... Eh... [:D] I haven't even been to Seattle for like 10 years. I was there however a year or so ago when I had to hit the airport to go to Cali though... Everytime I went there before in that area Seattle, Federal Way, Tacoma, Kent, my car always got broken into ! LMAO... Not to mention I do watch the news, and the crime there is to intense for this country boy. I just don't like crowds also, and that whole area gives me way to much anxiety.... But it would be cool someday to maybe venture over that way for sure, just no guarantee's ! [:)] I might need one of them bullet proof vests or somethin'... [:D][:)] But when I was in Central Cali when I was staying down there, we went down to L.A. for awhile, and I gotta say I about crapped my drawers ! WOW, on I-5 there are motorcycles zipping inches by your side-mirrors, there was so much garbage on the side of the freeway I about died, and the smog was something like I've never seen... My dad definately got the idea that I never wanted to return there, I was ready to leave ASAP...! LOL...! So Seattle isn't so bad in comparison however... It was funny, because at first my dad was like, oh that's just fog... I'am like uh.... I don't think so, fog doesn't glow that color ! And doesn't make my eyes sting and water from my sensitive eyes.... Yikes... Everyone else agreed... I'am like nice try dad... [:)][:)] You can see that pollution in the air from up in the sky from also like San-Fransisco... It has that deadly looking color to it. Crazy... Funny how some of us live somewhat close like even Vic and Jay with just a bit of a 100 mile or so distance, and Kyle and Dave, but yet nobody has ever met up ?? We might have to fly in someday down to the Chopper mansion for a reunion one day ! I get to fly his 600 first ! [:)]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 8:35 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264781

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]I LOVE watching that Gaui 550... For some reason, I really like that heli... I still love your canopy also... [/quote] Still waiting for that fresh 550 video Jon...! [:)][:)] BTW, I love the color contrasts on the 400 against the dark clouds ! Very cool.....! [8D] You still do the backflips better than I can muster. I think I gave up on those darn things ! [:D] Scott ~ Yeah that would be cool whenever ya find time for sure... I've been busy, so I haven't even had to much time to keep tinkering with the 500, but a little here, and a little there... [:)] Besides, the weather has been NASTY ! [&:] [:D] Bill ~ Got that 550 built yet....?? ! LMAO.... Just ribbin' ya.... You know I wasn't gonna pester ya, but couldn't resist ! [:)][:D] Ivan ~ What the hek...?? You do remember where home is right ?? ! LMAO.... [:)][:)] Dang, hurry up and get back here were struggling over here ! [:)] [:D] You should have sent me your Beam, and Furion to keep them warm for ya... Heh... And also to see if they give me that warm fuzzy feeling... [:)]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 7:26 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264695

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
Jon ~ Awesome flying....!! [8D][:D] I LOVE watching that Gaui 550... For some reason, I really like that heli... I still love your canopy also... Don't you dare wreck smash it up now... (LMAO).... Eddie ~ COOL..........!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know I feed off those weights......(LMAO)........ [:)][:)][:)] I saved them with your others, and JPEE's also... Good stuff. I weighed the plastic boom-mount for the T-500 for the belt drive system, and then the boomblock for the TT system, and they weren't to far off... To keep it fair, I just used those CNC support braces that the screws go into for the boomblock. Those actually come with the ESP, but the stock CF edition 500 comes with plastic ones which are a little lighter but not much, but I did weigh the belt mount one with those plastic mounting thingies...[:D] I'am almost thinking of maybe trying some of my plastic parts that I have from the 500 CF edition just to lose a bit of weight. It brings up again, on like I said before that the ESP version is almost a downgrade from the lighter CF edition. Shorter tail blades, smaller paddles on the ESP, and then just all the additional weight. I've came across some gents who own both, or have owned both, and most will say the 500 CF edition was just more powerful and responsive than the heavier ESP version... All that bling just adds up me thinking... [:)] I know on my Trex 450 SA I'am still using the stock main bearing mounts after 2 years, and replacing the bearings for those once, and also still using the plastic tail pitch slider, and the grips after all this time and they still work fine... No need to reverse grips, no need to do the Chinese Weight Mod, etc. etc. Here's one thread for that matter in which a few guys compare there CF Edition 500's to the ESP ones... Kinda interesting, and brings us back again to "Disc-Loading"....! [:D][:)] http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=118120&highlight=break+torque+tube And another reason why you don't see the Protos with all that bling for that matter... But I do like some durability, especially for learning, but don't need an overkill of the stuff is all... I got to find my "sweet-spot" eventually... [:D] Cool though, I can't wait for a video with the 450 ! Auto's baby....! Come-on man ! Take Scott's advice and see if you can solve the tail issue also... I'am VERY curious. [:D]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 4:01 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264553

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]you know you have the old torque tube? The old one has the plastic ends... that pesky plastic adds lots of dead weight! LOL! [/quote] Lol.... I know, I know... But I did cut off those little plastic bits at the end, like the new ones have but for real, I've had stickers weigh more ! [:)] But I guess every tiny bit helps ! [8D] I heard they have the new breakaway type tubes which save the gears then or something like that... I know they have them for the 450's, just not sure for the 500's that would be pretty cool and possibly lighter since there is no longer the metal tips on the TT. [:D] [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/Nov1809020.jpg?t=1258618130[/image] [quote]Jeff, I wonder how much you're going regain in your T-Rex project. I know you had what 15 grams the other day? It's an interesting project, bro. [/quote] Probably not to much, but more interested in losing all the "extra crap" like servo wire sleeving, stickers, wire leads all shortened up, voltage reg shortened, etc. etc. The junk pile is only like 25 g's, but I'am also going to get rid of my CNC servo arms since those don't provide a weak point with the HS-5245 MG servo's and others have said that is bad and that's probably why in my one crash I stripped out one of the MG servo's... So only a 2g weight loss there. I could lose my CNC bottom bracket for 14g's, but still like the added stiffness for less flex for now, but mainly need to keep the CG somewhat lower for when I try the flybarless with no stabilization... Later I might lose it though. [:D] The main gear and tail drive gear I only lost 7.53 g's, and I forgot what else I've done... In the long-run I hope to lose 40-50 g's doing a rough figure. [quote]I would be terrified to mess with the gears (there IS an echo in here). [/quote] I started that biz back with the MCX and it really improved the power to the craft just being so small. Less mass for those tiny motors to swing, and those gear are still on the craft today, and never have warped or anything. The ridginess is still there.. Those "spokes" are also helped in the molding process to keep there shape during a heating and cooling phase. So I used the T-450 then and did those gears and that helped free up the drivetrain also... It could be why my Auto's were smooth, just because its a reduced load that is then being applied. It worked good for that craft also, and since those gears were the strong and stiff V2 gears, they also kept there strength. I still can hardly bend them before and after the Dremeling... [:D] So for the Trex 500, since those gears are also some stiffy's ([:)]) I took off some from those. Those gears are just as strong and stiff as they were before I started. It really only takes a bit with the Dremel cutting wheel, and then quickly cleaning them up with the little sander attachment. The thing with the T-500 is that a lot of ESD or static comes from those main gears, so with the TT kit that helps, but the ESD is still there, and by reducing the mass of the plastic, I've read on Run-Ryder that you then will get less ESD... Not to mention then by the weight loss again, improves over all performance. Those gears were just way overkill on weight, and just another component to the T-500 in which it makes it one of the heavier 500 class machines out there. If I knew what I know now, I would have just gotten a Compass Atom 500, or a MSH Protos heli, and in stock form will make any T-500 owner cry in my opinion, and from others out there who have owned both. So for now, I'll just try to improve at least a little on this T-500... [:D] If you look at the MSH Protos main gears, there much lighter and still serves there purpose. Just one other little thing in which makes a stock Protos with a belt drive spank a Trex 500, and especially the heavier ESP versions... Yikes... [:)] [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/PROTOS.jpg?t=1258619389[/image] And like for the 450 class heli's I like the Miniature Aircraft's main gear better than the Align 450's : [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/MAMAINGEAR.jpg?t=1258619483[/image] [quote]That said I think there's room for grindage in the torque tube tail assembly.. [/quote] Dang, for the life of me, I can't figure out what you might mean, but want to know though ! Especially if it has to do with anything from the main-shaft back.... [:D][8D] I wonder why on Align's website, they still list the older torque tube with those tiny plastic end caps anyway... That just seems weird to me huh ?? [&:] I didn't even know the newer ones like in the picture below didn't have those end caps, until you said something... Good stuff... http://www.align.com.tw/shop/index.php?cPath=22_72_93 [image]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/jeffreymichael2/h50095a.jpg?t=1258619694[/image] Well at least my TT is lighter by 0.39 grams now from removing those plastic end caps, but it still weighs 14.16 G's.... Eh... But I do like the TT kit, like I said its a 50/50 deal for me. [:D] That said, I think that anyone who doesn't have a scale (I have 4...Lol..) should get one, because its good to know how much all this stuff can weigh. I've been doing it for so long now that I can pretty much guess at weights... And that's scary... [:)][:D]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 3:45 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264546

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]Jeff, did ya know that Beam is about to release an E5? Suppose to be an improved E4 with some frame changes and stuff. The E4 is a fantastic heli and one that I have seen in person and had conversation with the owners about. If I bought another 450 it would be an E4 unless the newer E5 proves to be superior??? Is it stormimg and blowing up your way? Been about unflyable here for a week![/quote] Randy ~ No I didn't know that Beam was coming out with a E5 ! (can't keep up anymore)... [:)] That's great though, and good to know. [;)] It also means a lot to me that you like that particular heli simply because I know your knoweldge exceeds mine, and so its more comfort to me then if I did get that Beam. [:D] Yeah its been rainy and windy here also... Yesterday there were even 67 mph gusts at times. [&:] I haven't even flown since my last 450 video, and that was doing the Auto's with her... All the rivers are even flooded and over there banks, and so fishing is kinda out of the picture for a bit, unless you want to fish outta the farmers fields and such... LMAO... Nothing funnier than seeing Salmon swimming around in a field, or crossing an intersection from flood run-off... Lol... Thanks for checking in again... [;)][8D] Hope everything is going ok for ya.... [;)] Eddie ~ I got a chance to weigh at least the Torque Tube portion of the 500, and then weighed the belt for the 500... The little clip that is keeping the belt wrapped so it stays on the scale without going over the sides weighs just a smidge extra, but not much. My standard size Futaba 9254 weighs about 20 grams more than say the smaller Futaba 9257 servo, and so you can see why my tail is on the heavier side, and so I'am just contemplating a few things... Lol... Not to mention then the bigger Trex 600 servo mount being used to house the bigger servo... Yikes... If I had an extra 9257 I'd love to put that on though, but don't... And I do kinda like the extra torque and speed the 9254 throws out. But always hate the 4 gram voltage regualtors that are needed to run them... Eh... Future wise, I'll be veering away from Futaba tail servo's just because of that. Not into the extra weight, and extra clutter using those reg's. I'd try using it without one, like some do but dunno about that still really...?? [:D] The more I think about a TT set-up, the more I think that there is more room for error as far as tolerances go compared to a belt driven heli... A couple would be that you hope the plastic gears are "true" (being plastic) and you also hope the bearings are installed on all those gears straight also... Just a tiny little bit off, and there's your trouble which I see why the TT kits have offer more vibrations that the belts which can help absorb them... Heh... [:)] There is still a beauty with a belt driven heli, at least in my opinion is all... Can you tell I'am bored ?? ! [:)][:)]
Posted on: 11/18/2009 5:16 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9263487

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
Dave ~ The one thing I don't like about Align, is they don't carry there kits as a barebone kit... For me, I'am just looking at carrying all my components over from my tired T-450 over to another craft for instance. With Align, they still have it where your stuck with at least there motor and esc... I don't want another motor and esc, and prefer to choose my own components. There motors and esc's have faired ok for me, but I have other favorites that I stick to and use ya know ?? So I've never understood why they don't broaden there marketing and offering just a barebone kit of say like the Pro or the Sport, or any of there heli's...?? Its like there not thinking, or I'am missing something here ? [:D] For this reason is why I'am also looking at the Beam E-4, or the Miniature Aircraft Furion 450 both which are great heli's if not better than the Align heli's... The Outrage G5 heli is also a favorite for me, but also slightly in a different league if your comparing 450 class heli's... All personal choices for me on my end however... Lol... [:D] The Beam, and the Furion 450 are all priced similiar to the Sport and the Pro models. Just no motor and esc or electronics generally from most vendors, and is what I'am looking for and want. For some, maybe not so much... I have heard the Beam is a very durable helicopter though, and changing the tail belt is a snap. This is why some with the Align 450's swap there tail's with a Beam's tail for the ease and convenience in doing so. If I did get the Beam or the Furion, I think Randy (RMG2) would be proud !!! ..... LMAO.... [:)][:D] Anyway just my 2 cents thrown in again... [:D] Before, I've always rushed in just choosing another heli, now I'am beating it to death and doing hords of research, and over-analiyzing (SP?) everything.... [:)] ~ Jeff
Posted on: 11/18/2009 3:47 PM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9263247

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]it said something about more headspeed or something [/quote] Hmmmmm...... More headspeed eh....?? ! [image]http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/evilgrin/evilgrin0039.gif[/image] (LMAO)....
Posted on: 11/18/2009 4:28 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9262167

RE: Struggling with Single Rotor basics
[quote]jeff - on ur castle update on the firmware for the esc, did you update to the 3.0 beta?? [/quote] Ok, I just checked with the esc's I did update... My Castle Link is version 3.190, and my latest update (I think a month or so ago) for the firmware version is 2.18 Beta... It still will let me go back to the last one which is the 2.16 version but that's it. I saw the pop-up saying there was a newer version, but I'll wait on that for a bit... Give it a shot, and report back !....LMAO.... [:)] [quote]Jeff ~ I got the dig in the ribs about the charger!!! It "should" be on it's way back to me (well a new one anyway!)... [/quote] On a serious note, you CAN'T beat the price.... Just awesome ! [8D] [quote]Did I miss a T500 video of your too with auto's? Or am I reading the posts all wong? [/quote] No, my 500 is all apart, and will be for a bit at least... Were just trying to get Eddie to go first is all... A "test pig" so to speak....(LMAO)... [:)] Then I can adjust accordingly after watching his ! [:)] Hey.... Wait a minute... I think Scott needs to get involved with the action and film us a vid of the 500 with them Auto's ! Me, Eddie, and you have suffered enough... [:)] It's Scott's turn !!! [:D][:)]
Posted on: 11/18/2009 3:26 AM by Author "J-MICHAEL" in the forum "E-Flite Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9262142