RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
placeholder for e-copter flybar cage review - I recently acquired an enclosed (cage) flybar holder from e-copter (the european helicopter and technical arm of a2pro) but I'm hesitant to proceed with posting details about it on account of all my gallery links being broken and my inability to modify any of my existing posts in this thread. Perhaps contacting a moderator will help.
Posted on: 5/5/2008 11:40 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7461024

RE: 2300 3S Hypersonic Turbo Pack - Align T-Rex 450
Make no mistake... technically there is no reason whatsoever why you can't just increase your pinion size. My calculations told me that with a 15T pinion on the 3000kV motor I was running at the time that I'd get a very reasonable headspeed (2400+). But that wasn't the intent of my tests. I wanted to see how much I could push the turbo module by clicking a little button instead of going through the motions of disconnecting a motor, swapping pinions, remeshing, etc to increase my headspeed. For that reason, I consider the test to be a success. I was very pleased to see my little 3000kV motor spinning my blades at 3000 RPM with a 13T pinion.
Posted on: 8/30/2007 10:16 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6309057

RE: Any Quick World Wide (QWW) helicopter flyers out there?
I went with the original [:)] [center][image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-106808.jpg[/image][/center]
Posted on: 8/5/2007 12:56 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6199025

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
I get my wire covering (braided sleeving) from http://www.wirecare.com I've been using the anti-fray stuff recently and am very happy with it. Be sure to pick up some color coordinated heatshrink while you're there :) Shell
Posted on: 7/8/2007 10:03 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6086157

RE: QUICK HELI
Well said, DebianDog! The Qoj EP-8 V2s are great machines. I've never heard/read anything good about the "other" quick.
Posted on: 4/27/2007 8:26 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5780333

RE: Flight Simulator: Which One Do You Prefer & Why...
How you can you have a simulator poll and not include a slot for Reflex? [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]
Posted on: 4/25/2007 9:42 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5770737

RE: T-Rex 450, Dragonus II Elite, and SJM 400 V2 Models for Reflex XTR
They're working for me... of course they're on a server about 3 feet away from me [:)] The images are on the same server. If you can see the images, you should be able to download the archives.
Posted on: 4/25/2007 9:40 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5770675

RE: T-Rex 450, Dragonus II Elite, and SJM 400 V2 Models for Reflex XTR
bump
Posted on: 4/21/2007 12:08 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5748634

T-Rex 450, Dragonus II Elite, and SJM 400 V2 Models for Reflex XTR
Over the past couple months I've worked on a few models for Reflex XTR. [b]T-Rex 450 SE Hanker[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/reflex/hanker1.jpg[/image] The first one was actually a complete overhaul of a yellow T-Rex 450 XL model that I found on a German simulator site. It started out more as a learning exercise for me but by the time I was done, I had a respectable SE model, decided to give the original author credit, and re-released it. You can download it from [link=http://www.shellware.com/reflex/T-Rex-450-Hanker.zip]here[/link]. [b]Dragonus II Elite[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/reflex/DII-4.jpg[/image] The second was my first soup to nuts model. Everything you see from the Dragonus model is my creation. It can be downloaded it from [link=http://www.shellware.com/reflex/Dragonus_II_Elite.zip]here[/link]. [b]SJM 400 V2[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/reflex/SJM-RC-Tek-1.jpg[/image] My third model is of the SJM 400 V2 helicopter. With this model I partnered with a guy who goes by the nickname of Daz. Daz supplied the model for the canopy and I did the airframe and textures. The SJM 400 model can be found [link=http://www.shellware.com/reflex/SJM400V2-Final.zip]here[/link]. For all the models, download them, and then extract them into your reflex/heli directory. You can then select them from the Models Selection window in XTR. Also, be sure to be running Reflex 5.03.1 (Step 1) or greater. There are a number of compatibility problems with newer models in general and older versions of XTR. Enjoy! Shell
Posted on: 3/24/2007 7:33 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5611025

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
Hi Chali, How good is your english? This guide will help you tremendously: [link=http://www.swashplate.co.uk/ehbg-v17/ehbg_index.html]EHBG[/link]
Posted on: 1/14/2007 2:09 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5263971

RE: Venom Night Ranger II
then go with a T-Rex. I wouldn't buy anything with the word "Venom" or "Walkera" in it.
Posted on: 1/14/2007 1:48 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5263879

RE: New Dragonus II Elite 3D Bird Takes Flight!!!!!
Interesting... they look like canomod canopies... I wonder if my Hanker will fit on my Elite... I thought I tried and it was a no go... hrm....
Posted on: 1/14/2007 12:50 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5263627

RE: New Dragonus II Elite 3D Bird Takes Flight!!!!!
bah... helihobby... the one vendor on the planet that I took an oath to never buy from again. Maybe I can track down a higher level distributor or the manufacturer. Thanks for the link. Shell
Posted on: 1/14/2007 12:47 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5263609

RE: RC-expert.com
It's been some time but I"ve ordered from RC-EXPERT with no problems in the past both through their website and eBay auctions. I will say that their 40A ESC is a very good deal. I got one as part of a promotional deal through another vendor and am actually impressed with it. As far as servos go, I'd be hard pressed to run anything other than Hitec HS-65s for cyclic and a nice digi futaba or airtronics for the tail. One also learns fairly quickly that the only good gyros to be had are futaba and CSM. Shell
Posted on: 1/14/2007 11:36 AM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5263277

RE: New Dragonus II Elite 3D Bird Takes Flight!!!!!
Hey John, Very nice build. Don't ya love the tail on this machine? Where did you pick up the custom canopy from? I'd love to have a universal one between my Rex and Dragonus. Shell
Posted on: 1/14/2007 11:25 AM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5263240

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
A few more updates. Tonight I swapped out the MaxPro CF Blades for the set of Vic Campbell's V2Blades I'd bought for my Dragonus originally. There's nothing wrong with the MaxPros... I just want to start using my premier blades :) [center][image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-76349.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-76351.jpg[/image][/center] Also, as part of my continuing effort to increase the piro rate of my tail, I extended the ball on my servo link one hole to assure full travel with the CSM gyro. What little hovering/testing I did tonight promises completely insane piro rates. [center][image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-76352.jpg[/image][/center] I also have a Medusa 28-32-3400 on order that I hope to have installed in the next couple days.
Posted on: 12/15/2006 11:20 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5121581

RE: Understanding Motors?
Or just use ReadyHeli's calculator :) [link=http://www.readyheli.com/Online_Headspeed_Calculator_s/81.htm]http://www.readyheli.com/Online_Headspeed_Calculator_s/81.htm[/link]
Posted on: 12/12/2006 11:48 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5109606

RE: Picco Z Electric Helicopter
just wanted to respond saying that this is a great thread! I did the throttle spring mod as captured from one of the linked sites.... hehe... I like the smooth stick much better!
Posted on: 12/11/2006 10:23 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5104839

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
[b]Step 11 (A-A)[/b] Step 11 consisted of a bunch of stuff, but all very straightforward and problem free. In this step you: [ul][*]Install the Landing Gear [*]Install the Boom [*]Install the main gear and align the tail belt on the upper black pulley [*]Install the head and main shaft and secure them to the bearing blocks and tail pulley [*]Install the horizontal fin & boom supports [/ul] This concludes the mechanical portion of this build. [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73834.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73835.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73837.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73838.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73840.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73842.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73844.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73846.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73847.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73849.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73851.jpg[/image] Saying that I'm impressed with the overall quality of the parts, the straight-forward nature of the instructions, and finished product is a severe understatement. I can't wait to get my electronics installed and then get my Dragonus II Elite in the air. RCer International have delivered on a solid machine and the current price from the Resellers offering it is considerably less than what you would pay for a comporably equipped T-Rex. Shell
Posted on: 12/11/2006 1:35 AM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5036820

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
[quote]ORIGINAL: -Inverted- [&:]..Hmm, I find it a bit strange RCer isn't using their Warp series brushless motors as the Warps are amazing motors. [/quote] The distributor decides which electronics go in the kit. The commercial version of this kit provided by RC-TEK currently comes with a 3500Kv DS-450H motor and an OEM 40A ESC with a separate UBEC.
Posted on: 12/11/2006 1:32 AM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5017469

Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
Having followed a few other build threads at some other RC related sites, I couldn't resist getting my hands on the Dragonus II Elite kit. The quoted street price for the Dragonus II Elite Standard kit is about $325. The price I paid was very close to this so I want to make certain folks know I'm not a hired gun and am proceeding with this build in as objective a manner as possible. Other than being a satisified customer, I have no other affiliation with RC-Tek and/or RCer International, the manufacturer of the Dragonus helicopter. Some highlights of the kit: [ul] [*]3500Kv motor and RC-Expert 35A ESC [*]Wooden & CF 325mm Main Blades [*]Fully CNC Aluminum Head & Tail [*]Silver CF Frame [*]Fiberglass Canopy [*]Detailed Instructions [/ul] Upon opening the box I was presented with a bunch of parts bags. Some may opt for ARF or RTF kits, but being the tinkerer that I am I had a big smile on face. This kit is going to take a solid 6 to 8 hours to build. As every fairly experienced RC Heli addict knows, you must break down any pre-built kits and apply loctite, otherwise stuff (typically the most critical of parts) is prone to fly off at the worst of times. This build is going to be very reminencent of my first T-Rex 450X V2 build, minus the pitfalls of the plastic parts. [b]Head Parts[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73103.jpg[/image] [b]Tail Parts & Main Gear[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73104.jpg[/image] [b]Frame Parts[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73105.jpg[/image] [b]Close Up of Frame[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73106.jpg[/image] [b]The Landing Gear[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73099.jpg[/image] [b]The Boom[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73102.jpg[/image] [b]Boom Supports, fin, balls, links, etc[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73107.jpg[/image] [b]Main Blade holder[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73101.jpg[/image] The included instructions are clear and concise. Areas requiring loctite are marked and it differentiates between thread and sealant where appropriate. Each section corresponds to a parts bag, as noted at the top of each page. [b]Manual Cover[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73108.jpg[/image] [b]Assembly Guide[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73109.jpg[/image] [b]Head Assembly Example[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73110.jpg[/image] [b]Clearly marked when to use thread locker and when to use sealant[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73111.jpg[/image] [b]ooohhh... final frame assembly :)[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73112.jpg[/image] The CNC parts are very nicely done. Once I progress into the build I think my macro lens is going to do them justice. I'm a little disappointed in the quality of the canopy. There is already a crack on one of the canopy mounts that I plan to apply some CA to. The kit comes with no decals so it's left up to the builder to decide what to do color scheme wise. The caonopy molding isn't the most impressive and mine appears to be a bit off-center. It may level out once mounted so we'll see. I may reach out to jontherooster and employ his keen painting skills. I've seen some of his canopies and would love to see what he could do with this one, assuming he's up to the task. [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73090.jpg[/image] The included carbon fiber main blades are an impressive addition to the kit. In anticipation of the build, I bought a set of Vic Campbell's V2Blades but am going to hold off on using them for the time being. [b]Included Carbon Fiber Main Blades[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73091.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73092.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73093.jpg[/image] The kit also comes with a set of wooden blades. I think I'll keep these just in case as they appear to be of reasonable construction. As part of this build, I may or may not evaluate them (haven't decided yet). [b]Included Wooden Main Blades[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73096.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73097.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73098.jpg[/image] I was really surprised to see an RC-Expert labeled speed controller included in the kit. I've dealt directly with RC-Expert in the past and can't say I have had any problems with them. I'm not sure if RC-Tek decided to go with the RC-Expert ESC or if this was a decision RCer International made. It offers soft start, 5V BEC for up to 3S LiPo, and governor mode. RC-Expert rates it as a 40A ESC. [b]RC-Expert 40A ESC[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73094.jpg[/image] The included motor is rated for 3500Kv and reminds me of the generic JustGoFly 450TH you can get from places like HeliDirect. [b]3500Kv Brushless Motor[/b] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-73095.jpg[/image] For the CCPM assembly I'll be using Hitec HS-65HB servos that I bought just for this build. I plan on using a CSM SL420e gyro and had initially wanted to use an Airtronics 94761Z digital servo on the tail but I noticed while going through the manual that the tail servo is supposed to be mounted into the frame. I may go with an HS-50 or HS-56 as a work around, or use a couple of my spare T-Rex servo boom mounts and linkage rod. That's it for tonight. Tomorrow I plan to tackle the head assembly and will provide updates accordingly. There's a lot to this kit for the price and I can't wait to get it in the air to compare it to my fully blinged HDE T-Rex. The price gap between the two is huge.
Posted on: 12/11/2006 1:30 AM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5012453

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
I can't say enough good things about the quality of this helicopter. It is quickly becoming my favorite Heli, and that's saying a lot considering what I have invested in my T-Rex. Shell
Posted on: 12/11/2006 1:28 AM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5084680

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
Yes, the RC-TEK dragonus forums are at [link=http://www.dragonus.tw/forums]http://www.dragonus.tw/forums[/link]
Posted on: 12/11/2006 1:27 AM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5088755

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
[b]My Mug Shot[/b] [center][image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75681.jpg[/image][/center] [b]Some flying shots with the new fully digital tail setup[/b] [center][image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75682.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75683.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75684.jpg[/image] [/center] Mad Piro rates with the CSM 420e and the Futaba S3154 digital servo. I'm considering increasing the servo arm length to make them even crazier [8D]
Posted on: 12/11/2006 1:26 AM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5101036

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
I was able to procure a CSM SL420e from the marketplace here this week... got an awesome deal on it too. If you refresh the marketplace banners enough, you'll see what I'm talking about :) I was also able to grab a Futaba S3154 digital micro servo and got it all lined up this week. I should have it all tuned some time tomorrow. [center][image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75479.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75480.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75481.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75482.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75483.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75484.jpg[/image] [image]http://image.rcuniverse.com/gallery/photos/122072/lg-75485.jpg[/image][/center]
Posted on: 12/10/2006 12:55 AM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5096657

RE: Dragonus II Elite Standard Build Thread
Flight Video can be found [link=http://runryder.com/helicopter/t299927p4/?p=2375165#RR]here[/link] enjoy :)
Posted on: 11/29/2006 10:29 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5056193

RE: T-Rex 450 - Updated Turbo Module - New Test Results
I wasn't given any specifics... Perhaps A123 can weigh in.
Posted on: 11/27/2006 12:30 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5044673

T-Rex 450 - Updated Turbo Module - New Test Results
A123 recently sent me an updated Turbo Module in exchange for my old one. I apologize for not having many of the details (A123 is probably updating their documentation) but I was told: [ul] [*] Max Current Capacity Increased [*] Thermal Shutdown logic @ 100C (That's 220F) [/ul] Physically, the module looks exactly the same as the old version, but the similarity ends there. Over the next week I'll be posting individual settings results for running the new module in my HDE 450. For those new to the thread, here are some shots of my project: [center][b]My T-Rex[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/images/CANO0074.jpg[/image][/center] I run the following setup: [ul] [*] Himax 2815-3000 Brushless motor w/ 13T pinion [*] Kontronic Jazz 40-6-18 Brushless Electronic Speed Controller [*] 325mm VBlades Main Blades [/ul] With this setup using a typical 11.1V 3S Lithium Polymer battery pack (such as a FlightPower EVO20 1800 or a ThunderPower Prolite 2100) I'm able to sustain a headspeed of 2,400 RPM. The AUW for my typical setup is approximately 840 grams. For new entrants into the Hobby, perhaps one day there will be a 3S pack available out of the box that would fit in a T-Rex minus the turbo module. With the right motor/pinion setup you can get 2,000+ RPM headspeed and easily enjoy 15-20 minute hovering flights with just the plain ol' 3S pack. I'm sure everyone knows by now that it takes approximately 15-20 minutes to charge these packs with 0 risk of fire or explosion :D The rest of this review is for the diehards that like to squeeze all the juice they can from their setups: [center][b]The Turbo Module[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/images/a123/small/A123-TURBO.JPG[/image][/center] [center][b]Modified 2300 3S pack[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/images/A123/small/A123-009.jpg[/image][/center] The Turbo module isn't for everyone. Your typical 11.1V (3S) Electronic Speed Controller will be unable to handle the voltage output of the Turbo module, even at it's 10.8V setting. If you have an ESC that can handle the output supplied by the Turbo Module (such as a Jazz 40-6-18) A123 allows you to select from one of 4 voltage settings: [ul] [*] 1 Light - 10.8V [*] 2 Lights - 12.0V [*] 3 Lights - 13.2V [*] 4 Lights - 14.4V [/ul] All information contained in this thread supercedes any prior claims or observations I've made in regards to this module. A123 may continue to caution against helicopter usage because of all the potential dangers / liabilities and that's their call to make, but I've made it a point to plow forward, independently. In the process A123 has been very receptive to feedback myself and others have provided and have clearly incorporated it into their new module. In addition to the previously noted upgrades, I noticed the following today from first-hand flying: [ul] [*] Overall Effeciency has been increased [*] Low Voltage termination curve has been dramatically "softened" [*] Unit does a better job overall in deliverying rated voltage based on configured setting [/ul] Variable voltage has a price... Most probably already know this, but it's key before getting much farther into exploring my results, that we have a firm understanding of the price you pay. The A123 2300 cell alone delivers a lower nominal voltage than a typical Li* cell. The difference is roughly 1 volt. Those used to running 3 LiPos in series to get a standing voltage of 11.1V will be disappointed to find that a 3S A123 pack provides approximately 9 volts (or a little bit more). Because the A123 cells can handle much higher current demands (and are umpteen times safer than traditional Li*) A123 can convert that extra current into Volts by basically stepping up the voltage. Since the pack is drawing more AMPs to supply the higher voltage, it's mAh rating changes accordingly. Basically (this list will be updated as I have hard numbers of each setup) it translates as such: [ul] [*] A123 3S Pack (no turbo module) - Delivers 2.3 Amps for one Hour of operation [*] A123 3S Pack turboed at 10.8V - Delivers [b]exactly[/b] 1.48 Amps for one Hour of operation [*] A123 3S Pack turboed at 12.0V - Delivers [b]exactly[/b] 1.38 Amps for one Hour of operation [*] A123 3S Pack turboed at 13.2V - Delivers approximately 1 Amp for one Hour of operation [*] A123 3S Pack turboed at 14.4V - Delivers approximately .8 Amps for one Hour of operation [/ul] [b]Note - All approximations are just that - I have not run thorough tests for all these settings yet with the new module - This section will be updated as I fill in the blanks.[/b] In a T-Rex helicopter a serious flyer can burn through 1.38 amps in about 5-6 minutes. Keep this in mind because running at 14.4 for 3 minutes may not be your cup of tea. But, consider the following for my setup with the turbo module dialed in: [b]All Quoted Headspeeds are actual numbers measured with an optical tach this afternoon[/b] [ul] [*] 10.8V - 1 Light = 2,790 RPM [*] 12.0V - 2 Lights = 2,910 RPM [*] 13.2V - 3 Lights = 3000 RPM [*] 14.4V - 4 Lights = 3210 RPM [/ul] First, to dispell the the "there's no way you can get 2,790 RPM at 10.8V when you claim you can only get 2,400 with a traditional 11.1V LiPo." statement The reason is simple. The battery makers and speed control manufacturers have been misleading you. If there's one thing I've learned in following the Li* market, it's full of miscommunication and misrepresentation. Consider the following charts (shown in a previous thread) [center][b]A123 Racing 2300 3S Hypersonic Turbo @ 10.8V (One Light) [/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/images/a123/small/A123-10V-Voltage-Amps.JPG[/image] Average Voltage: 10.8V [b]FlightPower EVO20 1800 11.1V 3S vs ThunderPower 2000 Prolite 11.V 3S [/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/projects/tpvsfp/images/Amps_Volts_Disparate.JPG[/image] FP Average Voltage: 10.3V - TP Average Voltage: 10.4V [/center] [b]Voltage Cut off Relaxed[/b] One of the biggest benefits I see in the new turbo module is its ability to manage the voltage dropoff much more effectively than the original release. It's almost as if it's acting pro-actively watching the voltage drop in preparation for the ultimate drop. I bet they've got some sweet assembly code managing that trend, and it appears to be working very effectively. [center][b]Original Turbo Module Voltage Cutoff[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/images/a123/A123-OLD-TURBO-DROP.JPG[/image] Measured 5 VOLT DROP in under 10 seconds[/center] [center][b]New Turbo Module Voltage Cutoff[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/images/a123/A123-NEW-TURBO-DROP.JPG[/image] Measured VOLT DROP from 12V down 11.5V at 4.2 minutes then a gradual drop down to 9V over the next 90 seconds[/center] So long as you can handle the extra weight (mine comes in at a a hefty 954 grams) A123 can deliver on their promise for variable voltage which translates to on the fly variable Headspeed for us heli addicts. [center][image]http://www.shellware.com/images/A123/small/A123-001.jpg[/image][/center] I flew my T-Rex today at 3,200 RPM with a Himax 2815-3000 motor and a 13T pinion.... How many folks can claim that? :D
Posted on: 11/26/2006 6:48 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4963958

RE: T-Rex 450 - Updated Turbo Module - New Test Results
Added 10.8V setting data.
Posted on: 11/26/2006 3:47 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5041383

RE: T-Rex 450 - Updated Turbo Module - New Test Results
[b]10.8V Flight Data[/b] Measured 0 pitch Main Blade Headspeed: 2,790 RPM [center][b]Volts and Amps[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/images/a123/small/A123-10.8V-New-Amps-Volts-Jazz.JPG[/image] [b]Watts and Cummulative mAh[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/images/a123/small/A123-10.8V-New-Watts-mAh-Jazz.JPG[/image] [b] Amps / Volts and Turbo Module Temperature[/b] [image]http://www.shellware.com/images/a123/small/A123-10.8V-New-Temp-Amps-Volts-Jazz.JPG[/image][/center] Ambient temperature outside was 55.9F.
Posted on: 11/26/2006 3:46 PM by Author "ShellDude" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4963963