RE: gyro under main shaft
It makes no difference how far from the main shaft the gyro is placed. You could mount it on a long boom, 10ft. out in front of the heli, and it would function exactly the same as sitting right under the main shaft... The reason for this is because the gyro only senses changes in angular degrees. If the heli yaws 1 degree in either direction, the gyro will sense 1 degree. It makes no difference how far the gyro moves or "swings" left or right. It will still rotate only 1 degree.
Posted on: 3/13/2008 12:24 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7218410

RE: question about balance in t-rex
How is your tail servo mounted? If it's not alreay, try flipping it around so the output shaft is toward the tail, with the body of the servo toward the boom clamp. This will let you move the servo as far forward as possible to help with the balance. Also, what batteries are you running? The weight of the battery you want to run will dictate to some extent how you set everything up for balance...
Posted on: 3/1/2008 3:39 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7161497

RE: longer trex shafts
All T-REX 450 models (X, XL, S, SA, SE, SEv2) use the same shaft. AFAIK, there is not a longer shaft available from Align. Perhaps some after-market vendor has something??
Posted on: 2/22/2008 5:23 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7119598

RE: How important are tail boom braces for light flying
Agreed... for just hovering, and gentle flight, it will be OK, assuming your heli runs smooth. I hovered an old 450XL many times last summer with no braces on the boom with no problem. However, I only hovered, and everything was balanced and running smooth...
Posted on: 2/21/2008 12:55 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7113175

T-REX 500 - Awesome video!
Enjoy! http://youtube.com/watch?v=sCau5eZucGE
Posted on: 2/20/2008 9:36 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7110142

RE: Soft Start option in ESC No governor
I use soft start also. The only reason I can think of why someone would prefer airplane mode would be for bailing out of a failed auto rotation attempt. If you have soft start enabled, it could take too long for the head to spool back up if you need it to... I don't do autos, so it's soft start for me :)
Posted on: 2/12/2008 12:59 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7064007

RE: I have 350.00
Well, if you have $350 to spend, and just want to upgrade to a nicer heli, then this would be good: http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?cPath=128&products_id=3500 You could transfer all of your electrics to it, and have a much nicer heli than what you have now for $270. Not too bad IMO...
Posted on: 1/23/2008 3:26 AM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6954688

RE: 450 SE V2 Is this a good deal?
Looks like those are being sold by www.allerc.com - They are a good, reputable dealer. However, it seems they have the same deal on their web site for slightly cheaper: http://www.allerc.com/index.php?cPath=128&sort=products_sort_order&filter_id=4
Posted on: 1/21/2008 7:43 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6946705

RE: Problem with my GY401
Indeed this is the simplest and best way (IMO) to set up a gy401 on a T-REX. This is the method I use, and have never had a problem. Just fly in HH all the time. Rate mode is useless except for scale pattern-type flying, and the like where you want the tail to 'weathervane'. I've found that running a short servo arm (as short as you can find/make) really is the key. You want the limit pot to be at least at 100 for good gyro resolution. 120-140 is even better ;) If you have too long of an arm, and the limit pot is reduced below 100 to compensate, you will have issues such as slow drifting, intermitent wag, bounce-back, etc. in many cases... [quote]ORIGINAL: BarracudaHockey You shouldn't have to transmitter trim the rudder if the gyro is set up correctly. I don't know how the vids tell you to do it but on the trex you need to run a short servo arm, as high as you can get on the limit pot, set the tail pitch slider to the center of travel, set the gyro in rate mode and center the servo arm so its 90 degrees to the linkage, then put it in heading hold and leave it there. [/quote]
Posted on: 1/20/2008 1:29 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6938956

RE: Throttle Problem
You can NOT use servo reversing to change the direction of an eCCPM function! 120 eCCPM uses 3 servos working together to achieve the desired movement. Servo reversing in the TX simply reverses 1 channel, with no regard to CCPM interaction. The bottom line is that the programming in the e-flite TX is different from the e-sky TX. There is likely no way you will be able to make it work. If I were you, I would check classified adds to find a decent computer radio that will work with your heli. Since 2.4ghz is growing in popularity, it is relatively easy to find good deals on used 72mhz transmitters right now. Just about any 6+ channel futaba or Hitec transmitter will work with an e-sky RX (negative shift) Good luck!
Posted on: 1/19/2008 3:46 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6934306

RE: JR Rudder Servo - 401 Gyro
I've been running a JR3400G with a 401 (in ds mode) for several months without issue. I know many others that do as well. I am 100% sure that it works without problems, so go for it! [;)] The 3400G is an awesome tail servo. I like it a lot better than the 9650, though that is a good servo also...
Posted on: 1/18/2008 8:04 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6930389

RE: how do I balance a 10 cell or 12 cell pack
Two Hyperion LBA10 balancers can be connected together to balance up to 12S as a single pack...
Posted on: 1/17/2008 10:12 AM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6921498

RE: what does this part do in my servo????
It sounds like the case of the servo is in a bind. The metal gears are quite sensitive to that. You need to make sure that the holes in the frame are opened up enough so that the servo case does not get twisted or bound up at all when you tighten up the screws that mount it to the frame. Good luck!
Posted on: 1/11/2008 10:54 AM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6890049

RE: Help with leveling the swashplate
You can also check for a level swash with only a pitch meter. Just measure the pitch of one blade as you rotate the head. If the pitch of the blade does not change as it rotates, then the swash MUST be level. I can get one absolutely perfect by simply eye-balling it, then double-checking with the blade pitch. Actually, I do both those things, AND also check with a swash leveler. All of my helis fly flat and steady with NO trim ;)
Posted on: 1/10/2008 9:58 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6888122

RE: 450v2 Belt
Those Gates belts are AWESOME! Much better than the stock Align belts. You won't be sorry [;)]
Posted on: 1/10/2008 9:51 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6888095

RE: Don't store fully charged lipos
Based on my experience over the last few years, I have found that not all Lipos are created equal when it comes to being stored with a full charge. As a rule, the higher end packs seem to handle it much better than "cheap" or "off brand" ones do. I've had TP packs that sat with full charge for a few weeks with no apparent problem. I've also had several "bargain" packs that went bad after only about 5-7 days. The E-sky 2S lipos for my Lama2 were the worst. I had 3 of those go bad after sitting only a few days. I guess you get what you pay for :) At any rate, the general rule is that you can store them fully charged for a few days with no problem, but if you aren't sure you will be able to fly a fully charged batt within a few days, best to drain off some of it's charge, then just top it off later when you do get a chance to fly...
Posted on: 1/10/2008 1:45 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6885600

RE: Don't store fully charged lipos
There are many ways to reduce the pack to storage charge. There are chargers that can do it automatically. The "quick and dirty" method would be to just charge it up, put it in your heli, and hover around for a little less than 1/2 as long as normal. That should get you pretty close.
Posted on: 1/10/2008 6:01 AM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6884065

RE: Where to buy Trex 450 SE V2
Joe at tech-mp.com is awesome! He'll even answer your emails late on Sunday nights ;) I just ordered a kit from him this weekend, which came with the Align battery. I told him I wanted the kit, but not the batt, so he knocked off the price of the battery and sold me the kit without it. I'd much rather spend that $ on a good FP or TP battery any day!
Posted on: 1/9/2008 4:26 AM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6878422

RE: *****GYRO Contenders for E-Sky(or any heli) Heli's, All you need to know*****
BrainOnIce: It is possible, but if your heli has one of those little "all in one" controllers, and if it doesn't have a location to plug in an external gyro, then you are either going to have to do some surgery, or go with sepeates for all of the equipment: rx, 1esc for the head, 1 esc for the tail, and a gyro. The way you make the gyro drive a tail motor is to plug the the tail motor ESC's servo lead into the servo port on the gyro. Then, the gyro will send "servo" signals to the ESC, which will then speed up or slow down the tail motor as required. Hope this makes sense....
Posted on: 1/9/2008 4:17 AM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6878412

RE: Lama V4 and Futaba 9C Help?
I used a Futaba "short" crystal, which is single conversion in mine. This crystal works great in my Lama2: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEKZ2**&P=7 I have the model in my 9c set to "acro", since the lama is basically just a 4ch airplane as far as setup is concerned. I've never tried a hitec crystal, so that might be the problem. If it's single conv. I would expect it to work, but maybe not??? You will likely need to reverse the throttle channel in the TX, as it will likely be reversed for what the Lama requires. good luck!
Posted on: 1/8/2008 9:00 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6876711

RE: Don't store fully charged lipos
They're probably toast. I've done the same thing in the past. Now, I never store a lipo fully charged for more than a couple days MAX. If you're not going to use a batt for a while, best to discharge it to 50-60% capacity, and store it at room temp. They can last quite a while that way!
Posted on: 1/8/2008 9:22 AM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6873515

RE: FlightPower Lipo?
Flight Power and Thunder Power are both excellent batteries. Well proven, good warranty, etc. But both brands are pretty expensive. Still, they're hard to beat... These Air Thunder and Kong Power "run 'em til they're dead" batteries are getting good reviews, but they havent been out too long, so no one knows for sure how they will compare in the long run. They do look promising for sure!
Posted on: 1/7/2008 9:16 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6871373

RE: I HATE support columns!
Good job getting it back in the air so quickly. We all crash. It happens [:o] Also, just an FYI - It looks to me like you have your landing gear on backwards [X(] Typically, they should 'sweep' toward the nose, not the tail as your are...
Posted on: 1/7/2008 4:12 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6869538

RE: *****GYRO Contenders for E-Sky(or any heli) Heli's, All you need to know*****
That GY400 is a shameful rip-off. It looks like a 401. The advertised description they use is almost exactly the same as the 401, and the instructions are practically identical. However, it is NOTHING like a 401. It is just a (very) cheap rate gyro. There have been many discussions over the last couple of years on this and other forums about the GY400. A few people say it works OK for them, but most that have tried it report that they HATED it. I've never used one myself, but I just think it's WRONG of any company to package and advertise a subpar product to make it appear so similar to the market leader. They are just preying on the naive who think they've found a 'generic' 401 or something... My next gyro will probably be a Spartan RC ds760. Easy to program and set up, and is supposed to perform wonderfully by all reports I've seen. :) [quote]ORIGINAL: crashinbash I will add a review and information on the logitec gyro when I have the funds for my next 500 project. I'm also going to buy the new telebee sub micro with new atv pot and will post info on it. The gy400 lists on many (almost all) sites and ebay as being a heading hold gyro, but after looking at it there is no way this is anything but a rate gyro with no extra function! I'd be willing to test it but is it worth the time to other owners out there. Is the reveiw and problem solving worth it to anyone else. I'd only buy it if any of you guys are considering getting it also, it doesnt seem that popular. cheers [/quote]
Posted on: 1/7/2008 4:02 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6869493

RE: Wanting to join the Esky family
[quote]ORIGINAL: Druss I have to agree with you on the work ethic part... believe me, they want your order more than anyone else does, even if their english sucks. I sent one email to flying-hobby and they guy responded in less than half a day and offered to give me a deal if I this and that... etc. [/quote] You won't find a faster email responder than Joe Orlando at www.tech-mp.com I swear that guy never sleeps! I sent him an email late last night (Sunday) asking about an order, and had a reply within 5 mins :) I think the longest I've ever had to wait for a reply from him was about 1 hour.
Posted on: 1/7/2008 2:22 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6869024

RE: LAMA V3/V4 THREAD! CALLING ALL OWNERS!
I hope this isn't off topic for this thread, since I don't have a Lama V3 or V4. I have an E-sky Lama2 (exactly like v3 but different color), which I've had for about 3yrs now :) In that time, it has been used and abused. I've replaced nearly everything on it at least once. The following parts are the originals: 1. 4in1 unit 2. Main frame 3. Canopy 4. Entire lower rotor head (except for blade grips) 5. swash plate 6. Flybar (The current flybar I am using is the one that came on the heli, but I modified it by shortening it quite a bit. I did this long before you could go out and buy a shorter flybar :) ) I currently have the following upgrades on it: 1. Xtreme blades - One of the best upgrades ever!!! 2. Xtreme 180BB motors - One of the best upgrades ever!!! 3. Xtreme longer inner shaft (modified to give more travel range on flybar) 4. Xtreme flexible tail - It's OK, but not too crazy about the quality of it. Better than stock for sure... This was my first and is still one of my favorite RC helis. It still flies great after all this time... Here are some pics. I use my Futaba 9chp TX to fly the Lama, but I still have the stock TX, which works OK. I just use the 9chp for everything as it is more user friendly than the stock TX.
Posted on: 1/6/2008 8:28 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6865664

RE: Help - A123 Astro blinky balancer issue!
There are different types of balancers that use different concepts. I don't have a blinky myself, but I do have something similar. I am pretty sure the Blinky is a 'stand-alone' balancer only. Meaning, you do not connect it between the charger and the battery so it can limit the charge to any particular cell. With the blinky, just connect it to the battery before charging. It should reduce the voltage over every cell in the pack to match the cell with the lowest voltage. In your case, all cells should end up at around 3.14v. Once it's finished, remove it and connect the pack to your charger and charge it up. Yes, it should be OK to leave it connected for days without any problem. It is OK if it gets a little warm, but should never get 'Hot' feeling at all. Again, I don't have a Blinky, so I can't say for sure how warm it will get, but I know my LBA6 does get a little warm when balancing a badly unbalanced pack. Probably not more than 100F though, if that....
Posted on: 1/6/2008 4:02 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6864113

RE: Help - A123 Astro blinky balancer issue!
It sounds to me like you have everything wired OK. However, it seems that 1 cell has a much lower charge state than all the others. If so, it is going to take the blinky a LONG time to bleed the other cells down to match the low one. Probably the simplest solution is to just let the blinky run until it finishes balancing. Might take a whole day and/or night to do it... Or, you could charge the low cell up to around the same level as all the others, then the balance wouldn't take as long... Good luck!
Posted on: 1/6/2008 1:38 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6863386

RE: charge larger than 6 cell A123
I am currently researching A123 for a new project. It seems to me that for charging HV A123 (8s+), the cc/cv power supply really is the simplest and best answer. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-1fb9_V2II Also, no need to balance A123 cells. Much like Nicd batteries, A123 cells are very 'forgiving' about over-charge. Therefore, if the pack is a bit out of balance, the 'higher' cells will simply get slightly overcharged while the 'lower' cells 'catch up' during a full charge. It seems most people who have been running A123 for a while stop balancing completely, as it's just not necessary. Most recommend a slow charge every so often is all that is needed to keep the pack balanced.
Posted on: 1/5/2008 10:34 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6860693

RE: T-rex 450 SE V2
It looks like an SE, but not a V2. There are many differences between the v1 and v2 such as new gears, head, tail, frame, gyro mount on bottom instead of top, etc....
Posted on: 1/2/2008 1:41 PM by Author "ct420" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6842127