RE: Blade mQX
I got one last week as well and have been flying it over the weekend. For what it is and for roughly $130 BNF I am happy with the purchase. I fly everything from a little MCX to my Trex600. I bought this because I wanted something more agile for flying in the house. Wife won't let me hover my Trex450 in the house [:D]. From a general flight characterstic standpoint, I find it very comparable to flying a fixed pitch single head micro. I have a feeling there will be some people who buy mQX thinking it is going to self-level like a coax. To the un-educated rc enthusiast the quad looks plenty stable, which it is, much more so in a hover than a single head copter, but you still have to fly the thing or it will drift out of hover. I was pleasantly surprised how responsive it is. I binded it to my JRX9503 and played around with a couple Rate and Expo settings. It is pretty Zippy too. Very quick and stable forward flight. I flew it on Sunday in my church auditorium (after service of course) and had a great time running fast circuits around the room. I actually experienced quite longer flightimes than mcwimp. I got 10-12 minutes with moderate flight. Same stock 500mah 1s Lipo. Yesterday it was pretty windy outside and drizzling some but I thought what the heck and tried it outside to see if it could handle any wind. Again pretty surprised it did well for its size. This is my first quad and after messing around with the mQX I definately plan to build a larger one in the near future to mount a go-pro on. Only negative things I have noticed: 1. I agree with mcwimp. Not the most attractive canopy 2. I have found that the motors are not matched 100% equally throughout the entire throttle curve. Let me clarify. When slowly advancing the throttle they seem to be matched fine, but if you punch it to climb real quick on mine the front right motor (motor #2 according to the manual) has more torque than the other three and it wants to roll left. Not sure if the issue is in the motor or the control board. All-in-all for what it cost I am happy with the mQX. I am looking forward though to looking in to larger and more capable quad or hex's because of my positive experience with the mQX.
Posted on: 1/23/2012 11:09 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Multi Rotor Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10923396

RE: Dubro Kwik Links
Thanks for the input. I'm not crazy about using clevises either. I have always used ball links. I might have to look into adding a second set of control horns.
Posted on: 8/11/2010 10:09 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9926036

Dubro Kwik Links
I have tried to search through threads but have not found any recently (the last couple years) about Dubro Kwik Link 4-40 Clevis http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWH34&P=7 Has anyone recently used these on a 35-40% Plane? Working on a Kit Built 40% Giles that I bought off someone. The control surfaces only have single composite horns, so in lieu of using ball-links like I do with double horns I was looking at possibly using the Dubro Kwik Links as another option. My only question is how strong are they? Any body have experience with these?
Posted on: 8/10/2010 4:58 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9924492

E-Maxx Brushless Edition
I got my E-Maxx Brushless Edition a week ago and have been having a blast. An overall great RTR truck. Just like my Brushless E-Revo VXL, it has some insane top speed with 3S Lipo's plugged in. There are only two querks that I have found thus far. 1. When I first turned it on I had to go into the TX menu and reverse the steering. It has been fine all week, but I just ran it again today and the steering had reset again back to reverse, so I'll have to go through the menu again to get it set right. 2. Only with 3S I have noticed when performing long wheelies that the steering twiches on occasion and I can see the front wheels steering left and right all by themselves with no input from the TX. I'm not sure if the torque is forcing the wheels to steer a direction and I am seeing the servo's fight this or if perhaps it is a voltage surge problem that the RX is having trouble handling. Anyone else have this happen? Still overall these are minor things and I am completely satisfied and love every-minute of drivning this truck.
Posted on: 7/13/2010 2:22 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9862526

New Hitec Servo's - 600 + Oz of Torque
Just saw the New HS-7980TH and HS-7990TH servo's posted on Hitec's site. Holy cow, these things are almost putting out seiko servo torque. Website says 689oz at 7.4v. It's amazing how much technology continues to change. I don't need it but it's tempting to put one of these in my next giant scale project. http://www.hitecrcd.com/servos/show?name=HS-M7990TH
Posted on: 2/26/2010 3:11 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9537833

RE: Which power expander?
[quote]ORIGINAL: nmking09 Why do you want a power expander? [/quote] Right now I only have a 7 channel radio, so I'd like to have something with servo matching capabilities, plus if I am going to use HV servos, I want to be able to supply the correct power with least resistance possible so I get the most out of them. I know there are so many ways of doing it, y-harnesses, twin receivers, etc. This is just the way i have decided to go.
Posted on: 2/18/2010 2:14 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9515288

Which power expander?
Working on a 110" Giles. Trying to decide which power expander to get. The smartfly eq6 or the eq6turbo. The eq6 is a 7.5a continious amp draw with 15a peak and the eq6turbo is 17.5a continuous with 35a peak. I plan on running A123 packs. and will be using 6qty Hitec 7955TG's on ailerons and elevators and 1qty 7950TH on the rudder. I know amp draw from servos depends on factors like servo wire lead length and how hard the servos work. Assume this is for basic 3d and acrobatic (knife edge, hovers, etc.) Would the standard EQ6 be sufficient or would I be pushing it?
Posted on: 2/16/2010 3:49 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9509780

RE: 100cc Yaks
Great company, great customer service, and great ARF's. I have an EF 74" Yak myself and love it. I live close to their warehouse and there are many guys at our flying field (GMARC.com) who have EF ARF's from the small electrics to the 100cc 110" yak. I have never heard anything bad. I know they do extensive aircraft testing and test production before they release a new airframe.
Posted on: 11/11/2009 3:07 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9246414

RE: How much Servo Torque?
Sounds like I am about right on my thinking. 300+ oz per wing 300+ oz per elevator 400+ oz rudder.
Posted on: 11/10/2009 2:50 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9243595

How much Servo Torque?
Okay. I need some opinions about selecting the right servo's for my new project. I don't want to get into the brand name battles. My question is really geared more toward how much is going to be the appropriate torque for each control surface. I have a 110" Giles 202. Trying to go for a more simple setup. I am going with a DLE-111 engine and plan on using A123 packs (6.6v) all around to avoid needing regulators. I will be using a 2.4ghz radio. This will be my largest plane thus far (my current largest is a 74" EF Yak) that is why I am needing assistance on servo selection. From searching other threads to seeing what other vendors recommend I am not finding a true minimum requirement. Just to clarify I am not trying to go for minimum, but not going for overkill either $$. My flying style currently is what I would call "light" 3D. Basic acrobatics, Knife Edge, Hammer Head, and Hover. I don't really stress the airframe too much. 1. AILERONS The ailerons are cut in half, meaning technically you could have flaps, but I plan on just servo matching them to act as one full aileron. The setup is for one servo per aileron half (or 4 servo's total for both wings). I was wondering if 170+oz servos would be enough like a Power HD HD-DS120M HV, JR DS8411, or Hitec HS-7985MG. That would be around 340oz per wing half. 2. ELEVATORS Is 200oz of torque enough? or do I need to go with a minimum 300oz servo like the 7955TG or 8711? 3. RUDDER Current setup is a 2-gang box. So again is two 200oz servo's totaling 400oz enough? or do I need to go with a minimum 300oz servo like the 7955TG or 8711 as well?
Posted on: 11/10/2009 1:52 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9243454

RE: Larger Revolver
Was hoping the cowl would be a little larger so it could fit a gas engine. I'm tempted to get on when it comes out. Perhaps a Jett 90lx engine.
Posted on: 10/20/2009 11:31 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9187997

RE: OFFICIAL MINI E-REVO THREAD!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Aloha Flyer [quote]ORIGINAL: djcmeeks I just got a pair of the Max Amps 1550HV 3S Lipos. I installed the smaller ''Speed'' pinon and took her outside. All I have to say is [b]STUPID FAST![/b] I love this thing. I was definately gentle on the throttles and never hit it off the start, I just slowly built up speed to a full out sprint. Got to be mid 50's
Posted on: 7/10/2009 11:21 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "1/16th, 1/18th, Mini & Micro RC Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8921522

RE: OFFICIAL MINI E-REVO THREAD!!!
I just got a pair of the Max Amps 1550HV 3S Lipos. I installed the smaller "Speed" pinon and took her outside. All I have to say is STUPID FAST! I love this thing. I was definately gentle on the throttles and never hit it off the start, I just slowly built up speed to a full out sprint. Got to be mid 50's at least.
Posted on: 7/9/2009 9:49 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "1/16th, 1/18th, Mini & Micro RC Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8918676

RE: Multi-Blade Setups
Thanks for the detailed explanation of the anatomy of the flybar head vs. a multi-blade head. This definately helps with my decision. I think I will stick witha flybar head on my 500e scale fuse so I don't crash my investment. I will probably experiment with a multi-blade on a standard bomm and pod heli til I am fully comfortable with flying it and setting it up properly.
Posted on: 2/15/2009 10:26 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8478879

RE: Multi-Blade Setups
So it sounds like you think your 4-blade setup flies fine without gyro stabilization for the head? What would you say your skill level is? I can handle my 600 fine. I am used to sport and light 3d (rolls, etc.) with my 450.
Posted on: 2/11/2009 3:31 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8465623

Multi-Blade Setups
Wanted to get opinions on multi-blade setups from those who have had experience with them. I have a Trex600CF electric that I am about to install in a Funkey Hughes 500E fuselage. I am tempted to replace the stock head with a 5-blade setup for looks, but I am not very clear yet on what the Pro-s and Con-s would be. How much would the flight characteristics change? (very drastic?). Is it easier or harder to get a good blade balance? (I know standard two blade setups can cause a lot of vibration which lead to fuselage havoc). I have read that extra stabilization may not be necessary on a multi setup, but I see that many vendors that sell multi-blade heads also offer 3-axis gyros. How much do the gyros help? These are just some of my questions. Any input would be appreciated!
Posted on: 2/11/2009 10:13 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "Scale RC Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8464662

RE: Warning FMA website - credit card numbers stolen?
My identity was stolen on October 31st. I have purchased from FMA direct as well. The person had my credit card info, address, email address, and phone number. All information that could have been taken from transaction history. Obviousely we can't prove anything, but sure is a very large coincidence. For the past 3 weeks I have been dealing with having to call all of these random companies to cancel subscriptions that were created using my identity. Everything from purchases on Sears and Walmart.com to subscriptions to Columbia House DVD. What a PITA!
Posted on: 11/20/2008 9:32 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8165668

RE: Anyone used two packs in series?
Thanks for the help. I am not one to take shortcuts, just trying to see if there is a way to save some money. I will definately stay clear of two 3s packs and just cough up the money for some quality 6s packs. I got a good deal on this one. New in box from a guy needing some cash. Trex 600CF combo for $375. I was going to hold out for the new 600ESP but couldn't walk from a deal like this.
Posted on: 10/22/2008 4:49 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8074584

Anyone used two packs in series?
Working on a new Trex 600cf and in lieu of spending $200+ on a battery, I was thinking about running two of my 3s 2600mah Thunder Power V2 Packs in series instead. I already have several of these packs that I run in planes and my Trex450. Shouldn't be a problem, just wanted to get feedback. Anyone run two 3S packs instead of a single 6s?
Posted on: 10/21/2008 1:50 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8070391

RE: Electrostik by Electrifly - any good?
skypup50 Yes. There is plenty of room in the battery compartment. I actually have been running two Thunder Power 2200mah packs together. I just made a parallel connector with deans wire and connectors. I was in the same boat as you. I had many 2100 and 2200 packs for my T-Rex450 Heli and didn't want to have to buy a larger capicty 3s pack. The plane flys great and I get incredibly long run times. I have run for almost 15 minutes and still had 20-30% left in my packs. I have several planes but this one is just a fun all-around-fly that I can take anywhere. The other day there was a moderate crosswind at our airfield. I pointed her into the wind and cut the power completely off and she just hung in the air like a kite.
Posted on: 9/19/2008 9:56 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7969673

RE: Electrostik by Electrifly - any good?
I'll try to get some video. I think it is a good "knock-around" plane. Compared to my others this thing is light as a feather yet pretty responsive for basic aerobatics. I have not flown yet with a 4s pack. I am actually running two 3s 2200mah packs in parrallel to get super long flight times. I am looking forward to trying the 4s soon once I can buy another pack. I am sure th vertical will be much better.
Posted on: 8/14/2008 9:04 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7846966

RE: Electrostik by Electrifly - any good?
sevans16, It comes with a single Electrifly brand ES80 Micro Servo. See link for servo stats http://www.electrifly.com/miscproducts/gpmm1210.html I ended up cutting out a servo opening in the bottom of the tail of the fuselage and used it as a tail wheel steering servo. It works great. I used two JR 331 micro servos for the ailerons.
Posted on: 8/14/2008 2:55 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7845593

RE: Electrostik by Electrifly - any good?
I received my Electrostik this past week. Everything looks good. Nice covering job. I'm waiting on a set of replacement wings becuase one of them were damaged in shipping. I will hopefully maiden this weekend. I am doing a couple of modifications. I am doing away with the single servo for the ailerons and installing independent servos on each side of the wing for faster response speed and larger throws. This is an installation option listed in the manual. Servo mounts are already located under the monokote on each side. Piece of cake to install. The only other change I am making is the tail wheel assembly. There is a small guide wire that clips to the under side of the rudder to help control tail wheel steering but I find it barely enough to have much authority. Given the fact that I will be taking off from grass I am going to upgrade the tail wheel assembly and install a seperate servo to help control ground steering. Should be fun to fly. Can't wait.
Posted on: 7/31/2008 1:48 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7793087

Lateral Balance on EF Yak 74"
Hey all, I've been doing the last few adjustments to my EF Yak and am not sure if I am laterally balancing it correctly. Right now the CG is dead on 6" per manufacturers recomendation. I have a Saito 1.80 side-mounted w/ pitts muffler. In order to counter act the side-mount weight I added 1 and 1/4 ounce of lead to inside end of the left wing. I have been balancing by lifting the tail by putting a piece of string under the top robart hing of the rudder then picking up by the prop (prop is horizontal). It seems to be balanced when I do that. However, if I just let the tail balance on the rear wheel and pick up by the prop it is a little heavy to the left. So my question is does 1.25 ounces of lead sound like too much? I think I might take a 1/4 ounce out. Also my fuel tank is positioned slightly to the left of center in the fueselage becuase I needed room for my throttle servo. With a full tank will that throw of the latteral balance too much? Should I make the latteral balance a little right side heavy(dry) to counter act a full tank? Any insight would be appreciated!
Posted on: 7/23/2008 11:27 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7763011

RE: Electrostik by Electrifly - any good?
The ARF is supposed to be available the end of this month on Tower's site. I am planning on holding out til mid-july for the RXR version which comes with a Rimfire Motor, Silver Series ESC, and servos installed. I imagine the 42-40-1000 motor should have plenty of power for basic acrobatics. The ESC will take a 4S lipo. Typically I would just get the ARF and install my own electronics, but for the money ($239.99 on tower) the RXR will give me another fun sport plane to put in the air quickly while I spend my time building other projects.
Posted on: 6/24/2008 4:18 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7656128

RE: Hanger 9 Sundowner 50
For those of you that have assembled this bird already. Do you think I could fit an OS61FX ? I just lost a plane today due to a failing servo and now I need to find a new home for this engine.
Posted on: 2/25/2008 10:26 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7137776

RE: Help With Futaba 6ex
Thanks for the detailed post. I will set to 3-S.
Posted on: 1/7/2008 3:17 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6869280

Help With Futaba 6ex
Hello. I just put together a TREX 450SA and have been working on getting everything trimmed out. I am having problems getting the swashplate mixing dialed in. On the Futabe 6ex radio i am using there is a setting for 1-S, 3-E, and 3-S. Under the 1-S setting the elevator and aileron servos do not change with the pitch servo. Under the 3-E setting, they do however the Pitch servo then reacts to the aileron servo, thus when giving right aileron I also get positive pitch and left aileron I get negative pitch. The 3-S setting does the same thing. What am I doing wrong. I can't seem to find the correct setting.
Posted on: 1/7/2008 1:03 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6868677

RE: Need ARF for Saito 1.80
Thanks for the help everyone. I also am seriously considering the 74" Yak from Extreme Flight RC http://www.extremeflightrc.com/html/74yak54.html
Posted on: 12/6/2007 4:31 PM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6722390

RE: Need ARF for Saito 1.80
Seemed like a very powerful engine in my Lanier Ultimate which is roughly the same size; however, I never tried 3D with it. It is so confusing getting opinions on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Doesn't seem to be a simple yes or no answer. My preference of course is to get the GP Ultimate.
Posted on: 12/6/2007 9:35 AM by Author "djcmeeks" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6720947