RE: my rant????
yeah, I believe we did.. I started with the Axe, didn't do real good, decided to move either up or out of the hobby and got into the 450's. I've got two t-rex's now (SA w/aluminum and SE GF) and a clone that I'm going to use at night, that one needs work. I think this is the first time I've really nailed the setup right and that's what is making it so great! I'm wanting a nitro but it's not in the budget right now :( I do fly with a buddy, he inspires me I guess, he's much better and got more stick time, we started about the same time also. our schedules aren't matching up well, but I am wanting to get together and get him to work me through my first loops and rolls, I won't have the guts to do it otherwise.... oh yeah, I had the click thing going on.... quite a few times I guess, they were the sound the heli made after crashes... but yeah, one day I got pissed about something (not heli related) and ended up with my heli in the ball field and me making the decision I was either going to master nose in hovering or go home with a wrecked heli.... it was scarey, but all of a sudden it made sense sitting there, then the next thing I knew the heli was doing what I wanted instead of what it wanted to do... :) oh yeah, pics :( bad day at work, I'll get some no later than saturday, lol... tomorrow's gonna be hell too :(
Posted on: 4/23/2009 10:03 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8710217

my rant????
guys, I started with helis about two years ago... then the cx2, and above that a Helimax 400, then a couple of clones, a MX450, a basic t-rex, blaah blah blah... anyhow... last september I bought an SE V2GF, started building it, then winter came, I changed jobs, moved, got busy, etc.... anyhow, last friday was the first flight after four nights of tuning.. it flew great up until my cellphone rang :( anyhow, tonight I was going through real bad withdrawal, I flew this morning at work but it was windy, I got home the wind died down a bit and I had the most amazing flight of my life!!!! you guys know what I'm feeling, the figure 8's were great, anything I wanted, it did, I'm a sport flyer, not 3D, but it was just awesome, I called my brother and he just said "uh huh, and my job sucks because..... " I'm sure you guys will understand, thanks for taking the time to read my post and by all means, you can tell me that I'm just stupid or whatever or share your story... :D thanks to everyone here, I've done a lot of reading on the setups, even without posts asking questions, the answers are here... thanks guys.... oh yeah, gotta get to bed, I'll post pic's of the completed heli tomorrow night, I swear :)
Posted on: 4/22/2009 11:07 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8707214

RE: different pinions, how do they effect flight times?
I didn't think about the heat, I can deal with losing a minute or two of time, but don't want to lose much more.... besides that, my other heli's don't even get warm really (batteries or motors)...
Posted on: 12/13/2008 12:47 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8241675

different pinions, how do they effect flight times?
I'm building my t-rex, they recommend a 12 tooth for sport flying, or 13 tooth for hard 3D... I'm not a 3D pilot so a 12 would work just fine, I get nice long flying times in everything else, and kind of like that... the only problem is, I only have a 13 tooth, and I WANT TO BUILD SOMETHING! lol.... how much will that extra tooth effect my flight times? I really don't need the insane power... by the way 450SE GF is the model, stock everything... and I'm running 2200mah batteries..
Posted on: 12/12/2008 10:32 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8240149

RE: XL vs SE
yeah, I think if you are going to upgrade to an SE, start with an SA... it'll be a cheaper route... I've got an XL upgraded to pretty much an SE, way too much money to piece together, and I didn't buy all Align, and I bought some used, I just picked up a 450SE GF for a sweet price, this may be the way you want to check out.... all the aluminum, just a bit more weight...
Posted on: 12/12/2008 10:29 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8240138

RE: lipo's in paralell?
'cuda..... thanks man... thanks man.. thinking it through, if I was going to go to the added expense of dropping the voltage, I may as well buy a charger that will to 4 cells (both of mine only do 3 cells) and a battery.... I guess I'm just trying to play out options in my mind..
Posted on: 12/6/2008 3:00 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8217670

RE: e-flite pitts model 12 any good?
har! a friend of mine just bought one of these for me (she's a great woman!)..... this was unexpected so the extra's haven't been purchased yet, I went to pick up a canopy at the hs that I'd ordered and he says "oh by the way, this is yours also" WOW!!!!! I'd been wanting it, my dad was a pilot, and always raved about the Pitts... the original that it's modeled after is parked up the road about 20 minutes or so (very cool).... so it sits on my living room floor all put together (minus CA) I do have one question...... how much travel is in the elevator when it's installed? the wood from the fuse seems to be holding this from getting much more than maybe 5 degrees either way, I'm thinking I need to make a bit more room? maybe sand out that spot in the fuse? oh yeah, this will be my first plane... at one time I messed with gliders, I play on the simulator, but am mainly a heli guy, so any tips (especially on that landing part, lol) would be appreciated... I plan on going with the milder setup and running 2 lipo's in paralell to get my 4200mah... is there any way to put smoke on this? I gotta say it, I've got a brand new t-rex sitting here and the pitts sitting here, I'm honestly falling in love with this thing!!!
Posted on: 12/6/2008 2:55 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "3D Electric Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8217665

RE: lipo's in paralell?
ok, great!!! thanks.... now the question that crossed my mind, they also have a hotter setup for 3d which requires a 14.4 volt 2250mah pack.... if I'm going to have two three cell packs on board, couldn't I wire them in series giving me 22.2 volts and 2200mah from what i have now and then use a stepdown regulator to lower my voltage to 14.8 volts? maybe it would be a better setup?
Posted on: 12/5/2008 7:06 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8216491

lipo's in paralell?
ok, I'm a heli guy, and very electrically impaired. with that said, I got an e-flite pitts bi-plane that requires an 11.1 4200mah lipo pack to power it... my question is, can I wire the packs I have that are 11.1 volt, 2100 mah in paralell to get the power I need? if I can, how do I do it? thanks....
Posted on: 12/4/2008 8:32 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8213727

RE: Helimax 400 3d
[quote]ORIGINAL: HAMMER JR. im new to helis i have a blade cx and the blade mcx and thinking of going bigger im looking at the blade 400 or the new heli-max axe 400 which would be better for a begginer. [/quote] in my opinion, go with a 450 sized heli. I tried the axe CP and blade CP, I think both have been re-incarnated into their respective 400 classes. I found it was a handful to fly, the wind messed with it terribly (by wind, I mean any breeze!), it was too big for my living room (just ask my dog)... this posed a problem, always a breeze, no addition being built for the living room, I pulled the plug on a 450 sized and haven't looked back. (MX 400, MX450, T-rex 450, etc) this would be my opinion, you aren't going to get enough flight time with the smaller heli, therefore you will continue to suck longer, be frustrated because of it and either get out (and take a huge loss) or move up (which essentially is a loss also, because you'll scrap your 400 sized heli)... grab a sim for the winter, think it through... there are tons of build videos for the 450 heli's, we can get you through it...
Posted on: 10/21/2008 8:22 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Helimax"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8069581

RE: AXE CPv3
Urrthling, in defense of helimax, their MX400 isn't that bad of a bird, the parts are pretty expensive, but if you put Align parts on it, they are about half the price of helimax and it flies fine, I still fly mine, and am going to teach the girlfriend to fly it (she's not getting her mitts on my t-rex's!!)
Posted on: 10/17/2008 8:15 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Helimax"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8057007

RE: changing bearings?
man, I did that and it didn't help at all :( (still chasing a vibration)... so!!! I bought a t-rex 450sa to fix the vibration, lol... ain't chasin' that sob no more! lmao
Posted on: 10/15/2008 8:20 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8050719

RE: transmitter for g4
[quote]ORIGINAL: noobflyer01 i dont have the interlink controller or the cable.[;)] [/quote] edited: you are screwed man! my brother bought a copy of realflight without a controller, I lost my original software , but still had the controller... I gave the controller to my brother, because it's not the one that was sold with the software, it won't work :( they sure did get around piracy didn't they? so good in fact, that my newest controller is wore out, and guess what, my original one won't work either. totally bogus deal, considering I paid full price for both versions of Realflight that I have!
Posted on: 10/14/2008 9:47 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8047687

RE: transmitter for g4
this is for G3, but I don't know why it wouldn't be applicable to G4... "Features drawn from actual R/C transmitters not only give the InterLink a more real-to-R/C appearance, but the functions they offer. Prefer the "feel" of your own transmitter? The InterLink is still your hook-up. With its built-in interface and the included cord, you can be connected to your 'real' transmitter in seconds and ready to enjoy the next benefit: improved control. Compatible with virtually any 4-10 channel Futaba ®, Hitec®, Tower Hobbies®, and all JR® FM or FM-selectable transmitters. Additional cords available separately for Airtronics®/ Sanwa ® transmitters. System requirements -"
Posted on: 10/13/2008 10:03 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8046634

changing bearings?
how often do you change the bearings out in your heli? (450 sized) what are some of the indications that they need to be changed out? thanks!
Posted on: 10/13/2008 8:37 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8044311

RE: Dragonus NVII and Elite
man, I gotta get me one of these.. probably as a winter project :)
Posted on: 10/11/2008 12:15 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8038202

RE: Would you buy a crashed heli?
what happened to the heli Matt? wow.... (I think John's buddy has some JR's he may be looking to get rid of)
Posted on: 10/1/2008 10:08 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8010560

scale build, any ideas?
well, I can't seem to get rid of my MX400 collection, so it may as well do something!! I'm thinking I want to put a fuselage around it during the winter. I'd like to hear suggestions, I'm not crazy about the idea of having to do a lot of fabricating, I just don't have the patience, looking for something simple, without retracts that looks fairly decent. thanks... oh yeah, I tried a Darth body, while it was very cool (until I got hold of it) it ended up being a mess (mildly put) :D too little patience I guess..
Posted on: 9/25/2008 10:18 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7991356

RE: Just getting Into Helis
well congrats man :) have fun with your new toy :D
Posted on: 9/24/2008 6:17 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7987188

RE: Just getting Into Helis
that's an excellent point.. ready to fly really meant taking the heli to someone and paying for a setup :( that was the last time that happened, the next were kits, a bit intimidating at first, but well worth the satisfaction and knowledge gained :)
Posted on: 9/24/2008 11:17 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7986025

RE: Just getting Into Helis
Axel, I'm running realflight 3.5, great software for what it is supposed to do. The models are great and pretty much realistic, so they feel almost the same as going out and doing it. I'd personally recommend that if your budget isn't that big right now, go with the simulator, I use mine a lot (after work for an hour a morning, before work for another hour, when it rains, snows or is too windy, or when I want to learn something new), when I was getting past hovering I was simulating for hours a day to get it right, besides you can learn nose in/out, etc on the sim, that's where I probably saved the most was different orientations on the simulator. besides that, while you are learning on a flight simulator, you can save up for that nice shiney middle or top of the line 450 heli instead of havin to settle for something. ;) lastly, don't know how your winters are, but if they are cold, you are going to look at a lot of breakage just due to the parts being cold and brittle, you'll be grounded, the simulator will keep you advancing. oh yeah, lastly (serious) the sims have lessons (basics to advanced)! I forget about these, but anyhow they do... the guy tells you what he's doin, you can see the sticks and all of that.. very cool, I started on the backwards rolling circle yesterday and I am damned glad I did it on the sim, I couldn't afford all the crashes (but some of them were cool) :D and learning to hover the "yak" like a helicopter is super cool... now I can hover an rc airplane and I don't even own one :D
Posted on: 9/24/2008 8:29 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7985626

RE: Just getting Into Helis
[quote]ORIGINAL: Edwinssiv [link=http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html]RADD'S SCHOOL OF FLIGHT[/link] A simulator is a very wise investment....good thinking Stratcat! And here I am practicing on mine in between checking posts! LOL I own the TRex 450 and a TRex 500...they are awesome helis!!!!! I would say if you are sure you are going to get into this hobby full bore....then go TRex. They are dependable, predictable, perform and are easy to upgrade and get parts for. But..........if you are not sure you that you are going to stay in this hobby (it gets expensive real fast...just look at Noobs list of helis! ROFL) and want a starter that is a good performer for a reasonable price...then try out the BH 450. The nice thing about it is you have not put out too much $ if you decide this hobby is not for you...then if you stay and want more...you can sell it and/or upgrade. [/quote] a simulator and Radd's makes a good combo also :D I'm a huge fan of my sim, I can destroy thousands of dollars in heli's and walk away laughing about it :D oh yeah, I've got a collection, Axe CP, MX400, 2 flying T-rex's and probably two of the MX and Trex in spares... dude, I'm not sure on your walkera choice... you get what you pay for man... go search for that model in the posts and see what everyone says about it.. isn't there a Walkera forum also? you'll get knowledge there.
Posted on: 9/23/2008 10:41 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7984852

RE: Just getting Into Helis
run, run as fast as you can... do not look back, do not buy a wallet draining helicopter :D I started with a co-axial but that was just the hook that started the addiction, lol... I'd say if you are going to be grounded for winter buy a simulator, if not, go with a t-rex or clone of somekind. oh yeah, spend money on it! don't shortcut, you'll regret it... oh yeah, I'm with noobflyer on Radds, good stuff, sleep, eat and drink Radd's...
Posted on: 9/23/2008 9:56 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7984709

RE: After the Blade 400?
I wish I'd started off with the t-rex, I'm a lot like you flying wise, I'm having a ball zipping around, haven't messed with idle up much, I just don't feel the need to I guess :D I'd go t-rex, but the HDX is probably just as good.. I actually traded my T-rex XL frame over to one of the clones adn I'm liking it much better, this is what I'm flying now (mixture of align and other parts) http://www.cnchelicopter.com/servlet/the-512/%28Hot%29AAAAA-star-dshdsh-trex-eccpm-frame/Detail edited to add: buy the most heli you can with the most aluminum/upgrade parts... you're going to end up upgrading anyhow... it's better to buy a heli with all aluminum and maybe put plastic blade grips on than to buy the other way around, you'll save a bundle. The aluminum will make it a bit more touchy to fly, but you can dial that out with the radio and it'll be more durable.
Posted on: 9/22/2008 10:21 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7981362

RE: how to set up tail servo?
I slapped the servo into the reciever of another t-rex that had the wires exposed, I'm all set now I hope. It's centered and the tail is recentered so I should be better, I was waaaaaay off... that kinda could explain the insane right tail and no left tail :D thanks again for the help...
Posted on: 9/22/2008 10:02 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7981297

RE: how to set up tail servo?
do'oh!!! that's what I figured, but I didn't want to do that, I just tucked the swarm of wires away all nice and neat... I'll hook it to another reciever and that should do it... thanks man!
Posted on: 9/22/2008 8:33 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7980847

RE: Help to pick out heli
I can't really comment on either brand, Walkera seems popular and people seem to like them... the same with the Lama... what you should consider is local parts availability, if you have a shop close, what parts do they carry? waiting a week for the mail to bring you a 3 dollar set of rotor blades so you can fly again SUCKS! and look at prices for repairs, probably isn't a big difference but check it out... lastly, go check out and see what you can find in the manufacturer specific forums (above) or use the search function to find out what has been said... good luck... are those collective pitch heli's? if so, I'd start with a decent simulator to take you through the winter...
Posted on: 9/22/2008 7:19 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7980598

how to set up tail servo?
seems I always have a problem setting up my tail servo, I plug everything up and the gyro starts doing it's thing, I think I have the servo centered and it's always off.... anyone have a good way of finding center for the servo? thanks.... oh yeah, we're talking t-rex here..
Posted on: 9/22/2008 7:05 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7980536

RE: Axe CP not responding to transmitter
see if you can find a good reciever to swap it out with. If you have a car, I'd think that it would work with a crystal change enough to either eliminate or find your problem, verify this though, there may be some difference taht will keep them from working together..
Posted on: 9/22/2008 9:48 AM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "Helimax"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7978606

RE: Sounds too good to be true?!?!?!
thta's probably worth 300 bucks without a charger... I'd jump on it, figure the cost of a trans, gyro or heli alone and you aren't talking much more for the 300 bucks he's asking... what are you still sitting at your computer for, GO LOOK AT IT!!! :D
Posted on: 9/21/2008 3:42 PM by Author "thestratcat" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7976194