RE: smallest allen wrench known to man????
I purchased a new shaft collar for my HB2 and along with it came a really tiny allen wrench that I believe will fit your needs. Here is that item: http://www.helihobby.com/html/hummingbird_upgrades.html Scroll down 'til you see aluminum CNC collar.
Posted on: 3/16/2005 10:14 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2773705

RE: Need help from experience
Yeah I read that thread about "switching the servos" to make the swash fit but that was for a FP not the CP (which I have). I'll try to get you a pic of what I'm talking about (anti-rotation arm). If I had to do it all over again, I would never get a HB2 as a first heli (or ever for that matter). I totally hear you about not wanting to spend the money as you're new to the hobby and all but really, if you can, stock up for a slightly better heli (like the Hummingbird 2 CP). This isn't the same concept as ok, you're buying a newly licensed teenage driver their first car so get a junker and let them learn. With this hobby, having something that you can actually control so you can learn as opposed to learning how to even control it is totally different. I know for sure in experienced hands, this heli is actually not too bad as I had brought my HB2 down to a hobby shop in Brooklyn and witnessed someone personally fly it. I however have had no such luck despite making leaps and bounds on my Reflex XTR. Think of it this way, you want to spend less to save more for crashes, let me throw this at you then, how about saving more to spend less on crashes? =) Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to bash this heli as I still haven't given up hope on mine but just giving you an honest appraisal from personal experience from one newbie to another. If you have someone you know who is experienced with heli flying and can help you tweak it and show you how to fly then I suppose that's another thing but if you think you're pretty much going to be on your own with the majority of support coming only through forums then I'd recommend you think twice about getting the HB2. If you're not dissauded still, I think there was a thread about someone using longer Shogun blades which helped offset a lot of the sway to the left when the HB2 is first airborne (a problem which I continually battle). I'd highly recommending following up on that thread. I'm still waiting for a replacement swash since the top portion on the one I got was binding and I had to send it back so I haven't tried the Shogun blades yet but that will probably be my next upgrade. Whatever the outcome, good luck and hope to hear about your flying adventures soon! =)
Posted on: 3/9/2005 12:16 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2743995

RE: Need help from experience
Speaking form personal experience, and strictly about the Honey Bee 2, I won't recommend it to a complete beginner (I can fly helis on sim pretty well but still can't fly this thing for squat). Others may disagree, but this is my personal opinion from my epxerience. The fit and finish leave much to be desired although parts availability seem to be pretty good. While the Rx in the 4 in 1 board is 6 channels, the Tx as far as I can tell is only 4 (there's a 3D switch to change the throttle curve to enable inverted flight). There is as far as I know, no direct fit (meaning it was intentionally designed strictly for the HB2) upgrades. Everything that is listed as an upgrade for this heli are usually generic ones that can be made to fit on most micro helis. I recently purchased an alum. CNC swashplate (since the stock swash separates easily) for a Hummingbird but found that the stock Anti-Rotation arm will not fit it so I will need to fabricate or buy a new one now. My 2 pence. Good luck and welcome to the hobby! =)
Posted on: 3/8/2005 6:23 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2742552

RE: Hirobo XRB PICS!!! and build info.
I believe the manual was referring to the gyro sensitivity, in which case, yes it's best to leave that one alone. If the XRB is continually spinning in one direction you should adjust that by making sure your blades are tracking fine. In some cases where one blade's base is weaker than the other, you will never get it to look perfectly level. Do the best you can with the tracking and then you can adjust the rest via the Tx's trim. To be honest, I've flown mine with the blades approx. 1/4" apart since I keep flying with repaired blades and the thing is just still so smooooooth without a hint of vibration or wobble. [8D] As for the stabilizers yes, you can do one thing at a time to see what kind of effect it has. I've not tried it yet so can't give you any feedback about the performance. Not too sure about the batteries, I'll defer that to more knowledgeable members on this forum.
Posted on: 3/6/2005 2:23 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2733405

RE: E Sky drifting left fix
Thx for the info, I'll look around for 'em!
Posted on: 3/5/2005 11:42 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2731749

RE: E Sky drifting left fix
Wow, that's great to hear as I have that very same problem. Most people on the forums have just attributed it to the way that these little micros fly but good to hear that you have conquered it. Would you mind letting me know what the part no. is as well as where you purchased it from? THX!
Posted on: 3/5/2005 11:38 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2731212

RE: Problems with Esky (Honey Bee 2)
The paddles should be perfectly level (parallel) with the top of the Paddle Control Frame (outer) - part no. SK048.
Posted on: 3/4/2005 10:26 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2726104

RE: hummingbird swashplate on honey bee2????
Ah, sah-weet! Mind posting a pic if it's not too much trouble? Also, I'd gladly pay for one if you happen to make extras, please let me know. Thx!
Posted on: 3/3/2005 12:35 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2722527

RE: hummingbird swashplate on honey bee2????
s2gulf, Very nice! How did you fabricate that? Also, if you mount this, I'd imagine you would lose the stock body holder since it would have to go over it no?
Posted on: 3/2/2005 7:13 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2719862

RE: Setups for the E-sky Honey Bee 2
My current set up is all stock, however I just got the H.Bird alum. swash today. Discovered that it's larger than the stock swash and will not fit in the stock AR arm (which I snapped while attempting the install). GTR, do you need to use the stock frame with the G10 or can you eliminate it? I was thinkng aobut getting the H. Bird complete alum. center core kit from HeliHobby but it looks like I will need some additional parts as I don't see an AR arm on it.
Posted on: 3/2/2005 6:30 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2719682

RE: Hirobo XRB PICS!!! and build info.
I've ordered the Carbon Blades for a friend's b'day. Will post back with performance once he gets it and is able to test it. As mine has been flying pretty well with the banged up blades, I'm just going to stick with em for a while. [8D] Let me know how yours fly with it when you get them. Thx!
Posted on: 3/2/2005 12:51 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2718476

RE: Hirobo XRB PICS!!! and build info.
OK guys bear with me with me here. I discovered something rather peculiar and that is that my XRB flies better with repaired blades than brand new ones (no I'm not trying to be funny here). Get this... every time I crack the foam blades, I just grab the CA and glue the pieces back together (99% of the times, it's right near the base). Then after the CA dries, I add tape over the crack for additional support. Then I rebalance and track and voila, it's soooooooooooo smooth! Now, I have a theory that perhaps the additional stablization is due to the blades being just slightly stiffer at the base (and thus reducing the coning effect) and also maybe the additional weight at the base of the blades act as additional stabilizer weights? Dunno, but I can try to see if I can grab a video to prove this. Meanwhile, I have 4 sets of repaired blades waiting to be used. [:D]
Posted on: 3/2/2005 3:20 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2717303

RE: Esky Honey Bee
I have the Optic 6 and after a little tweaking got it to work with my HB2. It's a pretty good Tx but since I wanted the Spectra QPCM version it came with these cr@ppy 600mAh Tx batteries with very poor battery life. I'll probably look into an 8AA battery holder from Radio Shack and hook up the original connector so I can use my 2500mAh with it. Take your time with the manual, rather than repeating info, they refer you to the Aircraft section (from the Heli programming section) and this can be a bit confusing at times especially if your new to RC Aircraft terms (like I was). In Heli program mode, you can select a 120 deg. swashplate and the main thing I rmeember was having to reverse channels 2 and 6 to finally get it working. There's a flight mode switch on the top right hand corner you can use to change the characteristics for certain flight parameters (e.g. Throttle or pitch curve) which should allow you to perform 3D just like the 3D switch on the original Tx. I've not tried this yet since I'm grounded with a broken swash plate but have a CNC on order =) There was one thing I noticed and that's the 3 servos do not seem to have the same amount of range as when I use the original Tx but I think it's prolly just due to some improper config on the Tx settings. Haven't had time to look into it but will reply back when I have an update.
Posted on: 3/1/2005 1:11 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Esky Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2713211

RE: Hirobo XRB PICS!!! and build info.
I could not for the life of me figure out where to mount the x-braces since there was no mention of them in the manual. However, now I know thx to a pic on page 30 of the Feb '05 edition of Quiet Flyer. The braces are to be used with the tethered version and they mount directly upright onto the landing gear. Looking at the XRB from the side, these braces mount parallel to the landing gear (directly in front and behind the battery tray on the RC version). However as the battery tray extends just a bit further out than the landing gear, they will not stay on very well and I suppose this is why any mention of these were omitted from our manuals. I don't think you really need them however on my friend's XRB, he mounted directly onto the landing skids with the space between each landing gear support that extends out from the battery tray. This gives added support to the landing skids in case of sideways impacts to the skids.
Posted on: 2/26/2005 2:53 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2701664

RE: MY NEW HELI MH-2
wah... ho geng woh! (however, name gets me cracking up though... Supper Fly [:D]) Do you have a website from where you purchased this? Looks like it comes with a lot of quality parts. How much did it run?
Posted on: 2/23/2005 10:16 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2693287

RE: Does anyone have one of these?
The 2nd one looks like a clone of the BladeRunner. If that's the case then it provides only 3 channels (albeit fully proportional): Throttle Rudder Elevator (this works by turning on the tail motor and leans the heli every so slightly forward or aft so you can go in those directions) (no Aileron) However this one looks like it comes with a real RC transmitter as opposed to the "toy" one that comes with the BR which had the rudder on the right stick rather than left. If you do get it, please post back and let me know how it is. I'm pretty tempted to get one for that price. =)
Posted on: 2/23/2005 1:13 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2689991

RE: mini heli?
Rabid, on Mode II controllers (commonly used here in the US): Left Stick (Collective): Throttle & Rudder (Yaw or Tail Control; clockwise, counter-clockwise, etc) Right Stick (Cyclic): Elevator (Foreward, Aft) & Aileron (Bank/tilt left and right) Most other switches are used for extra channels (landing gear, etc) and on some radios, the reverse for the channels are controlled via switches although on most computerized radios you can control the reverse directly via LCD screens. Trainer - is so that you can flip the switch and have a buddy (who is connected to your Tx via a training cable) control your heli in case you lose control. You can also purchase adapters so you can connect your Tx to your 'puter for flight sims. The XRB is an absolutely awesome beginners' heli that will teach you the fundamnetals of flight as well as allow you to practice nose-in hovers relatively easy. However I noticed that there will be a huge adjustment to make once you switch over to a regular heli as the flight characteristics are totally different. I own both the XRB and a HB2 and the 2 could not fly more different than day and night. The HB2 is quite a handful and I'm still spending time on a flight sim to get the controls down where as with the XRB, I am already able to practice nose-in manuvers. I'd highly recommend you invest in a flight-sim if funds allow, I can't speak for the others on the market but I really like my Reflex XTR. Models are somewhat limited but you can download more for free.
Posted on: 2/20/2005 2:00 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2679905

RE: Hirobo XRB PICS!!! and build info.
Not exactly commercial quality but some creative fellow has been making his own out of paper. Supposedly he has the plans available for download. Here's that thread: http://www.runryder.com/helicopter/t135149p1/
Posted on: 2/13/2005 6:41 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2654353

RE: HIROBO XRB first maiden flight!!!! YAHOOOO
After all that and you forgot one thing... (tsk tsk)... [8|] Now go update your signature cuz it ain't coming soon anymore! [:D] Congrats on your new heli and welcome to the XRB owners club! BTW, check out that other thread by RickyBlaze. The article about laminating the blades is very interesting (although I've not personally tried it yet). I have however broken one blade but was able to CA it (this does melt the foam a little) and then apply tape around it. It still flies pretty well (depending on the repair) afterwards. Good luck and happy flying!
Posted on: 2/10/2005 1:31 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2641335

RE: hummingbird swashplate on honey bee2????
Rob, how do you like your HB2 after the upgrades? I'm thinking about getting a few HumB upgrade parts as well.
Posted on: 2/9/2005 11:41 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2641112

RE: Ultimate Helicopter Buying Guide
Bryan, excellent idea! This will help both newbies and experienced pilots (looking for different helis). I think it's important to list the reviewer's experience (I know it's in some of our profiles but it's easier if we do it up front) as well so as to let others compare why one might rate things a certain way and another will have a totally different opinion. So here we go: Total Experience with Helis: Newbie, less than one month Helicopter Name: XRB SkyRobo (untethered) Manufacturer: Hirobo Fixed or Collective Pitch: Fixed Dual Rotors Street Price: $299 Flight skill required: Beginner Quality of Construction: Excellent Indoor capability: Excellent Outdoor capability: Not appropriate unless it's dead calm Construction time: None, it's pretty much RTF except for the landing gear struts and training gear Ease of Repair: Easy to fix Capable of Inverted and 3D flight: no Recommended Upgrades: Laminating the blades (do a seach on other forums for details) Comments: This is prolly the number 1 (indoor) helicopter that a beginner should get. It is extremely stable and easy to fly and replacement blades aren't too bad (can be had for about $9.50 for 4 full sets of top and bottom. Although you will eventually outgrow it but it's the perfect indoor heli for those days where you just want to tool around the house. For those of you who already own your own radio, you might be able to save a few bucks as there is mention of a kit out there without the radio but I've personally not seen one for sale. Helicopter Name: Honey Bee 2 CP Manufacturer: Esky Fixed or Collective Pitch: CP Street Price: $150 Flight skill required: Intermediate to advanced Quality of Construction: Fair Indoor capability: good with skilled hands - I personally can't fly this yet but I've witnessed guys down at the LHS who can do it in tight quarters Outdoor capability: good with skilled hands Construction time: Pretty much RTF Ease of Repair: Somewhat easy to fix Capable of Inverted and 3D flight: Supposedly, I've not witnessed it though Recommended Upgrades: Definitely go with 11.1V LiPos and both main and tail motor heat sinks Comments: This is my very first Heli. I'd definitely not recommend it for a complete beginner cuz I had absolutely no experience with flying helis and this thing is a handful. Also, as quality is not quite up to par, you will definitely need to spend some time to tweak it just right. However, with that said, in skilled hands, this thing looks great and with a few upgrades I think it is a decent performer for those with some heli experience. I'll reply back with an udpate as I become more skilled with this thing.
Posted on: 2/9/2005 8:26 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2640355

RE: hummingbird swashplate on honey bee2????
The folks at HeliHobby seem to think so since they list pretty much all of the HummingBird's upgrade parts as being compatible for the HB2. Check out the upgrades for the HumB/HB2 on their site.
Posted on: 2/9/2005 8:04 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2640274

RE: E-Sky HB2: Brushless w/ 4-in-1 complete!
Very, very nice! Can't wait to try this out. Also, you mentioned about the plastic spacers for the motor, can u please let me know where you got these or did you fabricate them? THX!
Posted on: 2/8/2005 12:53 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2633481

RE: nebie question
Can't say for the others but I own the XRB and Honey Bee 2 (CCPM) and what a day and night difference! The XRB is pretty much as everyone has posted here, it's very stable and great for beginners. The XRB foam blades are also a lot cheaper to replace (about $10 for 4 sets) as opposed to roughly $15-$20 for 1 set of HB2. With enough patience and LOTS of training you can prolly do well with the HB2 but if you just want something to get up and hovering quickly then I'd highly recommend the XRB. I got mine from MTA Hobbies for $309 but I saw an Heliproz ad in RCM recently for $299.
Posted on: 2/7/2005 3:27 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2631422

RE: E-Sky HB2: Brushless w/ 4-in-1 complete!
Jeff, great job!, looking forwad to the how to. Also, I noticed that the brushless main looks a lot smaller than the original motor, is that the case?
Posted on: 2/4/2005 2:06 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2620870

RE: Micro Helicopters in Review
XRB - Just got mine as well (ordered from MTA for $309) and man I can confirm the stability just about everyone has written about this little heli. It is just unbelievable and the whole thing oozes quality from how solid all the parts are to the packaging itself. Kudos to Hirobo on this one.
Posted on: 2/2/2005 3:52 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2608465

RE: That darn little red light! ??????
Perhaps defective main motor? I know you said that it's spinning about the same but even a little decrease with a weak battery will have an impact. What voltage/type of battery are you using? Other possibilities (look at your manual for part no. reference): - broken ball link that connects Main blade clamps (SK062) to Rotor head set (SK046) (actually check all ball links while you're at it) - defective battery (voltage drop) - some teeth on main shaft drive gear (SK055) stripped - paddles (SK050) not perfectly aligned flat with Paddle Control Frame (SK048)
Posted on: 1/30/2005 2:49 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2600307

RE: World's smallest production elec. RC Heli?
Tanasit, thx for posts! [sm=thumbup.gif] (I think they are both the same thing right?) By main rotor size, it's still actually 20mm bigger than the Bumble Bee but I think overall these are the smallest. It's sooooo expensive though and the flight time is only 3 min. Hopefully as more come to the market, the overall prices will go down. Can't wait!
Posted on: 1/30/2005 2:37 AM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2600293

RE: "Blade Runner" - Very Neat!
Finally got mine today (ordered from TowerHobbies). I second everyone's opinoin about this neat little toy. Definitely worth the $69 I paid. [:D] I am having so much fun with it and have taken a break from my HB2 (will need to get more time on the sim for that one).
Posted on: 1/28/2005 10:44 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2596264

RE: Anyone has tried the megachoppers ?
Dunno about the megachoppers but from its description, it's only 2 channels (what? throttle up and down and maybe yaw left and right?) and going for about $80. What I do know and can personally attest to after receiving it today is that the Airtech BladeRunner (3 channels) is a lot of fun for the money! [:D] (just be sure you purchase one or two rechargeable 9V battery). You can control throttle (up/down), yaw (left/right) as well as cyclic (forward/aft). I mean don't expect any performance mircales but as a first time heli, it's pretty good. The only problem though is that the yaw is controlled by the right stick (normally it's on the left). Click [link=http://www.hobby-warehouse.com/aiintoycoblr.html]here[/link] for a link to a video. It comes with a built-in LiPo battery that is charged in approx. 20-30 min via the included adapter that is good for approx. 5 min. of flight time. The only thing is that this heli is very very delicate, definitely not for outdoors (heck if it's behind you and you fart you'll blow it off direction) [:)] I've been having so much fun with this while giving my HB2 a break (will get some more practice on sim first). But in the meanwhile I have something to fly/hover while I'm learning. I got mine at TowerHobbies for $67.99
Posted on: 1/28/2005 10:33 PM by Author "turboBB" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2596223