EP Caliber 400 (First post!!)

[xchurchx]

Just logged in to say that I am waiting for my new heli to show up as I type this. I've only found a couple reviews on this helicopter so far, so I'm not too sure what to expect. Is anyone here currently flying the Caliber 400? I will document my findings in this thread. Equipment list will follow shortly.

[MikeV]

We're working on a Flight Check of the Caliber 400 for Issue 3. I think it goes on-sale Jan 24th. I'm sure you'll have yours up in the air by then. Be sure to share your opinions on it here.

Thanks,

Mike

[xchurchx]

Well, It's got bugs...
I've got some serious slop in the washout section. The arms are real loose and the washout ball joints on the swash are incredibly sloppy. I've got gaps between the head and the blade grips. These gaps are variable depending on which grip I apply pressure to. This has been fixed by going to their "optional" aerobatic mode. This lets you pin the spindle to the head so the spindle isn't just floating around. The ultimate fix would be a rediesigned head that lets you use thrust bearings instead. I need to get the tail servo onto the tail boom and go to CF rod. The steel pitch rod has way too much friction in it's stock form. Tail pitch slider has much to be desired... lots of slop here. And man, is it a bi*** to get the electronics situated in a no- noise orientation.

[xchurchx]

Warning: I totally forgot to reply to your reply!
What goes on sale on the 23rd? Has the mag gone monthly?! That'd be sweet. If you're talking about the heli, you can all find it at helihobby dot com. I can't wait for the flight check! I need some insight here!

[xchurchx]

Ok... I had just woke up. And now Jan 24th makes sense for issue 3 to come out.


beer

[BIGMike350z]

Hey i have test flown the 400 and it is a very smooth machine but it is a little sensitive so u might have to set a high expo on ur radio. This model has VERY smooth contols though. It is FULL of greased up bearings straight out of the box and it also comes with carbon fiber frame. I think you will be ver pleased with this model.

[MikeV]

XchurchX,

What kind of setup are you running? Motor, ESC, battery, etc.

[xchurchx]

My power setup is pretty weak at the moment- though I am getting about 2k on the head speed, according to my tower mini tach. I'm using CC20 on the stock motor with a TP2100 pack. I have a himax 4200 and CC35 that I'd like to try, but I think this motor is more for speed, not the power that I would need to run in this model. Also, pinions for this 2mm shaft will be an issue, I think.