Sceadu EVO Alpha combo

[redlegtu]

As a beginner, I am looking at either the Raptor 30 or Hirobo's Sceadu EVO Alpha combo that was featured in Issue #3.....simply because it has everything in one package. Does anyone have experience with the Sceadu EVO Heli? How much building will be involved with the Sceadu EVO? The review said 8 to 9 hours....I am guessing that it would be for an experienced heli pilot....but what about for a beginner, someone that has yet to build one? Thanks!

[MikeV]

I haven't gotten the official press release yet, but Jeff Green at MRC told me they were upgrading the gyro in that combo to a Futaba 401 and the engine will be OS instead of Toki. Those two changes will only make this a better setup. Not sure on the difference in price.

Mike

[JimInnes]

The Evo is a very fun heli to build (most helis are nowadays) and a beginner should have few problems building it, go for it :D A few tips:

-Use threadlock on all metal to metal joints ( the manual shows the picture, but not everywhere its needed).

-Dial indicate the clutch/fan assembly otherwise you may end up with a number of vibration problems, and these are never fun.

-Pre-tap/thread the swashplate where the links go in and do not force the screws as the swash can crack, use a little CA on each screw in the swash for security.

-Lube the spindle well :)

-Get yourself some JIS screwdrivers, the screws on the Hirobo, Thunder Tiger, etc helis are not standard phillips, but the JIS standard - by using the right drivers you will noit strip a head - trust me you will see what I am talking about after using a JIS driver :D Heliproz sells them and I am sure others do too.

-Take your time, building time estimates are very broad. I take more time than others on building my helis, I have built over a dozen and still take my time as I enjoy the building process and would hate a crash to be caused by a hasty build.

-Most of all, have fun.

[redlegtu]

Gents,

Thanks for your input. Since I am still out here in Iraq....coming home soon......I do hope the upgrades to the EVO Alpha combo will come out soon so that I can get that package...unless a Raptor combo comes out soon.

Most places that I have looked into sells the Raptor at the most a ARF....but not a complete package and as a new guy in the hobby, I want to make sure that I buy all the necessary items at the same time not get hooked in my the LHS for all these "great" items for the Raptor.....versus the EVO combo...everything is there for me, I just have to assemble it.

From what I have read in the numerous Forums and RC heli mag....looks like the Futaba Gyro and OS engine are very popular and reliable....so if and when the EVO is available with these upgrades, I might just get it then.

I am sure I will be hooked into this hobby and with the money sabed up while out here in Iraq.....i will no doubt end up getting a second Heli.....more then likely a Raptor......as a back up.....at least that is what I will tell My Wife.

Thanks for taking te time to respond to my initial post.

-Sean

[helipilot2]

I got the sceadu EVO 30 with the OS .32 (instead of the TOKI) and CSM 200 gyro (the one that comes with the combo) with a Futaba radio..

I love this heli. Flies very smoothly and adjustinng it was very simple. The OS provides plety of power. The gyro works very well for learning to hover. .I did learn VERY quikly with this heli and still enjoy flying it every weekend.

I believe that the heli in the combo is ARF and there is not much set up to be done.

Take care, and thank you for your service in Iraq...Hope you are home soon.

JT

[redlegtu]

JT,

Thanks for the reply.

How much building is required? Everytime I hear the word "kit" I try to stay away as it will no doubt be a HUGE undertaking for me to build from ground level with no experience and not much around me to asist.

My ultimate goal later down the road would be to build one from a kit with various gears and equipment that are available in the market as by then, I would be more experienced and know what I want.....right now.....leaning towards a Raptor with all the "bells & wistles"

I am new to this hobby. The only thing I know about building is from reading RC Heli and other Forums. When we get back home (Alaska)...soon....the local club that I have recent contacted has only two Heli pilots...not sure of skill level....I would have to drive at least 6 hours to get to the next club that has some more experienced pilots. Big concenr is the radio programming...and with the EVO Alpha combo...the radio is already programed.....it was also the radio that I was looking at purchasing so it was fitting that the Alpha combo came with it.........now all that is missing is the upgrade that Mike V. was talking about....OS engine and Futabab gyro.......then I am sold....my very first Heli would be the Sceadu EVO Alpha Combo (Issue 3). Hopefully the upgrades will be available by the time I get back....in about a couple of months.

[helipilot2]

hi.

I could't tell you how much building there is with the ALpha combo because mine is a streight Evo .30. .I have put in the helicopter the electronics that come with that particular (alpha) combo and I must tell you they worked very well for me. i am already hoverig very well after 3 tanks and I love my Hirobo.
i donn't have any experience with the Raptor, but everybody that I know that have one, they like it very much also.
In regards of parts, they both enjoy a very large supply of parts and a large number of hobby shops that sells them.

What I continue to hear is that you should stick whith whatever brand of helicopter is flown a you local club because the experience is there and if you have what they already are familiar with, helping you will be a lot easier.
However, most of the guys at my field own the raptor. The Hirobo because is pretty simple, the guys at my local club had no problems helping me out.

Good lucka and be safe...

[chaos]

I'm very pleased with the Sceadu combo so far. It even came with training gear. I'm just now on the brink of flying it, and building it was enjoyable. One thing, be sure to get a set of those JIS screwdrivers. The screws look like phillips, but a regular phillips screwdriver just won't do ya right. The combo came with a Futaba 7C radio and a Tokki .40 engine.

You have to build most everything. A few parts were pre-assembled... I think the swash plate, auto bearing... forget. But to me the building is part of the fun... even the fixing.

[helipilot2]

You made a great choice..I really enjoy my sceadu... :D

[ErichF]

MikeV is correct. The new combos will have the OS37 and GY401 included...for still under $1000.

This will be my first option for new prospective students of mine.

Erich

[redlegtu]

I sent an email to MRC a week ago and they also told me of the upgrades to the Alpha Combo to the Sceadu EVO .30 (OS engine and Futaba 401 gyro) so I look forward to getting home from this deployment and getting my first heli.

Thanks for the great response to my initial questions and concerns as a new guy in this hobby. My experience in helis so far has been military type....ones that I get on and una$$ :eek: immediately when we hit the ground so I am looking forward to being the pilot this time around when I get home.

-Sean

[ErichF]

Sean,

Thank you for your service, keep yer head down, ya short timer!

Welcome to the heli brotherhood. :D


Erich

[MACGIVER]

I Purchased My Combo Last December And Have Had Nothing But A Great Time Building And Flying It. The Quality Of The Parts Are Second To None. I Did Replace The Futaba With A Jr 9303 Due To Continued Glitching In The Futaba And Its Completely Convoluted Programing.

Now That I Am Doing 3d I Am Replacing The Csm With A Futaba 401. I Have Also Replced As Many Parts With Carbon As They Offer And That Has Improved Performance . All In All I Couldnt Ask For More From A Product. And If You Have Any Problems Jeff Green At Mrc Is Awsome!!talk About Sevice!!!
Most Of The Club Members Where I Fly Fly Raptors And I Must Say The Hirobo Is Made Better And Flys Better Plus I Didnt Want To Be A "me To"

Happy Flying

[redlegtu]

MACGIVER,

Thanks for the reply. With your comments and those of what I heard and read, seems like the folks at MRC is doing the right thing with Customer Service.

I look forward to redeploying after being out here in Iraq for almost a year. Once I get back, there is no doubt in my mind that I will purchase the Sceadu Alpha package.....the "Alpha Combo" as we know it from feature article a couple of months ago on RC Heli is no longer available......its simply a Sceadu combo....it now has the upgrade of an OS engine and the Futaba 401 gyro, still comes witht he Futaba 7CH which I was planning on getting anyways....so MRC just made it all the more easier for me to make the decision to purchase the entire combo from them. I guess from ready all reviews and forums, you can't go wrong with a Futaba 401 gyro and OS engine....or at least that is what the current favorites are.

I can't wait. Still a little nervous about building my first heli from "scratch".....never built one before so this Sceadu will be my first heli. We'll see in a couple of months.

-Sean

[helipilot2]

you won't regret it. If you are not so confident... LOOK FOR HELP!!! Go to your local club and find somebody to help you set it up befor you regret it....

Good luck and hope you are back soon from Iraq..
JT

[MACGIVER]

You Wont Regret It. The Kit Is A Joy To Put Together. The Manual Is Spot On And Again Any Problems And Jeff Green Is A Phone Call Away

[redlegtu]

The more I hear from you guys....the more I just want to place that order NOW and have it ready sitting at home waiting for me to assemble it together immediately after I get back....but my Wife would KILL me if I did that......need to spend some time with her first...so that I can get what I want from her :D Gotta take care of the Mrs. You all know the drill :rolleyes: before you can head out to fly :p

I will have it in my hands for sure within 30 days of getting home. I'll also be looking for all of your assistance to build this heli. Hopefully I'll be able to find one locally in Fairbanks, AK to check it out before I fly it :o

-Sean

[helipilot2]

[/IMG]


Here's mine on floats!!! :D

Love my sceadu!!

JT

[redlegtu]

I've read from some pilots thru various forums.....but none really that has tried landing and taking off from water. have you really tried taking off and landing in water???

Im just getting the hang of hovering on my SIM.....not gonna try even after graduating from novice level....just the thought of a bad landing and my bird is at the bottom of the lake :(

As each days passes the closer I will be to getting home, and getting the chance to order the Sceadu. Can't wait to build my first heli. I think I will order some tools so it'll be waiting for me when I get home.

[helipilot2]

I would NEVER try to land my baby in the water!!! But it make an exellent training gear. The floats will cushion the first few rough landings....plus they look cool... :cool:

[redlegtu]

Aaaahhhhh i did not think about that :rolleyes: makes sense to cushion a hard landing...mostly for new guys like me trying to learn how to hover and panic at something that will no doubt cause me to crash and create more damage. So far, i am glad the crashes have been on mt Reflex SIM then the real thing...which I know will happen....its just a matter of when :( :o