New to Helis

[Smoke20]

Ok after much consideration.....Ive decided to get into elec. heli's

my choice is the T-Rex 450xl that was featured in issue 2

but which one should I go with the HDE or CCPM version?

Im not a fan of gas, and never have been....so gas is not a consideration.

[rcfan]

If you're beginning, go with the HDE since it's much easier to setup properly.

[HAF]

I agree with rcfan, the HDE is better for someone that is new to setting up helis. You dont need a radio that has special swash mixing, but you still do need a heli radio that is capable of setting throttle and pitch curves.

If you dont have a TX that is heli capable then something like a Hitec Optic 6 or better is required to play.

If you just want the bare heli, the best deal I can find is,

http://b-p-p.com/products.php?cat=27

Or for a great price on a combo deal,

http://www.techmodelproducts.com/trex.php

Don't waste your time fooling around with a 25A ESC go for for a 35A model.
Same for an iffy lipo, you will get frustrated and waste $$$, go right for a 12C or better 2200mah.

[Smoke20]

Well I was looking at the Optic 6 from Hi-Tech. Im a big fan of Airtronics, but the cost factor for the first heli is what Im looking at.....

So ok, I will go with the HDE version.

here is what Im considering....

Kit: T-Rex 450XL (HDE)
Battery: Thunder Power Li-Po Battery (2100mAh with 15C)
Servos: Hitec HS-56
Gyro: Futaba Gy401 AVCS
Motor: AON V2815-3500
ESC: Quark 33amp
Rudder Servo: Airtronics Digital 94761
Charger: ProPeak Quattro

only one aftermarket piece up front
Align (T-Rex pc) Metal Swashplate (HDE)#HS1112

Let me know if this sounds ok, I went by alot of what I know for servos and what Ive read thus far..... :D

[HAF]

Everything looks ok, but the AON motor and Quark esc are overkill for sure for a
first timer. The Quark is IMO very difficult to program and does not have a good soft start feature. They are coming out with a heli version soon tho if you are sold on Quark.

You might also consider the Align 430L and Align 35G speedie, they are more than enough power for entry level, and use the money you save for a better Lipo charger, or at least get a lipo cell balancer like Astro Blinky too.

[Smoke20]

Does anyone know of decent to good charger for the Li-Po batteries?

I know there has got to be a few out there?

[rcfan]

Great Planes Triton and Duratraxx ICE are both very good LiPo chargers.

[Fasrc]

I use the Triton and love it!

[07 Wrench Tech]

To all who own , Want to own, or Questions :confused: :confused:
Please check out the web site.. :D
www.trextuning.com (http://.www.trextuning.com)

Thanks,
Mark

[HAF]

Does anyone know of decent to good charger for the Li-Po batteries?

I know there has got to be a few out there?

I like the Great Planes Polycharge 4, you can charge 4 separate
packs at once, up to 3A per charge port.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKAU0&P=ML

I just bought a LBA6 balancer
http://aircraft-world.com/shopexd.asp?id=3590
which can
balance packs during or after charge. I like the Polycharge as its a good basic piece of equipment for the $99 price tag, expecially with auto cell detect and failsafe timed shut off. Polycharge 4 + LBA6 or Astro BLINKY balancer = 1 triton cost.

I would rather have a separate balancer not tied to the charger in case one or the other smokes.

Its kinda like the DVD+VCR in one, if one bites it your out both pieces.

[Smoke20]

thanks, with Tax time coming real soon, I will be buying the heli quicker than I expected, so to all that posted with advice, and comments. Thanks...it will come in real handy.

Im new to Helis as in flight, Ive owned two others before but never got to fly them due to Gas, and the high cost of remotes at the time.

Ive had a Kyosho Concept 30 (which was built, and engine installed. Just never got to getting the remote.)

Falcon 46 (which never got out of the box.....)

I will post later what all I have finally figured out what to get..

but thanks again for this kick a** mag, and for your comments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mark Jester]

Does anyone know of decent to good charger for the Li-Po batteries?

I know there has got to be a few out there?

I use the Thunder Power TP 425. I use it with Thunder Power 2100's. It seems to work OK. It does not have all the bells and whistles as some chargers do but is adequate for my needs. If I were picking again, I would get a charger that balances individual cells. I am sure I directed more of my funding into my optic 6 and shogun V2 upgrades than into a high end charger. Best of luck!