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Post by kawilliams on Feb 27, 2011 4:12:25 GMT -5
HELP!
I am brand new to heli's and could use some help. I recently picked up a basic 425 kit and need to purchase the not included items. Being this my first heli I was hoping to get some advise on what to buy but I also need to keep it cheap. I was thinking of just getting everything at hobbyking. Can anyone help me put a decent all around package together of everything I need thats not included in the basic kit??? Thanks
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Doozer
Junior Member
Posts: 68
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Post by Doozer on Feb 27, 2011 8:59:19 GMT -5
Hi Kawilliams, Welcome to the forums! I think this is a great kit for a first heli. Resist the urge to bling it out. I'm not a huge fan of HK electronics. I've had a few servos die right out of the box, but that was a while ago. I'd recommend ALLeRC, or Heli Direct. They may be a little more expensive, but the service, should something go wrong, is top notch. I'm not saying other dealers are bad, I'm just speaking from my experience with these two companies as compared to Hobby King. However, batteries are another story. I've had good luck with HK batteries and they have started to warehouse in the U.S. and Aus. So getting them quickly isn't such an issue anymore. Cheap is relative and completely subjective, so my build might not suit your needs. I would at least make sure I had a decent gyro and tail servo. I have a Solid G gyro, and a JR 3500g tail servo on mine. The solid G is overkill, but I had it in another heli that I don't fly anymore. Spartan Quark, CY Mini G, Futaba GY401, CSM SL 560, all good gyros (CSM is the cheapest of that group). You're new. You're going to crash. You should probably get electronics that can take some abuse. Hitec makes some fairly rugged servos. I'm using Spectrum H5000's. I had one strip on my first crash with this heli, but I repaired it and haven't had a problem with the servos since. They are mini servos... and not recommended for the 550. If you're thinking of stretching the heli from 425 to 550, I'd build it with standard size servos. The Z20 1470 kV Tonic X motor seems to be the standard for this heli www.helidirect.com/tonicx-z20a-1470kv-brushless-outrunner-motor-with-fan-p-6012.hdx Do your homework on your ESC's. I use a CC ICE 75 on mine, and haven't had an issue. However, from what I've read, other people have had issues with Castle ESC's in this heli. The last thing you want is to be flying and release the magic smoke. A turnigy will probably do to start. Buy something that comes with a programming card. In the end, it's really up to what you can afford. I wont skimp if I have the money. Buy Extra blades, main shafts, spindles (feathering shafts), gears, and landing struts (all pretty cheap).
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Post by dunkonu23 on Feb 27, 2011 18:18:47 GMT -5
I'll second that! Scott
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Post by Jerrymac on Feb 27, 2011 18:26:44 GMT -5
Hello Kawilliams, welcome to the site.
A helicopter of that size can be very dangerous, so I would agree with Robby that cheap may not be best. An out of control helicopter due to a malfunction can be frightening. I know this for a fact as I once had the elevator arm break on my 425 and it headed right toward my 10 year old grandson. I cut the throttle and pulled down on the stick and put it in the dirt just in time.
With that said, I myself am a budget minded builder and look out for deals on good used brand name electronics. eBay is a great place to find used electronics at a decent price. I have never bought anything from HobbyKing so I really can't recommend anything they carry.
I use the Z20-1470kv motor mentioned above in my 425. A motor between 1300kv and 1600kv would be the best choice, and it has to have a 5mm output shaft for the Gaui pinions. As for servos, I would recommend using full size servos. I use Spektrum/JR DS821's on the cyclic on all 3 of my Hurris. They are decent for sport flying and can usually be found on eBay for about $70 for 4 of them, new.
Don't skimp on the gyro or tail servo or you will be fighting the tail all the time, and that makes it tough for new pilots to learn to fly. A good used Spartan, Futaba, or JR will do the job better than a brand new cheap gyro. You will also want to get a dedicated rudder servo to pair up with the gyro. Rudder servos are generally faster than cyclic servos to keep up with the gyro commands.
As for speed controllers (ESC) , there are lots to choose from. I would recommend at least a 60amp. I have had good luck so far with the lesser expensive Hobbywing esc's and bec's.
I have found the inexpensive Pro 3D 430mm blades at HeliDirect to work very well for the price. I have tried both the FG and CF blades with good results.
If you have time, read through some of the build threads here for some ideas of what other guys are using.
Hope this helps a little. If not, just ask and I am sure that one of the guys here will try to help you out. Good luck with your new heli, and welcome to the addiction, er, I mean hobby.
Jerry
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Post by kawilliams on Mar 1, 2011 1:25:42 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, I am looking at a used spartan quark gyro that a friend is selling, what would be a good rudder servo to go along with it? Are the karbonite servos any good? Also, is there a scorpion motor available that compares to the z20?
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