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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 10, 2010 2:21:08 GMT -5
First off, My name is Paul
I live in southern california and I am 20. I am a student pilot and used to work at a flight school. I am also a professional drummer.
I have been interested in learning how to fly RC helicopters for about 10 years now, and have always sparked my interest rather well. Something about the complexity of having 4 axis control appeals to my meticulous nature.
I havent had the financial ability to get a helicopter up and running until recently and have already begun to practice on the sim.
I have decided to build a GAUI 425 helicopter as my first, as it seems like the most logical choice.
I am hoping to equip said helicopter with some decent price range (Starting budget of approx 500 bucks) electronics and radio. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks!
Look forward to some discussion!
Paul
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Post by dunkonu23 on Jul 10, 2010 7:04:21 GMT -5
First off, My name is Paul I live in southern california and I am 20. I am a student pilot and used to work at a flight school. I am also a professional drummer. I have been interested in learning how to fly RC helicopters for about 10 years now, and have always sparked my interest rather well. Something about the complexity of having 4 axis control appeals to my meticulous nature. I havent had the financial ability to get a helicopter up and running until recently and have already begun to practice on the sim. I have decided to build a GAUI 425 helicopter as my first, as it seems like the most logical choice. I am hoping to equip said helicopter with some decent price range (Starting budget of approx 500 bucks) electronics and radio. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks! Look forward to some discussion! Paul Welcome, Paul! I think the 425 is an excellent choice for a first helicopter. Here are some electronics suggestions. First, don't skimp on your radio. Within your budget you can pick up a Spektrum DX7 for much less than they were last year. I've seen them as low as $175 if you really look (that's new, radio only). A DX7 will grow with you--even if you make the jump to Nitro. Nitro will be a challenge due to channel count, but it can be done. I'm doing it. Next, receiver. I'm using a Spektrum AR 6200 in my Frankengaui. I got it because it's got a satellite receiver so I get better coverage. No issues to date! Now that the radio is set, one more thing... ESC. The stock Gaui ESC should do you well. There are less expensive ones though from a site called Hobby King. Motors. Jerry or Ivan, help me out here, please. I know Ivan's got a hot little motor from Hong Kong that didn't cost an arm or a leg. Servo's.. Jerry... you've used the servos that come with the full blown DX7 setup, right? The Power... Batteries. Man, we can get into a real thing here. A lot of people really like Hobby King for their Zippy batteries. Zippy's are really inexpensive but you face two things: availability and shipping. Hobby King recently was cracked down on by the customs folks because of shipping practices. Nothing big, but enough to make a lot of people wonder. With your helicopter, you're going to need two 3S batteries run in series. Probably 2200 mah to 2600 mah 20/30 C will do. I hope this helps some. Scott |
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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 10, 2010 12:35:23 GMT -5
Ah! Scott, i see you are a Dream Theater fan. Mike Portnoy is one of the reasons I play drums.
Ive seen em 4 times...I think and saw portnoy play with Neal Morse.
Anyhow....Thanks for the Help!
Do you think the Dx6i will do as well? It seems to have a more fair price and lots of features.
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Post by dunkonu23 on Jul 10, 2010 15:12:44 GMT -5
Ah! Scott, i see you are a Dream Theater fan. Mike Portnoy is one of the reasons I play drums. Ive seen em 4 times...I think and saw portnoy play with Neal Morse. Anyhow....Thanks for the Help! Do you think the Dx6i will do as well? It seems to have a more fair price and lots of features. Yep. I've been a DT fan since I first heard "Pull Me Under". We're going to see them and Iron Maiden next week.  Though, DT is opening and only playing 50 minutes or so. I guess that means only three DT songs! Portnoy is an animal on drums. The whole band really are animals in the best possible way. So, yeah.. I'm a fan. The DX6 will work just fine for you to start with, Paul. The thing in my mind is this; eventually you'll want to upgrade and you may want to upgrade sooner with a DX6. Many people use them and are happy, though. Scott |
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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 10, 2010 16:02:54 GMT -5
I think I am gonna go with the Dx6i option, since I dont have anywhere to fly a nitro that doesnt cost a lot of money. I think in CA, electrics are the way to go. I am a pizza delivery boy so my heli is being funded solely by tips. Haha
I went to the local hobby place and they have the dx6i with reciever for 179 bucks.
Seems like a solid deal.
I also tried realflight g5 there and was able to fly a chopper with some moderate aerobatics without crashing and managed to land it where I wanted it to be, so I think i'm ready for a real helicopter. I was able to maintain a solid nose in and tail in hover for a good amount of time as well. Hurrah for practice!
Paul
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Post by Jerrymac on Jul 10, 2010 17:33:18 GMT -5
Hello Paul, welcome to the hobby. Although this site is still pretty new, I think you will find that the guys here have posted a lot of useful info so have a look around. Nice to see that you already road tested a sim to get a feel for flying.
I have never used the DX6i so I can't comment on its features or menus but your LHS might be of some help there. Although some people frown on eBay, I have gotten some good deals on stuff there.
I got a lightly used DX7 with 4 DS821 servos and AR7000 receiver on there for $200. I used the servos and RX in my Gaui 550, and of course I fly all my helis with the DX7.
As far as the motor goes, something in the 1400kv range works well for the 425. I am using a Tonic-X Z20-1470kv. These are available at HeliDirect for about $75.
As for the ESC, there are lots of choices. You will need to know the max amps that your choice of motor draws and then choose an esc that will be able to supply that current. I use stock Gaui esc's in both my 425 and 550 basically because they are less expensive than some of the more popular brands like Castle Creations and Align.
The gyro is another electronic part that can be rather costly. I use JR G770's in both of mine. Spartan's are also very popular as is the older Futaba GY401.
Since you are also a member of RCU, you might want to check the classifieds there and see if you can find some deals.
For batteries, there are lots of choices in many price ranges. I have had very good luck with the less expensive GForce batteries from Value Hobby. The nice thing about this heli is that you can run 2 3-cell batteries in series which is cheaper than running a 6s.
Hope this helps some, my fingers are getting tired. ;D
Jerry
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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 10, 2010 17:48:51 GMT -5
Ah! Thanks for the advice!
i have been practicing on the clearview sim for about 3 weeks and i went to G5 at the hobby store and it was much, much easier flying. I was amazed. If thats how real helis fly ill be golden. The models are much more realistic and agile. I learned the value of the idle up switch as well. haha
I was thinking of goin for the tonic-x motor and a dx6i so far. I am also gonna run 2 packs in series, as I have a 3 cell lipo charger and pack from my old Typhoon 2. As for the servos and gyro, I am trying to see what consumers say for the lower-middle road stuff. I am seeing what fairs best and what does not.
Like I said my initial budget is 500 bucks so I think I can get a good start for that and then build from there.
You guys are really helpful here. I do appreciate it a lot.
Paul
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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 10, 2010 17:53:06 GMT -5
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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 10, 2010 17:56:09 GMT -5
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Post by dunkonu23 on Jul 10, 2010 20:18:52 GMT -5
I would go with the TonicX motor. If you look at the specs closely, you'll see the Outrage motor has a 3.17mm shaft and the TonicX has a 5mm shaft. The 5mm shaft is what you want because the Gaui pinion accepts a 5mm shaft. Scott |
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Post by dunkonu23 on Jul 10, 2010 20:22:12 GMT -5
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Post by Jerrymac on Jul 10, 2010 21:39:58 GMT -5
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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 11, 2010 4:34:44 GMT -5
Here is another question, Does the Hurricane take mini servos?
I was reading somewhere that the kit has adaptors. If that is the case I have 4 servos that I can use off of my cannibalized Typhoon 2 Plane.
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Post by dunkonu23 on Jul 11, 2010 10:21:55 GMT -5
Yes, it does take mini servos. But here's the rub. For the servos running the swashplate, they all have to be the same. I think we forgot about a gyro, too. The gyro's servo is usually specialized. It has to be fast to take the minute control corrections from the gyro. Servos for rudder are usually identified as that.
Have you settled on a gyro?
Scott
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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 11, 2010 16:56:48 GMT -5
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Post by dunkonu23 on Jul 12, 2010 3:52:55 GMT -5
I looked around to see if I could get specs for your servo, but I've not been able to find any. Based entirely on the picture, I would have to say it's a micro servo, not a mini. I'm basing that on one thing: Every mini servo I've encountered has had two mounting tabs, not one. If it is a micro servo, you're going to have to buy new servos. On the gyro. The reviews look good for it. It looks like a Futaba GY401 clone. It can't hurt to try it. Just remember, mechanical setup is EVERYTHING to a gyro. Scott |
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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 12, 2010 5:22:01 GMT -5
Im probably gonna run 4 of these as temps for the time being. They are fast, have good reviews and are cheap.. Plus Hobbypartz is really close to me. www.hobbypartz.com/kahaoubrmo14.html |
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Post by dunkonu23 on Jul 12, 2010 13:33:25 GMT -5
Im probably gonna run 4 of these as temps for the time being. They are fast, have good reviews and are cheap.. Plus Hobbypartz is really close to me. www.hobbypartz.com/kahaoubrmo14.htmlThat's better, but please remember they have plastic gears. While not important at all for the tail, it can become an issue should have a blade strike or light incident. All bets are off in an all-out crash. But at that price, they're essentially throw away servos. I hope they work out for you. Scott PS. Someone gave MP a blanket with a full blanket sized portrait of his late dog "Bongo" on it It's a great picture. MP was touched deeply. I thought it was very cool, being a dog owner. |
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Post by pzimmerdrummer03 on Jul 12, 2010 14:57:34 GMT -5
I tried to find the link to that MP story but couldnt. I still remember seeing him play with neal morse. I am quite certain MP might be one of the best prog drummers ever, second only to Bill Bruford and Phil Collins.
Well I got my Funds in order, so I am gonna start ordering stuff soon. I might take about 2 weeks to get everything running, but I will update on progress.
I have enough at the moment to get the Heli, Blades, Motor, Gyro and Radio and cheapy servos. . Esc and batteries are next.
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Post by dunkonu23 on Jul 12, 2010 18:38:15 GMT -5
Here's the link to the picture... twitpic.com/24lf4oI'm gonna say this... I think MP is the best I've seen short of Carl Palmer when he was young. Scott |
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Though, DT is opening and only playing 50 minutes or so. I guess that means only three DT songs! 
