Cypher 3D - Love this Heli!

[Vechlor]

I know someone who started with a Blade CPP with training gear for a year or two, practicing on and off. He didn't own a sim to practice on, but the blade cpp is very durable even from hard crashes, which is a good way to learn in the real world... until you try 3D :shock:.
Long story short, he bought a Cypher 3d heli last year. After it was put together and trimmed out, I handed over the controls and he hovered it pretty well for a few minutes then landed it softly. I was like :happyd WOOT!

As for Cypher parts, I get them in 2-3 days from HP. I also buy bulk parts from hobbyking.com located in Hong Kong, a 2 week wait or 3-6 day wait for $18~ shipping (I think they are changing this so it's cheaper, also helps to split the cost with someone else who needs parts). It's a good place to save money if you need to buy in bulk, batt plugs, lipos, tools, tape, foam, wires etc.

Here's a few other places to save money:
xheli.com (trex clone kits and parts, tools, chargers, blades etc.)
helidirect.com
amainhobbies.com

For servos, gyro, blades, Rx, you can use just about anything you want in the cypher, as long as the specs fit. Most main blades 315-325mm will work, a few Airtronics/HiTec micro servos will fit that I've looked at. It really depends on how much you want to spend, like digital vs analog servos if you want to be the enthusiast or budget minded. Personally it doesn't matter until after you get into 3D, then you might want that extra edge.

To buddy box with your trainer, you might have to get a Futaba system, one that is compatible with his radio and the simulator (see FAQ (http://www.phoenix-sim.com/support.htm)). Also, Futaba 2.4ghz systems only work with Futaba receivers, Airtronics Tx & Rx, Spektrum / JR? Tx & Rx etc. You can however mix most brand servos or gyros you want with these systems.

For more step by step info about R/C helis, check out www.rchelicopterfun.com (http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/). Now get going! :fly

[maddog57]

James...another thing... have you lubed the oneway? I use a light weight oil designed for high speed pump brgs. Two drops, then I insert the sleeve and spin it a bunch of times. Also oil the main shaft thru the swash and the two phasing pins that go thru the mixer block. Oh yeah, don't forget the motor brgs., main shaft brgs. and the tail shaft and tail shaft brgs.

Chris :thumbup:

[irjamesm]

Another thing... have you lubed the oneway? I use a light weight oil designed for high speed pump brgs. Two drops, then I insert the sleeve and spin it a bunch of times. Also oil the main shaft thru the swash and the two phasing pins that go thru the mixer block. Oh yeah, don't forget the motor brgs., main shaft brgs. and the tail shaft and tail shaft brgs.

Chris :thumbup:

Yea ive kept things oiled pretty good, guess it could be better. Motor bearings????:confused:

[maddog57]

Yeah, just a very small drop on each. The bottom one is a little tough to get at as it's kinda up inside the motors end bell. My oil bottle has a long, skinny tube in the nozzle that allows me to get to that brg.

Chris :thumbup:

[Vechlor]

Already there's 4 posts before I get mine out... :mad:

Vechlor, how do you have the antennas routed? It looks like you have one pointed forward and the other pointed backwards? For best performance, they need to be 90 degrees to each other.

I would hate to have that bring it down.

Dru.

I used the antenna tube that came with the cypher, mounted on top of the frames pointing in opposite directions. You're right, for best performance they should be 90 degrees, but with a 400 size heli, I don't fly that far out. I haven't notice any problems at all, range checks are fine in both side and front facing directions from about 100 feet away in low power mode. I could heat one end of the tube and curve it 90 degrees facing down, just might do that... :P

[blvdbuzzard]

James, have you cleaned the one way? If you have over tightened the Jesus bolt, it can distort the one way bearing and cause it to bind. Take the main gear out, try a loose main shaft and see if it locks then unlocks.

Also, when flying in the wind, you NEED idle up. I was in normal mode, got a long gust at the ridge of my runway, ballooned up and I start dropping throttle, I almost stalled the blade before it started to come down. I then slammed the throttle to keep it from falling out of the sky like a rock.

Dru.

[irjamesm]

James, have you cleaned the one way? If you have over tightened the Jesus bolt, it can distort the one way bearing and cause it to bind. Take the main gear out, try a loose main shaft and see if it locks then unlocks.

Also, when flying in the wind, you NEED idle up. I was in normal mode, got a long gust at the ridge of my runway, ballooned up and I start dropping throttle, I almost stalled the blade before it started to come down. I then slammed the throttle to keep it from falling out of the sky like a rock.

Dru.

It was a new one i just put in, and the sleeve was a new one also, spins fine when it was out...
Yea i was just flying and its kinda windy cause of this rain we were suppose to have today. and a gust came along and threw it towards the ground.
I said im going to try idle up, and man what a difference

[kevinbattista]

I know someone who started with a Blade CPP with training gear for a year or two, practicing on and off. He didn't own a sim to practice on, but the blade cpp is very durable even from hard crashes, which is a good way to learn in the real world... until you try 3D :shock:.
Long story short, he bought a Cypher 3d heli last year. After it was put together and trimmed out, I handed over the controls and he hovered it pretty well for a few minutes then landed it softly. I was like :happyd WOOT!

As for Cypher parts, I get them in 2-3 days from HP. I also buy bulk parts from hobbyking.com located in Hong Kong, a 2 week wait or 3-6 day wait for $18~ shipping (I think they are changing this so it's cheaper, also helps to split the cost with someone else who needs parts). It's a good place to save money if you need to buy in bulk, batt plugs, lipos, tools, tape, foam, wires etc.

Here's a few other places to save money:
xheli.com (trex clone kits and parts, tools, chargers, blades etc.)
helidirect.com
amainhobbies.com

For servos, gyro, blades, Rx, you can use just about anything you want in the cypher, as long as the specs fit. Most main blades 315-325mm will work, a few Airtronics/HiTec micro servos will fit that I've looked at. It really depends on how much you want to spend, like digital vs analog servos if you want to be the enthusiast or budget minded. Personally it doesn't matter until after you get into 3D, then you might want that extra edge.

To buddy box with your trainer, you might have to get a Futaba system, one that is compatible with his radio and the simulator (see FAQ (http://www.phoenix-sim.com/support.htm)). Also, Futaba 2.4ghz systems only work with Futaba receivers, Airtronics Tx & Rx, Spektrum / JR? Tx & Rx etc. You can however mix most brand servos or gyros you want with these systems.

For more step by step info about R/C helis, check out www.rchelicopterfun.com (http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/). Now get going! :fly

Thanx :) rchelicopterfun.com is what got me realy started in this hobby ! i saw it and went out the next day and bought my Blade cpp2:YeaBaby:
ok.. last question cuz i'm on the edge of TREX and CYPHER whats the REAL difference OTHER then $150 ?? same gyros and servos can fit both, futaba Tx&Rx fit both ( i hear SPEKTRUM has "binding issues") .. now i know you said blades should fit but what about other parts... like swash and blade grips.? ..any 450 size fits or is HP parts only for HP Helis, E~Flight for Blade and Align for TREX??:confused: please remember i'm very new and stupid:DOH oh does the CYPHER come with a parts list? so when i break stuff i know what to order?
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR WISDOME and PATIENCE:noteworthy


OH, Dru, i checked out that link to the Tx... 8ch? what do I NEED 8 for? the one i have now( HP6DSM) has 6 and i only use 5 ? i only plan on ONE Heli.. (i may keep my Blade cpp2, but i have a Tx for that) so should i be looking for a cheaper 6 ch, do they make a cheaper 6? the price of the 8 is pretty unbeatable huh? ...i still need to research Futaba better also..
Thanx Again,
"it's takin longer to buy than fly";)

[blvdbuzzard]

With the Tx, you can mix different channels with other channels. that is the benefit of the 8 channels. Plus the Airtronics RDS8000, costs less then other 6 channel radios. The Tx will be with you for many years so spend some time and research all of them and get the most you can get, with in a reasonable budget. No reason for you to get a 24 channel $5,000.00 Tx.

parts such as swash plates, blade grips, feathering shafts, fly bars for the most part are for the make and model of helicopter. So the TREX swash, as I understand it, will not fit the Cypher and the swash for the Cypher will not fit the TREX. All of the electronics, Rx, servos, gyros, batteries, ESC's can be used in other helicopters.

Yes there is a manual in the box with the cypher and you can also see it online at hobbypeople.net.

Kevin, it should take you longer to research the helicopter then put it together. I spent a long time learning about the Cypher. All I ever heard at the store and field was bad. Jumped online and read some reviews and they loved it. I am not one to just run with the heard, so I started flying the Cypher and have loved every minute.

Vechlor, just checking. I did not think it would be a problem, just thought I would say something. I have heard that the park flyer Rx still has 2000 plus feet of range.

Dru.

[kevinbattista]

i've been doin my home work , whats up with the esc and motor running hot? anyone had a problem with this? is it some thing that is common and ez to fix?

[blvdbuzzard]

The fix for me has been to run it out from under the body where the air will get to it. Also cut the shrink wrap from around the heat sink. I guess I have over a year with mine and going strong.

Dru.

[maddog57]

Man I wish I had more TX experience so I could advise you, Kevin. My only TX has been my DX6i. It's 6 ch and some think it's on the simple side, but I really like it. It'll last you a good while, but IMO it's a great starter radio as it's easy to learn programing on. Yeah there's been stick pot issues with some, but Horizon Hobby is great with customer service. I like the Futaba 9503, which has replaced the 9303, but it's a bit out of my price range. Also everybody's raving on the new Hitec Aurora 9. Guess you just need to research and know what you need and don't need. It's hard when you're just starting out, I know.

Beautifu 70 deg day here in upstate N.Y. today. Just a slight breeze. Got three packs off before the bugs got to be too much. No crashie either !! Excellent !!!! Think i found the reason it was so twitchy last time. CG was off a bit. We know Cypher is nose heavy. Ended up putting a 5gm fender washer [temporary] on the verticle tail fin to balance things out. Looking for something better, like adhesive backed lead weight or something. Any suggestions? Also made some link adjustments. Big difference. Hovers nicely after a few trim tab clicks on cyclic. I feel right on the verge of attempting FF, but can't quite bring myself to go for it. It's gonna happen soon though !!

Chris :thumbup:

[kevinbattista]

OK KIDS..i did it... a just ordered the Cypher... now i'm part of the official CYPHER family !:YeaBaby: once it gets here and i open the box x~pect the questions to REALY start flowin ;) thanx guys.. next is the Tx and Rx .. then gyro's and servo's i think.. gotta put in some ot at work first :thumbup:

[irjamesm]

OK KIDS..i did it... a just ordered the Cypher... now i'm part of the official CYPHER family !:YeaBaby: once it gets here and i open the box x~pect the questions to REALY start flowin ;) thanx guys.. next is the Tx and Rx .. then gyro's and servo's i think.. gotta put in some ot at work first :thumbup:

Sweet Kevin, I know you will dig it...its my first CP (Collective Pitch) Heli.
The build is pretty simple, setup a little more so for a newb such as myself, but Dru, Chris,Vechlor,Globs, have all been great (distant) teachers. We all love ours, and you will get the help you need here.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[kevinbattista]

Sweet Kevin, I know you will dig it...its my first CP (Collective Pitch) Heli.
The build is pretty simple, setup a little more so for a newb such as myself, but Dru, Chris,Vechlor,Globs, have all been great (distant) teachers. We all love ours, and you will get the help you need here.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:


ya i think i'll be set with it. i have the Blade cpp2 to keep me busy while i do the build.. gotta save my pennies for the rest of the stuff.. next is a Tx and Rx set up .. keep an eye out for a good one on sale please? i'm thinkin Futaba or RDS8000? gotta check if i can use it with sim.. ... info hunting i will go......:fly


UPDATE: the RD 8000 will work with Phoenix.. same as the RDS??

[irjamesm]

ya i think i'll be set with it. i have the Blade cpp2 to keep me busy while i do the build.. gotta save my pennies for the rest of the stuff.. next is a Tx and Rx set up .. keep an eye out for a good one on sale please? i'm thinkin Futaba or RDS8000? gotta check if i can use it with sim.. ... info hunting i will go......:fly

I got the RDS8000, I like it my first 2.4ghz Radio.
I got it on sale for $189.99 It came with 2 receivers, so just recently i bought a EXI500
It is so big and heavy compared to the cypher, surprised it gets off the ground:wow2:

This is on the site sanwa, is airtronics
All Sanwa RD and RDS series ("Sanwa adaptor" required)

[blvdbuzzard]

Kevin, welcome to the cult. You are now one of the family. You have been assimilated into the collective of the Cypher.

If you do get the RDS8000, it is a great radio with a lot of feature for a very low price. Watch the sales and you will get a real good deal on it.

You can find the 6 channel Rx's on sale for $50.00.

Chris, Flying without crashing is so much more fun then flying and crashing. Plus it takes less time to get ready to fly next time. You can wrap the tail boom between the vertical and horizontal fins with solder. You can fine tune it too. Can you run some EXPO on the main channels? That will tame it down really fast. Plus you can lower the head speed a few % to bring the reactions down. There comes a time to put your big boy pants on, strap a block between you knees, lift off and do some FF. Then you wet yourself and go back to hovering.:arggg:

Chris, the best advice I can give is do not do any FF. Yes that is right, NO FF!!!. Now what am I talking about. Do figure 8's. That way you are just hovering around and moving slowly around the circuit. Sooner then you can imagine you are doing FF flight and you have experienced left and right turns plus nose in. Makes it seem easy.


Dru.

[maddog57]

Another beautiful day , 82 deg for the high. First pack just hovered around... 2nd tried FF and thought I had it when I lost orientation [was about 20ft up] and down cypher came. I was mesmerized and realized I couldn't save it. All I could do was hit TH. The usual damage. Need to get my other Cypher up and running so I can fly it while repairing the other. Gotta keep at it.

Dru I'm gonna take your advice and see if that helps me. I just find it amazing that I'm having such a hard time mastering this thing. It will NOT beat me, LOL !!

Kevin you won't regret going with Cypher. We're here to help and try to answer any questions, believe me, you'll ask lots ! Even though i crash alot, it's really fun to fly and in the right hands can 3D with the best of 'em.

Chris :thumbup:

[Vechlor]

I wish the weather here was better.. It's 36 degrees, 9mph winds with some spots of snow on the ground and mild to heavy rain. This weekend is looking dreadful.. :bawl

Chris,
:hammer Don't make me come over there and pound some sense into you!

Just kidding..

Here's some exercises that should help that I use, they may or may not help since every pilot's skills are different. Stay about 10-15ft off the ground while practicing these maneuvers, facing into the wind with the sun on your back unless you wear sunglasses and a cap. Also, two small orange cones can help with these exercises, placed about 10ft in front, 30ft apart from your position.

1. After basic hovering in one spot, try hovering to one side, about 15ft away, hold it there for 15sec, then fly over to the opposite side and hold it for 15secs then come back to middle. Do these while keeping the nose facing outwards in your direction.

2. If #1 is easy, try this next (make sure no one is around you). Get into a hover, then slowly start to move the heli around you in a 360 degree circle while following it back to the beginning, then do it again in the opposite direction. This will teach you how to maintain control of the tail while you move in a circle around yourself. This might make you dizzy, so go very slow at first since the heli will want to speed up.

3. Lift off into a hover, turn the nose to the left 90 degrees and hold it there for a few seconds, return the nose back, then again in the opposite direction for a few secs. then return. Once this is covered, try it again but add some distance like in step #1. Turn the nose left 90 degrees, fly away about 15ft, turn the nose back facing away and hold for a few seconds, then turn the nose facing right 90 degree and fly to middle and return to default hover position, then do the same for your right hand side.

4. This step is to combine #1 pointing the nose left 90 degrees and #2 going in a circle around yourself. Go into a hover, turn the nose left 90 degrees then slowly start to circle yourself, do the same for the opposite direction. This way you can keep equal distance while learning "forward flight".

[Ah Clem]

You guys are killing me.

I still have not gotten the Cypher out again...
(I know, I should be ashamed of myself).

It is still in its case (safe there), ready and waiting to be flown...

[blvdbuzzard]

Well the weather has been pretty severe up here. I may live in Sunny Southern CA, but this global warming sucks.

Winter wonder land out side. This was the Thursday up here. I have not had mush time to fly or crash. Maybe this weekend. I should have better weather to fly in.

Chris, I can not tell you how much in parts I spent learning to do FF. Take your time and slow the forward speed down. Most people get confused when it comes at them, that is why I say to do figure 8's. It is never pointed at you for very long and your brain does not think nose in.


Dru.

P.S. If you are not crashing, you are not flying.

[irjamesm]

Well the weather has been pretty severe up here. I may live in Sunny Southern CA, but this global warming sucks.

Winter wonder land out side. This was the Thursday up here. I have not had mush time to fly or crash. Maybe this weekend. I should have better weather to fly in.

Chris, I can not tell you how much in parts I spent learning to do FF. Take your time and slow the forward speed down. Most people get confused when it comes at them, that is why I say to do figure 8's. It is never pointed at you for very long and your brain does not think nose in.


Dru.

P.S. If you are not crashing, you are not flying.

What the??????? Snow???

[Vechlor]

Kevin,

I've looked at most of the budget-mid range 2.4ghz radios out there, been awhile though, I settled for the RDS8000 because of price, performance, features, comfort and availability (I was at the right place and time on rcgroups.com looking in sale/buy forums, someone wanted to sell a NEW one for $148 with rx! :YeaBaby:).

Until a couple months ago, Airtronics didn't carry any other receivers besides the 8ch full-range $80+ Rx. Now they have four new 2.4ghz receivers priced to fit all needs, such as the $50 RX60 for park fliers. I wish they would sell the radio minus the full range Rx so you have a choice, this is also why most radios don't come with full size servos.

I'll admit, the large screen on the DX6i/DX7 are nice to have, but not a huge factor for me or worth the extra bucks. The DX6i and DX7/se are very nice radios, in the past they had binding issues and recalls to get new firmware. The new 6100e Rx are upgraded, so that problem should be taken care of.

If you are interested in buying an rds8000, I saw some on ebay new, just the radio and charger for about $60!!! Still need an Rx, like the RX60.

Update: My friend Josh has a slightly used rds8000 radio and Rx. He bought a DX7 for his cypher, trex, sim and blade msr. I talked with him a bit more about it, he is willing to sell the radio, 1 used Rx and 1 new Rx separately. He wants $140 w/ Rx or $80 for just the radio. :drool:

Here's another photo of bad weather for a pilot NOT to fly in today..

[irjamesm]

I got my turnigy battery charger...it is really nice, balances great.
Now if they would just ship my 2 6S 3300mah batteries!! Been "processing" since monday
I can only fly the 500 once for about 4 min. then have to charge
Using 2 of my cypher batts 2200mah turnigy 25C

[kevinbattista]

Thanx for the support and info guys:thumbup:
Mike aka sleddog7 (my trainer) recomends this Tx Rx for me http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTTM2&P=0
It may be a little pricey for me but he said it's one of the best AND i'll beable to still buddy with him and thats a big plus for me.. not quite sure what i'm gonna do yet ,,want to get the heli in first.... VECHLOR== i DID email him (Mike) about the deal your buddy has to offer.. still waiting to hear back.. it sounds good and MAY be what i could use at the right price... again i'm very concerned about the buddy box issue.. i thank you for the offer and will let you know ....
:thumbup: "it's a process but i'm willing to go the distance":thumbup: