Cypher 3D - Love this Heli!

[blvdbuzzard]

I had my Cypher up yesterday. Good flight. I then sent up my Diablo. MAN OH MAN I thought I had a trash truck fly around me. That dang thing is 5 times the noise as the Cypher. The gears hum and the belt makes noise. The cypher is a stealth ship coompared to my Diablo.

My MX450SX is also really quiet. It makes very little noise. The blades sound good when they start slapping the wind.


Dru.

[davidgts]

Is anyone making a replacemeny canopy for the cypher? I'm looking for something in fiberglass. Thanks,

David

[maddog57]

David, nice to see a fellow NY'er on our beloved Cypher forum. Don't know of anyone making a fiberglass Cypher canopy,yet, but will keepo my eyes open for it. I'd love one. I have two Cyphers and would like to have a "glass canopy to custom paint. I bought a spare canopy and removed the decals and am in the test stages of seeing how paint will stick. Not too long ago, I saw on another Cypher forum [of course inferior to this one] some info about CNC upgrades and a Pro version, but haven't seen anything since.

Guys, I'm a happy heli-boy today. I flew thru 4 FULL PACKS today!! Best part is I didn't crash! Well I didn't crash, but did lose a set of stock mains, when on the end of the 4th pack I got closer to my garage than I thought and just nicked it . Being a newbie [God I hate that term :)] it was the best I've done so far. Kept 'er any where from 1' to 4' off the deck, trying to maintain a good hover. Success at last, success at last... thank God almighty I've had success at last!:thumbup: The sim is a great tool, but I'm finding out I need real air time with my Cypher. The Logictec 2100/3100 combo is holding the tail rock steady. I think I'm finally getting the hang of this.

Ordered 3 Airtronics 94091 servos today from HobbyPeople. On sale for $10.99. I'll put those in my #2 Cypher.

Later, Chris

[blvdbuzzard]

MAddog57 what servos are you running now? You will like the 94091's. They are very lite weight, little to no slop, good holding power, just a good all around servo for the Cypher. I am using them in my MX450SX too, will soon be pulling the HS-55's out of my HBKII. I am still running the high dollar HS-65MGs in my Diablo. That is one smooth helicopter, just noisy.

If you get a chance, get some carbons. They fly SOOOOOOO much better then the woodies. I have 1 set left from my order of $13.00 carbons from dealextreme. I am going to get another set of 3 or 4.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10786

I have read that these F/G bl;ades work pretty well too.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12819

They are less costly then stock woodies.

Remember to land with the blades up and the gear down :)

Dru.,

[Vechlor]

For those who like the DIY route, have a look at these video guides (http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-make-a-fiberglass-mold-259755/) for making your own fiberglass canopy. But if you're looking to buy one, I don't know of anyone who sells them unfortunately, just not enough demand for them. You can probably find a company that can do it for you, but would probably cost a lot unless you order in volume, then sell them off to make a little profit. I would buy one, if the price was right ;)

As for painting the plastic canopy, I used Faskolor paints (http://www.parmapse.com/fas1.html) with an airbrush, it turned out really nice. On my CyBlog (http://vechlor.blogspot.com/), you can find some photos of my paint job, these are ones I took just before putting on the final clear coats to add more glossy depth. I'll add some more photos later to show how it turned out, along with a small guide and tips.

Chris, I agree, the sim is great for getting down those basic skills and practicing maneuvers, but the real challenge and fun is getting a feel for the cypher in the air. More air time with the cypher will beat any sim when it comes to building up those skills.

Dru, how fast are your rpms using cf blades? I'm curious, because the ones I have are rated for 2400rpm I think, but the cf blades can probably handle up to 3k rpm better than the stock woods. I'll have to try them out with a tac and see how they perform.

[Globs]

I think the Cypher may suit a Hughes 500D type scale body myself, because the heli is quiet and lightweight it could handle it quite well. Only a two blade head of course but you can't see that when it's spinning :)

I just need to track down a cheap but passable scale body for it now...

BTW I improved my pitch controls quite a bit and made it easier to fly: my DX7 pitch stick was always a bit stiff to move and tended to jerk from one position to the next, so I took the TX back off and loosened the screw a bit - so I've now got a much freer stick movement on that side. Hovering through the trees in 'Platoon' style is now much better :).

[maddog57]

Globs I'm just the opposite as you with the TX. I want to stiffen up both sticks of my DX6i. They just seemm too lose for my liking. But after I do, I may not like it, so I'll experiment.

Dru, I'm currently using 65HB's on cyclic. Just put 'em in last week. Had Cirrus 302BB's as the Cypher manual recomends, but ONE good bump of the blades and the plastic gears strip. Love the 65's, just don't like to have to mod the frame to get 'em in, plus I had to make shims from spare servo arms to get clearence between the pitch and ailleron servos. That's why I'm going to the 94091's as you've said they fit well and you like them.

While FLYING yesterday, I kept checking the ESC to see how hot it would get. Lots of people say it gets super hot? Mine was never more than warm, but that was just hovering. Might heat up more doing FF and more. Need to get a temperature reader to check actual temps. Are you guys having a heat problem with yours?

later, Chris :):)

[Vechlor]

The stock ESC gets warm after the battery is plugged in, but never gets hot, even after a 6min hover. I did cut away the heat shrink material around the aluminum heatsink for better cooling and mounted the ESC just below the main gear on the left side of the frame with double sided tape and zip ties where it gets plenty of air flow.

If it does get hot, it's probably caused by a few factors, such as bad ESC, under 18c batt, tight tail belt, tight gear mesh, mounted where there's no air flow, leaving on the heat shrink, tight linkages causing the servos to work harder, moving metal parts not lubed, driving the motor at 100% for too long etc.



I'm not sure about the motor temp, the batt and esc get warm, but not very hot.

[blvdbuzzard]

Not sure of my head speed. I am running stock motor, ESC and my batts are rated at 17C. I am running a curve that is 100-90-80-90-100. The only tach I have is an older one that has the shutter through the window. So it takes two to tach the head speed and I am the only one around.

So far have not had an issue with things flying off the Cypher. it has been rock solid and fun to fly. Stable yet twitchy if I want it.

I may pick up a second canopy and see if I can paint it with brighter colors so I can see it a little better. I was thinking about Krylon Fusion paint. Suppose to work with plastic. I do not need to worry about how nitro proof it is either.


Dru.

[maddog57]

Vechlor, I cut the shrink off my ESC also and have it mounted under the rear skid frame where it gets lot of air flow. Was just wondering if anyone had a heat issue cuz I've read other forums where people said it got real hot.

Had another good day with the Cypher today. I'm getting the feel of 'er. Two packs worth [all I had charged]. Still just trying to master the hover, but I'm getting there. My DX6i goes well with the Cypher. It's simple yet has good features. By the way, anyone using a 6i, there is a recall out dealing with the stick pots being defective. All the info is on the Spektrum site.

later, Chris

[Globs]

My ESC gets quite hot, about 50-60 degrees centigrade.
The plastic is cut off and the ESC is mounted right on the frame top above the front cyclic servos, heat sink fins upwards and capacitors toward the rear (mainshaft).

There is nothing binding I think, I suspect the HXT900 servos stretch the BEC a little (as the unit gets warm even when not driving).

I nearly changed it for a H50a but the size made me stay with the old one...

[irjamesm]

I guess everyones esc gets hot, i didnt cut off the shrink tubing on mine, i installed it lke the manual shows, with the sticker up, which is with the heat sink down. I was just following directions.It gets pretty warm,but it hasnt overheated and shut down.was thinking of flipping it aound and cutting off the shrink tubing but with all the wires tied up and routed, seems like a bit of trouble for something thats not acting up.

James

[maddog57]

Guys, got my Airtronics 94091's in the mail today. They look pretty good. Can't wait to put 'em in and see how they go. Got four, one as a spare and two sets of servo cases. Always like to have a good stock of parts so I'm not waiting for anything after one of my "mishaps":arggg: Don't know what I'll use the HS65's in, seeing how all I have is two Cyphers and I think I'll use the 94091's on both.

Way too windy to fly today! Hope it dies down for the weekend.

Chris

[skypup]

My brother-in-law always says "life is great if you don't weaken". It hasn't rained in san antonio for 17 months, a real serious drought. By wanting to test the cypher I brought on the rain. I ran out between showers and all I can say is this is a really nice heli. Crisp controls and really stable in the hover. I am going to like this one. Since I only sport fly and after reading about the heating issues I replaced the pinion with a 14t from the get go. I ran out 75% of my pack getting things in trim. I didn't remember to check temps for a couple of minutes but the motor controller and batteries were only in the 80's.1 turn in and out on each side of the main blades and it was tracking perfect. I am only hovering at 75% with my hover trim turned all the way up. I was trying the gaui 210 gyro with a hyperion digital tail servo from allerc.com. The wind was a 10 to 15 mph cross wind and gusting. I flew in rate mode and then switched to HH. It handled the cross wind really well. Nice combo for a decent price.

I was impressed at how well this little machine handles the wind. I am waiting for my new FMA Copilot II and need to decide if I should put it on this heli or a trex 450. A nice little machine.

[maddog57]

Dru, I got my 94091's. Noticing the leads are kinda short. Did you need extensions when you installed yours? My AR6200 RX is mounted under the tail boom. Haven't tried to put them in yet, but they don't look like they'll reach.

James, I'd guess if it's not giving you a problem, it won't hurt to leave the ESC as you have it, although you may want to cut the shrink tubing from the heat sink fins, just as a precaution. Especially if yours is under the canopy where there isn't allot of air flow. Just my opinion. Mine is mounted up under the rear skid frame, fins down and held with two wire ties. Gets lots of air flow and is pretty much safely tucked out of the way in the event of a "mishap". I've had a few crashes and it hasn't been damaged at all.

Chris

[heli-c]

Heli-c, that sounds like a great idea! Never been involved in one, but am willing to learn and help out.

Chris

I've never been involved in one either, but the B400 bible has really helped me out - thanks to Slyster, Sokal, Jasmine and the guys for that one :thumbup:

I think we could start one with a list of the most common spares to keep on hand - there must be enough info on the Cypher threads here to get one going. Main blades, main shaft, flybar, feathering shaft, blade grips etc...just all the most vulnerable parts that are likely to get damaged in a c***s (not using the C word, don't want to jinx us all) ;)

Thanks for the tip Vechlor - saved me the trouble...that link could be an entry to the Cypher bible :)

Carl

[blvdbuzzard]

Chris my Rx is mounted upfront on top, battery below and I have "JUST" enough wire to make it. The slots for the servo connectors are even with the very front of the frame, as far forward as you can get it. If you have your Rx mounted under the back end, you should have enough. Might want to mount it under the gyro with some double sided tape.

Have a look at the from Nitoplanes.com. Less then $60.00 I just put one together for a friend. It is a Trex clone. Or what about a Flasher 450 aluminum and carbon for $140.00. Both of those will take the HS-65's without mods.

I have my ESC with heat shrink removed, mounted on top of the rear landing gear mount with a tie wrap. Stays pretty cool out there in the breeze.

Spares I have on hand:

main shafts
fly bars
feathering shafts
tail booms
tail shafts
tail blades
tail control arm
tail blade grips
main blade grips
main landing gear
linkage set
ball links

I should be able to get it back together after a crash with what I have on hand.



Dru.

[Globs]

This is the list of parts I have had to replace after crashes:

• CY0250 Mainshaft
• CY0150 Flybars
• CY0220 Main gear
• CY0480 5mm bearings
• CY0320 Tail blade holders
• CY0060 UC mounting frames
• CY0010 Main frame sides
• CY0070 Under Carriage
• CY0100 Flybar mixer arms
• CY0240 Auto-rotation sleeve
• CY0390 Tail Boom Supports
• CY0380 Tail boom
• CY0290 Tailshaft
• CY0130 Feathering spindles
• CY0330 Tail blades
• CY0180 Swash mixer arm set
• CY0230 Auto-rotation bearing

Not sure of a 'typical' crash to make a typical crash kit, all my crashes have been sudden and violent :)

[maddog57]

Guys, you've pretty much covered any spare parts that I've used to repair my crashes. I have replaced a canopy too.

What are you guys using for power? I'm a big CellPro fan. Have 6- 2200mah, 25c 3s'. I love 'em. A bit pricey but the best quality. Been using the 4s charger/balancer and went to order another, to find out the 4s is discontinued and replaced by the Multi4 charger/balancer. So I ordered one. Anybody else using CellPro? I've read that the Zippy batteries are pretty good at about a third the price.

The freakin' wind just will not stop!!!! Had two flyable days last week. That's been it for over three weeks now. Dyin' to Cypher!:D

Chris

[blvdbuzzard]

I am using $20.00 17C 3s 2200 lipos form Hobby City. I get 10-12 minutes of my hard flying. So that is very mild 3D or just fun sport flying. I use the Triton II charger with the Equanox balancer.

have not had a real hard crash, just the standard bend every shaft and break the blades.


Dru.

[Olgierd]

Hi maddog57
I have Impulse 11.1v 2500mAh 20C (http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/182265.asp)and Thunder Power 2250 3S 30C. I did about 24 flights with my Cypher ;). I practice hovering with simple circle. The Impulse last about 8 min and 15 s, Thunder Power about 7min and they are always cool. Impulses got rely warm after flight. I am using the smallest pinion 14T and carbon fiber blade. I had to add some weight to tail even that I move ESC as far to tail as I could.

[maddog57]

Hey Olgierd, my CellPros have always run cool too, I get 8min flights, but that is just hovering cuz I'm new to helis. The Cypher IS nose heavy. My ESC is mounted under the rear skid frame, RX is under the tail boom and I've moved the tail servo to the tail end of the boom just forward of the verticle fin, using a 1.5" link rod. All this really helped to even 'er out.

Dru, cool that you get those flight times on 17c's. I get 8 min and that leaves about 50% charge left.

I'm hearing good things about the Zippy batteries. $30 I think for 2200mah 20c 3s. My cellPros [at 25c] are $70! Don't mind paying extra $ for good quality. I have 6 CellPros, so I'm looking to experiment with different ones.

catch you all later, Chris

[heli-c]

This is the list of parts I have had to replace after crashes:

• CY0250 Mainshaft
• CY0150 Flybars
• CY0220 Main gear
• CY0480 5mm bearings
• CY0320 Tail blade holders
• CY0060 UC mounting frames
• CY0010 Main frame sides
• CY0070 Under Carriage
• CY0100 Flybar mixer arms
• CY0240 Auto-rotation sleeve
• CY0390 Tail Boom Supports
• CY0380 Tail boom
• CY0290 Tailshaft
• CY0130 Feathering spindles
• CY0330 Tail blades
• CY0180 Swash mixer arm set
• CY0230 Auto-rotation bearing

Not sure of a 'typical' crash to make a typical crash kit, all my crashes have been sudden and violent :)

This is quality - the parts numbers are especially helpful, cut and pasted them straight into my order form....thanks Globs :thumbup:

Lipo-wise I'm using Overlander Sport 2200mAh 20Cs - not the cheapest at between 30-35 sterling (approx 43 - 50 US) but really good quality, decent punch and they discharge/ balance very evenly http://www.overlander.co.uk/product.asp?cid=2&scid=53&pid=2882

Carl

[irjamesm]

Hey guys, i have 2 of the impulse 2100mah from H.P. Got them on sale for $39.99. Like stated i get about 8 1/2 min per flight, and thats pretty much just hovering around. I've had my cypher since X-mas, and have had 2 crashes, (not flying alot,and afraid to try to much) both times broke main blades of course,and both times bent main shaft. The second crash also had to replace auto rotation hub, flybar, flybar mixing arm, 1 boom support end.

James

[irjamesm]

I am using $20.00 17C 3s 2200 lipos form Hobby City. I get 10-12 minutes of my hard flying. So that is very mild 3D or just fun sport flying. I use the Triton II charger with the Equanox balancer.

have not had a real hard crash, just the standard bend every shaft and break the blades.


Dru.

Hey dru, is this the hobby city li-po your talking about?
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6518

James