View Full Version : Carbon fiber frames
Ktbone
03-06-2009, 10:13 AM
Well I bought another 550, this one a used bird with a broken frame. This is going to be a project build to have fun with so I wanted to get everyones input on which CF frame to go with and why.
So which frame should I order?
Madedon
03-06-2009, 10:46 AM
I got the Rotorworks frame as the battery option is not a problem anymore plus you balance the helicopter very easy.
medtech
03-06-2009, 10:54 AM
I went with rotorworkz last week. The custom heli frame is nice but you will have to use small servos and I already had regular size servos. The cncheli (xm hobbies) is a copy of the Gaui frame. I started with the cncheli frame but returned it after finding none of the bearing blocks were spaced correctly. Plus there was no provision for mounting servos. The rotorworkz comes with threaded inserts. Rotorworkz assembly instructions definitely suck but with a bit of patience it's easy to figure out.
JaggedEdge
03-06-2009, 11:28 AM
I can hang at least a 6s 4200 from the CHP frames with a short boom and the CG is perfect. 3700's have to be hung a little forward. With the battery mount setup vertically you could mount 5000mah packs.
Even flybarless with 9650's and a decent BEC I've never had an issue with the mini servos (well over 150 flights)
Great looking frames and LIGHT less than 5lbs AUW with a 6s 3700 pack.
click image for larger view
http://www.helifreak.com/picture.php?pictureid=6128&albumid=830&dl=1233015094&thumb=1 (http://www.helifreak.com/picture.php?albumid=830&pictureid=6128) http://www.helifreak.com/picture.php?pictureid=6129&albumid=830&dl=1233015094&thumb=1 (http://www.helifreak.com/picture.php?albumid=830&pictureid=6129) http://www.helifreak.com/picture.php?pictureid=6324&albumid=830&dl=1233015094&thumb=1 (http://www.helifreak.com/picture.php?albumid=830&pictureid=6324)
mysticmead
03-06-2009, 06:58 PM
well... the rotoworkz frame is nice... uses standard servos... the CHP frame is nice too... but uses 9650 sized servos... or you could wait... Gaui has some new frames in the works for the 550 ;) at least that's what I heard from a certain insider... or we could see if JB can crack the whip on Ben to get him working on his frame :D
mjdee14
03-07-2009, 12:11 AM
I have the gaui frames....littel expensive to replace.....but you need to see how readily available the other frames are.....unless you never crash....
CNC heli also sells a replica of the gaui frame pretty cheap..
Also depends on what size lipos.....I'm using 3300's both on top on my cf and they fit fine.....use the same on my plastic frame....one up...one down...fit fine.
If your just learning...then stick with plastic...real cheap to repair...
chrise2
03-08-2009, 08:42 AM
Glad to see this poll is so split! I just got the Rotorworkz frame too and I love it. What I like about the frame:
- No flex
- So easy to get to the bearings. I had a squeal in my plastic frame that I just left because I didn't want to tear the entire heli apart. With this frame, I can pull out just one bearing block to work on a bearing.
- Fits big batteries and easy CoG
- Takes the standard servos I had
- The custom motor mount makes doing gear mesh a snap
- Looks bad ass
Things I don't like about the frame:
- Not for beginners. Online instructions were miserable and the pictures were horrible quality. Assembly was real tough in the beginning, but once I "got it" it went much faster. So many screws close in size in poorly labeled bags. Whoever put the kit together was confused too because some of the printed labels were crossed out and corrected with pen. Could probably build another one in a quarter of the time.
- The build also took some tweaking. The tail drive gear meshed too tightly with the main gear so I had to re-drill the holes for those bearing blocks. Easy fix, just had to widen the holes to 1/8" to allow some play. I had to develop my own canopy mounting as the nuts included in the kit didn't thread onto one of my canopy mounts. I actually like the way I came up with better by just using a single long piece of CF rod. Just like my Honey Bee FP!
- Heavier than the plastic frame I think
- Doesn't fit 2 Trex size packs. If there is, I can't figure it out. They don't fit side by side or on top of each other. Its really meant for single 6S packs or 2 x flat 3S packs like the Zippy 3300s.
Ktbone
03-08-2009, 09:50 AM
Wow! who would have thought it would be this dead even. I guess my indecision is justified. What complicates things is I have 3 standard size servos and 3 9650's sitting on the shelf. I'd like to run larger packs but I currently have a pile of 3s packs.
Thank you to everyone who replied I'm still undecided but I am at least better informed. I think I will check in with CHP and Rotorworks about the future availability of replacement parts and maybe a mod for the gear mesh issue.
chrise2
03-08-2009, 10:30 AM
Wow! who would have thought it would be this dead even. I guess my indecision is justified. What complicates things is I have 3 standard size servos and 3 9650's sitting on the shelf. I'd like to run larger packs but I currently have a pile of 3s packs.
Thank you to everyone who replied I'm still undecided but I am at least better informed. I think I will check in with CHP and Rotorworks about the future availability of replacement parts and maybe a mod for the gear mesh issue.
If you've got a bunch of trex packs you'd like to use, I'd go with the CHP frame then. You can use 9650s on other frames too, just need an adapter bracket. That's what I did for my tail.
keepnitflying
03-08-2009, 11:05 AM
Custom Heli products frame is what I did after one of my plastic sets broke in 2 spots.
Lots of extra bolts spacers etc come with the frames as well
here is what you get:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/rmccomb/chp/IMG_0796.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/rmccomb/chp/IMG_0798.jpg
in progress working out the cg...........(can you tell by where my rx batt is?)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/rmccomb/chp/IMG_0882.jpg
If you go chp would recommend getting yourself a $5 set of align 600 canopy mounts
chrise2
03-08-2009, 11:18 AM
It comes with the press in nuts already in the frame? That's wonderful. That took forever on the Rotorworkz frame. It uses Gaui bearing blocks and stuff as well too? That will make finding replacements easier.
FlyawayClyde
03-08-2009, 12:15 PM
So where are you putting the Gyro?????
mysticmead
03-08-2009, 12:32 PM
if I were building from scratch... I'd personally go with the CHP setup... I do like the direct to swash... but to convert from GAUI frames to CHP, it just gets pricey since you have to buy new servos... of course, now tht we know about hyperion servos..the price goes down a LOT..
Me.. I think I'll wait for Ben to get his frame sets on the market.. full size servos..direct to swash.. what's not to like?
Ktbone
03-08-2009, 02:32 PM
Mystic, that's a new one to me; who is Ben and do you have any more info on his frames?
keepnitflying
03-08-2009, 04:21 PM
is Clyde asking me where is the gyro?
there is a gaui 365 fes gyro on the lower tray
and yes there is a gyro plate on the top with slits cutout for velcro strap (the frame kit comes with a couple feet of it )
still may add the 401 to the usual spot.... pending testing
mysticmead
03-08-2009, 05:16 PM
Mystic, that's a new one to me; who is Ben and do you have any more info on his frames?
Ben is Wazzer... you know.. the former Male Model that flies with Jungle Bob...
http://helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=108482&highlight=frame there's the thread on his frame design... it'll be a long time before he gets them into production... but it's a solid design..
speaking of Ben... anyone seen him since Bob got to go home for a break from Sri Lanka?
bet Bob is well.... keeping Ben busy ;)
kahn10
03-08-2009, 05:57 PM
not that i,ve physically seen one but i always thought the rotoworx frame suffered from the same thing as the cf frame stiffner by being unnecessarily complex for something that gets the stress,vibrations and harmonics(ebony and ivory,side by side we pla....er damn it wrong hole......:roll:nothing)they have placed on them at times.also i've heard rumors that in a burst of slighly dyslexic enthusiasm jb unfortunately whipped ben's crack.......:shock:
chrise2
03-08-2009, 07:21 PM
not that i,ve physically seen one but i always thought the rotoworx frame suffered from the same thing as the cf frame stiffner by being unnecessarily complex for something that gets the stress,vibrations and harmonics(ebony and ivory,side by side we pla....er damn it wrong hole......:roll:nothing)they have placed on them at times.also i've heard rumors that in a burst of slighly dyslexic enthusiasm jb unfortunately whipped ben's crack.......:shock:
Um, that made sense. :)
DerClown
03-21-2009, 01:22 PM
Hey,
I just found this frame:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370013662078&_trksid=p2759.l1259
I know that its not CF, but maby its clone of original GAUI CF frame and might be compatible with CF frames parts ? ;)
mysticmead
03-21-2009, 01:41 PM
Hey,
I just found this frame:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370013662078&_trksid=p2759.l1259
I know that its not CF, but maby its clone of original GAUI CF frame and might be compatible with CF frames parts ? ;)
ignore ebay... and get it straight from cncheli http://www.cnchelicopter.com/servlet/the-1068/((hot))-HURRICANE-550-CNC/Detail (http://www.cnchelicopter.com/servlet/the-1068/%28%28hot%29%29-HURRICANE-550-CNC/Detail) $20 bucks cheaper too.. OR get the Gaui CF frame from Grandrc.com for $139...
Flyextreme
03-21-2009, 09:11 PM
I voted Gaui CF because that's what I have. I like it best because it's mine, and I have nothing else to compare it too.;)
FlyawayClyde
03-21-2009, 09:55 PM
is Clyde asking me where is the gyro?
there is a gaui 365 fes gyro on the lower tray
and yes there is a gyro plate on the top with slits cutout for velcro strap (the frame kit comes with a couple feet of it )
still may add the 401 to the usual spot.... pending testing
Yes I was asking where you were putting the gyro, thanks :lol: