How to - 12s T-Rex 600 Setup On A Budget.

[sangfhas]

Awesome! That is some super good flying mate!

What is your setup?

And were are you from?
I'm in Thailand,guys
I just use only Turnigy 3000 mAh 20C x 2pac for that flight actually it can fly 3D about 5 mins long.
For the overall spec.
Trex 600 LE converse to electrical
Cyclic Align DS 610 x 3 ,tail Align DS 650
micro BeastX
CC BEC pro set to 5.8V
CC Ice 80HV set to RPM Governor mode at 2200 rpm
motor 540Kv 16 pinion

I've been flying it over 200 flight and that battery still using to fly.Sound like I may be verbiage but it's truth !!! I love'n it :banana

[snjbird]

Very cool sangfhas! Keep posting updates!

[sangfhas]

Enjoy...This video was recorded in that day too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOEUCzOU2CA

[Tommy649]

Impressive flying, beauty 600 too.

[taosgraveyard]

have read so far 80 pages of this thread, and finally am going to ask this question anyway. too much to read and searching did not help a lot

I am building a 12S trex 600 on a rotorworx HFX frame

I am using a Hacker A50-10L Turnado Motor,

http://www.aero-model.com/Hacker-Brushless-A50-10L-Turnado.aspx

first, is the kontronik jive 80+ HV ESC a good choice for this motor?

I plan to use KDE at550-600 - MCG main gear case and clutch bearing

what would you recommend, mod .7 or mod 1 main gear?
that is KDE AT700-MDGM1 or AT700-MDGM07


and depending on what gear, what pinion would I use (how many teeth)

i plan on running in governor mode - so another question is what headspeed should I be targeting when I think about the pinion number of teeth? 2200? Less?

[oy2503]

Hi Guys.

I've started converting a 600N (probably ESP) to a 12 cell electric.
I already had this nice, empty 600N as spares/upgrade to my 600N-GF.

But then I saw the conversion done by "pxpep" and thought I would convert it.
I had read about the current problems of the normal 600E6s, so this sounded right.

He had a link to this thread and after reading some of it I grabbed my wallet.
I have now bought all the "standard" parts:

Scorpion 4025-630 motor, 5mm axle with a Revco 12t pinion
CC ICE80HV
CC Pro BEC
A total of 6 x 6s3000 mAh LiPos (6 packs for my 500ESP or 3 packs for the 600E-12s)

I have a Quark and a 9254 for the tail (plus a Beast and a V-bar 5.1 Pro lurking in the corner).

I need to make some special parts myself - a motor mount and some battery fasteners.

I saw a poster had mounted the batteries to the outside of the frames. Looks like a good idea.
It depends a lot upon the CG, but I would like to avoid removing the canopy to change batteries.
I'll investigate and put up pictures when I have machined something.

Cheers
Erik

[GB ian]

CC bec pro has a bad reputation at 12S, you might consider an Rx pack or a better BEC..

[adroc3905]

CC bec pro has a bad reputation at 12S, you might consider an Rx pack or a better BEC..

+1. Although I like and use many CC products, I have too much $$ wrapped up in my 12s to take a chance on the CC BEC Pro considering the report failures.

Many 12s owners and myself use this BEC with great sucess.

http://www.readyheli.com/WRL-HBECS-Western-Robotics-Hercules-Super-BEC-14S-10A15A-Peak_p_36457.html

[lovespicyfood]

I flew my 12s 600 ESP this past weekend and what a BLAST! I had actually put it for sale, but because I couldn't get anything close to what I wanted for it, I decided to keep it.

It was neat comparing it back to back with my 600N Pro. Really no comparison and it's nice not to have to spend time cleaning it thoroughly at the end of the day.

I was looking at the new electric 600 Pro, but it seems there are issues (as there always are with new birds). My bird is flybarred and I'm now thinking of making if flybarless. Having a couple Blade MCPx's, I'm now a true believe in the flybarless technology!

I've been running a CC BEC Pro no problem on my unit. I think what people forget is the percentage of failures based on units sold. Castle sells a lot of product, way more than most any other esc/bec vendor out there. Certainly the BEC Pro has had its issues, but speaking with a Castle rep who was surprisingly honest imho, the failure rate is not out of line. That being said, if you have a failure, no matter the brand, I could see why you'd never want to buy the company's product again.

Regards,
Pete

[adroc3905]

I recently converted my 12s ESP to FBL using the RJX head/Beastx and I am loving the way it flys. Night and day as far as stability. Hands free inverted hover for a few seconds. That was not possible with FB.

[lovespicyfood]

I recently converted my 12s ESP to FBL using the RJX head/Beastx and I am loving the way it flys. Night and day as far as stability. Hands free inverted hover for a few seconds. That was not possible with FB.

I was contemplating the new Align 3GX system based on initial positive reviews and cost. How much was your setup to convert to flybarless? I know Beast X has good reviews...

Regards,
Pete

[adroc3905]

Beastx is $200 new and sometimes you can find one for $180 used.

RJX head for a .50 bird is $100:
http://helidirect.com/trex-600n-flybarless-head-systems-p-10622.hdx

I have also heard of several happy pilots who used this head to convert their 600:
http://www.nankinhobby.com/Helicopters/Compass/Tracx-Fbl-Heads/Tracx-T-Rex-600-FBL-Head/prod_6020.html

I have both a Beastx and miniVbar and I do not notice a huge difference in flight characterizes between the two. The Beastx is programmed through the unit and the Vbar is all PC software via a cable. I also do not fly 3D so I cannot say that I have tested either FBL unit to its full potential.....but for the price and performance at this time I am happy with my Beastx.

Keep in mind that you can offset the FBL upgrade expense by selling off your tail gyro and FB head.

[lovespicyfood]

Beastx is $200 new and sometimes you can find one for $180 used.

RJX head for a .50 bird is $100:
http://helidirect.com/trex-600n-flybarless-head-systems-p-10622.hdx

I have also heard of several happy pilots who used this head to convert their 600:
http://www.nankinhobby.com/Helicopters/Compass/Tracx-Fbl-Heads/Tracx-T-Rex-600-FBL-Head/prod_6020.html

I have both a Beastx and miniVbar and I do not notice a huge difference in flight characterizes between the two. The Beastx is programmed through the unit and the Vbar is all PC software via a cable. I also do not fly 3D so I cannot say that I have tested either FBL unit to its full potential.....but for the price and performance at this time I am happy with my Beastx.

Keep in mind that you can offset the FBL upgrade expense by selling off your tail gyro and FB head.

adroc3905- I very much appreciate your post, this helps immensely! Thank you!

Pete

[adroc3905]

No problem, glad to help.

You will also need the short neck balls for the pitch linkage. They are the smaller balls in this package:

http://helidirect.com/align-600-flybarless-linkage-ball-hn6116-trex600fl-p-17493.hdx

These will go on the inner ring of the swash.

[povern]

CC bec pro has a bad reputation at 12S, you might consider an Rx pack or a better BEC..

I for one had a CC Pro go on the bench. But I would not be against using one on a 6s set up.

Just look here for how to do that.http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1242900&highlight=12s+with+6s+bec

Just make sure that you have the negative of the BEC on the negative side going to the esc (just like the picture shows), otherwise you get a floating ground and the ESC may not initialize.

All things said though, I prefer the WR BEC, I run the high current (14s) model, but set up like shown above, on 6s.

[ronstancil]

after following this thread, have a couple of questions

What main gear? I've seen KDE mentioned but have not found one

What Pinion? looking for 2100 HS with mild 3d, mostly aerobatics (loops rolls flips, etc)

Motor is the 4025-630 5mm shaft, prolly Hyperion for the better bearings

Turnigy 70A ESC,

Mini - V (hoping for the governor upgrade)

receiver flight battery with a Perfect Reg

3000mah 45c batts

Any other suggestions would be appreciated

Ron

[caralmar]

after following this thread, have a couple of questions

What main gear? I've seen KDE mentioned but have not found one

What Pinion? looking for 2100 HS with mild 3d, mostly aerobatics (loops rolls flips, etc)

Motor is the 4025-630 5mm shaft, prolly Hyperion for the better bearings

Turnigy 70A ESC,

Mini - V (hoping for the governor upgrade)

receiver flight battery with a Perfect Reg

3000mah 45c batts

Any other suggestions would be appreciated

Ron


Hi Ron,

I now have several hundred flights (approaching 500) on my 12s setup. I'm actually on my second scorpion motor due to the bearing failure. However, you can fix this easily by getting the Boca Bearings (as I did on this second motor).

I'm not sure about the 70A ESC... that may be a bit small for this bird. I fly mine with a CC 110A ESC, but I think the 85A ESC will work as well... 70 might be pushing it.

On that motor, you could go for an 11T or 12T pinion and tach it. I fly mine with a 13T pinion and it perfoms great. My packs are really tired now, so I only push them to 5min, but did get awesome 6min flights when they were newer.

I'm not a fan of receiver packs, as its just one more pack I have to charge and keep track of. I use the Western Robotics Hercules SuperBEC. Its rated for 14s and it has never failed. Comes down cool to the touch and powers everything beautifully. No need for any other packs or regulators. I know this is a personal preference thing...

Here's my orange beast...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-voASkFsWrfo/S7yOvhbiyvI/AAAAAAAAAms/jD7bC97H_-s/s400/DSC02512.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GnjwLsIM28c/S7yOvWbSXSI/AAAAAAAAAmk/eLbONRHqMLQ/s400/DSC02510.JPG

Also, due to the additional torque of a 12s, I would highly recommend the 3rd bearing mod.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D9m53MyP0RI/TW0Z0il2xWI/AAAAAAAABJQ/tWxPpp_x7sw/s400/DSC03063.JPG

Feel free to PM me with any questions! Good luck and welcome to the 12s club.

[ronstancil]

I believe I have a lower bearing - this is a very old kit, and it has two bearings above the main gear, and one below. Is this what you are talking about?

Are you running stock main gear? - looks like it . .

I will run the 70A esc until I get the ICE 80HV that i'm getting to replace the HV85 that I sent in - the HV85 is no longer available :-(

I really don't push it, I like smooth aerobatics, with not much smack

Ron

[caralmar]

Yes, stock gear, although it did cause me one of my 3 crashes with this heli, when I stripped it mid tic-toc. BTW, even if you don't do "much smack", you can still easily overwhelm the ESC doing something as basic as a big collective loop.

Carlos.

[caralmar]

Hey, if anyone needs a 12s power system for a build, please consider this one:

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=331319

I was saving these for another 12s, but truth is that I just can't afford another heli right now.

[BPINE]

Hi Guys I am trying to get a felling for what my 12s 600 is worth. It has about 300 flights on it now but still flyies perfect I keep very good care of it and have had only 1 crash with it in all that time. It has Castle HV85, Bec Pro, Scorpion 630, Mikado V Bar 4.0, RJX head that i Just put new dampers in and regreased bearings and everything else is stock. I have 4 sets of Turnigy batteries that are getting old but still fly and ballance fine that go with it pluse a bunch of spare parts I never used.

Blair

[Gunnarjohn]

Anyone using the new 600MX motor in the original 600e? Thinking of using this motor and CC 80HV esc in my 600e.

[Luvmyhelis]

Thanks guys for all of the incredible info in this thread! I was one of the first guys doing 6s in the 450 venue and the power and flight times are incredible. I had Dan at go brushless hand wind a 2221-2010 scorp and it is a gear stripping monster that gives me continuous 7 to 8min flights no matter what I seem to do on my modded custom cut CF bodied B400. My 6s trex isn't bad either but the 2 bearing main and flimsy body aren't real impressive.

I recently picked up this 600esp that is already 3 bearing modded and it is my plan to 12s the beast. It is my fall/winter project.
http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=337741
I have already upgraded the body plate, servo trays, and batt tray to aluminum. What is your opinion on stiffening up the body further, and which canopy mounts really work?
I have 3 new canopies for spares and such.

Plus, what tail mod works to perfect the rear grips? I see the grip mod in the original setup thread here but am unsure?


I am sitting on a Skookum-720 that is going into this so the use of the castle cremations escs or the kontronix is nil since they will not run with the Skookum gov.So my plans are to try the Hobbywing/Turnigy 120hv, the HV Turnigy cyclics, and MKS built tail servo as a start.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=8921
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=9983
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=9980


So my questions are fivefold in nature. Will these servos work? I am mainly going for parkflying right now and am not interested in the highest performance 12s setup out there for 2700 headspeeds that are now becoming popular. I figured with the hv servos I can run them at 7.4 volts using a separate pack and step down the voltage for the tail somehow. Or would you guys just recommend that I run the same voltage servos all around and use a Bec? And then, batteries. What is working?

Also what motor config will meet my needs somewhat affordably?


Sorry for all the newbie questions, this is my first real 600 build. I started on another 600 but it was flybarred so I sold it and went Fbl with this one. And last year I purchased a modded 12s 700 but got burned on the deal. So here I am.



I was on the cutting edge in the 450 world, spent a ton of cash learning and overmodding everything. Now I prefer to listen to what you guys tell me since it has all been done already. My credit card and me already thank you!
Randy

[caralmar]

Hi Randy, and welcome to the 12s crazyness! I now have over 550 flights on my 12s and just couldn't be happier with it. It is my main go-to heli and it performs admirably. I have it setup so that I can throw lots of hard 3D at it and still be gentle to the packs. My setup is similar to the OP in this thread, but I decided to go for the WR Hercules Super BEC. It is rated for 14s and has been perfect. Dead simple to setup with just a dip switch to set the voltage. Never comes down warm.

Also, if you go for the WR BEC or any other BEC capable of high amps, then do yourself a favor and go for a 7 or 8 ch. receiver. This makes it simple to add the dual power leads from the BEC to the receiver without having to add any Y connectors.

I run a 14T pinion on my Scorpion 4025-630 motor. I use a flat throttle curve of 90% and achieve 5 - 6 min flights (depending on how hard I bang on it) and never take out more than 70% of the packs. Packs come down warm, but not hot. Motor is also warm. Head speed is around 2200RPM.

I use the Voltz 3300mAh 35C packs and two of them give me perfect CoG. If you go for DS610s and a DS650 on the tail, then you can run the whole thing on 6volts and forget the step-down. You would also not need a flight pack... since the BEC is powering up all your electronics.

As for the frame stiffening, I did the 3rd bearing mod, but the rest of the frame is stock...never an issue. I did add the KDE tail upgrade to the tail. Tail holds perfectly, even on fast backwards hurricanes.

Best of luck!

[Luvmyhelis]

Thanks Carlos! My Skookum can run all the channels I need and acts as a center Rx with sats. I am running two DX7s with my fleet so I am covered there also.

Running all the servos on one voltage makes sense. I just don't want to look back quality wise with them and simply cannot afford any mistakes. You telling me which batt packs work and balance the heli helps greatly! I was a little worried about another batt pack for the electronics hanging on the heli, and the preponderance of Esc CC failures only left me with a few esc options. Even the CC Ice50s I currently use had to be seriously modded to work to my satisfaction. The Caps had to be replaced, things had to be properly soldered, and the heat sync compound they use is pure garbage. I ended up using what is a standard in high heat transfer electronics. Arctic silver. So after seeing the horrific quality of CCHV esc quality standards I won't touch one. And I cannot afford the Kontronics.

I am sold on the 12s! Cannot wait! Thanks for your quick reply.