I think I have decided!

[furyphoto]

OK, So I think I have decided what to do about my first heli. I have definately decided on going electric, and I think the winner is....

Century Swift - :D

My local hobby shop carries parts, and the parts prices don't seem outragous, and are not much more than for the Trex 450.

It might cost me a bit more for a few crashes, but ultimately I think I will have a more capable, larger, and more stable heli when I get started with the the AP.

Any Opinions? I could still change my mind...AGAIN.

-Andy

[Tonystott]

You have a good sim right? Best flight training incetment you can make!

[LoopBaCK]

I picked up a Swift about 3 months ago and absolutely love it! It's light and agile. Once I got everything balanced just right it got even better. I've got an AskMan front mount installed and the heli flies like it's not even there. Great machine...

I think you made a good choice... !!!

... but like Tony said - use a sim before flying the real ones. :D

[furyphoto]

Thanks , been on the sim (G3) for a while, feeling confident enough to get out with a real one by the time I get it, and get it built.

Would love to find a good electric for G3 though, anyone know where to find one?

Anyone have component suggestions (motor, etc.) /set up tips for getting the best power and stability for AP?

Andy

[furyphoto]

LoopBaCK, any pics of your Swift with Askman Mount on it?

-A

[AeroMattics]

I'm really happy with mine as well.

I think it is the perfect size for just about any digital point-n-shoot.

Take your time, don't rush anything. I can only agree that time on a sim will go a long way to getting you ready.

Good luck!

Matt

[Efliernz]

LoopBaCK
What motor/battery setup are you using? I am looking at upgrading from Trex450 to a Swift and I am curious since, all the feedback I see is by 3D pilots, not a average guy like me. I wan't to do AP but I don't want to spend on a bigger machine like the Trex600. Thanks

[askman]

swift with hawk weighted paddle works pretty well for AP. (I also recommend aluminum head block and 3rd bearing mod for maximum vibration control) stock paddle is too sensitive for AP. good heli. I would recommend the new motor that century offers for 600. inexpensive and good value.

[frankos72]

I too have got my mind set on a swift. I'll probably buy the kit in the next month or so. In the mean time a friend let me borrow his JR Venture 30 to learn on in the hopes that I can help him once I'm competient.

How close will a .30 sized nitro be to what the swift flys like?

[askman]

you will find electrics to be bit more smoother. you will love the clean quite power as well. compared to 30 nitro, you will find more power too. :)

[LoopBaCK]

Andrew - there are a few pics of the Swift posted here (Daily pics - page 6) (http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=14020&start=145) about 3/4 down the page.

Efliernz - I'm using the Century 600 motor and Emoli 7 cell battery with TP balance leads through a CC HV45 controller. I haven't applied any of the upgrades Askman mentioned but plan to.

But... as-is it flies great! Wish I got more flight time per battery but at 8 minutes I think it's about inline with most others. All up weight with Panaconic DMC-LX1 is 7 lbs 13 oz. Added an AP2000i a couple weeks ago with excellent results.

[Efliernz]

Thanks LoopBack.

I have got to sort the budget out... I'm doing my research now so I can act when ready. I have the New Zealand Align importer 1 mile from home so he thinks I should just upgrade the Trex450 to a 600. The Trex fully laden is 450grams heavier than the Swift. If the Swift will do what I want (and spares are only 7 days away in the US), Why run a bigger heli. We don't all want to run a 10S 3D 50 sized model.

I'm new to Emoli and haven't seen any in NZ so I am searching the forums for details. They do seem the cheaper option.

[LoopBaCK]

Here's a link to some more pics of my Swift (http://www.texasskycam.com/gallery/swift.asp).

[furyphoto]

Good to hear that I think I made the right decision!

Should I buy the Kit - (get to assemble it myself and learn how it all goes together)

or

Buy the ARF - (Assembled no doubt more accuratly by somebody who knows what they are doing)

I would like to know all the workings of the machine, but the closest heli flyers are 2 hours from me, so I will be plodding through assembly mostly on my own.

Of course, I have all of you to help me :wink:

-A

[Efliernz]

Andrew, while I don't own a swift (yet), the advantage of getting the ARF is that you know all the parts are there!!! You can also see how it does go together. Thats worth the $20 extra. Dissassemble the parts that need loctite / lube and do that yourself. Then you know it was done right.

[bluemooone]

Before u buy , have you considered the Trex 600?

[GJestico]

Andrew, If you need any help with that swift lemme know I am local century rep. You getting it from norburns? deans a good chit.

Greg

[furyphoto]

Andrew, If you need any help with that swift lemme know I am local century rep. You getting it from norburns? deans a good chit.

GregYeah, I just sent Norburn an email about pricing. I have been in the store a few times picking their brains. Got my sim from them too.

Since you're the rep, what components do you think I shoudl set it up with for a stable AP platform?

Also, I've never seen one fly, fancy a trip to Whistler? :dontknow

-A

[jahunter]

I live in North San Diego County and am considering building a swift or a trex 600. Is there a swift rep I could talk to?
Thanks
Hunter

[kgfly]

Has anyone tried the A123s on a Swift and know how they compare to emoli ?

[Efliernz]

Kenneth, do they have Emolis in Australia 'cause the tool companies in NZ don't have them. I have a sister in Wisconsin so I have options I hope.

[kgfly]

Not as far as I know. I think we have to get them from the US. I don't have any, just always curious to learn.

[Efliernz]

I have heard that someone in Auckland is using them. We have a heli funfly in Hamilton next weekend so I'll check them out.

[Tonystott]

Ozace (RCG name) is a heli "collector" in Melbourne, Australia, and has been successfully using Emolis for quite some time