Can you tell me what this heli might be?

[528hemi]

Hi,

My friend gave me a helicopter tonight that was given to him about 8 years ago...It is a Hirobo...the main blades across measure about 50 inches..it has a telebee 701 piezo gyro( talking about old) and futaba s148 servos...I think the enginge is a enya but did not take it out to get a closer look. Has white wood blades and yellow paddles...It is missing the rudder servo inside..Is this thing worth taking apart and rebuilding. adding new servos and electronics?

I dont have a clue what it is...can anyone identify the heli from the pictures...

THanks

[Jafa]

I'm no expert on the older Hirobo models but it does look like an early version of the Shuttle

[528hemi]

Is this thing worth checking out and retooling with some decent equiptment or start fresh with something newer?

Thanks

[Jafa]

As long as it's ok mecanically I would fly it
Shuttles fly nice and can do all sport aerobatics
like rolls, loops, inverted, autos, etc

Loose the gyro for sure
Futaba S148 are great servo's to learn on in this bird

The Enya may be touch and go
try it but consider installing new bearings
(it's a pain to get out how ever - grrr)

I think that model does not have main or tail blade thrust bearings,
so you don't need to re-grease them

[528hemi]

What gyro and rudder servo would you run? also what blades should I buy for this thing? The ones on it I dont trust...Mechanically it seems OK..just old and needs to be gone over...

[spork]

That's a Hirobo Shuttle for sure. Not sure whether it's the Z, or the X, or the ZX, or the ZXX or... You know how that goes.

A few years back it was one of the most popular helis going. It was probably neck and neck with the Concept 30. It flies fine. For the most part it's a nice bird. It has the normal annoying feature here and there.

For me, the big question I'd ask before putting much money into it is how hard it will be to find parts. If parts are available, by all means fire it up.

[Jafa]

If you can find a good 2nd hand Futaba GY240 that will be fine to learn on
If you can shell out a few more $ then go for a Futaba GY401 which will take you a long way
A Futaba S9253 or S9254 (stronger) servo will be great

If you have never flown then start learning to hover with cheap wood blades
The should be easy to obtain (generic size)
Once you get into forward flight a good set of Funkey FRP would be better
Then when you are ready move on to carbon blades
heaps of options but keep it cheap for this bird

[Jafa]

The Hirobo Shuttle Plus can be purchased in Hong Kong for $180 USD
If you crash, I would buy a new kit and get heaps of spares

The parts are much cheaper in a full kit
I once priced all the parts for a $500 Freya 60,
came out at $1100 !!!

[528hemi]

Thanks for the help...I have a trex 450se with all the electronics 401 gyro that I did not start to build yet...I have been flying 35 percent aerobatic planes for 15 years and now want to move to helis...I have the phoenix Simulator and can fly circuits forward/backwards both upright and inverted.
Working on funnels and smooth transitions from forward upright to inverted figure 8's...I feel I am definitely ready to fly the real thing. I figure for free and not sinking alot of dollars into this bird would be great to just get my feet wet...I really think I am going to stay the electric way and buy a raptor e620 or e-razor build it and in a few months work into flying it.

[Jafa]

That's great work getting the circuits down pat - you're definately ready

I have an electric Lepton, it's the most powerful and fun heli I have

[528hemi]

What size batter pack should I run on this? The one in there is old and all I know is it is a 4 cell (4.8 volts)..not sure of the capacity?

Thanks Much

[Jafa]

4.8v is fine - I would use Sanyo KR1700 NiCAD pack

[tommytt1]

It is a zx from the early 90's. I know, I still have one, Flying. :D You can tell by the flybar arms, two piece instead of a one piece cage. I would change to a HH gyro even though the Telebee if its good will work, just more work setting it up. I know because I had one, good gyro in its day. With those GIANT skidz you won't even need training gear. :lol:

[ErichF]

Does yours still have the ventilated, stamped metal clutch bell, and belt start, too? That clutch bell looks makes it look like a Z. I thought the ZX had the new clutch and top start shaft. It's been so long now, though :oops:

Erich