swashplate swap on E-550

[zeusss]

OK all you clever guys on the forum, I've got one hell of a problem with my radio (Futaba 6EXH), please don't laugh.

I'm just finishing off the E550 build (thank you Finless) and as the heli has only 90 or 140 ccpm and my radio has only 120 ccpm and no mix option, is it at all possible that the swashplate can be swapped for the 120 swashplate of the TREX 600, given that the shaft diameter is the same (10mm).

I'm sure that I am not alone with this problem. If it's not possible, is the only solution a new radio??

Hopefully Helifreaks brainpower will reign supreme.
Thanks
Len

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

I think your out of luck on this one and will have to buy a nice radio. I use a DX7 and suggest the same for you. Works awesome!!!

Anyone else have any ideas as to how to help this lad? :)

[stevehonn]

I can't comment on how to set up a 6EXH but I'm running the 140 swashplate on my DX7 which also only has 90 and 120 as options. This has involved setting up the radio as a 90 swash and using a programmable mix of Elevator-Pitch. I had to play around with the swash mixes to give the pitch range I needed then adjusted the Elevator-Pitch mixing so that when full forward and backward cyclic was input, the swash didn't rise all fall, it was actually easier to do than it sounds.

It's certainly worthwhile doing as the 140 swash is a big improvement over the standard 90 one.

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

No he said he only has 120 ccpm and no mix option.

[zeusss]

thanks LITHIUMSTATIC and STEVEHONN for your replies, but as I don't have a mix option as pointed out by LITHIUMSTATIC, I was wondering if it would be possible to use the 120 swashplate from the Trex 600?

The logic behind this, is that it's cheaper to buy a new swashplate than it is to buy a new radio.

Thanks again
Len

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

It would really take a lot of work to get the geometry just right. you can't just bolt on a 120 swash from any heli and make it work without a lot of engineering to the helis swash system. The bell cranks are not in the right position and the geometry is going to be all wrong. I agree with your reasoning but I don't see it as a real option on this heli.

Get a DX7... I know that's easier said than done and i've had to eat large costs I didn't expect. Ebay can be a good friend when your in need.

Wish I could be of more help.

[2kwik2c]

It would really take a lot of work to get the geometry just right. you can't just bolt on a 120 swash from any heli and make it work without a lot of engineering to the helis swash system. The bell cranks are not in the right position and the geometry is going to be all wrong. I agree with your reasoning but I don't see it as a real option on this heli.

Get a DX7... I know that's easier said than done and i've had to eat large costs I didn't expect. Ebay can be a good friend when your in need.

Wish I could be of more help.

Lith is right. Taking a different swashplate from a different helicopter may not work mechanically with your e-Rap. You might end up regreting it later on if things don't go well your way. Getting a DX7 as is a perfect choice not only in a short term way, but also looking at it in a long term way. A good investment for a RC heli enthusiast.

If in the future you decide to buy another heli (nitro or electric) you can use the same transmitter to control your other heli. All you need is to buy another receiver AR 7000 and use the bind unit to bind it and choose the model selector in the transmitter to match the model. You can store up to 20 model memory with it's own designated configuration on a particular heli. That takes away your chances of buying another radio set for your other heli. Another plus is that you won't have a problem with radio interference and RF signals emitted by the motors.

I'm using one DX7 transmitter on three different helis. Raptor E550, TREX 600CF, and TREX 450SA. I got mine in EBAY for a steal.

Here's are some posted on ebay that can be the shipped for free.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=Spektrum+DX7&category0=

You may or may not have to pay taxes depending on your location. So you pay for the price that you see marked on it.

Good Luck

[Hitch]

Here's one that have a good price plus the shipment is free.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Spektrum-SPM2710-DX7-DSM-Radio-Receiver-Servo-Battery_W0QQitemZ290120970144QQihZ019QQcategoryZ34 056QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


I know its not THAT big of a deal - but heads up - thats the Airplane version, not the Helicopter version. While the programming is the same, switches are in different places and there is a ratchet on the throttle by default.

[2kwik2c]

Here's one that have a good price plus the shipment is free.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Spektrum-SPM2710-DX7-DSM-Radio-Receiver-Servo-Battery_W0QQitemZ290120970144QQihZ019QQcategoryZ34 056QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


I know its not THAT big of a deal - but heads up - thats the Airplane version, not the Helicopter version. While the programming is the same, switches are in different places and there is a ratchet on the throttle by default.

Oppps my bad. Let me post the right one. Didn't notice that. Thanks for the heads up.

EDIT** Posted the correct link.

[zeusss]

Thank-you one and all for your help and advice on this swashplate thing. :hug:

After looking at the pros and cons of swapping, geometry, measuring, re-drilling, aligning and everything else that's involved with changing the swashplate so that I could control it with my radio, I have decided to take your advice and reasoning and bought myself a C7, (I cried all the way there.......... and back).

Only kidding, hopefully this will last a long time. Again thanks for all your help.

Len

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

Sorry i couldn't come up with an easier and cheaper solution.

[Hitch]

You wont regret it. I went from a 6EXAS(the airplane version) to a DX7 When I Decided to fly Helicopters. The DX7 really is a nice controller, and I use it to fly my planks and helis now.