Help me make a choice or provide an alternative.

[mearlin]

My budget is $700 max

I've already purchased a simulator from http://www.phoenix-sim.com/welcome.htm.

I know have roughly $500 more to spend.

Option 1 - http://www.twf-sz.com/english/products.asp?prodid=0162 from E-Sky.

Option 2 - http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLH1400 from E-flight(hard to find at this time).

Option 3 - http://www.helihobby.com (http://www.helihobby.com/)

Trex 450S eCCPM Spectrum Complete Package with Best Free Accessories

- SPM2460 DX6 DSM 6 Channel Helicopter TX with 4xS75 Servos
- KX015041A T-REX 450S Kit Combo + 430L 3550 Motor and 35X ESC
- TLBGR301 Super Micro Heading Hold Gyro (TLB)
- EFLB21003S E-Flight 3S 11.1V 2100mAh Li-Po Battery
- LP-M0101 Lightning Power CF Training Gear
- LP-T0101 Lightning Power Deluxe Ball Link Pliers
- BON12592 Gorilla Grip compact 7pc foldup metric drive set
- DD-GLRD-FRG-01 Ferrite Ring reduce glitches and EMI ( Highly recommended )
- WSD1300 Large Deans Ultra Plugs


A little background on me; I flew R/C Airplanes from 1989-2005. I have the chance to fly again and would like to try helicopters. I've spent the last month reading this board (average of 20 hours a week along with video downloads).

There are a lot of opinions :lol: on this board. I probably can't go completely wrong with any of those choices above.

I do think the 2nd or 3rd option, with the 3rd option being just a bit better is the way to go, but I'm unsure. I've always flown gas powered airplanes, so electric flight is something different for me.

The equipment seems good on both and will at least get me started. In a year or two at most, if I like flying helicopters, I will be spending roughly $2000 on a larger heli and equipment.

Thank you

Will

[spork]

Hey Will,

I personally think you'll be far better off with the T-Rex. But you'll want at least one more LiPo pack, and will need a good LiPo charger.

Also, I'd rather see you get a DX7 TX and stick with it a while. The other thing that would be nice would be the Futaba 401 gyro. If you could upgrade those two items I think you'd have a setup you'd be happy with for a long time.

But...

You might want to give ReadyHeli a look. HeliHobby has been a source of pain and frustration for too many people on this forum in my opinion.

[spork]

I just spec'd out what I think looks like a very solid setup from ReadyHeli. The bad news is that I went over your budget. But I think you'll save a fair amount in the long run as you can hold onto this stuff for quite a while.

Total is $896.00

As with the other combo I didn't include a charger (a LiPo charger is a MUST however). But it does include 2 LiPo's (and these will be much more robust for someone new to LiPo's). It also includes the DX7 (which I think is a significant step up from the DX6). One thing you'd have to check is whether the included servos are suitable for the swash on this model. If not, there's another good choice.

KX015045A Align T-REX 450S CF Kit Combo $275
http://www.readyheli.com/KX015045A_Align_T_REX_450S_CF_Kit_Combo_p/kx015045a.htm

Futaba GY401 Heading Hold Gyro (http://www.readyheli.com/Futaba_GY401_Heading_Hold_Gyro_p/futm0807.htm) $139

Radio: Spektrum DX7 DSM2 7Ch w/ 3-S285, AR6100 (Mode 2 Heli Version) (http://www.readyheli.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SPM2722&CartID=2) $329.95

Tail servo: http://www.readyheli.com/v/vspfiles/templates/1/images/clear1x1.gif Futaba S3154 Digital Micro HT HS Servo (http://www.readyheli.com/Futaba_S3154_Digital_Micro_HT_HS_Servo_p/futm0654.htm)$33

2 LiPo's: Kong Power 3s1p 11.1v 1800mAh 25C Lipo Battery (http://www.readyheli.com/Kong_Power_3s1p_11_1v_1800mAh_25C_Lipo_Battery_p/kp-1825-3.htm) $60 each

Charger: ??? (plenty of people can give you better advice than me)


Incidentally, I'm not in any way affiliated with ReadyHeli. I just want to steer you to someone that's likely to make you happier.

[mearlin]

Spork,

Thank you for looking at this for me. I think you are right, what I might be able to do, looking at what you said, is wait another few months and I should be able to add that much more money to do that. I've read more about working with a good simulator and where it wouldn't hurt me to work on the simulator for several months at least or more before actually trying to fly.

I realize that at least with the Spektrum 7 and the GY401 I could move those to another heli later and wouldn't waist money.

I'll check with the boss and see what she says. :lol:

Thank you

Will

[spork]

Another option is to keep your eyes open for a used T-Rex in the meantime. I got mine used with motor, servos, LiPo, ESC, gyro, and charger for a SCREAMING deal. Just a thought.

In any event I think you'll definitely be happier with a T-Rex in both the short and long term.

[spork]

I just noticed this thread. They're discussing almost exactly what you want. It seems the servos that come in the package I suggested may not fit the T-Rex. I was concerned about that. I believe they also offer the DX7 without servos, and then you can get what these guys recommend.

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=55792

[blewis01]

I just noticed this thread. They're discussing almost exactly what you want. It seems the servos that come in the package I suggested may not fit the T-Rex.


Nope - the servos you noted fit fine, the other thread is talking about the package with the larger servos.

Bruce

[spork]

Thanks for the clarification. Local guy - huh? Do you fly at RSA, Baylands?

[Pinecone]

The way I would do it. You ordered Phoenix. Order the DX7, fly the sim while you save up money for the Trex.

If you can find the DX7 without servos, IMO, you will be better off as you can get the standard HS-65MG servos. You WILL strip the gears on the DS285 servos, and the metal gear sets are $19 PER SET. The HS-65MGs are about $35 each with metal gears.

And if you are going to buy a package, call or email ReadyHeli about a package price. They will do something for you.

[istandalone]

www.thebarnfloor.com (http://www.thebarnfloor.com)
dx7 with no servos, good price.

[lightbulbjim]

Read this before ordering from www.thebarnfloor.com:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=794287

[Pinecone]

Best is to use HF advertisers, they are screened and provide GOOD service.

[spork]

I think you should consider picking up this gyro/servo combo used:

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=55934

Futaba GY401 gyro and futaba S9650 servo gyro also purchased 2 weeks ago with 2 flight on it, mint condition as good as new with original box and paperwork, servo has about 30flights on it and works flawlessly. 130.00 shipped

Even if you get your radio with servos, you'll probably just get 3 servos (for the swash). The tail servo is actually the important one, and this is a very good combo, for a little less than you'd pay for the gyro alone (brand new).

[mearlin]

Spork,

Nice find, but I can't take advantage of it for another few weeks. I'll start looking at the "For Sale" section regularly. I had actually missed that section of the forums some how.

Thank you!

Will