rctek sjm 325 where r u

[Scott_RC-TEK]

http://flying-hobby.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3_23_110&products_id=2441

Yes they have the tail system also. That is the problem with dealing some of the manufactuers in the far east. The term exclusive means nothing to them. They are in the business to sell the items they manufactuer. They can sell them to someone else just as easy as they send them to you. Really no exclusive deal. Take the Trex for example, there is many clones of it on the market. Most of them parts are interchangable. Align just happen to get in the ground floor with the micro electrics. That is how they maintain there customer base..
Majority of people are going to see pictures and say, hey this is the same heli and it is X number of $ less,I will just get it. Coming from same factory , difficult to say one is inferior to the other. Just the way it is.

David

Yes, they have the tail if you wish to pay more, which makes the final kit price more than the retail MSRP - so in the end you are paying more to get less. Anyway, I think you just proved my point.

By the way, just so there is no misunderstanding-
We never claimed exclusive world wide distribution of the SJM product line. Yes, we are a partner of SJM and brought their offerings to the North American and German markets in early 2006, but our primary focus and exclusive market at this time is North America. Since we do ship to 23 other countries on a weekly business, we are happy to serve our customers overseas as well on a non-exclusive basis.

I have lived in Hong Kong and I know the dynamic in Asia regarding copyright protection, trade agreements, loyalty, etc., and I am intimately familiar with the lack of adherence to these practices on their part. That is why it is important to educate and inform the customer base about what they are buying so they don't just look at the price tag and think they are getting the same for less - which in many cases is not the situation even if “most” of the product is coming from the same source.

We will get the SJM325 listed on the RCT-TEK and SJMRC sites shortly with the current and accurate specifications so the confusion is kept to a minimum. We will also release the latest parts lists today or tomorrow sometime.

Regards,
Scott

[DavidH]

Don't know about proving a point. I have never seen a price of the heli you distribute.
The one at flying hobby is $289, then $60 more if you want the two bladed tail. So for $340 a pilot could get the heli with 2 complete tail rotor systems.

Even some of the pictures you posted when you first announced the 325 are the same ones on the Flying hobby site.
So that would lead me to believe they are exactly the same heli.

David

[Scott_RC-TEK]

Don't know about proving a point. I have never seen a price of the heli you distribute.
The one at flying hobby is $289, then $60 more if you want the two bladed tail. So for $340 a pilot could get the heli with 2 complete tail rotor systems.

Even some of the pictures you posted when you first announced the 325 are the same ones on the Flying hobby site.
So that would lead me to believe they are exactly the same heli.

David

David,
I guess no matter how many times I try to explain things to you, it just won't sink in so I am going to give up as I am much too busy to continuously debate the facts with you in almost every RC-TEK related thread. People who have purchased the SJM325 from us know the price and know what they are getting both as it relates to the product and the service/support surrounding that product. That is all that matters as far as I am concerned. If you or anyone else wishes to buy from Asian based web stores like flying-hobby - got for it. Just don't say you weren't warned.

Back to work-
Scott

[DavidH]

People who have purchased the SJM325 from us know the price

Is the only way to know the price is after the purchase? Maybe it is just me, but I don't buy something first and then ask what the price is.
I didn't realize you had tried to explain anything. Just asking questions about the product you distribute. But you get all defensive about it like someone is attacking you.
You state the product you distribute is different from the same product others are distributing or selling. Yet pictures are the same. I am sure I am not the only one confused by this.
I apologize for interupting your busy day.

David

[Scott_RC-TEK]

Is the only way to know the price is after the purchase? Maybe it is just me, but I don't buy something first and then ask what the price is.
I didn't realize you had tried to explain anything. Just asking questions about the product you distribute. But you get all defensive about it like someone is attacking you.
You state the product you distribute is different from the same product others are distributing or selling. Yet pictures are the same. I am sure I am not the only one confused by this.
I apologize for interupting your busy day.

David


OK, one more time and then I really do have to get back to work.

1. Please review the same threads you reference and you will see:
A. The latest pictures of the PRODUCTION unit that are different than the very early pre-production pictures.
B. The latest target pricing, which is very clearly displayed. Additionally, people can email us and get the pricing prior to any purchase commitment.

2. I am not being defensive. However, a simple review of your posting history as it relates to this topic and others relating to RC-TEK show you may not be as sincere as you attempt to come across. That in addition to you ignoring the facts as explained many times (in this thread and the other threads) leaves me suspect of your true motives here and admittedly a little annoyed. But, that is just me and I do not candy coat anything. For that, I do apologize.

3. If you and/or others still feel I have not addressed the differences between the legitimate production model SJM325 and these other Asian offerings (including what you get for the US$289.95~US$349.95 we charge from within the USA), then please check www.rc-tek.com within the next 12-24 hours and it will become undoubtedly clear.

Re: Your apology
Thank you - it is accepted and appreciated.

Regards,
Scott

[neo187i]

I got the tri blade tail but they also do the complete upgrade for the tail for $60 which I have purchased.

[neo187i]

scott I think you should give up trying to win every body over I was going to buy one from you but I found it hard to get any details from you of how I could buy one.In the end I bought one from flying hobby for $259+$22 shipping which took 2days to get to the U.K super fast service.I have built the heli and the quality is remarkable the only thing I was missing was the speed control so your asking over $100 just for that.I have to say its everybody to their own and you should let people make up their own mind and stop trying to put people off buying the exact same heli from other sources.Oh and I seem to remember your post when you first showed the sjm 325 with the same tri blade tail as I have and you were saying it was the beez neez and now your sayin its no good make your mind up.

[dynodude]

Just checked out the vid of this beast flying. Wow. That guy was flyin that thing very smooth. Nice to see one being flown the way most people fly. What a beautiful machine. To me, I think it has a very futuristic, predatory look. I love the mechanics on it also. Looks very well designed. I don't know, I may have to roll my Diablo to get one of these.

[neo187i]

hello helifreaks I've finished the build not too hard really.I am wel happy with the quality of it even though rc-tek say it is a cheap asian copy,I say whatever its awsome just waitin for batterys and I will let you know on the maiden flight.

[BrockJ]

Neo
What servos are you using? Where did you mount the electronics?
Is that the 2 or 3 blade tail setup?
Can we get a pic with the canopy off?

I know some people do not like the angular canopy but personally I think it rox.
I also liked the three blade tail. I think it made it stand out and look more "Exotic".

Nice build

[Scott_RC-TEK]

scott I think you should give up trying to win every body over I was going to buy one from you but I found it hard to get any details from you of how I could buy one.In the end I bought one from flying hobby for $259+$22 shipping which took 2days to get to the U.K super fast service.I have built the heli and the quality is remarkable the only thing I was missing was the speed control so your asking over $100 just for that.I have to say its everybody to their own and you should let people make up their own mind and stop trying to put people off buying the exact same heli from other sources.Oh and I seem to remember your post when you first showed the sjm 325 with the same tri blade tail as I have and you were saying it was the beez neez and now your sayin its no good make your mind up.

Thanks for the kind words, but...

1. I am not trying to win anyone over... just trying to explain the obvious differences (with no success I guess).

2. With all due respect, you are wrong about what you purchased. You did not purchase the “exact same” kit and this has already been proven. If you cannot see that, then I am sorry; there is nothing we can do to help you so I will not try.

3. We are not charging $100 more for an ESC so please stop making that accusation. Please recheck the SJM325-CF PRO specifications, pricing, and what you factually get for the money on our web site. In reality, you paid more than retail for a pre-production kit after you calculate all the parts you will need to purchase to make your unit somewhat "current".

4. Hard to get a hold of us? In reality, your first email was answered within minutes after hours so I believe your conclusion is rather unwarranted.

5. Again, people are free to purchase from whomever they choose. We will still make our money from our contributions to this design so it is all good. If you are blinded to the fact that I am here to simply help you, then maybe it is good that you are not our customer.

6. Lastly, and for the last time, the tail you have was NOT made for the SJM325… it is the SJM400 tri-blade tail. We extensively tested this smaller tail for use with the SJM325 in the beginning (as shown in those PRE-production photos) and it was found to be too small at 110mm so the larger SJM500 tri-blade has been made available. Regardless, the 200mm dual-blade tail works the best on the SJM325 so we made the decision to bundle that tail wit the kit over 30 days ago. This is all talked about in numerous threads so there is no “new” news here.

By the way, I never said the helicopter you purchased was a “cheap asian copy”. Again, please stop putting words in my mouth. The only point I was trying to make is the fact you purchased a pre-production helicopter that is not up to the current specifications so it cannot be compared to the true production SJM325 model we have been distributing since its release.

Enjoy your helicopter... that's all that really matters, right? I apologize for trying to help.

Regards,
Scott

[blade strike]

Neo,

Just to let you know you got a pre-production kit(in lack of better words)...I also do alot of testing for SJM, Just an FYI.

btw
Scott is right, to update your bird, it will cost alot more than you saved. I guess you even get an esc with the rc-tek one. I would say rc-tek is the best bang for your buck.



Ken

[neo187i]

I am using the standard spektrum servo's that came with the dx6 and they work fine.hve some hs65's on order though.I have mounted the reciever on the underside like on the rc-tek pics,the esc on the front beneath the battery tray and its pukka al fits snug.Gave it a quick spool up before my tx battery died and every thing works as it should and sounds great.

Scott:I apoligise if I sounded like I was having a go,I wasn't.I honestly can't see the diffrence between mine and the one your selling.Ok I might have the pre-production tail,but I have the new uprated one on its way.When I break down what I've spent it still works out cheaper than yours,

sjm 325 kit+tri blade tail+motor= $259.00
40esc(from heliguy)= $16.00
upgrade tail kit= $60.00
shipping= $22.00
total $357.00.

Thats it ok it might not be the sjm esc but who cares the one I got is fine and the free stuff ain't all that.As for customer support they have responded to all my emails within 10mins and the shipping to uk only took 2 days now thats fast.

All in all I am happy with the sjm and whether people buy from you or asia they are still getting a cracking heli thats the point I was tryin to get across.thanks

[blade strike]

http://www.rc-tek.com/us_store/sjm325-cf-pro-plus-combo-p1819.html
If you cant see the difference from rc-tek vs flying-hobby then I really dont know what to say. One of the big diff's is more pitch, thats a real big one for me. I do agree you cant beat the shipping, 2 days is fast.

I would rather get what I paid for than have fast shipping though.

good luck and happy flying!

btw:

I guess you expect a us based company to be open 24/7. Just an fyi there are different time zones.

[blade strike]

neo,

1 more thing, you might want to go a hole out or get longer servo arms. Youre off by a few degrees:thumbup:

[neo187i]

how can the one form rc-tek have more pitch,I have setup and am running
-10
0
+10
without any problems,I wouldn't want much more than that at this early stage in my heli flying.what on the rc-tek one gives more pitch my head looks identical to rc-tek's and regarding the servo arms I'm using the one's that came with the kit which were already attached to the links.thanks

[blade strike]

you would have more than +-12 with the pro from rc-tek, just like the sjm 500. The one rc-tek sells also has the added pitch. Thats fine if 10 is good enough for you, but most of us like that POP with the extra pitch.

Regarding the arms I was just trying to help man since the geometry is off. Since you seem to know it all then I will not trying to help or give MHO.

Good luck happy flying!

[DavidH]

Does the helis use the same mainshaft? Looks like they use the same rotor head and swashplate setup. So they should both have the same pitch range.
Neo,
From the pictures you posted, your setup looked fine. Can't say the geometry is off, because the only picture you posted of the swash and the servos was the with the swash all the way down. I sure couldn't tell if the geometry is off from that one picture. I have been doing this nearly 20 years. LOL

David

[blade strike]

well for 20years you should notice that the servo arms look to be at 90. Now it could be the pic but they sure do look like they are at 90.

davidh before you call people out do some research and you can answer your own question;)


EDITED:
the one on the right looks to be at 90 and the other is off. If anything the servo's are giving positive pitch since the arms are pointing up.

[DavidH]

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=36983&d=1201618206

Looks like they are the position they need to be for full negative pitch. I don't see the left or the right at 90degs.
The picture he posted of his build and setup is all the research I need to do. Neo bought the SJM 325. From the pictures looks like he did a nice job of building it. It should fly well for him. He is happy and I am sure it will give him many hours of enjoyment from flying it.

David

[blade strike]

last post on this subject. If they are set for full neg pitch then why are the BG's in the positive range?

anyways not going to help someone that doesnt listen..

both of you good luck!

ps:

look at the flybar ball and you will find your answer!

[DavidH]

Yep can really tell alot with the blades folded back and in a holder on the boom.
He bought the SJM325 from Flying-hobby. That seems to be the only problem with it according to some. Yet it came from the same manufactuer and same line as the one RC-Tek is selling. Stuff like that happens all the time when dealing with manufactuers in China. See it happen everyday in this hobby.

David

[dynodude]

Really don't want to get sucked up in this, but I would like to comment that it is pretty much imposible to tell what is going on with servos, pitch range, tracking, etc. with the blades folded back in thier holder. I don't know much about these heli's, since I have yet to get my hands on one, but if and when I do I will definately go through RC TEC. If for no other reason than thier outstanding customer support. I've said it before: I don't think you can put a price on the support and service you get from Scott and the crew at RC TEC. If they have thier hand in it, one thing you can count on is a steady stream of upgrades and ongoing impovements. Regardless of where someone purchases thier heli, there is always a tendancy to gravitate to where the best support is. Eventualy, even those who bought somewhere else will end up here. Can't we all just get along! :hug: These meaningless discussions do nothing to further knowledge of these heli's for those that have them, or for those that will. Just my 2.

[BrockJ]

I'm gonna go with Dyno on this one. I don't think this forum has anything to do with where or from who the machine is purchased. It's all about "Learning and Mutual Respect.
And FYI Flying-Hobby has raised their price to $315 as of today.
I think 10° of pitch is plenty to slam it into the ground with (what's 2°). We never did hear about how much cyclic it has¿
I looked at the kit on FH and also from RC-TEK. Is it the same kit? Looks like it to me. But I don't think that's the point. I order a lot of stuff from Ready-Heli and Ronlund because of their great customer service and the relationship I build by supporting their business. It's not always about the cheapest price to me. I also purchase from a LHS here in Dallas that by far is not the cheapest. But it keeps the doors open in case I need something right away + I have the opportunity of building relationships with the owner and other customers while sharing stories and experiences about this Hobby that I love.
I've emailed Scott about the three bladed tail (cause I think it looks cool) and he has that as an option much like FH has the two bladed tail as an option. So all in all it's probably an even trade. I too will order from Scott because it's an American based company that provides the same equipment as an overseas supplier. He also participates in our Forum (I've yet to see a posting by Jing Lee from FH). If his doors are open I can get parts, upgrades and technical assistance if needed.
It was Scott that first posted the pics and stirred interest in the little bird for all of us "Here on HeliFreak".
It's like everyone has a hard on for him because his price is a little higher or because he's concerned that some people may be purchasing an inferior product from a cut throat, sell your design behind you back company outta God knows where.
I think there are a lot of people that will purchase the bird from his site and I just cannot imagine that not getting one or two orders was his focus when he posted about copies being sold by an outside supplier.

I think the Moderators should edit this Thread and do away with anything other than truly helpful information and pictures related to the 325 no matter where ya got it.

I'm just glad that Bob "Finless" hasn't become a part of this ridiculous hair pulling, name calling, spitting contest.


** Just my opinions. If ya don't like these, I have others.**

[V1k1nG]

I second Jim's motion to stop the bickering and rather have a look at the product perse. Some rather innovative and different designs ideas went into this product.

PS: Congtats with your B-Day yesterday :cheers