How is it for a first-time build?

[SurfCity]

My only heli is a Blade CX2, which came ready to fly. I've now ordered a Hurricane 200, which of course I'll have to assemble. I'm looking forward to this. I've seen Jason's build thread (very helpful, thanks) and many of the Finless T-rex 450 and 500 build videos. I'll be learning electrical connections and all the setups from scratch. I'm pretty good at following instructions. But I don't want to do something stupid. So the question is, where is this likeliest to happen? Where will the surprises be? What are the pitfalls? To what should I pay special attention? And so on. In other words, what build advice can you give this noob?

The plan right now is to use the following gear. These choices are subject to change based on your advice.

Hi-tec HS45HB's (cyclic)
Futaba 3154 (tail)
Logitech 2100 gyro
Spektrum AR6100 rx

[Buzzkill]

spend another $30 and get the 401.

[rotorhead58d]

the 2100T works great for me.:thumbup:

[SurfCity]

spend another $30 and get the 401.

I'm actually looking at the Spartan ds760, which is another $100. But my immediate interest is in the build. What are the beginner mistakes?

[rotorhead58d]

if you use the spartan gyro, don't use a s3154 servo with it. they will burn them up.

[t-driver]

if you use the spartan gyro, don't use a s3154 servo with it. they will burn them up.

would this apply to the 2100T in digital mode as well?

[rotorhead58d]

download the manual and look up servo compatibility. it says that the s3154 was burning up in some heli's.

[crabfu]

would this apply to the 2100T in digital mode as well?

my s3154 burnt out with 2100t in digital after around 40 flights. I am using a s3153 now, and so far so good. It works great, but is quite a bit bigger/heavier and does not mount easily to the mounts.

-Crabfu

[scarr]

I am using the Logictech 2100T with 3100G and like it better than a 401. Servo fits directly (and looks cool). I have a 401 in a 450 T-rex and a Swift 550, the Logictech 2100T with 3100G holds better in the little Gaui 200 than the 401's do in the larger machines. The 401 is easier to setup but is heavier .... The 2100 is lighter, holds better (in my experience) but is a little time consuming to set up correctly.

Also take look at this one..

http://www.readyheli.com/Hitec_Ultimate_Tail_Combo_Blade_400_Trex_450_p/41920.htm

They are giving a discount now, winds up costing $134.99 for the gyro + optimized servo ( put in in the cart to see actual price). I have one coming to try in my T-Rex.

Just something to consider. You can't go wrong with a 401 but I think for the extra effort some of the other newer gyro's are really worth looking at.

P.S. - I originally had the stock plastic servo boom mounts, the servo fit directly, however the aluminum mounts are MUCH easier to adjust.

[mjr_larkin]

I am also wondering about first build parts: how does this look guise?

1. EP200SE CNC kit + Alu Case
2. Brushless Motor Gaui KV4800
3. Speed Control GAUI 12A Light ESC
4. Head Lock Gyro RCE-550
5. MX306 Ball Bearing high Performance Servo(6.6g)
6. MX306 Ball Bearing high Performance Servo(6.6g)
7. MX306 Ball Bearing high Performance Servo(6.6g)
8. MX306 Ball Bearing high Performance Servo(6.6g)
9. AP850 mAh LiPo Battery 7.4v(Can Use For 3D )
10.AP850 mAh LiPo Battery 7.4v(Can Use For 3D )
11.Spektrum DX7 Heli Transmitter Set
12.Spektrum AR6100 DSM6CH Receiver
13.FMS Simulator Set
14.LiPo Charger

$700

Seems like a good deal cuz I don't have a good tx/rx. Except it doesn't come with a GY 401 and I'd rather get a Gaui battery although I don't know where to buy that. Any other problems with this arrangement of stuff?

sorry to hijack, maybe we can co-exist :cheers

[Mikej]

I am also wondering about first build parts: how does this look guise?

1. EP200SE CNC kit + Alu Case
2. Brushless Motor Gaui KV4800
3. Speed Control GAUI 12A Light ESC
4. Head Lock Gyro RCE-550
5. MX306 Ball Bearing high Performance Servo(6.6g)
6. MX306 Ball Bearing high Performance Servo(6.6g)
7. MX306 Ball Bearing high Performance Servo(6.6g)
8. MX306 Ball Bearing high Performance Servo(6.6g)
9. AP850 mAh LiPo Battery 7.4v(Can Use For 3D )
10.AP850 mAh LiPo Battery 7.4v(Can Use For 3D )
11.Spektrum DX7 Heli Transmitter Set
12.Spektrum AR6100 DSM6CH Receiver
13.FMS Simulator Set
14.LiPo Charger

$700

Seems like a good deal cuz I don't have a good tx/rx. Except it doesn't come with a GY 401 and I'd rather get a Gaui battery although I don't know where to buy that. Any other problems with this arrangement of stuff?

sorry to hijack, maybe we can co-exist :cheers

Thanks looks like a Fung / Flying-Hobby - his next combo up includes a 401 for $789, personally I fly my helis (not 3D) with the Telebee / Align gyro perfectly happily

[mjr_larkin]

what do you think about the MX306s vs. the HS45's. I can't really find the HS45s by them selves on any websites.

p.s. I see the Fung combo with 401 only problem is it comes with upgraded Z-power 300GT motor and AP600 mAh 3S1P which is 3 cell battery and I hear that is VERY aggressive to use with this heli. I also just want to do regular flying and then maybe try inverted after months. stability more important than speed while i'm beginning

[Mikej]

You can get HS-45s at Readyheli or Helidirect. A lot of people are happy with 306's, but you need to tape the body to make sure that it doesn't come apart.

[SurfCity]

Logictech 2100T with 3100G holds better in the little Gaui 200 than the 401's do in the larger machines. Also take look at this one..

http://www.readyheli.com/Hitec_Ultimate_Tail_Combo_Blade_400_Trex_450_p/41920.htm

P.S. - I originally had the stock plastic servo boom mounts, the servo fit directly, however the aluminum mounts are MUCH easier to adjust.

Thank you VERY MUCH for this. The Logictech and Hitec appear very competitive; with zero experience, how does one choose? Also, where did you get your aluminum mounts?

[wlfk]

I'm very happy with my logictech gyro in a 450 - and it's way smaller than the 401 which can only be good in a heli as tiny as the 200.

K

[scarr]

Thank you VERY MUCH for this. The Logictech and Hitec appear very competitive; with zero experience, how does one choose? Also, where did you get your aluminum mounts?

I got the mounts here, (it is a Taiwan distributor) they are out of stock right now though. Also check on shipping cost, I usually get a group of parts I need/want so it is worth while... They do ship fairly fast considering coming from Taiwan.... (it says fits EP100 but also fits our Gaui 200, same dia. boom)

http://flying-hobby.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3_5_9&products_id=82

Perhaps do a search to see if anyone else out there sells them.

I feel for you on what to choose, it is pretty overwhelming getting into heli's. If you can find local people to help that is best of course. A lot of good info and people here at Helifreak, don't be afraid to ask questions. I started 25 years ago in heli's - pre internet, boy was it hard to figure it out back then.....

[t-driver]

my s3154 burnt out with 2100t in digital after around 40 flights. I am using a s3153 now, and so far so good. It works great, but is quite a bit bigger/heavier and does not mount easily to the mounts.

-Crabfu

i see...
would running the s3154 in normal mode make a noticable difference?

[crabfu]

i see...
would running the s3154 in normal mode make a noticable difference?

I've heard that it does make a noticeable difference, but I've never tried it before it burnt up.... sorry.

-Crabfu