newbie looking for a good setup

[diecast]

:confused:Hi Im new here and a beginner Im looking to buy the Mikado logo 500 dx or the 500 3D verison I just what to fly around and make it a scale model or do some 3D not too much. Which would be the better choice for me. How many servos will I need? Im thinking of using the JR770 gyro or maybe the Gy401. I was going to buy a trex but the quality is not as good as the Mikado;) and what do the kits come with. Please help with a good setup I need Servos (etc) Thanks

[itsparks]

I guess the first question is, do you know how to fly already ? If not do you have a sim to practice on ?

If you know how to fly the Logo 5003d is good but it is NOT cheap about 2500$ for good stuff. Another good heli is the Trex 500.

[diecast]

The trex 500 is not the best right now maybe the second verison would be good I want something that going to last and is of good quality but i guess I should have post this on runryder would have got some other opt on the subject:roll:

[itsparks]

I can guarantee that the Logo 500 3D will kill the Align :P I have one and love it alot.

Jase

[wiltonh3]

I recently went through the same decision making process. I am still in the process of building and learning. After reading every article I could get my hands on, the Logo 500 3D became the clear choice. It is indeed a bit costly, but I wanted something that I would feel worth repairing for the long haul. And from what I can tell the performance is very impressisve. I also gathered a fair amount of advice from the guys here in the forum. If you go with the Logo, don't hesitate to ask for help. These guys are great and there is even a step by step video for the build. It makes life a lot easier.

To answer your specific question, I will list the choices I have made. I am not an expert, but in my quest for knowledge, this seems to be a very solid package. The prices are roughly retail street, always a chance for better bargins if you look around.

Kit Logo 500 3D 460
Motor Hacker A40-10L-8 Pole 120
ESC/BEC Kontronik Jazz 80-6-18 225
Cyclic Servos Futaba S9452 (3 @ $80) 240
Gyro/Tail Servo Futaba 401/S9254 220
Blades Rotortech 550mm 90
Batteries Flight Power EvoLite 6S 5350 (2 @ $300) 600
Charger Various Choices Here - Basic Version 150
TX/RX Spectrum DX7/AR7000 300
Pinion Gear 13t to begin, 14t with more experience 15

The grand total is $2,420



Not cheap, but such is life. You will find many that have alternate choices, but I think you will find almost everyone will agree this is a very solid, respectable setup. This should give you a solid 8+ minutes of flying unless you get into serious 3D.

Good Luck and Welcome

Wilton

[itsparks]

I recently went through the same decision making process. I am still in the process of building and learning. After reading every article I could get my hands on, the Logo 500 3D became the clear choice. It is indeed a bit costly, but I wanted something that I would feel worth repairing for the long haul. And from what I can tell the performance is very impressisve. I also gathered a fair amount of advice from the guys here in the forum. If you go with the Logo, don't hesitate to ask for help. These guys are great and there is even a step by step video for the build. It makes life a lot easier.

To answer your specific question, I will list the choices I have made. I am not an expert, but in my quest for knowledge, this seems to be a very solid package. The prices are roughly retail street, always a chance for better bargins if you look around.

Kit Logo 500 3D 460
Motor Hacker A40-10L-8 Pole 120
ESC/BEC Kontronik Jazz 80-6-18 225
Cyclic Servos Futaba S9452 (3 @ $80) 240
Gyro/Tail Servo Futaba 401/S9254 220
Blades Rotortech 550mm 90
Batteries Flight Power EvoLite 6S 5350 (2 @ $300) 600
Charger Various Choices Here - Basic Version 150
TX/RX Spectrum DX7/AR7000 300
Pinion Gear 13t to begin, 14t with more experience 15

The grand total is $2,420



Not cheap, but such is life. You will find many that have alternate choices, but I think you will find almost everyone will agree this is a very solid, respectable setup. This should give you a solid 8+ minutes of flying unless you get into serious 3D.

Good Luck and Welcome

Wilton

pretty Much everything on your list is what every one pick's, I did anyways, and had the help from Shawn, got all good stuff. One thing im not using yet is faster Digital Servos, im using my stock DS819's from the DX& radio witch is provided, they work ok and get me flying, witch is all that i wanted.

LOVE my heli and don't regret buying it.

[deepak]

Well the choices are numerous
I was able to get a european set up recommended to me.
They use the following items:
Mikado 600 3d
Jr servos 8917 and for the tail 8900
Jr 770 3d gyro
spektrum dx 7 and ar 7000
thunder power 5000mah10s
orbit 30/12 heli expert
Kontronic power jazz
emcotec switch dpsi series
18 pinion gear for motor
2600 lion battery for receiver fromeco
600mm v blades main rotor
105mm v blades tail rotor
Thunder power 1010c batter charger and balancer
All the tools required: alan drivers/ nut drivers/ soldering iron/ c clip pliers,deans and bullet connectors.nuff solder and shrink wrap. triflow or good synthetic oil, 5 min epoxy, ca glue, locktite

A WHOLE LOTTA ADVICE AND HELP FROM HELIFREAK.
THERE BUILD VIDEOS WERE VERY HELPFUL.
MANY MANY THANKS TO FINLESS AND MECURIELL

Makes for one sweet flying heli though:)
Good luck !

[lloyd 1]

How about a Logo 10 as they are about $200 for the kit,same head and tail as 500 but old CHAEPER frame..............

lloyd

[OICU812]

The trex 500 is not the best right now maybe the second verison would be good I want something that going to last and is of good quality but i guess I should have post this on runryder would have got some other opt on the subject:roll:

I wouldn't think that is needed after only one response.....:roll: RR does not have near the support level as the freak, not even close actually. :)

[Big Fil]

I think Wilton suggested some good quality components that will serve any new to intermediate flyer quite well and still be reasonable for anything but the more advanced hard 3D flying.

Have you considered waiting for the Logo400?

[itsparks]

I wouldn't think that is needed after only one response.....:roll: RR does not have near the support level as the freak, not even close actually. :)

yeah i agree, WE HAVE YOU :P They don't :P

Id buy a 500 again, i really want the 400. But ill wait a bit :P

[stvjeep]

I too have been in the quest for knowledge. I also agree that the T-Rex 500 (a wonderful machine no doubt) still needs some refinement as it seems to have some first production run issues. All of my reading pointed me towards the Hurricane 550, T-Rex 500, and Logo 500 3D. All great helis but the Logo has the highest level of quality and development behind its production.

The set-up I have come up with (which I will be purchasing in a month) is:

Set-up for Beginner/Sport

Kit: Logo 500 3D
Motor: Tonic-X Z30A 800Kv
ESC/BEC: Kontronik Jazz 80-6-18 (great ESC, and lots of room for more power)
Cyclic Servos: JRDS821 (Hitec - HS6525 later)
Gyro/Tail Servo Futaba 401/S9650
Blades: Mikado - MIK2710 500mm (wood)
Batteries: A123 10cell shotgun style (4 cell with an 6 cell)
Charger: Hyperion 0610i (will charge the A123's in approx. 30 min.)
Power Supply: Pyramid PS36KX (15v, 32A, 480W)
TX/RX Spectrum DX7/AR7000
Pinion Gear: 17T

Based on 30v from A123, 800Kv motor, 153T on main gear, 85% motor efficiency, Head speed = ~2100

Runtime = solid 5 to 6 minutes.

Note: I went with the A123 setup as I feel lipo's are no good for beginners. Lipo batteries are too fragile and dangerous for what they cost. I feel A123 cells are much better for me personally.

[itsparks]

Note: I went with the A123 setup as I feel lipo's are no good for beginners. Lipo batteries are too fragile and dangerous for what they cost. I feel A123 cells are much better for me personally.

They are only Dagerouse, if you treat them wrong, im very new to this, and well i cahrge mine in a Liposack, PLUS a Military Amo box that i got for free, however using that charer you have its pretty easy to use and fool proof, when you charge a battery it askes you questions before you can even start charging, i should make a movie tonight of this, pretty neat charger.

You will notice as most would say, that a123's wont fly the heli the best its heavy and they don't last as long in flight times, im running a 6S 5000 Mah, and i get about 12 min left and i still have 29% left on the battery.

I also have the same setup as you are looking to get except for blades are 500mm cf, and i have a Neu motor.

Jase

http://odie.ath.cx/logo/IMGP1898.jpg
http://odie.ath.cx/logo/IMGP1899.jpg

[stvjeep]

To itsparks: I'm so jealous man, your heli is sweet! I can feel my wallet burning...

This is my personal comparison I did when searching for a suitable pack for the Logo 500. This is why I choose A123. By no means do I intend that lipo's are no good! Many, many people use them safely and fly hardcore with them. I just feel that the A123's are so much more safe and suit my personal beginner requirements better....

The FlightPower EVO25 - 5000 mAh 6S1P 22.2 Volt pack info: Cost $300
A123 6 and 4 cell (10 CELL TOTAL), 33v, 2300 mAh: Cost $170 (56%)

Comparison of the above pack specifications:

Lipo Capacity: 5000 mAh (4000 mAh @ the 80% rule of thumb for safe discharging) Flight time 7 to 10+ minutes.
A123 Capacity: 2300 mAh (minimal over discharge concern, if any) Flight time 5 minutes.

Lipo Weight: 799g
A123 6 Cell (425g) + 4 Cell (337g) Weight: 762g

Lipo Maximum Charged Voltage: 25.2V (loaded: ~20)
A123 Maximum Charged Voltage: 33V (loaded: ~30)

Now for charging times, I have no idea how long for the 5000 mAh 6 Cell lipo. About 60 min at 1C and 40 min at 2C? The A123 can be charged in 20 minutes. You also have to let the lipo packs cool after flight and after charging. No cooling required with A123.

So if you fly the lipo 10min, let it cool for 10 min, charge 40 min, cool 10 min, thats about 70 minutes. If you fly the A123 for 5 min, charge 20 min, as there is no cooling required, that's 25 minutes. The cycle time is 1/3 that of the lipo, and 1/2 if I'm incorrect in that it requires time to cool off.

Disadvantages of A123: larger displacement, about half the runtime.

Disadvantages of lipo: approx. 2x the price, twice as long to charge, less voltage (in this case), pack can be damaged and possibly violently explode from: overcharging, over discharging, overheating, improper balancing, too hard of an impact or any other damage/penetration.

Just take a look on Youtube for the A123 penetration test. I know, lipo's can be dealt with safely, but the risks are still there. With A123 the risks are almost non-existent.

Again, this is all my own findings from reading all over the place for hours. I have seen several great set-ups on the Logo's with A123 that those individuals very much enjoyed. I can't wait to get my Logo 500 3D, and I'm researching very hard before spending over $2000 on something my girlfriend thinks I'm insane to spend that much on!!

[itsparks]

First off, am i the only guy with a gf that says, oh your buying a heli, oh ot costs 2500$ ok thats cool im happy that your getting into a hobby :P NICE!!

Lipos are nice, you dont have to buy a 6s 5000 to fly your logo, you can buy 6s@3400's and still get a decent fly time 6min ish, no 3ding.

From what i have herd you can charge your Lipo's fast and use them right away, however the life of them goes down. i charge mine slow and then fly 5 min after. I check my battery every time im done charging and its cool.

The idea is to buy a few packs then charge one as your flying. Im soon to buy 2 more then ill have 3, for the logo, and 3 for my Trex 500.

When you drive the the field and only have one battery it sux, so this way ill have 2 helis 6 batts and plenty of adrenalin to keep me going for the day :P

[wiltonh3]

The main ingredient of your first question is "GF". Many of us have a "WIFE" and the enthusiastic response you are getting from your gf is even more unique to those of us with a wife. They mostly love us, but they don't always understand us, and after the wedding seem to have less trouble expressing that sentiment.

Wilton

[stvjeep]

Man, now your getting a T-Rex 500! Must be nice to have lots of cash. That's great your g/f supports you so well. Mine is supportive to but when I told her how much all the "hobby" stuff costs, she gave me the "look".

Hey man with the battery stuff, just different set-ups for the users needs I guess. My long drawn e-mail was really a comparison for other beginners to read.

The field where I will be flying is right behind my house. It's the size of about two football fields. To charge up I'll just have to go to the deck and have a beer while I wait.

Man I can't wait to get my Logo. I have to hit the sim HARD for the next month.

[Big Fil]

Good to see your joining the Logo fold stvjeep. I think you made a good choice on a beginner setup. Looks like you've been doing your homework. A123 is a good choice in your situation IMO. When and if you decide you need more power to weight then you can always go lipo in the future. I look forward to seeing the pics of your bird when you get it.

[itsparks]

Man, now your getting a T-Rex 500! Must be nice to have lots of cash. That's great your g/f supports you so well. Mine is supportive to but when I told her how much all the "hobby" stuff costs, she gave me the "look".

Hey man with the battery stuff, just different set-ups for the users needs I guess. My long drawn e-mail was really a comparison for other beginners to read.

The field where I will be flying is right behind my house. It's the size of about two football fields. To charge up I'll just have to go to the deck and have a beer while I wait.

Man I can't wait to get my Logo. I have to hit the sim HARD for the next month.

The main ingredient of your first question is "GF". Many of us have a "WIFE" and the enthusiastic response you are getting from your gf is even more unique to those of us with a wife. They mostly love us, but they don't always understand us, and after the wedding seem to have less trouble expressing that sentiment.

Wilton


Well i'm engaged, :P so its pretty much wife :P however she does support my hobbies. I do make good money at work, i also save it.. I don't drink, i don't smoke :p and i spend wisely :P

It's not loads of cash if you save up, or just buy it chunk for chunk like i did :P.

[jamesotron99]

Gyro/Tail Servo Futaba 401/S9650

Just in case no one else has noticed and warned you, you are going to need a full-size tail servo with your GY401 on the Logo 500. The 9254/9257 servos are fine.

[stvjeep]

I thought the 9650 is basically the 9257 with a different gear set? I know they are both the same size. I have the 9650 with the GY401 already for a Blade 400 I sold, realizing it was a poor choice to start out with. The 9254 would be killer, but I thought I could get away with using the 9650 for hovering/sport flying.

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

I thought the 9650 is basically the 9257 with a different gear set? I know they are both the same size. I have the 9650 with the GY401 already for a Blade 400 I sold, realizing it was a poor choice to start out with. The 9254 would be killer, but I thought I could get away with using the 9650 for hovering/sport flying.

you will need a full size servo like a 9254, 9256, etc etc.

9650 will not work.

[diecast]

Thank guys for all the advise this site is better then runryder:clapppbut after doing some more research Im going with the trex 500 only because that all my local hobby shop carries:badair: and the guy im going to fly with know about them because that what he flys but the good thing is the logo 500 will be my second heli :YeaBaby:when I learn to fly the trex 500 when i pick one up learn to fly and wait on parts is not and easy task so buy cheap and crash then buy expensive and do some real flying IMO Thanks for the support.

[stvjeep]

I really like the T-Rex 500 too. I just don't like all the "static" issues I'm hearing about. I've read about people having this issue on every forum and on T-Rex Tuning. I'm sure there will be a fix soon. Also, not everyone has the issue.

The other issue was that the HS5245MG mini servos most are running on the cyclic break the casing in a crash. The top part of the casings fail. The casing is also hard to find.

If you go the T-Rex 500 route get the Futaba S9650 servos on the cyclic. You'll have to change out gears in a crash because they are plastic ($6), but they are better servos. Use the S9257 on the tail. Check out jkheli.com, he's the guy who designed the 500, so he has some good insights on it.

update: just read in the T-Rex 500 thread that Hitec is fixing the above issue in the 5245MG's.