Vibe 50 component recommendations

[Skarn]

Hey all,

I just ordered my first nitro...the Vibe 50! It's on backorder, but I'd like to start getting everything I'll need for it. I'd like recommendations on what a good "standard" configuration would be without breaking the bank. I'm doing sport flying/acrobatics like loops, flips, rolls, etc. but not hard 3d.

From what I've read, here's what I'm considering so far:

- OS 50 Hyper engine
- Align Pipe
- GY-401 gyro with S9254 tail servo (I know not the best, but I've heard the 401 is fine for
a 50 size)
- BLS451 cyclic servo's (any cheaper ones that I won't regret?)
- HS-81 throttle servo
- ATG governor (again, any cheaper than $95?)
- 2in1 Voltage Regulator combo (is this needed...I see the TREX600n guys have them)
- Mixture servo? (what is this and is the HS-81 ok for that as well?)

Is there anything I'm missing? Any recommendations are welcome! Can't wait to get this heli! I was debating on a used Raptor 50, etc. but I figured get the best I can afford and build from scratch.

Thanks!
Skarn

[BarracudaHockey]

BLS451's are top of the line, 9452's are fine.

The 2-1 is fine, its a voltage regulator that powers the receiver and also drives the glow plug so you don't need a nicad glow starter.

You only need a mixture servo if you're running a Carbsmart, personlly I wouldnt bother unless you're looking for the very last ounce of performance, and judging by your gyro choice you're looking for good not great.

You'll love the vibe its a very high quality kit.

[Steel Butcher]

Nice choice.

I see YS engines are back in stock if your are partial to those

[murp]

Where are you guys getting your Vibe 50's from?

[Skarn]

Where are you guys getting your Vibe 50's from?

I just went right to the source...Horizon Hobby.

But they are on backorder. Maybe that's good...I still have time to cancel!

Skarn

[mrrcman]

nice

[terrybeb]

You don't need the 2 in 1 voltage reg just get a 2800Mah NIMh battery pack and a glow starter. If you want to go LiPo then go with the Duralite or SGP voltage regulator although they are not needed at first. Regulator, governor and carbsmart are extras that help but not necessary to fly. Also needed a battery and a starter with hex shaft and a fuel pump. Get a manual one first, it's cheaper and when you get your kit box together you can get the electric pump and will have the manual one for a backup.

[Skarn]

You don't need the 2 in 1 voltage reg just get a 2800Mah NIMh battery pack and a glow starter. If you want to go LiPo then go with the Duralite or SGP voltage regulator although they are not needed at first. Regulator, governor and carbsmart are extras that help but not necessary to fly. Also needed a battery and a starter with hex shaft and a fuel pump. Get a manual one first, it's cheaper and when you get your kit box together you can get the electric pump and will have the manual one for a backup.

I actually have a field box for my planks. I have an electric fuel pump, 12v battery and a nicad glow igniter. Will this glow igniter work with the heli glow plug? I also have a starter for the planks, but can it be used somehow with an adapter for the heli?

I was told by a guy at my LHS, that I'd need a governor because the OS 50 Hyper is way too powerful and I don't want headspeed more than 2200. I he correct?

Thanks!
Skarn

[terrybeb]

No he is not correct, the heli is designed for a 50 Hyper the gearing will be fine. You can adjust the throttle settings for the headspeed in the radio. Take out your rubber cone in your starter and put in the squared off rubber one. It will fit the hex shaft that you will have to buy. I have the AirSkipper 50 and JUST put in a MultiGov last week. Scott Gray (http://www.scottgrayrc.com/)does not use a Governor although he does run a RPM limiter. I will however confirm this with Scotts father today when I go to my LHS for you. You can use the same glow plug igniter. For the plug use a #8 plug with the 50 hyper. Also a combination of 12.5% and 30% cool power fuel mixed 1/2and 1/2 is the best for the OS 50 Scott runs this in all his machines 90's included. Who am I to argue........

[terrybeb]

This is what you need for your starter. http://www.readyheli.com/HEX_START_WAND_with_ONE_WAY_BEARING_p/cn0427.htm

[Skarn]

Thanks Terry!

Out of curiosity, why did you just put in a governor now? Did you feel you needed one or it made flying a lot easier?

Also why the combo on fuel? Would running straight 30% be bad? I ask because the local heli club has discounted 30% fuel.

Skarn

[terrybeb]

Using a governor means you don't have to get fancy with setting your throttle curves. To be frank most people do not know how to set a proper throttle curve for nitro (including myself in that statement) it just makes it a whole lot easier BUT not necessary in order to fly. It is something to get down the road when you have some extra money hidden from the Mrs....;)

This is a quote from Scott's web site. "
What fuel do you run for 3D? I noticed you have less smoke than some other guys.

I use Cool Power 30% High-performance heli (pink color) mixed in equal parts (1:1) with Cool Power 12.5% heli (purple color). The result is about 21% nitro and multi viscosity blend of oil. The CP30 contains thin oil in high percentages, while the 12.5% heli has less quantity of oil, but it is thicker viscosity. This blend produces the SAME power as CP30%, but has less smoke and is easier to tune! Not to mention the cost is down because you can buy the less expensive 12.5% and mix with the CP30. I do not recommend the low oil blends that some manufacturers offer in order to have less smoke. The price you will pay is often rear bearings and piston rings in your engine as it is not protected enough. As a note, I use this 50/50 blend of fuel in all my helis 30 size, 50, and 90."

I hope this helps.

Terry

[Hulley]

Do you have a link to Scotts web site?

[Hulley]

Opps, I just re-read the first page and spotted it there! BTW I'm getting the SGP reactor for my Vibe50 that I picked up today!

[terrybeb]

I read that, I've heard good things. I was given my Duralite otherwise I would have the SGP reactor.

[bladeking63]

I'm back now, but when I left the hobby in mid 90's, governor's were just coming in to play. The governor helps with the curve setups - yes. But the biggest reason for a governor is to keep the head from "overspeeding" when you unload the disc in some maneuvers. It was an even bigger help back in the day (I was the first one to own one in my town - throttle jockey), because back then we didn't have heading hold gyros (mechanical only) and when your head oversped then you dumped in collective during a manuever, the gyro could not hold it and the tail would snap around on you mid-manuever. Governor solved 90% of that.
IT ABSOLUTELY AMAZES ME HOW FAR THINGS HAVE COME IN THE 12-13 YEARS SINCE I GOT OUT. 2.4 radios, heading hold, carb smart, governors, carbon blades.........
the list just goes on and on. I'm getting back in as cash allows, but I'm really looking forward to flying some nice stuff (saving for that Vibe 50!!).:lolol

[terrybeb]

Exactly right, Throttle jockey=RPM limiter. If you are doing mild sport flying I'm not sure it's so necessary right away, although if you can afford a governor now then it would be beneficial. At the very least buy the magnets and install them in the fan during assembly so that you don't have to rip it apart later to install them. Not sure what the build will be like for the Vibe....I'm sure it will be pretty straight forward given my experience with my AirSkipper Build.

[Hulley]

The Vibe50 has the magnets in the clutch bell. Someone on the otheRR site installed a RJX metal fan on their Vibe and it fit like a champ. I'm thinking about giving this a try. The metal fan is only $35 and seeing as I dont have to install the magnets in the fan, it should minimize the trial.

[terrybeb]

I didn't realize that the magnets are in the clutch bell interesting. Speaking of which I just picked up a new clutch for my Skippy it's been dragging I think from my hot start a while back. Good luck on your build and take pictures as you go.
:Pics

[Hulley]

Here is a current pic of my build, Its going together really smooth. This is by far the nicest heli I've ever built.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/hulley29/2.jpg