carbon, or plastic

[michael88997]

especially when it takes 2 hours to recharge them


yea you need a different charger... mine takes about 40 to 50 min to charge 2 3s 2200mah packs

[shaggybirdman]

maybe this is the best deal. all i need is gyro, servos, and rx. actualy i do have a hitec electron 6 that will work with my futaba 7c. brings it down to just a gyro, and servos.

http://www.readyheli.com/204000_Hurricane_550_EP_Helicopter_Combo_p/204000.htm

going to see if my lhs can meet, or beat the price. this setup will get her in the air, but would be happier with upgraded motor correct? remember i'm still learning to hover currently.

so what ya think?

[shaggybirdman]

yea you need a different charger... mine takes about 40 to 50 min to charge 2 3s 2200mah packs

at what rate are you charging them? i charge at 1.8 amps. i should try 2 amps. i'm using a 3s 2200 mah 25c packs. this is the charger i'm currently using.

http://www.commonsenserc.com/product_info.php?cPath=38_29&products_id=185

i'm looking to get a second, but open to others. what are you using? link please too.

[shaggybirdman]

what does the the battery configuration mean? 3s1p i know the 3s is 3 cell, but what does 1p mean?

[xodarap1]

I'm using the DS821 servos on both H550's except for the tails (which are a S9251/601 and S9254/401 combo). Using a Hobbywing 60A with the Z20A and the RX battery that came with the DX7. The Hobbywing esc works great and the soft start feature and program card make it a nice solid package for very little money. The RX battery works fine to power the digital servos and the 401, no problem. I fly 6 flights, then switch the RX battery out to a JR 1500 mAh one that I picked up at my local hobby shop for $9. The RX batteries charge up overnight and are ready for the next day's fun. The second H550 uses a CC bec with an Align 75A ESC. The Align/CC setup is fine too, but it was more expensive and I honestly don't see any real advantage to it unless you are gonna run the high volt setups. I agree that the plastic frames are under rated.

[shaggybirdman]

yea you need a different charger... mine takes about 40 to 50 min to charge 2 3s 2200mah packs

what charger are you using. i'm thinking about a thunder power 1010c with a balancing add on. i have no idea as to what are good chargers for lipos. i like my triton, but it doesn't balance the packs. links to good, and reasonable chargers.

[jockstrap]

Shaggy birdman,

Here is my setup:

* Hurricane 550 pro (metal anti-rotation bracket and some metal head parts from www.wattsuprc.com.au
in oz - $365 AU in Oz - std motor and 50A esc)
* 3A bec off the main batteries - no need for extra receiver battery and saves weight
* DX7 and AR7000 receiver - using the supplied DS821 servos
* 2 x Kong Power 2200mah 25c lipos
* std wood blades, ok gears
* gy401 and s9254 for tail

Flies like a dream! I'm only intermediate and basically jut so FFF at the moment and some flips.
If you are only headed for sport flying the only thing you may want to change is to the Z20 motor as others state and that would only be due to it being easier on the batteries..

I found the only problem with the stock hurricane is that it's heavy on batteries - 2200mah 25c are fine - but they need to be good quality - the kong Powers are great and just get warm after 6-7min flight..

I punch my heli often so I reduced flight time from 7 min to 6 min and with heavy punching I still put back just under 80% into the batteries with 6min flights... 7 min flights used to be fine with just normal forward flight (which sounds like where you will be for a little while anyway)

If truely you are not interested in 3D then I would definitely recommend just staying with the plastic frame and wood blades - guaranteed you will be happy with them..

As others have stated - spend the extra on extra Kong Power batteries for more flights..

If you can basically hover a T-Rex 450 then you will be able to hover the hurricane as well and will probably hover it better as it's way less twitchy...

If your aim is power and 3D in the Near future (which sounds like you are not) then go straight for the T-Rex 500 :) I have both and they are both great machines but really for 2 different types of flying..

Summary - get the std plastic hurry, extra batteries and have heaps of fun! with low cost repairs! maybe in the future - upgrade to the Z20 motor (if you so desire!)

[vicrc]

If your only interested in running the Z20 the plastic frame is perfectly adequate for that motor. Just don't go ordering 4000mah packs as it may not fit inside the cowl. I have used 3300s and its perfect size for it.

[kgfly]

what charger are you using. i'm thinking about a thunder power 1010c with a balancing add on. i have no idea as to what are good chargers for lipos. i like my triton, but it doesn't balance the packs. links to good, and reasonable chargers.
There are many good choices around today. If you are considering an H550 running 2 x 3s 2500-3300 packs then to charge them as 6s at 1C you need a 6s lipo charger rated to at least 80W/4A. To charge at 2C, at least 160W/7A. I have a strong preference for integrated balance chargers. If you are considering the well regarded TP 1010C + 210V balancer then I suggest you also consider the Hyperion 0610iDUO and the iCharger 1010B. You might find this summary useful.
+-----------------------------------+
| KGLFY's Balance Charger Summary |
| 12 Apr 2008 |
+-----------------------------------+

Integrated Balance Chargers
===========================
These offer simplicity and convenience with the balancer and charger combined
in the same case. Simpler, more convenient, take up less bench space and
easier to transport.

--------- ------------ -------------- --------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------
Brand Model Chemistry Balancer Input Output Price (USD) Notes
--------- ------------ -------------- --------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------
FMA Cellpro4S LiXx only 2s-4s dc 50W/4A $75 Excellent, simple, hugely popular, great value
--------- ------------ -------------- --------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------
Bantam eStation BC6 multi 2s-6s ac/dc 50W/5A $170 Proven high quality. Integrated ac/dc power supply is great
Hyperion EOS0606iAD multi 2s-6s ac/dc 50W/6A $150 Integrated ac/dc supply but not as good as the BC6
MegaPower 860DS multi 2s-6s ac/dc 50W/6A $110 Appears to be the same as the Hyperion 0606iAD
TP TP610 multi 2s-6s dc 80W/10A $130 New model from respected TP brand
KongPower 100W6 multi 2s-6s dc 100W/5A $150 New model based on the MaxproX6, likely to be just as good
Maxpro X6 multi 2s-6s dc 100W/5A $140 New brand, good user comments so far
iCharger 106B multi 2s-6s dc 180W/10A $100 New brand, good spec.s, no user feedback seen so far
Bantam BC610 multi 2s-6s dc 200W/10A $180 Same great charger as the BC6 but 200W/10A (dc input only)
Hyperion EOS0610iNET multi 2s-6s dc 250W/10A $170 Most bang for buck in terms of features+output power
Hyperion EOS0610iDUO multi 2s-6s x 2 dc 180W/10A each $270 Very handy if you discharge packs in pairs
--------- ------------ -------------- --------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------
Bantam eStation BC8 multi 2s-8s dc 150W/7A $270 Proven high quality
--------- ------------ -------------- --------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------
Chargery 1010B multi 2s-10s dc 200W/10A $240 New brand, good spec.s, good feedback so far
iCharger 1010B multi 2s-10s dc 200W/10A $180 New brand, good spec.s, good feedback so far
--------- ------------ -------------- --------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------
FMA Cellpro10S LiXx only 2s-5s x 2 dc 200W/10A $190 Not independent dual port. 1A balancer is a strength.
--------- ------------ -------------- --------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------
Graupner Ultra DUO 50 multi 2x-7s x 2 ac/dc 360W/10A $530 Very impressive beast, but expensive. Integrated AC power supply
for up to 120W max output power, else run it off DC to get 180W/10A
per port or 250W/10A on a single port. Appears to be two independent
channels, each with its own display and controls.
--------- ------------ -------------- --------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------



Non-integrated charger+balancer combos
======================================
This is the older style where the balancer is an add-on accessory to the charger.
Less convenient since it means more boxes, more cables, more things to configure,
store and transport.

--------- -------------- -------------- ------------------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------
Brand Model Chemistry Balancer Input Output Price (USD) Notes
--------- -------------- -------------- ------------------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------
TME Xtrema LiXx BAL+BIM 2s-6s dc 150W/8A $265 Includes power meter functions. Complex and expensive
2 x BAL+BIM 2s-12s dc 150W/8A $360 Includes power meter functions. Complex and expensive
TP 1010C multi 210V 2s-10s dc 220W/10A $300 Top performer, hugely popular in US
Hyperion EOS1210i multi 2 x LBA10 2s-12s dc 180W/10A $240 Good value
Bantam eStation 902 multi 2 x PB6 2s-12s dc 200W/9.9A $400 Proven high quality
MEGA POWER Infinity 960SR multi 1 x LCB12 2s-12s dc 180W/10A $200 Good value, great LCD, 2nd NiXx-only port to
charge your Tx in parallel with your flight battery
--------- -------------- -------------- ------------------- ----- ------------- ----------- --------------------------------------------

Notes
=====
1) "multi" means at least: NiCd/NiMH/Pb/LiPo/LiFe
2) "LiXx only" means at least: LiPo/LiFe

[xodarap1]

Kenneth, you should add the inexpensive IMAX B6 to your list. It charges (2) 3s 2200 25C Li-Po's in series at 3C, balanced and all. ;)

[kgfly]

I hope you have had a good experience with your iMax charger but there have been too many reporting serious quality issues for my liking. The iMax BC6 in particular is know to allow individual cells to experience over-voltage and to have poor balancing accuracy. There are whole threads about how to replace some of the SMT resistors and folk selling upgrade resistor packs. Other reports of badly soldered leads, shorting contacts etc. That is why I don't include or recommend any of the iMax products (which appear under various brand names).

[vicrc]

I would consider the Cellpro 10s before the 1010, if your only charging lipo's and A123s. For $190 comes with a built in balancer its a great charger at home and at the field without the external balancer mess.

[xodarap1]

I hope you have had a good experience with your iMax charger but there have been too many reporting serious quality issues for my liking..Thats fine by me, I was only trying to let you know of my first hand experience with the iMax B6's that I got from skyrc. The only report I can give is on the two that I own and have used for many cycles.

I've missed out and passed up too many other great products in other industries that hundreds of others claimed to have had nothing but problems with. One example, before I bought my z28, I read in many forums that there were nothing but problems with the car (i mean hundreds of posts) I ended up buying the car anyway and 15 years later and 190k miles on it, it has been a great car and I've run it upstate in northern NY for 15 winters! ;) I realized a long time ago that there can be hundreds of people saying something doesn't work well, but still be several thousands out there that are very happy end users, regardless of the product or price. ;)

In the heli arena the same holds true. All the helis I have owned have had some type of complaint from users for one reason or another but they all were cheap, great fun for me and many others folks.. including the H550, which to this day, some hate and some love for whatever reasons.

The same thing with Li-Po's.. when the kong powers first came out they had people saying they couldn't be as good as they said, were too heavy (which i think they are - but worth the extra bit of weight), and couldn't be charged at 3C without damage etc. The results are that there are now many happy kong pack owners and plenty that will still never buy them.

I did hear the same bad reports about the iMax charger before I bought it, and decided to get one and test it myself instead of judging it based on bad reports. I ended up buying another soon after because it was basic, straight forward and easy to use/understand and I didn't have the issues that others were reporting. I've haven't had one overcharged cell or out of balanced cells when using the iMax chagers.. not one. If it truly is that bad of a setup that people have threads and posts about changing out parts on them, I find my testing and results unique and very hard to explain.

I use the chargers to charge and balance 1000, 1350, 1500, 1800, 2100, 2200mAh packs both alone and in series and everything comes out great. I always check every pack after charging with an ElectriFly Equinox balancer (cuz I love to double check my packs). I have had over 30 packs in rotation with these chargers and have no complaints. By all means, I don't want to promote a bad product and I understand your reasons for not listing it, but I wonder how two of these chargers can work so well for me if so many others claim they are so bad. I guess I'm the lucky one again. :)

[kgfly]

It is a quality control issue. Not everyone that buys them has problems, some, like you, are very happy with them and have a bargain as a result. However, there are enough reports of problems that the odds of getting a dud are far higher with them than with some other candidates where QC problems seem to be few and far between. It's a choice we each make for ourselves, the tradeoff between price, risk and perceived value.

[xodarap1]

I understand it can all be a QC issue. Thanks for explaining and for the review/list of the other chargers.

[3D Dave]

xodarap1 (Steve) and shaggybirdman,

I just read (or did I read it before) this thread. My head starts spinning when I try to keep up with dozens of heli threads on 10+ topics on 4 different web groups.

Thanks for the info. As Steve knows (thanks for your info), I'm getting ready to take the plunge and get an H550. I was pretty sure I wanted the all plastic version but after talking to the heli guys last night at the dome where I fly and then reading this thread, I think I'm going to get the plastic frame/metal head version. I think this is called the XES Pro SE. Correct me if I'm wrong.

There are apparently 2 different length booms available. I'm not sure which one comes with the plastic frame/metal head kit but I guess there's no huge difference (or is there?)

Also, is there anything I need to replace from the get-go? I seem to remember something about heavier links needed?

Lastly, is readyheli the best USA dealer for this kit?

Thanks for your guidance!

Dave D.

[kgfly]

My 2c:

The kits come with the long boom/belt. I would order the shorter boom/belt with the heli as which one balances best depends on your battery choice.

I also suggest you order a Trex600 tail boom servo mount in case you decide to mount the rudder servo on the boom (again for balance reasons). The T600 boom is approx 1mm larger diameter so you will need a couple of wraps of sticky tape around the H550 boom at the location where the boom mount rings sit.

If I lived in the US I would definitely choose to buy from ReadyHeli. Heck, I have to get gear shipped to Oz and I still choose them!

[xodarap1]

Hi Dave,

My plastic framed metal head H550 XES kit came from ReadyHeli and it came with the short boom/belt with the upgraded anti-rotation bracket, metal arms and better canopy. All of the things mentioned in these earlier threads had been fixed with my kit. The stock plastic tail has performed well even at over 2300HS and my only addition were the TRex 600 skids (which was a cheap and great upgrade). The metal head on this heli looks much nicer on this heli than the black metal head on my older Z30 powered carbon framed heli, but both fly fine.

I got the z20 motor, HobbyWing esc, DX7, DS821 servos, AR9000, 401 w/tail servo, batteries, extra blades, booms, gears, pinions and a few other things from HeliDirect (If I remember correctly).

Both vendors were great to deal with and I would buy from then again..and do for parts for my other helis. Everything was shipped out the next day and arrived at my door in great condition in 3 days.

My suggestion would be to contact ReadyHeli to make sure you will get the short boom with 500mm blades (wood and carbon) before you place your order, unless you want the long boom for some reason. If you start running longer blades past 500mm with the Z20 you will be pulling more from the batteries and the performance won't be any better. Get some extra 61T, 42T gears and get at least one extra 20T one way bearing, 13T, 14T and 15T pinions if you go with the Z20 motor (which I highly recommend).

If you plan to run larger than 2500 batteries, consider what kgfly said so you won't run into any COG issues.