Help needed

[Patriek]

Okay so I have been flying around my Trex 450SEv2 & Trex 600E for about a year now and am capable of doing simple hovering and circuits. I have come to the conclusion that I do not want to go the 3D way of helicopter flying, but rather go flying scale with my current helis instead.

So I have been looking on the internet and have seen some very nice fuselages: I thought I would start out with an Align MD500 fuselage for my Trex 450 and then convert my Trex 600E into a Century Bell 222. I do have some questions and I hope you can help me out so I know whether it is sensible to go this route of scale helicopter flying.

Many thanks in advance for reading this post and helping me out!! :-)


Okay so my questions are:



1. Robbe Helicommand & Spartan AP 2000i

Since the fuselages are an expensive addition to an already expensive hobby, I am considering installing electronic aid into my helis: either the Helicommand or the Spartan AP 2000i device. I am thinking that if I might ever loose orientation I can sort of rely on these systems not to crash my beloved scale helicopters. Is there any truth to this assumption? (I know that it wont fly the heli for me.. but if they will keep it from the ground until I regain orientation that would be fine)


2. Flighttimes and heat with electrics

Since I own two electric pod-and-boom helis, I am wondering what to expect in regards of heat building up with the electric components such as motor, ESC & LiPo batteries. I have the stock set-ups for my helis and they already run pretty hot (100F for batteries and motor up to 135F for the ESC’s). Can I convert my Trexs into scale flying machines without ruining the electronics due to heat?

And what can I expect for flight times? Slightly less or is the decrease in flight time more dramatic?


3. What fuselages other than Century’s can I use for my Trex600?


4. I now have a Futaba 6Ex 2.4Ghz radio, I know I have to get at least a 7 channel radio to be able to operate the extract system for the Bell 222. Do I need more channels to be able to control the Helicommand or the Spartan AP 2000i?


Thank you for your help!!


Patriek

[Rodan]

1. Robbe Helicommand & Spartan AP 2000i

I would recommend that you work on your flying skills to the point that you are fully comfortable with all flying regimes in pod/boom before installing a scale fuselage. These types of systems may help with stability, but I seriously doubt they will prevent a crash in many circumstances. They will add weight, cost and complexity. I would stay away, unless you get to the point where you want to go to a scale rotorhead (non-flybarred).

2. Flighttimes and heat with electrics

Scale fuses add weight, so are going to put more of a load on the system. You will gain a little back by being able to run lower headspeeds, but compared to basic sport flying as a pod/boom, you will likely see slightly shorter flight times depending on the amount of weight added. You will also decrease the airflow with a fuselage, so heat may be an issue if you are already borderline. Neither of these issues should be a major problem.

3. What fuselages other than Century’s can I use for my Trex600?

You can use just about any 50 size fuselage without an elevated tail rotor with the TRex600. With a torque tube tail drive, you could even set up an elevated tail rotor, but I wouldn't recommend it for a first project. Something like the Century/Funkey/Align MD500, or the TT MD530 are good first projects. Lots of room in the fuse, and a straight tail. A 222 will be a bit more complex because of the retracts, and the fuselage is not as roomy.


4. I now have a Futaba 6Ex 2.4Ghz radio, I know I have to get at least a 7 channel radio to be able to operate the extract system for the Bell 222. Do I need more channels to be able to control the Helicommand or the Spartan AP 2000i?

You would only need more channels for the stabilization systems if you have a remote gain on the gyros used. Other uses for additional channels on scale ships are retracts, as you mentioned, and lights or other features.