Review - KDE's 600e Ali Bottom Plate

[Finless]

Here is a little reviewage for ya all.
KDE Direct sent me this aluminum bottom plate for the 600E. Looks pretty good and may save your frames in a crash! We wont be trying to crash so I wont know how well it does in a crash until that day comes.


Anyway, here is the video:
Video Link ->KDE Direct's 600 Aluminum Bottom Plate (15 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/other&filename=kde.wmv)

Enjoy,
Bob

[kitty20155]

I believe it helps protect the frames to some extent. It requires scientific methods to find out whether or not and how much it does help. It's NOT 100% safe to jump into any conclusion even with experiences which are not always objective.

[Bobbyk]

It looks nice, but it cost $80 bucks, hmm!!!

Robert

[Mercuriell]

Looks really nice - no way will it protect the frames - quite the opposite as it won't absorb impact but it will stop the tedious breaking off of of the nose plate that holds the lipo - don't forget the nylon bolts for the U/C - that's the best protection for frames :)

[kegerator]

Mercuriell -

According to finite-element analysis, the Aluminum design will acutally minimize the damage to the frame in most crash scenarios, as the aluminum will support the shock and prevent flexing of the carbon frames, which causes the breakage. In the event of a crash, the stock plastic frame flexes tremendously and provides no support to the carbon structure, which quickly causes the epoxy within the carbon matrix to shatter. Carbon-fiber weave is very good in symetric and smooth loading, but is brittle in sudden shock-type impacts, which shatters the epoxy within the carbon lay-up and results in cracks and breakage. Of course, if you put it in hard enough, things could still break and that's why I wanted to offer a 30% off crash-replacement program. On the other hand, in my own experience and multiple hard crashes with the upgrade I've had installed for over a year, I've had no damage to the 600E frames and electronics tucked inside for protection. Also, to prevent breaking the landing gear as well, you can use nylon screws in this design to secure the landing gear, which will shear off in the event of a crash and prevent further damage. The primary goal of the design is frame rigidity and crash protection for the electronics, so using the carbon frames and the aluminum base plate provides excellent protection for the expensive components tucked inside (such as the ESC, gyro computer, BEC, etc.). :)

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

That is sweet!!! If I owned a Rex600 I'd buy one for sure!:thumbup:

[Mercuriell]

Mercuriell -

According to finite-element analysis, the Aluminum design will acutally minimize the damage to the frame in most crash scenarios, as the aluminum will support the shock and prevent flexing of the carbon frames, which causes the breakage. In the event of a crash, the stock plastic frame flexes tremendously and provides no support to the carbon structure, which quickly causes the epoxy within the carbon matrix to shatter. Carbon-fiber weave is very good in symetric and smooth loading, but is brittle in sudden shock-type impacts, which shatters the epoxy within the carbon lay-up and results in cracks and breakage. Of course, if you put it in hard enough, things could still break and that's why I wanted to offer a 30% off crash-replacement program. On the other hand, in my own experience and multiple hard crashes with the upgrade I've had installed for over a year, I've had no damage to the 600E frames and electronics tucked inside for protection. Also, to prevent breaking the landing gear as well, you can use nylon screws in this design to secure the landing gear, which will shear off in the event of a crash and prevent further damage. The primary goal of the design is frame rigidity and crash protection for the electronics, so using the carbon frames and the aluminum base plate provides excellent protection for the expensive components tucked inside (such as the ESC, gyro computer, BEC, etc.). :)

Don't get me wrong - I'm not knocking the product - I ordered one just after I posted :) However although I'm not a professional engineer and not capable of finite element analysis I deal with material science every day ! I don't understand your term "support the shock"- a material will either absorb energy or transmit it - can't undestand the concept of 'supporting it' - alumimium being a less flexible material is bound to transmit more of the shock to its surrounds and this is common experience with changing components in the head from plastic to metal - you can have the benefit of increased rigidity and durability but at the expense of more shock transmission. As far as lipo protection is concerned again there is a harder base for the lipo to decelerate against so whilst it might offer more belly protection against sniping air rifles I'm unconvinced it'll do more for your lipos in a crash.

Anyway - I say again - I think it looks a great product and I wish it every success and am looking forward to receiving mine - how about something similar for the battery tray - again to stiffen up the frames as they do tend to flex in this area in front of the main shaft.

[Finless]

Well I am no engineer either ;)

But I will add that I have broken the frames around the bottom plate where the notches are and because the screw holes are there DAMN,.... NEW frames for a SIMPLE break! When the bottom plate breaks this breaks the frames around the notches.
I think this will not do that. I don't think it will save breaking the frame up higher which happens depending on how you go in on the crash. But for the simple breaks around the bottom plate notches I think this will keep that from happening. Just my simple thoughts and non-scientific analysis.

Personally, the 500 also needs this big time. My first crash was me messing around with blade stop autos. I came straight down and because the bottom blade broke the tabs around the notches in the frames broke too :(

Bob

[kegerator]

Yeah, no problem Mercuriell, I knew you weren't knocking the product. It's great to see an open discussion on the design, as it just helps me design even better products for the future and continuously make improvements. I posted the reply to explain the strength as best I could, without getting too crazy technical in Engineering speak. As Bob stated and I agree, the frame could still break above the frame, as they are unsupported in the area, but I'm confident it should help stop the simple breaks around the frame tabs and lower CF areas. I also broke the 600 and 500 CF frames in these lower areas when I was using the stock plastic bottom bracket; which drove me in developing the Aluminum upgrade bottom brackets for production (and of course, spoil my own self with the upgrades). :)

[anthony7656]

kegerator :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):) :):):)
Thanks for bottom brackets :):):):):):):):):)
I'm sure it will help 110% for me, since I already broke a piece.

[Bobbyk]

Yeah, no problem Mercuriell, I knew you weren't knocking the product. It's great to see an open discussion on the design, as it just helps me design even better products for the future and continuously make improvements. I posted the reply to explain the strength as best I could, without getting too crazy technical in Engineering speak. As Bob stated and I agree, the frame could still break above the frame, as they are unsupported in the area, but I'm confident it should help stop the simple breaks around the frame tabs and lower CF areas. I also broke the 600 and 500 CF frames in these lower areas when I was using the stock plastic bottom bracket; which drove me in developing the Aluminum upgrade bottom brackets for production (and of course, spoil my own self with the upgrades). :)

I think the Nitro model needs this as well, like to see what you come up with.

Thanks

Robert

[kegerator]

Hot on the heels of the TREX 600E design, the TREX 500 Aluminum Bottom Bracket upgrade is now moving into production and will be shipping on July 2nd. Again, the design is a direct replacement for the flimsy, plastic frame and is constructed from the highest quality materials and precision CNC milling techniques. :thumbup: The images attached are of the first run prototype (without finishing or anodize), so the final production will look much cleaner similar to the TREX 600E design currently shipping.

[Raven_darkcloud]

Yup I saw you and the ones you had at brooks in Dee Tee tent. I thought it looks great. If I recall you had a 500 plate in your hands.If you make it to helipoluza I would like to see one closer. ie on my bird ;)

[kegerator]

Hey Raven,

Yes, that was me hanging with the Deeteeenterprise crew helping with the Beginner's Circle. I had one of the first cut prototypes for the TREX 500 in my hand, which is the same part as shown in the above pictures. The parts are in production right now and then sent to the anodizer later this week, so I'll have them available for sale soon! :YeaBaby: I actually made a few slight changes to the design to increase strength in critical areas (around the motor section) and remove excess weight in others, so I'm looking forward to the new design hitting the market.

[kegerator]

The TREX 600E design is now available at other online retailers also:

www.deeteeenterprises.com (http://www.deeteeenterprises.com)
www.modefosheli.com (http://www.modefosheli.com)
www.readyheli.com (http://www.readyheli.com)

The TREX 500E design is on schedule and will be carried through the retailers as well, so thanks for everyone's support.

Finless - and as promised, the 500E design is coming, so keep an eye out for it before the July 4th weekend if the production makes it on schedule. :)

[NecOne]

Hi ;)

Look my Rex from France ^^

http://www.isaetmike.com/forum/rc/rex_02.JPG




http://www.isaetmike.com/forum/rc/rex_03.JPG

http://www.isaetmike.com/forum/rc/rex_04.JPG

http://www.isaetmike.com/forum/rc/rex_07.JPG

[Finless]

Très Agréable! J'aime l'emploi de peinture sur votre baldaquin!

Bob

[NecOne]

Merci ;)

But it's not me ;) .. it's a HeliArtist canopy ^^

Et on ne dis pas baldaquin mais fuselage ou canopie ;)

Un baldaquin is a bed in french ^^

Thx for your vids and reviews Bob ;) .. you make a great job.

Mike

[kegerator]

I'm pleased to announce the new TREX 500 Aluminum Bottom Bracket Upgrade is available for immediate shipping and a third vendor (www.readyheli.com (http://www.readyheli.com)) is now carrying the KDE Direct line:thumbup:. The new design came out awesome, with a satin-brushed Aluminum finish and a MIL-spec clear anodize to show off the CNC machining. I'm confident the new design is one of the best upgrades available on the market and I'm looking forward to the response and seeing them on HeliFreak's heli's at the Fun Flys! :YeaBaby:

[Skiddz]

I'm gonna need one of the 500 plates for testing Patrick...

Oh, and the "other" 600 is gonna need a bottom plate too. :)

[kegerator]

Ha! Where are the images of the TREX 600 design on your bird? I'm still awaiting pictures of your helicopter - I want to check your wiring and mechanical setup! :rolling You haven't crashed this into the new pool, have you?

[Skiddz]

Naw. The only losses into the pool so far have been a couple beers and a margarita tonight. hehehe

I'll get some pics up of the 600 by the weekend...

[gcopas]

Hey Keg,

Are you going to be at IRCHA so we can see these in person.

Looks very nice...keep em comin :thumbup:

Thanks, Newbie George

[rdlohr]

Very nice products! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Rick

[kegerator]

Thanks Rick! I appreciate the support and I'm also enjoying your upgrades for the TREX 500 from your company. The battery tray and gyro mount are excellent and the velcro sticks amazingly well to the material; once it's on, it's not coming off and it's a great safety feature for components and LiPos. :noteworthy

George - I would love to attend IRCHA, but I won't be able to make the trip this year. I have a new baby girl at home, so the only RC heli trips I'm attending this year are a few local FunFlys in Oregon (Brooks) and Washington (Snohomish). Have fun at the event and do a couple Chaos maneuevers for me! :thumbup: