Heli Hobby Combo Pack?

[rotarydoc]

Hi guys,

Well, I can't stop thinking about the Gaui 200. That usually means that it is unavoidable that I am going to buy one, whatever it takes!! It's all I have been thinking about all day. The spare Blade CP Pro is on eBay. There is no turning back!! LOL

I was looking into the combo pack that Helihobby has listed. Looks like a pretty good deal, wanted to see what experiences anyone had with this combo pack, like how is the E-sky gryo that comes with it? The HiTec servos seem like a good way to go. I am good with starting with the belt driven tail, I can always upgrade later on.

I was a little concerned about the fact that it ships with an 11.1 volt 3S battery...is that going to be too much for a noob like me with a very small collective pitch heli? Also, on the battery issue, I have about three nice, 7.4 volt 2S packs for my CX2 laying here, is that an option for batteries?

I understand that the see saw pieces are fragile, and I should probaby order some. And what package do the screws that always break or bend (blade grip screws?) come in? I was just checking availability and prices of parts...to get an idea of what I am getting into...

And what is the mod for battery mounting that uses the T-Rex battery tray...should I order one of those as well? Anything else needed for that mod? I saw one picture of it, so I have some idea of what's up with that.

Sorry for all the questions, but I am very excited about getting one of these little birds!! Soon I'll be a Heli Freak too, it will be my 8th heli!! :YeaBaby:

Thanks so much in advance,

Glenn

[Jetleaf]

See thats the way this little beeotch does. She had already bitten you when posted previously. This will be your 8th heli? I have 7, 2 are Hurricane 200's 1 SD and 1 Belt. I have said before that the 200 is the heli I was meant to own, I just wish I had discovered that 5 helis ago. I just looked at the combo from Helihobby. Get them to switch out one of the Hitec servos for a better tail servo. They are great on cyclic but you want a 3154 or logictech on the tail. I know nothing about the Esky gyro. I use a logictech. The 401 is good and of course the Spartan any of those will work great. The ball link pliers are useless, they're to big. The 3s lipo is overkill in my opinion due to size and weight. It will not fit between the frames like your Eflite lipos will. And yes you can use them. I have 3 from my CX2 that I use mainly for the the bench cause they are a little weaker than others because they are 10c I think. Anything wider than 31 mm won't fit between the frames and you will have to mod to make it fit. Try to get helihobby to change it for the 2s Gaui or something equivalant. Bert Kammerer uses the 2s gaui pack on his bird, have you seen that video? Readyheli or Helidirect or Flyinghobby will fix you up with a combo if you can't get satisfaction from Helihobby. You can get both versions of the 200 from Flyinghobby for $450. The blade grip screws are m2 x 10 and you can get a bag of 100 from Grainger I think for 4 or 5 bucks. I prefer the socket head screws. The stock ones are philips head. You will also need a .9mm allen for the flybar set screws, 00 philips head screw driver, and 2mm allen for everything else. You are going to be like a kid on Christmas morning when you get this bird and everytime you fly it too. Welcome to the club.

[rotarydoc]

Hey Jetleaf,

Wow, THANKS for all the great info....yeah, I am hooked now...no looking back! I'll have to see what Helihobby can work out for me, I agree, I think I would be more comfortable with the 2S Gaui pack to start. That is great news on the CX2 packs, I have 3 of them, but they probably are crap, since I used to fly the CX2 until it ran out of juice!!

I may give Helihobby an email or call this coming week, and see what they can work out. They seem like really good people to work with. Thanks on the grip screw info, I will go ahead and get a bulk pack. Do you think I need any see saw links when I place the order, I mean, is it a given that I am going to break them?

I take it with the tool recommendation, that it does not come with a tool kit of any kind?
I'm good on everything except the .9mm allen...I'll have to look into that...

So, I am a bit confused now on the battery location, and mounting. I know that the center of gravity is the issue, with the heli being tail heavy. I guess the best place to locate the battery is all the way up front....but it seems that the mounting up there is an issue?

I don't think I have seen the video of Bert Kamerer yet, but what sold me was the link to the guy in France flying one indoors, and it was super smooth and stable, he wasn't doing anything crazy, just kinda cruising around the room, looked very cool indeed. I am not even ready for any 3D, I just want a nice flying little machine with a bit more umph than the Quark has. Not to mention all the cool "bling" of the carbon fiber and CNC stuff!!

Now, if someone will just buy the CPP I just listed on eBay....LOL

You are correct, I'll be like a kid on Christmas morning!! I already can't wait!

It'll be like a Quark on steroids!!

Thanks again for all the advice, there is nothing like experienced and knowledgeable people to get the right answers! You guys are great!

Glenn

[Jetleaf]

I used to fly my cx2 till it would not lift off and those packs are still hangin on. I have seen the vid you spoke of with the guy in France remember how intense his concentration was? I remember thinking "why does this guy look like he's disarming a nuclear weapon when he's just hovering" I know now it takes that kind of concentration just to hover. On the extreme opposite end of the Gaui spectrum here are a couple of Bert K. vids http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSujBS-WomU and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIu1A6wRyeg&feature=related \

Nice and stable. :YeaBaby: 2s packs too. On the parts you might as well grab'em while your at it. seesaw arms, main shafts, flybars, booms, plastic blades, the woodies are what Bert is using. Check out some of the pics in the "show off your gaui" thread and you'll see how some people are mounting the battery. I have mine up front between the frames under my receiver and gyro. You'll want a Spektrum 6100 sized receiver too.

[stoatnchips]

Great info from Jetleaf... just like to add, try and get your supplier to replace the gyro with a 2100... the 401 is 3 times heavier, the Spartan is great if you can justify $220 gyro on a $260 heli and the E-Sky is :BSS
If your flying from grass then get a couple of spare tail balde packs and some paddles. I would also get a second pack of flybars, set of blade grips, 2 spare links packs (you'll need 1 of these during the build as some in the kit are not long enough for the 7mm neutral setup!) and a universal link pack.

Just for some controversy... i would stick with the standard blade grip screws... the ones that Jetleaf mentions are hardened bolts and MAY do more damage to other parts of the heli in a crash rather than the soft Gaui ones. Jet, have you damaged an Ali boom yet? Its strange, i bought 2 spare packs when i started with the 200 and have had several bad impacts but not even dented a boom yet... Nothing like my other helis :dontknow

[rotarydoc]

Jetleaf,

LOL, yeah, that guy looked pretty stressed out, I definately noticed his concentration level was up there!! I just can't imagine it being any worse than what I am going through with the CPP...at least the tail will stay put!! (hopefully)

That's good news on the CX2 packs, even if they are down on power, that might not be a bad thing when I am starting out anyways...I am thinking that I will go ahead and get the kit, do the build and then decide on a battery mounting solution.

The receiver I have in mind came with my DX6i, it's a AR6200 with the remote receiver attached. I am wondering if it's going to be a mounting issue, since the connectors come out of the top, rather than the end of the receiver?

I was also reading at Ready Hobby that the Eflite G110 is an acceptable gyro, so I may start out with that until I can get something better (I just happen to have one, it's on the CPP, but not for long!!). I know it's probably not the best gyro, but they seem to do well enough on my B400's for the type of flying I'm doing now, which is just basic stuff, figure 8's, some banked turns, hovering around, etc.

Any comments on the tail servo, the two I am looking at are the Hitec HS-50, and the Futaba 3154?

I have never done any business with Ready Hobby, but their website sure looks nice. And the best price on the 200 belt, at $299, with free shipping. At least the best price in the US. I know about flyinghobby, but I am reluctant to order something like that from China.

Thanks for the links to Bert's awesome vids...that guy is amazing! I can safely say that I will NEVER be able to fly like that, so I don't even pretend that I could get that good! I am content at the moment working on some figure 8's, etc. I would eventually like to be able to hover inverted, I think that would be pretty cool some day. I can do it on the sim...but we all know that isn't real life!!

Thanks again so much for the great info, I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions soon enough!!

Glenn

[rotarydoc]

Hey stoatnchips,

Thanks for the reply, and your input, very helpful! I figured the E-sky gyro was not the greatest, since they are using it in a combo pack for a very low price. I think I am going to start out with my Eflite G110, and just see how that goes. I can always upgrade later on, if it's not doing the trick.

Thanks especially for the info on the link kits, anything else I need for the build itself that does not come with the kit? I think Jetleaf was mentioning a .9mm allen wrench for the flybar screws?

I will try to get most of the spares you mentioned, don't know how quickly the bank account will run low...I can always place a second order after I get it in the air and have my first crash...

I like the idea of the softer screws, at least when I'm first starting out....my question is, what spare parts pack do they come in, I would definately like to order some and the links along with the heli...

Am I likely to break any actual main blades? I mean being plastic, one would think that they are pretty tough? I have heard that the tail blades go pretty quickly, as they strike the ground pretty easily?

Thank you guys so much for the valuable info to help me get started with this neat little heli!

Glenn

[ferretface]

Hi Glenn,

I got my 200 a few days ago and flew my first 4 packs this morning. What a blast this little guy is! It takes a bit more concentration than my B400 but hovers great. I'm running the G110 gyro and DS75 on the tail and it held perfectly. I'm sure at some point an upgrade is in order but for now it I'm happy with that gyro. I got mine from Ready Heli, great service and instant shipping. If you get the 200, you'll love it. :thumbup: Happy flying!

Paul

[R0t0R]

I know what you mean about being cautious about ordering from FlyingHobby. I was hesitant too, but went ahead and ordered the 200SD "profession" combo and even with a hurricane going through HK about the time I ordered, I had everything at my door in perfect condition in 6 days from placing the order. (4 business days) They respond quickly to email questions and package tracking is good!

I think ReadyHeli is the benchmark to grade others and would give them a A+. FlyingHobby would probably get a strong B from the one experience I have had with them. Can't beat their prices. Only downside I had was my order showed "processing" for a couple of days, so I emailed them. Got a response that said my order shipped on 6/21 (Had placed the order on 6/20) and it wasn't until the 26th that package tracking showed it was picked up. I still received it on the 28th! Very fast with priority shipping.

ReadyHeli is my main source for parts. Great people, service and shipping!

[stoatnchips]

I like the idea of the softer screws, at least when I'm first starting out....my question is, what spare parts pack do they come in, I would definately like to order some and the links along with the heli...

Am I likely to break any actual main blades? I mean being plastic, one would think that they are pretty tough? I have heard that the tail blades go pretty quickly, as they strike the ground pretty easily?

Thank you guys so much for the valuable info to help me get started with this neat little heli!

Glenn

feathering bolts are in their own bag.... 832010 http://flying-hobby.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3_5_8&products_id=1328

the foam blades are very tough... only had to switch them on my third crash.

I find i replace tail blades as the get worn by the grass!!! I guess you could change the landing gear and get the blades up out of the grass.

[rotarydoc]

Hey Paul,

Wow, that is great news, especially from a fellow Blade 400 owner! I was/am a bit worried about it being twitchy, but it sounds like from what you have said I shouldn't worry too much! Like I have been saying, it almost can't be worse than my CP Pro!!

Also great news on the gyro, I am thinking I'll give my G110 a try and see how it goes, especially after hearing your sucess...but I think I'll go with the recommended servos, I am just NOT real big on the Eflite servos at all!!

What did you end up with for cyclic servos? Eflite's also? I am going to go with the recommended HS-45's I think.

It is also great news about Readyhobby, I like what I am seeing and hearing about them so far, sounds like a great place to do business.

I would probably get everything from them, but the web page for the servos doesn't come up...maybe I'll give them a call.

I'll sleep alot better tonight after hearing your encouraging news! Thanks so much!

I am certain that I will love it. I have a Hirobo Quark,and I love it to death, but this will be like the Quark on steroids!!

Great news!

I can't wait....is it here yet?? LOL!

Thanks again, what a confidence booster!

Glenn

[rotarydoc]

Hey rotor,

Cool, another vote for Readyhobby, sounds like my kinda place to deal with! I like it also because I am on the east coast, and it just makes more sense, closer, same time zone, etc.

I also appreciate the info on Flyinghobby, and I'm sure that they have good service. I was looking at their own comments/testimonials and it looked like alot of complaints about not returning email messages...so I am going to stay away, I think on that. I would love to save a little, but it's not worth a big hassle if something goes wrong half way around the world from me! With Readyhobby, I can just pick up the phone and give them a call...

Thanks so much for the recommendations and comments!

Glenn

[rotarydoc]

Hey stoatnchips,

Thank you very much for the link on the "feathering shafts" as Flyinghobby calls them...I will be sure to get a couple of bags, for sure!

You mentioned the blades as being "foam" ?? Are they not hard plastic? Or are they like a styrofoam material? Just curious, have never seen one of these in person yet!
I am definately going to get at least one set, for sure.

Thanks again so much...I am compiling a list...I may run it by you guys when I get done, before I order!!

Glenn

[piper]

They are a flexible plastic. They will practically double up if you try to lift the heli by the tips.

[rotarydoc]

Hey Piper,

Thanks! I was wondering if they were styrofoam like the ones on my Quark, but I didn't think so.

Sounds crazy, styrofoam blades, but they are actually a great idea, totally disintegrate on impact, saving the expensive stuff...and they are dirt cheap as well...

Thanks for the info!

Glenn

[rotarydoc]

I have another question for you 200 gurus before I go make my parts list complete. What pinion does the stock 200 come with? I see a 15/10, and a 15/9 listed in the parts list on Readyhobby...

The reason I ask is that I have a distinct feeling that I might want to experiment with a lower head speed, especially when I first start out...

Any ideas?

Thanks as always guys!

Glenn

[Buzzkill]

15/9 is the stock pinion. The 15/10 gives you higher tail rotor speed.

[Jetleaf]

And the 15/9, 15/10 are for the shaft version 200. The belt version pinion is a 15 tooth. Glenn as far as trying lower headspeeds, Gaui recommends a minimum hs of 3000.

[rotarydoc]

Buzzkill,

I see now, that is the reason for the stepped pinion. Are there any smaller pinions than the 15 tooth? Just curious if anyone has tried it yet?

Thanks!

Glenn

[rotarydoc]

Jetleaf,

I see now, the belt driven tail doesn't need the stepped pinion...OK.

Here I am, havn't even flown the thing yet and thinking it needs slower head speed, I guess I should wait and see how it does out of the box...

Just want it to have as stable a hover as possible at first...or to put it better, a slower cyclic response...

Glenn

[ferretface]

Hi Glenn,

I went with the EFlite s60 servos on cyclic for starters and just hope I won't regret it. I flew a few packs through the Blade 400 right after flying the 200 and it was like getting out of a sports cars and into an SUV. This little heli moves around alot more than the 400 but I think it's going to teach me some skills. I tried 5% and 10% expo and liked 5% better, a little less twitchy. As far as the build...have your tweezers and magnifier handy. I had read many posts on how small the parts are but I was still surprised. Great little heli! Enjoy!

Paul

[rotarydoc]

Hey Paul,

I can totally relate, after flying the Quark, and then going to the B400, the B400 seems HUGE and lumbering around....lol

Yeah, that is what I am hearing on the small parts. I have both tweezers and the lighted magnifing glass at the ready. My eyes aren't getting any better lately so I am sure to see what you guys are talking about! I also am going to order a hardware set...I can just hear one of those TINY screws hitting the floor now...lol !!

It sounds like it will teach us something with it being a little twitchy and on our toes. I am pretty used to that from the CP Pro, but it was 10 times worse, because the tail would not stay put to save itself. The only way I managed to get even a little bit of predictability out of it was a brand new tail motor, and that was very short lived!

I am really excited about getting it, I am going to post a spare parts list and see if I've got most of the bases covered when I order it tomorrow.

Thanks again!

Glenn

[rotarydoc]

Hi all,

I'm back, with a list of items for your review and comments before I order stuff tomorrow;

Gaui Hurricane 200 SE
HiTec HS-45 servos (x3)
Futaba 3154 tail servo
G110 gyro (already have)
Spektrum AR6100/AR6200 (have both)

And these spare parts;

See saw arms (1)
Main shafts (1)
Tail blades (1)
Linkage packs (2)
Feathering screws (5)
Main blades (1)
Flybars (1)
Universal links (1)
Hardware set (1)

And the following optional parts;

7.4v, 2S battery pack (1) (I have 3 CX2 packs also)
Carbon fiber landing gear

How am I looking for a startup order and build?

Do I really need to track down that .9mm allen wrench at this point?

Thanks so much in advance guys!!

Glenn

[stoatnchips]

Glenn, i think there have been a few parts lists posted (including my own) and so the top 10-20 parts keeps evolving but it lloks good to start with although 50 feathering screws maybe overkill... second thoughts i don't know how you fly ;-)!!! Yup you will need the 0.89mm Allen wrench. Be sure to post again before the final assembly for pointers from the guys here... snippets of knowledge like:

CA or epoxy the bearings in place on the tail box (Thanks to Master Crabfu for that one!)

...are all usefull.
Hey, we really need someone experienced to start and edit a sticky on this forum for new owners of the 200... you know the top 10 gotchas or recomendations.... and a recomended parts list... and the after market options availible from Rick, Dave and Mike (soon i hope) .I have just seen the same questions come round again and again. Maybe just an index of the 600+ threads here would help!
Gotta be a little careful before i nominate myself, just too busy at the mo ;-)

[rotarydoc]

stoatnchips,

Thanks for the advice on the parts list. Yeah, I guess that many screws is a bit overkill, I kinda forgot that there are 10 to a bag! I am certainly no expert pilot, but I try to keep crashes to a minimum!!

Oh, don't you worry, I'll be around at build time!! I just learned my first thing, about the tailbox bearings, thanks!

Yeah, a sticky would be very cool, and save people alot of keystrokes too!

Any idea where I might find a .89mm allen wrench, BTW? I don't think they have them at the local hardware store!! LOL I wonder what size the tiny one is that I got with my Quark? I'll have to check that out, I may already have one!

Yeah, there is a ton of info available here, but it's scattered about here and there, a sticky would be very cool and useful.

Thanks again so much, happy flying!

Glenn