550 To-Do List

[Aussie_G]

I was wondering if you guys that have had the Hurri for a while might list the things you feel are required upgrades...
Maybe one of the mods can make this a sticky if we can get some information going..

Like - Reasons for the upgrade - any details like parts required etc...

Maybe even some not required upgrades that are really worth while..

Things I have read that can be problems include - Tail Blowouts - OWB failure - Main bearings spinning in the frame.
I have not had these problems, but my 550 isnt finished yet :)

[mjdee14]

20t one way bearing.
cnc elevator lever.
wider landing gear.....trex 600.

other than the 1 st twoit flys very well in the stock configuration under 2000 rpms.....

alot of the stuf we do is "fluff" and just part of the helicrack....

Of course a good motor is nice like the Z20-980

Better blades, when you get past the everyday crash point......

I hve spent Hundreds on stuff I really "DIDN"T" need for flight....but I wanted to have it...

And since "I don't Smoke" like mystic used to I have a few spare rubals to spend on helicrack.

[Aussie_G]

20t one way bearing.
cnc elevator lever.
wider landing gear.....trex 600.



Why do you suggest these upgrades? is there any special requirements for installing the Trex gear - like drilling or custom brackets??

[mjdee14]

THEY say the plastic elevator arm is flimsy and the little square on the end can snap off....propbably wouldn't happen with gentle hovering and FF.

The stock 19t OWB has had many failures...hopefully the newer version are better since Gaui still sells them...

The landing gear is just plain too small...the disigner had his/her head up their arse....looks and handles much better with wider gear and the trex is much stronger.

The only thing you need to do is widen the holes about 1/2 hole to line up the gear and attach the bottom cowling retainer on. real simple...if you can't do it, you shouldn't fly helis....stay with a sim....!! :...:

[mysticmead]

upgrade from the stock motor... Z20a-980 for gentle flight and very mild 3D.. Z30a-1110 for hard 3D. both are MUCH better than stock and easier on the lipos

[kgfly]

My thoughts:

* Reinforce the plastic canopy around the gromment holes, chin hole and along the join and under the top front lip and along the join in front of the motor. Use some open weave cloth and thin CA. I use Elastoplast tape and thin CA but others find pieces of old undies work well ;)

I don't find anything wrong with the stock LG and given I run heavy batteries prefer to save weight where I can. Certainly the T600 LG are a simple upgrade for a more stable footprint on the ground.

My 19T OWB failed and I replaced it with the 20T. Not sure if it makes sense to do it from the start but perhaps so, it is a cheap part and could save a lot if a the 19T fails in flight and you cannot land safely.

Obviously upgrading from the Gaui motors is popular for improved efficiency and performance, but not vital when getting started. I would certainly recommend buying the kit without the motor if possible and then getting the Z20, Z30 or possibly a Scorpion HK-3026.

The stock ESC is functional but if you want more features (eg better soft start, quality governor, higher voltage etc) then an upgrade is needed. CC60 is a popular candidate.

[xomby]

Hey kgfly, quick question on your list of recommendations... what is the CC60? I'm drawing a blank there...

Thanks!

[kgfly]

Shorthand for the CastleCreations Phoenix 60A ESC. The Phoenix range of ESCs (35/45/60/80/110 and 45/85/110HV IIRC) are very popular. A US-designed product with lots of features. They just published a beta release of their new software and it looks very interesting. Like any product, there are those that love them and those that hate them and swear they will never buy another. You could probably get away with a CC45 on a stock H550 flying FFF and Sport but the 60 provides headroom for more aggressive flying.

The HV variants are "high voltage" and support up to 10/12S as compared to 6S for the non-HV ones. If you are interested in running anything over 6S (eg 8S lipo or 8S A123) then an HV ESC is required.

[Cralis]

Is there any special requirements for installing the Trex gear - like drilling or custom brackets??

I use the Raptor 50 landing skids. No drilling needed for attaching the skids, but you need to use the canopy holder at the bottom from your EP550 hear and stick it somehow to the skids.