Laurens
11-26-2005, 05:14 PM
Robbe Spirit Li
I'm starting this review for my new heli, the Spirit Li from Robbe. Its a small heli, the size is between the Trex and the Eco 8/Logo 10.
The kit
The Spirit Li comes in a small box with carbon print. In it are all parts neatly packed. The manual is in German, English, French and Spanish. I have chosen to only follow the German manual, since it has all part drawings and you don't really need the description.
The frame
The frame is a one piece anodized one, with bearings in it to support the gears. Its easy to put together, everything fits like it should.
The rotorhead
The rotorhead is a very nice design. I should actually place a pic of how they designed it, that'll come later. I did have some problems to get the swash on the main shaft though. The solution was to sand the main shaft slightly, and now it runs perfect. This was the biggest error I had in the kit, and it isn't really a problem in my opinion. One thing I don't like is that Robbe doesn't use ball links on the swash servo's. However I'm still able to get +12 -12 on pitch.
The tail
The tail is belt driven, the newest update on the Spirit series. Its lighter and cheaper to crash (note: not tested yet). Still doesn't use ball links, but its easy to replace when wanted. The tailgearbox is a very nicely machined piece of equipment.
The landinggear
These are very cost effective. Basically there are four carbon shafts attached to the skids. Simple and it works. I opted not to glue them in with epoxy, because when you crash and do break them your connecting pieces are lost too. I use scotch tape and a small drop of glue.
The blades and paddles
The kit comes stock with carbon blades, probably built by BBT. Length is 385mm. Tailblades are BBT too, also carbon. I found the CG to be within 1 mm from eachother, so I didn't correct them. Paddles are the 3D type, but the connector is made of steel. Its easy to improve them by changing to alu.
Setup
I have chosen the following setup:
RC
Swash: Futaba 3150
Tail: Futaba 401 and 9253
Receiver: 149DP
Motor: Kontronik Twist 33, 15T pinion
Controller: Kontronik Smile 45-6-18
Battery: Kokam 3s 3200
This is considered a soft-mild setup. Power is better then a 30, but I have never flown a 50 so I don't really can compare it to that. It doesn't bog though.
Flight performance
So far I've only test flown it. I love the power, and that for a mild setup :mrgreen: . I think I can use a bigger pinion, now it doesn't bog and I have 12 minute flights. My throttle curve is now 95-95-95-95-95.
Pics in my gallery. Test flying video at the link below.
Laurens Thomas - Robbe Spirit Li - Test Flight 1 (14MB) (http://www.augustoheli.com/videostuff/videoarchive/HelifreakArchive/LaurensSpirit.wmv)
What next?
This is interesting. What upgrades do I want to have, and why? First, I can ofcourse go with a 4s lipo, which I was planning in the beginning. I ran in a nice deal though, so 4s can wait.
I'd love to have a full QuickUK head. This makes higher rpm possible. I guess my rpm is now 2000 max, but with the right setup I can go 2500 plus.
Also a watts up meter would be cool. This way I can see what I used in a flight, and the peak watss, amps and volts.
And last but not least a pair of MAH blades, since they seem to be the best 3D blades.
I'm starting this review for my new heli, the Spirit Li from Robbe. Its a small heli, the size is between the Trex and the Eco 8/Logo 10.
The kit
The Spirit Li comes in a small box with carbon print. In it are all parts neatly packed. The manual is in German, English, French and Spanish. I have chosen to only follow the German manual, since it has all part drawings and you don't really need the description.
The frame
The frame is a one piece anodized one, with bearings in it to support the gears. Its easy to put together, everything fits like it should.
The rotorhead
The rotorhead is a very nice design. I should actually place a pic of how they designed it, that'll come later. I did have some problems to get the swash on the main shaft though. The solution was to sand the main shaft slightly, and now it runs perfect. This was the biggest error I had in the kit, and it isn't really a problem in my opinion. One thing I don't like is that Robbe doesn't use ball links on the swash servo's. However I'm still able to get +12 -12 on pitch.
The tail
The tail is belt driven, the newest update on the Spirit series. Its lighter and cheaper to crash (note: not tested yet). Still doesn't use ball links, but its easy to replace when wanted. The tailgearbox is a very nicely machined piece of equipment.
The landinggear
These are very cost effective. Basically there are four carbon shafts attached to the skids. Simple and it works. I opted not to glue them in with epoxy, because when you crash and do break them your connecting pieces are lost too. I use scotch tape and a small drop of glue.
The blades and paddles
The kit comes stock with carbon blades, probably built by BBT. Length is 385mm. Tailblades are BBT too, also carbon. I found the CG to be within 1 mm from eachother, so I didn't correct them. Paddles are the 3D type, but the connector is made of steel. Its easy to improve them by changing to alu.
Setup
I have chosen the following setup:
RC
Swash: Futaba 3150
Tail: Futaba 401 and 9253
Receiver: 149DP
Motor: Kontronik Twist 33, 15T pinion
Controller: Kontronik Smile 45-6-18
Battery: Kokam 3s 3200
This is considered a soft-mild setup. Power is better then a 30, but I have never flown a 50 so I don't really can compare it to that. It doesn't bog though.
Flight performance
So far I've only test flown it. I love the power, and that for a mild setup :mrgreen: . I think I can use a bigger pinion, now it doesn't bog and I have 12 minute flights. My throttle curve is now 95-95-95-95-95.
Pics in my gallery. Test flying video at the link below.
Laurens Thomas - Robbe Spirit Li - Test Flight 1 (14MB) (http://www.augustoheli.com/videostuff/videoarchive/HelifreakArchive/LaurensSpirit.wmv)
What next?
This is interesting. What upgrades do I want to have, and why? First, I can ofcourse go with a 4s lipo, which I was planning in the beginning. I ran in a nice deal though, so 4s can wait.
I'd love to have a full QuickUK head. This makes higher rpm possible. I guess my rpm is now 2000 max, but with the right setup I can go 2500 plus.
Also a watts up meter would be cool. This way I can see what I used in a flight, and the peak watss, amps and volts.
And last but not least a pair of MAH blades, since they seem to be the best 3D blades.