ARK X-400 Build

[Hotshot Charlie]

Well guys after I lost my puppy dog this week, I decided I needed something to do, to keep me busy. Well, I started my ARK X-400 build.

I was going to take pics all the way through, but forgot as I got involved in the build. Here are a couple of photos.

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/fdc6c21ccbe650a565ec6cbcbcba396f.jpg

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/f1afec1fd603ba2163aa3be0525dd187.jpg

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/628421f8172ad6e3bb0d9de6fca86e59.jpg

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/3c578fc04b140d289ff53fec62b16406.jpg

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/0ed7714a88ba1f607cc5f3d1e8ac94d8.jpg

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/f16098f6e0239cf649a2366b3222ca08.jpg

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/456c1f55350bc68e6ef23ca9f1bbb82a.jpg

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/6932b8c48ad4673f06246bf98977afdd.jpg

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/0d8791ef71cbc4aa11a698f823e72cfa.jpg

There are a lot of small screws and nuts..... Whew..... but so far it's gone together ok. No real problems, not much instruction in the manual, just schematics/drawings. Not sure I could recommend it for a newbie.... but it does got together in a logical manner.

I should be able to finish it by the weekend.

[Billigan]

Hay Rob, Both Charles and I have one and we're both having issues with the tail. Charles built the X-400 and I have the MX-400 ARF. Charles is using a 401/HS-50 and I am using a 240/HS-50. My problem is that I could not keep the belt tight & the tail assembly would twist on the boom.
Charles's T/R just lets go completely.....some times

Good luck!

What motor & ESC are yo going to use?

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hehehehee..... sounds like fun, Bill !!! :arggg:

One of the local guys has one and he is having some luck with it..... we will see. I have a GY401 to go on it.

I will keep ya'll informed on my progress also. Let me know if ya'll find out what's causing your problems.

[Hotshot Charlie]

A couple of more pics:

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/5d520fc56daecffc72472d8cff5cff7d.jpg

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/63d9448bdf14db5f22344f46e9100b43.jpg

About ready to start the electronic installation.

[PaulH]

I like the frameset from the X400. Does anyone know if it is interchangable with the TREX as are so many other parts?

[Hotshot Charlie]

A lot of parts interchange, but not sure how much.

The metal frame of the X400 is nice.

[AlanMcSwain]

Great Pics!

I can't wait to assemble mine, BUT I HAVE TO!

Gotta unload the 28' moving trailer this weekend. The shipping company couldn't deliver it last friday cause of the snow! All melted now and it was even a touch warm this morning.

As soon as Rotorgraphics is unpacked, set up and the order backlog cleared, I will use my super-secret equipment and processes to make a couple of graphic designs for the Ark x400.

I'm thinking a two color ProSeries kit and an itty-bitty AirShark.

Alan

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hey Alan, that sounds really cool. Let us know what you come up with. If this little bird flys good, I may have to get a set of your gfx to go in it.

[929pilot]

Billigan, I had the same issues with my T-rex, the tail rotor twist caused me a nasty crash on the paved road behind the pits at our field. Glue your tail housing on the boom with CA, just let a couple drops wick in there. Everyone including myself buys the HS50 for the tail because it's fast, but it has no torque and the longer it's on there the worse it performs. After I trying 3 different gyros I tried an HS55 and all wagging stopped.

I traded my T-rex for a Fury Tempest in september but I'm starting to miss it and I'm pretty sure my wife is getting me a Helimax MX400 combo with free carbon blade promo from Heliproz for Christmas. She said she'd have to talk to Santa about it. :roll: I hope he gives her the go ahead because I already have a 4 cell pack and a gyro coming. LOL!

Rob, that looks like the pro model, where did you buy it from? What motor are you gonna use?

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hey Brandon,

Yep, the Pro Model. Good eye. I got it from a guy that got booted off RunRyder for selling them. He is in CA and ships quickly. Only takes PayPal. Probably working out of his house, but has been ok to deal with.

I am going to start with the stock motor that came with the Pro Kit. I really don't have any idea what it is????? I am sure I will upgrade down the road. What do you recommend?

I got all the linkages on it this afternoon, I have to put ball links on the servo wheels and install the electronics, that's about it. I am pretty pleased with the build and the quality.

BTW, I CA'ed my TR housing last night. It was the only way to get it to stay put. I hope it will hold it.

Should be ready to fly by the weekend. :wink:

[929pilot]

I have used the Align 420LF 3200kv, Himaxx 2025 4200kv and the Himaxx 2815 3000kv. Of those, the 2815 3000kv is the best on 3 cells. The Align 420 was disapointing on 3 cells but I still have that motor and I'm gonna try it on 4 cells. From what I have read the Aon 3500kv is good on 3 cells. I'm gonna try the helimax 6 pole 2500kv motor that comes with the combo on 4 cells. Hopefully I won't have to buy any more motors. You should go to www.trextuning.com there is a alot of info on that site. All the motor/speed control/battery info applies to Ark 400x. If you haven't bought a battery pack yet you might consider going 4 cell, that Eric Larson video convinced me...wow!

[Hotshot Charlie]

Thanks for the info Brandon. I have the 3 cell Thunder Power 2100 Prolites, so basically will be stuck with that for awhile.

Great info on what you've tried and the web site info.

Thanks ! :wink:

[sidy2001]

have a look at x400tuning.com hope this helps

[WayneBrown]

Hehehehhe I tried a Himax 2025-5400 on my T-Rex...ask Will about links splitting up the sides!
You can go too far! I wouldn't even guess the headspeed. It sounded like a vaccum cleaner!! LOL

[Hotshot Charlie]

You can go too far!

:shock: :arggg: :smokin: :noteworthy :dontknow

[929pilot]

My Himaxx 2025 4200 died when I flew into some trees while chasing a bird. Knocked the shaft loose from the armature. That'll teach me to mess with mother nature. :lol:

[ShogunFreek]

Hey Hotshot !

Isn't that REAL similar to the Shogunv2 ?

I thot you ditched yr Shogunv1 last year ?

Looks GOOD tho, I like the metal airframe..soo weet



Freek

[Hotshot Charlie]

Yep, ditched the Shogun V1. A real POS.

The X400 seems to be mostly a copy of the TRex with metal frameset.

We will see what happens. I should have it in the air this weekend, if family stuff would quit getting in the way... heheheee :wink:

[Robman]

I've been flying one for a couple of months now and have had no problems with the tail..I was a newbie and Big AL helped me set it up at the flyin in teuplo back in september.. I met you there Charlie..
I'm running a mega 16/15 3 and a kontronik 40-6-18 speed control ..
That speed control is very nice...

Later Rob

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hey Rob,

Yep, I remember Dan and Alan working on your heli. I got mine about ready for a test hop. I am trying to figure out where to mount the electronics.

Glad you are still having fun with your's.

[Robman]

I'm sure you don't need it but here's mine mabe it will help.. I got the mess of wires looking alot better sence the pictures were taken..

[Robman]

another

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hey Rob,

I'll post some photos on how I did mine. I see you made a platform for you gyro, I played around with making one, but kept messing it up, so gave up. I also see you boom mounted your tail servo and used a CF control rod, looks nice. I mounted mine stock.

Thanks for the photos.

[Robman]

Yea the gyro mount is made from an eflite motor box lid..
I did the tail mount servo because when you adjust the tail rotor belt you had to retrim the tail..It was only $7 for the mount.. :smokin:

Thanks Rob

[Hotshot Charlie]

Is that an ARK mount?