Trex 450 DFC head not tight on shaft

[Thestructured]

I just bought a replacement 450 DFC head set for a used 450 I bought. After complete assembly I felt some play in the head/shaft.

Basically, the jesus bolt on the head block does not hold it tightly to the shaft- the bolt itself is tight but the head block can rotate a millimeter or two in each direction. There are no slits in the head block like the FB blocks that allow it to fit more tightly when you screw the jesus bolt down.

I noticed the old head block I took off, also a DFC one fits the same way. I'm going to assume this is just normal...but how is that even safe? The bolt is going to take a beating every time the heli starts up or is under load. Is it going to be ok to fly like this?


I'm 100% happy with the parts and fit for my larger align helis (550 and 700) but their 450 quality really sucks. Don't even get me started on the umbrella gears that don't have centered holes and make the TT wobble.

[gimbleguy]

which block do you have?

[Thestructured]

I just found out that there's a new revised block that does have slits. Hopefully they can send me one because it's going to piss me off to have to spend $15 on the new version of a block after spending $40 on the DFC head kit that should have not had this problem to begin with.

[bwijk]

get this one and also the swash from them.

http://www.tarot-rc.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=812

It will safe your servo'sin a crash ( DFC kills servo's )

Quality of the head is really good, the finish isnt but it is nice enough.

Get some extra turnbuckles to from them.

[Thestructured]

I can't wrap my brain around the fact that some 450 parts are as expensive as parts for my 550.

I'll go with the tarot head after I wreck this one first

[bwijk]

Yes, some parts are rediculesly expansive. The tarot head will save you money...... when are you going to wreck a head? Never..... Your servo's will die first with the DFC head

[gimbleguy]

Originally Posted by bwijk

get this one and also the swash from them.

http://www.tarot-rc.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=812

It will safe your servo'sin a crash ( DFC kills servo's )

Quality of the head is really good, the finish isnt but it is nice enough.

Get some extra turnbuckles to from them.

slop is shit. the more moving parts the higher the chance of slop build up. use the orange servo horns. DFC is better

[bwijk]

zero slop in this head...... Been flying for 9 years now, have tried lots of differend systems. DFC was a big mistake for multiple reasons. Thats why all the DFC heads have gone now or they are leaving the scene.

[Thorimmortal]

10.99 on sale
http://www.anythingheli.com/align-ne...-trex-450-dfc/
Went through the same thing when I converted my v2 se, I'm sure the old hub that came with the dfc kit would have been fine but I couldnt live with the slop.
Also make sure your using the new feathering shaft, some of the dfc kits have the old step down type.
http://shop.align.com.tw/product_inf...oducts_id=4977

[MallenP]

A little trick I use if it's just a little bit of play, put a little threadlocker on the main shaft before putting the head on, problem solved

[macdad]

This is the DFC that I always used on my 450 pro. It is build like a tank and holds solid to the shaft.

http://tarot-rc-heli.com/DFC-ROTORHE...assembly-Black

I literally beat the daylights out of it last year crashing more times than I can count. I honestly think it is the best 450 DFC head, but that is only my opinion.

[bwijk]

and your servo's ( gears ) ?

[alyon187]

Thats probably a different story lol

[bwijk]

i know it is

[macdad]

Originally Posted by bwijk

and your servo's ( gears ) ?

Originally Posted by alyon187

Thats probably a different story lol

Originally Posted by bwijk

i know it is

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Servo-...item20b5022273

This simple cheap solution has been posted hundreds of times on this forum...

[newbheliusr]

[QUOTE= DFC is better[/QUOTE]

Is that why everyone is going away from it now?

[macdad]

Just my opinion here... I believe manufacturers are going away from DFC heads due to the lack of complexity, and the fact that they are more durable. If a component is near indestructible in a crash, then there are no replacement parts sales. Looking at the price of follower arms for FBL heads, there is a huge profit margin there.

Frankly, I don't think most heli manufacturers are in the business of selling kits. The real money is in the spare/replacement parts market (and the Upgrade market). That is where the real profit margin is.

Again, just my opinion. I have flown DFC on my align clone and FBL on my X3. Not sure I can notice the difference in handling, but it is not a direct comparison and I am not a great pilot.

[bwijk]

No DFC caused and causes allot of crashes and servo dammage. The linkages on align 450 are crap and just let go. There is no dampening anymore in the head because of the plastic dampners, if you have a little slop the dfc arms will brake of over time.

[macdad]

Regardless... to the OP, the tarot FBL head will do well for you. Tarot makes a good solid head.

Another issue I had with the style headblock that you currently have is the risk of shearing the jesus bolt in a crash. I sheared that bolt in a crash, and for the life of me, could not get the head off the shaft. That cost me a lot of money...