Ion-X to Ion-X2 Conversion Thread

[mudbogger2]

Now install the left and right side bellcranks. sorry for the blurry pics. Beer and photography do NOT mix.

[mudbogger2]

Now we can install the maingear,mainshaft and everything on it.
Pinion mesh to maingear should be spot on due to the plates that pre-set the pinion mesh.

[mudbogger2]

Servo installation is next.
The Rudder servo has new spacers provided for it that are diffrent from the old ones.

[mudbogger2]

Installing the boom and boom supports is next.

[mudbogger2]

As you now see the tail servo is in a diffrent location from the old setup. The pushrod will not reach the servo.

A new longer rod and ball link are provided. You will need to cut out the rod from one ond of you pushrod and install the longer one.
I still have another Ion in X1 configuration so I left my pushrod alone and made up a new one to the correct size for the X2.

[mudbogger2]

Now install the provided velcro for holding the main battery packs.

[Chachin]

Very useful thread Mudbogger, THANKS! It will come in handy as a reference as I build/convert my Ion-X

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734635

Chachin..

[mudbogger2]

Glad it helped out. MA now has the online version of the X2 manual. Very nice with lots of pics too. http://www.miniatureaircraftusa.com/..._documents.asp

back to finishing off my build.

Gyro install and ESC installation.

[mudbogger2]

Reciever is next, followed by the rx battery and bec. Just about ready for the tests flights.

[THX1138]

So how does she fly? I am about to order my conversion around the 1st of the month. For now I fly her on 10s.

Lou

[mudbogger2]

Only a few flights on her so far. Very smooth. I had to send in my radio for service. Picked up a DX7 to try out. Should get to put it through the paces tomorrow.

[nzreg]

Please excuse the first silly question of the new year, but what is the difference between the ion x and the ion x2?
Thank you.

[mudbogger2]

The X2 has a 2 stage belt drive setup and a relocated battery mounting position. This required new frames and a few other parts.

Look at the pics in the first post of this thread and then the last pics posted in the thread and you can see the diffrences.

The head, boom and tail remained unchanged from the X1.

[nzreg]

Originally Posted by mudbogger2

The X2 has a 2 stage belt drive setup and a relocated battery mounting position. This required new frames and a few other parts.
.

Could you explain the advantage of this? I am thinking of using this heli in a scale fuse and am slowly coming to grips with the issues involved before making a commitment.
Thanks

[Chachin]

Hello Nzreg, here are the advantages IMO:

Advantages of X2:
1) Allows usage of latest "fat" brick-style 25C 5S and 6S packs without rubbing/bulging the canopy (as with the X1).
2) Beefier double-stacked main gear to handle hardcore 3D on 12S (single gear is still an option if you are not into hard 3D or aren't using 12S).
3) Secondary stage belt-drive can handle the power of 12S reliably (unlike the X1's secondary gear which would wear out/ strip prematurely).

In short, these changes were made for the Ion to harness the power of 12S using the latest off the shelf "fat" brick-style packs (this is all just my opinion by the way since I don't represent MA or anything like that). The changes make it a better, more reliable and more powerful 3D flier on 12S. The disadvantage that some people complain about is that balancing is not as easy as it used to be (also, the weight distribution can feel a bit awkward if you go with any 5S/6S packs weighing 700grms or more, this will be noticeable in moves like piro-flips). Balancing is now done by battery selection and component shifting. To me it is not a big deal as long as you choose the right weight batteries for the application (which can be tricky at first). Basically, any set of 5S or 6S packs in the 550 to 680grms range balance well in the X2. That's with approx 590 to 620grm packs being the sweet spot.

However, for a scale heli the X1 should do just fine on a 10S setup and should be easier to adjust, for that final balance, by shifting the battery packs. If you go with an X2, the pod and boom version balances nicely with 10S 5000 Extreme V2. Depending on how the fuselage affects its CG, you may have to move your ESC and Rx pack around a little bit for proper balance. Good luck and hope this helps.

Chachin..

[nzreg]

Thanks Chachin,
Perfectly explained. I don't see balance being an issue in a scaler, I have just about completed my Bell 222 and intend flying this on a123 batteries.
I like the idea of that belt drive and larger gear, looks very forgiving.
Reg

[THX1138]

I agree 100% with chachin. I love the X2 and I am also using the TPX 5000 V2's. I have a PowerJazz and a 2s TP 2100 on the very back and I ave to hang the batts about an inch past the tray in the nose. It balances out perfectly and I have notice no bad tendancies. It is particularly strait in the roll axis. I love this machine and would highly recommend it to any 3D pilot.

Lou