Considering an Atom 500

[minatrix]

Originally Posted by GimpyGolden

I tried the RJX 470's, while I like the size/pop they don't track very well compared to Edge 473 or my new fav RotorTech 480's.

Do you know which RJX 470 you tried? I see there are at least 2 types, maybe a newer model may fly better?
I looked for the RT 480's but cannot find them in stock, checked where you got them. Patience, I know.
Good to know about the 5mm root working as is, thx.

[GimpyGolden]

I have these RJX'x
http://www.rotorquest.com/product_in...ucts_id=102678

Got my RT480's from Flying-Hobby. They are now out of stock Probably all the Logo480 guy's bought them up.

[Jmann841]

What is a moderate headspeed for this heli for it to be fully capable to do basic 3D yet achieve longer flight times?

My kit should arrive tomorrow! Very excited!

[GimpyGolden]

2400+ it will do whatever I throw at it. Not as much as most but still a good run.

[Jmann841]

Originally Posted by GimpyGolden

2400+ it will do whatever I throw at it. Not as much as most but still a good run.

Awesome, I'll start there!

Anything tricky about the build itself?

[quinn]

its pretty much a scaled down version of your 6hv. not a whole lot different. no belt tensioner though. pretty simple build. Like all compass helis, size your tail links to be smooth without any resistance. Also its a v1 compass tail so a little different than the ultimate. Sometimes besides sizing the links, you might have to do a little sanding on the inside of the plastic pitch fork for the tail to make everything bind free. Also make sure to ground the boom to the motor mount.

[Jmann841]

Perfect, Excited about the build! thanks!

[Jmann841]

It's here!

[Ah Clem]

Outstanding!

[GimpyGolden]

Nice!
Box art could use an update, still shows some weird bar / kayak paddle lookin thing below the mains.

[minatrix]

I think that's for unplanned water landings. You shouldn't need that flying over land.

[geckgo]

Great heli! Atom is my first 500 size and I absolutely LOVE it. All I had to do from stock was cut down the main blade control arms, and silicone spray on the belt. Still need to ground the boom but haven't had any issues. This bird wants to fly

[Ah Clem]

I did have to trim the delrin drive tubes on the three I have worked on in order to get zero pitch at the correct swashplate height.

Lubing the belt with silicone spray and grounding the tail boom to the motor mount will prevent static from being a problem.

(I think I am saying the same things that Gecko did, above in a different way).

Swapping out the stock dampers for KBDD's helps a lot.

The Atom is very robust and resists wear. My original one is six years old and going strong.

[quinn]

love mine more every day! only had it a few weeks now and already put almost 100 flights on it. perfect addition to my bigger compass helis

[Jmann841]

Originally Posted by quinn

love mine more every day! only had it a few weeks now and already put almost 100 flights on it. perfect addition to my bigger compass helis

I can't wait to build it! I have not had time and just crashed my X3 again

Seriously considering moving to BD3SX to stop crashing, especially on my 6HVU and eventually the atom 500.

I was going to run a mini v-bar in it but probably going to put the ikon in the Atom for the self level feature and get a BD3SX for the 600.

It is outrageous how much they charge for the rescue feature but we continue to pay it because it is worth it on the larger helis.

[Jeff_Barrett]

Originally Posted by Jmann841

It is outrageous how much they charge for the rescue feature but we continue to pay it because it is worth it on the larger helis.

If it saves a large heli even once, it has paid for itself ... that's pretty cheap considering the ROI.

[quinn]

Remember though, the bail out feature does not include palm tree sensing technology. LOL. Not like I have room to talk after my 6hv decided it was amphibious.

[Jmann841]

Originally Posted by Jeff_Barrett

If it saves a large heli even once, it has paid for itself ... that's pretty cheap considering the ROI.

This is their rational why they over-charge so much. I highly doubt their costs are much different than any other FBL who already have a high profit margin. Unfortunetly there really is no competition for a reliable rescue feature so they can get away with it for now.

Hopefully someone comes out with a competitive rescue feature and lowers the price to create some competition!

And yea, haha palm tree avoidance is not there... Yet. Maybe sonar or radar on a FBL to detect the ground and objects and avoid it all haha

[fjoe]

Your paying for firmware R&D.

But I am so glad I bought the BD3sx, I use it less now than when I first got it, but I have yet to crash the warp (oh now I did it...) Thinking about an Atom or 6hvu, I will get another 3SX when I do.

One thing I did was set up my sim to simulate the rescue button, to help train me to push it when I was going to crash. This helps a lot with muscle memory.

[Jmann841]

Originally Posted by fjoe

Your paying for firmware R&D.

But I am so glad I bought the BD3sx, I use it less now than when I first got it, but I have yet to crash the warp (oh now I did it...) Thinking about an Atom or 6hvu, I will get another 3SX when I do.

One thing I did was set up my sim to simulate the rescue button, to help train me to push it when I was going to crash. This helps a lot with muscle memory.

Awesome! Ya a friend of mine has it and always gives me grief every time I crash.

I am looking into the spirit FBL now. 250 and supposed to have a great rescue function. Also has vibe analysis and they don't charge you for the apps to use with it!

Going to do a but more research then order. For 250 I can equip my whole fleet!