New guy attempting a 450 Clone build, need help.

[Tphill]

For the tail blades and paddles, you could use KBDD. Sorry but I really don't know how to post a link.

[nute53]

Originally Posted by Diesel6401

Yes good point and I typically do drop a dot or so in the hole

My wife always says "you enjoy building and tinkering more then you do playing with your stuff". That's a true statement I am just as satified & happy to turn the radio on enjoy a beer and tinker with anything and everything. Whether building a RC anything or making something for my son, I just enjoy screwing around and building stuff. I'm actually an Aircraft Mechanic so I have a "hands-on" personality. I am really REALLY looking forward to building this heli. I like the price point so far to date. My boats are $600 and up, and changing a part or upgrading to something is typically a $100+ purchase. Just don't have the rc fund I use to. (9mo old baby ). I have a 37" twin catamaran with 2 Castle 1518s sitting on the shelf. Close to $500 into it and it not even close to being ready for the water so planes and helis are more "budget" friendly. Not saying that can't get pricey because I know they do, but you can get a decent plane out of budget build. If this goes good, I see building a FBL 450 in the future and then maybe even a 500 size heli. I went flying my planes Wednesday and it was fun, but I really wanted to fly my mCPx, helis are taking over my mind!!!!

I do have a question about blades. I take it the kit does not come with any blades at all? So I would need Main & Tail blades as well as flybar paddels? Any links or places I can order all 3 (main, tail and paddles) from?

I really like the Pro 3D CF main blades 325mm- Hobbypartz & HK both sell them but they go out of stock a lot-they are popular. I usually get about 5 sets or so when they are available. The Tarot blades are ok.but not as consistant. For tail blades,I usually just get the low-cost plastic blades available everywhere & get several sets.
I know all the clone HK & EXI kits I got came with a set of tail & main blades,as well as the paddles.They are usually ok for testing & light flying,but a lot of times need a good balancing. Some of my kits came with fiberglass mains also-they are a bit heavier,& I didn't like them as much as the CF blades.
I totally agree about building. I am retired,& actually build large scale Carden aircraft full-time (in-between heli's of course ) for customers,usually about (6) of the 40% size /per yr. mostly w/ DA150's-been doing that a long time-even when I worked full time at construction.
There is nothing like taking a plane or heli out to the field/park on a calm,sunny day & having a blast with them. I remember my first HK 450 builds a couple yr's ago- it was all so foreign & didn't know anything about the build sequence or assembly.I would have been totally lost if not for these forums & Finless Bob video's. I think the thing that took me the longest was wrapping my brain around tail gyro rate/hh mode-it was very confusing at first. Now after building & setting them up a hundred times-it is all second nature. You will have a lot of fun building & flying your new kit-but the addiction has only just begun

[FelixTC68]

Originally Posted by Diesel6401

Happy to say that I made the Purchase. I went with the EXI 450 Pro Belt-Drive Kit. I also purchased the Detrum GY48V Gyro. Needless to say I'm looking forward to building this and really exicted. Thanks to everyone for their help thus far!


Servos, speedo, motor and new canopy will be purchased in a few weeks.

I am using the GY48V on the EXI Pro frame and am not that thrilled with it. In fact, I just bought the Hobby King GA-250 to see if it is any better.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=15318

The GY48V has a constant slow drift that I have to correct for every 10 seconds or so. It is not due to vibrations...

[Diesel6401]

Originally Posted by nute53

I really like the Pro 3D CF main blades 325mm- Hobbypartz & HK both sell them but they go out of stock a lot-they are popular. I usually get about 5 sets or so when they are available. The Tarot blades are ok.but not as consistant. For tail blades,I usually just get the low-cost plastic blades available everywhere & get several sets.
I know all the clone HK & EXI kits I got came with a set of tail & main blades,as well as the paddles.They are usually ok for testing & light flying,but a lot of times need a good balancing. Some of my kits came with fiberglass mains also-they are a bit heavier,& I didn't like them as much as the CF blades.
I totally agree about building. I am retired,& actually build large scale Carden aircraft full-time (in-between heli's of course ) for customers,usually about (6) of the 40% size /per yr. mostly w/ DA150's-been doing that a long time-even when I worked full time at construction.
There is nothing like taking a plane or heli out to the field/park on a calm,sunny day & having a blast with them. I remember my first HK 450 builds a couple yr's ago- it was all so foreign & didn't know anything about the build sequence or assembly.I would have been totally lost if not for these forums & Finless Bob video's. I think the thing that took me the longest was wrapping my brain around tail gyro rate/hh mode-it was very confusing at first. Now after building & setting them up a hundred times-it is all second nature. You will have a lot of fun building & flying your new kit-but the addiction has only just begun

Pro 3D blades, are these the ones? http://www.ebay.com/itm/4X-CARBON-32...item27be911921

What's the chances these would work OK: http://www.ebay.com/itm/6p-325mm-Rot...item3c9e43a549

I'm hovering, basic forward flight and working on inverted flight. Anything crazy I may want to try I'll do so on the mCPx. Just need to get my building skills and flying confidence up.

Must be nice being retired. I can't wait. I'm only 29 (30 in June) so I have a few years yet to go before I can do that and just build and play with RC stuff.
Those are some SERIOUS builds your doing!

I've read many people mention "finless" bob videos before. I'll have to check those out and typically get all my answers from the forums.I did watch the guy Antiono from xHeli building the exi 450 pro, so I could get somewhat of an idea on what I was in store for. I'm sure I'll have more questions though.

Originally Posted by FelixTC68

I am using the GY48V on the EXI Pro frame and am not that thrilled with it. In fact, I just bought the Hobby King GA-250 to see if it is any better.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=15318

The GY48V has a constant slow drift that I have to correct for every 10 seconds or so. It is not due to vibrations...

I used a 5% code at xheli, so with the heli purchase and the gyro I got like $4 off so $6 to try the gyro maybe worth a try i guess (unless it causes me to crash and its more then $6 to repair). Let us know how the knew gyro works out. If it's better I may swap to it, Thanks for posting.

[FelixTC68]

Originally Posted by Diesel6401

I used a 5% code at xheli, so with the heli purchase and the gyro I got like $4 off so $6 to try the gyro maybe worth a try i guess (unless it causes me to crash and its more then $6 to repair). Let us know how the knew gyro works out. If it's better I may swap to it, Thanks for posting.

I can't blame the gyro for any of my crashes to date. Have to blame the lack of coordination between my brain and thumbs! I end up flying mostly in rate mode because the tail is adjusted mechanically to hold and it actually drifts much less.
I will let you know how the GA-250 compares. It is a MEMS gyro vs piezo for the GY48V and is supposed to drift less. We will see...

[Diesel6401]

Originally Posted by FelixTC68

I can't blame the gyro for any of my crashes to date. Have to blame the lack of coordination between my brain and thumbs! I end up flying mostly in rate mode because the tail is adjusted mechanically to hold and it actually drifts much less.
I will let you know how the GA-250 compares. It is a MEMS gyro vs piezo for the GY48V and is supposed to drift less. We will see...

I believe I have read about the mems being better then piezo, I'm also a registered offender of "dumb thumbing" as well.

[nute53]

Originally Posted by Diesel6401

Pro 3D blades, are these the ones? http://www.ebay.com/itm/4X-CARBON-32...item27be911921

What's the chances these would work OK: http://www.ebay.com/itm/6p-325mm-Rot...item3c9e43a549

I'm hovering, basic forward flight and working on inverted flight. Anything crazy I may want to try I'll do so on the mCPx. Just need to get my building skills and flying confidence up.

Must be nice being retired. I can't wait. I'm only 29 (30 in June) so I have a few years yet to go before I can do that and just build and play with RC stuff.
Those are some SERIOUS builds your doing!

I've read many people mention "finless" bob videos before. I'll have to check those out and typically get all my answers from the forums.I did watch the guy Antiono from xHeli building the exi 450 pro, so I could get somewhat of an idea on what I was in store for. I'm sure I'll have more questions though.



I used a 5% code at xheli, so with the heli purchase and the gyro I got like $4 off so $6 to try the gyro maybe worth a try i guess (unless it causes me to crash and its more then $6 to repair). Let us know how the knew gyro works out. If it's better I may swap to it, Thanks for posting.

The CF 3D Pro blades in that link look like the ones I've been getting -that price looks good too. When Hobbypartz has them in stock,I think they go for around $7/pr. ,but since I usually have over a $50 order,shipping is free. What I have found with the Pro 3D blades-the white version is easier to see the rotor disk in the air.The yellow/carbon black version is harder to see & the disk is almost invisible.
That 2nd link looks like they are fiber glass type blades. I have found them slightly heavier than the CF ones,& some can be way out of balance. They fly ok,but I like the CF ones better.
I think any of the low-cost piezo tail gyro's will drift slightly-& are more affected by tempature variations. The last tail gyro I tried,before going fbl w/ZYX unit was the Assan GA-250. It is a bit different to program than the HK 401 or GY48 (which both have adjustable pots/ & switches).The GA-250 is programmed via Tx stick commands & a flashing led (very similiar to the fbl ZYX gyro unit if you use the stock Tx input method-although the USB & program box make it much easier).
I would say the GA-250 held the tail pretty good for a $10 gyro,& they say the mems sensors aren't affected by temp.
The first few months with the HK450's,I used both the HK401b & GY-48 & was able to learn basic hovering,orientations,& circuits,then figure eights.That was about the time I tried the GA250 & used it up until converting to fbl.
I enjoy building the Carden planes too & can set my own hours,so it really doesn't seem like work,it's fun going to fly-in's & seeing a lot of the projects I did for customers over the years also. If you have a minute,here is a link to one of my recent builds:
http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=72956

[Diesel6401]

Pinon question?!?

Anything special I need to look at or any special sytle or is something like this OK? http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-17mm-1-8-s...item25703694f6

Or just get the Align one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Align-T-Rex-...item1e6d06ad5b

[Diesel6401]

Originally Posted by nute53

I enjoy building the Carden planes too & can set my own hours,so it really doesn't seem like work,it's fun going to fly-in's & seeing a lot of the projects I did for customers over the years also. If you have a minute,here is a link to one of my recent builds:
http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=72956

Your work is amazing. That Oracle plane was absolutly beautiful, and the amount of time you listed on the detailing is wild. You are def a skilled man
I feel kinda lucky getting advise from you!


Thanks for the advice on the GA-250. I may have to pick that up down the line. Something tells me I gonna end up building 2 450s in the future. 1 FB and 1 FBL.

[FelixTC68]

Originally Posted by Diesel6401

Pinon question?!?

Anything special I need to look at or any special sytle or is something like this OK? http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-17mm-1-8-s...item25703694f6

Or just get the Align one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Align-T-Rex-...item1e6d06ad5b

My kit came with a 13T pinion but that put my head speed over 3,000 and it was kind of spastic to fly for me as a beginner. I had read about how higher head speed means the disk is more stable and that is true but the heli was moving up and down if I just thought of a pitch change on the left stick. I moved down to a 12T and it is better but still too fast for my current skill level. I lowered my headspeed using the throttle curve at 75% and like how it flies a lot but the ESC heats up. Just placed an order for an 11T.
The EXI pinions that I have been using seem fine. I wouldn't pay the extra for an Align part unless you need it now and can go to a local shop and get it.

[Diesel6401]

Originally Posted by FelixTC68

My kit came with a 13T pinion but that put my head speed over 3,000 and it was kind of spastic to fly for me as a beginner. I had read about how higher head speed means the disk is more stable and that is true but the heli was moving up and down if I just thought of a pitch change on the left stick. I moved down to a 12T and it is better but still too fast for my current skill level. I lowered my headspeed using the throttle curve at 75% and like how it flies a lot but the ESC heats up. Just placed an order for an 11T.
The EXI pinions that I have been using seem fine. I wouldn't pay the extra for an Align part unless you need it now and can go to a local shop and get it.

Sweet and thanks for your input. I guess I will have to see what my kit all comes with first lol. Little to quick on the trigger. Getting exicted if you can't tell

[nute53]

Originally Posted by Diesel6401

Thanks for the advice on the GA-250. I may have to pick that up down the line. Something tells me I gonna end up building 2 450s in the future. 1 FB and 1 FBL.

Origionally,when I first got into the 450's, I figured I was going to build one to get started,& one to build & have as a spare (without electronic's,ect).After doing the first two -I got hooked & got a couple more kits. It's been a challenge to keep all of them flightworthy & all flying equally well,but it is also good for comparing setups,or trying new parts & equipment. The clone kits are so in-expensive,they kind of reel you in-but you still have to outfit them It's weird ,but identical heli's,with exact same servo's/parts will sometimes feel completely different-it can be one small little thing-or one setting that makes it different. At any given time with the ones I have now- I usually have two that fly great-couldn't be better. Then two that are close,but need tweaking,but still fly good. Then there is always one with a nagging problem-maybe a marginal servo,sticky tail slider,belt wearing out,ect. that needs attention.
I know it's not for everyone,especially just getting started,but I have always been the type who likes to have a back-up ready to go. Waiting for parts can really slow you down when you start practicing & have to wait a week or so to re-build. My spare parts bin is currently better stocked then most hobby shops

[Diesel6401]

Originally Posted by nute53

Origionally,when I first got into the 450's, I figured I was going to build one to get started,& one to build & have as a spare (without electronic's,ect).After doing the first two -I got hooked & got a couple more kits. It's been a challenge to keep all of them flightworthy & all flying equally well,but it is also good for comparing setups,or trying new parts & equipment. The clone kits are so in-expensive,they kind of reel you in-but you still have to outfit them It's weird ,but identical heli's,with exact same servo's/parts will sometimes feel completely different-it can be one small little thing-or one setting that makes it different. At any given time with the ones I have now- I usually have two that fly great-couldn't be better. Then two that are close,but need tweaking,but still fly good. Then there is always one with a nagging problem-maybe a marginal servo,sticky tail slider,belt wearing out,ect. that needs attention.
I know it's not for everyone,especially just getting started,but I have always been the type who likes to have a back-up ready to go. Waiting for parts can really slow you down when you start practicing & have to wait a week or so to re-build. My spare parts bin is currently better stocked then most hobby shops

Yes my garage can also be mistaken for a Hobbytown lol. Waiting for parts does indeed stink. The "goal" is to work on this flybar 450 try some different things out, then build a FBL Tarot 450 (or other clone). W/O a doubt I would like to build a FBL 500 and have that on the "goals" list, maybe bigger down the road. Just gonna take my time and enjoy though. No rush, building isn't a race.

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[thorian]

heh oh and triple check the tail servo mount. My first flight was perfect then on the second I planted it and my clone exploded.... Well im out 8 bucks LOL....

[osyhaz]

Hi!

Im a 450 cheap helifreak. Im with the people that says it must be belted for its forgiveness. So a 450 pro (I have one) is not a good option, not even if it is belted ( I changed mine to belted), I has a good behavior on flying but the only thing I concern is about the belted front pulley that is not as easy to find as any other align or clone belted version since to the best I can remember thats not a align invention and no part of their inventory. The last time I bought it, it was available in only two or three stores on ebay.
Sorry I didnt saw all posts on this thread, I just saw that many people talks about xheli and hk, they all will work, will fly ok butgoing over the 450v2 that is kind of old, I think they both have kind of mixed helis like 450 sport with 450 tail housing, Pro with v2 alike head and things like that...

Just as a suggestion, I would recomend the 450 sport version like the tarot one, as you will see it has become very popular for its similar quality to align, I agree with that. One of my 450 sport is an align but becoming tarot. I got a tarot also and see no diference in the way they damage on crashes. Parts like main grips are about 1/3 the cost of an align and I see no diference. I have to make clear that I use to fly 3D and by that I mean more than a simple inverted hovers, flips or rolls, and the sport (and the pro clone also) can handle the stress of tictocs, hurricanes, piroflips, etc... properly.

If you havent bought yet, I will be receiving a new (used) 450 sport clone so you can wait for me to test it. I bought it from a guy that got frustrated because he wasnt able to make it fly. It has a crash on it, but since I fly and do all my 3d moves with ultra cheap parts, thats not big deal for me. My average crash cost is $12.00!!!
This kit comes complete, only need receiver and tx. I will not gonna use the lipo that comes with it because my wife is gonna bring it to me and may have some complications on the airport security.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/450SPORT-A1-...item45f289ba2a

Looks like a real 450 sport in all frame parts. The only thing im not convinced at is the servos, but im using $5.00-6.00 mg90s servos on some of my some cyclics and works fine so I will place some of it in the future. Also for 3D it is a must to use at least the hd3688 servo from hk.

Let me know if you or anybody want an update on it.

[osyhaz]

Sorry, I saw late you bought the pro... But im not sorry because is bad, it is a nice heli, just make sure that if you are gonna use it belted, buy few of theese
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tail-drive-g...item2ebdef50f0

So If you already bough the pro, and a detrum gy48v, I want you to see how good that heli and gyro performs with a cheap tail servo (before that servo, I only trusted futaba 9257m about $60.00 for my tails)and $3.65 mainblades ...
Maybe I posted this video of me many times on HF... Im just proud of finding that cheap reliable stuff and likes to show it to see if people realize that learning 3D doesnt has anything to do with buying the most expensive components...It is more about sim and cheap stuff so you will not concern about crashing, and having your own parts stock to be flying sooner...

[YOUTUBE][ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kco_gKodSSk&feature=plcp[/ame]

[Diesel6401]

WooHoo my heli arrived today from Xheli. Very pleased and blades & flybar paddles were also included. Very excited to get started. Thanks everyone.

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[Starcruiser]

Check the motor shaft prior to selecting the pinion as some motors have a smaller shaft. I use the and recommend the Rhino pinions over the brass ones as they are hardened steel and last forever. You will eat the main gears and not damage the pinion. I had the brass ones prior and they wear due to being soft.

I would suggest moving away from the piezo gyro's and get a mems unit instead, do not mess with the Align ones as they are finicky.

Check all screws for locktite as the Xheli ones are not consistent in QC. I own 2 so I know.

Also check the main and tail shafts since I have had ones that were not true out of the box. THe pix below show the 450SE version with some align stuff on it, had to replace the canopy once

[Diesel6401]

FINALLY ITS FINISHED! Well it took much much longer then I thought it would but she is finally done. I can't wait to test fly it. If all goes well I want to get a scale buddy for her. I have my 450x keeping me occupied with 3D and I traded my largest boat for a trex 500 full minus the motor which I bought yesterday. Even beastx, installed in the 500!

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