Knight 3D+, BeastX V3, YS-56...holy mother of God!!!!!

[skunkworx]

Like it says, this is THE best 50 size machine I've ever laid hands on! I only got a few flights in on it, but man am I overly impressed with this machine!!! I think my biggest problem now is going to be keeping enough fuel around to keep flying it.

[Inverse]

My 3D just needs an evenings work and it's ready to fly.
I'm scared as hell!

[rcfrey]

mine's set up the same, but with a Futaba cgy 750. Awesome heli!

[Rob43]

How does the weight of this heli compare to 6HV? I've been thinking about a 3D+. I loved my T-Rex 600 Nitro LE, but I was a flybar machine, and didn't track like my Compass helis.

[skunkworx]

It really depends on what all you run on it. David has his weighing at an anemic 6.6Lbs *or something like that), but most will probably be around 7.2Lbs +/-.

I know that the one I'm flying feels lighter than my 6HV because I run 3300 40C's, but it's definitely not lacking in power! The thing that gets me about the 3D+ I think is its size. It's like a perfect median of lightweight and bulk. I call it the "sweet spot". Like I said on numerous occasions, I will put my old Knight up against any heli out there, but I think the 3D+ just ate her lunch. I just spent like 10 hours slaving away over the 'ol girl today so I can get some good comparisons of the two machine side-by-side. 6HV on the other hand may be out for a while again.

[Rob43]

Did you fly it as such? I am curious about vibrations on the FBL unit.

[360Wings]

Originally Posted by skunkworx

It really depends on what all you run on it. David has his weighing at an anemic 6.6Lbs *or something like that), but most will probably be around 7.2Lbs +/-.

Its one of the lightest 50 nitros out there.. The Raptor X50 weights about 7.0-7.2lbs depending on its configuration i.e. FB/FBL, Belt/TT.

I was at the field with my 3d+ and another pilot showed up with his new N5c claiming it was the lightest and best flying nitro. He went very quiet after he compared the weight of his n5c with the 3d+.. His n5c weight was 7.8lbs my 3d+ 7.1lbs..

[skunkworx]

Originally Posted by Rob43

Did you fly it as such? I am curious about vibrations on the FBL unit.

Yes and it flew spectacularly FBL. To the point where I think I'm convinced to make the switch on my Knight because it was all kinds of buggy this afternoon when I had it out. Even with it dialed in about as perfect as I know how, it still has some odd tendencies that don't quite agree with flying style. The RL 53 I have in it right now isn't pumping out a lot of power (it's old and pretty tired) so it bogs pretty easy just doing normal pitch maneuvers and big loops. It still has enough to do tic-tocs but not with any kind of snappiness. I can tell you that the motor alone makes a big difference in the way any heli is going to fly (heavy or not), but I also know how much of a gain it is just adding an FBL head to it and ditching the flybar gear.

I also am convinced that teh BeastX V3.08 nailed it on the head. The heli snaps harder than on my flybarred bird and it's a lot smoother in flight (something I've always fought my Knight on). Like I said, it's likely that I wasn't doing the Knight much justice with my setup skills. I've only had handful of flights in its history where I thought it was everything it was meant to be. I'm going to give an honest run at fixing it up and if still isn't as good or better than the FBL stuff I'll likely end up converting it.


360Wings - You know what's funny about that is the old Knight 3D is lighter than that N5. Fully loaded I think mine weighs in around 7.5Lbs. Guess some people will believe anything you tell them

[Rob43]

Well, I'm debating a bit on a 50 nitro again. This time, FBL. I would use it to make smoke while my packs charge. Not sure on the setup. I'd be tempted to try an AR7200BX since it's affordable, and ready to rock with Spekrum tx. I sure liked my OS55HZ and Align 55 engines. Funtech B320 for sure. How does the 3D+ compare in weight to your old Knight? I'd go with 8717's and an 8900G with LiFe pack for power. Find an inexpensive throttle servo and maybe use the Align governor (I don't think the Spektrum unit has governor....correct?)

[skunkworx]

I definitely think my mind has turned towards FBL full-on. After quite a few hours worth of hammering away on the setup for my Knight I just can't seem to nail it quite like the few flights I got in on the 3D+. I mostly had a problem with the phasing ring (whole other story) but I got it flying pretty reliably now. It just doesn't have the more refined characteristics that the BeastX gives it. I upgraded the tail to the metal one like on the 6HV/3D+ because the stock Knight tail doesn't have as much throw or I couldn't get it to give me decent enough tail response and speed. If I did a piro-flip on it, I'd lose a couple feet in altitude by the time the tail finally made a full revolution. It could've all just been my setup and not having it done right, but I prefer the newer tail box and bought it specifically for the Knight like 2 years ago and just now got the motivation to drop it in. At least it looks nice even if it doesn't give me any better performance!!!

My only gripe with doing 8717's is that they won't fit in the servo slots. You'll have to modify the frame a bit with a dremel to get them in there, but it will fly great when you get them situated. I prefer to run un-regulated all the way through since that frees up a lot of real-estate. I think I would go with the Torq servos again, but the MKS set would probably be even better if money wasn't a major concern. 8717's are still the best hard flying servos I've ever used, but I really do like how cool the BLS servos come down (since it's already over 115* in the summer around here, I need all the help I can get!) The model I'm flying has an Align 2-in-1 with all Align servos and it throws down really nice. Very precise, very quick, and just as stable as a Trex700E. Freakin crazy... I'm actually quite taken aback how well these servos and overall setup are doing because I've never gotten a 2-in-1 to work on anything larger than a 30 size (without tanking the regulator).

I'm also becoming a big fan of the YS-56. It pulls really hard and makes the 3D+ feel like a 6HV, only with a bit larger size with better visibility.

[Rob43]

Thanks for the thoughts, Tim. Actually, I am thinking I might buy Belcom's 3D+. It's a good deal. He already has the Hyperion servos in it. Would it take any more effort to fit 8717's than filing the openings? I am tempted to try a KME 60 for a plant, as I am eyeing a deal on one with KME pipe, both new in box. Then, I thought I'd give the AR7200BX a try. Basically, I want a project to piece together over the winter. Time avaliable to build it up my way and fly it when the 7HV packs are on charge.

[Down Low]

Glad to hear you are liking the 3D+!

How and where did you mount the Beastx unit? would you mind posting some pics of your setup?

With my recent fbl considerations I'm on a mission to find out as much as possible now. Was your heli fbl out of the box or did you convert it from barred?

Wondering what all I'm going to need to convert my 3D Plus?

[skunkworx]

Originally Posted by Rob43

Would it take any more effort to fit 8717's than filing the openings? I am tempted to try a KME 60 for a plant, as I am eyeing a deal on one with KME pipe, both new in box. Then, I thought I'd give the AR7200BX a try.

It won't take a lot of effort, just realize that they won't just drop straight in. I had to modify my Knight 3D and 6HV when I was swapping out servos between them. I ended up with Ino-lab 760's in the Knight (very kick-ass servos BTW!!!) and Torq's on the 6HV. I sold the 8717's to a buddy of mine for an R90 and then put Align 610's/650 in the 3D+.

I actually converted the Knight tail over to the metal tail box this weekend and started on the FBL head too. I'm building it out of the wreckage of my first 6HV, so some of the parts are missing or are damaged, so I'm filling in the gaps. Since my 6HV went down, I'm swiping the MBX off of it and will likely get one of the integrated ones when they come out and I can finally fix up the 6HV. I also want to convert my Atom 500, but that's too many projects at once, plus I have a Fusion 50 that I inhereted which is about half-way taken care of, so winter projects coming out of my ears!!!

I can't say much about the KME's as I've never run one or used one. If you can get a good deal I say go for it, I'm currently digging the YS motors/Outrage pipes. Just got a 50ST today for the K3D and the 56 is still chugging in the 3D+ since I haven't touched the needles. Sucker flies so nice I don't want to mess with it!

Originally Posted by Down Low

Glad to hear you are liking the 3D+!

How and where did you mount the Beastx unit? would you mind posting some pics of your setup?

With my recent fbl considerations I'm on a mission to find out as much as possible now. Was your heli fbl out of the box or did you convert it from barred?

Wondering what all I'm going to need to convert my 3D Plus?

That's a good question man: I originally had it mounted on the front gyro tray area above the AIL/PIT servos, but it was rubbing on the canopy because the CF tray stands up too high. I ended up with it stuck to the side of the frame just above the servo on the starboard/right side and the wires run through the spaces between the frames and servos. I have to say its every bit as slick as my 6HV setup, if not, even more ninja because I got so many wires absolutely out of sight, but still accessible at a moments notice. I will try and get picks of both birds posted so everyone can see the two, and maybe some detail shots of each individual machine as they are somewhat unique in layout, but still common enough to morph between the two.

It was FBL out of the box and it really doesn't take much at all to convert it. They have the FBL arms, delrin rods, head block, and extras all in a kit for like $90 I think (don't quote me on it, and it may be less than that). You would end up having to bring your servo spacing in a couple mm's, but it's super simple for the top half of the heli. Basically you level the swash with the tool, set your link lengths for 0* at 50% stick and follow the directions. Brand new, it might take you 2-3 hours tops and it'll fly like nobody's business on the first go-around if you get it even close.

I was lucky to have a bit of experience on the MBX beforehand, so the process went by in about an hour and I already knew where to take it to because of the Atom 500 I did recently. My only problem with the build is freeing up some of the binding when you get it set to 6* for the blue light and then I have it at 12* cyclics and 13* pitch. It flew so well, I ended up copying the settings to my 6HV and it leveled that puppy out, so if you need any help, I've been there-done that so to speak

[Rob43]

Tim - would the Torq's drop in the 3D+? I am fixing to pull the trigger on the HD 3-pak of 9180's...hope you're on-line...the sale ends tonight.

Edit: NVM...I ordered (3) 9180's and a 9188. Ouch, but a good deal at $435 for all four. I will watch for a used Torq for throttle. Can't have 4 out of 5 Torq's. I will plan to run 2S lipo straight. Now to find a model.

[skunkworx]

You did good, no worries Rob! They'll drop right in for sure as only the JR 8717's have cases that are too large to fit. I think you could get away with a Hyperion or Savox HV servo on throttle and it would both save you some coin and also allow full HV capability. I really like the Hyperion servos and they're probably the best on the budget while maintaining realy good performance for tail and throttle servos. I didn't like them as much for cyclics, but they do work well enough for most flying styles.

You're going to be happy you spent the money on that 9188 tail servo. It's F%*#'in awesome! lol

[Rob43]

Cool! Thanks. I am becoming stoked.

I plan to await the Spektrum AR7200BX. I'm not afraid to add BX to my fleet. Vbar is fine, but BX will be good too. Nice light, clean setup with straight 2S. Will also likely return to Wildcat CY30. Ironically, I sold 4 cases to fund my 7HV earlier this year. One accessory I must have is an Align Super Starter. Was my favorite accessory of everything I had. Worked awesomely.

I will also begin working with Fusuno soon for a temporarily custom lid.

[skunkworx]

Can't blame you on the integrated BeastX. I can confidently say that you will not be disappointed in the way the BeastX flies, but it might take a bit of getting used to with the programming (it's not bad, just more in depth without a computer program taking you through step-by-step).

Coincidentally though, you will probably be pretty surprised with how clean my setup ended up. I know I've been flapping my gums about it for a week or so now, but I eventually plan to put up some pics of it soon. I have a 4-day weekend, so I'm hoping to get the K3D conversion done and have both out to fly in tandem to see how much of an improvement the update makes. Can't wait!!!