Machines Have You Converted to Compass/TracX Heads-Post Your Photographs!

[Ah Clem]

"Could've, should've moved the helis into direct sunlight, I suppose .......'

Naah-photos looked great!

[DWSchmidt]

Well, it took awhile, but I finally found the time to add the TracX head to my Raptor E550! Attached are a few pictures.

I have only had a chance to fly it a couple times since the conversion, but so far I am very happy! The blade tracking was dead on for the first flight and the factory settings for the BeastX were a great starting place. Right now I still have it in the "sport" setting but will probably move it up a couple levels so I can do some acro.

It is hard to believe how stable the Raptor is now. I was amazed when I moved up from a 450 size heli how much more stable the 550 was. Now, I feel like it is even better. I waited for awhile to fly it until the wind was near calm. Now that I know it is set up correctly, I will start venturing into higher winds and see how that effects it - I would expect it will handle the wind just fine based on other reports I've read.

If anyone is interested in a stock Raptor FB head, let me know.

D.W.

[RodneyK]

Very nice, D.W.

I haven't been in this hobby very long and I love looking at pictures of all the different makes of helicopters because it's amazing to me how many different ways they've gone about doing the linkages between the servos and the swash plate.

[Ah Clem]

Kyosho Caliber 700 (550 sized electric machine), up graded to FBL via Compass head. This one was more difficult, as the main shaft had to be cut down by 25mm and the hole drilled for the head mounting:





This machine flew well, but had a very low CG (partly because of the battery placement, partly because of the extremely long main shaft). Prior to conversion to FBL, several mixes in the TX were involved to get smooth, flat rolls and symmetrical cyclic control. It handles quite a bit better since modified to FBL. FBL unit is a BeastX. Tail Blades are KBDD EE's (this was my test ship for the KBDD 84.5 EE Tail Blades).

[RodneyK]

In case any of you have another machine in mind that you're thinking about converting, I have a TracX 600 head listed in the "everything else helicopter..." forum. Wink wink nudge nudge.

[ragge1]

Ah Clem : wondering if I remember correctly , didn't you want to upgrade your trex700 with this design head , have you considered the goblin head

[Ah Clem]

ragge1,

"Ah Clem : wondering if I remember correctly , didn't you want to upgrade your trex700 with this design head , have you considered the goblin head "

I would prefer the 7HV (original) version of the head. I have, of course, a bias towards Compass. I also am a firm believer that the two pushrods between the blade grip arms should be flexible, if the spindle has any damping at all. The Compass heads have the flexible drive tubes to accommodate this, so that is the direction I would go.

The main rotor shaft on the 700E is larger in diameter than the 7HV shaft, so I would have to have someone machine the hub/headblock in order to have a 7HV head on the 700E.

I am still working on the Odin II conversion to FBL (via the 7HV head), then have a Raptor 50 and a Knight 3D next, prior to thinking about upgrading the Trex 700E. It might happen, but probably not this year.

[dunkonu23]

All I can say is WOW. I had the day off today and flew 15 packs on my TracX head equpped T-Rex 500esp. It was so much more nimble and yet more stable than the RJX FBL head I had on it last season. Everyone knows the T-Rex 500 flies bigger stock, but I was just floored by how much bigger the helicopter felt in the air. It was nothing short of a revelation. It was smooth, quiet, and I believe faster than it was previously. It felt like the smaller version of a Compass 7hv. I'm blown away.

Scott

[brent.downey]

Here's my conversion on my Align 550.

I took all of that fb mess off and replaced it with this beautiful piece of TRACX machinery...
hooked it to a new TAROT ZYX and it flies so smooth its unbelievable.

In fact, I liked it so much I went out and got myself an Atom 500.

[Ah Clem]

OUTSTANDING BRENT!

I am curious about the Tarot FBL unit, by the way. It sounds like you like it.


Scott,

Sounds like it made a big difference/improvement, in the way your 500 flies, sir!

[brent.downey]

Thanks Clem.

The Tarot unit was a PITA in the beginning until I got the USB connection
and then it was smooth sailing. I was getting some weird tail behaviour that I found out was caused by vibes. I had the unit mounted on the side...
I moved it to the top gyro tray and it's been perfect ever since.

I do mostly Sport flying with some mild 3D when I relax and stop puckering.
but as far as smooth and locked in.... it's way better than before. Loving it.

CHEERS

[dunkonu23]

Oh, it was. I was stunned. Just so locked in. I wish there was one for the 450 class, too. I'd be first in line!

Scott

[Ah Clem]

Scott,

I could not agree more, sir!

If there was a 450 sized Compass/TracX head available, I would probably own eight of them right now (I have a lot of 450's).

[brent.downey]

I would definitely have 2 as I have 2 450's.

Sign me up for pre-order!

[dunkonu23]

Maybe after the Warp 360 comes out... I'm getting one of those, but don't be surprised if I order a spare head!

Scott

[ragge1]

like this design head , upgrade my 450 with DFC ( Direct From Compass ) , now all my helis have the same type of head

[brent.downey]

Sweet looking fleet there ragge1

[Trulsen]

That colorscheme of the Goblin looks awesome Ragge1!!!

[ragge1]

Originally Posted by Trulsen

That colorscheme of the Goblin looks awesome Ragge1!!!

you should come over and we can fly together , its been awhile

[Elios000]

what size the main shaft on the goblin you should put the 7HV head on it lol
also bit ot but how do you like the goblin compared to the 6HV?
thinking about saving up for one