Al's TDR Project

[Heli G]

Originally Posted by heli-lover

Just a trick I used but 1 battery out of about 30 from HK came with a puff. Voltage read fine but I was concerned. I took a pic, posted in their support forum and had a new one in the mail 24 hours later. With the picture I provided as evidence (just like you did) but placed in that highly visible forum of theirs got me a replacement without issue. Because of my picture they didn't need me to return it.

Might be worth a try. When you look stand-up, they treat you that way.

Never tried their forum, but when we had issues and wanted to provide pictures they just said their policy is to exchange after you return the defective lipo. It's not just lipos that are puffed on delivery but also ones that lasts less that 10 cycles before puffing. I have some of their 40C Turnigy 5000mAh that's still holding up, even after a year of use. But given the last few batches it is just not worth the effort anymore, so I don't buy heli lipos from them anymore.

[heli-lover]

I'm of the same mind. Two plus years of using them but recently there has been a lot of rustling in the weeds about quality issues. I'm due for some new batts and I'm looking at GensAce at the moment. About $15/pack more but US based distribution and a great track record. I think Gens is getting my money this next go around.

[Heli G]

Originally Posted by heli-lover

I'm of the same mind. Two plus years of using them but recently there has been a lot of rustling in the weeds about quality issues. I'm due for some new batts and I'm looking at GensAce at the moment. About $15/pack more but US based distribution and a great track record. I think Gens is getting my money this next go around.

Yes and with GA there's local recourse for defects!

[CyprusFlyer]

Just received these from UK nice job, went for a theme on 2 canopies.

[Danny_Swe]

really cool!

[CyprusFlyer]

Penultimate piece of the puzzle arrived today, Vbar Mini, checked out and flashed up to Pro. All servo horns cut and some Vbar setup completed. Main thing was getting the Servo centreing bang on, servos now labled up for position and Vbar performing as expected.

Another use for the FBL sighting rod (Trex 600/550)!

Thats it, ready for the kit and good to go knowing that I can just assemble it now.

Thats my second Vbar, noticed the packaging is not great, the Vbar falls through the cardboard holder to rattle around in the bottom. Then I suppose it has to put up with a lot more G's than the postal service may subject it too - pre-tested!

[CyprusFlyer]

Email came today, will be contacted next week for shipping details, magic
Post Easter for me then

[ZuvieleTeile]

Originally Posted by CyprusFlyer

Penultimate piece of the puzzle arrived today, Vbar Mini, checked out and flashed up to Pro. All servo horns cut and some Vbar setup completed. Main thing was getting the Servo centreing bang on, servos now labled up for position and Vbar performing as expected.

Another use for the FBL sighting rod (Trex 600/550)!

That's a splendid idea. . .

[CyprusFlyer]

And of course the obligatory black gears, also threw some spare 550 gears into the festering pot!

Hopefully pre-ordered the right amount of gears, the other two are metal I believe, spare set already.

Yes thats a complete spare 550 frame set 2mm.

[AcidDrink]

Originally Posted by CyprusFlyer

And of course the obligatory black gears, also threw some spare 550 gears into the festering pot!

Hopefully pre-ordered the right amount of gears, the other two are metal I believe, spare set already.

Yes thats a complete spare 550 frame set 2mm.

I knid of like my gears white Easier to spot the dirt. (I am just saying that because I need an excuse to not to tear power train apart again )

Looking great - and servo centering trick is great idea.

[CyprusFlyer]

Thanks, idea not original, saw it somewhere else but always good to spread a good tip, have to carefully eye the rod alignment with the servo horn holes, otherwise accuracy is very good.

[CyprusFlyer]

Getting closer, email received for colour choices etc, bloody Paypal, had to do the bank transfer thing due to amount, payment delayed by a few days, shouldnt matter though.

Re-thought the servo bus, last one I made was too wide, realised when I received the nice motor mount. Dont want to use the integrated cheepo Blue tooth anyway now that I have the posh Spartan one.

Anyway, made another smaller version, utilising a 15 Pin D-Type plastic shell, butchered it so its even smaller but worked out very well. Still have only 3 cables required to the Vbar + Satellites.
The bottom cables are spot soldered to the pins and covers pushed over for good insulation.
There are 5 signal wires for 4 servos and throttle and 2 supply pairs for the Vbar Mini, more than enough. The servo main load will come straight off the bus rather than via the Vbar.

[CyprusFlyer]

OK despite submitting photographic evidence of the dead Lipo received, HK are playing the game everyone talks about. I must return the battery, yet they will not compensate for costs incurred, WTF.
Clear breach of contract in any civilised legal domain, we entered into an agreement, I pay for serviceable batteries and postage costs, they have crap quality control and send a duff one, they refuse to replace unless I incur more cost with postage etc, well I was warned!
Thats game over HK, lost another customer and I would advise anyone to use a "reputable" source!

[heli-lover]

Just got a pair of GensAce 5300's delivered yesterday. The issues are just too frequent with HK now. Sad, they had a nice thing going for a while... or at least we did anyway.

Did you try the forum way I did it last time? I'll go get a link, only hope you really got bro. Do what I did, take a pic, toss HK in front of their forum bus and see if they're willing to be that way publicly. I'll PM you a link to my post back then. Best of luck man.

[CyprusFlyer]

Oh well, just looking forward to the kit comming maybe next week 3.5 flight packs it is then. Have ordered the classic Black with Yellow comet and metallic windscreen as Timo has, just love watching this video:

YouTube

YouTube

And love the odd growl, cant wait.

[CyprusFlyer]

Originally Posted by heli-lover

Just got a pair of GensAce 5300's delivered yesterday. The issues are just too frequent with HK now. Sad, they had a nice thing going for a while... or at least we did anyway.

Did you try the forum way I did it last time? I'll go get a link, only hope you really got bro. Do what I did, take a pic, toss HK in front of their forum bus and see if they're willing to be that way publicly. I'll PM you a link to my post back then. Best of luck man.

Thanks for all your help buddy, got the credit for a replacement, satisfactory result.

[heli-lover]

Glad they saw things your way my friend.

[CraneGrus]

Originally Posted by heli-lover

Just got a pair of GensAce 5300's delivered yesterday.

I do love my Gens Ace 5300's. Regular flight time is 9m, (incl 5-6 min of practicing tic-tocs and the like at 1750rpm). No signs of strain at speed flights (2050 rpm).
Not all series fit though.

[CyprusFlyer]

So this week ends on a high, HK gave me a full credit, ordered a replacement battery and a Scorpion for my 550, so 4 flight packs soon. Best of all, Jan just emailed, "Kit will be posted next week by DHL"

[Danny_Swe]

cool! when did you get on the list?