Trex500 Nitro Conversion videos

[Finless]

OK... so this is kind of a long story but when the Trex500 came out several people asked if there was going to be a Trex 500 nitro.... Well.... most thought NO WAY! But a local guy to me decided to make a 500 nitro conversion kit! www.flyhelirus.com

At first I did not even want to be interested..... But then I flew thew damn little thing and MAN.... It was pretty good! Not as powerful as an electric but 7-8 minutes with same power full flight... I liked it

In fact Ben Storick flew a demo with it at the San Diego Funfly 2009 last weekend and this shows what this sucker can do! Here is the video of that:
VIDEO -> San Diego 2009 Funfly - Ben Storick and the unique Trex500 Nitro! (56 Megs)



So Chiem from FlyheliRUS.com asked if I would help him out by doing a build video on it. There is not much for instructions in the box so a video for all you folks wanting a 500 nitro seemed approriate.... What the heck! Why not! So here we go!

On with the conversion.....

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - What's in the box! (40 Megs)


VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Transmission and Motor Assembly (65 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Frame Assembly Part 1 with Frame Modifications (37 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Spectrum Sensor Modifications and Mounting (31 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Frame Assembly Part 2 (27 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Head Build Tips and Comments (35 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Fuel Tank Assembly (51 Megs)

Note: Make sure you watch servo setup and why 19mm before proceeding and following this servo install video. Two reasons; You have to remove the throttle servo to install elevator wheels, and later after shooting these I found out why the ESP requires 19mm ball spacing. So out comes the Throttle servo again!
VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - ESP Servo Install (33 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Servo Setup (78 Megs)

OK on the Trex500 forum there was some debate about the ESP manual telling you to use 19mm for ball spacing on cyclic servos. Prior to the ESP coming out the manual said 16mm. NOW I know why!!!! It's the Align servos! Their design of the case allows the ball to rub or strike the top of the servo case. Hitech and S9650's don't have this problem! To get full swash deflection like I have on my 500E with Hitech servos, you have to go out to 19mm with the Align servos!!!
VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Why 19mm on the ESP? It's the Align Servos! (51 Megs)

OK taking a break for a paid political advertisement
During my build KDE sent me the Trex500 "bling kit" So here is a little reviewage for you all!
VIDEO -> KDE Upgrades Review! LOVE KDE's stuff man... (39 Megs)


OK folks... Sorry for the LONG delay. The OCMA Funfly and my real job slowed me down. Got a bunch of videos done Friday though. Here we go.
VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Throttle Linkage setup (90 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - ESP Tail Build (54 Megs)

Many have asked me for a 500 ESP TT build so I did one for you all! PIN THAT BOOM!
VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - ESP Tourque Tube Build (60 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Electronics Placement (56 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Header Tank and Fuel Plumbing (43 Megs)

Sorry for the delay. Here are the final 2 vids.

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Fan, Fan Shroud, and Canopy Trimming (57 Megs)

VIDEO -> Trex500 Nitro Conversion - Setting up the Align Governor (72 Megs)


Flying is next! Been breaking in the engine.....

Bob


OK more coming this week while I do the basic assembly.... Stay tuned...

Bob

[Bobbyk]

Very nice, great to see it.

Robert

[WillJames]

Nice flying Ben!!! Nice job shooting that fast little thing Bob!!

[dxtarl]

Hey bob
When you get to a section that you will refer to the 500E build could you please place a link in the #1 post.

[Finless]

All video links go in the FIRST post! That is always how I have done all my vids...

Bob

[crash-alot]

Hey Bob, it’s nice to see you doing a vid on a conversion.

I've already built mine, but am still looking forward to your built.

I few things I would like you to cover are:

- Electronics placement and tips on tidy wiring?
- Modifying the canopy using a dremel. Using a high speed cutter or diamond cutter or maybe sanding wheel.
- Optimizing the Centre of Gravity by adjusting the battery / fuel tank. I found the COG change quite a bit as the fuel load decreases.
- I also found that the exhaust smoke / oil can be a problem especially while breaking the engine in. It can literally cover the frame and skids with oil. So beware of electronics placed on the side of the muffler. Any tips there?
- The bottom bracket needs a hole cut in so you can read the back plate temperature.
- Best servo for throttle? I've used the Hitec 5245MG and had to use spacers so the servo does not clash with the elevator linkage.
- How best to setup the throttle linkage
- Demonstrate to us the optimum timing belt tension.
- OS 37 engine break-in. Starting point for low end and high-end needle settings.


I'm sure Bob will check out our 500 Nitro photos posted in the RCDN 500 Nitro Conversion section for tips!!

[Toolman]

I personally can't see why you would want to convert the 500 to nitro, but the conversion looks neat none the less.
The only thing is the exhaust is in a funny place, and i was wondering if one of those Weston uk pipes might be ideal

See here http://www.westonuk.co.uk/index_086.htm

Tim.

[WillJames]

Originally Posted by Toolman

I personally can't see why you would want to convert the 500 to nitro, but the conversion looks neat none the less.
The only thing is the exhaust is in a funny place, and i was wondering if one of those Weston uk pipes might be ideal

See here http://www.westonuk.co.uk/index_086.htm

Tim.

I wondered that as well, until I got one. My buddy Hammer has been flying it a lot and he says everybody at the field loves the little thing.

I have to admit, it is pretty different and pretty cool!! And it flys BIG for a 500.

That Weston pipe is a nice pipe.

[nervousone]

awesome! i cant wait to how this comes along. i'm a noob so this is all way to cool!

[mapleleafs]

looks cool but like Ben said it does fly heavy.

[Leftyatm]

Hey Bob when all is said and done, how much will this entire kit cost? I am about to purchase another 500. I am going the ESP route this time and I miss my 600 NSP. I already have a nice 500 E with all the goodies on it and it would be fun to try a nitro again. Any help is appreciated!

[Finless]

If you go to www.flyhelirus.com you will see the conversion kit cost. $399 for the complete conversion and $249 without engine and muffler.

If you want a governor add that in along with a 2S lipo flight pack and regulator and other little odds and ends you would normally need for a nitro.

Bob

[Finless]

OK four new videos posted! More to come.

Bob

[dxtarl]

Sensor video not working

[Spork01]

bob please check one of your links is not working. its the 3rd link. many thanks

[Finless]

All fixed now! Refresh the page.

Bob

[Spork01]

Feed us more bob .... PLEASE. the suspense is killing me!

[BenHeli]

Remember to trim the area of the bottom plate directly below the Spektrum sensor so that the sensor can clear the bottom plate.

Thanks for the videos Bob.

[Finless]

Originally Posted by BenHeli

Remember to trim the area of the bottom plate directly below the Spektrum sensor so that the sensor can clear the bottom plate.

Thanks for the videos Bob.

I said that in the last video

Bob

[BenHeli]

Saw that after I posted. Also, the templates for the canopy are available for download here http://www.flyhelirus.com/images/sto...-Manual-V1.pdf