Getting my Logo 500 3D airborne again

[WeatherB]

Hi All,

I've got a Logo 500 3D that has been sitting around for several years now and I recently got the itch to get her flying again. My build was decent for the time and includes a Scorpion 4020-1390k, 5S 5000mah, original VBAR.

I did some research and looks like quite a bit has changed in the Mikado scene these last years and the 500 has been discontinued and now there is the 550.

Got a few questions that I am hoping the community can help me with:

1. There seems to be a lack of parts for the 500 but I suspect that I can swap in 550 parts when I end up crashing with some retrofitting. Am I correct here or would I be looking at getting a new kit once the inevitable happens?

2. Which original size blades are recommended now-a-days? I doubt my setup can swing the larger 550mm blades. I measured the stock blades and they look to be roughly 510mm (picture attached).

3. Has much changed in the VBAR hardware/software? Mine was updated to V5 Pro but looks like now there is a the Neo hardware and V5.3 Pro software.

Thanks all. Really excited to get flying again!

[Corvette & Copter Guy]

Originally Posted by WeatherB

Hi All,

I've got a Logo 500 3D that has been sitting around for several years now and I recently got the itch to get her flying again. My build was decent for the time and includes a Scorpion 4020-1390k, 5S 5000mah, original VBAR.

I did some research and looks like quite a bit has changed in the Mikado scene these last years and the 500 has been discontinued and now there is the 550.

Got a few questions that I am hoping the community can help me with:

1. There seems to be a lack of parts for the 500 but I suspect that I can swap in 550 parts when I end up crashing with some retrofitting. Am I correct here or would I be looking at getting a new kit once the inevitable happens? You can get the new style frames (built in battery tray version) and get the longer boom and cut it down. Or just get the 550 parts and convert it. Of course you have the older head also. So if you did want to make it an updated 550 you might just get a new 550sx kit. All up to you. Not sure what parts are still available.

2. Which original size blades are recommended now-a-days? I doubt my setup can swing the larger 550mm blades. I measured the stock blades and they look to be roughly 510mm (picture attached). never had a 500 so not sure max blade length you can run.

3. Has much changed in the VBAR hardware/software? Mine was updated to V5 Pro but looks like now there is a the Neo hardware and V5.3 Pro software. The Neo is 6.1 Of course the biggest change is rescue that you can only get on a Neo. You can run the older (legacy) vbar's on Vcontrol if you choose to go down that road.

Thanks all. Really excited to get flying again!

In my 550sx I run VTX 557 blades, Scorpion 4025-1100Kv motor, Scorpion Tribunus 120amp esc, 6s 5000Mah packs. Just to give you an idea. If you can I would run what you have till you cant.

[Dennis P]

If it was flying good before I would just maintain it and keep flying. There are several good 510-520mm range blades from Rotor tech , Rail and others to choose from. If you have a good crash there will probably be some updating to fit newer parts but until that day happens it does not matter.Get a few new 5s packs if you need them and fly. Most Logo 550s today are setup similar to what Corvette posted. Mine is the same except a HobbyWing ESC as the Scorpion Tribunus was not out yet.

[Andy from Sandy]

The Logo 500 is the predecessor to the 550. It should have 550mm blades. It always looks to me that the blades overlap so I would stay with 550 and not try the RotorTech which are 560.

What parts do you need for it?

A lot of parts still available.
https://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/h...o-500.html?p=1

https://www.align-trex.co.uk/helicop...logo-500-parts

I updated mine with the 550 sx V1 headblock that removed the separate swash follower.

There is no merit in changing the frames that use the battery tray. It is an additional cost and no benefit when using just one pack.

[duchoaaz]

I haven't touch anything heli related since 2013. I still have all my heli. I will make time to fly again this season. They are Logo 400, 500, and 600. I'm in the process of setting them up. If any of them crash, which it will happen, I'll slowly upgrade to current version. Hopefully there are parts still available to keep them.

[david426]

The Logo 500 per the manual calls for main rotor shaft part #04075 which appears to be sold out everywhere. How would you go about repairing a Logo 500 with a bent shaft?

[tonys-heli]

Originally Posted by david426

The Logo 500 per the manual calls for main rotor shaft part #04075 which appears to be sold out everywhere. How would you go about repairing a Logo 500 with a bent shaft?

i would convert to the new 550sx head and get the main shaft for that.

[david426]

Do I just need to order this?
https://shop.mikadousa.com/04619-Rot...ece_p_615.html
Can I re-use everything else or do I need to order more stuff?

[david426]

It looks like the pitch links are different.
Can I re-use the swash plate?
Can I re-use the spindle and blade grips and dampeners?

[Andy from Sandy]

First up can you post a picture of what the head looks like on your model please and also a picture of the main gear and below not super close but just showing how it all looks?

From that it will be much easier to see what you will need to get.

[Thickfog]

Why not just contact mikado and see what shaft will work. Lots of their parts are backwards compatible.

[Andy from Sandy]

If the old 500 main shaft is no longer available then the new one is not backward compatible without making several other changes.

I know what is needed as I upgraded my 500 3d to the latest headblock and shorter main shaft.

I would just like to see a couple of pictures of the OPs model as there is more to changing the main shaft than is first apparent.

[Dennis P]

Originally Posted by Andy from Sandy

The Logo 500 is the predecessor to the 550. It should have 550mm blades. It always looks to me that the blades overlap so I would stay with 550 and not try the RotorTech which are 560.

What parts do you need for it?

A lot of parts still available.
https://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/h...o-500.html?p=1

https://www.align-trex.co.uk/helicop...logo-500-parts

I updated mine with the 550 sx V1 headblock that removed the separate swash follower.

There is no merit in changing the frames that use the battery tray. It is an additional cost and no benefit when using just one pack.

I think when they where running the Scorpion 4020-1390k, 5S power setup most where running the 520mm size blades. The 4025-1100kv 6s setups ran the 550 blades.

[WeatherB]

Thanks all, I ended up getting her flying again.

[tonys-heli]

Originally Posted by WeatherB

Thanks all, I ended up getting her flying again.

well, give us the details..

[Andy from Sandy]

The 4025-1100kv 6s setups ran the 550 blades.

When I was doing my research a lot of people were suggesting the model didn't need the 4025 so I got a 4020-1100 motor and run 550 without any problem.

What you have to bear in mind is a Raptor 30 was a 550 nitro machine with a motor that produced about 1.2HP and that model used to do alright. The 4020-1100 motor produces around 2.5HP in a model that is lighter. I don't think for most people a motor producing nearly 3HP is required.

But you are correct as when I got my Logo 500 3D it came as a combo with 550 blades, 4025-1100 scorpion motor and Kontronik 100LV esc

[senzafine]

Originally Posted by Andy from Sandy

When I was doing my research a lot of people were suggesting the model didn't need the 4025 so I got a 4020-1100 motor and run 550 without any problem.

What you have to bear in mind is a Raptor 30 was a 550 nitro machine with a motor that produced about 1.2HP and that model used to do alright. The 4020-1100 motor produces around 2.5HP in a model that is lighter. I don't think for most people a motor producing nearly 3HP is required.

But you are correct as when I got my Logo 500 3D it came as a combo with 550 blades, 4025-1100 scorpion motor and Kontronik 100LV esc

I agree, I fly a Goblin 570 (heavier) w/a 4020 but at lower head speeds (1800-2200) lite and flies great.

[smittylube]

Originally Posted by david426

The Logo 500 per the manual calls for main rotor shaft part #04075 which appears to be sold out everywhere. How would you go about repairing a Logo 500 with a bent shaft?

I have a new 4075 if you need it. I'm running the shorter 4620.

[WeatherB]

Originally Posted by tonys-heli

well, give us the details..

For sure... Ended up getting the VBar control so I can tweak settings on the fly. Here is a picture.

[tonys-heli]

looks good so far..