USB and patch lead.

[erisaman]

I'm very ignorant regarding downloading software etc - but with a couple of BeastX helis to my name, I need to learn - pronto.

Firstly, if I happen to find a USB secondhand, am I right in thinking that I need a 'patch' lead for connections? If I don't find a 2nd hand one, I'll be looking for a new one - even I feel I now need one, or will do soon.

[bikerflier]

They should come with the lead which is just a long servo lead with standard servo connector each end.
You should be able to make something up by joining two old servo leads together or two male ends from extension leads.

If you used Futaba leads you would need to cut the plastic lug off the side of the Futaba plug.

Upgrade of software is easy enough.
Download from BeastX website.
Plenty of instructions there and in their forum.
Set the 3 pots on the BeastX back to centre, disconnect all of the wires from the BeastX, connect the cable from the USB to the SYS port of the BeastX, use a 4.8v NiCd or NiMH to power the BeastX through one of the servo ports.
Follow instructions to upgrade software and do a complete new setup using the V3 manual.
The old settings from V2 do NOT work, you must completely setup the BeastX from scratch.

I'm very ignorant regarding downloading software etc - but with a couple of BeastX helis to my name, I need to learn - pronto.

Firstly, if I happen to find a USB secondhand, am I right in thinking that I need a 'patch' lead for connections? If I don't find a 2nd hand one, I'll be looking for a new one - even I feel I now need one, or will do soon.

[erisaman]

Thank you very much for all that info, particularly regarding the set-up from scratch again. It seems that this is going to be a sharp learning curve for me as it was a pal who set them up originally.

[Randall]

dont worry it realy is quite simple to setup, just grab a cable from a model shop there about £25 iirc if you have a couple of beastx units then what are you waiting for

[erisaman]

Thanks - just sourced a new cable from a fellow Heliaddict member - just waiting to pay.

My 'delay' as such is that illness forced me to put everything on hold - but a pal took over and has completed the build on one heli and is about to complete the 2nd so, I have an exciting few days / weeks to look forward to .

[Randall]

Sorry to Hear about your Bad health, There is nothing worse than when our health gets in the way of all aspects of life. It sounds like things are on the Up for you and i hope that your health does not slow you down any more in all walks of life.
Im not too sure that Heli's have done my health any good, I seem to suffer great stress and the MRS becomes violents at the model shop Bill !!
Good luck with getting stuck back in, If you need any help setting up your BeastX feel free to IM me as i have set a couple up now and as i am fairly new to FBL can explain in laymans terms to get your up in the air. Other wise if you are after really fine tuning or getting a top notch setup post in the Beastx part of the forum there are loads on here with great knowledge on setting up BeastX's
My best advice is read the manual a few times first then slowly go through the setup, Once you get the hang of it its actually quite easy to setup.

All the Best

Jay

[erisaman]

Thank you Jay - I appreciate your offer and may well take you up on the layman's terminlogy - I'm all for the simple things in life.

[Randall]

No worries just shout when you need a hand, I have never found such a helpfull Forum as this one as there there are always so many people ready to help in this hobby. RC heli in Genral seems to attract some really generous people that are always willing to share there knowledge.

[erisaman]

You are so right about the help constantly on offer here, and I've never yet read a sarcastic response to queries, such as I've seen on other forums.

This is why I ask the most basic of questions and have no fear of looking ridiculous - well, trying not to look ridiculous .