Getting there ... I think. Next Heli purchase question

[Texxaco]

So i have had my MCPX since mid December and can now hover tail in and both side views. I have to say that this is all thanks to id of Phoenix and Iceuk who helped me on few sessions. :encouragement

So my question is this:

As I can now hover as above for 4 minutes without crashing, should I start to look at my first big heli as I am dead keen to build a T-Rex 500.

My other question is which version as there seems to be 4 versions and I am lost with the different options available.

Thanks for our help

Pete

[tomatwalden]

If you can fly an mcpx for 4 mins consistently, I would say you are absolutely ready for a bigger heli! The Trex500 was my first build too (the EFL Pro version) and I was very happy with it. As for versions, are the four you are looking at these? ALIGN T-REX 500 RC (radio controlled) helicopters - ALIGN-TREX.co.uk Model Helicopters

If so, the differentiators are :

Super-combo = includes everything you need - ie. motor, ESC, FBL, servos etc.
combo = as above but without the FBL controller
DFC super-combo = flybarless version
PRO super-combo = flybarred machine (very old!)
500E super-combo = even older flybarred machine!

So, you really have a choice of super-combo or combo depending on what FBL unit you want to use, then the 500 DFC is the current, up to date version.

For reference, older machines were called V2, EFL Pro, ESP Pro.

[Texxaco]

Thanks for your amazingly quick response Tom. I did notice in the for sale posts that you had a 500 EFL.

With regards to the combo or super combo, would you say the 3GX or the Beast X would be better suited to a newbie like me?

I have struggled to understand the differences apart the price. From what I have read on here there are beginner setting on some of the FBL Controllers, although I am unsure which unit would suit my needs now and in the future.

Cheers once again

Pete

[tomatwalden]

LOL! I work in IT, so spend my life in front of a computer screen. I've always got a firefox tab open on RCHA for when the conference calls get a bit too much!

As for 3GX or BeastX - you'll no doubt get lots of different opinions. Flight-wise, I think both are absolutely fine for a newbie. Setup-wise, I found the 3GX quite confusing to setup. When I built my Trex500, I'd never setup a FBL unit before, and I think the 3GX isn't the most intuitive in that respect. By contrast, I think the AR7200BX is possibly the simplest FBL to setup!

Also, what TX do you have? If you have a DX6i, the 3GX would need a seperate reciever as it doesn't work directly with 6-channel transmitters. In that case, the AR7200BX would be better I believe. If you have a DX7 or DX8, either would work directly.

[Texxaco]

Ah now I see how you manage to answer my posts so quick lol.

My TX is a DX6i but I have been confused about the amount of channels I would need for the Trex 500. The reason I say this is, at the bottom of the technical jargon it states that you need a seven channel TX.

So would you say that the best 500 kit for me minus the3GX would be this

T-REX 500 PRO DFC Combo RH50E02XW Model Helicopters

I look fwd to your super fast response again lol

PS: I work it Pyrotechnics/fireworks hence my quick response as its quiet this time of year

[tomatwalden]

It's not the Trex500 that requires a 7-channel TX (since it's just an airframe), it's the Align 3GX FBL system that has that limitation. In truth, it only uses 6 channels, but rather stupidly, it expects to see tail gain settings on channel 7 - hence why the DX6i won't work directly with it. Most other FBL units or receivers expect gain on channel 5.

You can get a 3GX to work with a DX6i by having a seperate receiver like an AR6210, but it's messy IMO. Certainly the Trex500+AR7200BX would be a good combination!

[Rich23]

Hi

Good kit choice! I've just bought that kit and intend to use the AR7200BX with it.

Rich


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[helimadness]

I started with a cheap sim and a coax foam indoor thing to a Trex 500 EFL Pro. The bigger heli while a little intimidating for the first few flights is so much nicer and easier to fly once you get the hang of it. I have been flying 2 years now and have a few helis bigger and smaller but still love my 500. Great size and great heli. Personally I dont like the 3gx as been burnt by it too many times. I went Vbar and haven't looked back. Never used a Beastx but hear they are very good also.

Enjoy and let us all know how you go.

[Texxaco]

Great to hear the feedback on my intended next heli. I am going to go down the line of the same set up as Rich. Really looking fwd to G building it as much as I am flying it. Agree though I will be scared stiff just trying to hover it the first few times.

Any tips on the best place to buy the above as recommended by Tom and Rich
.

Exciting times ahead.

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[Delarado]

Hey dude, I have a decent 500 for sale if your interested, it'll come with everything you need to fly it and be much cheaper than a new one!

http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/sale/1...0-efl-pro.html

[Rich23]

Hi

I think slough rc have the beastx the cheapest. Or use RC ferret and they will find the cheapest for you. As for the kit all the top heli sites are competitive or you can look at second hand kits. If your feeling lucky you could try importing from 711rc.

Rich




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[helimadness]

You might already be past the need for training gear but if you are at all not sure don't be afraid to to strap some on. I made mine out of some carbon tent tubes I found in Decathlon and some training golf balls with the holes in them. Screwed straight into the end of the tubes. Could of bit of push bike inner tubes cut up into rubber bands and away I went. Basically how I learnt to fly. Saved me several crashes but then I was starting with less experience than you.

[Texxaco]

Using training gear on the tree 700 on the sim as Iceuk said that it made the 700 fly more like the real deal. But on mcpx I don't bother. Will Deffo be using it until I have confidence in my 500. Far too expensive to crash unlike my mcpx. Cheers for the info re making my own. It's far too expensive for what it is to buy.

Sent from my HTC One SV

[Texxaco]

Ps love the video. That will be me when I get the 500 built and set up.

Sent from my HTC One SV

[iceuk]

Tex with the training gear on it probably made it a bit to easy to hover as we did dumb a few other things down as well
But keep it on until your comfortable then take them off.