Back after 15 years or so away from hobby - any advice welcome

[Steve_T]

Once again many thanks for all the help and suggestions.
I know all opinions will not be the same but it all helps to get good honest views on things, especially when there ae so many new things to consider than when I last flew.

Still mulling things over but If I did want to upgrade my JR X-388S is this what I need?

FrSky DF 2.4Ghz Combo Pack for JR w/ Module & RX

[Steve_T]

I originally started on an mcpx it taught me alot, but now I have the others and the 450L Dominator holds up very well in a crash even with the high headspeed. It is also easier than the mcpx as it is more stable but also it is more challenging than a 550 or 700 so will give you good reflexes... Personally I would get a 450L Dominator on 3S with a Spektrum DX7/6

Many thanks Hamish. I have looked at this and it is on my ever enlarging wishlist.

I can't believe all the things I am having to learn if I am to go electric.
What happened to nicads ? I always thought they needed care when charging and discharging but it seems lipos need more care and although I have read up on them I need to now understand what I read.

So to help me on my way could you maybe explain why might I get a 3S model when I could get a 6S model ?
I imagine there are positives and negatives (sorry about the pun around batteries it was not intended ) for both models - but what are they?


Steve

[Grumpy]

If i was starting from scratch with electric i'd go for the 6s version of the 450L. It runs slightly bigger blades and will be slightly heavier so will fly just slightly 'bigger'. 6s seems to be the way all new 450 size helis are going. Personally i'd say that the only good reason to go with the 3s version is if you already had a bunch of 3s batteries, as many people do because 3s 2200mAh is a popular size.

If it were me though I'd go for at least a 500 size heli. Despite the 450/500 designation leading the uninitiated to think they are quite similar size, he 500 is actually a much larger than a 450 and is far less twitchy and frenetic.

[Steve_T]

Cheers Steve.

Sorry for all the questions but can somebody clarify a point for me.
When people talk about FBL units and satellites for it, am I right thinking the satellites are actually gyros that feedback pitch and roll to the unit?

[10x]

A satellite is a cut down receiver, no ports for servo's but you do not need them with the fbl unit as the servo's plug into that...Good taste in music by the way.....

[Grumpy]

No, the 'satellites' are receivers. By using satellites (aka 'remote receivers') you eliminate the need to use a conventional receiver. These satellites are unique to Spektrum and JR radio systems.

There are some FBL controllers that use remote gyro units (the full size Vbar for instance).. but that's a different thing entirely.

[Steve_T]

Thanks guys.
I think I need to do some studying before I buy anything of any value.

Can anyone recommend a recent book on the subject. I have loads of books from 20 years+ ago but not really of much use now.

[woodsta888]

Thanks guys.
I think I need to do some studying before I buy anything of any value.

Can anyone recommend a recent book on the subject. I have loads of books from 20 years+ ago but not really of much use now.

This guy writes in layman - covers the basics but links back to the old days.

Understanding Flybarless RC Helicopters

[Thor]

This guy writes in layman - covers the basics but links back to the old days.

Understanding Flybarless RC Helicopters

I'll second that. This is an excellent resource. It taught me a whole lot especially when I was just starting out.

[Steve_T]

I'll second that. This is an excellent resource. It taught me a whole lot especially when I was just starting out.

Thanks to you both - it was very informative. Mind you I will have to read through again today just to make sure I understand it all

[Thor]

There certainly is a lot to take in. Don't worry though, it will all start to make sense at some point. By the way, there are loads of other great articles on that site, so I would recommend having a browse around.

[Steve_T]

There certainly is a lot to take in. Don't worry though, it will all start to make sense at some point. By the way, there are loads of other great articles on that site, so I would recommend having a browse around.

The site is on my favorites bar so I will be looking through all it has to offer, in time.

[Peteski]

Yeah, great website for getting started. Learnt a lot reading on there and when you get a bit further, the £10 setup guide is well worth the money too. Saved me a lot of pain even on setting up micros.

[Holst]

As for taking care of lipos there are three main things you need to do.

1 - never ever over discharge them, always fly on a timer.

2 - use a decent ballance charger.

3 - don't store them fully charged for too long.

Do those three things and you will be ok.

[Steve_T]

Spent most of my week off work trolling the internet reading up and deciding what to get.

I am shortening my list and am down to the list below:

Spektrum DX9
Already ordered from RC Hero - good price I think thanks to tomatwalden
https://rc-hero.co.uk/index.php?rout...nly%20Mode%202

Trex 500L Dominator Super Combo [RH50E07XT]
- I think I will be okay with this after a bit of practice and also practice on a sim - any thoughts ?
Trex 500L Dominator Super Combo [RH50E07XT]

Batteries for heli
Turnigy 3000mAh 6S 20C Lipo Pack (Great for T-Rex 500) (UK Warehouse)

Digital Pitch gauge
RotorStar Digital Pitch Gauge for Helicopters (250~700 size) (UK Warehouse)


NOW, things I am not too sure of, can anyone help me to whether I need them, OR if I need something else I haven't thought of.

Battery checker - is this okay or can anyone suggest a better one.
Turnigy™ 7in1 Mega Meter Battery Checker/Watt Meter/Servo Tester (UK Warehouse)

Battery charger - no idea what to get. I will need to charge the 6S packs above and 1S cells as I will also be getting a Nano QX

Receiver for the Heli, again not sure what to get here so help please.

Do I need a flame retardant bag to charge the lipos in ? If so any suggestions?

Anything else I need immediately ?

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to help me with all these questions.