Yet another what do you think noobie thread.

[tomatwalden]

...
Just to add to the potential for confusion there have been three models of the DX6 too!

Which is even worse, as they are called the DX6, DX6i and DX6 (again!)

[Jay23]

Another stupid question... Do I need a separate receiver to plug into a fbl or does the fbl just need a satellite plugging into it to receive signals from the Tx? Am I right in thinking that a satellite is just a fancy name for an antenna?

[Grumpy]

It depends.

If using Spektrum than all you need is a satellite, or better two satellites to give improved reception. A satellite isnt just an antenna, it's a fully functional receiver but without the connections for the servos to plug into.

Other brands of radio don't use satellites so with those you need to use some other form of receiver. You can use a normal receiver with spektrum too if you like but satellites are usually neater on wiring.

[trexamanic]

I use the spektrum ar7200bx fbl controller which is effectively a receiver and fbl built into one.
I find this keeps things nice and tidy for me. I am however, just a self learner and tbh not very good as of yet.
I have noticed some great used ones on here and i think it is so easily set up.
Personally, i would have opted for the best radio you could afford without going silly ie a dx8 or 9 which are really good value and would see you through all your models in the future when you start to want telemetry etc.

As far as helis goes, i initially made a massive amount of mistakes ie all the gear no idea and i have lost count of the amount i have bought then sold without even a hover. i have the 450dfc pro and a bunch of spares. i bought it as a kit, built it, learned from the build and then flew it and i cannot fault it as a learner.
I have yet to even set up my kds chase which again i bought as a new kit from a chap on here then bought a bunch of spares from a member on here also. Once i feel confident on my 450 i will give the 360 a go.
My next heli i recently bought is the 230s which i am hoping will enable me to get my head round 180 and nose in etc. My most useful heli of all time has been my 130x which i have crashed at least a hundred times and yet my repair bills are great. it must be a new heli about 7 times now as i cannot think of a part i haven't broken at some point but i really do love this heli.

[Peteski]

Another stupid question... Do I need a separate receiver to plug into a fbl or does the fbl just need a satellite plugging into it to receive signals from the Tx? Am I right in thinking that a satellite is just a fancy name for an antenna?

As you will be using a Spektrum DX7, to keep it simple I would go for the new Spektrum AR7210BX FBL controller, which also has a built-in receiver. It has fully featured rescue and self-level too. This would be perfect for a 450 size heli and you wouldn't need a satellite receiver at all. See my earlier reply.
But if you choose any other FBL controller e.g. Spirit, you will need at least 1 Spektrum satellite receiver. They are not expensive (about £22) but the wiring is a bit fragile and you then have 2 boxes to locate. No big deal really, but the one box solution is very neat on a small heli. BeastX is very easy to set up for a beginner too.

SPMAR7210BX DSMX Flybarless Control System (SPMAR7210BX): Spektrum - The Leader in Spread Spectrum Technology

[Euclid]

Jay. I'm currently on the steep bit of the learning curve building my first 450 and loving/learning every minute of it. My FBL is an Align Gpro that I've plugged 2 Spektrum sats into. So far no dramas and a nice tidy layout.

[Jay23]

Just thought I would update the thread for those that are interested. After much thought and hours of research I have bought a trex 450l super combo kit with 3 batteries a alu flight case, training gear and a few spares all brand new £355. I plan on selling the g-pro fbl it comes with and replacing it with either the new spirit or spektrum fbl (both of which aren't on the market yet).....BUT....I'm also going to get a blade mcpx bl so I'm not grounded when building the trex plus it will improve my flying skills.
So what do you think? I would appreciate suggestions on spares I should have in and a good link on how to programme my dx7 as the manual is next to useless for a beginner.

Thanks jay

[tomatwalden]

Good plan. I learnt on a Blade 450 and Blade mCPX v2. It was a combo that worked very well for me! I learnt moves on the mCPX and progressed them on the 450 ..

[Grumpy]

Sounds like great setup! The new Spirit Pro is supposed to be available end of this month, so any time now basically. I have one pre-ordered.

For programming a video covering the DX9 or new generation DX6, or even the DX18 will be good because the interface on all the new Spektrum models is the same. Fortunatly with flybarless programming is relatively easy as you don't need to worry about swash mixing or any other of those tricky heli mixes.

As you have a heli that has good spares availability with next day delivery I'd personally not bother ordering spares, just buy them as you need them.

[trillian]

On a different subject I'm using a 600 size heli in the sim to make it easier to see, but it's very stable compared to the 450, am I cheating?

Jay

When I first started (about 6 years ago - and I really don't know where the time has gone) I only had a sim because I didn't know how much I really wanted to get into the hobby. I had Realflight G3.5 and would just crash within seconds of lifting off the ground. After fiddling with it quite a bit I found the ONLY way I could tackle it was to use the biggest (90 size) heli and I had to lift off like a rocket so that I had plenty of time in the air to start getting used to the controls. This strategy worked and eventually I was flying around and landing / taking off normally. Soooo, basically whatever it takes. Where the sim is most useful in the beginning is just in acquiring the 'muscle memory', the hand-eye coordination, until it's 2nd nature.

[myxiplx]

Sounds like a great plan for me, and ironically having a big heli grounded is a great way to force yourself to spend time on the mCPX. I had something similar happen to me and I ended up spending a ton of time on a mCPX BL and simulator, meaning I had a lot more control and confidence by the time I actually had chance to fly something bigger.

It's definitely a good route into the hobby, and damn good fun at the same time :-)

For me, I wouldn't buy any spares. It's extra cost you may not need, and I used to treat any downtime on the large helicopter as just more excuses to fly the mCPX. On the mCPX hit throttle hold quick enough and you shouldn't need many spares for that either.

[Peteski]

It's a good plan for sure and the mCPX should really help to build up your skills. Get confident flying the mCPX and you honestly won't need the training gear on the 450. Just take your time on the build and make sure the FBL unit is properly set up.