Newbie saying hi

[Highrisedrifter]

I've flown the little blighter loads of times today and now i've trimmed it perfectly, it hovers like a dream.

I've also read the instruction booklet and changed the throttle curve to 'low rate', which I guess gives a shallower curve? Anyway, it's pretty much perfect for my newbies hamfisted attempts at throttle control.

Although i've stacked the heli a few times, nothing has broken yet, so i'm pretty pleased.

Many thanks for the advice. I definitely intend on sticking around and being as productive on here as I can.

HRD

[heliTV]

I've also read the instruction booklet and changed the throttle curve to 'low rate', which I guess gives a shallower curve? Anyway, it's pretty much perfect for my newbies hamfisted attempts at throttle control.

Hi HRD and welcome!

The mCX is a great little heli and well worth the money...

I don't think it has throttle curves though... it does have a dual-rate function (accessed by pressing the right stick in) but I thought that just softened the cyclic (right stick) response...

I have the bind'n'fly version so I may be wrong ...

[DIJ]

It's a great little heli isn't it

I also have the bind n fly version and I use it with my CX2 TX.

I find that the cyclic is not very sensitive in that you have to give it full stick to get much forward speed.
I have read that the TX thats supplied with the mCX is better and would be interested to know if anyone has any thoughts on this. I have shortend the control rods by two turns but wonder if there anything else I can do, maybe to the TX?

[Highrisedrifter]

I've noticed that I can't get the heli to stop rotating. Even though I trim it, it either rotates slightly to the right, or after some trim, slightly to the left. It never finds that half way mark of being still.

I'm sorted flying the thing tail in now and i'm almost there nose and side in. Just a few more flights and I will have cracked it I reckon.

I can also take off and land the thing on a CD case on the floor.

You chaps were right about it bringing a smile to my face though; it's a cracking little heli. I'm chomping at the bit now to get something bigger. Fortunately however, head has won out over heart and I shall wait for a while and perfect flying on the mCX first.

Although a Blade 400 is now on my shopping list for the next couple of months sometime.

[cambs flyer]

Good stuff mate, the MCX like the other ultra micro Contras have really opened up the fun and ease factor to another level for the newbie.

Flying backwards is great fun, however with the BCX2 things do get blown about a little with the extra down wash but hey, thats part of the fun, had the MCX been available when I started I'd have snapped one up without a second thought.

Enjoy but remember just because shes easy to fly she'll offer no more knowledge flying CCPM machines then the larger Contras, so don't think for a minute it's a trade off, she can teach you the basics, plus getting used to flying with a controller. only you wont have half the blade strikes which is a real bonus Bro.

Enjoy and remember 2009 may be a very exciting year with your steady progression to Helicopter flight.

[DIJ]

I've noticed that I can't get the heli to stop rotating. Even though I trim it, it either rotates slightly to the right, or after some trim, slightly to the left. It never finds that half way mark of being still.

I think pretty much all coaxials suffer from this, and most are worse. It will vary as the battery discharges, but on the upside you will learn to control the tail.

Sounds like you're making real progress with the mCX

[Highrisedrifter]

This hobby has bitten me quite nicely now.

I'm surfing the forums looking for advice on one monitor whilst surfing the shops on the other looking for my next helicopter. Oh dear!

Opinion seems to be divided on what a good next step up should be. Either a Blade 400 or a Trex 450 it seems. Now I guess I have (or will have) about £500 disposable to spend on something and I realise that I don't want to spend up to my budget on the heli as I will need spares and other bits'n'bobs to go with it.

From my searchings, and forgive me if I have misinterpreted or missed the point entirely, it seems that the Blade 400 is a great RTF helicopter for intermediates, but the Trex 450SE v2 is a better helicopter but needs to be put together. Also, the Trex doesn't come with servos, gyro or TX, which will add cost obviously. Although opinion is divided, general consensus (from here and Google searches) seems to indicate that the Trex is better made, easier to work on and will be easier for a newbie to fly compared to the Blade 400. Again, cost of replacement parts and batteries is an issue too as I know I will need some ready for my first crash.

But should I just bite the bullet and get the RTF one first as I have no real idea how to put a heli together? But then again, instructions are included and being that I will get the DX6i, plenty of info is available on how to set that up on here. The good thing about getting the DX6i is that I can get Phoenix with it too, then get the 450sev2 at a later date as it doesn't come with a radio, then get the servos, gyros etc as and when, all while still putting the sim flight time in.

I'm quite willing to get my hands dirty and build the thing up; I used to build all my own R/C cars a few years back when I raced them so that's not an issue. Plenty of advice is available on what type of servo/gyro/etc to get from the website here, so that's ok, providing you don't mind me firing questions back at you all constantly that is!

I am worried that I will put it together wrong and strip away most of the gearing, or it will shake itself apart on its maiden flight, so peace of mind is definitely to be considered. The Blade 400 seems like it will be the cheaper and easier bet, which is no bad thing for a complete novice I suppose.

I think i'm just musing aloud here at the moment to be honest. Anyway, I shall continue to search the forums and do as much research as possible. I've found a few 'Blade v Trex' threads that have been useful and I shall carry on in that vein.

Research is paramount before making any decisions, although the input of experienced members is more than valued and always needed.

Thanks for the help and advice given so far, it's appreciated.

RHD

[163phil]

Hello HRD

Some good thoughts there matey I have just got a Trex450SEv2 and think it's the dog's danglies....but, it would probably do you best to get the B400 first as you will have a big enough learning curve just getting to grips with the DX6i, which of course will work with Phoenix (an essential purchase whatever you get!), and some money left over for spares. Then get a Trex/Beam/Outrage etc at a later date.

Whatever, it looks like you're well and truely hooked

Have fun

[cjcj1949]

Cut up the card now... before you get worse.

[cambs flyer]

The only opinion that matters is what your happiest doing.

Blade 400, this is a great machine and complete RTF kit, a better charger a few extra Li Po's, (not e-flite) and a spares or even upgrades collection is needed, this may well be all the Heli you'll ever want as its a cracking little number.

Trex 450 SE V2, this is simply one of the best 450 class machines out there, and kitted out with the right components makes it a "best of it's class" machine, however you will be paying three times as much "almost" to complete it.

For general flying you'll do pretty much the same with both, but with the SE V2 it doesn't matter how good you get she'll be one step ahead of you, again I emphasise with quality servos/gyro etc, plus the general build is faultless plus the spares and upgrade parts are very well priced.

But you will need to build it and by a TX along the way.

[Highrisedrifter]

Thanks chaps.

The next thing I would like to do would be to buy Phoenix.

From there I need to make a choice on setup. I'll go for the DX6i tx as this seems like a good idea. if I buy that on its own then I will go down the Trex route. Otherwise, I will need to buy the Blade 400 as it comes with the DX6i.

I'm only really interested in buying one more heli (at the moment, this may change as addiction sets in) so if I buy the Blade 400 then I will commit to that and buy the spares and upgrades necessary.

If I get the DX6i tx first, then I can buy the Trex, gyros, servos and the rest over a period of time. It's probably going to take me a few months with the simulator before I am in a position where I am confident of taking out the helicopter without stacking it.

Things are subject to change as i'm in no immediate rush, i'm having a blast with the little mCX at the moment.

I'm scouring the forums and trying to take in as much as possible, so early days for me yet.

[DIJ]

Based on what you have stated I would edge towards the Trex, here’s why.

You have experience building models cars and although there is more to putting helis together, I feel you would find it both fun and rewarding to do.
If you take the time to build the Trex you will know how to repair and set it up again.
It may look intimidating at first but there are loads of build threads on Helifreak including Bob Whites excellent build/setup videos, not to mention all the support available here.

I haven’t had a Blade but from what I have read they are excellent heli’s and you’re not going to be disappointed if you decide to get one, but I have had a couple of Trex 450's, and they are first rate.

Ultimately, as others have stated, it’s up to you to decide, so weigh up all the pros/cons and I’m sure you will be happy with whichever way you decide to go

[cambs flyer]

If budget allows the below is only a "matter of fact" statement.

£100 notes in this hobby is neither here or there, but one hundred quid is still a fair amount too over spend in any regard.

I think purchasing the DX6i & Phoenix will save you money in the future with the experience and knowledge you'll gain before you first take flight with a Trex 450 or Blade 400.

Look at it this way the B400 kit is £270+, the body kit/frame only of the SE V2 + ESC & Motor, (plus a nice alloy carry case for the parts) comes too £260+.

Buy the SE V2, slowly build her while using the Sim, then each week buy the odd Servo, save for the Gyro then your laughing, as you'll already have the AR6200 when you purchased the DX6i

However if you go for the B400 with the cost of the first DX6i + the B400 you'd have paid £380+, so buying the DX6i and Sim and going the 450 route can be justified and cost effective, even though you'll spend more.

But the cost will be spread over a few months, so while your not safely flight worthy you can do the building, practicing & learning about this hobby before you take your first flight.

I always say never rush this hobby, your taking a sensible route and have a good solid attitude towards advancing your flying, I hope this fuels another line of thought.

Best of luck Bro.