About to Purchase, Advice Needed?

[Heliburg]

Hi there,
I have been researching this site for over a month now and have finally decided on all the equipment I need for my first RC heli setup. I am interested in getting into RC heli aerial photography proffessionally, and all though I am only just learning to fly, would like to speed up the process in every way. I have ordered the new Phoenix flight sim which is on the way, and have met many local people involved in the scene.
I have chosen the following equipment which I will be purchasing in the next week, unless anyone here can point out a better option.

Heli - Kyosho Caliber 5
Tx - JR 9303
Rx - R649
Gyro/Tail - GY401/9254

My main concern is regarding electronics on the heli. Using a JR Tx I need a JR receiver, do these receivers work best with thier own companies servos, I have read so much about futaba servos and would rather use these, also would like to use a futaba gyro and tail servo. Would there be any issues here?
This is all pretty good equipment I have chosen, but thats the way I operate in all my hobbies, I would like to eventually invest in a gasser for my photography rig, so would rather spend good money on Tx/Rx and servos now, and carry them through to the next heli.
Any help or input would be appreciated, it has been a tough decision between the Caliber and a Raptor, but after seeing the quality of my friends new Kyosho Giga Crusher, I was well impressed and sold on the brand. Another question is regarding the Tx, can you get buddy box or trainer cables for the JR radios?

Cheers Shaun.

[G-DAVE]

Lots of people I know use Futaba servos and gyros with JR equipment with no problems at all.
Dave

[ChrisB]

Hi welcome to the Knight and Phoenix website


Use a JR receiver with a JR Transmitter for safety,Futaba servos are fine but you will need to trim the little lug off the plugs,

The 401/9254 is a great combo,and you can easily obtain a training or buddy lead for both JR and Futaba Transmitters depending on your choice


I think one of the best all round Futaba servos is the 9252 for use on the cyclic and pitch controls

[Heliburg]

Thanks for the replies, its good to know I can use futaba electronics with a JR transmitter. But what about being able to adjust settings through the Tx, for example changing from heading hold to non heading hold, or if I eventually get a futaba GV-1 govenor, will I be able to adjust this through the JR radio screen?
I have the 9252 as my main choice for the rest of the operations on the heli, providing I can get a good deal through the local store, it has a good mix of speed/torque. Otherwise, what would be the next best in the futaba line up?

One more question, what is an average size fuel cell on a .50 size heli, the Caliber 5 comes with an OS .50 Hyper, and apparently its a pretty thirsty engine, so I would possibly look at installing a larger fuel tank.

Cheers Shaun.

[Heliburg]

Regarding the 9252, I was supposed to ask, if I wanted to spend less, what would be a cheaper option in the futaba line up?

[ChrisB]

Not sure of the average tank size,,i have Raptors and Knights and with the Hyper i get around 7 to 8 mins running so your should be similar,i suppose in theory you could fit a larger tank or install a header tank

The JR Transmitter will allow full control over Gyro modes etc,

Im not totally up to speed on Futaba servos but i use the new 3152 and its not bad at all...

[Heliburg]

I also have read that the JR Tx's have quite a loud alarm for the timers, I guess that's definitely a plus!

[Ade_Law]

If you dont want to spend out on the 9252 then the 3152 is much cheaper but slower and not as accurate.

i wouldnt bother with the GV-1 its old hat by todays standard. very slow to respond. CSM rev-lock or Curtis ATG are my current favorites

Ade

[Dedcalm]

Out of interest why go for JR Tx if you want to use Futaba servo's gyro etc... not that it wont work but seems odd. Not familiar with the 9303 but have you looked at the Futaba FF9 Super (9CP Super)?

I run 9252 servo's on my cyclic and collective, 401 and 9254 on the tail and a 9254 on throttle coupled with a Throttle Jockey Pro governor. An excellent setup which I can move onto virtually any airframe without the need to upgrade.

You can compare the servo spec's on the Futaba web site (http://www.futaba-rc.com/servos/index.html).

I have in the past used Hitec 5925 for the tail, this is a very nicely spec'd digital servo which generally work out a little cheaper than Futaba. Specs are excellent and I have seen a lot of the experts using Hitec. Maybe worth considering... (http://www.hitecrcd.com/homepage/product_fs.htm) 5625MG for example...

Personally I would go with a more commonly seen heli like the Raptor or (oh no, now I mentioned it) the Knight. Both will take the OS 50 Hyper and perform very very well. Also (more importantly) their parts are cheap when you crash, and (possibly even more importantly) there is a great deal of knowledge about both types here.

You mention that aerial photography is of interest, normally this is done using large gasser type models that allow the heavy and sometimes bulky camera equipment to be mounted. I am working on a more basic approach using my Rappy 50 which I hope to have flying sometime in the next few months (money allowing...)

Rob

[Heliburg]

I can get a good deal on the JR Tx's from the local store and I had a demo of the 9303 the other day, it had great ergonomics and If I can save a dollar here and there thats a plus. Sounds like the 9252's are the go, I would rather lay out a bit more cash on something I can keep and use with my next upgrade. Is it going to be of any advantage to have a govenor while I'm learning to fly? I'm not to sure if you can get the CSM or Curtis ATG here, I'll do a bit of research on that one, maybe it's something I can purchase later on.

All this info is much appreciated, it's great to be able to iron out all the crinkles in this hobby, it seems like every component has so much info to it, and theres better option or a different brand to go with, keep it coming.

Cheers Shaun.