Please help-Twister storm 3d

[helirob]

Hi all,

I was just wondering, can I use a dx5e transmitter with a twister storm 3d?

PS what is your opinion on both of these? I have heard it is basically the same heli as the blade 400.

Many thanks,
Rob.

[Mike W]

ya need 6 channels if you going to use remote gain on the gyro so that pretty much answers that question ... Yeh the blade and the twister are alot alike ... Flown both and tbh not alot in it ... not owned either of them as i like nitro too much to go back to the darkside

[helirob]

Mike,

Thankyou for your reply. I appreciate it. I have to be honest...I am new to this game apart from having a CX2. I apologise for my ignorance but could I operate the heli fine with a dx5e....is it just the dx6i would be better?

Many thanks.

[Holst]

Mike,

Thankyou for your reply. I appreciate it. I have to be honest...I am new to this game apart from having a CX2. I apologise for my ignorance but could I operate the heli fine with a dx5e....is it just the dx6i would be better?

Many thanks.

Once the gyro is setup you dont need the 6th channel.

Its just nice to be able to switch between heading hold and rate on the transmitter. If you dont have this option you need to initialise the gyro in the correct orientation before you take off, or the heli may spin on takeoff (this is bad especially if your a beginner)

If you already have a DX5e then you can use it, but if you are buying a new transmitter get a DX6i

[helirob]

Cheers Holst,

I think I might go for the dx5e...I just bought the twister off of ebay just now and I also need a lipo battery charger. Do you have any fairly cheap recommendations. it also has a cirrus mini reciever so are there any alternatives to the dx5e?

Thanks, Rob.

[Holst]

Cheers Holst,

I think I might go for the dx5e...I just bought the twister off of ebay just now and I also need a lipo battery charger. Do you have any fairly cheap recommendations. it also has a cirrus mini reciever so are there any alternatives to the dx5e?

Thanks, Rob.

Spectrum micro receivers are very cheap so if you dont already own a transmitter it makes sense to go with the DX6i.
They can be found for around £50 second hand which is great value.

If your budget will stretch to it a Cellpro 4S charger is considered to be the best small charger. You can get cheaper versions on ebay but a charger is something you can keep for a long time (you cant crash a charger) so its worth getting a half decent one.
Whatever you buy make sure its a propper ballance charger.

[dam74]

Cheers Holst,

I think I might go for the dx5e...I just bought the twister off of ebay just now and I also need a lipo battery charger. Do you have any fairly cheap recommendations. it also has a cirrus mini reciever so are there any alternatives to the dx5e?

Thanks, Rob.

Well I have the DX6i and love it, got mine with the B400. If the cirrus reciever doesn't work with the DX5e or DX6i you can always pick up a Spektrum 6100e rx (6ch) which is in the b400 for around 30-35gbp.

Keep watching eBay you might pick up a DX6i for a bargain price.

[whirlybird]

Hi Rob

Sorry to contradict, but you CANNOT use a DX5 for a collective heli. You need the sixth channel to control the pitch, but also you need to be able to mix pitch and throttle, called CCPM mixing, which the DX5 does not have.
If you want a 2.4g set up, the DX6i is probably your best option. Futaba also do a 2.4g budget transmitter, the 6EX, but the receivers are expensive.
Your Cirrus receiver is on 35Mhz, so you cannot use that either.

One thought. I still use 35Mhz without problems. Unless you fly with a club, or in a big group, where frequency control is important, you might consider sticking with 35.

Because of the general move to 2.4, 35Mhz transmitters can be bought cheap on e-bay. My recommendation for that would be a Futaba 6EXP.
This has provision for both collective helis and aircraft, has 6 memories, and all the facilities you will need for quite a while.

Food for thought.

Hope this helps

Jeff

[helirob]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all your replys. I will take them on board. The twister arrived today...looks in pretty good condition...Only thing is the battery smells a little bit (can't be a good thing?). Anyways I got it for £90 including P&P so not too bad I guess.

I spoke to my LHS and they basically said to go with the dx6i and recommended some charging kit but tbh unless the battery needs replacing...I just want to get a balanced wall charger. They said it would be silly to buy a 35 Mhz set due to interference etc.

Sorry to keep asking questions but does anyone have any good links that will allow me to understand my helicopter from beginners to detailed? About the various parts and set up etc.

Thanks,
Rob.

[Holst]

Main Page - RC Helicopter Wiki

that should get you going.

If you search ebay for "finlessbob" you should find some setup videos, for the DX6i and for various helis.. even if your heli isnt exactly the same the info applies to most models.

For batterys I am using packs bought from this ebay seller
eBay My World - cwtco

I am using the 2450mah 30C packs but you should make sure that they will fit your heli before ordering.. he also does smaller packs if they wont. and of the three cell 11.1v packs should work with your heli.

Sorry about the wrong info RE the DX5

[helirob]

Holst,

No problem. Thanks for your help that's fantastic.

This is probably a stupid question so please excuse me but: could I use my charger for the CX2 with the Twister storm battery? It fits and when I turned it on it said it was charging. Would this be ok or is it simply dangerous?

Thanks.

[Holst]

I think the CX3 charger will work but they are not good chargers.

I would recomend getting a better charger to use with new batterys.

One bad charge can kill a battery so its not worth it.

Make sure you keep an eye on the battery and keep in in a metal box or on a fireproof surface when charging. Its unlikely to catch on fire but you cant be too carefull.

[whirlybird]

Hi Rob

I have a Blade 400, which is virtually the same heli.
Here are a couple of sources you might find useful.

http://www.swashplate.co.uk/ehbg/ehbg-16.pdf

This is a bit dated now, but is regarded as the bible for electric helicopters. Loads of info, not specific twister, but a good overall view.

E-Flight Blade 400 - RcHeliaddict

Whole thread devoted to the Blade. You will find most of this relevant to the Twister as well.

Twister Storm 3D - RC Groups

General discussion, Blade v Twister, but has link to Twister instructions, if you do not have them.

You might find these useful.

Batteries and charging.

You will not be able to use the CX3 charger. My info says this uses a 2s 800 maH battery. For the Twister you will need at least 1800 maH 3s.
Not only will the charge voltage be wrong, but the charge rate will be so low it will take a week to charge.

You have a choice with the charger. Most work from a 12v supply. Others have a mains converter built in.
If you intend to charge batteries at the field, then a 12v one will work off the car battery. To be honest, I cannot recommend this.
Charge times for LiPos are quite long, and you run the risk of flattening the car battery, and not being able to start it. Better to have about 3 batteries ready charged, no need to take any charger to the field.
If you intend charging at home, a charger with a built in mains converter would be a better bet.
If you still prefer the 12v charger, you will need a mains/12v power supply for it.
Again, you will not be able to use the CX3 power supply. Output is way too low, it will go bang.
You will need a minimum output of 8 amps. Perkins do a good one,
J Perkins Distribution and Balancers

This will add to the cost, I am afraid, but would be my recommendation.
First, it lncreases you choice of chargers, second, you will find a 12v power source handy for other things, mini drills,etc, third, if the power supply breaks down, you will still be able to charge your batteries from any 12v source.

I cannot recommend any chargers. I use an ancient Great Planes Triton with a separate balancing system.
Stone age technology, but it has worked for me for many years.
I notice others on the forum with their ideas.
Once you make your choice of 12v or mains, I would follow their recommendations.

As regards new batteries, I would recommend these.

HobbyKing Online R/C Hobby Store : ZIPPY Flightmax 2200mAh 3S1P 20C $16.99

Zippy batteries are gaining a good reputation. I now have two in operation, and they are faultless. Best thing is the price. Bought from this site, they come out around £16 incl. post. Good value.

Thorny question of 2.4 v 35 Mhz. I have been using 35 Mhz for many years, with no problems with interference. The question is, will you be flying with others. If so, 2.4 is the way to go. It will avoid any chance of being shot down by anyone else on the same frequency.
However, this means buying a new transmitter and receiver.
With 35, you can stick with your Cirrus receiver.
A choice for you, I'm afraid.

Finally, LiPo safety. I think the dangers of charging LiPos have been greatly exaggerated, and horror stories of them blowing up, generally stem from them being misused in some way.
I have used LiPo for some years now, and never had a problem.
A few simple precautions I take.
Never leave a LiPo charging unattended.
Double check you have the correct cell count and charge rate on your charger before you start.
Although I dont myself, recommendations from Holst are a good idea. Charge on a fireproof surface, or in a metal box.

May I add a third.
Get one of these

http://www.brchobbies.com/?page=shop...ditem&item=801

These are a fireproof sack to put the LiPo in while charging. Better than a fireproof surface, and more convenient than a metal box. Available from all good model shops.
Highly recommended.
Thats about it for now.

Hope this helps

jeff