Newbie buying a Dragonus kit

[coreyg]

Hello all. A newbie here. I do have a Spektrum DX7 and the PhoenixRC simulator for learning. I would like to build up an electric helicopter around the size of the T-REX 450.

I'm interested in the DragonusII Elite based on everything I've read about it. I originally thought about buying just the kit and picking up the remaining parts over time (hs65mg & 9650 servos, gy401 gyro, etc.).

However, I've noticed that www.flying-hobby.com and www.rc-expert.com both offer kits that include the basics for what seem like really good prices. I realize that some of the parts in these kits probably aren't great but I'm only going to be hovering (or attempting to) for a good while yet and can get better servos, a GY401 gyro, etc over time.

Any comments on the packages below and if they'd be a good option to get started? I was also trying to find online retailers in the EU (I'm in Ireland) but the couple I found were much more expensive for just the kit.

From flying-hobby for $389USD (http://www.flying-hobby.com/productShow.asp?id=1760):
1.Base DragonusII Kit
2.APLUS 30A ESC
3.450TH Brushless Motor(3.17mm)
4.MAXWELL MX56 Ball Bearing Servo
5.MAXWELL MX56 Ball Bearing Servo
6.MAXWELL MX56 Ball Bearing Servo
7.MAXWELL MX56 Ball Bearing Servo
8.Telebee Head Lock Gyro
9.Aplus 3S1P 2250mAh 16C LiPo
New type canopy

From rc-expert for $349.99USD (http://www.rc-expert.com/product-package.php?pid=388):
1.Dragonus II Elite RC helicopter Kit (unassemble )
2.Telebee Head-Lock Dual Rate Gyro RCE500X
3.Lithium Battery 11.1V 1700mah Lipo 20C x2
4.RC-EXPERT 3600kV Brushless Motor
5.RC-EXPERT 40A ESC
6.9g Hi Speed Servos X 4
7.11.1V Lithium Battery Charger
8.English Manual
Bonus :
Wooden Main Rotor Blade (325mm)
Pitch Gauge

I'm kind of leaning towards the first one because I did read some posts elsewhere where other people seemed to have had problems with the 2nd retailer. Any comments and advice appreciated!

[Chiz]

Corey

I had no problem at all with RC-Expert.

I got these from RC-Expert just over a week ago:

Dragonus Elite II Kit
Align RCE-BL35X ESC (K10304A)
Align 430L Brushless Motor (3550KV) RCM-BL430L
Futaba GY401 Gyro
Futaba Digital S9650 digital servo

For $450 / £236, this included delivery from Hong Kong by DHL. I sent him the money by PayPal. I just requested a quote by e-mail, he send me a PayPal invoice and I just paid it.

All that was missing was the gold connectors for the motor, I got some and just soldered them on.

I'd recommend Hitec HS-65 servos for the cyclic. My Futaba S3154 for the tail died after just 4 flights (I did not have the custom mount for the S9650, still waiting for it).

I'd say pay extra for the GY401 giro.

[robgt]

I would go with your instinct of buying just the kit and adding the right parts to it from the start.
The ESC might be OK (proably will be fine),but I don't have any first hand experience of it.
The 450TH motor is a superb all-rounder.
The servo's will very likely be complete pants and a waste of your time and money.
I wouldn't touch a Telebee gyro (by choice) for love nor money. You don't want to skimp on the gyro - even if you got everything else in that kit, you will do yourself a huge favour in getting the 401... it will make the heli so much better and easier to fly.

Cheers,
Rob

[mike557]

Hi mate and welcome. This is my opinion having bought my rex se from rc-expert. On delivery
bent main shaft
Dead servo
spindle bolts cross threaded
bent boom.
Emailed and phoned they didn't want to know. Would recommend not to touch them with the proverbial barge pole
I would also suggest you get the kit and buy good electronic pack so you only have to buy it once, and it will also transfer to your next model.
One word of warning the telebee gyro is junk I have 4 sitting in my bin from guys who wanted them changed. Get the 401 its a fit and forget item

Regards
Mike

[Ade_Law]

i had my first proper fly of a draggy today. thanks ash.

nice model few setup tweeks and it flew very nicely. want one!!

however... its still a micro and still has a lot of micro tendancies. people do learn to fly on trex's and other micros but its certainly not recomended.

Ade

[Butuz]

Ade mate what one did you fly? the Elite one or the cheaper plastic one?

Cheers

Butuz

[Ade_Law]

i believe its the pro. I am sure ash will chime in and give a full spec

Ade

[moyesboy]

With Rc Expert avoid their own brand bits like motor, esc and servos.
avoid their own brand batteries, the xteme power ones are ok but only the 18c (wich is less than 15c really).
Go for the GY401 from the start anything else will end in tears.
Don't buy a ready built kit unless you also buy the ali carry case as built kits don't travel well. however unbuilt kits are sometimes missing the odd little bit. You must take the ready built kit apart to check eveything is put together with loctite and usually they used the wrong stuff and some screws are locked in for all eternity!
Expect an invoice for the VAT/duty from DHL a week or so after you get the package.
Get a quote from the UK seller to at least give him a chance and factor in value of help from him, and the 17.5% VAT on the shipment from far east if you are charged it!
Elite would seem to be the same as pro except carbon rather than glass fibre side frames with slight weight saving.

[coreyg]

Thanks everyone.

I will look at getting just a kit for now and then proper electronics like the GY401, etc. I will have plenty of time to pick these items up because I still need a LOT of practice on the sim. I'm not sure how much I've saved in broken parts but the medical bill savings are huge based on the number of times I've chopped off my legs!

I also have to get out to a club but the problem is that the nearest one is about an hour away which is why I was looking at a smaller electric. I was hoping to be able to get a lot of practice at a nearby field. I know bigger is better for learning though, so I'll take another look at pricing up the Swift, Trex600, E550 or similar (I want to stick with electric) but from what I recall these were much more expensive and I'm guessing would be too large to use anywhere but at a club field. I do find the Trex600 in Phoenix to be the easiest to hover of the models I've tried so far though.

[moyesboy]

The trex in phoenix is actually a little less stable than my real trex. You can make a variant with the hovering stability a little higher.
To see how you are getting on download robgt's demos with the phoenix demo bit on ashleys forum at trextuning.co.uk
Can I do that? refer folks to another forum? or is it verboten like on Runryder?

[robgt]

or is it verboten like on Runryder?

Little Hitler doesn't preside over this forum
LOL
Cheers,
Rob

[Chiz]

Corey

I've also looked at building a Trex 600. I've invested in the high end Thunder Power charger and balancer (over £200) but the batteries for the Trex 600 are £215 each. I'd want 4 of them, that's over £800 for the batteries alone!

If I do build a larger heli than my Dragonus, it will be a glow model like the Knight 50.

[Butuz]

Cor I am sooooo tempted to buy a Dragonus II SA Intruder.

has anyone got the intruder or do you all fly the elite / pro?

Butuz