What to buy

[markyboy]

hi i am new to this hobby i have just bought a realflight g2 sim, told this would be a good help before i buy a heli.I am thinking of buying a rapter 50 v2 with pro 50 engine, and was thinking of maybe a jr x378 radio with a either ppm or pcm reciever, is this a good choice and which reciever is the one to get.Iwas going to get the csm hlg 200 gyro, is this a good gyro and do you buy a standard servo for it.And what else will i need to get it all going.I know i am asking for alot of info but this heli lark is so confusing :? , so many choices just want to make the right ones.I would be so grateful i any one could help me thanks again.

markyboy

[Raptorite]

Hi Mark,

Welcome to the hobby

I think you are very wise to get the simulator first, it will help with your flying no end, the thing to do is keep practicing on it as much as you are able to, personally I like to try and do at least 30 minutes each day on the simulator, which has paid dividends in my flying.

The radio you have chosen the X378 is a good set and will see you through basic to intermediate flying with ease.

Unfortunately I am not too sure of the exact specs of the radio as I am a futaba flyer myself.

The raptor is a very good, reliable and stable heli which doesnt need anything other than what you get in the box, what I would say is dont be tempted with any upgrades when you first start out, as they will only mean that crash repair bills will be that much more, besides the raptor 50 as you have mentioned really doesnt need anything else.

Most beginners start with a 30 size heli which will see them through from basic hovering to intermediate flying and mild 3d, anything more than that and they will be looking to upgrade to a 50 size heli.

What youre effectively doing is starting with a heli that will see you right through to the more advanced 3d aerobatics and beyond.

With regards to the gyro you are suggesting, the HLG200, it is at the cheaper end of the spectrum but still has heading hold, which you will find invaluable. The most common servo to use with this sort of gyro would be either a good quality coreless or better still a digital one, remember, the better the servo on the tail the better the gyro will work.

In terms of other things you will need, you are probably looking at a list of the following;

Flight box to put all the items below in.
12v starter
12v battery for starter
charger for the 12v battery
6mm hex starter probe (Looks like a long allen key that you put on the starter to engage in the start cup on the heli to start the model)
Fuel
Fuel pump
fuel tubing for the pump
glow plugs
glow starter / charger kit
glow plug spanner
tracking tape for the blades
frequency marker (normally something like a clothes peg with your name and frequency written on it) to put on the clubs frequency board

This is a basic set that will get you going, as you get into the hobby more you might want to invest in a spanner set and some hex drivers etc. to make maintenance easier.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Pete.

[markyboy]

Thankyou

Thankyou very much pete you have been a great help.Im buying bit by bit over the next couple of months should have all i need by begining of may,gives me some time on the simulater.Now i know what to get it will be alot easier thanks again.

mark

[Raptorite]

Hi Mark,

As I said before, I think you are very wise practising on the simulator first, that definitely is the way to go.

In terms of getting the bits slowly, I would reccommend you get the kit first, then the radio gear next, so you can spend time building the model and as you progress through the building stages buy the radio gear as and when you are ready to fit it.

The other bits and pieces can be bought as you go along, there is no need to rush but keep practising on the simulator in the mean time.

I would also suggest you find and go to your local flying club fairly frequently to watch the flying, see and talk to people there and generally soak up the club atmosphere, and above all, have a look at a raptor the same as yours, it is much easier to build a model when you have seen what a completed one looks like without just relying on the manual

Above all, have fun

Cheers,

Pete.

[markyboy]

Hi pete
Thanks again for the advise i will be going to a club the end of the week to watch,and buying the kit at the weekend.Thanks again for all the help.

mark

[Raptorite]

Hi Mark,

Its good news that you have found and are joining a club

If you have any problems or have any questions about building the model, be sure to ask them here

Cheers,

Pete.

[markyboy]

prob with building raPTER 50 V2

Hi pete

i have bought my rapter kit and have starter to build it but think i may have knackered it already while puting the main frame assembly together i was a bit heavy handed with some of the screws may have done the threads it is this a big prob or can i use some of the Kwik.fix thead lock i have been using when told or will this damage the plastic as it says on the back can attack some thermoplastic have i done it in allready?
thanks very much
mark ops:

[Raptorite]

Hi Mark,

As long as the screws have a fairly good bite into the plastic frame spacers, you have the choice of using thread locker or a tiny drop of ca glue. either will be fine.

How many screws are we talking about and are they on the same side of the heli?

If the threads in the frame spacers have gone completely allowing the screws to turn freely with little or no tightness then its probably better to replace the white frame spacers that fit between the frames.

If you need new frame spacers let me know, Ive had that many crashes that have broken frames that I have hundreds of those things kicking around in my workshop, PM me your address and I'll send a pack of them to you.

Cheers,

Pete.