So... life after the MSR?!

[tmadhavan]

Well, I read it a hundred times when I was researching what to start with in this hobby: "Once you get one, you'll want more".

Turns out that's true.

I bought an MSR from Steve here a couple of weeks ago which I'm really enjoying, and though I'm too inexperienced (and poor... til October when I graduate) I thought I'd start putting the feelers out for where to go next. I realise this is a common question and I've been reading up on other posts/forums.

It seems the main options are:

Blade 120 SR
Blade mCPX
Something more expensive with 450 in its name.

I obviously want something to learn on, and preferably something I can take outside. Although I don't think money should be a big issue, I don't really want to fork out too much on something that will in all probability end up ploughing into the ground at least once. I would consider a build but perhaps this isn't clever for a first timer.

I realise in terms of cost effectiveness a sim is the best idea, and I will be purchasing one as soon as I start my job.

Oh, and I have a DX6i.

Thoughts?

[simon1]

Going from the msr, the TREX 450 would be a good step up. I would miss the mcpx out at the min and maybe get if later on for a practice machine.

A sim is a very good idea too, it will save you £'s.

[tmadhavan]

Could have sworn I just posted a reply but it seems to have been swallowed... I'll try again.

Is it better to go for the genuine TRex, or a clone? I've read some quite good things about the CopterX (and I think EXI?) brands, but to be honest I'm not sure what the difference in quality/flight characteristics would be.

Also, are there any recommended books to read, specifically with regards to setup and maintenance? I know there is a lot of info around the 'net but I was hoping there might be a "bible" of some sort that would be useful to get some experience of safety checks, pre-flight inspections etc. I don't want a) to crash due to a technical ****-up when I'm sure my flying will be bad enough anyway b) have any sharp spinning things flying around any more dangerously than they need to be!

Cheers,

Thom

[robgt]

These books may be of use - Rays Shop and Field Companion is great, but you could also look at cheaper things like the Helicopters Guide for Beginners.

Midland Helicopters Ltd BooksEtc_Books

Cheers,
Rob

[aparkin]

hi m8 i bought a (copterx 450 se rtf) read to fly (rtf) and as a leaner and wanting to save on money a clone is a good idea as you will crash and you will bump and grind we all do and i delive thats what align clones are good for it will save you a bundle of cash + sims are a must m8

you seem to have missed a step if you want an easyer learning curve and save lots of cash in the long run

fixed pitch helis offer some good out door 1s on mild days such at honey bee v2 ...evolution 120 se....and warklra offers some 2 there fixed pitch so easyer and a lot cheeper to fix will allso teach you how to hover as a msr hovers on its own and cp and fixed pitch helis dont you have to constanly ajust them to stay in a hover..so i would recomend a copterx to learn on and from ehirobo there on sale at the min 130 quid nearly a hundered pounds off normal prices

http://*****************/shop/index.php?cPath=334_174
but please allso use rads school of rotory training to keep you safe and get you into the air this heli can do major damage to you and people around you

RADD'S SCHOOL OF ROTARY FLIGHT?

please follow his first 10 batterys at the very least
hope you in the sky soon stay safe theres cp helis can cut off limbs

on a last note if money is no problem go for a trex 600 the bigger the heli the easyer it is as its less infolinced by the wind

[tmadhavan]

Am I right in thinking the CopterX clones will bind with a DX6i? Or would I need another receiver to be fitted? It may just be me being stupid, but there doesn't seem to be the equivalent of BNF with these kits; either just the barebones build-it-yourself jobbie, or the RTF with Tx included.

*Edit*
The link posted there doesn't seem to be working ;-)

[aparkin]

no they do an artf add your own rx and tx charger and lipo+ it will require asemble but there not that hard plenty of build threads around it dose not take long and its 95% asembled frame in 1 peaces head in 1 peace and tail in 1 peace so not much there just cheek it over for thread lock and stuff if you want completly per asembled get the read to fly 1 and change rx for spectrum 1 and your away
http://*****************/ >> http:// www. ehirobo .com <<dont think this site likes none uk links lol
not sure why that link wont work hes 1 to the web site if you have not found it all ready p.s its in china so delivery takes a couple of weeks you can by them in uk from here
Nitro radio controlled cars, petrol remote control car. Rc helicopter
but i think you will agree with me its worth the wait lol ps its 95% compatable with align trex parts and hk parts so thanks to ebay and algintrex .co.uk spairs are only a day away

[tmadhavan]

I'll keep them in mind. At the moment I don't have a receiver, and I'll probably need to stock up on a few bits and bobs if I were to do any sort of construction (thread lock, etc. though I have tools). No one speaking up for the 120SR then?

[aparkin]

they look good and are stablie little flyers but they have a tail motor and will need replacing loads allso there small so carm days out to fly them where as a 450 will get up some good speed and when your good at flying there a blast

[helismeagol]

purchased a Blade 450 3D about 2 weeks ago after much flying about with my MSR and Phoenix Sim. I was in two minds, mainly due to the responses I got from here was Trex500, 250 and the Blade 120SR. No mention of the 450 Blade mainly as its a new heli out this year (i think). But she fly's beautifully after setting my controls to be fairly numb and using training gear. I've had about 6 flights already and can hover about and do slight nose forwards but still getting use to it.
&#x202a;Blade 450 3D Heli.mp4&#x202c;&rlm; - YouTube < I can only dream of doing this

[tmadhavan]

Yeah that does look very nice, and would be a simpler option due to there being a BnF version. But again, I really don't understand the pros/cons of say the Blade 450 vs the CopterX/Trex 450! Which is why I want to do some investigating here first!

[aparkin]

i think the blade 450 would be a better heli for you bnf would be easyer its allso from e-flight and there make great flying machines spair are everywhere and only small amount of set up out of the box some1 could post you there dx6 setting

the copterx is from china and they have crap quality control bit hit and miss on where you get a good 1 and your inexperiance could be your down fall

but a great man said ONLY FLY WHAT YOU CAN AFORD TO FIX are your heli will be in the hanger and not in the air

[Gymbal]

Hi

Could I chip in? If you decide to go down the 450 clone route, could I suggest Tarot? I got one as my first heli after indoor micro's. Fantastic kit! £60 for basic kit, £122 for super combo on a Tarot 450 Pro. The quality is reputed to be on par with align. Also fully compatible with Align parts, for when you need to replace bits in a hurry Not sure if I can post links so PM if you want direction.

As for build or RTF, I went for self build and sooo glad I did. Taught me far more about how these things work. It means now if I have a problem I can strip it down and know what I'm looking at (mostly!). Obviously self build is not for everyone, but it sure worked for me.

Having said that, it was a HUGE jump from indoor heli's. But very reqarding. I think with training gear (essential!) and following RADD's it's not impossible. I am just at the stage where I have got rid of training gear and can hover comfortably. I'm also no longer terrified of it, so have relaxed the death grip which helps, lol. I now can't charge my batteries quick enough and get back out.

Oh, and try and find a local club. Masses of experience and guidance. Best money I ever spent joining mine!

Most important though... Enjoy the journey


Rob