Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex  
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Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 1:54:32 AM   
Zelatio



Posts: 767
Joined: 12/10/2005
From: St. Peters, MO, USA
Status: offline 		Well, I have been bitten. The heli bug is at me once again. After flying my CP recently, I want to get a real bird. The CP was nice, but I want something a little nicer. I am heading off to college soon, so I want something that is small enough to take with me, yet big enough to handle small amount of wind. I hope to fly inside mostly at the college I am going to(which is Missouri S&T). I have decided(for the most part) to go with a T-Rex. But here is the catch.

I'm pretty much broke. College isn't cheap, but I believe I have enough to get a decent setup. Here is what I know so far.

I want a 450-sized bird. My LHS here carries T-Rex and the parts are pretty cheap(cheaper than the CP's). Been looking at an SE v2, but that gets kind of pricey. I can get a SA with motor and ESC for $200. I am looking mostly for a hovering machine with basic 3D. I like real heli's so I may want to head scale route one day. On top of that they send out 20% off on entire order coupons, no spending limit.

I want the DX7 or equivalent. I am wanting something that will be able to grow with me and handle bigger models, if I ever go that route. I want 2.4ghz, because who knows who else will be flying or using R/C around that place.

I always hear the G401 gyro recommended, but the guys at the hobby show say that that is a little overkill, and is not necessary. I tend to believe them, since I want to set up a hovering machine pretty much. What gyro would you recommend, and what tail servo? Also, what servo's for the head?

And battery charger. I need one that charges Lipo and NiMH, because I have a nitro boat and the CX and CP. Suggestions are wanted here.

But I thank anyone that can give me some advice here. I would really love to keep this setup under $1000, even though I may need to go over with the DX7. That 20% off will come in handy.



EDIT: Here at the bottom will be keeping a running total of what the cost currently is at.

T-Rex SE GF $324
Futaba 7C $280
Logitec 2100 and 9650 $145
3 HS-65HB Servos $63
Cellpro 4S $75
SE V1 Lower Gyro Mount $15

Total: $902

< Message edited by Zelatio -- 5/18/2008 2:09:52 PM >

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E-Flite Blade CP - E-Flite Blade CX - ThunderCat 31
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RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 2:09:33 AM   
noobflyer01


 

Posts: 674
Joined: 2/17/2008
From: , FL, USA
Status: offline 		head on over to ka-planes.com

they have the 450 se fiberglass for $323. that kit have the lipo,esc,motor,blades. all you need to finish that up is tx and rx, gyro, 4 servos. i think you would still be under 1000 bucks with a very nice setup trex heli. for the charger. i have the triton jr. with astro blinky balancer that costs 100 bucks combine.

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EF mash rescue Co-ax, HBK2, HBFP, Belt CP, Blackhawk 450, EXI 450, trex 450 SA, mars 480

(in reply to Zelatio)
       Post #: 2

RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 2:15:59 AM   
Zelatio



Posts: 767
Joined: 12/10/2005
From: St. Peters, MO, USA
Status: offline 		Looks very nice, but what are the differences between the SE and the SEv2? That's the only thing I noticed, but other than that, it looks beautiful.

The Triton Jr is also what I was looking at, pretty nice price too. Also, I have been looking at the Futaba 7C, and it look's quite price, and it is quite a bit cheaper than the DX7. Also, it doesn't come with servos I don't need.

Well, the current setup is there. Any things that could be improved upon?

< Message edited by Zelatio -- 5/18/2008 2:25:37 AM >

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E-Flite Blade CP - E-Flite Blade CX - ThunderCat 31

(in reply to noobflyer01)
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RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 2:37:50 AM   
srouthouse


 

Posts: 722
Joined: 11/5/2007
From: auburn, CA, USA
Status: offline 		trex 450 seV2 $239 at. all e rc
dx7 almost new $160
RX new $49
2100t/9650 $150
3 hs65 hb $63
cellpro 4s $79 much better charger

this set up make.s a real cool heli and if you watch the classifieds you can save on those #rs if you can get the MG,s instead of hb,s

(in reply to Zelatio)
       Post #: 4

RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 2:49:22 AM   
noobflyer01


 

Posts: 674
Joined: 2/17/2008
From: , FL, USA
Status: offline 		hey sr i just checked allerc.com. the 450se v2 for that price does not include motor,esc,lipo,or blades.

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EF mash rescue Co-ax, HBK2, HBFP, Belt CP, Blackhawk 450, EXI 450, trex 450 SA, mars 480

(in reply to srouthouse)
       Post #: 5

RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 2:55:20 AM   
Zelatio



Posts: 767
Joined: 12/10/2005
From: St. Peters, MO, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: srouthouse

trex 450 seV2 $239 at. all e rc
dx7 almost new $160
RX new $49
2100t/9650 $150
3 hs65 hb $63
cellpro 4s $79 much better charger

this set up make.s a real cool heli and if you watch the classifieds you can save on those #rs if you can get the MG,s instead of hb,s


I looked for the T-Rex for $239, couldn't find it. The price there is the same as the other place for the SE GF version. Should I go for the SEV2 or is there that big of a difference between the two? Didn't think about used Tx, but will definitely look for them. Just found the thread on the 2100, so I will change that. Also will look for the Cellpro

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E-Flite Blade CP - E-Flite Blade CX - ThunderCat 31

(in reply to srouthouse)
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RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 4:22:18 AM   
Burntt32


 

Posts: 701
Joined: 5/23/2005
From: Exton, PA, USA
Status: offline 		with the DX7, look on ebay for new radios without servos. they are usually 100-150 cheaper than retail, charger/ tx batt/rx batt and reciever are included... or at least make sure they're included. (servos wont fit the 450 anyway)

i can't help you with gyros as the gy401 is what i use and didn't really do research on any others. hitec hs 65 hg servos would work for your cyclic, about 25 ea. the mg's are about 35 ea. hopefully that helped a little.

Edit: if you get a charger/balancer, make sure you find a decent power supply or one with an integrated power supply.

< Message edited by Burntt32 -- 5/18/2008 4:26:36 AM >


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Align T-rex 450 se v2/ Blade CX2

(in reply to Zelatio)
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RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 5:09:31 AM   
noobflyer01


 

Posts: 674
Joined: 2/17/2008
From: , FL, USA
Status: offline 		yes there is a difference between the se and se v2. they improved the heads on the v2. and they also reversed the gyro mount plate. it now mounts on the bottom to reduced the chance of the gyro getting a blade strike in a crash. but its still basically the same.

_____________________________

EF mash rescue Co-ax, HBK2, HBFP, Belt CP, Blackhawk 450, EXI 450, trex 450 SA, mars 480

(in reply to Burntt32)
       Post #: 8

RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 6:34:18 AM   
srouthouse


 

Posts: 722
Joined: 11/5/2007
From: auburn, CA, USA
Status: offline 		ya missed that i was kind of following the equipment above

there is a link at another forum for that price i quoted its on ebay but its [all e rc] yep a good lipo will set ya back 65 you can find a great esc at RR classifieds theres a guy selling the align 35x NIB for 35 he doesnt list them but i post i need one and he always responds [ive bought 2 from him both perfect] motors can be had for 30 bucks all day long in the forums if you keep your eye open and pick your deal. as a matter of fact ive built 2 helis out of the classifieds and ebay and then polished it off with parts from rchover readyheli ect. without tx/rx i average about 500-600 a build but im a pretty good shopper

dont be afraid of a V1 i fly one and prefer it over the V2 the larger feathering shaft can bend the head in a crash costing 32 to replace instead with the V1 just bending the feathering shaft.

(in reply to noobflyer01)
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RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 2:11:25 PM   
Zelatio



Posts: 767
Joined: 12/10/2005
From: St. Peters, MO, USA
Status: offline 		I added a lower gyro mount for $15. I like that setup better. So at max I'm looking at $1000, if I include shipping. But, looking for used will be able to save about a hundred or more.

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E-Flite Blade CP - E-Flite Blade CX - ThunderCat 31

(in reply to srouthouse)
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RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 5:08:00 PM   
noobflyer01


 

Posts: 674
Joined: 2/17/2008
From: , FL, USA
Status: offline 		yep still under 1000 bucks. i had mike at ka-planes quoted me for the se v1 something in the range of 600-700 for the with the gy401 and 9650 and digital cyclic servos. setup and ready to go. but rememeber that price does not include my dx6. at any rate you can get a very nice setup trex for under 1000 bucks at most online retailers.

_____________________________

EF mash rescue Co-ax, HBK2, HBFP, Belt CP, Blackhawk 450, EXI 450, trex 450 SA, mars 480

(in reply to Zelatio)
       Post #: 11

RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 7:02:26 PM   
srouthouse


 

Posts: 722
Joined: 11/5/2007
From: auburn, CA, USA
Status: offline 		you can save more then a few hundred shopping different places

(in reply to noobflyer01)
       Post #: 12

RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/18/2008 7:29:50 PM   
alienteabagger


 

Posts: 310
Joined: 2/28/2007
From: miami, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Have you considered a clone? CopterX, Skyshark, Pheonix450, EXI, etc etc etc....

CopterXse v2 all carboned and blinged out for $199!!!!

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Zit: T-Rex450SA Tiny: Thunder Tiger Raptor 50
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7591039/tm.htm

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RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/19/2008 12:07:02 AM   
Empty Wallet


 

Posts: 202
Joined: 1/2/2008
From: Hackettstown, NJ, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: alienteabagger


CopterXse v2 all carboned and blinged out for $199!!!!


Where? I am shopping for one now

(in reply to alienteabagger)
       Post #: 14

RE: Setting Up A Cheap Yet Decent T-Rex - 5/19/2008 12:49:09 AM   
noobflyer01


 

Posts: 674
Joined: 2/17/2008
From: , FL, USA
Status: offline 		ushobbysupply, ehirobo to name a few. there is this guy that has the copterx and a trex se v2 and i asked him what are the differences. He said he hasn't found any. he said the quality is almost the same as the trex.

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