LookyJ, that was a AR6100 Spectrum that failed?

God Bless,

Jay

Looky,

Excellent trouble shooting, your fortunate to have all the spare parts to get 'er back in the air. I'm back and will be more so in a few weeks.

Happy flyin',

Dave / Choppersrule
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Chopper Here:


OFF TOPIC:

Hey, just a word of advise. Computer Stuff. My computer died after 5 or 6 years. Was running Windows XP. Had to get a new computer, all the new ones come with Windows Vista Program. Make a long story kinda short, many programs that you have will not run on Vista. The XP version runs on a 16 bit DLL (Data Library Link) system, the Vista Version runs on a 32 bit DLL system. Hmmm, big headache.
My DSL modem wouldn't work, had to get a new one, $74. My HP printer, all in one, won't work, had to contact Support group and get a new installation disc for Visa. I have an old FMS flight simulator, it doesn't work, no help there, now it's garbage. Word Processor don't work, now I have to use there new version. Other than that, it's another learning curve, all the control panel stuff is totally different. Other than a lot of bucks to get things working, it's okay. Don't get it if you don't have too. For the average guy, that browses the internet and does some word processing, it does nothing for you.

Dave / Choppersrule

No....it was a stock radio system.

Choppers, I hear ya. My BF just got a new computer with Vista and the problems haven't stopped. Just today he told me that he has to contact Garmin to get the proper drivers to download mapping. I guess they'll figure it out eventually just like we do with the choppers[:@]

Crash, I'm glad to hear that is was a stock reciever. I'm on a spectrum watch right now I'd like to think about getting a spectrum radio eventually but I'm one of those old school guys that has to be beaten over the head with it before I use it.

LookyJ, glad she's up and running, crummy that the stock Rx didn't work[:@]. Maybe it's powered by Microsoft Vista

God Bless B.O.B's

Yeah....he just had to add up the green/red flashing= TX/RX communications failure for what ever reason. If you don't have spares like he does...it can be a problem. I personally felt it was a crystal problem...possibly TX bad....I never suspected RX because they just don't fail that often. Spektrum DX6/7...you cant go wrong, especially if you use it on a CP/CPP...all the info is already there. The HBKII....not so lucky on the settings. I've got a baseline of settings that will get the HBKII in the air with a DX6, but I'm still looking for the "sweet spot". To be honest...I don't know Jack about pitch/throttle curves. The stock radios are already set to handle that for you. You can affect the curves a number of ways and it's a big puzzle to get them all to play together nice. Once you're there....it's nice. You also have the option to customize to your style of flying. You can make it docile, or make it super sensitive...lots of pitch....little pitch, what ever. I suggest a DX6 off E-Bay in the range of $120-140 (most bang for the buck). DX7 TX's sometimes go cheap too....but you'll have to buy a AR6100/battery/charger. You need to make the Spektrum jump...It made a world of difference with my CPP and my HBKII. Money well spent if you're gonna continue micro heli's.

Yes, it was a stock Tx/Rx....

I went back to stock for a couple of reasons:

First and foremost, while I can't say enough good things about the DX7 and DSM2 technology....

I've found ONE issue.

It's great to have ALL your helis programmed into a single remote, however, when the batteries need to be charged on that remote.... you can't fly anything, and when you have multiple helis on a single controller: the batteries tend to go a lot faster.

Another reason I went back to stock receiver is my AR6100 that was in the CP Pro had to be sent back to Horizon Hobby for a warranty repair. This is the second time, I've had to send it in for repairs.... because one of the antennae keeps falling off.

with that being said, I completely agree with crash.... the DX7 is one of the best upgrades for any RTF Micro Heli!

a GENERAL OPINION is requested from all MY EXPERT HELI ADVISORS :
I have sent a EMail to LOOKYJ but would like to hear from everybody, being FAMILY and all .. !

A fellow who turned me down for help with an Electric Helicopter two week-ends ago was at the LHS this morning. He now has his own and first T-REX.... His opinion is that it is NOT A GOOD IDEA to try to learn Electric Helicopters, without having ASSEMBLED it yourself : ( the T-REX ) in my case. He further explained that these are in constant need of micro-adjustments, blade changes, belt work, tail blades, plus of course doing the re-assembly in case of crashes...etc etc.....to keep them flying correctly. That not having done all the assembly work, and thusly LEARNING about the whole machine, all these necessary adjustements would become vastly more difficult.
Well, considering what he said while driving back to the house I think he makes good sense.
Still, my problem is that doing all this building with all the super-miniature components ( 1mm screws that fall and get permanently lost i.e.) is a bit too much for me.
After having spent $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to get where I am ( basically no-where !)..... do I hear anything from my favorite group?
I am sure that using CRASH CRASH (Vic) as the primary example of ""stick-to-itivness""" he has probably used up 85% of his total time in working it up, and 15% in actually flying.
Maybe we should all COLLECTIVELY AGREE that this part of the hobby (RC) is not for people in the SENIOR category.
P.S. as witness for the defense : I am pretty fair on the simulator. (weak defense)
pp.ss. I am going on a hot date, tonight..... howzat !!!!!! don't spread the word, don't laugh RICK [sm=wink_smile.gif] you know: snow on the roof/ fire in the furnace kinda thing

Hey Rcik, don't fan those flames! Keep that fire burning!

Don't listen to the heli guru. Remember, he planted your CX2 didn't he? How can assembly be really helpful if you don't know what you are assembling and just following directions? The best experienc is "hands on" for sure but not necessarily in assemble. Spend some time looking over each heli you own (btw I got a package today) and learn what each component does & how it acts. IMO, it's the same thing. If you know whats supposed to happen with a working heli, when something ISNT happening it should be relatively easy to figure it out.

Jim

Barrick our friend,

My first Trex was an RTF, I spent the extra money to have it assembled at the factory, adjusted and test flown. With that said, it flew out of the box with small transmitter adjustments. Nothing mechanical. All the other helis you have owned were RTF and you had a ball with them. I agree totally with WNUK. Take your time in the decision making and I'm sure things will work out perfectly for you.

Dave / Choppersrule

Rick,

Just a quick note about the Trex or any other helicopter. Never feel like you have to do something that, Joe, Bill, or Mary is doing. Do what you need to do for yourself. I'm a bad example, I've gotten things over time, not necessarily heli related, that someone else had and was sorry I didn't follow my gut feeling.

Love ya Rick,

Dave / Choppersrule
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When I aquired the HBKII, it seems my "bad luck" with heli's vanished. I'm sure had I not taken the jump to HBKII....I'd be back to planks (which I still fly on a limited basis), and I would forever believe that heli's are just too expensive. The HBKII has taken all that away. Once you get by the engineering shortfalls (motor/ESC, belt drive system, weak landing skids, and a canopy that don't allow instant access to the battery), it's a fairly stout, stable, reliable, and fun unit. I'm sure the T-Rex is EXACTLY like the HBKII (built a little better albet), and physically bigger. That relates to a more stable machine which is dependable right out of the gate...but you're not gonna fly it in the basement very well.

Rick...if you don't want to mess with the build, then DONT. Any one of us will gladly build it, test fly it, and send it back RTF in the truest sense of the words. You don't NEED to build it to fly it or maintain it. Maintenance is as simple as checking to make sure nothing is falling apart and lubrication. Beyond that....only crashing will set you back. If you don't crash it....Just fly it and inspect it before and after each flight...you'll be fine. Works the same for the HBKII. I've got a feeling that the HBKII was modeled after the T-Rex except they cut corners to cut cost. The T-Rex....it's designed well, so no fussing with upgrades unless you want to. Just my opinion...and it's mine (LOL). You would do well to persue the T-Rex (challenge). Sounds like the guy you talked to is a bafoon and totally full of himself (arogant). BTW....the HBKII you sent to Jer is in Michigan, and it flies 3-5 times per day...every day, and mine sits on the shelf collecting dust waiting for an AR6000 (soon?).

AYE JUST LOVE THIS THREAD, AND IT'S WHOLE DARN POPULATION...... y'all come thru for me : E V E R Y D A R N T I M E !

Thankyou - Gracias - Merci - DankeVeld - Vielen Danke - Grazie - Domo Arigato - Muito Obrigado - HvalaLepo

[] -,-,-,- showing off, a bit

but I mean it .............the big white/red JR box on top is the 500T HEADLOCK GYRO

.....Rick, I'm proud of you!!!......

Have FUN with it and be careful...that one will bite you (LOL).


You KNOW you wanted it.

if I may add my belated 2 shiney lincoln head coppor pieces in here............ Never ever listen to anyone who doesn't want you to SHARE the same joy they do when flying (yes, flying) thier own helis. Regardless if they built them from scratch with 2 lumps of coal and a electric knife sharpener motor or bought it all shiney and Ready To Fly out of the box. The true enjoyment and satisfaction comes from controlling your model in the air. It could be as simple as just hovering 10 ft away from you 5 ft off the ground, or doing wild crazy inverted 3D moves. The point is and it has already been made by many of the Band Of Brothers before me............ If it feels good, DO IT!! Thanks to all you guys for chiming in and making the only reasonable point that could be made in that situation!
BTW......how was the date ya sly dog you.....hehe??

Love ya like a brother my friend..........


__________________________________________________ ___________________________________


Of all the things I ever lost....................................... I miss my mind the most!

Rick,

I see the BOB's here share many of the thoughts in my reply to your email....

my first TREX was finished off by the Heli guru at my LHS. It was easier for me to learn how the parts work by reverse engineering from a functioning heli.

as stated earlier, it doesn't really matter who built the heli... but what matters most is the joy it brings from flying it.

with that being said..... here's my current rebuild:

yes, another failed loop attempt

Jer.....what's going on with the failed loop attempts? I'd be thinking you'd have it by now. Altitude/speed/amount of reverse thrust? What's poking you here? I know mine isn't ready because of the settings for reverse pitch aren't enough. As stated earlier, pulling back on the elevator isn't like a plank...it actually works like an air brake and slows forward momentum way down. You got a PM comming.

I think it's just dumb thumbs with some performance anxiety!
also, I'm getting disoriented with the heli when I pull out of the loop.

Maybe, I'll just stick to the pirouttes and stall turns......

besides, I got another little project to keep me busy, I picked up a Hornet II off ebay for $40. Curiousity got the best of me, I wanted to see the difference between tail motor, belt drive, and shaft drive. Yeah, I know there's a reason the evolution of Micro Helis has gone to belt drive..... but like a slow child, you can tell me a hundred times the stove is hot, but I'll never learn until I actually burn myself

I AM BEGINNING TO NOT UNDERSTAND ANYTHING AT ALL .... AYE YAM SOOOO CONFUSED......The expert at the LHS was flying helis at the RealFlight 3.5 SIM and he said that NOW the experts have a way of doing all kinds of 3D """"withouth flipping any kind of switches anymore """"" ( like I thought I knew, would reverse the pitch etc etc etc....)
I get the definite feeling that every day I live .... I get BEHINDER AND BEHINDER in the curve, at a VERY rapid rate.
I am on my way back there ( open at noon) because the METAL BOX they gave me does not hold the TREX 450SA that I bought from them..... STILL MORE CONFUSION
The cover on the Alum.box says TREX X/XL

[>:][][>:][][>:][][&o]
LOOKYJ SIR : please answer my E-Mail and PM .....

Rick....I stopped trying to keep up. Pleasure and sport flight....NO 3D/Aerobatics. BTW...you and lookyj about got me convinced that when things get better around here....T-Rex. Don't have an answer for the box because I don't know the difference between SA/X/XL/SE...and on and on.

I'm definately not the one to ask about 3D, still a noob when it comes to inverting the heli.

my understanding...
as far as flipping the switches, it depends on the programming.... if you program your throttle curve and pitch curve with inverse pitch [-8, 0, 12] and V shaped throttle curve [100%, 50%, 100%] you have inverse pitch linked to your throttle.

regarding the aluminum case for the TREX. I believe you have the correct one. From my experience, they are not the best fit. I have two cases one for each of my REX's, and I had to modify the foam a little to get them to fit better.

-EDIT-

I just had a thought, the tail rotor blades have to be folded in, and then lined up with the main blades in order to fit in the case. Here's a pic of my SE tucked into it's case.

Hey Guys, long time no see. I had to put the controls down when the motor turned, and then just recently, my Grandfather Passed away, so It's been a rough time to even get schoolwork in, let alone my hobby. But it's been killing me seeing my awesome looking CP just SITTING THERE collecting dust... so I wanna do something about it. You'll remember I had my main motor go bad when i installed the DD. This stock motor didnt last me very long in my opinion, so is there a different motor I should get (other than brushless... I don't wanna open that can of worms for a WHILE!) to be a bit better and all? I don't need UNLIMITED POWER, just something that will last me and be better than stock. Any ideas, Friends?

-Gene
P.S. Since I know some will advocate Brushless anyway, how much does that cost, usually?

Gene....brushless on a CP/CPP is about $200 ordeal (not worth it). Check Tower Hobby for some 380-400 brushed motors. There was posts back a while (cant remember where) about a "BlueMax" I think. If you're smoking main motors....there's a problem with the DD setup, it shouldn't be smoking main motors (I never had a problem with DD but I guess I was one of the lucky ones). Good luck ole buddy. Just a note on the DD system. When I got the NC12-RCX, I had to wire it neg as pos, and pos as neg including the capacitor. I also had to trim the propeller down (shortened it, but I can't remember how much). The motor NEVER got hot or caused problems after those fixes. To me, the DD system was as good an upgrade as the DX6. It made the heli a lot more dependable and predictable. HS-55 servos is another worth while investment if you run a DX6....and the DX6 is getting cheaper by the day. I got one for $146 to my door RTF.

Hey Gene, I love my DD tail on mine. As Crash stated you need to cut the prop. I would cut 5/16" off of each side, it really takes the load off of the motor and it doesn't get hot. I've found after just cutting a 1/4" off it still gets a little warm and starts to slow down after 2 minutes of flying. As far as main motors go try out the Slo-Max by Orion. The motor has tons of power but is super cheap. There are in stock at www.hobby-sports.com for around $12.00. You can also get them at Tower Hobbies but there shipping rates stink and if you go their cheapest shipping it will take 2 weeks[:@] Also put a 9 tooth pinion on it, great head speed that the tail motor can keep up with. Another huge and suburb upgrade is the auto rotation gear from heli hobby. It is so smooth, very little binding. You can also get both the pinion and gear from Hobby-Sports, just call and talk to Lee, Rex, or Gene, they're great to deal with.

One more thing, the Slo-max is a brushed motor with brass bushing. I smoked my first one quickly, did a little research and now I oil the shaft where it goes into the bushing religiously and I haven't had a single problem since.

God Bless!

Jay

Thanks Jay.....I forget this stuff because it's been a while.