Jeff -

yes you got a great deal $309 for a DX7, AR6100, and (3) JR DS285's.... I won't even tell you what I spent on my package

Looking at Ricks package more closely, I noticed he got the JR DS3400G servo for the tail.

So my biggest question in setting these helis up is with the cyclic servos:

HS 65HB (analog) vs JR DS285 (digital).... can you REALLY tell the difference between digital and analog servos...

another question is the tail....

JR vs Futaba

of course, I'll keep you all posted! with pics and vids of flight tests....

oh yeah.... that head cam, would love to see how you managed that.

I tried strapping the camera to my head with rubber bands, but got a huge headache and blacked out before lift off

j/k... lol

Lookyj: Yes videos please...! Please don't fly Rick's, You'll make us all nervous lol ! (kidding)

Here is the harness I use for camera/industrial strength velcro...Works perfect/Piece of velcro on flat-backside of camera...It won't come off trust me...Oh, don't let the neighbors see... Have a good one, and stop putting in all those hours. What are you doing saving for a TREX 600 ??!! You deserve one.... Jeff

Which links? The ones from the bladegrips to the mixing arms? or other ones?

High on my list is the darn stock tail motor. Gave up (for now) on tail motor helis. I went through all the combos. Maybe its just me, but i was still not happy (many $$ later). Lots of great advice from folks here, but i just could not get it dialed in.

The other ones. I would just like to purchase the threaded rod that they use so I can cut it to length and reinstall.

The tail motor is a PITA, I had just got my bird flying well outside and the tail wont hold anymore. I had to trim full right and adjust the pot before I realized the motor just isn't putting out as much thrust as before, this is after about 25 flights but I do have the gyro cranked right up.

I do love to tinker with this heli and I think that is half the fun for me.

hey guys, i was wondering if i need the brushless setup, if i get the HBKII? if so sould i get the heli and brushless esc and motor from jab hobbies and get 10$ off for getting the stock motor?

Lookyj,

DIGITAL vs. ANALOG Servos
Digital servos incorporate a type of high-frequency servo motor controller that allows them to center perfectly, hold their positions when pushed, and offer smoother and faster response. Unfortunately, some digital servos will not last as long as analog servos on throttle duties because the digital amplifier will continue to pump current into the servo motor at full throttle or idle. This dead short can cause digital servos to burn out more quickly. Analog servos, on the other hand, use regular servo motor controllers that are less accurate and less smooth, but are more affordable and more durable when subjected to throttle duties

As far the Jr vs Futaba on the tail, some like a chevy, some like a ford: Some like a ford, some like a chevy. Some of the jet-turbine guys swear by the JR's and some of the 550 class guys swear by the Futaba. Go figure....

J-MICHAEL,
Nice head camera set up. I'd make one, but don't have one of them fancy digital video cameras.

Dave / Choppersrule
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Orion4, I'am on the bottom of the "totem pole" when it comes to the experienced vets on this thread...But I have heard them say a few times, that you are going to need the brushless set-up for an HBK2... If you ask me anything else, I won't know !! lol...! Good day, Jeff

ArrowNaughtic,

Old Chopper here: I take it by "Senior Members checking back in!" , you mean the guys that have been around awhile and not us guys like me that are "Senoir Citizens" LOL J/K

I'm sure you can tell by the correspondence between the BOB's, that all is okay and we are a tight group of people. Always willing to help the other guy and trading stories too. Concerning the Eflite CP's, speaking for myself only. I had the CP and the Pro for over a year, in the beginning I had no help and wasn't aware of this or any other forum. So for me, it was extremely frustrating and very expensive just to get my first good hover and later some Slow FF. Yada, Yada, Yada (Seinfeld) I've had a slew of different helis over the last two years. The best was the Trex 450, however, I found that it was just to much for this "Senior Citizen" to handle. The old hand-eye coordination thing is creeping up on this guy. All of my Blade and Trex equipment is no longer with me[&o], on to better homes. As you know, I found the HBK2, a little bigger than a Blade and little smaller than a Trex. It's very docile for me and am having a great time with it.

As time goes on, we all change our likes and dislikes, nothing wrong with that at all. Whether it be helicopters, motorcycles, cars, boat or houses. Even your favorite snack, mine is potato chips and oreo cookies. We humans are a strange breed to say the least.

I for one, certainly understand your love for the Eflite helis, they are fun and very easy to work on. Stock up on parts..[sm=wink_smile.gif]

Tracy, take care and have a ball.. Tell Jacki the Chopper said Hi.

Dave / Choppersrule
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anyways, I have been reading the thread daily and all I can say is wow guys! This thing is just out of control! We have adopted some new members into the Band of Brothers and seen some of the senior members checking back in!
I am wondering though............. I don't see as many questions about the Blade CP/CP Pros posted as much as we did like even 3 months ago. Is the Blade CP/Pro losing the market share and people are moving on to newer helis? I know alot of us have moved on to different brands and different sizes but i just don't see as many new guys posting about them. I for one am concerned there are getting to be more negative posts about what joined us all together.......... Eflite CP's! I know i for one will always have a place on my heli shelf for them, even when i run out of parts and they are no longer available.

Chopper Here:

Doing fine and dandy. After I got over my last 5 crashes, things have settled down for me. Flying okay, for NOW, never know.

Thought I would give myself a treat and get some good Carbon Fiber mains. Got a set of SAB's for the HBK2 #2, 280 mm blade, 5 mm longer than stock and still have plenty of clearance to the tail rotor. To be on the safe side, I did chop off the upper portion of the vertical fin in case of a hard landing.

Anyway, I'm impressed with these blades for two reasons:
1) they come perfectly balanced.
2) Most important to me, there is no flex in the blades, regardless of head speed and the tracking(once set up) is right on and doesn't change.

See pictures of modified vertical thingie:

Here's the link to the blades I purchased a little more than 3/4 down the page : http://helihobby.com/html/main_rotor_blades.html


I do see and feel improvement of flying characteristics, but always remember, you fly the heli, it doesn't fly itself.

Dave / Choppersrule

Looks really good ol' man....! lol..! I wonder how much lighter they are ? Anyway, yeah, if ya get sick of that other HBK2, go ahead and just fly it my way, I'll feed it for ya...... Take care, Jeff

Orion4,

J-MICHAEL is correct. The HBK2 out of the box with a Brushed motor won't give you 3 minutes of pleasure, ever. Don't try to save the $10 and try and get a deal. You have entered a wonderful hobby and it does get expensive, nobody here will deny that. (Anybody want to challenge that)

Anyway, you definately have to have a brushless motor and ESC. A 3100kv with a 25 amp ESC will do what you need to do, if you're new to the hobby and has Plenty of power. A 3800kv and a 35 amp ESC will rock your socks off.

J-MICHAEL,
You do your homework well.

Dave / Choppersrule / "Senior Citizen"
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Orion4, I'am on the bottom of the "totem pole" when it comes to the experienced vets on this thread...But I have heard them say a few times, that you are going to need the brushless set-up for an HBK2... If you ask me anything else, I won't know !! lol...! Good day, Jeff
[/quote]

choppersrule,

where did you order your HBK2 (if you don't mind me asking)?? I'm leaning towards that heli....still love my CP Pro though....enjoy the challenge. Just want to add to the collection.

Appreciate all the great info from you and the guys!!!

Will

J-MICHAEL,

I'm limited to 150 feet of flight in any direction, sorry.

Take care of your Trex, I did for 8 months or so and finally had to let 'er go, to much for the ol' man.

Others, have seen the pictures, how about you. Attached. (I am a certified Nut Case)

Dave / Choppersrule
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LMAO...!! Sending those to my dad...>>! The trex will be my baby for sure..I won't even take to slicing any wind for a month or two, Taking sweeeeeeet time with this one Chief..! It made me feel good hearing you like yours from ALL those heli's you've had...Now I'am pumped ! Cause I know your very, very, wise with the heli's... Jeff

Willyjay,

The old one is heading to bed.. I'll get back with the site tomorrow, for sure. My word is good as all know.
Maybe someone will chime in before tomorrow, it'll be after 6;00 pm tomorrow, gotta work ya know.

Dave / Choppersrule
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LMAO.....I must'a missed these pics. Funny stuff..........strange.........but funny stuff.

Egads........... how old is that TREX? I sure hope thats a warm beer yer feeding it before you tucked it in...LOL! Yes Dave (guru and senior member of BOB's) I do understand that most of us "seniors" have moved on to different helis. As you well know my parts supply is basically at this point unlimited at this time for the CP's. And yes, I do also have a large "fleet" that has ended up taking alot of time to maintain and tinker with. I have also moved into the plank field of RC and have 5 planes, 3 built and flyable and 2 kits waiting for me at the LHS. I preordered them and they are apid for and waiting for me to come bring them home. I am looking for a stroller or a car seat to bring them home in. I gottta have some funny pics too.......hehe!
I sent Rick an email last nite telling him about my neighbor, he saw me trimming out and test hovering the HBK2 a few weeks back and went and bought himself a CX2. We get together a few nites a week when possible and fix his, then fly together. His seems to like hard landings still but we are working on that. I would have never known just how much fun sharing the hobby with someone still new to it all is. He comes over to my place and heads straight to the work station I built and starts working on his heli. When he masters his CX2 I am building him a Blade CP and will present it as a gift to him. It just seems like the right thing to do when I have so many spare parts! He of course will have to supply the servos and RX and TX but he seems like he is into the challenge of understanding how these work. My idea is to pass on some of the stuff that was given to me and do what this hobby really seems to be about ................... Sharing knowledge and parts! Flying is really just a benefit of all the time spent tweaking, my love still lies with the tweaking and getting it just right.
Ok, off my soapbox................. hey to all of our BOB's (both junior and senior) and have been pretty busy working lately, my slack time is coming. I should be able to make the Vegas funfly possible for myself but want to know how many of the Band is really interested?? Looky posted the dates a couple pages ago, I have been looking at flights and hotel packages already. Show of hands??

Jacki says hey to the choppers and Mrs rule!


__________________________________________________ ___________________________________


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

I get to try (finally) hbk2's this weekend. Cant wait till they get here.

Will- I got mine for www.jaghobbies.com
Jim is a great vendor with good prices and reasonable shipping charges.

As much as I'd like to hook up with the BOB's, Vegas is just not going to be possible for this guy.

I wish also I could make it to the fly-in...I will have my hands tied due to upcoming priorites. Next year I see it as a for sure thing however, it would be like having a second Christmas in one year ! Arrow, & anyone else that is going --- Your duties for those who can't make it, will be taking pictures...Please concentrate on any crashes lol.....! Hey Arrow, I know it must be exciting for ya to observe your newly interested neighbor getting into the hobby...Awesome ! People will be walking by when I'am flying around, and they'll stop and observe, and start asking questions (sometimes can be annoying...lol ) and I swear, I sound like a salesman ! Because my excitement is still strong, being new and such... Here's a hint however: When he starts tootering around the street with his CP, don't forget to park your car in the garage...I remember awhile ago there was a gent also starting out flying on your street, and smacking the side of his neighbors car, just as his neighbor was walking outside...I think the neighbor said "That's nothing....You should see what my wife does to it" or something like that...Who was that guy flying anyway ??......lol...(He almost looked like yourself I think.........?)

Crash: I see Kyle Stacy's dad was visiting my CP-Pro Idle up crash video again here this afternoon? It's already three pages back now...He was there for an hour again ? Can't see what would interest him, as it's boring as he## to me ! Go figure........Makes a guy wonder though...


I remember reading an old post somewhere on this forum, where Mrassm was chatting with Kyle Stacy's dad about some changes to the head on a CP-PRO...RSTACY, said that Kyle took out the "O-Rings" and replaced them with bearings that were the same size as the one's that are in the blade grips...Anyone know how the CPP would react to doing this, before I try for an experiment, and burn my thumbs ? I also would think a step washer would maybe need to be in place against that bearing, of course with the ridge towards the bearing . No long stories required, just a little hint to me if any of ya might happen to know how the heli would react in doing so, or if I would even notice anything, considering It's mainly in a hover, and not performing extensive 3-D maneuevers...(In time though)...lol.. Alright, good day gents, Jeff

I'd love to make it but everyone knows my thing being out of work almost a YEAR....ughhhhhhhhhh, that leaves a mark.[:'(]

I did that with my HBKII...it'll work. Draw back....if you hit ANYTHING.....those bearings are toast, and good luck getting the shaft out too on a good hit. I'll stick with the "O" rings, thank you very much.

Willyjay,

As promised, here's the site were I got my HBK2: http://www.hobby-estore.com/3d-elect...licopters.html

$149.80 plus shipping, plus they do carry spare parts. I think they are a little high on parts and don't carry everything. That's something you'll need to do is check different sites for parts and prices. Just google it, "honey bee king 2 +parts", don't use the quotes. And no space after the + sign. You can google anything that way, works very well.

Hope this helps, I can say for myself that of all the helis I've had, this is by far the easiest to control, ooops, except for coaxial helis like the CX or CX2(had them too).

Dave / Choppersrule
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RICK here w/report # xxx ( Iforget ! )

There is a DEAD CALM here in Houston tonight. I just did my first FULL BATTERY hover practice with the HBK2... a bit dissapointed with the "duration" of the flight, maybe 15 minutes. I am using the 1100mAh battery supplied with the heli. Placed an order for TWO 1500mAh from JAG to be sent together with the BELL 222 body. Should come next week..... I hardly know the heli so need to get used to it. Remarks : I above all love the SOUND it makes, so smooth , so quiet..... the upgraded BL seems to be great. After a couple of "squirrelys" I finally found the touch and then settled in for a pretty solid hover pointed "out"..... was able to YAW (left) and hold sideways for more than 4 or 5 seconds which tells me the SIM yields results ! ..... I am goint to take the PRO out now, before darkness settles in for good.
Some neighbors gawked, but did not come around.....THIS IS GOOD ! ' later....RICK[&o]
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THIRTY MINUTES LATER : might as well add the report for the CP-PRO...... also the first full battery flown after JIM WNUK returned it, upgraded. This one is MUCH more responsive than the HBK2 and it took me by surprise ! ..... it responds, my guess at twice the speed so it needs an infinitely"" lighter touch."".... in fact at 3 seconds into the flight it drifted onto the grass and tilted over. with no damage at all !! after the second start I was able to smooth it out and got maybe 6 or 7 minutes of hover, handling a heli that is WWWAAAYYYYY more responsive than anything I've had so far.....
..... still and all, my 70 years old fingers seem to still have the touch, and I am happy......I will run a CAMCORDER / YOUTUBE a couple of minutes so y'all can evaluate and give your opinion on these 2 helicopters. I am well pleased....... tomorrow I join the R/C club, and with the( RAPTORwhenitcomes) my serious heli training begins..... I am confident that "backing up" from the Rappy will help me to fly the Electrics.......plus the SIM......YEAHHHH HAAAAANNNHH (a rebel yell ???) how do you write that ?[sm=lol.gif] ........ I promise y'all I will still be doing this at 80...... hey hey HEY .... and a T-REX is also on the way !!!!!! if I don't LEARN it won't be for lack of equipment.

Chopper Here:

Vegas Trip: Gotta work, so won't be able to make it, Rats again. Sometimes life sucks.

J-MICHAEL:

Hope your dad enjoys the pictures of my old Trex taking a nap. And the night cap.

Kyle Stacy and the bearings instead of 'O' rings:

Crash is right about bearings being toast on impact. Stick with the O-rings for some time until you can fly inverted. The O-rings are there for the new guys for a reason, they give the spindle/feathering shaft some cushion and dampen response of the cyclic control and make transition smoother. With bearings the cushion is gone, however in does increases cyclic response quite a bit. That's why Kyle and many others replace the O-ring with bearings. Whew, Fingers getting tired, but I'll push on.

Crashcrash:

Your quote: " LMAO.....I must'a missed these pics. Funny stuff..........strange.........but funny stuff." Yep, I'm a strange kinda, fun loving old man. Can't be the drugs, don't take 'em. Beer is my limit.

Ps.. Crash, the new Sab Carbon Fibers for HBK2 #2 are working extremely well, actually, I'm kind of impressed with them. Expensive, yes, and when I break them, I'll be P$ssed at myself. LOL (Still haven't ordered the new motor for HBK2 #1.) Maybe tonight if I don't fall asleep first or first thing tomorrow.

USHobbySupply:

Let us know how you like it. Don't forget, it does need the brushless motor. The stock Brushed motor gets extremely hot and the stock 1000 mAh battery is under powered. So don't make an evaluation of the helis performance, until minor upgrades. Set-up too. After the motor and battery upgrade it's an awesome heli.

ArrowNaughtic:
LOL,{ How old is that Trex? And the warm beer thing...} I must have posted this before, I'm an old Hungarian, and DO drink warm/room temperature beer, that's how I was brought(spelling) up.[8D]
You sound like me a year ago, with your 5 planes and a bunch of helis. Of course, your alot younger, but for me, it got to be a nightmare keeping parts for 7 helis and time and maintenace and rebuilds when crashing. Did alot of crashing early on. Now it goes in spurts. 50 good ones and 5 bad ones. But now only one type of heli to deal with, HBK2. lol

When I fly in the neighbor hood, the kids always come out to watch, they love it and I take the time to explain things to them. When flying, they know the rules... They stay behind me, barr none. Don't won't anyone to get hurt, if I screw up or a mechanical failure. e happens, servo blow out etc.

Like you, love to share my knowledge and parts and helis. The Chopper family is doing well, just getting anxious to move to the country. Our goal is two years and we've been looking. If we find the right one, will move tomorrow.
Has Jacki been able to get any Heli time and how's she doing on the planks. You guys make a wonderful couple. Tell her again, ol Chopper said Hi!.



And That's the Rest of The Story, later BOB's,

Dave / Choppersrule