CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
11-05-2007 | 10:28 AM
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
I've altered my battery tray as well. I've clipped out the battery supports that hang down from the cross members and then, like soloboss, I use a velcro strap to secure the battery in it's place.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
11-05-2007 | 11:04 AM
#27
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RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
looks like this mod can be applied to the stock plastic battery tray as well
and don't have to worry about breaking the stopper part of the battery tray anymore
good effort on the video tutorial!!
and don't have to worry about breaking the stopper part of the battery tray anymore
good effort on the video tutorial!!
11-05-2007 | 11:23 AM
#28
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From: GARDEN CITY,
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RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
Thanks,
yea, You can do it to the stock plastic one and it will be lighter, and the neat thing is, either way, You can use odd sized batteries with the mod described or any mod. that has been mentioned here, from the sound of it.
Definately more than one way to skin a cat.
I like the idea of the adjustable velcro strap; sounds like a good idea, either alone or in combination of My mod. (I hate to call it My mod. as it wasn't my original idea; I just did it to the aluminum one).
Also, the mods let YOU adjust the center of gravity where You want it. If You want a little more aggressive forward flight; then place it forward a bit.
I'm running stock sized SMC thundervolts 800maH/ 22c in my fully aluminized heli. and not having a problem.
I might give Michael's a whirl as well.
yea, You can do it to the stock plastic one and it will be lighter, and the neat thing is, either way, You can use odd sized batteries with the mod described or any mod. that has been mentioned here, from the sound of it.
Definately more than one way to skin a cat.
I like the idea of the adjustable velcro strap; sounds like a good idea, either alone or in combination of My mod. (I hate to call it My mod. as it wasn't my original idea; I just did it to the aluminum one).
Also, the mods let YOU adjust the center of gravity where You want it. If You want a little more aggressive forward flight; then place it forward a bit.
I'm running stock sized SMC thundervolts 800maH/ 22c in my fully aluminized heli. and not having a problem.
I might give Michael's a whirl as well.
11-05-2007 | 09:11 PM
#29
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From: GARDEN CITY,
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RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
ORIGINAL: BryFlyGuy67
I've altered my battery tray as well. I've clipped out the battery supports that hang down from the cross members and then, like soloboss, I use a velcro strap to secure the battery in it's place.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
I've altered my battery tray as well. I've clipped out the battery supports that hang down from the cross members and then, like soloboss, I use a velcro strap to secure the battery in it's place.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
Did You notice not as much loss of altitude in tight turns, etc.? I think that is great with these higher mah or c batteries. I crash somewhat less now, because I can get out of problems with snappier heli reflexes.
11-05-2007 | 10:06 PM
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From: Morinville,
AB, CANADA
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
ORIGINAL: goldslinger
That's Cool, Bry,
Did You notice not as much loss of altitude in tight turns, etc.? I think that is great with these higher mah or c batteries. I crash somewhat less now, because I can get out of problems with snappier heli reflexes.
ORIGINAL: BryFlyGuy67
I've altered my battery tray as well. I've clipped out the battery supports that hang down from the cross members and then, like soloboss, I use a velcro strap to secure the battery in it's place.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
I've altered my battery tray as well. I've clipped out the battery supports that hang down from the cross members and then, like soloboss, I use a velcro strap to secure the battery in it's place.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
Did You notice not as much loss of altitude in tight turns, etc.? I think that is great with these higher mah or c batteries. I crash somewhat less now, because I can get out of problems with snappier heli reflexes.
However all that power can really get you into a heap of trouble
Trust me!
11-05-2007 | 10:19 PM
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From: Morinville,
AB, CANADA
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
Just my DN's 850 maH 15C. compared to the stockers it's night and day! Even more apparent with all the Xtreme goodies. It's supercharged.
Might have to get something even higher rated like your SMC's to test fly!
Might have to get something even higher rated like your SMC's to test fly!
11-05-2007 | 10:42 PM
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From: Morinville,
AB, CANADA
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
LOL you got excited didn't you Man your hooked on this worse than I am Don't worry if I stumble upon something you guys are always the first to know!
Man your hooked on this worse than I am Don't worry if I stumble upon something you guys are always the first to know!
11-05-2007 | 11:22 PM
#35
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From: GARDEN CITY,
KS
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
Yea, I'm hooked to a fault; helis and good Friends like You! Glad You're here.
Miss Jeff . . . [
]
Miss Jeff . . . [
]
11-06-2007 | 12:12 AM
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From: Morinville,
AB, CANADA
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
Yeah....it's different without him around here! Jeez I just thought of something....we are going to have to get the same fleet of heli's so we can help each other out with the same machines.....I know Solo and I think Bry has the Walkera 4/Falcon. Hmmm good reason to get a Trex and DX7....now what am I going to sell to afford those toys! Guess I better look through the junk in the basement and see if there anything worthy of ebay :P
11-06-2007 | 09:55 AM
#37
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
goldslinger,
Yes, I do notice more power in the turns, but it is a learning process. I have to teach myself that it is okay to do things with the higher-rated packs that I would not do with stock. I keep finding myself being able to pull out of a bad situation and keep flying with the new packs, whereas same maneuver might put me on ground with a stock pack.
Yes, I do notice more power in the turns, but it is a learning process. I have to teach myself that it is okay to do things with the higher-rated packs that I would not do with stock. I keep finding myself being able to pull out of a bad situation and keep flying with the new packs, whereas same maneuver might put me on ground with a stock pack.
ORIGINAL: goldslinger
That's Cool, Bry,
Did You notice not as much loss of altitude in tight turns, etc.? I think that is great with these higher mah or c batteries. I crash somewhat less now, because I can get out of problems with snappier heli reflexes.
ORIGINAL: BryFlyGuy67
I've altered my battery tray as well. I've clipped out the battery supports that hang down from the cross members and then, like soloboss, I use a velcro strap to secure the battery in it's place.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
I've altered my battery tray as well. I've clipped out the battery supports that hang down from the cross members and then, like soloboss, I use a velcro strap to secure the battery in it's place.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
Did You notice not as much loss of altitude in tight turns, etc.? I think that is great with these higher mah or c batteries. I crash somewhat less now, because I can get out of problems with snappier heli reflexes.
11-06-2007 | 10:00 AM
#38
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
Yup, I got the Walkera #4 / Falcon 40 over the weekend. It needs work. I bought it to be an indoor flyer, but until I get it dialed in better and learn how she flies better, she's strictly an outdoor bird. 
Having figured that out over the weekend, I have redoubled my TREX building efforts! [8D] I got the CCPM setup done last night and have 20 degrees of pitch range.
Next, I am going to double-check my setup and then all I will have to do is input my throttle and pitch curves and setup the tail and gyro. I think that I could easily be taking her for her maiden flight this weekend!!!! [8D]
Having figured that out over the weekend, I have redoubled my TREX building efforts! [8D] I got the CCPM setup done last night and have 20 degrees of pitch range.
Next, I am going to double-check my setup and then all I will have to do is input my throttle and pitch curves and setup the tail and gyro. I think that I could easily be taking her for her maiden flight this weekend!!!! [8D]
11-06-2007 | 10:55 AM
#39
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From: Morinville,
AB, CANADA
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
Shoot me all your tips on the Walkera #4, I don't get to actually pull mine out of the box and play with it until Christmas morning! Oh well...at least that gives me along time to do some homework on her Send me all the info on setup so I can get her setup and hovering as soon as I have my dual lipo kit built
Send me all the info on setup so I can get her setup and hovering as soon as I have my dual lipo kit built
11-06-2007 | 01:40 PM
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
stump3r,
Here is a link to the equivelant of the Blade CX2 thread around here for the Falcon 40 / Walkera / Dragonfly #4:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_48..._2/key_/tm.htm
I have some other info, but I don't have it handy. In my limited, mostly-unsuccessful flight time on the #4, I can tell you to keep your blade grips stiff, but not too stiff so that they can't bend. Then, before flight, pull out on the baldes to center them. You want to position the blades such that the flybar is balanced on both sides and is level with the skids. That gives you good starting balance. I also noted that there is a NOTICABLE gap in time between when you feed in cyclic and when the rotor disk reacts. It was perhaps this that made it so hard for me to fly initially. I may well move the flybar weight in and move to the longer swashplate links to make her a bit more responsive.
One thing, though: I am almost ready to convert the Walkera to 2.4GHz to run on my DX7. This will change flight characteristics a bit, so all I do may not be applicable to you.
Here is a link to the equivelant of the Blade CX2 thread around here for the Falcon 40 / Walkera / Dragonfly #4:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_48..._2/key_/tm.htm
I have some other info, but I don't have it handy. In my limited, mostly-unsuccessful flight time on the #4, I can tell you to keep your blade grips stiff, but not too stiff so that they can't bend. Then, before flight, pull out on the baldes to center them. You want to position the blades such that the flybar is balanced on both sides and is level with the skids. That gives you good starting balance. I also noted that there is a NOTICABLE gap in time between when you feed in cyclic and when the rotor disk reacts. It was perhaps this that made it so hard for me to fly initially. I may well move the flybar weight in and move to the longer swashplate links to make her a bit more responsive.
One thing, though: I am almost ready to convert the Walkera to 2.4GHz to run on my DX7. This will change flight characteristics a bit, so all I do may not be applicable to you.
11-06-2007 | 02:18 PM
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From: Morinville,
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RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
Thanks for the link Bry....I've actually been reading that one for days now....almost too much info to sift through. Been reading away at it. Unfortunately it's just like when I started reading over everything before I bought my CX2. You can't relate until you have the bird in your hands and actually fly it and see what's going on. I'm just damn happy I have all this CX2 experience under my belt. At least some of the mystery is gone. I just have to find the cash for a DX7 now 
Maybe get a part time job just to fuel my heli addiction! Even better maybe I should open an Canadian online retailer specializing in heli's....at least that way I can get all my heli's at cost
Maybe get a part time job just to fuel my heli addiction! Even better maybe I should open an Canadian online retailer specializing in heli's....at least that way I can get all my heli's at cost
11-06-2007 | 03:33 PM
#42
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
That is funny, because lately I have been thinking about getting into the business as well! Ah, I'll just leave it to pros like Michael and Jamie!
11-06-2007 | 05:58 PM
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From: Fort Wayne,
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RE: CX, CX-2 BATTERY TRAY MOD. W/ Video Tutorial
ORIGINAL: BryFlyGuy67
I've altered my battery tray as well. I've clipped out the battery supports that hang down from the cross members and then, like soloboss, I use a velcro strap to secure the battery in it's place.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
I've altered my battery tray as well. I've clipped out the battery supports that hang down from the cross members and then, like soloboss, I use a velcro strap to secure the battery in it's place.
Advantages: accommodates all kinds of battery packs. Is easier to position the battery fore and aft for COG balancing.
Disadtantage: Battery is prone to slipping, especially when your velcro strap isn't tight enough or you get into a crash. I always re-check COG after a crash or hard landing now.
Speaking of other LiPo packs, if you have done the mods to your battery tray as described in this thread, you can run the Xtreme 7.4V, 850 MAH, 18C packs! I got two of them from Michael over the weekend. I few one of these packs in my non-Xtreme CX2 last night and it was amazing! I was flying fairly aggressively outside - non-stop for a full 10 minutes - and not once did I feel a loss of power! The packs won't fit into the stock CX2 battery holder, though. That's why you have to be running the modified tray to use them.
Did I cover that the first time or am I being redundant . . . again?
