heli question
01-09-2004 | 06:17 PM
#1
heli question
Hey guy's
I'm pretty excited about learning how to fly a heli, I have been flying the sim(G2) for a while just messing around with heli for about six months. I have a chance to buy a Caliber .30 and all the radio gear for cost, My good friend that owns a hobbie shop. flying planes has been a blast but hauling them down to the field is getting old with all the non-3D circle flyers.
my question, is a .30 size heli going to be as stable or fly as well as bigger models .50-.60 size? when i started flying a .40 size plane than jumped into a 33% i was kicking my self for not doing it earlier. I feel pretty confident flying the sim but i don't think it's going to be like real sick time.
here is the plan
Caliber .30 ARF with O.S. .32
Futaba GY401 with 9253
Futaba 9252 digitals
Futaba 149 DP PCM
Or should I go .50-.60 size?
I'm pretty excited about learning how to fly a heli, I have been flying the sim(G2) for a while just messing around with heli for about six months. I have a chance to buy a Caliber .30 and all the radio gear for cost, My good friend that owns a hobbie shop. flying planes has been a blast but hauling them down to the field is getting old with all the non-3D circle flyers.
my question, is a .30 size heli going to be as stable or fly as well as bigger models .50-.60 size? when i started flying a .40 size plane than jumped into a 33% i was kicking my self for not doing it earlier. I feel pretty confident flying the sim but i don't think it's going to be like real sick time.
here is the plan
Caliber .30 ARF with O.S. .32
Futaba GY401 with 9253
Futaba 9252 digitals
Futaba 149 DP PCM
Or should I go .50-.60 size?
01-09-2004 | 07:38 PM
#2
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From: Danville,
CA
RE: heli question
The usual reason for going with a 30 sized machine is a matter of cost. If cost is not a factor, then why not go with a 90? Actually, I fly a 30 and my son flys a 50. He has more hot-dog power than I do, but so far, there's nothing that he can do with his heli (yet) that he has not also done with mine. When he slams the collective to the upper stop, you can hear my engine sag some, but it still climbs like a bat... 
01-10-2004 | 10:00 AM
#3
Senior Member
My Feedback: (13)
RE: heli question
Tec, the bigger ones do indeed "fly" better. But, as noted above, the cost factor will eat you up while learning. And, unless you are trying to be latest "3D god", you do NOT need a so-called big block (90) engine. The fuel costs alone are scandalous.
Your servo/radio package is top-shelf. A bit of overkill for a plastic 30, but if you get the bug you certainly won't stay at that level; and that electronics package you list is good for anything. But what kind of transmitter?
If you are using anything less than a 9C, my strong recommendation would be, instead of the digital servos, use 9001s and invest the money saved in a better transmitter. A good radio is every bit as important as the machine. You can always buy better servos, but upgrading one's transmitter is a serious investment.
The entry-level six-channel radios suffice for hovering and basic flying around, but once you become competent you will want to try different mixing, programs, etc, to improve the performance of your ship. One of the big differences between helis and planks, aside from the obvious, is that radio capability/set-up can make a TREMENDOUS difference in how the machine performs. Yeah, you can tweak a plank to do some neat stuff with a computer radio, but basically it is going to fly well or not (depending upon how it was built), regardless of what radio you use. Things like throttle-to-cyclic or throttle-to-rudder mixing, swashplate timing, etc., really affect the way a helo flies. The basic six-channel radios won't do that stuff.
Of course, if you're flying the big iron, I suspect you have a good tx already...
.
Your servo/radio package is top-shelf. A bit of overkill for a plastic 30, but if you get the bug you certainly won't stay at that level; and that electronics package you list is good for anything. But what kind of transmitter?
If you are using anything less than a 9C, my strong recommendation would be, instead of the digital servos, use 9001s and invest the money saved in a better transmitter. A good radio is every bit as important as the machine. You can always buy better servos, but upgrading one's transmitter is a serious investment.
The entry-level six-channel radios suffice for hovering and basic flying around, but once you become competent you will want to try different mixing, programs, etc, to improve the performance of your ship. One of the big differences between helis and planks, aside from the obvious, is that radio capability/set-up can make a TREMENDOUS difference in how the machine performs. Yeah, you can tweak a plank to do some neat stuff with a computer radio, but basically it is going to fly well or not (depending upon how it was built), regardless of what radio you use. Things like throttle-to-cyclic or throttle-to-rudder mixing, swashplate timing, etc., really affect the way a helo flies. The basic six-channel radios won't do that stuff.
Of course, if you're flying the big iron, I suspect you have a good tx already...
.
01-10-2004 | 10:08 AM
#4
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From: Pleasant Gap, PA,
RE: heli question
Hi Tec: looks like a good set up. I have a Caliber 30 and I really like it. Very smooth Flying. The 401 and 9253 servo will work great. If u need pitch and throttle curves I can give u mine if u like.
01-10-2004 | 11:43 AM
#5
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From: Tucson, AZ,
RE: heli question
Consider getting a 50, you get great power to weight ratio for great performance, more stability from the bigger blades, and the parts are still cheap cause they are based on the frames and other bits from the 30.
01-10-2004 | 02:44 PM
#6
RE: heli question
ORIGINAL: Steve Campbell
Tec, the bigger ones do indeed "fly" better. But, as noted above, the cost factor will eat you up while learning. And, unless you are trying to be latest "3D god", you do NOT need a so-called big block (90) engine. The fuel costs alone are scandalous.
Your servo/radio package is top-shelf. A bit of overkill for a plastic 30, but if you get the bug you certainly won't stay at that level; and that electronics package you list is good for anything. But what kind of transmitter?
If you are using anything less than a 9C, my strong recommendation would be, instead of the digital servos, use 9001s and invest the money saved in a better transmitter. A good radio is every bit as important as the machine. You can always buy better servos, but upgrading one's transmitter is a serious investment.
The entry-level six-channel radios suffice for hovering and basic flying around, but once you become competent you will want to try different mixing, programs, etc, to improve the performance of your ship. One of the big differences between helis and planks, aside from the obvious, is that radio capability/set-up can make a TREMENDOUS difference in how the machine performs. Yeah, you can tweak a plank to do some neat stuff with a computer radio, but basically it is going to fly well or not (depending upon how it was built), regardless of what radio you use. Things like throttle-to-cyclic or throttle-to-rudder mixing, swashplate timing, etc., really affect the way a helo flies. The basic six-channel radios won't do that stuff.
Of course, if you're flying the big iron, I suspect you have a good tx already...
.
Tec, the bigger ones do indeed "fly" better. But, as noted above, the cost factor will eat you up while learning. And, unless you are trying to be latest "3D god", you do NOT need a so-called big block (90) engine. The fuel costs alone are scandalous.
Your servo/radio package is top-shelf. A bit of overkill for a plastic 30, but if you get the bug you certainly won't stay at that level; and that electronics package you list is good for anything. But what kind of transmitter?
If you are using anything less than a 9C, my strong recommendation would be, instead of the digital servos, use 9001s and invest the money saved in a better transmitter. A good radio is every bit as important as the machine. You can always buy better servos, but upgrading one's transmitter is a serious investment.
The entry-level six-channel radios suffice for hovering and basic flying around, but once you become competent you will want to try different mixing, programs, etc, to improve the performance of your ship. One of the big differences between helis and planks, aside from the obvious, is that radio capability/set-up can make a TREMENDOUS difference in how the machine performs. Yeah, you can tweak a plank to do some neat stuff with a computer radio, but basically it is going to fly well or not (depending upon how it was built), regardless of what radio you use. Things like throttle-to-cyclic or throttle-to-rudder mixing, swashplate timing, etc., really affect the way a helo flies. The basic six-channel radios won't do that stuff.
Of course, if you're flying the big iron, I suspect you have a good tx already...
.
01-11-2004 | 09:56 AM
#7
Senior Member
My Feedback: (13)
RE: heli question
AFAIK, the plank version of the 9C has all the heli software in place; just some of the switch positions are different. Shouldn't pose any problems at all.
As to which to get, a 30 or a 50, that's an interesting question. Too many guys are quick to recommend the larger machine, because "the power ROX, dude!". Well, a beginner doesn't need all that power, and certainly doesn't need the added complexity/cost of the larger machine. The argument about it is cheaper in the long run to get the bigger machine at first, as opposed to upgrading later, doesn't always hold water.
However, in the case of an experienced planker such as yourself, it does make more sense. The big problem is power plant related; the engine of choice for this size machine, the OS 50 SX-H, has had some serious issues regarding its rear bearing; plus it is a downright fuel hog. Used with a standard 30-size tank, some folks have been lucky to get 5-6 minute flights. When I saw a photo of the prototype engine, with that 10mm carb throat, I knew it was going to suck fuel like crazy. But the popular desire is ever more power, and OS is trying to oblige. The engine does exactly what it was designed to do; aside from the short rear bearing life...[&o]
Basically, you can either go with a 50 machine, with the attendant higher costs and risk that your OS 50 will have problems; or go with the long-proven OS 32 SX-H and a 30 size basic trainer. I'll say this; if you harbor ANY desire to do the "3D" thrashing about that is so popular, down the road after you become competent, then roll the dice and get the 50. The 32 simply doesn't have enough grunt for that.
And before you ask, I would avoid any other engines. The TT 36 and 39 both are stronger than than the OS; and that comes at a price. No doubt some folks will say they have been running theirs with no problems, etc., etc. They are indeed fortunate. Don't take my word for it; just do a search and see how many threads you come up with on problems with TT 36/39 heli engines as opposed to the OS 32 SX-H. The latter engine has long been the bench-mark of comparison.
Good luck. There is no rocket science involved here, but you are doing the right thing by conducting some research before buying.
.
As to which to get, a 30 or a 50, that's an interesting question. Too many guys are quick to recommend the larger machine, because "the power ROX, dude!". Well, a beginner doesn't need all that power, and certainly doesn't need the added complexity/cost of the larger machine. The argument about it is cheaper in the long run to get the bigger machine at first, as opposed to upgrading later, doesn't always hold water.
However, in the case of an experienced planker such as yourself, it does make more sense. The big problem is power plant related; the engine of choice for this size machine, the OS 50 SX-H, has had some serious issues regarding its rear bearing; plus it is a downright fuel hog. Used with a standard 30-size tank, some folks have been lucky to get 5-6 minute flights. When I saw a photo of the prototype engine, with that 10mm carb throat, I knew it was going to suck fuel like crazy. But the popular desire is ever more power, and OS is trying to oblige. The engine does exactly what it was designed to do; aside from the short rear bearing life...[&o]
Basically, you can either go with a 50 machine, with the attendant higher costs and risk that your OS 50 will have problems; or go with the long-proven OS 32 SX-H and a 30 size basic trainer. I'll say this; if you harbor ANY desire to do the "3D" thrashing about that is so popular, down the road after you become competent, then roll the dice and get the 50. The 32 simply doesn't have enough grunt for that.
And before you ask, I would avoid any other engines. The TT 36 and 39 both are stronger than than the OS; and that comes at a price. No doubt some folks will say they have been running theirs with no problems, etc., etc. They are indeed fortunate. Don't take my word for it; just do a search and see how many threads you come up with on problems with TT 36/39 heli engines as opposed to the OS 32 SX-H. The latter engine has long been the bench-mark of comparison.
Good luck. There is no rocket science involved here, but you are doing the right thing by conducting some research before buying.
.
