T-Rex Clone
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Lompocc,
CA
Hi, Im looking to buy A T-rexx clone and here is the link, all I would need is a canopy and battery charger.
This will be my first Collective Pitch heli, At the moment I have a Blade MSR and want to move up eventually to a Blade 400.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1187831Here is the link, what do you guys think. I'm pretty sure I can get it with training gear for 250.
Is a clone not a good idea? I dont know much about helicopters although I learned to take apart completely my blade msr, but im sure those are much simpler than this one.
He said since it has a lot of cnc parts it can handle wind better than other small heli's. What kind of wind do you guys think this thing can hold?
Bottom line, my question is, save for a real one? Or go with this one? Thanks.<br type="_moz" />
This will be my first Collective Pitch heli, At the moment I have a Blade MSR and want to move up eventually to a Blade 400.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1187831Here is the link, what do you guys think. I'm pretty sure I can get it with training gear for 250.
Is a clone not a good idea? I dont know much about helicopters although I learned to take apart completely my blade msr, but im sure those are much simpler than this one.
He said since it has a lot of cnc parts it can handle wind better than other small heli's. What kind of wind do you guys think this thing can hold?
Bottom line, my question is, save for a real one? Or go with this one? Thanks.<br type="_moz" />
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Gatineau,
QC, CANADA
I have built 2 HK 450 clones (see HobbyKing). I am happy with them, and have configured both differently. I have learned a lot from them: How to balance, trim, curves for both throttle and pitch. I would be clone before going real, because you will need to repair a lot until you really get good at it. I bought a few extra kits (less than $30 each) to use as spare parts. I am better at it, so I have lots of spares left, but keep stocking them. I am about to build a third one. Different gyro, head, servos...
Gilles
Gilles
#4
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Lompocc,
CA
So what would you say about that link? 250 sound like a good deal for a begginner heli that i can learn on? And I can learn to put back together when i crash it?
#5
u get what u pay for, thats the lesson i learned the hard way. i doubt the tx that comes is capable of adding mulitiple helis to, so you will prolly have to buy a programmable tx, when you get ready for a better heli. plus, with some of those components, when your just starting, its nice to know that you have good components. with cheap or poor components, sometimes its hard to tell if problems are in the set up, or the components themselves. i had a clone at one time as well, and ende up spending a small fortune upgrading it. you would be much better off just getting an actual trex. with the combos they got these days, you can pick up a new sport for around 400, just add a tx/rx.
ive seen some clones that fly well, heck mine flew well at first, but after a few crashes, i realized how poor the quality was. then your gonna run into problems as you start mix matchin align parts with the clone parts from the lhs, or you have to keep ordering more and more cheap parts from over seas. ultimately its ur decision which way ya go, but you would prolly save yourself a lot of headache in the end just getting quality from the start. just my 2 cents, good luck with what ever you choose.
ive seen some clones that fly well, heck mine flew well at first, but after a few crashes, i realized how poor the quality was. then your gonna run into problems as you start mix matchin align parts with the clone parts from the lhs, or you have to keep ordering more and more cheap parts from over seas. ultimately its ur decision which way ya go, but you would prolly save yourself a lot of headache in the end just getting quality from the start. just my 2 cents, good luck with what ever you choose.
#6
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Lompocc,
CA
I was actually leaning the same way, i dont really want to risk anything and i want my real first heli to be a positive one. Do you have any recommendations on what kind of Trex and what kind of Tx to buy? Also I Dont know much I know that Tx means the remote but what does Rx stand for? Thanks for your help.
#7
tx is the transmitter or remote, rx is the reciever. as far as good trex 450's, i would recommend either the 450 se v2 or the sport. really i would go with the sport. you can often find them for around 400 bux, comes with all three cyclic servos, tail servo and a gyro plus motor and esc. all it needs is the transmiter and reciever. i started with a dx6i that came with my blade 400, but i ran into issues with it as many folks do. i now use a dx7 and love it. has a 20 model memory so it will last for long time. plus it is a 7 channel incase you get into nitros down the road. its a very nice tx for the money. if you get it without any servos, it costs around 200. a spektrum 6100 rx i believe is around 60. its alot of initial cost, but its well worth it, and you it will pay in the end. plus, once you have a good tx, your set for the future.
also, if you havnt done it already, there are some very handy vids over on helifreak. here is a link to the heli skills and setup 101 vids. has a lot of good info for setting up ccpm helis and transmitters and other things. there are also many build videos in the finless bob heli tech room.
[link]http://helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=41692[/link]
also, if you havnt done it already, there are some very handy vids over on helifreak. here is a link to the heli skills and setup 101 vids. has a lot of good info for setting up ccpm helis and transmitters and other things. there are also many build videos in the finless bob heli tech room.
[link]http://helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=41692[/link]
#8
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Lompocc,
CA
what about just going with the Blade 400 I hear thats a really good starter, I didnt think i wanted to pay that much, but I guess I just might as well.
#9
ORIGINAL: KwiknikK
what about just going with the Blade 400 I hear thats a really good starter, I didnt think i wanted to pay that much, but I guess I just might as well.
what about just going with the Blade 400 I hear thats a really good starter, I didnt think i wanted to pay that much, but I guess I just might as well.
for me, it was the easiest way to get into the hobby, cuz i didnt have the start up cash to go align right away. now that i have some trex's though, i love them, but it all started with the o b400.
#10
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Lompocc,
CA
Yeah Full time school the money is the only thing holding me back. How did you get for 400? did you buy it used? what would you recommend? New/Used/ebay new?
#12
my lhs actually sells them for 400. its wierd since almost everywhere sold them for 469, but there were 2 lhs's nearby that had them for 400. now there is only one. im sure they are still 400, i havnt looked for awhile. idk about buying used. i never have. now that i know how to tear down and rebuild almost blindfolded, i wouldnt be so skeptical prolly of buying a used one. but i was to scared to buy a used one b4 i knew what i was doin lmao....

#14
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Lompocc,
CA
<a href="http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1139960">http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1139960
</a>
What if i ask this guy if he'd sell for 375?
</a>
What if i ask this guy if he'd sell for 375?
#15
ORIGINAL: KwiknikK
Does ur LHS Ship? Lol 470 everywhere else
Does ur LHS Ship? Lol 470 everywhere else
#17
sure no prob. the name is aero hobbies, phone number is (972) 315-1854. the owners name is andy. let me know if ya talk to them.
like i said, idk for sure they still have em at that price since i havnt looked in the eflite section for a while, but i would assume they do.
like i said, idk for sure they still have em at that price since i havnt looked in the eflite section for a while, but i would assume they do.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Gatineau,
QC, CANADA
I use RealFlight G4.5. Others have recommended Phoenix. I also bought and sometimes use clearview (with my RealFlight Interlink controller) just for the fun of it, but wouldn't recommend it to really learn to fly helis.
Gilles
Gilles
#23
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Lompocc,
CA
Well I think I might have changed my mind again ha. I think I'm now leaning towards the new Blade SR that's coming out.
Some pros I thought of are,
It's more geared towards the beginner flying starting out on Collective Pitch Helicopters.
Probably easier to replace parts and learn the thing inside out.
Cost- 200 dollars sweet deal.
I can pay my recent ticket I got from a park ranger by talking on the phone while driving (since when can they give tickets?)
Might be able to buy a Flight simulator.
Some cons
It's more geared towards the beginner flying starting out on Collective Pitch Helicopters. (says its toned down a lot, can you bring it to full power/control with the radio it comes with?)
Still have to buy a nice Radio if I ever want to advance to bigger/better helicopters or even advance on the SR if i've done my research right.
In the long run it will cost more because I still will eventually buy a blade 400 or something bigger.
Direct drive tail motor, I read this is a con compared to belt driven, even though E-flight says its only using 60-70% of the tail motor power.
Smaller bird, I want bigger, its usually windy where I live and I want to fly more than less : / (E-flight says it can handle wind, but its obviously less than what the B400 can handle)
Okay what did I miss guys? What pros and cons am I forgetting? What is your opinion? I love the feedback thanks.
<br type="_moz" />
Some pros I thought of are,
It's more geared towards the beginner flying starting out on Collective Pitch Helicopters.
Probably easier to replace parts and learn the thing inside out.
Cost- 200 dollars sweet deal.
I can pay my recent ticket I got from a park ranger by talking on the phone while driving (since when can they give tickets?)
Might be able to buy a Flight simulator.
Some cons
It's more geared towards the beginner flying starting out on Collective Pitch Helicopters. (says its toned down a lot, can you bring it to full power/control with the radio it comes with?)
Still have to buy a nice Radio if I ever want to advance to bigger/better helicopters or even advance on the SR if i've done my research right.
In the long run it will cost more because I still will eventually buy a blade 400 or something bigger.
Direct drive tail motor, I read this is a con compared to belt driven, even though E-flight says its only using 60-70% of the tail motor power.
Smaller bird, I want bigger, its usually windy where I live and I want to fly more than less : / (E-flight says it can handle wind, but its obviously less than what the B400 can handle)
Okay what did I miss guys? What pros and cons am I forgetting? What is your opinion? I love the feedback thanks.
<br type="_moz" />
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Gatineau,
QC, CANADA
I did buy small and went bigger - MCX RTF, CX2 RTF, CPP2 RTF, RealFlight G4.5 Simulator (cause I was crashing the CPP2 too often), Spektrum DX7 transmitter, HK450, HK450, MSR BNF, HK450.
As you can see, I made mistakes. First was to get RTF models, not thinking I would enjoy it so much. I now have plenty of transmitters sitting on the sidelines. Next mistake was not getting a simulator soon enough. I crashed the CPP2 a couple of times, and needed something to fly while I was waiting for parts and repairing it. Getting the CPP2 was a bit of challenge. A little much to control without trimming it down. Worked better with the DX7 than the transmitter it came with. Also, the CPP2 gave me lots of problem with the direct drive tail motor. I am on my fourth motor, and this time it seems perfect (hovering it in my living room this winter and quite steady). I like the HK450 because I built them myself with different types of motors, servos, BEC, Gyro etc, and they are much steadier than any of the others mentioned above.
In the end, it's all about fun, enthusiasm and budget.
Gilles
p.s. I did get two GWS foam planes for additional fun (e-Starter and Formosa).
As you can see, I made mistakes. First was to get RTF models, not thinking I would enjoy it so much. I now have plenty of transmitters sitting on the sidelines. Next mistake was not getting a simulator soon enough. I crashed the CPP2 a couple of times, and needed something to fly while I was waiting for parts and repairing it. Getting the CPP2 was a bit of challenge. A little much to control without trimming it down. Worked better with the DX7 than the transmitter it came with. Also, the CPP2 gave me lots of problem with the direct drive tail motor. I am on my fourth motor, and this time it seems perfect (hovering it in my living room this winter and quite steady). I like the HK450 because I built them myself with different types of motors, servos, BEC, Gyro etc, and they are much steadier than any of the others mentioned above.
In the end, it's all about fun, enthusiasm and budget.
Gilles
p.s. I did get two GWS foam planes for additional fun (e-Starter and Formosa).
#25
ORIGINAL: KwiknikK
Well I think I might have changed my mind again ha. I think I'm now leaning towards the new Blade SR that's coming out.
Some pros I thought of are,
It's more geared towards the beginner flying starting out on Collective Pitch Helicopters.
Probably easier to replace parts and learn the thing inside out.
Cost- 200 dollars sweet deal.
I can pay my recent ticket I got from a park ranger by talking on the phone while driving (since when can they give tickets?)
Might be able to buy a Flight simulator.
Some cons
It's more geared towards the beginner flying starting out on Collective Pitch Helicopters. (says its toned down a lot, can you bring it to full power/control with the radio it comes with?)
Still have to buy a nice Radio if I ever want to advance to bigger/better helicopters or even advance on the SR if i've done my research right.
In the long run it will cost more because I still will eventually buy a blade 400 or something bigger.
Direct drive tail motor, I read this is a con compared to belt driven, even though E-flight says its only using 60-70% of the tail motor power.
Smaller bird, I want bigger, its usually windy where I live and I want to fly more than less : / (E-flight says it can handle wind, but its obviously less than what the B400 can handle)
Okay what did I miss guys? What pros and cons am I forgetting? What is your opinion? I love the feedback thanks.
<br type=''_moz'' />
Well I think I might have changed my mind again ha. I think I'm now leaning towards the new Blade SR that's coming out.
Some pros I thought of are,
It's more geared towards the beginner flying starting out on Collective Pitch Helicopters.
Probably easier to replace parts and learn the thing inside out.
Cost- 200 dollars sweet deal.
I can pay my recent ticket I got from a park ranger by talking on the phone while driving (since when can they give tickets?)
Might be able to buy a Flight simulator.
Some cons
It's more geared towards the beginner flying starting out on Collective Pitch Helicopters. (says its toned down a lot, can you bring it to full power/control with the radio it comes with?)
Still have to buy a nice Radio if I ever want to advance to bigger/better helicopters or even advance on the SR if i've done my research right.
In the long run it will cost more because I still will eventually buy a blade 400 or something bigger.
Direct drive tail motor, I read this is a con compared to belt driven, even though E-flight says its only using 60-70% of the tail motor power.
Smaller bird, I want bigger, its usually windy where I live and I want to fly more than less : / (E-flight says it can handle wind, but its obviously less than what the B400 can handle)
Okay what did I miss guys? What pros and cons am I forgetting? What is your opinion? I love the feedback thanks.
<br type=''_moz'' />



