Difference between revisions of "RC Helicopters"

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Electronic RC helicopters are simpler and easier to maintain than their nitro counterpart. Less parts also means makes it possible to make smaller scale models. Battery longevity has never been better with the latest Lithium Polymer (LiPo) technology.
Electronic RC helicopters are simpler and easier to maintain than their nitro counterpart. Less parts also means makes it possible to make smaller scale models. Battery longevity has never been better with the latest Lithium Polymer (LiPo) technology.
* [[RC_Airplanes|To RC Airplanes]]
== Helicopters ==
* '''[[Honey_Bee_King_2|ESky Honey Bee King 2 Yellow]]''' - ''Researched''
* '''[[T-Rex_450_v2|Align T-Rex 450 v2]]''' - ''Researched''
* '''[[T-Rex_250|Align T-Rex 250]]'''
* '''[[Copter 6025-1|SanHuan Copter 6025-1 Mini-X ]]'''
* '''[[AR Drone|Parrot AR Drone]]'''
* '''[[F450 Flame Wheel|DJI F450 Flame Wheel]]'''
* '''[[TBS Discovery]]'''
* '''[[TBS Discovery Pro]]'''
* '''[[DJI Phantom]]'''
* '''[[Lumenier QAV250 Quadcopter]]'''


== Radios ==
== Radios ==
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Be aware of clones manufactured by iMax and Turnigy.
Be aware of clones manufactured by iMax and Turnigy.
== ESky Honey Bee King 2 Yellow ==
[[Image:King2.jpg|thumb|Esky Honey Been King II Yellow]]
[[Image:Esky017-2.jpg|thumb]]
[[Image:Esky017-7.jpg|thumb]]
'''Only researched'''
The Honey Bee King 2 is a cool little micro-helicopter with a belt driven tail rotor. Parts are easy to get.
* [[Esky_Honey_Bee_King_2_parts|Kit part numbers and spare parts list]]
=== Specification ===
* Length: 535mm
* Height: 225mm
* Main blade diameter: 600mm
* Tail blade diameter: 130mm
* Motor gear: 9T
* Main drive gear: 140T
* Drive gear rate: 9:140T
* Weight: 470g (with 1000mAh,11.1V)
=== References ===
* [http://prism2.mem.drexel.edu/~voicheck/flight_training.htm Flight Training]
* [http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html Radds school of rotary flight]
* [http://www.rcforum.de/ftopic37229.html Yellow King 2 kit]
* [http://www.modellhelikopter.no/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=102 Nybegynner Guide]
* [http://www.twf-sz.com/english/ Esky English]
* [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=656118 RCGroups King v2 Thread]
* [http://rc.andersh.com/html/zoom.html ZOOM Microheli]
* [http://forum.modellflynytt.no/showthread.php?t=16173&page=3 E-sky Honey Bee King 2 førstekjøp]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyZbz42xg0w Esky King 2 Testing Flight]
* [http://www.rc711.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=58&products_id=815&osCsid=59mmvhjai3t4hlnp5rp0ju78h0 ESky adjustment videos]
== T-Rex 450 SE v2 ==
[[Image:Trex-450-500-600.jpg|thumb|T-Rex 450 - 500 - 600]]
'''Only researched'''
The T-Rex 450 series is a micro helicopter, slightly larger than the King 2. All carbon frame and metal head and tail parts. The second revisions improved the central shaft, bearings, and some minor details. The 450 series has evolved and improved based on the parent model.
=== References ===
* [http://www.electric-rc-helicopter.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=433 Different T-Rex models]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Rex_(RC_helicopter) T-Rex Wikipedia]
* [http://www.trextuning.com/index.php Trextuning.com]
* [http://www.rchelisite.com/lipo_battery_charging_and_safety_guide.php LiPo battery charging and safety guide]
* [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=762476 Mercury Adhesives Caddy and Adhesives Set Review]
== T-Rex 250 ==
[[Image:Trex-600-500-450-250.jpg|thumb|T-Rex 600 - 500 - 450 - 250]]
This is a new 200 series micro-helicopter from Align, announced in late 2008. Engineered to the quality expected for a T-Rex. There were a few initial problems with the tail but it was quickly handled and fix with a new metal replacement.
The build requires extra attention to details and precision when setting up the links, angles, aligning, and leveling due to the small scale of the helicopter.
=== My Kit ===
* T-Rex 250 Super Combo
** Updated tail grip, 1 bearing (instead of 2)
** CF frame 1.2 mm (instead of 1.0 mm
** Hex screws 0.9 mm (still old, newer models have 1.3 mm)
* Spektrum DX7 heli transmitter, incl. 9.6V 1500 mAh NiMH battery
* Spektrum AR6100e 6 channel micro-receiver
* Outrage 860 mAh and Thunder Power 910 mAh batteries
=== Setup ===
* [[T-Rex 250 Setup]]
=== Upgrades ===
{| class="wikitable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"
|-
!'''Item'''
!'''Stock'''
!'''Upgrade / Replacement''' [http://www.espritmodel.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8999]
|-
|valign="top"|Swash Servos
|valign="top"|Align DS410
|
Hitec HS-65MG [http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=119485]<br />
JR DS287MG<br />
JR DS285 (helihobby sugg)<br />
Hitec HS-5065
|-
|valign="top"|Tail Servo
|valign="top"|Align DS420
|
JR DS290G / DS380G in uk<br />
JR DS3500G [http://www.bertrc.com/archives/103]<br />
Hitec HSG-5083MG (+HG-5000)<br />
Futaba S3154 (burnout)<br />
Futaba S9650 (big) [http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=135191]<br />
Futaba S9257 (also big) [http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=135191]
|-
|Receiver
|None
|Spektrum AR6100/AR6100E
|-
|Battery
|None
|Thunder Power 910 mAh 3S / Outrage 860 mAh 3S
|-
|Motor
|Align RCM-BL250 3400KV 9-pole
|Scorpion HK-2208-3600
|-
|valign="top"|ESC
|valign="top"|Align RCE-BL15X 15A JST
|valign="top"|
YGE 1+ProgCard [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=31]<br />
Castle Creations 25A ESC
|-
|valign="top"|Gyro
|valign="top"|Align GP750
|
Spartan DS760 [http://www.bertrc.com/archives/103]<br />
Hitec HG-5000 (Rebranded 2100T)<br />
Futaba GY520<br />
Futaba GY401<br />
Logitech 2100T [http://runryder.com/helicopter/t475817p2/]
|-
|valign="top"|Pinion
|valign="top"|15T
|
Venom 16T (3D)
Align 16T
|-
|Receiver Power
|ESC BEC
|Stock
|-
|valign="top"|Other upgrades
|valign="top"|-
|
KDE Bottom Bracket<br />
New Style Main Gear<br />
Align Metal Main Bearing Blocks<br />
Micro Heli Anti-Rotation Bracket<br />
Gaui Bearings on Upper & Lower Mixer Arms<br />
TrueBlood Feather Shaft Dampners<br />
Special Washers (Bling)<br />
Align 205D CF Main Blades<br />
<br />
Carbon Fiber Tail Boom [http://www.infinity-hobby.com/main/index.php?cPath=32_173]<br />
Align Metal Tail Servo Mount<br />
Carbon Fiber Tail Link Rod<br />
Western Robotics 5.1V Step Down<br />
Metal Tail Rotor Shaft Assembly<br />
Metal Tail Drive Gear Assembly<br />
New Tail Hub<br />
New Metal Tail Control Arm<br />
New Style Tail Grips w/ Weights<br />
KBDD Tail Blades 4 mm<br />
<br />
Yellow Lightening Bolt Canopy<br />
|}
List of third-party spare part and upgrade part manufacturers:
* [http://www.xtreme-production.com/xtreme/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=25&keyword=&manufacturer_id=0&Itemid=31&orderby=product_sku&limit=50&limitstart=0 Xtreme Production] - Shop: [http://www.miracle-mart.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=80_202_208&sort=20a&page=5 Miracle Mart] - Making metal replacements of tail control link, main shaft blocks, tail boom mount, tail servo mount, battery mount, and swash guide
* [http://www.infinity-hobby.com/main/index.php?cPath=32_173 Infinity Hobby] [http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=102576&highlight=canopy&page=28] - Making custom carbon fiber boom and skids, and lots more
* [http://www.microheli.com/index.php?cPath=237&osCsid=tnpqqfqpeao Microheli] - Shop: [http://flying-hobby.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=3_240_244 Flying Hobby HK] - Metal anti-rotation guide, and various aftermarket parts
* [http://www.flyingsport.com/trex250parts.htm Flying Sport] - Shop: [http://www.helidirect.com/align-trex-250-c-1_30_295_698.hdx Helidirect page] - Carbon fiber tail rod
=== Things to note ===
* ESC comes with JST plug for the battery, maybe change to a higher rated 50A Deans connector for less heat, larger connector surface
* Add a piece of zip tie between the tailboom pushrod to secure
* Threadlock to all metal-to-metal screws, only a slight drop on the tip of the screw
* Use purple threadlock on most high-service areas and blue threadlock on other essential areas (head, engine, tail) or all, green threadlock on outer rim of bearings, red permanent threadlock on really essential areas (not really needed on T-Rex)
* Use CA super glue for all metal-to-plastic screws
* Add silicone shock oil to the belt to ease and smoothen the movement, eliminates build-up of static electricity
* Silicon spray for the belt, TriFlow oil for shafts/bushings, White lithium grease for servos, General grease for bearings [http://www.slyster.com/heli/b400bible.html]
* Only use petroleum oil on metal-to-metal parts, most plastic types will weaken when exposed
* When threading the ball links, plier on the link and turn the plastic link
* If servo head is not aligning horizontal as expected, turn it 180 degrees
* Mount battery with connector cables sticking out towards the rotor shaft
* Leave enought space between pinion and main gear that a piece of paper could pass through
* Don't use trim on the trail rotor pitch, confuses the gyro
* Make sure no servo linkage is binding to avoid servo tear/heat-up [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=11#post10968352]
* Avoid binding by moving link rod a hole further in, less travel range
* The balance wire on some batteries can break, put the balance wire along-side the battery with a piece of tape [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=12#post10973363]
* Fly a few times to break in the heli, especially the links, less twitchy
* Keep the ESC away from the gyro and possibly also the transmitter to minimize interference, 3-5 cm [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=13#post10978485]
* Also keep the servo and gyro signal wires away from the ESC and engine power wires [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=14#post11007353]
* Use the outter-most hole on the longest servo arm for the swash-servos, links rods perpendicular to the horn [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=13#post10979473]
* Although ESC is pre-programmed, do the setup to make sure the throttle range matches transmitter and any problems during manufacturing [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=13#post10979505]
* A good battery pack has the ability to hold voltage under load, some battery pack will drop voltage, resulting in bogging of head speed [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=27#post11288811]
* Be careful when removing the battery from the velco to avoid cracking the battery mount [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=29#post11603795]
* Most usual crash repair parts to get: main shafts, feathering spindles, blades, skids, flybar, tail belt, and ball links [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=31] [http://www.align.com.tw/shop/index.php?cPath=22_72_97] (left side, down)
* Broken engine can cause ESC to die, check all 3 engine wires using ohm-meter, great variety between each wire indicates defect engine [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=31#post11657790]
* Always put on the ball links with the same orientation, the side with the text pointing outwards
* When adjusting link length, only do full turns, no half turns, the link head has different sides and construction
* Use 3S (series) batteries, 2S batteries doesn't have enough punch for proper headspeed
* Try 0-100-100-100 throttle in normal mode when regular hovering is problematic
* Solder Deans female connector on battery, male on speed controller
* During gyro initialization, keep the heli still and no transmitter stick input
=== References ===
==== Builds and reviews ====
* [http://www.elefun.no/elefun4/aspx/artikkel.aspx?ArtID=72 Elefun T-Rex 250 review]
* [http://beta.ivancover.com/rc_helicopter/align-trex-250-supercombo-feb2009-manual.pdf T-Rex 250 Super Combo Feb 2009 manual] - pdf
* [http://beta.ivancover.com/rc_helicopter/align-trex-250-combo-nov2008-manual.pdf T-Rex 250 Combo Feb 2008 manual] - pdf
* [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539 T-Rex 250 build thread] - [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=14#post11001202 Steph280 setup]
* [http://www.trexcrazy.com/trex_250_super_combo_review.html T-Rex 250 Super Combo Review]
* [http://www.heliguy.com/Forum/changed-to-trex-250-build-pics-t32116.html Changed to - Trex 250 build pics]
* [http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=103562 arky's T-Rex 250]
* [http://www.rchelimag.com/pages/reviews.php?review=32 RC Heli magazine review march 2009]
* [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=964453 jasmine T-Rex 250 build videos]
* [http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=28681 Jermo's DX7 Setup Video]
* [http://runryder.com/helicopter/t508363p1/ T-Rex 250 Build Tips]
* [http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=109075 Bob Finless White T-Rex 250 build videos] - excellent
==== Other ====
* [http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7988934/tm.htm 7C vs DX7]
* [http://www.align.com.tw/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22_25&products_id=2542 Official Align 250 product page]
* [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=948174 Mini-HowTo - Align GP-750 Heading Lock Gyro]
* [http://www.thetrexforums.com/index.php?topic=5241.0 The T-Rex 250 new products thread]
* [http://www.rcheliresource.com/t-rex-250-tail-oscillations-solved/ Align T-Rex 250 Tail Oscillations: Solved]
* [http://www.heliguy.com/Forum/how-to-use-a-pitch-gauge-t2312.html How to use a pitch gauge]
* [http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947539&page=28#post11424281 Helicopter Transmitter Setup - Spektrum DX7] - video
* [http://modellhelikopter.no/nybegynner/nybegynner.asp?page=12 Innstilling av Throttle og Pitch-kurven]
* [http://www.quickheli.com/CCPMSetup.htm CCPM Helicopter Setup]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TLD8CqsN0M Head Lock vs Rate Gyro Mode] - video
* [http://www.rcheliwiki.com/Finless_videos Bob White video review and guides] - [http://www.helifreak.com/showpost.php?p=373271&postcount=1 HeliFreak Summary post] - excellent resource
* [http://www.rchelimag.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6343 Spektrum DX7 - Step-by-Step Bearing Mod] - [http://www.readyheli.com/Ready_Heli_4x7x2_DX7_Bearing_Upgrade_p/bb4x7x2.htm Bearings]
* [http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=102576 HeliFreak T-Rex 250 pics and Videos]
* [http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=111907 Which stock blades on Trex 250]


== Spare Parts Suppliers ==
== Spare Parts Suppliers ==
* [http://www.buzzflyer.co.uk/ buzzflyer.co.uk]
* [http://www.flying-hobby.com/ flying-hobby.com] - HK, clean site
* [http://www.rc-fever.com/ rc-fever.com]
* [http://www.helipross.com/ helipross.com] - Clean site
* [http://www.elefun.no/ elefun.no]
* [http://www.rc-uwants.com/ rc-uwants.com] - HK, clean site
* [http://www.nakshop.no/ nakshop.no]
* [http://www.readyheli.com/ readyheli.com] - Clean site
* [http://www.mft.nu/ mft.nu]
* [http://www.heliguy.com/ heliguy.com] - UK, user-friendly site
* [http://www.fast-lad.co.uk/ fast-lad.co.uk] - UK, good design
* [http://www.helidirect.com/ helidirect.com] - Huge inventory
* [http://www.elefun.no/ elefun.no] - Norwegian, local, fast shipping
* [http://www.espritmodel.com/ espritmodel.com] - Clean site
* [http://www.helikraft.com/ helikraft.com]
* [http://www.rcpowersupply.com/ rcpowersupply.com] - HK
* [http://www.horizonhobby.com/ horizonhobby.com] - No intl. shipping
* [http://www.miracle-mart.com/store/ miracle-mart.com] - HK
* [http://www.hobby-wing.com/ hobby-wing.com] - HK
* [http://www.boomtownhobbies.com/ boomtownhobbies.com]
* [http://www.buzzflyer.co.uk/ buzzflyer.co.uk] - UK
* [http://www.rc-fever.com/ rc-fever.com] - HK
* [http://www.nakshop.no/ nakshop.no] - Norwegian
* [http://www.mft.nu/ mft.nu] - Swedish
* [http://www.hobbycity.com/ hobbycity.com] - HK, batteries
* [http://www.rcpowersupply.com/ rcpowersupply.com] - HK
* [http://www.rcaccessory.com/ rcaccessory.com] - Chargers
* [http://www.modefosheli.com/ modefosheli.com]


== Community sites ==
== Useful resources ==
* [http://www.rcgroups.com RC Groups]
* [http://www.rcheliresource.com RC Heli Resource] - daily news
* [http://www.rcuniverse.com RC Universe]
* [http://www.bertrc.com/ Bert Kammerer] - great guy
* [http://www.runryder.com Ryn Ryder]
* [http://heli.brixtonjunkies.com/ RC Heli Log] - UK news blog
* [http://www.thetrexforums.com/ The T-Rex Forums]
* [http://www.helifreak.com/ Heli Freak]
 
== Useful sites ==
* [http://www.rcheliwiki.com/Main_Page RC Heli Wiki]
* [http://www.rcheliwiki.com/Main_Page RC Heli Wiki]
* [http://scriptasylum.com/rc_speed/_lipo.html LiPo Wiring]
* [http://scriptasylum.com/rc_speed/_lipo.html LiPo Wiring]
* [http://www.trextuning.com/ Trex Tuning]
* [http://www.trextuning.com/ Trex Tuning]
* [http://www.rcheliresource.com RC Heli Resource]
 
* [http://www.bertrc.com/ Bert Kammerer] - great guy
== Community sites ==
* [http://www.rcgroups.com RC Groups] - [http://www.rcgroups.com/mini-helis-374/ Mini Helis]
* [http://www.rcuniverse.com RC Universe] - [http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_435/tt.htm T-Rex heli]
* [http://www.runryder.com Ryn Ryder] - [http://www.runryder.com/helicopter/f94p2/ T-Rex 250-450-500-600]
* [http://www.rcheliplanet.com/ RC Heli Planet] - was T-Rex Forums - [http://www.rcheliplanet.com/index.php?board=142.0 T-Rex 250]
* [http://www.helifreak.com/ Heli Freak] - [http://www.helifreak.com/forumdisplay.php?f=131 T-Rex 250 Electric Helicopters]

Latest revision as of 23:04, 2 March 2014

Electronic RC helicopters are simpler and easier to maintain than their nitro counterpart. Less parts also means makes it possible to make smaller scale models. Battery longevity has never been better with the latest Lithium Polymer (LiPo) technology.

Helicopters

Radios

  • Futaba 6EX 2.4GHz - Review
  • Futaba 7C 2.4GHz - Review
  • Spectrum DX7 - Timer, subtrims, and deidcated idle curve switch [1]

Chargers

  • Bantam BC-6 Multi-Chemisty Battery - Recmd Review Vs EOS0606i
  • Hyperion EOS0606i AC/DC 6S 6A 220V/12V
  • Align RCC-6CX
  • Hyperion EOS 0403i DC 4S 3A

Be aware of clones manufactured by iMax and Turnigy.

Spare Parts Suppliers

Useful resources

Community sites