Clueless Wife Needs Help - Page 4

rwp · Nov 05, 2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SidewaysLS4

Looks like flying hobby has the sport super combo on sale today...$359

TX/RX $180

Charger: $55

Batteries: $14/ea

A top notch setup with no fuss, no muss (definately figure out how to hover a collective pitch machine on a sim before attempting actual flight). It'll cost about $700 with shipping/a good number of batteries, but a good way to start out without having to worry about equipment issues (or knowing what to look out for before they become issues) Seems like a smoother way to ease into the hobby, and is one heck of a nice gift

This would be the way to go.

tigermoth · Nov 05, 2009, 07:40 AM

RTF is the only way to go for a complete newby. Cheap and easy to fix. Esky Belt CP.

arbilab · Nov 05, 2009, 01:27 PM

Mak: We've got about the same thing, EXI frame and everything else is Align. Why I said 'go Trex', cuz a beginner (or his wife) can't possibly tell which clones are good, which are bad and in what ways.

Ewood: It's a gift, and he didn't ask for a practical trainer, he wants a "good outdoor flyer" and that's NOT MSR or HBFP unless you live in a zero-wind--as in, won't make a match flicker--location. Used? I never used the word 'used'. How is the wife of a beginner supposed to assess value of used? I risked $350 on mine, fortunately the seller was ethical and it was exactly as described. What if it wasn't? What kind of gift would that be?

The recipient is an engineering-type too. If he wants to skip inexpensive, semi-manageable trainers, that's what he wants. Not what I did/would do, but not for me to argue with what a person wants. Clone? Possible junk as gift? That ends up costing more than known-good would have? I'll match you beer for beer, but the same beer doesn't hit everyone in the same braincenters.

Tiger: I'd be most inclined to go along with BeltCP as competent compromise. IF the recipient spent the time and research to make it and himself flightworthy. The kit gives that cooldown period. RTF leads one out into the yard, to almost certain destruction. But I'm generalizing. He may already know it takes time, study, and deliberate progression.

Kevinl7778 · Nov 05, 2009, 01:52 PM

Get a blade 400 on ebay, best is one that has HS65MG servos in it all ready. thats what i did and that was over a year ago, click on my profile name to see some shots of the heli.

helivsFMX · Nov 05, 2009, 03:32 PM

Well, here is my 2 cents...

I have had so far a lama v3, a dragonfly that flew once, a blade CP, and now I have an HK450 (Trex clone). Here is what I would tell you. The blade and dragonfly both suck and always will suck. They are too light to fly outside and too fast to fly inside. They are twitchy and EXTREMELY hard to control. You give a beginner a trex450 vs a blade CP and its the difference between being able to hover and crash. I dont know why people think the 300 class helicopters are suitable for beginners because they just flat out arent.

Having said that, the basic rule of thumb is the bigger the easier to fly and the more potential it has. So for this reason, if he is going to fly outside, I would say the 450 class is a minimum. a 500 or 600 would be even better! They are very expensive in comparison to the 450 though, so stick with the 450.

Now I would say this is the all time most important thing! Go to your closest hobby store and ask what they stock spare parts for! Let me tell you why. The HK450 which is the Trex clone I have. When I break it, I can buy the parts on my way home from work and fly later that night. Once, I broke a mixing arm that they didn't have in stock (ran out) so I had to order online. I didn't fly for about 2 weeks waiting for the part to come from china. If you buy an esky helicopter, chances are you will have to ship everything because I NEVER see local hobby stores carry them. EFlight products are carried much more often. That would be my next recommendation is a Blade 400, but the copterx, in my opinion, is cooler. So go to your local hobby store and see what they carry. I think the Trex is a better bet here because I am sure your local hobby store will stock everything for it.

As for electronics, I would buy them all from hobbycity.com you wont find a cheaper place than that! Shipping SUCKS! It is outrageous! But for how much you save, its worth it. If you need help picking some out, I can recommend what I have and my helicopter flies very nicely.

Please, if anything, go to your local hobby store! Shipping parts sucks! Worst part of the hobby is when you have to order something to even fly. Trust me!

Lastly, my overall recommendation is to buy an HK450 because it is an EXACT clone of the Trex, so local stores have everything you need to repair it. Its now $30 for a complete helicopter. Buy 2 or 3 of them for spare parts! It flys great as it is but can be upgraded with copterx parts. Then buy some decent electronics and i guarantee it will fly well and will keep him more than happy.

Sorry for my long post... more like my 2 dollars than 2 cents huh...

ewoodcox · Nov 05, 2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helivsFMX

Well, here is my 2 cents...

...
Lastly, my overall recommendation is to buy an HK450 because it is an EXACT clone of the Trex, so local stores have everything you need to repair it. Its now $30 for a complete helicopter. Buy 2 or 3 of them for spare parts! It flys great as it is but can be upgraded with copterx parts. Then buy some decent electronics and i guarantee it will fly well and will keep him more than happy.

Sorry for my long post... more like my 2 dollars than 2 cents huh...

Good stuff and good advice, ordering stuff is a PITtail

Not a big problem for a second heli but the primary heli should have local support.

The HK450 is a clone of the TREX450 V1, the CopterX is a TREX450V2 clone. Should be support at the LHS, just a upgraded head.

Here is my config:
HK-450 CCPM 3D Electric Helicopter Kit $29.99
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=8467

Tail and Cyclic Servos
I used 4 Esky digital servos EK2-0508 (ebay deal) $16.40

TowerPro H40A Brushless Speed Controller $9.59
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=9299

Assan GA-410 Gyro $33
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...ail_Lock_Gyro_

Turnigy 2830 Brushless Motor 3500kv +13T Align pinion $12.25 + $5
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=8616

Lipo Monitor (bought from friend) $8

Receiver:
AR7000 RX

TOTAL COST NOT COUNTING RX $109.13
S&H ~$27
$136.13

I got my DX7 with AR7000 RX for $150, my total cost $286.13, a VERY reasonable price for a awsome flier

As a starter, one of those RTF 450 clones I posted previously is a very nice starter package, most of those use Align head and tail parts.

bionicbone · Nov 05, 2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jblackmore

As a husband - I would want something I could fly straight away - or if it was a kit I could build it and fly it straight away ;-)

All the people saying get better heli's have already decided they are sticking with it, so spending $$$$$ is worth it.

Honestly for a first heli, I would look at something like a Blade MSR - its cheap, ready to go out of the box, and can fly indoors, and is great for learning - any guy would love this !!!

If you really want outdoor, then a Belt CP or Blade400 which comes complete and RTF (Ready to fly) would be best - if he likes engineering, he will enjoy fixing it - and spares are available for all these.

Maybe next Christmas you could get him the copter-X ;-)

YaY, sense at last.

I was wondering how many posts it would take, come on guys. Imagine waking up to find you have a heli you can build. TOPS!! big smile, just to find that you cant start tuning it yet cos you've not got all the bits (i.e. Transmitter and Receiver). As a man that likes building things I loved my BeltCP, everything in one box and ready to crash, harsh, but true. I used it for nearly 1 year before I decided to upgrade, crash loads of times but always cheap to repair (i.e. no off putting huge sums off money thus you’re back flying quicker). OK, now I have to agree, I now have both a CopterX and the Trex 450 Sport Combo. Both loads better than the BeltCP, but hey, the BeltCP got me into this hobby, cheap as chips and I'm here to stay. Did I waste my money? No, I enjoyed every moment while I learn to enjoy the fixing as well as the flying.

Buy the BeltCP, support the crashes, and have a happy life together. Hey, who knows... Maybe a flying couple in the making?
PS. If there is any spare cash in your budget why not buy a few spares ready for the first crash? i.e. Main shaft, blades, feathering shaft, main gear (use the blade 400 one though), flybar, extra smiles for them

Kev

lincsmama · Nov 05, 2009, 05:24 PM

Haha, I've never touched the two indoor fliers my husband has. I think after all of the great advice I've gotten, I feel like I may go with the Belt CP. It seems to be the one most of you guys mentioned the most. But I think I'm going to save all your comments so he can read them before he opens the box, just in case he wants to return it or whatever and go for something better. I know getting the trex or copterx would be something that would keep him busy for a looooong time!

But am I right in thinking that the majority of you guys would get the Belt CP as opposed to some of the other rtf models that were mentioned?

lincsmama · Nov 05, 2009, 05:26 PM

One more question, does he still need a simulator for a belt cp or similar?

bionicbone · Nov 05, 2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lincsmama

Haha, I've never touched the two indoor fliers my husband has. I think after all of the great advice I've gotten, I feel like I may go with the Belt CP. It seems to be the one most of you guys mentioned the most. But I think I'm going to save all your comments so he can read them before he opens the box, just in case he wants to return it or whatever and go for something better. I know getting the trex or copterx would be something that would keep him busy for a looooong time!

But am I right in thinking that the majority of you guys would get the Belt CP as opposed to some of the other rtf models that were mentioned?

If he always keeps in the back of his mind that one day he'll move on to something better he'll not waste money on upgrades that can't move on with him.
For example, he could invest later in a DX6i and AR6100e (new transmitter and receiver), this would move to his next heli. New servo's, electric devices that move the components, again choose wizely and they move on too. Think your getting this point.

He'll be well pleased, he'll get to tip his toe in this fantastic hobby. And what a way with his GF behind him.

Kev

bionicbone · Nov 05, 2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lincsmama

One more question, does he still need a simulator for a belt cp or similar?

If there's money in the budget yeah. Not as good as flying the real thing but the repairs are cheaper LOL. And can use on the bad weather days too. I learned without, but it was at the expense of my wallet.

Kev

razerunner · Nov 05, 2009, 05:36 PM

if u get him this you wouldn't really need a simulate http://www.helidirect.com/eflite-bla...ly-p-10101.hdx easy to learn on easy to fly in and out parts are cheap too then move up to a belt cp or a trex 450

jasmine2501 · Nov 05, 2009, 06:16 PM

Jeebus... 4 pages in one day and she didn't even post a sexy picture?! You guys are so predictable

Quote:

Originally Posted by lincsmama

But am I right in thinking that the majority of you guys would get the Belt CP as opposed to some of the other rtf models that were mentioned?

Personally... I would not get a Belt-CP - it's entry-level bargain basement stuff. It is the last resort when you have a really small budget - but it is ok if you want to save money. My first car was a $300 1977 Toyota Corolla with major body damage, and I managed to learn to drive pretty ok

Why has nobody suggested the Blade 400? I assume this mystery husband doesn't have a helicopter radio, so the Blade 400 would be a good option. It doesn't require any building though, and I get the idea that he likes building - although, a helicopter of any kind is not my recommendation for a first build. The Blade 400 comes with radio, battery, charger, and the radio is good for future helicopters or airplanes. So there's nothing extra to buy right away... but there is plenty of upgrades you can put to make the Blade 400 a little better, so if he likes to tinker, there is stuff you can do ($30 here and there) to make an improvement. It flies pretty good right out of the box though, and the recent ones I've seen appear to have better quality servos which don't have the issues of the previous version.

If you are still interested in the CopterX, please post which one you are looking at (450, Black Angel, whatever) and I can give you a parts list with links.

tonyastro · Nov 05, 2009, 06:42 PM

How bout a gift certificate to a hobby shop so he can read this thread and choose for himself?

tonyastro · Nov 05, 2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razerunner

if u get him this you wouldn't really need a simulate http://www.helidirect.com/eflite-bla...ly-p-10101.hdx easy to learn on easy to fly in and out parts are cheap too then move up to a belt cp or a trex 450

he already has a couple of indoor flyers. he's ready for a CP

Nov 05, 2009, 01:27 PM	#48
arbilab Unemployed Engineer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 3,329	Mak: We've got about the same thing, EXI frame and everything else is Align. Why I said 'go Trex', cuz a beginner (or his wife) can't possibly tell which clones are good, which are bad and in what ways. Ewood: It's a gift, and he didn't ask for a practical trainer, he wants a "good outdoor flyer" and that's NOT MSR or HBFP unless you live in a zero-wind--as in, won't make a match flicker--location. Used? I never used the word 'used'. How is the wife of a beginner supposed to assess value of used? I risked $350 on mine, fortunately the seller was ethical and it was exactly as described. What if it wasn't? What kind of gift would that be? The recipient is an engineering-type too. If he wants to skip inexpensive, semi-manageable trainers, that's what he wants. Not what I did/would do, but not for me to argue with what a person wants. Clone? Possible junk as gift? That ends up costing more than known-good would have? I'll match you beer for beer, but the same beer doesn't hit everyone in the same braincenters. Tiger: I'd be most inclined to go along with BeltCP as competent compromise. IF the recipient spent the time and research to make it and himself flightworthy. The kit gives that cooldown period. RTF leads one out into the yard, to almost certain destruction. But I'm generalizing. He may already know it takes time, study, and deliberate progression. Last edited by arbilab; Nov 05, 2009 at 01:48 PM.

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Nov 05, 2009, 07:40 AM	#47
tigermoth Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 93	RTF is the only way to go for a complete newby. Cheap and easy to fix. Esky Belt CP.

Nov 05, 2009, 01:52 PM	#49
Kevinl7778 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: north brunswick Posts: 189	Get a blade 400 on ebay, best is one that has HS65MG servos in it all ready. thats what i did and that was over a year ago, click on my profile name to see some shots of the heli.

Nov 05, 2009, 03:32 PM	#50
helivsFMX Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Arizona USA Posts: 241	Well, here is my 2 cents... I have had so far a lama v3, a dragonfly that flew once, a blade CP, and now I have an HK450 (Trex clone). Here is what I would tell you. The blade and dragonfly both suck and always will suck. They are too light to fly outside and too fast to fly inside. They are twitchy and EXTREMELY hard to control. You give a beginner a trex450 vs a blade CP and its the difference between being able to hover and crash. I dont know why people think the 300 class helicopters are suitable for beginners because they just flat out arent. Having said that, the basic rule of thumb is the bigger the easier to fly and the more potential it has. So for this reason, if he is going to fly outside, I would say the 450 class is a minimum. a 500 or 600 would be even better! They are very expensive in comparison to the 450 though, so stick with the 450. Now I would say this is the all time most important thing! Go to your closest hobby store and ask what they stock spare parts for! Let me tell you why. The HK450 which is the Trex clone I have. When I break it, I can buy the parts on my way home from work and fly later that night. Once, I broke a mixing arm that they didn't have in stock (ran out) so I had to order online. I didn't fly for about 2 weeks waiting for the part to come from china. If you buy an esky helicopter, chances are you will have to ship everything because I NEVER see local hobby stores carry them. EFlight products are carried much more often. That would be my next recommendation is a Blade 400, but the copterx, in my opinion, is cooler. So go to your local hobby store and see what they carry. I think the Trex is a better bet here because I am sure your local hobby store will stock everything for it. As for electronics, I would buy them all from hobbycity.com you wont find a cheaper place than that! Shipping SUCKS! It is outrageous! But for how much you save, its worth it. If you need help picking some out, I can recommend what I have and my helicopter flies very nicely. Please, if anything, go to your local hobby store! Shipping parts sucks! Worst part of the hobby is when you have to order something to even fly. Trust me! Lastly, my overall recommendation is to buy an HK450 because it is an EXACT clone of the Trex, so local stores have everything you need to repair it. Its now $30 for a complete helicopter. Buy 2 or 3 of them for spare parts! It flys great as it is but can be upgraded with copterx parts. Then buy some decent electronics and i guarantee it will fly well and will keep him more than happy. Sorry for my long post... more like my 2 dollars than 2 cents huh...

Nov 05, 2009, 05:24 PM	#53
lincsmama Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 16	Haha, I've never touched the two indoor fliers my husband has. I think after all of the great advice I've gotten, I feel like I may go with the Belt CP. It seems to be the one most of you guys mentioned the most. But I think I'm going to save all your comments so he can read them before he opens the box, just in case he wants to return it or whatever and go for something better. I know getting the trex or copterx would be something that would keep him busy for a looooong time! But am I right in thinking that the majority of you guys would get the Belt CP as opposed to some of the other rtf models that were mentioned?

Nov 05, 2009, 05:26 PM	#54
lincsmama Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 16	One more question, does he still need a simulator for a belt cp or similar?

Nov 05, 2009, 05:36 PM	#57
razerunner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 298	if u get him this you wouldn't really need a simulate http://www.helidirect.com/eflite-bla...ly-p-10101.hdx easy to learn on easy to fly in and out parts are cheap too then move up to a belt cp or a trex 450

Nov 05, 2009, 06:42 PM	#59
tonyastro 3D VFX Artist Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,087	How bout a gift certificate to a hobby shop so he can read this thread and choose for himself?