Question about a particular Heli

[CopterNoob]

Hi folks,

I currently have a Blade CX2 that I am learning the basics on. After I have gotten the hang of it, I was considering upgrading to a TRex 450SE, with a Spektrum DX7.

I was wodering what people's thoughts are regarding this particular setup.

[mrmuffinmanvw]

Originally Posted by CopterNoob

Hi folks,

I currently have a Blade CX2 that I am learning the basics on. After I have gotten the hang of it, I was considering upgrading to a TRex 450SE, with a Spektrum DX7.

I was wodering what people's thoughts are regarding this particular setup.

The Trex DX7 setup is a great setup but maybe to big of a step think about going with a durable inexpensive setup like a honey bee fp to learn the basics with. Flying a coax will help with the basic control movements but will not set you up to control and hover a 4 or 6 channel heli.
The Trex would be a good third heli after learning the basics.

[Aztek1701]

Hi there,

Welcome to the forum

Its a big step but doable. It was the step I took when I moved off my Coaxial B47 (near enough the same as a blade). I dont completely agree with mrmuffinman (sorry dude) that you wont be able to control a 6 channel CP heli because if you can fly the blade well, the controls are the same as a T-rex. The big difference is that the Trex is much more twitch and it wont put itself back in a hover. Setting the machine up is a different matter however, if you get a T-rex I would advise you get somebody to check it, set it up and test fly it. This is a tricky thing for a beginner to do.... You need to be able to fly it to set it up and it needs to be set up to be able to fly it.

I would also suggest that you consider a less expensive trex (like the 450xl) which will cost a lot less to buy and also will cost a lot less to fix if (when) you put the machine in. The trouble with carbon machines is that the frames cost about twice as much as plastic or aluminium and they dont take kindly to being thumped. I would even take an alli framed machine over the SE (frames wont shatter) (like the SA). The spektrum 7 is a good choice if you intend to move on to nitros or big electrics later as well. My other advice would be this... Get a decent sim at the same time as you buy the heli, that way you will get an idea for what the real bird will be like (without it costing you a packet), and I would also seek out a club or help in your area.

Good luck with it .... Azzy

[mrmuffinmanvw]

Originally Posted by Aztek1701

Hi there,

Welcome to the forum

Its a big step but doable. It was the step I took when I moved off my Coaxial B47 (near enough the same as a blade). I dont completely agree with mrmuffinman (sorry dude) that you wont be able to control a 6 channel CP heli because if you can fly the blade well, the controls are the same as a T-rex. The big difference is that the Trex is much more twitch and it wont put itself back in a hover. Setting the machine up is a different matter however, if you get a T-rex I would advise you get somebody to check it, set it up and test fly it. This is a tricky thing for a beginner to do.... You need to be able to fly it to set it up and it needs to be set up to be able to fly it.

I would also suggest that you consider a less expensive trex (like the 450xl) which will cost a lot less to buy and also will cost a lot less to fix if (when) you put the machine in. The trouble with carbon machines is that the frames cost about twice as much as plastic or aluminium and they dont take kindly to being thumped. I would even take an alli framed machine over the SE (frames wont shatter) (like the SA). The spektrum 7 is a good choice if you intend to move on to nitros or big electrics later as well. My other advice would be this... Get a decent sim at the same time as you buy the heli, that way you will get an idea for what the real bird will be like (without it costing you a packet), and I would also seek out a club or help in your area.

Good luck with it .... Azzy

Yes your right he or anyone can take a step to far and it becomes a costly one and most people give up the hobby because of that first big crash. I was only trying to ease the pain with my advise now I remember why I stopped posting on this forum DUDE!!!

[CopterNoob]

Thanks for the feedback.

Here is my plan. Learn the basics with the Blade Cx2. I also just bought a flight sim, Real Flight G3.5. I plan to use the two of these for a few months or however long it takes me to learn more skill. Once i have, I plan to buy the TRex 450, with the DX7. The reason for getting the DX7 is that I plan to move up to Nitros eventually, as well as bigger RCs. I'd like to invest the money up front and learn the radio up front.

As for the setup, I have a local Hobby store that is very resonable, and the guy who owns it knows his stuff and is the one who would check my RC to make sure it is safe. I was considering having him put it together for me, but am thinking it would be wise to put it together since I will be taking it apart several times after a crash.

Should I put it together myself, then have him safety check it?

[hawkman]

Thats a sensible step regarding the DX7...that one radio is going to last a long time...so you might as well make that the most important purchase...I would follow a good radio with a good gyro too...the GY 401 is good...very flexible in how its setup etc.

If you are convinced this hobby is going to be long term then the Trex is a darn good heli.....the SE version is pricey....the XL flys well enough and is a 'swiss watch' compared to the other helis out there whos makers claim can 'rival the Trex'...big statement but its just that 'big'. I have a CX2 typr heli...its good...for indoors and outside in calm conditions...I also have a MiniPred which is better outdoors but the quality is not the same as Aligns Trex...nowhere near the same. Yes the MiniPred is cheap to fix...but upgrades are limited and so its performance.

Get the Trex...yes they are fiddly to fly...at first but you will get used to it quickly...parts are cheap and upgrades? well...how far do you want to go?

I own a Trex 450 XL HDE version...its fantastic...handles very well. I have upgraded the mixing levers...to metal ones...I havent fitted them just yet. Things like blade grips I would rather keep as plastic...if they break in a crash its no big deal...depending on the breakage I superglue them back together..the Fibre blades I use are nothing special but they are tough.

Get the heli...build yourself...and get someone to check it over.

Heres a great site

www.trextuning.com

Rob

PS...learning the basic with the CX is a neat idea...the control inputs are the same...just be careful with rising and falling...you have to anticipate a bit...fixed pitch helis are a bit 'floaty' to fly....the only weak points? the rotor hubs are a bit fragile....if you want I will post you a link to get alloy upgrades...WELL WORTH IT...

[CopterNoob]

Thanks for the Post rob. Makes sense.

Yeah, I have been looking at prices and am not sure which model 450 I go with. From what I understand, if you buy a cheaper one, without all the fancy parts, you can always upgrade later. Is that true?

As for the DX7, I already have the money saved for it. I was considering puchasing it now, and then hooking it up to the Flight Sim.

Yes, I have been finding problems flying the CX2, particularly out side. I don't really have access to an indoor space to fly it, so out doors is my only choice at the moment. Its annoying, cuz I have to wait until it is calm before I'll even consider going outside.

Anyway, thanks for the info.

[hawkman]

Yes you can upgrade later, though personally I think the Trex flys well enough without the fancy bits, though there are one or two upgrades worth considering...the mixing levers around the swashplate area are a weak point...in a crash these can break...so its worth getting the metal version of these.

Bent booms can be made straight...my heli crashed due to interference...landed on its tail and bent the boom...actually the blades struck the boom...I ground a socket down so it would just fit inside the boom...and hammered it through...bit by bit...the boom was as good as new.

The Rex is upgradable as far as you want to go...though personally I would buy a heap of spare parts...you will have a crunch at some stage...better to get ready for it.

The CX2 is good for learning to hover around...forward flight is ok but hovering and 'fine control' its ideal....good things to master.

Rob