Simulator/ Transmitter To begin with

[dbk]

I am interested in getting started in this hobby and doing it right. Am I too old to learn 3D ....age 52?

First I thought of getting the Phoenix Sim and a controller such as the DX7, since my ultimate goal is 3D and TRex450 series.

Can the DX7 be purchased without the servos. It seems there are better servos that I should buy for the TRex and it would be a shame to throw away the servos that come with the Dx7, especially since I will not need them until I have used the Sim for a few months.


What about the DVD series out there....seems to be mixed reviews?

I live in Westchester NY. Are there any clubs to get help in the field or local Hooby shops or do I have to do everything on line?

Thanks for the advice

Dan

[Benzee1]

You can get the DX7 on ebay for $150. A lot of people are using Hitec HS65 servos. Good servo for a good price. There are better, but the better ones cost more. Keep your prices low until you learn to not crash so much. Crashing = $$$.

You're NEVER too old!!!!!!!!! (to learn 3D or anything else for that matter) I'm 40, getting ready to learn 3D moves. Can do them on the sim very well, afraid to try it for real! My dad is 64, he's wants to move from his CX2 into a trex like me. After seeing cool 3D flying on youtube.com, he wants to do some moves too. LOL

Phoenix is a great sim, BUT if you would like to save a bunch of money, check out: http://www.marksfiles.net/HeliSim/index.htm
Graphics may not be the fanciest, but it's the most realistic sim. Kicks Clearview's butt. (good sim, gorgeous graphics.

[hawkman]

Well done for choosing the Trex 450...darn good heli for the money and they fly well in a breeze too.

Servos? I would opt for the metal geared ones...not sure of the model number but most makes seem to produce the metal geared ones...why? if you crash...which will happen then you are less likely to stuff a servo..a stuffed servo can still work but at certain revs and vibes it can fail.

Buy decent flight batterys and a charger...I used 3 batterys which gave me around 24 mins in total...enough for a fix a decent charger will charge up a pack in an hour or so...the 'deal' ones are a lot slower.

find www.trextuning.com a very good site.

DVD's? I reckon the guy that runs this site has some good advice...so you cant go wrong in buying His DVD's He covers the subjects well enough.

Rob

[Benzee1]

For servos, the Hitec HS65MG are the ones quite a lot of people are using right now. Hard to find a better servo ($35) without spending quite a lot more.

[hawkman]

There you go, its worth that extra bit of cash.

I really like the Trex, I got myself the XL HDE version, I like the fact that you can upgrade whatever you want on this type of heli. The stock one flys good, I can only imagine that the SE version flys like a precision tool.

I kept crashing mine due to using FM on PPM...really pissed me off...I like how the rex flys..its a lot of bang for buck. I have rebuilt most of mine now but will only fly it once fitted with a 2.4 ghz radio set...this should banish the problems.

Rob

[Benzee1]

I have the xl cde version. So far, only the head and seesaw are upgraded. Swashplate may be next though. It keeps separating so I used JB Weld on it. I've read that solves that problem.