Andir

Ok, I don't know if any of you remember me from before, but I've talked myself into a TRex 450 SE Black V2 w/ CF Blades: http://www.techmodelproducts.com/trex.php

I've compiled a list of everything I can think of to go from nothing to being able to build and fly it. The reason I detailed everything is the simple fact that Christmas and my Birthday are coming up in a few months and my family has been screaming at me to figure out what I want (that's affordable.) So, I though... awesome, I'll let them help me get the tools/parts/etc needed to get me going... finally (I've been slacking in the Heli-hobby department lately.)

If you do remember me, I don't have anything to get started except a few cool videos over at Helifreaks: http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=11373 and a lot of time.

Given that I plan on getting these parts/tools for the year end, it will give me this winter to build and I should be up and flying next spring (when I also plan on getting my truck.) [Woohoo!]

So far I have:

1 - T Rex 450 SE Black V2 CF Blades (Kit)
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/trex.php KX015043A $449.99
Incl. 325 Carbon Fiber Rotor Blades
Incl. RCE-BL35X 35A Brushless ESC
Incl. 430XL Brushless motor(3700KV)
Incl. 3S1P 11.1V 2100mAh/22C (LiPo Batttery)

1 - Spektrum DX7 (Heli Version)
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/radio_elect.php $329.99

(Of course, I'm not asking for the above, but anything below this is open for gifting... They'd kill me ) I tried to keep them from the same places if possible so if they ordered it, they could save on shipping, etc.

1 - CellPro 4S 4 Amp LiPo Balancing Battery Charger
http://www.fmadirect.com/detail.htm?...218&section=45 LIPOCH4S04-A123 $74.95
1 - CellPro to Great Planes Adapter
http://www.fmadirect.com/detail.htm?...196&section=45 CP-GP $9.95

1 - Screwdriver set (Phillips #00, #0 Slotted 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3mm)
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/tools.php $25.49
1 - Head Tachometer (GLOBEE IntelliTach)
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/accessories.php $24.99
1 - Ball Link Pliers
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/tools.php $16.49
1 - Align Pitch Gauge
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/trex_acc.php K10180A $12.99
1 - Align Blade Balancer
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/trex_acc.php K10289A $4.89
1 - Thread Lock (HoldTite T43 + HoldTite R48 package)
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/trex_450_parts.php K10291A $3.89
1 - Deans M/F Connectors
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/bat_charge.php $2.99

1 - Soldering Iron(30-35 Watt)/Solder(60/40)
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search 64-2802 $7.99

(Which grand totals me at $964.60 btw, without the Gyro/Servo [and before you ask, I don't have a clue where my soldering iron went to [])

This is where I'm a little fuzzy. I should be able to get a Futaba GY401 and pair it with a Futaba S9650 and it will work with the DX7 on the TRex 450 so I tack that on there as well... or do I even need the S9650 with the three servo DX7 set? Would I be better with another DX7 set? (I looked at the DX6 and several threads and decided I want the 7.. but not sure which package)

1 - Futaba GY401 Heading Hold Gyro
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/radio_elect.php $133.49
1 - Futaba S9650 Mini Digital servo
http://www.techmodelproducts.com/radio_elect.php $59.99

(gt: $1158.05)

Is there anything else blatantly obvious that I'm missing? I think the motor comes with heat shrink wrap and if I really need more, I have a hardware store nearby for some of the smaller stuff. I thought about getting some spare blades and maybe an extra battery as well. I can always get those later though. For right now, I was just looking for what the bare essentials are (and to give them something to shop for...)

USHobbySupply

Solder to compliment your soldering iron. Some flux in the core stuff.

from another thread on this forum, a BFH!! (big friggen hammer)

Andir

Oh yeah, I have solder. Sorry, I didn't mention that. It's the one thing I could find. I swore I put that away with my iron...

BoysToys

Sounds like you have a well thought out plan! I just built the same setup last June and have been loving it since. I did not use the servos that came with the DX7, I sold them on ebay. Instead, I used 3 Hitec HS-65mgs on the swash. I used the MGs because I did not want to replace stripped servo gears after every crash. I have never bought a tach, I just estimate my headspead. Even if you use the 3 servos that come with the DX7 you will still need a tail servo. I am using the 9650 with my 401 and have been very happy with its' performance. You should also plan on getting a new lipo pack right away. I think the Align pack that was included with my V2 lasted about 10 flights before it puffed up even though I balanced it every time I charged it and never used more than 80% of its' capacity. I now have for packs, 3 Flight Power and 1 Thunder Power, and wish that I had about 4 more when I go to the field.

The only other things I would recommend getting are lots of spare parts for after you crash. In 9 weeks, and two crashes, I have needed.

Main Blades
Tail Blades
Main Shafts
Feathering shafts
Landing gear
Head Dampening O rings

Good Luck and have fun!

VinceHerman

There is a super hobby store on the NE side of Columbus that I have been to. Tons of product. I'll try to get the name for you when I talk to Brother #1 next. We stopped there when we went to the JR indoor fest.

Your list looks good. The 9650 servo for the tail is tops, but you can get away with any decent servo until your start doing Fast Backward Flight or other aggressive 3D maneuvers.
I am not familiar with your charger. I do like digital ones that let you know how many mAh are put in, so that you can judge the heath of your batteries.
I do not see a power supply for your charger on your list. You can use an automobile battery, or you can purchase a power supply from Radio Shack. Many people convert an old PC power supply.

Andir

Yup, I figured I'd start with the regular battery for now while I'm getting started and judge it from there. I'm definitely going to get a few more when spring rolls around. And spare parts will be on the plate as well. I'm not planning on any real serious flying until Spring/Summer though, so I figure a few spare parts can wait until then. No sense sitting on them over the winter.

As far as the charger, I've seen alot of good reviews for this one. It's a LiPo only charger and people seem to regard it well. Being a 12VDC input charger is not really a problem for me. Someone made mention of a Hobby Store on the NE side on Hamilton north of Morse Rd. I actually looked into it, but they didn't have the TRex listed on the website, so I didn't look much further. I will probably run up there in the next few weeks just to see what they do carry though.

Thanks for giving the list a overview!

wrxsti02

The list looks good; however I would HIGHLY recommend buying the combo with 325 Pro Wood blades if you are just learning.

Andir

Any particular reason? The price I would guess is one factor, but any other reason?

I tried to search for a thread comparing Carbon and Wood blades, but the forum is sort of a hodgepodge of information in separate little threads. It makes it really hard to find answers.

wrxsti02

Mostly for the fact that when you crash with wood blades, the blades break and usually spare the rest of the head. When you use carbon blades, you may have to replace other things in the head, like shafts and linkage rods. This is because carbon blades are harder to break than the wood blades. Also like you said the cost of crashing wood blades vs. the cost of crashing carbon blades is a big factor. Lastly, carbons are stiffer and will be more efficient for flying, but wood blades will be fine for a beginner.
-wrxsti02

Sargento

I agree with the wood blades; you can check out the 450 se V2 combo at grandrc.com for $399 and free shipping, just go to the customer special section. I think you may need to create an account. It looks like a great list you have going.

I would suggest getting a few spare parts like extra spindles, main shaft main gear and extra set of blades. I know I broke at least 4 sets of blades and stripped one main gear before advancing to forward flight.

@$399 you can get 2 extra set of blades, spindle and shaft and be under $449, just a suggestion.

Sargento

I just read your list again and would suggest a ball link sizing tool, and maybe a cheaper set of ball link pliers (http://grandrc.com/inc/sdetail/21928) also at grand rc they have the 401 for $125 take a look you may save even more.

btwy I have no affiliation to grandrc they just have very good prices and the shipping is supper fast no more than 3 days.

Andir

I signed up but can't get into the "member" section yet. Will check it out though. Does the $399 kit have the ESC, Motor, Battery, and Blades?

Sargento

yes it does.

Sargento

It looks like the price whent up to $429, I still have one at $399 in my shopping cart. You may want to call them and see if they will honor a price of $399. It will not hurt to try. Good luck.