Akent - If you have a second

[Solitaire]

Do you have a start date on your $130 450 heli build?
I've put together one on paper ($144) and was interested in comparing notes.

[akent]

Hi Solitaire:
No, I haven't started that build yet.

It will probably be a while before I can, as I want to build up this Exi T-450 CF first with all the best stuff.

I wanted to do that, so I can compare the way all of these are.

So, for the build, I will already have an Exi Squadron, CNC upgraded with all of the Xheli stuff, then an Exi T-450 CF with Align XL motor/ESC, Futaba 401 gyro, HS-5065MG cyclic servos, Futaba 9257 tail servo, DX7 radio.
I will use these to compare the el-cheapo to.

I assume you found that $35 HK-450 at Hobby City? Sadly, they have a backorder number of those of around 350!!! They apparently get them in all the time, as that number changes all the time.

Most everything I've been looking at is from there, too. They have some amazingly cheap prices on lots of stuff!

Here's the list, basically all from Hobby City:
HK-450 heli ARF
Turnigy 2836 brushless motor (3700kv)
Turnigy 30a ESC
Telebee GR302-AD dual mode HH gyro
HXT900 servos for cyclic (incredibly cheap!)
HD-2212HB tail servo (0.09 seconds)

All of this is around $130 or so. I don't know how much shipping will add to this.

There is no battery in this list, though. I bought some Zippy 2200ma 30c batteries from these people for around $2x. Don't remember the price exactly, but they are great batteries! So, really with one of these, it puts the price over $150.

Where have you been looking?
Kent

[Solitaire]

Yep, looks like we're at the same place. I haven't found a chassis any cheaper on the net.

My list is very identical to yours other than a few items, but the differences are minor.

Motor - HDX450 $20 HeliDirect (only because I haven't any feedback on the Turnigy plus the HDX has an included fan)
Tail servo - HD2216HB $19 HobbyCity
Gyro - G401b $23.50 DealExtreme
Steel Pinion - 11T-13T $2.50/Pair HeliDirect

These items, plus the remainder of your list, plus a 3S 1800mAh 20C for $144 (not incl shipping)

Makes for a fairly inexpensive heli

[akent]

Great list.
I have been reading about that G401B gyro, and it seems to have some great reviews!
That sure is a bargain!

I like the parts you have chosen.

Are you going to build one up?
Kent

[Solitaire]

Feb 9, 2009 12:18:59 GMT -6 akent said:

Are you going to build one up?
Kent

Nah, I already have an all plastic 450 heli My Belt CP

I'd like to go bigger. Maybe 550, but I can't justify the expense at this point. Six helis in 6 months...I need to slow down a bit. Maybe later in the summer.

I'll keep an eye out for your 450 build, though

[akent]

I hear you Solitaire!!
I have 6 helis in four months!!

I actually need to wait a little bit to get all the parts for my T-450 build as well.

So, it could be a couple of months before I can build up Mr. El-Cheapo.

I will try to post build threads on both of these when I do them.

I'll probably go ahead and order one of the G401B gyros though, as I can't seem to get the drift out of the Esky 704B that I have for the Squadron. It's not bad, but if that one is better, then it would be nice to know. Since I plan on using a Futaba 401 also, it would be interesting to see how they compare side by side.

Take care,
Kent