need more 400 users on here

[overclocker]

hi im overclocker and im a heli addict. im on 2 other sites all the time. too much. i usualy start reading in parts of the forum that i have no interest in just for new info. im excited and glad that now i have a third forum to scan through and have fun in.
;)

[GunnyGlow]

Hello OC. My friend...he, well...it's a friend of a friend really. I think he's an addict, also. So....what would you suggest this friend of a friend do to deal with said addiction?? ;)

[overclocker]

ahhh well the only way to help your "friend" is to make him fly all day long. pack after pack. till they puff. after they puff make him buy new ones.
guide him through all the web stores and show him all the neet aftermarket parts for helis.

if he has kids, tell the wifey your taking the kids out of the day, she will be happy. drop the kids off at a babysitter/friend, give the kids $50.00 to keep there mouth shut and then go fly some more.

[GunnyGlow]

hehe.....thats good advice. Unless you are married to this "friend" of mine!! :) I bet "his" wife would kick him in the codds. ;)

Thanks for the advice! :)

I guess we are the only ones with 400s on here. ??

[Friedclutch]

Hi group. First post here on this new forum. I have a B400 and a CX2. Been flying RC for 15 years. Heli for 2.

[partsmgr]

We are starting to migrate to the new forum.:D

[GunnyGlow]

Hi group. First post here on this new forum. I have a B400 and a CX2. Been flying RC for 15 years. Heli for 2.

Welcome!



We are starting to migrate to the new forum.:D

True that.....looks like this will be a great site! :D

[overclocker]

yeah once it picks up it will be another nice place to visit

[carljw]

I have a CX2 CP PRo and a B400 can only fly the CX2 lol. I just rebult my cpp with a new frame and motor and have a CP PRO 2 tail motor set up on back order from Horizon since June ,when will they ever release that? I am not doing any more to it untill the tail motor set up showes up. My B400 I got the ARF version and put all the stock e-flite parts on. I can hover a little but thats it. I took my G90 off the cpp and use it on the B400 , wates realy strange is the only way I can get the tail to hold is to reverse the G90. In the book it says for the G110 to have it in norm.
Any one have the X gear on there B400 , I know they are a little heavy and I also had training gear on also trying to get a good hover without breaking A lot when I land to hard. Got tired of replaceing the landing gear. When I took the G90 off the cpp I never got the stock tail to hold at all , I have it on my DX6i and never could figure out what settings in the TX to get it to hold. So also going to look for a cheap gyro for it. I also have the MCX on order and they say this fall it will ship. Mabey around Xmas if that. I thought the CP PRO 2 was supose to be realeased in June.
Carl

[GunnyGlow]

I'd stay away from anything not belt driven for the tail. To twitchy...IMO. For the landing gear you should look into Gorilla Gear. I run it on my Rex....good stuff! I need to stick a set back on the blade......I"ve went through over 5 sets so far. :)

You should watch The finless videos on setting up a telebee gyro.

Links on request... :)

[idsfdad]

Hi group. First post here on this new forum. I have a B400 and a CX2. Been flying RC for 15 years. Heli for 2.

Welcome Friedclutch!

This is a great site and is growing at an extremely fast rate.

- George

[idsfdad]

I bet if they would offer a combo plan with the Blade 400 & the mCX BNF, you would see a surge of new Blade 400 owners.

/hint LHS :D

- George

[tommy boy]

i'm here! b400 is awesome heli. always amazes me after a crash how little damage i have. good to see you fellas over here.

[Ogre55]

I've had mine for about 4 months and it's not the landing gear I screw up, it's the servo gears! I think I cleaned Horizon out on my last order!
:D

[GunnyGlow]

I've had mine for about 4 months and it's not the landing gear I screw up, it's the servo gears! I think I cleaned Horizon out on my last order!
:D

You should upgrade to better servo's. The stock ones strip alot...BUT, they are not good at centering...and they're nylon gears....:rolleyes:

[blade]

Hi Guys, I'm blade i have been learning to fly my blade400 since the beginning of this year, had a few misshaps but nothing too bad, a strong little helli, can you tell me is it worth fitting digital tail servo ?

[GunnyGlow]

Ya...the B400 could definately use a new servo for the tail. NOT THE DSP75!!! Research it....it will probably fail on you.

I would recommend the replacement of the gyro, servo, pitch slider, tail blade grips(get metal aligns), and KBB blades.

I"ve upgraded everything but the gyro to the above mentioned. It's next.... ;)

[xc edalb]

Hi guys! New to the forum. Hope to join this elite fraturnity of Blade400 owners soon. Sold my crapy cp pro and now saving up for a 400. I couldn't stand the cp pro's lil tail motor design. Everytime the battery would start to get around 50% capactiy the tail rotor and gyro would start to get "twichy" and unstable . Not good when you are starting to learn variable pitch helis. I'm sure i'll have better luck with a 400. Belt drive just seems more stable. I know I can't be that bad of a pilot. I think the cp pro was just making me look bad.0:):rolleyes:

[Ogre55]

OK, looking for mods here, the 400 is not as crisp as i would like. Any motor upgrades anyone has done?
:rolleyes:

[Ogre55]

You should upgrade to better servo's. The stock ones strip alot...BUT, they are not good at centering...and they're nylon gears....:rolleyes:

Any recommendations?

[tommy boy]

you seen the blade 400 bible (http://www.slyster.com/heli/b400bible.html)yet? its got a number of recommendations.

i've been wondering about these tower servos (http://tinyurl.com/6j53ol). perhaps you could step up and try them out?? ;) lots of folks are using the 65MGs and HBs. others are using the DS285.

ds285 is digital and would require BEC. also a bit slower than a 65, but both are very good.

[Hellsiege]

Checkin in, starting to see all the regulars from diff sites :D

[GunnyGlow]

Any recommendations?

HS-65's!!! I consider them the "best" servo for the mini's. Sure there are "better" ones...but you pay dearly.

I have them in both my blade and my rex.....they will go into any other heli's of that size, too!

For the Blade I recommend the HB gears...a LITTLE bit lighter.

[Wolfpackin]

Have no fear...I am here.:D

[tommy boy]

rock on Wolf!

[Hellsiege]

65's in mine as well HB though figured I'd save the MG ones for the 450 guys... I've also heard of people using the HXT900 (3$) servos with success. It was brought up before but in the current 400 thread on RCG the conversation seems to be coming back around. I couldn't bring myself to using them in the heli but in planks they work fine. Would personally like others just go with the 65's I love them and IMO you'll notice an immediate improvement in cyclic response.

[7wt]

Checking in from Connecticut. Nice site, one of only two that I look at! I have a Blade 400 with HS65's steered by an X9303. I love this little bird. The thing has taught me a bunch.

[jomazq]

glad to see some other regulars here

:D

[Ogre55]

you seen the blade 400 bible (http://www.slyster.com/heli/b400bible.html)yet? its got a number of recommendations.

i've been wondering about these tower servos (http://tinyurl.com/6j53ol). perhaps you could step up and try them out?? ;) lots of folks are using the 65MGs and HBs. others are using the DS285.

ds285 is digital and would require BEC. also a bit slower than a 65, but both are very good.

Outstanding! Thank you very much, this is a treasure trove....:clap:

[IdahoFlier]

STILL waiting for my 400 to arrive. Yesterday FedSlow predicted today for delivery. Tonight they say it will be tomorrow. You know about tomorrows, they NEVER get here!!! :(

So, the 65's are for all four spots or just the tail? or NOT the tail?

Suggestions on a BEC that will work with an Align 35A?

[3Disaster]

HS-65's!!! I consider them the "best" servo for the mini's. Sure there are "better" ones...but you pay dearly.

I have them in both my blade and my rex.....they will go into any other heli's of that size, too!

For the Blade I recommend the HB gears...a LITTLE bit lighter.

I've got a belt-CP right now, but I'm getting a Blade 400 around Christmas :).

I've got a S3114 on the tail. Great servo for 15$. I left the other ones in (esky digitals), I'm gonna go all out with my B400 :D. I'm still a beginner so I've got a while to go before I get off my training gear.

Your user title is hilarious by the way. :D

[magicswanson]

Any one have the X gear on there B400

Carl, here is what mine looks like. Works great. I know the 400 is not suppose to be a beginner heli, but I had a Concept 30 SRT many years ago and could hover that, so I said what the hell. A guy at the local hobby shop set me up with the concept for this gear. Carbon rods, practice golf balls, pvc end cap, zip ties and epoxy. Drill 4 holes around the pvc cap. Insert the carbon rods and pour a big glob of epoxy in to secure them. Hold the balls in place with the zip ties (drop of CA on the zips so they stay in place). The balls should rotate.

Doug

[GunnyGlow]

I've got a belt-CP right now, but I'm getting a Blade 400 around Christmas :).

I've got a S3114 on the tail. Great servo for 15$. I left the other ones in (esky digitals), I'm gonna go all out with my B400 :D. I'm still a beginner so I've got a while to go before I get off my training gear.

Your user title is hilarious by the way. :D

I"m running a 3114 w/ the stock gyro on my Blade.

Training gear!?! You don't need no sinking training gear!!
One way to 3D glory there is.....

do it Jedi style you must. :tyheforce:(sorry......I had to use that smiley!) ;)

[GunnyGlow]

Carl, here is what mine looks like. Works great. I know the 400 is not suppose to be a beginner heli, but I had a Concept 30 SRT many years ago and could hover that, so I said what the hell. A guy at the local hobby shop set me up with the concept for this gear. Carbon rods, practice golf balls, pvc end cap, zip ties and epoxy. Drill 4 holes around the pvc cap. Insert the carbon rods and pour a big glob of epoxy in to secure them. Hold the balls in place with the zip ties (drop of CA on the zips so they stay in place). The balls should rotate.

Doug

Hey!! ARen't you that guy that won the radio!?! :blockhead: You're parents did teach you to SHARE, right!?!?!:cool::p

[magicswanson]

Hey!! ARen't you that guy that won the radio!?! :blockhead: You're parents did teach you to SHARE, right!?!?!:cool::p

Yes, they did teach me. I'll share it between my Heli and maybe even an airplane :D

[max1807]

Ya...the B400 could definately use a new servo for the tail. NOT THE DSP75!!! Research it....it will probably fail on you.

I would recommend the replacement of the gyro, servo, pitch slider, tail blade grips(get metal aligns), and KBB blades.

I"ve upgraded everything but the gyro to the above mentioned. It's next.... ;)

Can you explain me why not the DSP75 please? I' ve just crashed my B400 and I've ordered a DSP75 for the tail...:(

[carljw]

Carl, here is what mine looks like. Works great. I know the 400 is not suppose to be a beginner heli, but I had a Concept 30 SRT many years ago and could hover that, so I said what the hell. A guy at the local hobby shop set me up with the concept for this gear. Carbon rods, practice golf balls, pvc end cap, zip ties and epoxy. Drill 4 holes around the pvc cap. Insert the carbon rods and pour a big glob of epoxy in to secure them. Hold the balls in place with the zip ties (drop of CA on the zips so they stay in place). The balls should rotate.

Doug

I did the same thing but just sip tied them together at the center , but I like your idea better with the pvc end cap.
I have a hard time keeping them centered. The X gear I was talking about is the new landing gear with the springs to softin the landings. They work great but are a little heavy with the training gear on also. But I am just still learing to hover.
Carl

[GunnyGlow]

Can you explain me why not the DSP75 please? I' ve just crashed my B400 and I've ordered a DSP75 for the tail...:(

When I first tried the DSP75 I was REALLY impressed. Big difference over the stocker. Then a few flights later...it failed. Another one I got failed before I even sent it up. Wolf also experienced something similar. Apparently the solder work inside is lacking. Wires coming undone and whatnot.

Maybe they fixed it though......check it out very well and do it to it!!

[7wt]

So, the 65's are for all four spots or just the tail? or NOT the tail?
I use the 65's on all fours. They work great on the cyclic but may not be enough tail servo for hard 3D. I don't fly that way so I don't care.

[expertrcpilot]

Hi all, Checking in from OHIO. I've seen on numerous other sites the people have had some horror stories on traveling, and taking they're heli's with them. I just got back from a business trip, and I took my blade with me.

Packed it in the align t-rex metal case with 2 batteries, and some small tools.

Well, leaving from CLE the x-ray tech called out bag check, looked at me and said " boy, you sure do have alot of electronics in here. I don't even know where to start. "

Then a lady came over, and asked me what was in it. I told her, she opened it, and said "ohh, my son does the planes." Right then and there I knew I was good to go. she did a test for explosives, and sent me on my way.

Here's something that I didn't think of. The align 450 case will not stow in an overhead compartment. I actually did have to leave it with other carry ons, and pick it up as soon as I got off the plane.

My trip home from KNOX was even easier.

Well anyhow, if your goin anywhere soon don't be scared to take your heli with you, just do it!

[max1807]

When I first tried the DSP75 I was REALLY impressed. Big difference over the stocker. Then a few flights later...it failed. Another one I got failed before I even sent it up. Wolf also experienced something similar. Apparently the solder work inside is lacking. Wires coming undone and whatnot.

Maybe they fixed it though......check it out very well and do it to it!!

Thanks a lot GunnyGlow :). I'm trying the DSP75: it looks like ok on the bench and in flight. The only thing I don't understand is the following: I can't stop it "buzzing" (I'm not sure if it is the correct English word, excuse me :o): the servo is not moving but it produces a little "buzz" like the one produced when it moves. I can stop it only with a 10 right rudder subtrim but the after a flight the noise is still present; I read it should be impossible to eliminate servo creeping entirely: do you know if this is my case?:confused:

[GunnyGlow]

I wouldn't be to worried about the buzz. Make sure there is no binding anywhere and evrything is smooth.

As far as the servo creep...well, that ones tricky. Wolfpackin is really the one you should ask about that one...I'll try and remember to steer him this way.(he's the eflite gyro expert ;) ) What I would suggest is set up the mechanical portion first and make sure all of that is good. Try Rate mode and see if you are getting a tail drift in a hover....correct with mechanical changes. Get it as close to locked in as possible in rate and switch it over to HH mode. Use trim/subtrim to correct any adverse yaw tendencies and gain to control any wag. Then if it's working for ya...leave it be. Wolf will have to confirm...as I don't remember.....it might have some creep on the bench, but fly great. Or no creep on the bench...and a tail that won't stop moving.

Did that help....or did I just send you through the wash cycle?? ;)

[carljw]

B400 with a G90 everything else is stock the only way I can get the heli to stop spinning is put the G90 in reverse. In the book it reads the G110 should be in norm mode. I thought they were both about the same except for a different weight. I had the g90 on my cpp and it worked in norm mode. Any one else have a G90 on there B400.
Carl

[Wolfpackin]

My ears are ringing...

What I would suggest is set up the mechanical portion first and make sure all of that is good. Try Rate mode and see if you are getting a tail drift in a hover....correct with mechanical changes. Get it as close to locked in as possible in rate and switch it over to HH mode. Use trim/subtrim to correct any adverse yaw tendencies and gain to control any wag. Then if it's working for ya...leave it be. Wolf will have to confirm...as I don't remember.....it might have some creep on the bench, but fly great. Or no creep on the bench...and a tail that won't stop moving.

Yup, you don't need me on that one. Gunny pretty much covered it.
Just remember, the "golden rule" for these piezo electric type gyros is that you make only mechanical adjustments in Rate mode to stop tail drift and use subtrim only to stop yaw while in HH mode.

So as Gunny said, make length adjustments to the tail control rod (or change position of the servo on the boom if you have that setup) in order to get the heli to hover with very little or no drift while in Rate mode. Then switch to HH mode and make small ajustments to rudder subtrim until the heli hovers with no drift while in HH mode. Don't worry about what the heli does on the bench, make corrections to compensate what it does while hovering.
You will probably need to go back and forth between the modes making small adjustments befor you find the sweet spot...but it's there somewhere.
You may also find the need to use some regular trim before each flight depending on temperature or mood of the gyro.
Usually once I set my trim at the begiining of a flight I don't have to touch it again. Although sometimes towards the end of a flight I might need to add or subtract trim from my original setting, due to voltage drop or temperature change I suppose.

B400 with a G90 everything else is stock the only way I can get the heli to stop spinning is put the G90 in reverse. In the book it reads the G110 should be in norm mode. I thought they were both about the same except for a different weight. I had the g90 on my cpp and it worked in norm mode. Any one else have a G90 on there B400.

I don't know anything about the G90 gyro but it makes sense that it should work the same as the G110. However, E-flite does some strange things so anything is possible.
Just make sure the tail servo controls and gyro behave as they are supposed to.
I've seen people put the tail blade grip linkages on reversed and that caused them to have to reverse the settings on gyro and rudder.

So check to make sure that when you give right rudder input the pitch slider moves towards the tail case and when you give left rudder the pitch slider moves towards the tail blades.
Then check that the gyro responds in the correct direction when the heli is yawed by hand per the manual.
For example, when the heli is yawed (turned) to the left the gyro should correct by moving the pitch slider towards the tail case.

I hope that helps someone.

[carljw]

The tail works great just seems strange that I had to reverse the G90. I got this B400 ARF and took the G90 off my Cp Pro.
Carl

[max1807]

Thankyou very much GunnyGlow and Wolfpackin!!! Following your instructions today I obtained a solid HH hovering with a 10 right rudder subtrim. I used also a little trim at the end of the first battery, but at the beggining of the second battery I had to remove it as Wolfpacking said. Your help has been very useful to me, thanks again guys!! :clap:

[GunnyGlow]

Thankyou very much GunnyGlow and Wolfpackin!!! Following your instructions today I obtained a solid HH hovering with a 10 right rudder subtrim. I used also a little trim at the end of the first battery, but at the beggining of the second battery I had to remove it as Wolfpacking said. Your help has been very useful to me, thanks again guys!! :clap:

You're very welcome! It's a karma thing... ;)

[Wolfpackin]

You're very welcome! It's a karma thing...

Indeed!:cool:

[jasmine2501]

i'm here! b400 is awesome heli. always amazes me after a crash how little damage i have. good to see you fellas over here.

HAH! you should see what I did to mine! I think the tail rotor hub is still ok - she's totaled :)

[Ogre55]

you seen the blade 400 bible (http://www.slyster.com/heli/b400bible.html)yet? its got a number of recommendations.

i've been wondering about these tower servos (http://tinyurl.com/6j53ol). perhaps you could step up and try them out?? ;) lots of folks are using the 65MGs and HBs. others are using the DS285.

ds285 is digital and would require BEC. also a bit slower than a 65, but both are very good.

I decided to give these a try: http://www.xheli.com/ra16gmipldis.html
We'll see how they do and I'll report back once I get them in.

[loopy1]

I decided to give these a try: http://www.xheli.com/ra16gmipldis.html
We'll see how they do and I'll report back once I get them in.

Those are PURTY!!:eek::D Nice price too! Please do let us know!:)

/Dave

[jdaymer]

Hey B400 Gang. This is a nice site. I wanted to say hey and join in the fun!

I have a question for you B400 owners, have you ever heard a strange high pitch whine come from your heli?
After a couple upside down crashes attempting inverted flight I have noticed this whine. I have put a new main gear/bearing, tail gear, shaft, and main shaft. Stock motor.

I'm stuck in thinking what it could be. The belt is at the right tension and the bearings look good and spin well. I'm gonna look at the motor mesh tonight when I get off work.

What do you guys think?

[jasmine2501]

Hey B400 Gang. This is a nice site. I wanted to say hey and join in the fun!

I have a question for you B400 owners, have you ever heard a strange high pitch whine come from your heli?
After a couple upside down crashes attempting inverted flight I have noticed this whine. I have put a new main gear/bearing, tail gear, shaft, and main shaft. Stock motor.

I'm stuck in thinking what it could be. The belt is at the right tension and the bearings look good and spin well. I'm gonna look at the motor mesh tonight when I get off work.

What do you guys think?

I think it is normal - mine did it even before the crashes. To me, it doesn't sound like mechanical issues, like rubbing or anything... it sounds like something is whistling in the air - probably the tail rotor, or the belt whizzing by the hole in the boom.

You do know you can play that boom like a flute, right? Air blowing through there is going to make a sound...

Make sure that tail belt tensioner pulley on the back is not too tight and it's oiled up and rolling smoothly - it can make a sound too.

Remember, high frequency sounds are something with the tail, low frequency sounds are coming from the main rotor, and middle-frequency sounds are coming from the drive train.

[jdaymer]

Jasmine,

Thanks for the reply. It is more of a med range frequency. I was thinking the drive train, so I will be checking the mesh of the the motor pinion and the main gear as well as the tail gear and the belt gear. I know it isn't the one way bearing and shaft because those are brand new parts.

I know it isn't a normal sound because it never made this noise before and everything is coming down smoking hot after about a minute. Something isn't doing it's thing!

[TomM]

STILL waiting for my 400 to arrive. Yesterday FedSlow predicted today for delivery. Tonight they say it will be tomorrow. You know about tomorrows, they NEVER get here!!! :(

So, the 65's are for all four spots or just the tail? or NOT the tail?

Suggestions on a BEC that will work with an Align 35A?

I've flew about 12 packs through my Align 35A esc and no BEC so far. I don't think it needs one. Also running a GY401 and S9257 through it.
Beware the Align 35A will go into LVC at too low a point. I believe it's under 9V. It goes into a tail wagging pulse mode, so now I rely on timing instead of the lvc.

[magicswanson]

Hey, all-

Just a post of my achivement tonight. :D I finally got the balls up to take the training wheels off of my B400! It's awesome to not have those on there any more. I made several take offs and touch downs without any problems. Its getting kinda chilly outside these days, so I'm back to hovering around in the basement again. I got it loaded on the DX7 (thanks again Crackroll!), and its working great. Sorry, just excited about it!

Doug

[expertrcpilot]

Good for you Magic, If it's one thing I know it's don't stop forward progress. First time you get comfortable doing something, you prolly won't move on to the next thing.

Yesterday was a first for me in many aspects. Set a camera system up using some foam, balsa, and zip ties. Got some really sweet video of this new flying sight I helped create. Thats alot ow eight under a small heli like that. felt real "dopey" in the air. After I took the camera rig off, it was down to the fun! starting to do consecutive low altitude flips, and rolls. looks really sweet!

Keep pushing it!. Video of a little hucking coming sooner or later!

[Blakez]

Awsome Doug. I need a heilcopter!

[Edge5foamy]

OK, I am wanting to get a 450 sized heli. I can fly a dual rotor heli no problem. so, I am considering the PNP Blade 400. If I put the training gear on it, would it be good for me?

Edge

[jasmine2501]

OK, I am wanting to get a 450 sized heli. I can fly a dual rotor heli no problem. so, I am considering the PNP Blade 400. If I put the training gear on it, would it be good for me?

Edge

If you get plenty of simulator practice, then yeah it will be fine. There is the Blade CP Pro2 and others like it, but IMO, those smaller helis just don't have the stability that you will get from a 400-size. Aside from the orientation issues, the Coaxial heli will not have taught you much. A good simulator will teach you much more, and flying the real thing will teach you more than that. You can learn without crashing, but save some money for replacement parts and upgrades. The Blade 400 flies good stock, but it's really nice with some simple upgrades. Just take it easy - hovering tail-in until you're bored with that, then practicing it some more is the way to start... practice every move until you're absolutely tired of it. If you ever lose control, take a step back and practice the basics again. You can learn to fly without crashing if you do that. If you go to the point where you are just a little bit out of control, but not enough to crash it, that's your limit - don't go over your limit, but push your limit every time in small steps and you'll be fine.

[Edge5foamy]

Yes, I have spent hours, and hours with helis on the sim. I flew a guys blade cp pro one time, just hovering it, but he said that the 400 size heli are alot more stable.

[jasmine2501]

Yes, I have spent hours, and hours with helis on the sim. I flew a guys blade cp pro one time, just hovering it, but he said that the 400 size heli are alot more stable.

Yup they are... make your own balanced training balls. Use a 3mm CF rod and some of those practice golf balls with the holes in them... can use some 'craft beads' to lock the balls on, but make sure they are loose enough to spin. The training balls do not help the heli at all - it makes it fly not so good, but they will keep you from tipping over and having a blade or tail strike.

[Edge5foamy]

Well, after searching around the net for a while, I figured that a Blade 400 is just out of my price range right now.

So I started looking at the Blade CPs. Came across this one, and won it! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160287747999&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:1123

[jasmine2501]

Well, after searching around the net for a while, I figured that a Blade 400 is just out of my price range right now.

So I started looking at the Blade CPs. Came across this one, and won it! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160287747999&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:1123

That heli isn't going to teach you anything but how to fix broken helicopters. They don't fly much better than fixed-pitch helis. If a Blade 400 is too pricey, you might consider some of the cheaper 400-size helis. I've got a CP Pro, and it's upgraded quite a bit, and it still doesn't fly too well. I wouldn't give it to a beginner - I'm a much nicer person than that. Try looking at something like this:

First, in order to get a Blade CP to fly decently, you're going to have to turn it into this, and that one you linked is not the CP Pro, so that means you'll be replacing just about everything but the shaft, frame and servos.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdId=EFLH1350

I am hearing good things about this little heli here - haven't personally tested it. Would probably replace the radio if I got it, and give the 72MHz to the club or a friend.
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/typhoon.htm

This one gets good reviews too, but it's actually a little more expensive than the Blade 400:
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/belt-cp.htm

This heli is larger than the Blade 400, but I've heard it's not very capable:
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/eco.htm

I'm not sure what parts you need for this, but I might pick one up if the Trex 250 isn't out soon:
http://www.ehirobo.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=5593

There's also its big brother, which is affordable and as good if not better than the Blade 400:
http://www.ehirobo.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=173_174&products_id=5128

Now I may sound like a salesperson who didn't really hear your price range limit... but here's the thing - if you go with a helicopter that doesn't fly very well, it won't really matter how much you paid for it, you're just not going to have any fun and you'll very likely break parts and be replacing them... so, if you want the "most learning for your dollar" you really should avoid the little helis with electric tails... they just don't fly very well, and for a beginner that means many crashes, less flight time, and possible more money. You see... a 30-second flight that ends in a crash and sends you back to the hobby shop for parts didn't teach you anything. Once you are able to control a helicopter fairly well, you'll be able to handle the smaller ones. One of these days I'm going to have to do a stick-cam video with the Blade CP Pro, so people can see how much work I have to do just to keep it in the air. It really is not fun to fly - it's work, and that's good for me because I think the challenge level is high, and that does help me hone my reflexes, but for a beginner it's going to be nothing but frustrating.

[jasmine2501]

Oh yeah... forgot this one:
http://www.ehirobo.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=82_90&products_id=435

It comes in different versions, but you really want a heli with a good belt drive. The electric tails just really aren't that good.

[Edge5foamy]

Thanks, but I already ordered the CP.

Plus, I'm not a complete noob with helis, I flew a guys CP at the field once before. Well, hovered it around atleast.

[Fierce]

I just bought one, moving up from a cx2 and didn't want to go the cp route. A friend is giving me a Falcon 3D to start to practice with so I don't trash the 400 the first time out. :clap:

[Hellsiege]

I just bought one, moving up from a cx2 and didn't want to go the cp route. A friend is giving me a Falcon 3D to start to practice with so I don't trash the 400 the first time out. :clap:

Sim, Sim, Sim, too if you haven't heard it 1000 times already :)

[magicswanson]

Just take it easy - hovering tail-in until you're bored with that, then practicing it some more is the way to start... practice every move until you're absolutely tired of it. If you ever lose control, take a step back and practice the basics again. You can learn to fly without crashing if you do that. If you go to the point where you are just a little bit out of control, but not enough to crash it, that's your limit - don't go over your limit, but push your limit every time in small steps and you'll be fine.

That's good advice - exactly what I've been doing, and so far it's taught me well. I've had a few close calls, but no damage! The B400 flies nice. I've never tried the CP... It does seem like I have to work alot to keep the B400 flying. It's alot more challenging than a Concept 30SRT I had years ago, but, that's probably not fair comparing it to a .30 size heli...

Awsome Doug. I need a heilcopter!

Blake, I hear that MCX flies really nice! Get the bind-n-fly version for your DX7.

Doug

[jasmine2501]

The mCX is a really great toy for inside, but it's no where near as capable as a Blade 400. Of course, you can't fly a Blade 400 in a closet either.

[Blakez]

yah that would be nice for indoors since the weather is turning into crap lol.

[GunnyGlow]

Thanks, but I already ordered the CP.

Plus, I'm not a complete noob with helis, I flew a guys CP at the field once before. Well, hovered it around atleast.

You make it sound as though you just picked up a transmitter and flew a heli. If it comes so natural to you.....you are gonna regret that CP.

The only people who speak highly of the CP either work for Eflight.....or ate paint chips rather than potato chips. :)

[expertrcpilot]

Thanks, but I already ordered the CP.

Plus, I'm not a complete noob with helis, I flew a guys CP at the field once before. Well, hovered it around atleast.

Come to think of it... Why would you have to order one of those? I mean they're probably like 50 in stock at any LHS:D They just sit there... waiting... waiting for the day they can malfunction :D

[jasmine2501]

With the right upgrades, the CP Pro doesn't suck horribly, but it's still kinda hard to fly unless you get it into forward flight and keep the speed up. It just doesn't like to hover around, and doesn't really have the power for 3D. It will teach you to react to things you didn't ask for.

[Edge5foamy]

You make it sound as though you just picked up a transmitter and flew a heli. If it comes so natural to you.....you are gonna regret that CP.


Ummm..... NO!!!

I had hours, and hours of sim time with helis before that, and had a Blade CX. And I did not say I was out doing aerobatics, I HOVERED IT!

[Edge5foamy]

Come to think of it... Why would you have to order one of those? I mean they're probably like 50 in stock at any LHS:D They just sit there... waiting... waiting for the day they can malfunction :D

Because the closest hobby shop to me is an hour and a half away, and with the price of gas, it would cost more to go there, and get it that what the heli would cost.

I wish they where just $50...

[kswaid]

I think the Blade CP is one of the best tools for learning to fly. It has random malfunctions causing crashes, this teaches you how to repair, balance, etc. It has a mind of its own, so you are always flying it rather than just telling it where to go, which teaches you how to have full control at all times. Really, if you can do some decent maneuvers and aerobatics with a CP then a 400 size or larger heli will be easy.

[Fierce]

Just bought one, I have only flown a cx2 but have flown airplanes for 20+ years. Wish me luck!! BTW I think this thread should get back on track. There are several CP threads on here. Blade 400 I'm all in.

[Ogre55]

I decided to give these a try: http://www.xheli.com/ra16gmipldis.html
We'll see how they do and I'll report back once I get them in.

This post is WAAAAY late and this thread appears to have died, I hope the moderators bump it as I think there is some pretty good info in this reply.

I ride and maintain two motorcycles and as such am a member of the CBMMA (Cheap Bastards Motorcycle Mechanics Association). The solutions below are in the spirit of the CBMMA and I propose we form a CBHHA, or Cheap Bastards Helicopter Hobbyist Association! Look for good stuff cheap!

I used the first set of Raiden servos on a Wing V2 AP build (soon to be posted on the AP-video thread), and I also added a new tail rotor servo and gyro to the Blade 400.

Here is how it went:
The Raiden DA-039 servos look good and work very well, digital, ball bearinged, great torque and they center well. You can see the specs here: http://www.xheli.com/ra16gmipldis.htm.
On the downside, they only have two screws holding the case together. This has not been a problem, I clipped a tree top at about 80 feet up and augered in (in the neighbor's yard) with the Wing V2 sporting an Askman trex 450 AP platform and everything came through with flying colors, absolutely no issues with the servos (broken battery mount, velcro battery belt, bent spindling shaft, bent tail boom, absolutely toasted main rotors!).
They are strong.
The DA-039s are deeper than the E-Flite stock servos, this requires a little mod to the frame for the front (elevator) mounted servo. Also, the control arms are a tad bit shorter, but the feel of the machine after installation was almost identical to the stock set up. There was a slight clearance issue on the aileron and pitch servos. Make sure you remove the "Raiden" stickers on the side of the servos, end of problem!
See the attachments for the unmoded and moded frame with the front pitch servo. I used a Dremel with a cutting disk for the mod. The servo seats nicely now (although I cut a little deep).

I switched out the tail gear gyro to an Assan GA-410 Tail Lock ACVS Gyro along with an HGD digital 260MG MetalGear Servo 20g/.16/3.4kg from Hobby City. The gyro switch out was straight forward, the servo is the same size as a Futaba S9257, so the mod shown in the picture would work for it as well (gotta love plastic frames for mods!).

I did not want to alter the CG beyond what the additional weight of the servo was, so I used the front mount hole with a longer screw/washer and drilled out the rear mount with a 1/16 inch bit and used a screw/bolt combo for strength and security. Works fine.

I am also using the ZIPPY 2200 MAH batteries from Hobby City. The stock E-Flite 1800 MAH battery weighs 161 g, the two ZIPPYs I got weigh 167.5 and 169.5 g and give me solid 6 min 30 sec flight times with an ESC cut out at 7 min 43 secs. This for $20! Gotta love it! I have two ZIPPY 1600 MAH batteries yet to test at 146 g each. Stay tuned....
Ogre

[Ogre55]

I guess I overloaded the server with pics, will try again tomorrow for the rest!
Ogre

[expertrcpilot]

Hey man, i like your mod thats pretty creative. How does the servo perform in flight conditions?

Right now i'm running a logictech 2100T HH gyro with a JR 3400g.

I too own a bike, I purchased it cheap in running condition, and currently have it torn apart in my garage. I painted tank, side parts, and fenders over the weekend. It's tuff to decide which to work on. My heli, or my bike :D

[Ogre55]

Rock steady! The tail is stuck, probably due to the massive torque of the servo. It's every bit as steady as my Wing V2 running a GY401and a S9257, and a heck of alot cheaper! I paid less than $70.00 for both.
I know about the bike/heli thing, I one bike torn down to get high compression pistons and cams, but it's just sitting as I have been spending most of my time and $ on helis, ouch!

[Jaws_399]

i have been fixing my 400 tonight and am having a problem getting the head back together. up in the area of the frathering shaft that i am having problems. any hints,tips or pictures will help

[Ogre55]

Look at the exploded view in the back of the instruction manual, that's your best bet. Also, this resource was passed on to me here at Crackroll and it is a treasure chest of information on the B400:

http://www.slyster.com/heli/b400bible.html

Good luck, be patient, work methodically and it will come together.
M

[bumper]

If you don't still have your manual, you could go to E-fliteRC.com to find the exploded view online.