need motor advice for MX400

[Psikelly]

Im looking into geting an Align brushless for my MX400 as it is a little cheaper than the helimax motor. Would a 2550 KV Align supply sufficient power? Im not into flying 3D right now. Just cruising around and maybe the odd loop and roll.
Also what pinion tooth count would go with this motor? I cant seem to find any amp draw info on this motor but Im guessing an Eflite 25a ESC would be a decent matchup.
Any input anyone? Thx

[JeffElecRC]

Hey, I've used Justgofly/MTM/ 400DH and 450TH on my Trex 450 and those are about 4000kV and 3000kV respectively. I use a 9T and 12T pinions respectively for those motors. So for the Align 2550kV you'd probably wanna go to the 13 or 14T pinion.

I'm sure the Align motor is good and will get you up in the air with power to spare (it's meant for this size heli). The 25a should be sufficient, but be carefull with the servoes you're running. I don't know the size of the BEC on that ESC, but can it handle 4 servoes? may be taxing it...

Have you got a gyro for your MX400? I've got a GY240 kicking around, and I still have the 400DH not in use.

[Psikelly]

Im still undecided as of yet on the motor. I might just end up going with the Helimax motor that comes with the Pro and a 35a Eflite ESC. I like the ease of programming with the Eflites and Ive had good luck with them in my planes.
Ive actually just sold most of my plane gear and got into helis. Didnt realize soon enough that Id enjoy them so much more than the planes.
I have a G90 gyro on my CPPro that I might steal off it when my MX is finally flying. Im just gonna slowly build up the MX so Im not dropping a fat wad of cash all at one time. And since I have my CP to fly I dont mind looking at the MX on the workbench for a while.

[JeffElecRC]

Psikelly,

It's a shame you sold the airplanes. I predict you'll be wishing you had them back. Heli's are great, but theres so much downtime and maintenance, its nice to have something on the side to fly reliably and gracefully all the time (thats how I got into airplanes). As it is right now, my heli sits on the shelf with a massive unresolved vibration problem. Flown it and crashed it maybe 5 times this season. Actually I've determined that the vibration is related to my aftermarket carbon fibre frame, so I'm tossing it and going back to stock.

Anyway. Personally I've stuck with the Castle Creations speed controllers for my heli. They've got alot more features now for helis such as soft start and spool up, and the governor modes are much improved. If you're going to shell out for a speed controller you may consider getting something more heli-friendly.

I'm not familiar with the G90, is it a heading-hold gyro? if not, get a HH, they're greeeeat.

[Psikelly]

Oh Ive kept a couple of my favourite planes for sure. I think Ive got my neighbor addicted now lol He bought a RTF and already hes looking at buying a new radio etc. I still love the planes but I really like the helis. Mainly because I like working on them so much. I think I like the repairs and tweaking just as much as I like flying.

And yes the G90 is a HH gyro. Its a newer release from Horizon and its amazing on the CP Pro. It costs about $100.

Im considering joining a club for the winter so I can dial in my heli skills and get some advice from all the veteran heli pilots but I dont want to drag along my electric helis if everyone is flying nitro. Maybe Ill drop in on a couple Saturdays as an observer and see what's what.

[Warren]

Hey,

let me know what club you find, and depending on where and when, maybe there will be two electrics......... heck I'd even grab another set of crystals.....

( by the way - I hear that plastic blades clobber booms :D )

[Psikelly]

lol Yes plastic blades will clobber booms. But at $20 for a set of woodies they also save a LOT of cash for a newbie to helis. Till I learned to get my CP off the ground I wouldve smashed 20 sets of blades.

Im still flying my Pro with the stock TX but Im gonna use my Spektrum in the MX. Im not sure what the radio requirements or restrictions there are on the Spektrum though.

[heli2006]

Gents,

Check out the following site: http://x400tuning.com/

Lots of information about tuning the MX400.

Victor

[Psikelly]

Yah thats a good site. I actually have that added to my favourites. Only problem is that theres just too many motor choices for my poor little indecisive mind. Ive noticed the Eflite 400 inrunner on the list but they dont talk about what kind of performance it delivers. Im guessing it must be OK, especially for someone like me who just likes cruising around and doing fly-bys on dandelions.

[Warren]

Gents,

Check out the following site: http://x400tuning.com/

Lots of information about tuning the MX400.

Victor

Thanks for the link, I can always use new info - more is always good :)

[Psikelly]

Another pretty decent site for Heli info is at www.runryder.com