3gx upgrade

In getting my DX8 radio ready for the 380, I rearranged the model list in the model memory to make room for the 380. Unfortunately I forgot that the receiver is matched to the model number in the radio, and since I moved the 450 to a new model number, I'd have to rebind it. 

V4.0 of the 3gx firmware has a problem binding in DSMX mode. After numerous attempts I was finally able to bind the receiver, but in the older DSM2 mode.  A quick check of Align's 3gx website revealed a newer version of the firmware, v5.0!  Hopefully this version doesn't have an issue binding in DSMX mode. 

Updating to v5.0 should also mean I'd need to redo the head setup, but when I check the settings display, nothing seems to have changed. I think I'll repeat it anyway just to make sure.

At least after the update to v5.0 I was able to bind my radio in DSMX mode on the first try!  Whew!

This time I'd like to optimize the head/tail precomp and gains.  To optimize the head gains I'll need to hover, turning up the elevator gain until the heli wobbles, then back it down. Then repeat this for the alerion gain. To optimize the tail gain I will need to perform a fast piro, then stop, turning up the gain each time until the tail wags, then back it down.

To optimize the precomp, I need perform a pitch pump. For the head, the precomp should be turned up if the heli drops the nose or tail during the manuever. For the tail, if it kicks right. 

I'd also like to get the CG right, as it tends to wander while doing a piro, and I'd like it to stay in one spot. 

Hoyt Park 2nd session

Happy Birthday Rally!

I headed back out to Hoyt on Saturday morning 8/29/15, to use up the batteries I had charged up for my 450 that I couldn't fly Friday night, on my way to SDRC.

I flew from the north field this time and found an asphalt pad to take off from!  It was rough, but at least it was flat and didn't have any weeds. 

I brought the heli into the track since I didn't want to leave it outside in my hot car. 

Hoyt Park 1st Session!

My buddy headed out after work Friday to try flying at this field.  I had a good time and was able to to hover my 130x inverted for the 1st time!  I crashed it on my 3rd attempt at inverted hovering.  On the 3rd crash the front servo quit working. 

I was able to get 6 flights in on the 130x, but only 1 on the 450 before the sun set  I guess I charged too many packs. 

Marky flying and Ming resting. 

My 450 and Marky's quad FPV racer. 

Hoyt Park Dr field in Scripps Ranch

So, I stopped by the Hoyt Park field to check it out and ran into a guy flying a 300cfx and 180cfx. I chatted with him for awhile and it turns out he flys there after work almost everyday!  I plan to try flying there tonight and see who's flying there Saturday morning on my way to the track. Maybe I'll get a few flights in also!

Scripps Ranch heli field!?!

Found this field while looking for place to fly near my home during the week, as the traffic going south to SEFSD is usually bad.  Turns out it's really close to where I used to work and only 10-15 minutes from home!  I'll need to check it out soon!

380 boom assembly

Well tonight I assembled the tail drive train onto the boom and added the hardware to attach the boom to the main frame. I also I installed the optional tail belt tensioner.  I was about to install the servos but, I decided to get the optional SAB servo horns rather than use the horns which came with the servos. 

I put the blades on, but the pic is too dark to see them lol. 

Trying to fly again

I went back out to the field to try and fly again with my 450. Never really felt comfortable, as I really don't want to crash. 

Overcast morning. 

My friend taking a pic of me doing extreme hovering.  Oh!  He also found my RC Boya canopy mount that broke off my 550 last Sunday! Woohoo!

Goblin 380 mock up

I had to see how big it was :). Little bit taller and longer than my Trex 450. The parts quality is outstanding!  Makes me really want to get a Goblin 700. Just need to make sure it will fit in the trunk of my car first. 

Goblin 380 build underway!

I finally started building my Goblin 380 after buying the kit and collecting parts for it since May. 

It's been going pretty smooth so far. I was able to assemble the frame, main shaft, and head assemblies so far.   I'll probably assemble the entire heli before I work on the electronics. 

Crashed my Trex 550! :-(

I was on my 3rd flight, still feeling nervous as I haven't flown since May.  I started a nose in turn, which I've done lots of times, but my thumbs froze on the exit and I drove it into the dirt. I was having a decent time until then, but I wasn't comfortable flying, even by the 3rd flight.

The battery, canopy, and heli were a good distance apart, but I picked them up and put them near each other. 

Tacoed battery. One cell split open. Luckily nothing happened

Damaged parts list:

6s 5000mah 35C lipo battery

Battery strap

ESC positive wire

Blades
DFC swash plate* H60248

Anti rotation bracket*

Main gear* H60G001XXW

Auto-rotation gear* H60198QA

Battery tray*

Canopy*

Landing gear skid pipes* H55028

RC Boya canopy mounts*

Main frame plates* H55012A

Tail fin

Tail boom* H60042

Torque tube* H60119-1

Tail control rod H60221
Front torque tube gear set* H60G002XXW

Rear torque tube gear set* H60G003XXW

Tail blades*

*replace with new parts

Some pics before the crash

Goblin parts ready!

I've finally collected all the other parts I need to complete the build of my Goblin 380!  I might need a swash leveler if my others don't work. Build pics up next!