Predator over Radikal 30

[2fast4-u]

Hey guys

Been out of the scene for a bit but have recently gotten back into my helis. I have just finished putting my predator gas SE back together after sitting for 2 years and man this thing flies awesome.....

I put a 231 puh with ported cylinder and lightened piston, also with a Hanson tuned pipe. Using the stock gearing of 14/88. I have +12, -12 collective and after 3 breakin tanks I set the gv1 for 2000 and this thing sings and pulls with authority. With my old 3d v blades and paddles this chopper will roll on a dime all day

After weighing this bird I am at 12lbs 6oz dry. And could probably get it down to 12lbs 2oz

I am now considering upgrading to a radikal. But would that really be an upgrade. Trying to justify the benefits. I would like to know for sure that the radikal30 weighs in at 11lbs. Still researching and am getting different answers some people as posting high 12lbs and others say 11lbs on the dot. Looking at my predator I can't imagine a full size gasser shedding over a pound

I will post pics of my setup shortly. Opinions from people that have owned both would be appreciated

As for know I can't believe how awesome this thing flies and how hard it pulls

Ron

Beam450
Trex500
Predator gasser carbon SE

[2fast4-u]

some pics

[2fast4-u]

more pics

[2fast4-u]

some places to save more weight

trying to remember from 2 years ago but is just guesstimates

carbon landing gear is actually heavier than plastic struts ----- more than 1oz
predator fuel tank is heavy compared to raptor 60 tank ----- more than 2oz
g10 fins are heavier than carbon ----- maybe 1oz

[Dennis P]

I just weighed my G30 SE flybarless.It weighs 12.02lbs with a rewind and about 1/8 of a tank of fuel in it.I have a full size receiver and have done nothing in the way of lightening.I will be pulling the rewind off when summer comes. I am very happy with it's performance at 12lbs but I will probably be around 11.5 when setup this summer.I pulled some tail fins of the wall and weighed them as your mention of them got me thinking.I have g10 belt drive fins and carbon tube drive fins in stk presently only.The tube drive has less material and they are still in packages but I would say that you would see about .3 to .4 of a oz max weight saving.I weighed front frame sides for a G20 and the carbon are 1.3oz and the G10 is 1.9oz .Either way the Radikal is a great flying heli as is the Predator from what I have heard and seen.

[2fast4-u]

thanx dennis

so i guess high elevens is pretty easy to reach with the radikal

i am sure the radikal is one sweet machine, whether it is better than the predator or not for 3d probably comes down to the fact that it can accomodate the 30cc engines. As far as weight they are probably not drastically different.

just trying to see if anyone actually has a radikal g30 that hits the 11lb mark

thanks

[Century Heli]

[Dennis P]

Originally Posted by Century Heli

OK so you caught me with you Berkley fishing equipment so now tell me more,like how would be great.Thanks Dennis

[2fast4-u]

Well just put the predator on a diet got her down quite a bit will post some pics to morrow
Changed out landing gear. Put a raptor fuel tank in her shaved sOme weight on the carb and even some on the exhaust.

This thing should rEally rock next time out.

[Billme]

I don't think he noticed it

[2fast4-u]

Noticed what. The 10lbs fish scale?

[rbort]

That its Billme's hand holding the fish scale?

-=>Raja.

[Dennis P]

I think Billme is just saying that Century heli did not see my question of how he got it to 10.lbs.

[Century Heli]

[Dennis P]

Century Heli the video say's Rad30 on a diet .I sure would like to know the diet.I really like mine as it is but would like it more at 10.2 pounds

[Zman39]

Hey Dennis

Sorry for delayed response wasn't around a computer yesterday. This video is of my heli. It's been a project I have been playing with for a few weeks now. To answer some of questions on how I have achieved this first starts with the biggest change which was converting the engine with the ei conversion century is offering. This allows you to drop just not that big magneto flywheel out bottom but also allows to drop the primary and secondary coils. Also since the ei unit comes with a separate lead called "rpm", this can take place for the gov sensor on a gv1 or 701. (if you do this just pull the red voltage wire from the plug that plugs into gov). From there, it is a matter of paying close attention to the little things. For instance I have two radikal 30's and found one canopy was 1.5 oz lighter then other. I further lightened by cutting an access square on bottom much like trex canopies have. This drops a little weight but also allows air flow up through to help get some air over the digital servos, etc. I use a 2100 life 6.6v pack which will allow me to easily fly 3 full tank flights without worry, even being fbl. Since it is a life, i can recharge in about 15-20 minutes at field while taking a soda break or fly on of my other Helis. Also pay attention to things like air filters. Depending on brand, some can weigh as much as 2oz more then others. I don't use switches and stuff only because it is one more thing that fail and again just a little bit more weight. Point is if you pay close attention to these tiny weight saving things, it will add up in long run and next thing you know you were able to drop another couple oz or more. Pay attention to blade weight. With the beast I have found no difference in stability between blades on the light side vs blades on the heavier side so I choose the lighter. For comparison overall, this heli before this project was hovering on 11pds much like yours. Hope this helps, feel free to ask away if I missed something.
Oh, btw, the ei works awesome. Couldn't ask for a more consistent engine flight after flight !

Z

[Dennis P]

Thanks for the info Zman.I have a question on the EI conversion,did the engine vibration change at all with the removal of the flywheel? Thanks and take care.

[turboracer]

Originally Posted by Dennis P

Thanks for the info Zman.I have a question on the EI conversion,did the engine vibration change at all with the removal of the flywheel? Thanks and take care.

+1 on this ^^^^

Also, I would like to know if you are running the EI on a seperate battery or are you pulling from your flight pack?

[Zman39]

Hey guys,

There has been no increase of vibrations on either engine (I have two converted now). If anything the engine sounds "cleaner" near mid throttle so it may be smoother. Not sure there is anyway to tell for sure since I am able to just go by visual but nether rad shows any vibs at all.
I am running these just like I have been running my rad20 for last couple years, one battery. I use a lead straight off life 6.6 battery to ignition. I have found that these ignitions pull around 100mah per flight. The stock zenaoh ei on 20 pulls more. Anyway, over the last couple years since I got my first 20, this is how I have been doing it and it works great.

Let me know if I can answer anything else.

Z