FBL Purchase

[ryguy76]

I'm going to be buying an FBL sooner than later for my almost built Protos and was hoping to have some input/discussion about my options.

Option A: AR7200BX

I have a 450X so am already somewhat familiar with the AR7200BX. Having reset it immediately after purchase, I figured out how to set up the heli and BX from the get-go.

Advantage: Familiar with it, have no issues with the performance, has built-in Rx.
Disadvantage: No Governor, no bail-out

Option B: MSH Brain/iKon

Seems to be the logical choice.

Advantage: Has bailout, has governor
Disadvantage: No experience with it, have an iMac, unsure of how it flies, needs separate Rx

Now, I'm not sure if having an FBL with a gov is critical, as my ESC has a governor, but I'd need to buy a prog card. I'm also not sure how I would program the Brain, being that I only have Apple computers.

Which route would you go, and why? Would you consider other options? Which ones specifically?

[M&P_Hooligan]

the Brain/Ikon only needs a satellite, yes its a Rx but its not like using a full blown Rx

i have the 7200 on mine and i am happy with it, but that is the only FBL unit i have had experience with

and i have a buddy with Ikon and he uses a mac to program it

[ryguy76]

Originally Posted by M&P_Hooligan

the Brain/Ikon only needs a satellite, yes its a Rx but its not like using a full blown Rx

i have the 7200 on mine and i am happy with it, but that is the only FBL unit i have had experience with

and i have a buddy with Ikon and he uses a mac to program it

I think I'd still need to run Parallels or Bootcamp on Mac for it to work. Means spending more money on Windows OS at the very least.

Do you run a governor on the ESC?

[isogloss3d]

Originally Posted by ryguy76

I think I'd still need to run Parallels or Bootcamp on Mac for it to work. Means spending more money on Windows OS at the very least.

Do you run a governor on the ESC?

If you're using the stock ESC (YGE) then you'll discover it has a really good built-in governor. I'd imagine using your AR7200BX and buying a program card for the ESC (YGE $30 or Hobbyking YEP $7) would be cheaper than computer "upgrades".

I've flown and own BeastX and MSH Brain and I like them both. In my opinion - for most casual, non-pro pilots - it comes down to personal preference more than anything else. I haven't even setup the Brain governor or self level because the YGE does the governoring job just fine and I got most my crashing done a couple years ago so I don't see the need for self-level at the moment.

The MSH Brain can also be set up and tuned the via bluetooth with an Android phone or tablet so that may be an option unless you're Mac all around.

[ryguy76]

Originally Posted by isogloss3d

If you're using the stock ESC (YGE) then you'll discover it has a really good built-in governor. I'd imagine using your AR7200BX and buying a program card for the ESC (YGE $30 or Hobbyking YEP $7) would be cheaper than computer "upgrades".

I've flown and own BeastX and MSH Brain and I like them both. In my opinion - for most casual, non-pro pilots - it comes down to personal preference more than anything else. I haven't even setup the Brain governor or self level because the YGE does the governoring job just fine and I got most my crashing done a couple years ago so I don't see the need for self-level at the moment.

The MSH Brain can also be set up and tuned the via bluetooth with an Android phone or tablet so that may be an option unless you're Mac all around.

Ya, I have the stock YGE ESC and was planning on the governor feature. Was going to use it alongside a BX, then thought, maybe getting the Brain would have merit over the BX. But ya, seeing as I'm an all around Apple guy with no Android or PC products, I'm starting to think that sticking with the BX is the easiest and cheapest solution. I think getting the prog card and another BX is the best way to go. Thanks for the input and making me see clearly.

[dl5973]

Originally Posted by ryguy76

I'm going to be buying an FBL sooner than later for my almost built Protos and was hoping to have some input/discussion about my options.

Option A: AR7200BX

I have a 450X so am already somewhat familiar with the AR7200BX. Having reset it immediately after purchase, I figured out how to set up the heli and BX from the get-go.

Advantage: Familiar with it, have no issues with the performance, has built-in Rx.
Disadvantage: No Governor, no bail-out

Option B: MSH Brain/iKon

Seems to be the logical choice.

Advantage: Has bailout, has governor
Disadvantage: No experience with it, have an iMac, unsure of how it flies, needs separate Rx

Now, I'm not sure if having an FBL with a gov is critical, as my ESC has a governor, but I'd need to buy a prog card. I'm also not sure how I would program the Brain, being that I only have Apple computers.

Which route would you go, and why? Would you consider other options? Which ones specifically?

why limit yourself to these two flybarless units?

have you considered the following

vbar
Skookum sk540
Spartan vortex nano

all five are pretty good

[dr dremel]

Same here, Macs all around, so I got a BeastX first, last year changed to V Bar (yes they have Mac software, although a chore to get it running). In my quest for the "right feel" I must say that the differences in flight behaviour between the 2 units was not as dramatic as I thought it would be after reading through countless VBar vs. BeastX threads. If pressed, I´d say V Bar has a more rounded feel at the sticks, but for me the choice of blades had a more profound influence on how the heli flies than the choice of the FBL controller.

The disadvantages of the Beast you listed are only important if you care for these features, I don´t. YGE gov store works for me and I don´t feel the need for a bail out.

One feature the V Bar has and the others don´t is vib analysis, which can be handy when you´re chasing vibes, but it´s not the killler feature IMHO. What it did for me was proving that my method of getting rid of vibes is successful. What I hate about it is that I have to carry my laptop to the field for tuning (or buy a smartphone & BT just for this), but I´m not constantly fiddling with it after initial tuning.

Mind you this is all on my MiniP (Protos is FB), but I think most of the points would carry over to another helicopter. What would I buy if I´d want to convert the Protos to FBL? Difficult question, I still have the BeastX unit ...

Dr

[M&P_Hooligan]

Originally Posted by ryguy76

I think I'd still need to run Parallels or Bootcamp on Mac for it to work. Means spending more money on Windows OS at the very least.

Do you run a governor on the ESC?

I have an Edge lite 75 so yes it has GOV but i dont run it as of now, today i should have my 15tooth pinion and adapter, before i could only get it to govern at about 2285 with the 13 on it so i ran a slight curve, something like 100-95-90-95-100 now i can get it to govern around the speed i want i will look at using it again

[ryguy76]

Another question...

If I end up going with the AR7200BX, do I need a sat on this size heli, or am I fine with it on it's own?

[M&P_Hooligan]

Originally Posted by ryguy76

Another question...

If I end up going with the AR7200BX, do I need a sat on this size heli, or am I fine with it on it's own?

I would run one but thats just me, i know guys that only run an RX but i felt more comfortable with 1100 dollars hanging in the air with a SAT on it

[TimM]

Originally Posted by ryguy76

Another question...

If I end up going with the AR7200BX, do I need a sat on this size heli, or am I fine with it on it's own?

Per AR7200BX manual:
"The AR7200BX is perfect for mini (up to 450 class) helicopters. Using an optional DSMX remote receiver adds necessary path diversity for even the largest electric, glow, gas and turbine-powered helicopters.
ImpoRTANT: When using the AR7200BX with larger helicopters (500-size and larger): It is necessary that you connect a DSMX remote receiver. "

As the Protos 500 is bigger than an 450, you should use a satellite.