Trex 550x beast x

[BladesinMD]

Unfortunately it is an 8800. Got it in a bundle with a DX8 (upgrading from DX6i) before I knew better.

Thanks for the heads up on the setup. I have the leveler and digital pitch gauge (which was DOA) but was not aware I needed an ESC programmer with the Super Combo.

Blade gets a lot of credit for getting me into the hobby and providing some very good Helis but it makes one realize how much to learn about a complete setup as opposed to a rebuild.

[rhodesengr]

Originally Posted by BladesinMD

Unfortunately it is an 8800.

but was not aware I needed an ESC programmer with the Super Combo.

Blade gets a lot of credit for getting me into the hobby and providing some very good Helis but it makes one realize how much to learn about a complete setup as opposed to a rebuild.

I think you mean AR8000 which is great standard receiver. I don't think there is an AR8800. If you are going to stick with the BeastX FBL, my (strong) suggestion id to keep the AR8000 for another project and get an AR7700. They are not that expensive and are a better match for the beastX. The beastX pretty much forces you to use a single line RX to use full feature. MB does not have enough input pins to connect to a 7th channel for Rescue. If you have no plans to use Rescue or Gov, you can use the AR8000 but its a waste since you'd only be using 6 channels. If you buy the firmware upgrade for Rescue, its best to use a 7th channel. There is a way to just use 6 channels but then you combine Tail gain and Rescue on channel 5 which takes more creative DX8 setup.

You don't really need the ESC programmer unless you want to use the ESC Gov feature or make other changes. It will work out of the box if you fly on Throttle curves. I fly a an older 550 for two years without a Gov. The programmer is nice to have. You can save a few bucks by getting it direct from Hobbywing (what I did). Other than the printing on the plastic, it is the same thing.
https://www.hobbywingdirect.com/products/lcd-program

I don't think there is much more to setup on a new model than a CP that you've had to repair (not counting micros). Any FBL model with 3 cyclic servo and a fourth for the tail is pretty much the same from a 450 to an 800: level the swash and set zero pitch at mid stick. It is all done through the FBL setup. So once you learn the setup process with a particular FBL controller, its always the same.

[BladesinMD]

Rhodesengr, I appreciate all the info.

It is an AR8000, my bad.

I am not worried about bailout. My 230S and 200SRX has it but I haven't ever used it and have not had many crashes with either. I will be practicing 3D work on the 450X or 360CFX before attempting on the 550X. I fear I would become reliant on the bailout feature would I to have it.

I guess I'm mostly concerned with any issues that could arrise with using the AR8000 as there are a lot of connections between the beast (every slot is occupied!) making for a lot of wire management.

[rhodesengr]

Originally Posted by BladesinMD

I guess I'm mostly concerned with any issues that could arrise with using the AR8000 as there are a lot of connections between the beast (every slot is occupied!) making for a lot of wire management.

Rarely are the connections between the RX and FBL much of a problem.