MX/X400 mods. Show us your work.

[kenpsych]

Finally, a full metal head with Helimax/Ark parts:

[Raven_darkcloud]

Its looking good ken, nice seeing all that red. Hows that fly? I know the alumi parts give more pitch and cyclic (playing with parts on other 400's).

[kenpsych]

Originally Posted by Raven_darkcloud

Its looking good ken, nice seeing all that red. Hows that fly? I know the alumi parts give more pitch and cyclic (playing with parts on other 400's).

In a word or two, "more responsive" on both collective and cyclic. Just a more crisp response on the controls. And yes, it does look good! Here's a couple of pics with the all "red head":

[dbethel]

That just looks sweet!

[dbethel]

I am getting my MX400 Pro on Monday from Tower Hobbies. I can't wait to do that to mine! FYI Tower hobbies has a good deal going on right now on those, they have the Pro for $249.99, then minus a $20.00 instant rebate for spending $150.00 or more, then a $40.00 rebate from Helimax. Just thought I would let you guys know. I can't wait to get it in the air!

[kenpsych]

Originally Posted by dbethel

I am getting my MX400 Pro on Monday from Tower Hobbies. I can't wait to do that to mine! FYI Tower hobbies has a good deal going on right now on those, they have the Pro for $249.99, then minus a $20.00 instant rebate for spending $150.00 or more, then a $40.00 rebate from Helimax. Just thought I would let you guys know. I can't wait to get it in the air!

That's a great price. I only got mine back in June for $290. GrandRC has the MX450XS ARF for $340 but it need motor and sc: http://www.grandrc.com/inc/sdetail/38277

Good luck, welcome to the club!

[Raven_darkcloud]

I wish the x400 bling came in more then just red. I will soon get a close look at the new alumi head for the 400 that has bearings in it for the seesaw.

[dbethel]

I got my MX 400 Pro today. Here are a few pics. I know its nothing special yet, but I am really excited. Mods will be coming very soon![/img]

[Helder22]

Just a heads-up, MX-450 is $289 now at Towerhobbies. Comes with all the bling you need. Use the cupon code on the front page and its $269. 00. I got one! Weeeeeeeeee!!!!

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXMAE5&P=7

Below is a picture of the MX-450 next to a blinged Mx-400, and also a couple of pictures of my mod, a battery tray. Also, I thought I might share, an idea for a free yet effective carrying case for the heli. Glue the sides of the box the heli comes in shut, and open the box from the top. I made a blue styrofoam insert to keep the boom in place and thats it. Pretty handy. And did I mention free?

[byzcol]

Originally Posted by kenpsych

Here's my "budget" no parts needed, top gyro mount mod: :glasses2:

I may have to drill the two front holes but for now it holds quite well...

Okay gents, I am getting a feeling here that there is an issue with the flybar trashing the gyro which is something I wasn't aware of as a problem. How common is this as an issue??

Thanks
Byron

[Squirrlybird]

Okay gents, I am getting a feeling here that there is an issue with the flybar trashing the gyro which is something I wasn't aware of as a problem. How common is this as an issue??

Not too common, but the gyro is usually the most expensive single component on the heli and paddle strikes do occur. If gyros were cheap as servos, then I wouldnt worry about it, but....

My only concern with moving the gyro mount is that it will then be difficult to strap the gyro down with a velcroe strap. I have seen many crashes due to failed gyro tape and like to have the strap for extra assurance. Of coarse I dont like having my gyro hit by a paddle either.

[t.edwards]

My only concern with moving the gyro mount is that it will then be difficult to strap the gyro down with a velcroe strap.

Drill a hole in each side of the mount and/or frame and run a nylon tie thru them and around the gyro. Tom

[Entropy]

Right on guys, lookin' good. I can't wait to get my MX450 on Monday. I got it for $269.99 with a free Heli-Max pitch guage and the $40 manufacturers credit...sweet deal I think. Plus my brother paid for $50 of it as a birthday present. I'm new to heli's so any suggestions on my first upgrades? (I know what you're thinking, I haven't even got it yet and am already thinking of upgrades...) I was thinking of getting Hyperion's Diamond Carbon blades...

[Helder22]

Aluminum Tail Boom Servo Mount is a must. the heli comes with practically everything else. I just bought one too. Great stuff!

And dont get that motor that Tower suggests for that heli. Its VERY heavy, I ghot it and was very surprised. Im not going to use it thats for sure. Im going to use a 450th instead.

BTW if youre new to helis. you might want to consider using wood blades for a while. Wood blades break much easier in a crash, and its better to break a blade than the head.

[Entropy]

So what is the purpose of mounting the tail servo on the boom? Does it help with making it more stable or does it help tail performance or both? I kinda like the look of it tucked away better...So would you recommend the 450TH over say like a Medusa 3500?

[Helder22]

The servo on the boom makes it a lot easier to adjust cause you just slide the servo a little up and down the boom and youre set. It may not seem like something of great importance at first but its actually really handy . Take a look at pictures of peoples choppers and youre likely to notice that almost everyone does it.

I chose the 450th after looking at this article:
http://www.trextuning.com/3s-supertest.php

The Medusa does in fact seem to be the best motor in terms of performance, but the 450th comes in at a very close second, and with 3 advantages: price , weight and power consumption.

Since right now my skills nowhere near the point where the last 1% in performance from the motor are going to make any difference, I opted for the 450th, which while at a very respectable second place among so many motors, will give me the chance to fly for longer (and thus giving me a chance to practice for longer)

[skysoljah]

Hi
Thanks for everybody's input, helped me a lot on getting started on a new hobby. I want to share my repair work on an MX400/X400 main gear, I went through a few of these gears while learning and experimented on repairing the gear, the gears are hard to come by especially here. i found that the outcome of the repair works better if the gear has at least 1/2 teeth left on the assy. I used a pinion to clean the damaged part, and an emery board to even it out, you need to remove the blades and SECURE the heli as you need to run it at a low rpm ( watch out for the tail rotor), clean the teeth again with the pinion an adjust the gear backlash accordingly.

Another way to do it with the gear out is to use a compass, mark the top part of the gear with a sharpie (dark color)use the main shaft as a guide for the compass and mark it as close to the edge as possible (for an even outline) and I have used a dremel with a beveled cutoff wheel to shape or to re-cut the gear tooth, install,adjust gear lash, and even it out with an emery board. Be safe.
Attached Thumbnails
97.0 KB - Views: 5

105.5 KB - Views: 4

109.6 KB - Views: 4

69.3 KB - Views: 5

[hfgencollon]

Wait, hold on, why didn't my 'pro come with an aluminum head block? I just got it two weeks ago.

Is there a way I can call in and get the stock one?

[kenpsych]

Here's the Dean's antenna. Nice to get rid of the old clothes line!

[Kushal_22]

Well here is my 400 with all the upgrades it`s probbaly a 450 by now.

CCPM upgrade
Microheli precision Tail Pro SE

Align 430L with 40AMP ESC 11T Pinion

I also did a Home made mod from tail servo to the tail 2MM Carbon rod
I then usedsome Ball links and thread.I then soaked the thread with CA and put heat shrink over that. No more z bends and No More Slop.