EXI 500

The best deal on a 2100T is at HeliProz.com..You can getthe combo 2100T/3100G for 109.00 gyro alone is 104.. even if you don't need the servo on this heli its very good to have for 5.00 It's worth about 50.00
You can also try EBAY there are really good deals there all the time..!!

I'm taking a chance on a used (2X) 2100T. The price was right. We shall see. There are so many classified boards for heli parts that I have found, you can usually find a pretty good deal if you are patient enough (not one of my strong suits).

Now the parts waiting game.

What parts are you waiting for?? The 2100T is pretty tough!! I've crashed HARD and it still works great... I have 6 2100's and never had a single issue!!!! I love them.. I really an anxious to get a 6100 to see if that is really as great as it is said to be too!!!!

I have put my 2100T's through some impact resistance testing also and they haven't missed a beat. I'm pretty sure that the one I have coming has just been flowen a couple of times for testing and not crashed. The AR6200 is NIB so that should be fine. Both are shipping USPS tomorrow so I hopefully may have them in my dirty little hands on Sat. I can wait for the 2100T but I'm ready to start testing servos so I could use the AR6200. I don't really want to go through the excercise of removing the AR6100 from one of my 450s and use that for setup when I have the 6200 on the way, patience my son, patience. (Again patience is not one of my stronger attributes.)

I'm curious about the 6100 also but, when I get into that price class I would probably go with the Spartan. It seems that it is widely used and I don't hear many negative comments about it.

Last night I mounted the three cyclic servos and had to use spacers on the front two servos to keep them from hitting in the middle. I mounted the rear servo using spacers, as Finless shows in his Trex 500 build, and it put the ball past the centerline of the heli. I ended up taking the spacers out and it seems the ball is centered well now. I'm using the Hitech 5245's for cyclic.

Later,

Fatdaddy wrote:

What parts are you waiting for?? The 2100T is pretty tough!! I've crashed HARD and it still works great... I have 6 2100's and never had a single issue!!!! I love them.. I really an anxious to get a 6100 to see if that is really as great as it is said to be too!!!!

Hey guys,

Help me figure this out. I see that in an external bec that you can switch between 5v or 6v output.

The specs for the 5245 servos that I am using say that the operating speed is .15 sec @ 60º at 4.8v.

The Logictech 2100T has an operating voltage of 4.5v - 5.5v.

The INO-LAB 261 can be run at either 4.8v or 6v while the Futaba 9257(what I will probably get while waiting on the ino-lab) only has spec for 4.8v.

With all of that said, my questios are:

1. Will a bec output setting of 6v damage or be too high for the electronics that I have?

2. Wont the servos just operate faster on higher voltage?

3. If the servos will be fine at 6v, would I have to put a step down on the gyro?

4. Is there an output voltage selection in the programability of an esc with internal bec?

I am sorry for so many questions; I just dont want to burn anything up because of something that I should have done my homework for...

All the ESC's I've seen can be set at either 4.8/5 or 6 volts.. You will not hurt the gyro at 6 volts.
Not sure about you other questions.. I run mine at 4.8/5 using the built in BEC..

But on all ESC's I have, output current can't be selected

Well maybe Its just the HOBBYWING???? I thought it was common, but it will not be the first time I've been wrong..!!

On the Hobbywing 80A, Hi Voltage Pentium ESC I just got from Heli Direct you can select either 5v or 6v for the output.

Donnie D

Yup I checked, All my HW can be set to 5 or 6 V output!!

Hey FD,

I ordered the Castle Phoenix ICE 75a esc and a Futaba s9257 tail servo yesterday!

I guess I will just have an extra tail servo when the ino-lab comes off backorder.

I think I will have to start with it set at 5v output because there is a note that says Futaba does NOT recommend running this servo at 6v and I didnt get a step down for it, oh well.

I havent started building anything yet because I wanted to get ALL of my parts together first.

I saw that cget said he had to make some spacers for the servos, do they sell servo spacers anywhere? I dont have access to all of my tools because I am in Oklahoma; if I were at home this would not be a problem.

J.

Here are a couple of sources for servo spacers. You will need some if you are going to use the 5245 cyclic servos, to keep them from hitting in the center of the frame back to back. I tried 2.4MM spacers and the servos still hit. I ended up with 3MM spacers and there is approx. 1mm spacing between the backs of the servo cases.

http://www.helidirect.com/r5500658-black-g10-servo-spacers-8pcs-p-9642.hdx

http://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=heli&Product_Code=MA127-90 (Great service from these guys)

http://www.t-rex-parts.com/T-Rex_500_Parts/c39/p2534/T-Rex_500_Servo_Horn_&_Nut_Set/product_info.html (This kit includes more than just the spacers)

Again, I ended up having to use 3mm spacers. I'm not sure what any of the above will give you for spacing. I didn't have to use spacers on the elevator servo to get the ball on the centerline of the heli so, with the 5245 servo on the EXI 500 CF you should only need spacers for the aileron and pitch servos.

Again, this has been my experience, your mileage may vary. I was lucky to have 3mm material available and was able to fabricate spacers myself.

Good Luck, If you have any questions feel free to ask.

I don't remember needing to use any spacees on my servos!! I'll go down and check but I don't think I did..

Here are some pictures that describe better than words the servo spacers.









The servos would interfere with eachother without the spacers. Kind of a pain but it seems to work.

My AR6200 just came in the mail so I'll be setting up servos tonite!!!! WOOOO HOOOO!!!

Yes I see now!! What I did was use the ones that came with the kit between the servo and the frame on the ouitside and used nylock nuts inside..
It worked perfect!!

Hey cget,

I started my build last night and I already have an issue. This is the kit that I ordered and I think its the same one that you ordered, right?

I see in the your servo spacer pictures that your kit has washers (that the bolt head goes into) on the frame bolts and that you have them on the servos. Were the ones that you have on the servos in the kit?

My kit doesn't have any washers in the pack that has the servo nuts and bolts. Even more confusing is that my kit doesn't have any washers on the frame. Instead the bolt heads are bigger and have a rounded shape to them (I think they are called "button heads") but there are no washers. I cant use the mounting screws that came with the servos because they are self tappers and the servo nuts are metal and threaded for a machine screw, so now I have to find some washers.

I dont understand how the same kits can be different????? Did I get shorted some parts???


J.

Hey J, First of all good luck with your build. I'm not implying that you will need it, just well wishes. Finished my EXI 500 CF last nite and this morning. Hopefully headed out to get it in the air the first time in a few minutes.

OK, I just checked the link you sent and it was for the Carbon Fiber version right? Mine was the CF and for the washers under the boltheads for the servos I scavanged them out of my "EXI 450" spare parts. They didn't come in the kit.

No washers on the frame bolts? I think I would contact Xheli through their forum site and let them know you didn't get the washers installed on your frame bolts. I would also pitch a fit about the "button head" frame screws. Are they at least hex drive instead of philips? (I hate philips). I also used servo mounting bolts from my spares collection as when the servo spacers were added the supplied servo mounting bolts were too short.

I understand you being pissed off! I would point out to Xheli that the kit you were sent wasn't the same as the one they advertise on their website. Different fasteners showen on the website. I understand the excitement you have for starting the build but, you maybe want to let Xheli know that if they can't supply the correct hardware for the kit you received you will be returning it.

Chances are that they will supply the correct hardware for your kit.

Post your message on the forum and I'm pretty sure they will help you out. Unfortunately you won't have the parts you need TODAY. I know you want to get started.

Please let me know how you come out on this. It could effect my dealing with Xheli.

Good Luck! You will love the 500 when you get your issues straightened out. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions you might have. I'm glad to help and it is fresh in my mind.

Curt

jstarks wrote:

Hey cget,

I started my build last night and I already have an issue. This is the kit that I ordered and I think its the same one that you ordered, right?

I see in the your servo spacer pictures that your kit has washers (that the bolt head goes into) on the frame bolts and that you have them on the servos. Were the ones that you have on the servos in the kit?

My kit doesn't have any washers in the pack that has the servo nuts and bolts. Even more confusing is that my kit doesn't have any washers on the frame. Instead the bolt heads are bigger and have a rounded shape to them (I think they are called "button heads") but there are no washers. I cant use the mounting screws that came with the servos because they are self tappers and the servo nuts are metal and threaded for a machine screw, so now I have to find some washers.

I dont understand how the same kits can be different????? Did I get shorted some parts???


J.

Yeah they are hex drive. You know, I looked at them and said to myself, that's not how they look in the pictures on xheli's site but maybe they changed the kit and didnt update the pics on their site; then when I saw the pictures of yours, I freaked!!!

I will definitely let them know and will let you know what happens.

Thanks for getting back tome and I hope your maiden voyage with your 500 goes great!!!! Looking forward to some video of it!!!!



J.

Raining here in Savannah. Was forced to spool up the 500 in Beachcombers carport. First spinup it got lite on the skids and started spinning madly, (trimmed some of Beachcombers grass LOL). Knew right away what to do. Reversed the gyro, after I calmed down. It came off the floor beautifully adjusted the tail servo position for no rotation in rate mode. Switched to HH and hovered two sets of batteries through it. It's GREAT!!! Didn't have to touch the gyro gain. I hadn't changed my pitch curve in normal to take out the negative pitch, will have to do that. Need to adjust the endpoint on the tail servo after adjusting its position in rate mode.

Now just to wait for good weather.

Good luck with your situation. Like I said if there is anything I can help you with just let me know.

Thought I would share some pics of my CopterX 500. It is exactly the same kit as the EXI 500. Added a couple of Align upgrades..main gears..tail boom and swashplate. The Align blades work well. Running a Scorpion motor (13 tooth pinion) with the HobbyWing Platinum 60 amp ESC. Gyro is a Align GP750. Canopy is a Fusuno. Servos are Hitech HS82 MG's. Tail Servo is a Ino-Lab HG-261HB. This is a very smooth and fast machine! I have two 500 machines and this is my favorite to fly!

She looks great and glad to hear it flys well too. I have an order in to Helidirect for some Align replacement parts for spares inventory. I also put a Hitec HS-5245MG servo on the order to replace the one that failed on my second shakedown hover. I'm waiting to hear from Espritmodel if they are going the replace the failed one but, I thought a backup plan would maybe get me back in the air faster. I'm itching! I also placed an order with Hobby City for 4 2650mah 30C 6S batteries, two Zippys and two Turnigys. I'm done spending money on this heli now. (How many times have I said that!) That canopy is really sharp! Where did you get it? What Scorpion motor are you running? I have the 3026-1600 installed in my 500 and I'm using a Castle Creations Phoenix ICE 75A esc. I hope to be back in the air by mid to late week. In the mean time I'm re-routing wires, greaseing bearings, etc.

I'm not sure why I'm seeing this page as really wide? Maybe you posted the pictures side by side instead of above and below eachother?

Nice to meet you! Talk to you later, it's back to bed for an hour or so before getting up for work.

Curt

Hi Curt, Nice to meet ya! I'm running the same Scorpion you are! The canopy is available at HeliDirect. 36 bucks! Sorry to hear about your servo issues. I have had excellent luck with he HiTech servos. Let's get that bird of yours airborne and running right! I had to tweak mine some on it's first flights, but she is dialed in now! The Align blades I'm using made a big difference over the kit blades. I probably have around 20 flights on them now! And they are still in one piece!

I had good luck on my initial hovers. 1st spool-up went into the fast piero, I needed a gyro direction reversal. Switched gyro direction, Logictech 2100T gyro, and lifted off in rate mode. Slight drift, adjusted the tail servo position, (several times) got rate into a steady hover and switched to HH. Solid as a rock didn't even have to adjust gain! A couple more short hovers in my buddies carport, as it was raining, and then a few hours later, in the front yard the rain had stopped and I tried to hover again. Got up about 8 feet and she took a hard lean to the right and the motor started cutting in and out! Managed to get it back on the ground somehow without any damage, other than to my pants! Did some investigating and my pitch servo was hanging up and drawing current enough to cause the ESC to lose the signal from the transmitter. That's what it looks like to me anyway. So, I'm grounded waiting for another servo. Hopefully Esprit will replace the faulty one, but as I mentioned I have another one coming from Helidirect.

Have to get ready for work, catch up with you later.

Curt

hey goes can u give me an estimate of the total cost for your exi 500 build not counting the RX deciding if i shoulod get one this week or just springfor the nitro t-rex 600

Obviously you can get cheaper parts, but here is what I used:

EXI 500CF Kit - $178.95 with CF main Blades
Hytec cyclic servos - $143.97
Logictec gyro - $104.95
Tail servo - $59.99
Motor - $74.99
ESC - $101.99
Battery - $34.99

Total $699.83 just parts, no shipping. Also doesn't include the extra parts (main and feathering shafts, main gears and such) or the extra battery.

Damn! Thats the first time I added it all up...whewee I must love this hobby!!!!

There is not a doubt in my mind that you could build this kit for probably half this cost but I wanted to get what I think is going to be good components to start with, rather than starting cheap and then having to replace the cheap parts when they break, with better parts and fix whatever got broke in the crash. But hey thats just my opinion.

ok thanks that just made up my mind .. i gunna go with the nitro if im gunna spend that kind of money i want bigger and u got all the parts i would buy too all the good stuff so maybe down the road ill build the exi...now i gotta wait for the model i want to come it stock

JS, I was hoping to remain in blissful ignorance of my total but it looks like it is about the same as yours. My only hope is that my wife doesn't catch on to my addiction costs.

I'm heli crazy! Curt

I hid our calculator. YUK YUK

Donnie D

Matt 4 : 18-19

I left the calculator out...but I removed the batteries My wife thinks I'm crazy to fly "toys" as she puts it...but we know better don't we!

I usually have a grace period (the time between getting my parts and when the credit card bill comes) to plead my case as to why i needed more parts/helis! The earlier in my credit card cycle I place the order, the longer I have.