Build a cheap 450 size heli

[vanillagorilla]

Just curious - why would one choose a 450 over a 500?  I know some components will cost more....but any other reason?

[Derick Z]

Just curious - why would one choose a 450 over a 500?  I know some components will cost more....but any other reason?

450's are smaller and can be flown in a little less space than a 500. Also 500's cost A LOT more. One wouldn't think so, but they really do. The price of every component goes up dramatically, especially things like the battery which can go from 12 bucks to 50-60 easily.  While a 500 is theoretically more stable, especially in windy conditions, a 450 serves just fine for those just moving to a CP bird. The only real limitation a 450 has that a 500 is free from is a slight drop in stability and a reduced ability to autorotate effectively.

[vanillagorilla]

Just curious - why would one choose a 450 over a 500?  I know some components will cost more....but any other reason?

450's are smaller and can be flown in a little less space than a 500. Also 500's cost A LOT more. One wouldn't think so, but they really do. The price of every component goes up dramatically, especially things like the battery which can go from 12 bucks to 50-60 easily.  While a 500 is theoretically more stable, especially in windy conditions, a 450 serves just fine for those just moving to a CP bird. The only real limitation a 450 has that a 500 is free from is a slight drop in stability and a reduced ability to autorotate effectively.

Thanks - that cleared things up a bit.  I'll probably go the 450 clone route when I move from FP to CP.  Working on/building is half the fun for me anyways.  However I don't like buying cheap parts that have very limited reliability.....

Can one build a 450 up to be nearly the same quality as Align but save money?

[Derick Z]

I built my HK-450 for $260 including roughly $60 in shipping and $40 for a charger. I used:

Turnigy HH Gyro ($24.79)
Hobby King Tx ($32.95)
Turnigy battery ($12.49x2)
GWS Servo (for tail) ($12.35)
Cyclic Servos ($2.99x3)
Hobbywing 30A ESC ($11.00)
Alpha 400 Motor ($11.70)
Along with
Turnigy Charger ($23.99) with this ($15.95) power supply.

Thus far, the setup is working fantastically for me, and I'm considering upgrading to a full metal head and tail I found for $36.

[Nuttcaze]

Just curious - why would one choose a 450 over a 500?  I know some components will cost more....but any other reason?

For alot of people, including myself, choose the bigger helis because they can handle more wind (and they're stable). I drive to my flying site and I hate getting there and finding out theres too much wind too fly a 450 heli in so I decided to stick with the big ones. 500's can handle quite a bit more wind (and a 600 can handle even more, just short of storms, I'll fly my 600GT in almost any amount of wind). But if you have a small field near you or a large backyard, it can make alot more sense to buy a 450. 

[tcprogrammer]

A few more things:  batteries for a 450 are significantly less expensive than for a 500.  Some parts (blades as a good example) for a 450 are much less expensive. Finally if you don't have a flying club to join and are forced to fly in public parks or other areas, a 450 is significantly less dangerous. While you can still hurt someone badly with a 450, a 500 could do a LOT of damage very easily. You really need a proper flying field or other safe area for 500 size and up.

[dery36]

Hi Guys

Looking at building my first 450. I'm ordering the same cheap set up mark posted except I want to order the HK450 v2. It looks like it comes with the blades and canopy with metal head and better tail setup. Will this work with the listed parts?

Thanks,
dery36

[Derick Z]

Absolutely  These parts are for most 450's, and for pretty much any Trex 450 clone, like the HK450 is. Good luck with the build and let us know if you need any more help 

[AusDaniel]

THANKS MARC!!! made my own version of this heli,(HK450v2) all parts except spektrum receiver from HK, AND I LOVE IT!!! i put 7 packs through it today, maidened it last week, or my friend maiden it and trimmed it for me :P 7 min flights with zippy 2200mah 25c bats or 6mins with 1800! fly it in my backyard with all 3 of my lipos, charge them then go again! haha so happy with it!

[nickcorr]

I'm getting on this band wagon as well!!  

The stocking, finally, of the 6 channel V1 receivers , to work with the Exceed TX that I won on this forum (thanks Marc and the guys!! ), meant that I had to put an order in, and whilst I was there, I thought why not get some spares for the 9Eagles, and might as well get some more tools...

and;

4 servos
40A ESC
Typhoon motor + pinions
Gyro.

Next order will be for the heli, actually, probably a couple of them  .. proper tail servo more batteries

and crash kit parts... Any suggestions for those? Also thinking about the pro tail...

Wish me luck...

[HBFP NL]

Good luck!

[AusDaniel]

nickcorr, what kv motor you gettin? i got a 3500kv motor and ive got my throttle curve 0-10-20-30-40 and theres still about 2100rpm on the head, idle ups ridiculous with 100-90-80-90-100 way to much head speed for me 

[HBFP NL]

Personally I think a 450 flying at 2100 rpm is not using the cp machine well 

Below 2800 rpm it is not stable imo.

BL motors like to run between 85 and 100% btw.

Well get used to the 2100 very fast and change to flat curves like 00-85-85-85-85 with some negative pitch at bottom stick 

[AusDaniel]

hahaha not stable! this things pretty good!! but yea im just experimenting with what feels good for me but still gives me a linear th curve, but i still love it, 2 days flyin helis and 12 batteries through and gettin into forward flight now so im happy as pie 

[mheloy]

So excited to build my 450.
But still learning to fly my Bee!
Soon I'll build one too