RAK402
Key Veteran
Location: Alhambra, CA
My Posts This: Topic Forum | I have had a 3DXL for over a year, flying it a bit when I first got it, then putting it aside as I went back to Nitro and other things.
This was a "bear bones" model, so I installed my own radio equipement (Spektrum AR6200 reciever, JR DS285 servos on cyclic, Futaba 401 gyro and JR3400G for the tail, Align XL motor and speed control (forom a TREX 450), and a separate BEC). It was a bit of a struggle to get the 285's in, as the frame was made for smaller servos. Initially I was using a JR10X, now I have upgraded it to a 12X.
I added slightly longer CF main rotor blades (replacing the stock ones) on recommendation from Venom representatives.
Last, but most importantly, I installed bright GREEN KBDD tail blades (I ordered them especially for this machine-every thing is now green or black except for the main rotor blades).
I bent the upper of the two trays to about a 45 degree downward angle (so that I could use larger batteries and mount them higher up), and moved the mounting points on the canopy so it would mount further forward (again, to accomodate the larger battery).
It is just a bit noseheavy now.
I set it up with the 12X yesterday, and test hovered it, then took it out to the field today.
I was shocked at how well it flew. I liked it a year ago (it would roll quite flat and was very fast in forward flight), but set it aside for the aforementioned "other things" (Knight Pro and Knight 3D).
I am not a 3D flier, but it will loop, roll, flip, fly backwards inverted and is quite predictable. The disk loading is a little higher than a TREX 450, and the pitch range is a bit less, so you have to anticipate on the collective a bit more. It could stand a bit more throw on the elevator (this is where the "bit nose heavy" is a slight issue).
The tail holds extremely well (obviously those GREEN KBDD tail rotor blades).
Handling on cyclic is about like TREX 450 with the long flybar and heavy plastic paddles. I have not dorked it yet, so cannot comment on how it will stand up. It will be returned to the regular rotation of small/parkflier helicopters that are flown when I cannot get out to a larger field to fly the Atom or the Knights.
I am working through the entire fleet-converting over to KBDD tail blades!
KBDD-Field Rep.Common Sense/Compass Field Rep. |
