gmcullan
Veteran
Location: Southbridge, MA
| Sam, be aware that there are still issues with the factory mainshafts for the HDX300. Even the new, hardened V3 shaft bends way too easily. Making mainshafts from injector rod material helps, but you still have the issue of cross-drilling the shaft for the "Jesus bolt". Easier said than done. I use cobalt drill bits and count on only one cross-hole per bit. The solid carbid bits should last longer, but they are so brittle that any flex at all will shatter the bit.
Parts are readily available for the HDX300 from HeliDirect as well as other sources. When properly setup, it can be a very nice flying little heli. But it doesn't take much at all to screw it up royally.
I've recently installed a MicroHeli all-aluminum rotor head on my HDX300. I like the flight qualities of this head, flying it on a Blade CP, HoneyBee CP2, and a MicroHeli Blade airframe. I'll probably leave my HDX300 in this configuration for a while.
I still will be working toward getting the V3 head working in a consistent manner. This head is essentially a scaled-down T-Rex head. I love the performance of my T-Rex, but it's not comfortable as a "house-heli." The 300-sized helis are a reasonable size for hovering inside. And if your doorways are safely wide enough, it's fun to zip room to room.
If you are starting from scratch with a HDX300, I would definitely recommend the V3 version. The V1 and V2 versions have balance and height issues. I've taken my V2 and made my own front LiPo pack mount. This positions the LiPo pack in the same manner as the V3. This greatly aids balancing the heli. Proper C/G is just as important, and maybe even more so, that that of fixed wing aircraft.
I also made 12mm spacers that fit between the main frame and landing skid legs. This raises the heli up to the point in which tail rotor strikes are less likely to happen.
You can find photos of the LiPo mount and spacers in my gallery.
Setup is extremely critical. The available directions leave much to be desired. Over-all experience with heli construction and setup will be of great value. If you've not worked with an underslung head such as the V3 before, the instructions for the T-Rex 450SE will be a great help. These instructions, as well as a wealth of great setup hints and techniques, are readily available on RunRyder and other forum/internet sources.
As I've said, the HDX300 has the potential to be a great little heli. Just be aware that this is definitely not a "shake it out of the box and fly it" heli. You are going to have to invest time, and probably more money than you'd want to, in getting to a reliable, good flying little heli.
I'm stubborn and will keep working with my HDX300. Those of us that have them have been sharing information for a while. Some of us have enjoyed good success with this heli. But it seems like there is always a nagging problem just waiting to jump out and be solved.
Best of luck with your proposed project. Don't hesitate to present your problems or questions, as there are several of us that will jump in to help you.
Best regards,
Gerry Cullan
Gerry Cullan,
HB CP2, T-Rex 450 SE & SA, HDX300, MicroHeli Monster, Mini-Titan, Blade 400 |
