Build Story
Roban Bell 429 (700)
Massimo C.
Chapter 2 of 9
The Mechanics
Jan 27, 2025
I started the assembly few months a go and unfortunately I have to say that the Roban manual needs a huge improvements to match the product that they sell. Most of the pictures are so small and don't have any details regarding the screws that needs to be used. I found it some how difficult, however thanks to the internet I was able to find many pictures from other builder that help me on this journey.
Even if I initially purchased a 3X Demon, I decided to switch to an Ikon2.
I 3D print a bigger tail fin, since with the 600 size I have, I was afraid that the tail blades were going to hit the ground.
22 Comments
I will be watching this.
B
Massimo,
Looking good man. Hopefully I can check this out at Helistorm.
B
I hope to make it at the Helistorm
Looks pretty smooth!!
Massimo,
Looks very solid for a test hop..
Nicely done Mang.
UIH,
B
Thanks, the tail wag a little but i think i'll need to do few adjustments once everything is together..... Soon 😊
You can't go wrong with a Brain2/iKon2 👍
I believe also the programming is easier than the Demon 3x
I love the Zermatt scheme!! I have an Alterbaum 429 that will be getting that scheme.
You need a chalk outline for the guy in pieces!
Nice touches for the drivers. Some good dissection can go a long way to add some great detail. I have dissected very pricy action figures to get the right look.
Nice job,
B
Thanks Butch
Adjusting your sticks should have nothing to do with the flight controller. It has everything to do with mechanical setup and travel distance at certain stick points (e.g. a pitch curve). In the Heli Courses area, there's a video course on head setup that walks through this.
Thanks Michael
Agree with Michael. I generally configure my collective setup so it is -3 deg on the low side and +11.5 deg on the high side. That’s pretty much all there is too it.
I use the pitch curve as last optimization step and tuning for 2 main things - max 3-4 points:
- flaten the curve on the hover zone to create some cushion
- temporary compensate hot weather/lack of density by increasing the pitch on the mid upper range (I do on 2nd flight, difference is impressive)
Note: for me, no assignment to rotating wheel or switch, I remember better the change as visual memory item
id simply do like everyone else said. +4 or +5 at mid stick and whatever you want at full pitch and whatever at low pitch. you can use a pitch curve with ikon. it won't hurt anything.
Thanks Timothy, I made few adjustments using a combination of mechanical and pitch curve. I think I know what I didn't consider when I setup the heli, and it's the weight of the fuselage and accessories. However, I think found the right balance, testing pending this weekend, weather allows. 😊😊
Massimo,
Looks nice and solid in the air. Nice pedal turns during slow flight.
Great job,
B
Thanks Butch
Hi there!
Congratulations on a beautiful model and flying.
I've got the "Mercy Flight" Bell 421
Can you please tell me your all up flying weight (Mine is 22 lbs) and your heads-speeds? Looking forward to hearing, Safe flights!
Hello Cletus, the flying weight is 18.7lbs (8.5kg) with the 3 batteries, 2x5000 6S, that i use for everything (motor, servos, received, etc), and 1x1,500 3S that is use for the lights system.
Head speed 1,250rpm, i tried to lower it to the 1,100 suggested but at 1,250 it feel more comfortable, for me, in the way the heli respond. Fly time 8min but the batteries still have 55-60% charge after landing. I hope this help you with your project.