Build Thread Align 550 Build

Discussion in 'Align' started by Smitti, Oct 5, 2015.

By Smitti on Oct 5, 2015 at 11:52 PM
  1. Smitti

    Smitti New Member

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    Good Morning! I am going to be building a Trex 550 clone. The kit I have ordered comes with a fly-barred head and I will be changing it to a FBL system. My question is, I have looked for a 550 size DFC head and it seems that the 600 size DFC head is compatible in size with the 550. Does anybody have experience with using a 600 head on a 550 frame and will it fit properly? If not, can somebody point me in the right direction please? Also, would you suggest a DFC or just a standard fly-barless head with the mixing arms? Disadvantages and advantages to both? Thanks in advance!

    I know there is a clone forum but since it's an Align build I thought I'd get more helpful information here.
     

Comments

Discussion in 'Align' started by Smitti, Oct 5, 2015.

    1. The Dude

      The Dude Well-Known Member

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      @Smitti .. Standard fly-barless head will do just nice ...Don't get suckered into changing and or adding bling bling things, Just build and fly .. All a dfc head will do is flip a bit faster if it's a low head design, pretty sure the 600 head is not.. .. other than that , there is no benefit. You don't need it .. Waste of time and money ... Most that went dfc have gone back to stock ..


      Take a look at this video, it's been posted around the net a million times already but it will show you one of the flaws in the dfc design, this is why Align released the hard plastic dampers, to prevent any flexing.. the vid is not in english and he has left the head dampens out to show the problem in a more exaggerated way for the purpose of understanding.



      Not ALL DFC heads are the same, some are ok


      Non Rigid Driverless Heads "DFC HEADS"

      To alleviate most of these rigid DFC issues, some manufacturers incorporate a flexible control linkage allowing for normal head dampening to be used.

      When the head axle feathers, the prying force is no longer transmitted down the control linkage, it is absorbed within the "flexible" linkage. This not only reduces the stress loads in the linkages and attachment points, it allows lower head speeds to be run just like with any other "conventional" dampened head.

      Compass for example use the NON Rigid Driverless head design !


      300xNxCompass_DFC_Head_300pics.gif.pagespeed.ic.R6jqeh3COs.jpg

      My advice would be stay away fro the dfc head, Just build fly and enjoy !
       
      Last edited: Oct 6, 2015
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    2. smakmeharder

      smakmeharder Administrator

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    3. Servo

      Servo Member

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      Agree dfc head is nothing more than a gimmick the efl head standard design flies much better :)

      Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
       
    4. Smitti

      Smitti New Member

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      @The Dude thanks a lot for that, much appreciated. Next question is can you point me in the right direction to buy a new head without breaking the bank?


      Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
       
    5. The Dude

      The Dude Well-Known Member

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    6. The Dude

      The Dude Well-Known Member

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      @Smitti are you in Oz ?

      This is the problem with buying clones dude, you think it's cheap but really it's not, 1st the head .. Around $90 - $100 and then next you will find other parts are not as good as you thought and then, More money gets spent ... It add's up to be a money pit a lot of the time ... Some work out ok, but by the time you are done it will end up with a lot of align parts on it ..
       
    7. Smitti

      Smitti New Member

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      @The Dude , lol sometimes I feel like it, just didn't know whether there was a specific one you might suggest. I appreciate your help.


      Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
       
    8. The Dude

      The Dude Well-Known Member

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      I dont have any Align stuff mate, so i have not looked around enough to point you in the right direction, You would be better off just buying an align head for it ..
       
    9. Manyc

      Manyc Well-Known Member

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      Just to help out.. The trex 550 head tail boom and tt are all now 600 parts.. So they are all pretty interchangeable.. I too would go the efl.. But remember you need to make sure the swash is compatible with the head.. The trex may have only come with a swash that has only two linkages to the head.. But seeing is a fb heli chance are the swash is fine.. Also keep in mind that the main shaft length needs to be right.. So by changing the head you may need a new main shaft.. Good thing is most align online shops will link you to the other required parts....

      But you can pick up some very cheap second hand trex 550 on the local forums these days... And they are a Damn good heli
       
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    10. The Dude

      The Dude Well-Known Member

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      Thanks Manyc
       
    11. Beaver

      Beaver Well-Known Member

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      Unfortunately, the one guy who seemed to have all the clone knowledge is no longer with us here. Regardless, take @The Dude's advice.... but be warned: Lately @The Dude seems to be going through some sort of dubious flirtation with the "Evil Osteological Enigma" that we call Crash Heligod.(Do not say it 3 times!)
       
    12. Abdon

      Abdon New Member

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      I have a TRex 550 DFC V3 and yes it has a 600 DFC head. My old 550 V2 has standard FBL head and I replaced with a DFC and it was a 600 size. I don't know about your clone but for example my Assault 700 DFC is a clone of a trex 700 and all the head is compatible with original Align one.
       
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    13. Beaver

      Beaver Well-Known Member

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      One thing I have read is that its a good idea to use Align gears, especially if you intend to fly hard.
       
    14. Canberra

      Canberra New Member

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      What is the required microcontroller for its interface?
      Also what are the required specifications of its motor?
      Can you please suggest any battery suitable for it?
       

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