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EXI 500 Budget Build

People have asked me to detail out a budget build EXI 500 Clone. A friend nearby set this up and he's having good sucess with using what I've detailed here: (Prices are based on current prices dated 8/12/2010). My friend is a sport flyer who was looking for something bigger than his 450 and would be able to handle the wind better.

Purchase from Xheli.com
EXI 500 Helicopter Part # 18H29_EXI500 $77
Hitec HS-82 Servos (get 3 for cyclic) Part# HRC32082S $21.99 each
Note: If Xheli does not have the servos, get from Heli Direct or AlleRC
Use the Xheli Coupon Code 


Purchase from HobbyPartz.com (some items are cheaper here + you get cheaper shipping)
Motor Helium 500 $25.70 Part #75M62
Pro Blades $14.70 for a pair, Part# EXI-Pro-4301-Yellow
60A Volcano Opto (NO BEC) $29.70 Part #ESC_07E07-60A-OPTO (Click to see Volcano Setup page)
3A/5A max UBEC $6.80 Part #UBEC-3A-6S-V1
Gyro G48V (use good foam tape) $12.70 Part #60P-DY-1017 (click to see GY48V review)
Shipping $4.95

Purchase from Value Hobby:
Power HD3688HB High Speed Micro Tail Servo

Purchase from AlleRC.COM
(Alternate Full Size Tail Servo) DS20X-GCD tail servo $47.95
Deans Y series adaptor (for using 2 3S packs in series) $6.50 Part #DEANSUSY
Spartan Vibe Kit $4.99 Part #SP-QVKIT
Shipping $5.49



Everything I list above should come to just over $300 including all the shipping costs.
You need to add an Rx and Battery (See note below about the Series Harness)

Notes:
The Series harness from AlleRC.COM is in there assuming you will start out your build and test flight with 2 matching brand/model 3S 2200 packs in series. When starting out, fly hovering or slow circuits up to 4 minutes then measure the mAh your putting back into the pack before flying longer. Later, get some 6S 25C or 30C 3000mAh packs. 
The Spartan vibe kit REALLY helps isolate vibes for the Piezo crystal based GY48V gyro. If you have a better Gyro from a 450 heli, you would be better off transplaning that gyro onto the 500. You can also find used Futaba GY501 gyros on ebay or forum classifieds for around $60
The Hyperion DS20X-GCD is a full size Tail servo. There are other choices for Tail servos you can use for the 500. This is the least expensive, yet well performing Tail servo I recommend for long term use. I have the non-coreless version which is cheaper on a 500. I also have used a Futaba 9257 as well.
Just like any ARF kit, Re-locite all the metal to metal screws with blue loctite.
Balance the main rotor as well as tail blades to reduce vibration or the gyro will not hold well and/or Drift.
Helium 500 motor is 1500Kv. It will yeild sport performance and decent flight time on the 13T pinion included in the kit. For 3D performance puchase an Align 500 14T pinion.
If you want more torque but plastic gears, you can go for the Hitec HS225BB servos for the same price (at AlleRC.com) or spend another $27 and get the HS225MG servos, If so, put items like the gyro, blades and something else into your Xheli cart to get the $10 off coupon.