Official RotorScale 470 Size MD-500D Magnum PI Super Scale GPS Stabilized Helicopter RTF Discussion Thread

[xviper]

There is one other difference. In the first picture, there is a 2 wire lead coming out of the ESC with a small white connector that plugs into the FC. In the other version of the ESC, there is a 4 wire lead going into the FC. I don't know the significance of that. My ESC has the 4 wire lead.

I think it might be a pixelated picture. Do you have both ESCs to look at? In my eye, both pictures show the same lead ending up in that white mini plug. It's a 2-wire red/black twin. The other 4-wire lead is all black, ending up in a 3 wire and a single wire connectors. If you're looking at your Magnum heli and you see an actual 4-wire lead ending up in that white mini plug, then it must be a change from the MD500 ESC. I would find that to be very unusual and surprising as I'm assuming the flight controller for both helis are the same, thus having the same slots for those connectors.

[Helifly]

I think it might be a pixelated picture. Do you have both ESCs to look at? In my eye, both pictures show the same lead ending up in that white mini plug. It's a 2-wire red/black twin. The other 4-wire lead is all black, ending up in a 3 wire and a single wire connectors. If you're looking at your Magnum heli and you see an actual 4-wire lead ending up in that white mini plug, then it must be a change from the MD500 ESC. I would find that to be very unusual and surprising as I'm assuming the flight controller for both helis are the same, thus having the same slots for those connectors.

I have a 4 wire lead to a white mini-plug on the FC. 2 red wires and 2 black wires. There is also an empty socket for a smaller 2 wire connector right next to it.

[Helifly]

For anyone needing to know the parts and order inside the 5 Blade grip:

(2) MR84ZZ bearings (unknown size)
(1) F4-8G bearing and race (unknown size)
(1) JX-48-88007-4B washer

The thinnest washer on the outside of the bearing stack in my picture is not shown in the exploded parts diagram. It goes under the allen bolt that screws into the feathering shaft.

One more thing. All of my outer feathering shaft bolts were too tight. They were so tight, the blade grip bearings were binding slightly during rotation. I confirmed it by removing the DFC arms from the grips and checking each of them individually. Much smoother now.

[xviper]

I have a 4 wire lead to a white mini-plug on the FC. 2 red wires and 2 black wires. There is also an empty socket for a smaller 2 wire connector right next to it.

I see that now. I think my FC is a V1, as it doesn't look quite like yours. I see that the current FC for the MD500 has the same FC as in your Magnum PI, which must be a V2 version of the FC. As I previously mentioned, my 5-blade kit did not come with a manual. It would appear that the kits now come with a manual that depicts the current FC.

[Helifly]

I see that now. I think my FC is a V1, as it doesn't look quite like yours. I see that the current FC for the MD500 has the same FC as in your Magnum PI, which must be a V2 version of the FC. As I previously mentioned, my 5-blade kit did not come with a manual. It would appear that the kits now come with a manual that depicts the current FC.

It seems that way. Version Control/Change logging not a strong point with any of these helicopters. It would be a nice feature to have.

BTW, I did read somewhere that a change was made to the 470 MD500D FC that eliminates (or minimizes) the sudden drop when switching from GPS to Angle mode in mid-flight. I don't know if that is implemented in the hardware or programming or both. I have not tried it yet.

[xviper]

It seems that way. Version Control/Change logging not a strong point with any of these helicopters. It would be a nice feature to have.

BTW, I did read somewhere that a change was made to the 470 MD500D FC that eliminates (or minimizes) the sudden drop when switching from GPS to Angle mode in mid-flight. I don't know if that is implemented in the hardware or programming or both. I have not tried it yet.

Wes (Motion RC) demonstrated with the Magnum PI heli, that there is no longer a drop when switching out of GPS mode. I can't say if the V2 FC on the MD500 has incorporated this change. Mine DOES drop but I automatically adjust the left stick so as to eliminate the drop. It's not a "thing" unless the pilot is a complete novice when flying these types of helis. I started with the Flywing GPS helis and most of those have the "drop". It's something that is easily managed without going into the programming.

[WDivCV61]

Wanting to make sure, but does anyone here know for sure if there are any locknuts internally? Found an "extra" loose in the box. Is exact same style and size as the 2 for the bolts holding the vert stab on which are also the same for the bolts holding the rotor blades on. The parts diagrams provided and parts list is pretty vague in regard to locknuts and that's putting it mildly. Would love to see an actual IPB listing exactly how many, location, etc. "Hardware Set" don't quite cut it. Hopefully Roban answers me but ain't holdin' me breath since didn't buy from them directly, but I reckon never know. Just hate to disassemble this thing if don't have to. Is what miss most about the old days, a detailed illustrated parts breakdown for just about anything you bought right there in the instruction manual, how many, locations, & price each if available. Good times, good times.👴