Programmable Flybar Paddles

The main reason I added these Proto programmable flybar paddles was for their florescent yellow color which helped improve my Trex 450 Sport's visability.

I found two manufacturers for these paddles. One was Gorilla Gear priced at $17.98. The other being the Protos brand made by MSH which I purchased for $4.99. From what I could tell and by what I've read by other users, the 2 brand are basically identical, so it's not hard to see why I chose the Protos. Both come with brass weights that you slide into the paddles. After sliding them in I took a pin and pushed them all the way in as they wedge themselves into the end of the bored hole so as to not fall out. If you need to remove the weights there is a small hole on the outboard side of the paddle that you can slide a pin into and push them out.

First off, I weighed the paddles and found them to be only slightly lighter than the stock 450 Sport paddles. They have a different outline but the end airfoil shape seems to be the same. I did find that the Protos paddles screw on farther than the stock paddles by 3mm. This shortens the overall length of the flybar by 6mm.

I tested the paddles without the weights added first and found them to be a little to quick for my taste. If your are doing serious 3d you would probably like them. I found them to suit me best with the full weight. Finless bob says they are perfect for his flying style using only half the supplied weights, so to each his own.

The bottom line is that I really like them over the stock paddles. Not only are they easy to see, but they truely are programmable to your flying style, depending on the amount of weight you add to them.

How to Loop Your RC Heli

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Trex 450 Sport Wiring

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The above diagram shows the typical wiring for a Trex 450 Sport RC helicopter. Take note of the following items:

• The gyro pictured is the GP780 but would be the same for the older GP750.
• The Aile and Pitch servos are interchangeable in that either can be placed on the left or right forward servo position and can be connected to either "Aile" or "Aux1" on the receiver.
• Be sure all servo plugs are connected to the receiver with the black wire connected to the negative bus as indicated by the minus sign on the side of the receiver.
• The yellow signal wire should connect to the receiver so that the plug aligns the yellow wire to the signal post. This is the post labeled with the symbol.
  

Trex 450 Sport Visibility

As an older RC pilot without the best eyesight, I've found that 450 size helicopters can become small and difficult to see at a distance. As my piloting skills improve, I also found myself flying the heli farther and farther away. At times, I was beginning to question it's orientation. This was becoming a sure fired recipe for disaster.

In an effort to increase the visibility of my Trex Sport, I made a couple of modifications to the stock kit that really helped with my ability to see it's orientation at a distance.

First was the addition of High Profile Gorilla Gear made by MSH. These floresent yellow gear struts not only stand out visually, but are practically indestructible. They tend to flex and not break even under really heavy impact.

The next mod I made was to to add light weight foam adhesive backed sheeting to the Align skid pipes. I found this material at the local craft store. I cut strips to fit and wrapped the pipes to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. The pack of foam came in an assortment of colors but I chose the bright orange and it really helps me see this bird.

The video below might give you an idea how well the skids stand out with these changes.



I'm still looking for ways to improve visibility, such as colored flybar paddles and tail blades, but for now, I'm really pleased with my birds improved visibility.

RC Heli Tee

The latest design added to our store features a T-Rex flipping back and cutting the air with it's blue main rotor wash. On either side are the outlined letters R and C. This design has already proved to be popular with electric heli pilots.

Available in many styles and sizes for both men and women, you can order your from our online store.