User:The RedBurn/T-Rex (RC helicopter)

{{refimprove|date=August 2010}} The T-Rex is a series of radio-controlled helicopter models produced by the Taiwan-based Align Corporation. The T-Rex is arguably the best selling series of flying model helicopters and is recognized for its design. So much so that its models are widely copied by makers of so-called "T-rex clones" of varying qualities. However, genuine Align T-rex helicopters are regarded as benchmarks for quality in manufacturing and materials. Many RC forums on the Internet devote lengthy sections to sharing technical information and discussions of the models produced by Align. The T-rex 450 line in particular has done much to popularize the RC helicopter hobby/sport, though Align's other model sizes now compete with the 450's popularity. Align Corp. sponsors expert RC pilots to showcase the helicopters' aerobatic capabilities in demonstrations world-wide. Since the initial release of the T-Rex 450, the product range has been expanded to include the T-Rex 100 and 250 micro electric helicopter, 500, 550, and 600 models up, to the .90 in³ size nitro T-Rex 700 helicopter and 700e electric powered helicopter.

Collection of T-Rex helicopters. From left to right: T-Rex 250, T-Rex 450, T-Rex 500, T-Rex 600

T-Rex 100

The smallest helicopter by Align, a micro helicopter indeed. Released in late 2010, the T-Rex 100 is very different from its larger siblings, as it employs fixed-pitch main blades and a separate motor for the fixed-pitch tail rotor. In addition, the radio is already bundled with the T-100 and there is no possibility of installing an aftermarket receiver like the other models.

T-Rex 250

The T-Rex 250 was once the smallest helicopter produced by Align. Released in October 2008, it comes in three kit forms:

• Super combo with a GP750 gyro, 3x DS410 servos and a DS420 servo.
• Combo version with no gyro nor DS420 servo, and a
• Normal kit with only the motor and speed controller.

The helicopter measures 430 mm in length and 187 mm in height and its approximate all-up flying weight is 330 .. 400 grams. This helicopter has a belt-driven tail and a cyclic/collective pitch mixing(CCPM) rotor head making it capable of 3D maneuvers such as inverted flight.

Summer 2009 a new version, the 250SE was released, changes include BL250SP motor, 205D carbon blades come with kits, and head parts are silver and mixing arms are thicker with larger bearings.

The T-rex 250 DFC Pro was released in June 2012, being the latest edition in the T-rex 250 series. The new release included a more powerful 250MX motor, DS415M & DS425M Digital servos and the 3GX flybarless unit. It was released in two kit forms:

• Super Combo version - included 3GX, Motor, Servos and ESC.
• Combo version - Included Motor, Servo and ESC.

• 
  Align T-Rex 250 (super combo) in flight
• 
  Align T-Rex 250 (super combo) on ground
• 
  Super combo box
• 
  Super combo box opened

[NOTE: The older version (i.e., prior to the SE) has screws with heads designed for a 0.9 mm hex head driver. The majority of screws for the SE have heads designed for a 1.3 mm hex head driver; however, there are still a few that are 0.9 mm. When purchasing replacement parts, it is important to verify the version of helicopter and size of hex head screw desired. Although the complimentary mini hex-head drivers that come with the combo package can be useful, they are not true replacements for high quality hardened steel hex head drivers—the standard in the helicopter community include name brands such as Thorp MIP and Hudy.]

T-Rex 450

The T-rex 450 series is a "park sized" helicopter that is suitable for flying in baseball fields, soccer, field and other parks. It uses 660, 700 or 710 mm rotor diameter and fairly inexpensive 3S 2100 battery packs, with a flying weight of 700 .. 800 gram.

Models

T-Rex 450SE helicopter in flight

Model	Notes
450X	Original T-Rex model with: grey (soft) plastic frames and short boom mechanical mixing for cyclic and collective 315 mm blades only
450XL HDE	Upgraded X with: longer boom to support 325 mm and 335 mm blades changed plastic to black, better plastic
450XL CDE	Same as XL HDE, but: used electronic CCPM mixing for cyclic and collective control servos still actuated the swash via bell cranks
450SE	major change to direct servo to swash eCCPM mixing carbon fiber frames CNC aluminum for the head parts tail case bearing blocks 430X motor
450SA ARF	Version specific to Horizon Hobby (95% assembled) fully assembled frames based on SE layout, but made of aluminum head parts, tail parts, and bearing blocks made of plastic like the XL 430X motor
450S	Kit version of the SA with: choice of carbon fiber or aluminum frames: plastic head, tail and other parts A later GF version featured fiber glass frames.
450SE V2	updated the rotor head to take a 4 mm (vs 3 mm) spindle shaft thrust bearings in the main grips new frame layout to change the battery tray angle and to mount the gyro under the boom block changed tail servo mount to fit the mini servos (used by most people) 430XL motor included Later 'V3' was offered as a series of upgrade parts, but not a complete helicopter.
450 Sport	Improved V2 design (sometimes called 'V3'): uses the rotor head construction of the new 450 Pro with a slightly different appearance keeps the belt drive, tail servo and double-layer main frame of the V2 frame narrower than the V2 metal connectors are enforced and a new tail mechanism is in place In the Align kit a new 450M outrunner motor is included.
450 Pro	Widely new design: tail rotor driven by a torque tube instead of a belt larger tail servo mounted in the frame head is modified and uses the more agile liver mechanics like the 'V3' completely different frame design (encloses the servos between the frame plates) Align bundled a new 450M outrunner motor.
450 Pro v2 3GX	Flybarless with 3GX unit Flybarless rotor head 3GX unit alleviates need for flybar stability. MX 450 series motor

A couple of Chinese manufacturers (like CopterX, Tarot or Hobbyking) have adopted the construction of the 450 models and offer kits with parts widely interchangeable with Align products. Also various combinations of S / SE / V2 / Sport / Pro components are offered.

Development

The stock 450 series uses 325 mm main rotor blades. The first incarnation of the T-Rex 450 was the 450X (2002), which was made mainly of plastic and was available with an "HDE" (mechanically mixed) rotor head. The T-Rex 450X was upgraded to a version 2 (V2) which was largely identical to the original model but included some additional bearings and repackaging. Align released a series of blue anodized aluminum upgrade parts for the V2 and these were the basis for the later (and evolved) SE model—see below.

The 450XL model is nearly identical to the 450X mechanically, was equipped with a longer tail boom which would eventually become the standard for future T-Rex 450 models. It also came in two versions, one with HDE (with mechanical mixing) and one with CDE (CCPM-mixing) rotor head, released July 2004. Another difference with the XL models was an apparent change in the plastics used for the frame and mechanical parts—the mixing levers and flybar mechanism. These were now released in a black plastic (rather than the grey plastic used in the initial models) and were apparently more robust and (possibly) more precisely constructed, resulting in better crash resilience and less 'slop' in the control structures. 'Slop' is a term used to describe freedom of play in the levers and control systems of a model helicopter which result in it being difficult or unpredictable to fly.

Align later released their flagship model, the 450SE. Based on the T-Rex XL, the SE was equipped with a carbon fiber frame, along with many blue-anodized aluminum upgrade parts. It also featured direct servo-to-swash CCPM-mixing, eliminating much of the play (slop) from the bellcranks in the older versions. The "kit" comes about 80% assembled. During the life of the SE there were several incremental changes that lead to problems as some people (including dealers) were calling the upgraded kits V2, then Align came out with an official V2. So the updated SE kits were called V1.5 kits. Some of the changes over the SE lifespan included the tail hub, tail pitch pushrod, washout block, seesaw, main and tail drive gears. Later kits came with the 430L (3550 Kv) motor and the 35G, 35 ampere electronic speed control. Earlier models came with the 420L and a 25 ampere electronic speed control.

Align followed with the 450SA model, an ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) version; this model was a cheaper version using the same layout with as the SE, but with aluminum frames and the most of the CNC aluminum parts are replaced by plastic. This model was only sold in North America and is distributed by Horizon Hobby.

Align eventually produced the T-Rex 450S, which is a kit (semi assembled like the SE) based on the SA that was available worldwide. The S was available with an aluminum or carbon fiber frame.

Align made an official V2 (Version 2) of the SE featuring several notable improvements. The new frame mounts the gyro underneath the tail boom for added protection, and includes a new, more powerful motor (430XL) and an improved electronic speed control. Additionally, the V2 features several updated parts including the rotor head, tail assembly, and servo mount. They added thrust bearings to the main grips and increased the spindle shaft to 4 mm thick. The anodizing is a deeper blue, and the frames are modified. Also came with the 430XL (3700 Kv) higher output motor and the 35X, 35 ampere ESC that supplies 6 volts to the electronics.

The final iteration of the 450 S series is the 450S GF version, which is an S with fiberglass frames instead of carbon fiber or aluminum.

The electronics included with the T-Rex kits have also evolved alongside the mechanical characteristics of the model. The initial 400S (short can) and 400L motors have been replaced by increasingly powerful and more efficient motors including the 420L series (XL and early SE), the 430L series (SE models), and the 430 XL (SE V2). Electronic speed controllers (ESCs)—the electronic throttle for an electric motor—were also introduced and have evolved through models that were rated at 25 amperes and 35 amperes. Additional functionality such as governor functionality were added to later ESCs.

Align started to offer marketing bundles including motors and ESCs with later T-Rex models.

In the spring of 2009, Align announced a complete redesign of the 450 based on input from their team pilots, notably Jason Krause. Named the Align T-Rex 450 Pro, almost every aspect of the helicopter has been redesigned. Most notably, the helicopter now uses a Torque Tube to power the rear rotor instead of the belt-driven design of the previous 450 series; this facilitates the use of a tail servo fixed in the frame, which has also become larger. The main rotor head has also been redesigned, the rotor diameter enlarged by 10 mm to 710 mm and most parts are not interchangeable with the SE V2 series.

For V2 owners who wish to approximate the Pro, Align has released a "450 sport" model in 2010 with enforced elements, new components but based on the V2 concept. The tail pitch control mechanism has been enhanced with metal parts and the pro's tail rotor holders installed.

T-Rex 500

Released December 2007. The stock T-Rex 500 uses 425 mm blades. Designed and tested by renowned RC pilots, Alan Szabo Jr. and Jason Krause. It can be powered by two 3S (6S1P) LIPO batteries in series. There are four different T-Rex 500 battery setup configurations that are recommended for use. 4S 3200 mah, 5S 3200 mah, 6S 2200 or 2500 mah. The most common battery configuration is 6S LIPO. The T-Rex 500 can run on many different voltages with the ESC (electronic speed controller) system that is included in all of the kits listed below. The T-Rex 500 is also capable of running a wide range of blade sizes ranging from 425 mm to 430 mm long.

There are reports of crashes caused by static buildup and discharge. Having a belt-driven tail, the T-Rex 500 is susceptible to static generation from the belt and pulleys in the tail system the T-Rex 500 is not unique in this regard. The static can discharge into the frame and result in malfunction of the onboard electronics. Grounding the tail boom to the frame puts these components at the same electrical potential and eliminates the high voltage discharge.

Models

Released models of T-Rex 500.

Model	Frame	Includes
KX017001TA	carbon fiber	carbon fiber main blades
KX017003TA	carbon fiber	without carbon fiber main blades
KX017004A	fiberglass	fiberglass main blades
KX017006TA	fiberglass	without fiberglass main blades
KX017008TA ESP	carbon fiber	carbon fiber blades (425D) torque-tube shaft-drive tail CF flybar paddles CF tail blades full metal head metal tail slider and tail grips metal servo mount metal tail bracket three DS510 cyclic servos
KX017008A ESP (new Version)	carbon fiber	Upgraded ESP with: new 500M motor (1600 KV) lowered battery tray frame support in front of the ail/elev servos
KX017011 ESP	carbon fiber	The same as the KX017008A ESP (New Version), but includes: GP780 gyro DS520 tail servo
KX017012 ESP	carbon fiber	The same as the KX017011 ESP, but comes with: flybarless Align 3G FL760 system flybarless head replaces the GP780 gyro (since that functionality is embedded in the FL760 system)

There is also a fiberglass version which comes with carbon blades.

A nitro conversion kit has been released that uses an OS37 engine. It requires very little frame modification and bolts to existing parts.

T-Rex 550

The 550 is a new design compared to the T-Rex 500, released in 2010. The intent is to use 6S batteries for these, making it cheaper than the next bigger model, T-Rex 600 on batteries which requires a more expensive 12S setup. This model also comes in bundles with a new, improved flybarless unit, the Align 3GX.

T-Rex 600e

The T-Rex 600e is a large electric helicopter released in May 2006, equivalent in size to .50-class nitro powered helicopters. It uses 600 mm blades and was offered with either an aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber frame. It came with the 600L (early models) or later 600XL motor and 70 ampere speed controller. The T-Rex 600 has some plastic head and tail components like the T-Rex 450XL and SA, but Align makes aluminum replacements for most of them, available in different colors (such as blue, black, red and dark green). The T-Rex 600 uses eCCPM mixing, but the servos are mounted forward and connect to the swash using bellcranks. This is similar to the 450XL CDE version. It is powered by a single 6s 5000 mAh lipo battery.

T-Rex 600 ESP

The T-Rex 600 ESP is an updated version of the original T-Rex 600e. Many of the parts from the original T-Rex 600e are interchangeable with the ESP. The main differences are newly designed body frames, aluminum blade grips and head assembly, a reduction from 3 to 2 main bearing blocks, the use of a torque tube instead of a belt drive for the tail rotor, and an all metal tail assembly. The ESP was also designed to use a single 6s 5000 mAh lipo battery.

T-Rex 600e Pro

The T-Rex 600e Pro is very different from the 2 previous T-Rex 600 versions. The majority of parts are not interchangeable with the 600e or ESP. The 600e Pro has a top-mounted motor, while the 600e and ESP both had bottom-mounted motors. The 600e Pro is designed to be powered using a 12s lipo setup, rather than 6s.

T-Rex 600 Nitro

• Bump resistance fiberglass painted canopy. Canopy also features a rigid easy clip on/off design for fast installation and removal. • Simple and light weight design provides awesome flight performance nearly equal to larger helicopters while still maintaining very stable hovering and flight. • +-14° collective pitch is possible for extreme 3D performance. • Clutch, Fan and Bell assembly provide a very smooth operation even at high RPM. • Forward mounted tail servo helps to keep exhaust oil from entering servo also improves the CG. • Pitch and All servos moved forward for CG. • Battery tray designed for easy and clean radio gear installation. • Fuel Tank Capacity 440cc for about 10 minutes 3D flying. • Main Gear Radio 8.5:1, 1500-2200 Rotor RPM. • Heavy duty tail with thrust bearings. • 95mm Tail Blades. • Highly efficient shaft driven tail design. • Rigid frame design that can also handle hard crashes without damage. • Carbon Fiber frames, fins and boom supports. • Super engine cooling system features large diameter fan and very efficient airflow to provide unequaled cooling and horsepower. • Clutch/Start shaft feature a 10mm ID one way bearing to eliminate any bearing problems during starting and flight. • Ready to fly weight (no fuel) is an incredible 3.20kg (7 lbs). • Fuel Tank designed so that no additional header tank is required. • New main gear with one-way bearing design for high torque. • New flybar paddles feature light weight and sports. • New flybar control set design. • New tail boom supports.

This described Kit Includes:

• T-REX 600 Nitro kits setX1 set • 600D Carbon fiber bladeX1 • DS610 Digital servoX1 • GP780/DS620 Head lock gyro comboX1 • 2 In 1 voltage regulator comboX1 • RCE-G600 GovernorXa Specifications:

• Length: 1160mm • Height: 410mm • Main Blade Length: 600mm • Main Rotor Diameter: 1350mm • Tail Rotor Diameter: 240mm • Engine Pinion Gear: 20T • Autorotation Tail Drive Gear: 180T • Drive Gear Ratio: 8.1:1:4.5(E:M:T) • Flying Weight: Approx. 3200g

Acrobatic RC helicopter as described like the Trex 600 electric, except w/ a nitro fuel source and re-chargeable flight pack for its on board electronics.

T-Rex 700 Nitro

Align's latest nitro model, the T-Rex "700N" encapsulates all of Align's latest technology into a competition 0.90 in³ helicopter. Released June 2008. Align released an even newer version in 2009 the T-Rex 700 Nitro Limited Edition (KX018005) which you can buy with an Align 91H/91HP Engine. And the latest version released in 2010, the (KX018008) is the flybarless LE version with the Align 3G fbl-unit.

T-Rex 700E (Electric)

In 2010 Align released the T-Rex 700 Electric. Fly bar less 3D Spectrum receiver required

Setup

T-Rex helicopters are equipped with brushless motors for better runtime and power. The 450 models are usually powered by 3 cell (11.1 V) lithium polymer batteries, while the 500 and 600 sized models use larger 6 cell (22.2 V) LiPo battery packs. Yaw control is usually assisted by a gyroscope, which augments the pilot's yaw controls in response to changing forces, such as torque, on the aircraft. CCPM capability is required for those models equipped with 120° swashplates. Most compatible radio systems have at least six channels; the fifth (for futaba controllers) is typically used to control remote gyro sensitivity.

Channel	Futaba/Hitec	JR/Spektrum
Ch1	Aileron	Throttle
Ch2	Elevator	Aileron
Ch3	Throttle	Elevator
Ch4	Rudder	Rudder
Ch5	Gyro Gain	Gear/Gyro Gain
Ch6	Pitch	Pitch
Ch7	Governor (For Nitro Only)	Gyro Gain

Further reading

• Stefan Pichel, Wunderwelt Modellhubschrauber - Der Einstieg am Beispiel des T-Rex 450 (April 2008), ISBN 978-3-8370-4520-8. Books on Demand Verlag. (in German) [1]
• Stefan Pichel, Der Modellhubschrauber T-Rex 600 - Bauen und Einstellen (April 2008), ISBN 978-3-8370-2972-7. Books on Demand Verlag. (in German) [2]

External links

• Official website
• RCHeliSpot.com (Electric Align forum)
• ABCheli.com (Beginning electric RC Helicopters)
• HeliFreak.com (Covers all Align models, free build videos.)

{{Radio-controlled models}} [[Category:Miniature helicopters]] [[Category:Radio-controlled helicopters]] [[Category:Model aircraft]] [[fr:T-Rex (hélicoptère radiocommandé)]] [[tr:T-Rex (helikopter)]]