Very cool, got that motor ESC combo in the nimbus build; which btw has been an abomination. XL and I are done! On one of the boom clamps, ..I put the screw in and it was spinning freely so I backed it out, threads shot out like a coiled spring. That's a machine error and ok, I can look past that, got a replacement. Over several other areas.... binding where it shouldn't, shimming/sanding to get pieces to fit due to uneven molding. Annoyances but I can work around and deal with because the concept was a cheap and easy repair flying tank to learn on. The piece de-resistance.....my motor mount. Whoever inserted the screw at the assembly line didn't just put it in...they forced it in so hateful that the threads flattened. I thought at first maybe accidental lock tight....nope. When I backed it out, it was clear the part had not been milled right and they just forced the screw in anyways. Dusy metal shavings and a flat screw finally was backed out. Heli-direct was very cool and honored the defects, but XL has burnt my good will to ash. Gotta put it all on hold now till the new parts arrive. I started the Gemini last night, radically different experience! Next build is a SAB 700 size (Genesis likely), from there idk...but for sure my plans for a possible Spectre 700 in 2025 is toasted.
I’m sorry to hear about your experiences with Xcel power. I’ve only ever built one of their models and the build was pretty good. I didn’t really have any issues other than the boom clamp screws. I think I had to re-tap because the threads were messed up. But you will LOVE the build on the Tron. They go together, super nice and straightforward zero quality issues with their kits!
@@westhobbiesrc8051 I guess the silver lining is I've learned better discernment in the whole process of getting burned and also it will only make me appreciate Tron/SAB builds even more. And yes, I agree on the Tron. The thing has been a gem so far! To be fair and objective, there was some minor scuff marks on the main blade grips that went through the black gloss finish paint, very small but was there. The sticker on the canopy was on slightly crooked and then clear coat put over it. But those are just minimal annoyances and purely cosmetic. Everything has been impressively engineered and quality assembled so far. Love the little grease ports in the grips! Chefs kiss!
That bearing block and servo assembly caught my attention at 25min in. Im asking around, interested in hearing some engineers perspective on that choice of design and why. Ive never seen it done that way and am curious about it.
I think it was just a different way of doing it something that hasn’t been done before. They do try to innovate and evolve with every model that is produced. I don’t see any downside or negatives to the bearing block simply and servo layout yet.
@@westhobbiesrc8051 It looks like they are lowering the layout of the servos closer to center mass right? Might improve performance. I haven't see a manual yet on download and study; I wonder how short the main shaft is and if the blades overall sit a little lower as a result of this posture. Also the frame crossing in that X pattern directly into the main bearing, makes the focal point for receiving the brunt of all force very close to the central axis along the main shaft and point of lift. At the top plate, nothing is transferred laterally along a parallel path. Bottom half, business as usual where battery tray sits. Just a guess, but I think this is a value added. Ill be curious what some other RC Heli Engineers think of this on the discord. I asked and will let you know what they think.
Always wondered why helicopter manufacturers don’t just put calibrated jigs in their kits that have ball ends a set distance apart….so that you can adjust your servo linkages to exactly fit the jig and you don’t even have to measure it.
@@brianjames8504 Calipers are just a must have for this hobby, I use them for all mannor of issues. Even side things like measuring the screw head...for example 5mm vs 6mm might not always be easy to spot in a pile of screws.
@@ericphillips6615 I can definitely try to have that video before Black Friday sales! Right now it’s RAW 580 or Tron 5.5 but after flying the RS5 it will tell.
Hi Jeff - thanks for posting this! Love your build videos, exceedingly helpful, especially for beginners like me. Just finished building the Goo-sky Venom RS4, of course while watching your build series, and now need to choose a receiver. I've used the Kensun satellite receiver (with bind button) on my S1s and S2. Is it okay to use it on my RS4, too? Or should I get the Spektrum receiver? I have an Nx8. Thanks, Mate!
Hello! Thank you! I greatly appreciate it, I’m glad these videos are helpful and they could guide you along the way for your build. So the Kensun is okay, it will work. They can be hot or miss. I would say go Spektrum DSMX satellite but you will need a way to bind.
I started a Nimbus 550v2 over the weekend, it's now on hold while replacements for defective parts come. What a steaming pile of junk, its only merit is parts are cheap and minimal. Unfortunately, quality is horrifying, weak threads...pieces needing to be sanded/shimmed. It's bad when they include extra washers and gaskets to overcome incinsistantcy's in fabrication/assembly. One of the tail boom clamps had the threads pop out like a coiled spring. WTH. My motor mount didn't have threads in one of the holes...but the factory worker forced the bolt in anyways and stripped it to a flat point. When I finally got it out, metal dust came out the ruined hole. I have to sand the battery tray to get it to slide down the track because why would you have a metal rail system in place when you can run a carbon fibor channel. I'll still finish it, but I am not getting a spectre 700 after this nonsense. XL can die off, they are cheap for a reason. On a positive note, I started a Tron Gemini yesterday and am about 1/3 done now....completely different experience and quality in both design and materials. But with this will come at nasty boost in cost for replacement parts for when I crash. Everything fits exact...almost too exact lol. For example: your thrust bearings in the blade grips are going to be a challenge to get in/out but when you do ZERO play! Smooth even motion and stiff where it needs it!
I don’t know how it stacks up to other 550 models yet of course cause I have not flown it, but the build is very nice and it goes together extremely quick
@kajuta240 I have a Nimbus V1 that I've upgraded to basically a V2 through parts, and a Specter 700 V2 with a bunch of NME and WCE parts on it and they're honestly my favorite. They fly well and from my experience, they went together nicely. My Nimbus is my main bird that I fly and it's been pretty good to me. It's too bad you're having all the issues you're having with it. My V1 went together really well and I've been flying the hell out of it for almost 2 years now. Either your kit was made on a Friday or you got the new guy putting your stuff together lol. I haven't heard of XL Power really dropping in QC on the forums but I hope that's not the case. Hopefully it flies better for you than it went together. I have a Tron 7.0 Advance and while I love that thing, I still like my Specter better. It all boils down to personal preference but I am really interested in getting another 550. It's going to be between the Gemini or the RS5 I think.
@@Lance57H Im not alone, I brought up a laundry list of issues with this build. You all got just a sample, there were many things wrong. "XLPower is slowly making a really bad name for itself with its inferior quality. After two XLPower models, I'm now giving them a wide berth." "Yea I’m putting my XL 700 WC up for sale, Flies amazing when new But… not worth the hassle down the line. They fall apart once you have to take them apart for maintenance" And this was my favorite...came from the person who for weeks preached I should get an XL nimbus and wouldn't regret it: "That’s a classic from xlpower lol" I dont buy friday as an excuse or new guy. It wasn't an accident to mash that bolt in, or innocence...it was ragefully put in so hard it destroyed the bolt. The other three went in with fingers. This one was deliberately smashed in with hate. XL is done for an I will never again go for the 'budget brand'.
You got lucky, XL was like hold meh beer! My Nimbus 550V2 was a nightmare and now I'm waiting another week for multiple parts to come in waves. Just abysmal quality control, including downright deliberately forcing a screw into non-threaded hole at the assembly line; ruining the motor mount on my kit. And no... loctite and grease never comes with these kits. Maybe some do, but none I have ever assembled. Your expected to provide tools, avionics, basics with almost all kits. I always check the online manual to see what tools are needed.
I purchased the RS4 Venom kit back in May, just got around to building it. Although this was my first heli build, I felt the quality was exceptional. Instructions were pretty basic, pictures were clear but not a lot of commentary, so Jeff’s videos came in handy. I have 2 S1s and an S2. Very solid helicopters. Sorry I wasted money on 2 Blade Helis.
@@brianjames8504 Coming from Blade, yeah you did upgrade lol. Venom is ok, but certainly not anything other than B tier. I have issue with the lack of proper room to really do much with anything other than their branded ESC and FC. I went the route of a custom build off the base kit. Looking back, I would have been better off with spending a couple hundred more and gotten a Raw 420 and motor. The Goosky all in one kit is just too hard to beat at that price point. IMO is the only RS4 kit to get. Custom was cool and does fly awesome, I just wish now I got either the all in one....or the Raw 420.
I’m sorry to hear that! I’ve seen a few issues on the RS5 kits. Mine was not special or anything for me. It is a Production kit. The RS7 and RS5 came with CA, Green and blue loctite and Grease.
By FAR the best build series videos on youtube, Jeff. Lovely work and a great looking kit!!
Thank you! I greatly appreciate it! I try to make these builds the best on the internet!
Thanks for the build Jeff!
Thank you for watching!
The hit's keep coming! Thanks
@@johnwellons9239 Thank you for watching!
Why Today Black friday is calling 🤩😊
Next bird.
Heck yeah!
Very cool, got that motor ESC combo in the nimbus build; which btw has been an abomination. XL and I are done!
On one of the boom clamps, ..I put the screw in and it was spinning freely so I backed it out, threads shot out like a coiled spring. That's a machine error and ok, I can look past that, got a replacement. Over several other areas.... binding where it shouldn't, shimming/sanding to get pieces to fit due to uneven molding. Annoyances but I can work around and deal with because the concept was a cheap and easy repair flying tank to learn on.
The piece de-resistance.....my motor mount. Whoever inserted the screw at the assembly line didn't just put it in...they forced it in so hateful that the threads flattened. I thought at first maybe accidental lock tight....nope. When I backed it out, it was clear the part had not been milled right and they just forced the screw in anyways. Dusy metal shavings and a flat screw finally was backed out. Heli-direct was very cool and honored the defects, but XL has burnt my good will to ash.
Gotta put it all on hold now till the new parts arrive.
I started the Gemini last night, radically different experience!
Next build is a SAB 700 size (Genesis likely), from there idk...but for sure my plans for a possible Spectre 700 in 2025 is toasted.
I’m sorry to hear about your experiences with Xcel power. I’ve only ever built one of their models and the build was pretty good. I didn’t really have any issues other than the boom clamp screws. I think I had to re-tap because the threads were messed up. But you will LOVE the build on the Tron. They go together, super nice and straightforward zero quality issues with their kits!
@@westhobbiesrc8051 I guess the silver lining is I've learned better discernment in the whole process of getting burned and also it will only make me appreciate Tron/SAB builds even more.
And yes, I agree on the Tron. The thing has been a gem so far! To be fair and objective, there was some minor scuff marks on the main blade grips that went through the black gloss finish paint, very small but was there. The sticker on the canopy was on slightly crooked and then clear coat put over it. But those are just minimal annoyances and purely cosmetic.
Everything has been impressively engineered and quality assembled so far.
Love the little grease ports in the grips! Chefs kiss!
That bearing block and servo assembly caught my attention at 25min in. Im asking around, interested in hearing some engineers perspective on that choice of design and why. Ive never seen it done that way and am curious about it.
I think it was just a different way of doing it something that hasn’t been done before. They do try to innovate and evolve with every model that is produced. I don’t see any downside or negatives to the bearing block simply and servo layout yet.
@@westhobbiesrc8051 It looks like they are lowering the layout of the servos closer to center mass right? Might improve performance. I haven't see a manual yet on download and study; I wonder how short the main shaft is and if the blades overall sit a little lower as a result of this posture. Also the frame crossing in that X pattern directly into the main bearing, makes the focal point for receiving the brunt of all force very close to the central axis along the main shaft and point of lift. At the top plate, nothing is transferred laterally along a parallel path.
Bottom half, business as usual where battery tray sits.
Just a guess, but I think this is a value added. Ill be curious what some other RC Heli Engineers think of this on the discord. I asked and will let you know what they think.
Always wondered why helicopter manufacturers don’t just put calibrated jigs in their kits that have ball ends a set distance apart….so that you can adjust your servo linkages to exactly fit the jig and you don’t even have to measure it.
Agreed! Had to buy a digital caliper to finish my build.
This is what they did in the RS7 manual
Calipers probably considered as the most accurate and common way maybe? IDK, your idea sounds good too.
@@brianjames8504 Calipers are just a must have for this hobby, I use them for all mannor of issues. Even side things like measuring the screw head...for example 5mm vs 6mm might not always be easy to spot in a pile of screws.
I did put some balls on my caliper.
Works verry accurate
RS5 vs Raw 580 vs Orion 5.5 video soon? Please before black friday!
@@ericphillips6615 I can definitely try to have that video before Black Friday sales! Right now it’s RAW 580 or Tron 5.5 but after flying the RS5 it will tell.
Haha. I installed my servo mounts upside down at first. I’m also using minis.
It took me. Minute to figure out which one it went lol
Hi Jeff - thanks for posting this! Love your build videos, exceedingly helpful, especially for beginners like me. Just finished building the Goo-sky Venom RS4, of course while watching your build series, and now need to choose a receiver. I've used the Kensun satellite receiver (with bind button) on my S1s and S2. Is it okay to use it on my RS4, too? Or should I get the Spektrum receiver? I have an Nx8. Thanks, Mate!
Hello! Thank you! I greatly appreciate it, I’m glad these videos are helpful and they could guide you along the way for your build. So the Kensun is okay, it will work. They can be hot or miss. I would say go Spektrum DSMX satellite but you will need a way to bind.
@@westhobbiesrc8051 Thanks, Jeff! Appreciate the suggestion - I'll try the Spektrum receiver and will track down one of your binding videos. Cheers!
How does the RS5 stack up to other 550 size helis? I'm glad all these 550 size helis are coming out. It's my favorite size to fly
I started a Nimbus 550v2 over the weekend, it's now on hold while replacements for defective parts come. What a steaming pile of junk, its only merit is parts are cheap and minimal. Unfortunately, quality is horrifying, weak threads...pieces needing to be sanded/shimmed. It's bad when they include extra washers and gaskets to overcome incinsistantcy's in fabrication/assembly. One of the tail boom clamps had the threads pop out like a coiled spring. WTH. My motor mount didn't have threads in one of the holes...but the factory worker forced the bolt in anyways and stripped it to a flat point. When I finally got it out, metal dust came out the ruined hole. I have to sand the battery tray to get it to slide down the track because why would you have a metal rail system in place when you can run a carbon fibor channel. I'll still finish it, but I am not getting a spectre 700 after this nonsense. XL can die off, they are cheap for a reason.
On a positive note, I started a Tron Gemini yesterday and am about 1/3 done now....completely different experience and quality in both design and materials. But with this will come at nasty boost in cost for replacement parts for when I crash. Everything fits exact...almost too exact lol. For example: your thrust bearings in the blade grips are going to be a challenge to get in/out but when you do ZERO play! Smooth even motion and stiff where it needs it!
I don’t know how it stacks up to other 550 models yet of course cause I have not flown it, but the build is very nice and it goes together extremely quick
@kajuta240 I have a Nimbus V1 that I've upgraded to basically a V2 through parts, and a Specter 700 V2 with a bunch of NME and WCE parts on it and they're honestly my favorite. They fly well and from my experience, they went together nicely. My Nimbus is my main bird that I fly and it's been pretty good to me. It's too bad you're having all the issues you're having with it. My V1 went together really well and I've been flying the hell out of it for almost 2 years now. Either your kit was made on a Friday or you got the new guy putting your stuff together lol. I haven't heard of XL Power really dropping in QC on the forums but I hope that's not the case. Hopefully it flies better for you than it went together.
I have a Tron 7.0 Advance and while I love that thing, I still like my Specter better. It all boils down to personal preference but I am really interested in getting another 550. It's going to be between the Gemini or the RS5 I think.
@@Lance57H
Im not alone, I brought up a laundry list of issues with this build. You all got just a sample, there were many things wrong.
"XLPower is slowly making a really bad name for itself with its inferior quality. After two XLPower models, I'm now giving them a wide berth."
"Yea I’m putting my XL 700 WC up for sale, Flies amazing when new
But… not worth the hassle down the line. They fall apart once you have to take them apart for maintenance"
And this was my favorite...came from the person who for weeks preached I should get an XL nimbus and wouldn't regret it: "That’s a classic from xlpower lol"
I dont buy friday as an excuse or new guy. It wasn't an accident to mash that bolt in, or innocence...it was ragefully put in so hard it destroyed the bolt. The other three went in with fingers. This one was deliberately smashed in with hate. XL is done for an I will never again go for the 'budget brand'.
Not sure if I'll choose this over the Tron 5.5 yet. Are you going to do a maiden flight on the il goblin?
I’m not sure if I would either but flight will tell! Yes! Maiden will be up for Wednesday’s video!
@@westhobbiesrc8051looking forward to it
Why do you use the mini servos just asking thanks
On 550 size heli’s I prefer mini servos as they are strong enough and lighter then full size.
What's the size and diameter on the motor shaft? Does the kit come with a motor gear? Thanks
Does the rs5 come with mini servo mounts?
Yes, the mount is designed for mini and full size.
Mine came with one washout arm defective and the kit doesn’t include any grease or loctite. Maybe your kit was specifically for you! 🤷♂️
You got lucky, XL was like hold meh beer! My Nimbus 550V2 was a nightmare and now I'm waiting another week for multiple parts to come in waves. Just abysmal quality control, including downright deliberately forcing a screw into non-threaded hole at the assembly line; ruining the motor mount on my kit.
And no... loctite and grease never comes with these kits. Maybe some do, but none I have ever assembled.
Your expected to provide tools, avionics, basics with almost all kits.
I always check the online manual to see what tools are needed.
I purchased the RS4 Venom kit back in May, just got around to building it. Although this was my first heli build, I felt the quality was exceptional. Instructions were pretty basic, pictures were clear but not a lot of commentary, so Jeff’s videos came in handy. I have 2 S1s and an S2. Very solid helicopters. Sorry I wasted money on 2 Blade Helis.
@@brianjames8504 Coming from Blade, yeah you did upgrade lol. Venom is ok, but certainly not anything other than B tier. I have issue with the lack of proper room to really do much with anything other than their branded ESC and FC. I went the route of a custom build off the base kit. Looking back, I would have been better off with spending a couple hundred more and gotten a Raw 420 and motor. The Goosky all in one kit is just too hard to beat at that price point. IMO is the only RS4 kit to get. Custom was cool and does fly awesome, I just wish now I got either the all in one....or the Raw 420.
I’m sorry to hear that! I’ve seen a few issues on the RS5 kits. Mine was not special or anything for me. It is a Production kit. The RS7 and RS5 came with CA, Green and blue loctite and Grease.
I was looking at this RS5.
I might grab a S2 for winter flying and maybe a rs5
You definitely need a S2! Everyone should have one.
Don't push threadlock through your bearings... ffs
Timestamp?
Is it ideal? No can it get Loctite in the bearing? Yes, does it not really.