MCPX V2 Review
General Overview
Well it showed up today my MCPX V2 which I got from Blade Heli Spares, I must say they where a pleasure to deal with and their prices are fantastic! I would defiantly use them again in the future and recommend them to all RC Heli Addict users! Check them out! Blade Parts & Spares For All E-Flite Blade Helicopters | Blade Heli Spares also check out RC Hero at http://rc-hero.co.uk
So I haven’t had chance to fling this little beast around to its full extent yet and will continue to update you all on its progress. But heres a bit of a round up and general review.
Firstly Lets look at whats new, firstly the box, has a nice shiny red marking noting it as a V2. Thats the only difference so far, Lets delve into the box. The next thing I noticed was that the manual also has been updated to include the V2 mentions, a few changes inside but nothing major. See the images below.
Next is the swash plate has the new o rings added to the ball links, well I can feel that difference is massive, with the new o rings compared to the V1 swash plate. It feels tight and sturdy but still has a small amount of slop. I would imagine with the addition of an aluminium swash on this helicopter you will really feel the difference.
The new o rings are approximately half as wide as the canopy grommets, but do defiantly make a real impact on the swash plate. See images below.
Not my image, but shows the o rings really well
O ring on the right and canopy grommet on the left
The next thing on the update agenda is the new design tail rotor well the difference is definatly noticeable. It is significantly longer than the old tail rotor and has a much sharper form, I think that it has some extra pitch added to the blade. It also has a gloss finish compared to the matt finish on the V1 version. We will see what the improvement is further on.
The new V2 also comes with 30c batteries opposed to 25c on the V1. Although they are exactly the same size.
The final new addition to the MCPX V2 is the 3 in 1 board, it has a new gyro and some software changes. I quote some technical information on the new board and gyros from another forum;
” The V2 3-1 has a single triple axis gyro(Invensense ITG-3205) instead of 2 gyros(IDG-650/ISG-650). The ITG-3205 has 3 analog to digital converters(ADCs) that convert the 3 gyro analog rate outputs into a serial bitstream(up to 8kbps – no analog noise now) which are then FIFO’d to the main processor. In addition, the ITG-3205 has much better internal temp. sensors. They also changed the tail motor FET.
Because of the change of architecture(serial bit stream), the main processor software has undoubtably undergone significant changes. “
There is little change to be seen on the front of the board;
V2 on the left /\
Again we will cover its improvement in the flight review. Although I do feel that the real update here is the main board.
Flight Review
Firstly when starting the main motor on my particular version it sounds a little more smooth and straight into idle up all fine very much like the V1. I did some general flying and I must say this thing flys lovely, although very similar to my V1, but noticeable straight off the bat is there is tail no drifting what so ever. Solid as a rock! My V1 the tail slowly drifts and I find myself correcting this, but that is completely eliminated on this version.
It also feels a little more responsive and out of the box I think that the settings are a little too responsive for a beginner. With some adjustment you can dull it down a little bit and man its so sharp. It really responds to your input and feels great to fly. Im not sure whether or not this is down to the new batteries but there is significantly more punch that the V1 and it will defiantly get into inverted easier (I am yet to test this fully)
This new gyro makes a real difference even just in hovers and general flying, I simply cannot wait to fling this beast round and really push the limits.
The head feels much tighter and I think that maybe some of this comes from the o rings that translates into tighter flying and the added response.
I will be following up with further flying and testing, and think that these improvements will help the tail blowout issues known and debated. I really think that with a slight extension to the boom 99% of the tail issues will be resolved and make this a near perfect helicopter.
In conclusion if you own a V1 I wouldn’t rush out to buy one, but if you are upgrading or fancy a treat give it a bash, relatively it would also be great for the RC Helicopter beginner who wants to learn. I think that it is a great tool with little concern over the repair prices for the beginner. The V2 definatly is a new little beast and really does fly differently but better when compared to the V1. There is simply not an ounce of tail drift and it is much sharper with extra response to your commands. All in all a fantastic upgrade to the MCPX and long will this be a favourite for the beginner and expert alike.
Positives
More Responsive
No tail Drift
Much more PUNCH
Negatives
Still no brushless
I will be flying this hard on the 20th of december and really pushing the limits so more to come soon! I will also get some inflight photos! More to come!
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