- 6 May, 2006 -

Several years have passed since Hirobo released the first version of the Sceadu helicopter series. Since then, a lot of new and exciting ideas have come out of the guys over at Hirobo. The newest edition is the Sceadu Evo Combo package, a complete helicopter system in one box. This isn't a low budget excuse to get into R/C helicopters; it's an honest to goodness real deal. In the package you receive a Sceadu Evo .30 helicopter kit, a Toki .40 helicopter motor, a Futaba 7CHF helicopter radio system, a CSM G200 Heading Hold gyro, a motor starting shaft and an articulating training gear set. At only $989, that's an amazing deal. Everything in the Sceadu Evo combo is in its own box to protect from shipping damage. It's as if each piece were purchased separately (manufacturer's data and warranty information included). I like that the helicopter is in kit form, especially for beginners. I believe that if you build it, you can fix it. That's the way I learned how to do it. Heli Assembly The first step in the process is to build the helicopter mechanics. The manual follows right along with the building progress. There are a lot of nuts and bolts, and a small parts organizer would be helpful during the construction. The Sceadu Evo assembly can be finished up over a long weekend from box to flight line. Be sure to use lock-tight on all the metal to metal fasteners. The Toki .40 is a powerful motor that continues to impress me. So far, this motor has given plenty of punch for anything I've asked of the Sceadu Evo. The Toki has enough power that I could put 600mm blades on the Sceadu with no problems at all. Power is always a plus when it comes to a helicopter. Without it, you're pretty much a paperweight in the sky. I did change from the stock muffler that comes with the package and replaced it with the Toki 40-H helicopter muffler. I live in Denver and thought I might need the extra power to compensate for the altitude. Radio Installation After you have the helicopter completed, you're ready to install the radio system into the Sceadu Evo. The combo comes with a Futaba 7CHF computer radio system, four S3151 digital servos and one standard servo. The digital servos are installed to control the flying surfaces on the Sceadu. The standard servo is for the throttle control. All are of sufficient torque and speed to handle their jobs. The CSM G200 Heading Hold gyro keeps the tail where you need it to learn how to hover and move into some basic aerobatic maneuvers. Now you can start on the setup of your radio. The transmitter, the pushrod lengths on the helicopter and the carburetor settings are all pre- programmed for you at the factory. No adjustments necessary. In actuality, you're better off not adjusting them until you have had an experienced helicopter pilot look over the Sceadu with you. Experience helps when you're spinning wooden blades at 1800 RPM's. We don't want any injuries to spoil the day. Ready to Fly The Sceadu Evo is an excellent trainer. It will take you from learning how to hover right into the extreme 3-D flying that most aspiring helicopter pilots want to master. Now that the Sceadu Evo is ready to go, I'll tell you how she flies. Starting the Sceadu Evo is a breeze. You'll need an electric airplane starter, the starter shaft included in the combo, a ni-starter, some 15-30% helicopter fuel and a fuel pump, and a big open area where no one is around to watch. I highly recommend going to your local R/C flying field. An audience is not what a beginner needs. Instead you need the experience of the folks at the local club. Check with your local HobbyTown USA? for information regarding local clubs and organizations. They will be happy to help you out. The Sceadu Evo and the Toki .40 helicopter engine started easy. I placed my finger over the exhaust and gave a spin of the starter to get fuel to the carburetor. A few seconds later she was off and running. I ran three tanks of fuel through the engine to get her started in the right direction for break-in. On the fourth tank I was ready to set the Sceadu Evo into a hover. Once the helicopter started to get light on the skids, I knew it was ready to lift off the ground. The departure was as smooth as butter and she lifted into a steady hover. Just a click or two of cyclic trim and she was hovering steady at about five feet. I tested the rudder authority and was pleased with the tail blades performance. The gyro was holding well, and a slight gain control adjustment was all that was needed. The engine really started to show its stuff after about the seventh tank. Since then, the little Toki .40 hasn't missed a beat. It's been a breeze to tune and maintain. I have to say that the combination of the Hirobo Sceadu Evo, the Futaba 7CHF, and the Toki .40 has been nothing short of a dream. I look forward to a long, enjoyable relationship with this Evo. I hope the guys at Hirobo keep turning out products that hold up to the quality behind this one! My son and son-in-law have been hoping to learn how to fly a helicopter. I may have found the one to teach them with. I've enjoyed building, flying, and teaching others with the Hirobo Sceadu Evo and I bet you will too. - Ken Kitchens Heli enthusiast Ken Kitchens writes for Hobby Outlook? from his home in Denver, CO. HobbyTown USA

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