Ko EX-10 Helio

[mikeyscott]

So I don't trash someone elses thread, are they any good as I'm looking to change my radio (15+ year old Ko Propo EX-5)

[lardshow]

i like mine, had it a good few years now and its always been fine. awkward though when it rains cos its the wrong way for a normal tranny bag!

[mikeyscott]

Real world benefits over other radio and basic kit?

This deal any good - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KO-PROPO-EX10-...1%7C240%3A1318

[jono83]

look like a good deal but i am always cautious about importing transmitters as i know someone who had theres destroyed by customs for some reason.

[mikeyscott]

Originally Posted by jono83

look like a good deal but i am always cautious about importing transmitters as i know someone who had theres destroyed by customs for some reason.

Mmmm, not what you want. And I assume they refund you? Or is it just them being a bunch of tossers

[lardshow]

its pretty much the same internals as the esprit 3, but as you asked for 'real world' pros and cons, the only thing i've found is the lack of the two rotary nobs on the top for steering and brakes which are on the esprit. (if thats what you were to assign them to). the only on the fly buttons are micro switches on the handle, or you have to go in to the actual menu. ok in practice but if you wanted to make a change in the race not as easy.

the spectrum or ko 2.4 module fits straight in so no issues there if you wanted to go down that route at a later date.

that deal looks fine, but i'd be wary of the customs issue.

the end of the day its all down to prefence of control, do you prefer steerwheel or is it that you havent tried sticks? i've always used a wheel because it feels right for me. the helios is well balanced in the hand and the battery life is fine too.

hope this helps more than the rain mac one.......if you only race indoors that aint an issue...

[jono83]

i dont think you get refunded? but if they where released by customs you would prob get charged import tax !

[mikeyscott]

It's the wheel type that I like and I get on very well with my EX-5

I'd want to get a EX-10 with a KO 2.4GHz TX etc

[lardshow]

i'm the same, i can drive just as quick with sticks but i prefer the wheel. feels like you have more control somehow. imho the helios is the best steerwheel going, i tried all the others manufacturers before buying the ko and they just didnt have the ko's feel and balance.

i have heard bad things about the ko 2.4 stuff though, but not the spectrum. dont know how many others have had this but certainly i know of one case where the car was left on and the transmitter turned off due to a hold in the race, when the transmitter was turned back on the tx/rx had unbound from each other...

something to bear in mind....

splash out...go for the helios and spectrum 2.4 module!!

[mikeyscott]

See i've read bad things about spektrum with ko - lol

How well does the spektrum module fit.

Logic would say the KO kit would work better with KO kit

[mikeyscott]

Anyone know if Paypal or Credit card will cover the goods if destroyed at customs? Also what is the import tax if it's clobbered etc?

[mikeyscott]

This seems a better deal..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KO-PROPO-EX-10...3286.m63.l1177

[mikeyscott]

I assume the control is just more acurate compared with the "cheaper" models?

Anyone know how much customs would slap onto it if they "caught" it?

[blue_pinky]

Hi, I imported a Futaba 3PM, price before import duty was about £105, price after duty, about £120 roughly from memory...It's not disimilar to VAT basically as I understand it (VAT is probably part of it I guess), but does vary depending on what your importing.

At the time the dollar rate was so good over here, that even after all the postage and the duty was added I was still saving over £50 on the UK price back then.

I've imported loads of stuff over the years (and not always paid any duty...I guess thanks to my local small PO???) and never had any issue with breakages/damage. But I'd assume that unless you had it shipped with insurance then you'll have no refund backup at all.

Also, I've used the Futaba 2.4ghz radio kit for a couple of years and never had any issues at all with it, never had any binding issues or anything, but don't know if they do modules for the KO tx's and it's slightly more ££ than the spektrum kit.

However, the 3PM I bought, I do get on well with it, but the rotary action on the wheel is showing signs of wear after about 2 years. It is the cheapest futaba 2.4 ghz option, but I'd hoped for more. Trying a 3pk next as I did basically like the 3PM.

[mikeyscott]

Tempted to just treat myself, but I've bought the following this month

LRP Sphere TC
About to buy a Spintec charger
a host of other kit and so on.

I suppose I could try it and if I don't like it sell it on... However it's just a case of working out whether it's a worth while upgrade. Still got to get a brushless motor and repair some NIMH batteries.

Thank goodness for callout (but not the taxman)

Add house mods and new car on the list of things to do too

[mikeyscott]

Anyone know if you can get a plug so I can remove the normal arial? Also have a LIPO pack and charger for the Helios?

Any recommendations?

I basically bought a 2nd hand one in the end with Spektrum fitted etc. (good or bad thing, time will tell)