Battery Selection For the MSH Protos 500
Posted on October 31, 2008 by aaronredbaron
The MSH Protos 500 is one of the most innovative helicopter products on the market. The combination of lightweight, a unique single belt power train, and precise slop free controls produces a capable helicopter that is capable of providing incredible performance.
Weight is Everything
Its important to keep in mind that weight plays a crucial role in helicopters. The lighter the helicopter is, the more nimble and snappy, and the heavier the helicopter (to a point), the more stable and groovy. The Protos is able to take advantage of its light design weight to provide the user with the desired flight performance.
Beginner- Intermediate Pilots
Although the Protos is designed with performance in mind, the helicopter can be very good for beginner or intermediate pilots if you have an experienced flyer to help. If you want to set the model up for the most stability and flight time, a heavier 4-5 series Li-Po battery of 3300- 4000 mAh will provide excellent stability and around 8 minutes of flight time with the stock 18 tooth pinion gear. Even with a 4 cell pack the model is capable of all the basic aerobatics and flies very docile and manageable. Make sure to install the flybar weights, and run low swash mix values.
Intermediate-Advanced Pilots
For up and coming hot shots, the Protos is very fun and powerful. Depending on your flying style and expectations, you will want to consider a 5s or 6s Li-Po. With a 3300-4000 mAh 5s, the stock 18 tooth pinion is employed, and the heli offers plenty of power and great flight times. With the heavier all up weight (approximately 1650 grams) using the 5s setup, the model does very well in windy conditions, flying at high speeds and is very stable. The use of paddle weights is recommended to begin, and as the pilot gets comfortable with the heli the weights can be cut down or removed all together. Removing the paddle weights but running the 5s battery, the heli is very fast, nimble and even this mild setup is hotter than most of the 500 helis on the market.
Here is a video running a 5s battery
For the utmost of performance, a 6s Li-Po of 2500-2600 mAh is preferred with a 15 tooth pinion. The all up weight can be kept to as little as 1520 grams, and at this weight with no paddle weights the Protos is a MONSTER!!! With the minimal weight and high power, the Protos pops and responds very fast. It has fast, axial roll response and solid controls to handle anything you throw at it. The helicopter is noticeably quicker, more responsive and lighter in the air with the 6s versus the 5s. It also gets bumped around a little more in gusty wind conditions, and gets much shorter flight time of 4 -5 minutes.
Here is another video, this time using the hot 6s setup
Don’t Jump To Conclusions
Although the lightweight, high power setup can be lots of fun and fast, its not the best setup for everybody. For pilots who prefer sensitive controls and all the power you can get your hands on, the 6s setup will satisfy your hunger. For pilots who are still working their way into aerobatics, or for pilots who like to fly larger, smoother maneuvers, the 5s setup will feel more locked in, better in the wind, and fly much longer on a charge. Keep in mind a Protos with a 5s setup will be faster and more responsive than the lightest and most powerful TREX 500’s; going to the 6s setup puts the Protos in another class where its responsiveness is more akin to a hot 450 sized model.
