Table Of ContentsNext Page

TSK MyStar .30 Overview

When asked what helicopter a new flyer should start with, many factors come into consideration. How much does it cost ? How well does it fly ? What kind of upgrades do I have to buy ? Will it cost a fortune to fix ? Can I grow with the machine ? Is it stable to aid in the learning of hovering a forward flight ? Most machines in the industry can not answer all of these questions in a positive manner, however there is one that can. The TSK MYSTAR.

TSK is widely acknowledged as one of the highest quality helicopters in the industry. After many years successfully selling the Blackstar and Fivestar models, TSK introduced the MyStar line of helicopters. TSK provided the MyStars in several configurations, in .30, .46 and .60 size. The best thing about the MyStar kits is that there is no need to purchase upgrade parts for these machines; No need to purchase bearing kits, as they are all right in the box; No need to purchase after market push-pull modifications. It's all in the box !! This can't be emphasized enough; most other kits are made almost completely of plastic and will require you to spend MANY hundreds of dollars over the lifeof the kit. Consider the price of some upgrade parts - a full metal swashplate upgrade can cost over $70, but with the MyStar helicopters, it's in the box ! The MyStars are extremely nimble, and are ready for full 3-D flight.+

Here are some of the features incorporated in the MyStar Line:

Specification (MyStar .30):

The MyStar is an extremely strong machine. The main frame assembly is basically divided into three sections: the upper frame, lower frame, and the servo frame. These parts are connected via a series of aluminum cross members and cap bolts, making the whole frame structure very rigid. This is very important for helicopters, especially for high stress hot-dog maneuvers, as well as being able to handle the power of the engine and efficiently transferring it to the blades. Another strong point about the MyStar is that it uses a 10mm diameter main shaft instead of 8mm main shafts that are typically used on other 30's. This adds to the solid feel of the machine, and resists crash damage a lot better than smaller shafts.

Moving up the main shaft, you'll find the swash plate and the scissors arm assembly. TSK incorporated a moving swash plate/mixing mechanism for the first time, and has done a superb job in designing it. The system is amazingly slop-free. This system moves effortlessly and allows every precise movement from the servo to the rotor head. The swash plate is the same high quality metal unit used on the Five Star, and is held in-line with an aluminum anti-rotation guide plate that stands off behind it.

The washout unit has been redesigned from the fivestar series, and comes standard with adjustable mixing arms. These arms can be adjusted to change the sensitivity of your cyclic control. TSK has added a second set of holes on each end of the mixing arms. This new mixing arm can be adjusted to produce a more responsive mixing ratio necessary for hot-dog flying. In addition, these metal mixing arms use double support bearings. This system works exceptionally well, and can turn this tame beauty into a wild beast.

The main rotor head has also been redesigned for this helicopter. The main blade holder is a beautifully CNC machined one-piece grip, each equipped with two ball bearings and a thrust bearing which ensures smooth pitch control under high stress loads. These thrust bearings allow high rotor head speeds for those who do hot dog flying or 3D maneuvers. To prevent damaging the blade holder in a crash, an aluminum pitch control plate is used, and is designed to take the stresses of a crash. The dampening system is a conventional type, single axle feathering spindle supported with two rubber dampers, and most important, for the first time, this TSK comes equipped with a HEAD BUTTON!! You could say good bye to your blistered palm.
The tail drive system is also unique for a TSK. It uses a direct drive belt system that spins so smooth and free that it doesn't feel like a belt driven tail. Unlike most belt driven helis, the MyStar uses a small diameter belt pulley on both ends to eliminate the use of a belt tension/guide pulley. The tail transmission is very compact, organized, and looks professional. There's no need to worry about tail heaviness on this chopper, thanks to its light-weight design. The tail pitch slider unit and the tail rotor assembly are the same high quality ones from the Five Star. It has a machined aluminum center hub with double bearings in each tail blade holder, contributing to a slop-free tail control system. I'd also like to note that the rudder servo is mounted to the rearmost portion of the frame, allowing a direct link from the fiberglass rudder control rod directly to the ball bearing aluminum L lever in the tail transmission. It doesn't get anymore direct than this. Also, you have a choice of mounting your gyro either behind the swash plate or underneath the main shaft. This could be a matter of preference, but I chose to put mine underneath the main shaft. A large 300 c.c. fuel tank is also located near the main shaft so that it does not disturb the CG balance of the helicopter when it is full or empty.

The front belt drive pulley runs in-line via counter shaft to a pinion gear that runs off the side of the main gear. Of course, this trans unit is supported by two bearing blocks that have no bind or wobble. Separate from that tail drive pinion gear, the clutch bell/pinion gear is mounted in the front. MyStar comes standard with a state-of-the-art in-line hex shaft starting system with one way clutch bearing. This system is identical to the one found on Five Star, and has proven itself as one of the best. Every part that goes into this clutch system uses high quality machined parts starting with an aluminum clutch drum, heat treated pinion gear, one piece heavy duty clutch, and aluminum bearing blocks. All of this is supported by a series of ball bearings that eliminates any lateral play. For easier access, the motor head faces front so you can get to the glow plug at ease.

Following today's trend, the MyStar also utilizes push-pull mechanics on the cyclic controls. TSK did a nice job in design and layout, since this type of linkage hook up tends to get messy resulting in a "hand made" appearance. I forgot to mention that all ball joints and linkage rods use hard polished stainless steel for ultra smooth control and "cool" looks.

To top it off, MyStar comes with a sleek looking fiberglass canopy that is gel coated in white. This body is compact and light weight, as well as giving the heli a finishing touch. The kit also includes a set of sharp looking decals.

The kit assembles very easy, and does not take long. With box frame construction, everything is easy to get to, and does not get complicated like some of the other machines I have worked on. I can also see that future maintenance will be easy because the motor can be dropped without taking the frames apart, and the servos can be removed without any hassle. The rotor head comes completely assembled, and is ready to be balanced. The belt driven tail, main gear, and clutch bell line up very easily, while gear mesh is smoother than my shaft driven machine. All in all, the kit is very well made, and I was very impressed. The kit assembles in about 10 hours, and has a very low parts count.

Now let's talk about what counts; performance. The MyStar is extremely stable. This is extremely important for the beginner as the MyStar will enhance control and speed up the learning curve from hover to forward flight. The rudder control is absolutely slop free, and extremely smooth. The collective system is also slop free, giving you complete control, even under high loads. The loops and the rolls were as if the MyStar had a 60 class power plant. What is so exciting about the MyStar, is that it gives both performance and dependability for all levels of heli enthusiast

Table Of ContentsNext Page