Heli #4 (update)

[Lessen]

Where is the thrust bearing?

 

[Rolex]

They are in the rotor head. Unlike standard bearings, they run flat. Three piece units, with a raceway on both sides.

Well, here's the latest:
It's getting pretty crowded in there

The stock battery mount is supposed to be on top of the aluminum plate. That's fine for 3-D, but I now have it velcro mounted on the floor for a much more stable CG.
It also allows me to move it slightly forward or aft to get perfect balance without adding dead weight.

That's the light switch. VERY small stuff. That's a micro servo, and the lowest purple arrow is pointing to the switch that's glued to the circuit box for the lights. The blue arrow is the highest point of the cam, and the purple arrows are the lowest, where they do not engage the switch. Each time the cam sweeps over the switch, the lighting sequence for the different strobe circuits will change. 8 settings in all, with the 9th click turning all the lights off.

Finally, there's the tiny little module that plugs into the gear channel and then into a Y connector to run the 2 servos for the retracts. That minuscule screw is the timing adjustment.

 

[Lessen]

Each time the cam sweeps over the switch, the lighting sequence for the different strobe circuits will change. 8 settings in all, with the 9th click turning all the lights off.

Hell FN yeah! That's awesome. So you have one channel set to a dial or you have a switch programmed to move 11% at a time?

 

[Rolex]

One throw switch. Click it one way and the cam will move past the highest point, engaging the switch and coming to rest at the other low point. (the other arrow) Click it the other way and it will do the same thing in the opposite direction. Travel adjustments are set to the minimum needed. So, to move through all 8 sequential settings means hitting the switch up, then down, 4 times.

 

[Karl M]

How much does Heli weigh now? Not that I doubt the lift ability, this thing has to be getting heavy from the sound of it.

 

[Candyman]

Weigh? Lift? You act as though this thing will every fly. C'mon, this is Rolex we're talking about. I'm sure he has a nice, clean space all set right next to his Savage...

 

[Karl M]

Weigh? Lift? You act as though this thing will every fly. C'mon, this is Rolex we're talking about. I'm sure he has a nice, clean space all set right next to his Savage...

Sorry, lost my head for a minute. I don't know what I was thinking.

 

[RC Addict]

I have to admit one thing: Ralph is THE MAN! Damn that is one sweet heli, and I am not into them at all. Ok, maybe now I am...

 

[Rolex]

Weigh? Lift? You act as though this thing will every fly. C'mon, this is Rolex we're talking about. I'm sure he has a nice, clean space all set right next to his Savage...

Sorry, lost my head for a minute. I don't know what I was thinking.

LMFAO!!! Thanks for your confidence, Jeff.
It is putting on some weight with all the details, but heavy helis are far more stable than the lightweights.
At this point, I'm pretty sure I'll have to upgrade the motor that the original rotor and boom heli was designed for. I know it will fly, and fly well, since I added the 4 blade rotor, but I'm almost sure it will be overheating.
If all goes well, I'm about a week from hover testing, so I'll know then what motor I'll need.

 

[Racer 1966]

I have to admit one thing: Ralph is THE MAN! Damn that is one sweet heli

+1 to that for off the hook details. I've always been fascinated with helis but just can't overpower my habit for cars/trucks.

 

[Rolex]

I've always been fascinated with helis but just can't overpower my habit for cars/trucks.

Cars, trucks, boats and planes are very relaxing. Helis make you sweat.
They're the ultimate cardio-vascular workout. :whhooo::jittery:

 

[Lessen]

3 posts without a picture Ralph... c'mon man, what gives?

I just know I'm asking for it...

 

[Rolex]

I got your picture right here.....

 

[Rolex]

Here's the stock version of my heli, with the stock 2 blade, not the 4 blade rotor. He's playing with the retracts. How cool are they? :whhooo:

 

[Lessen]

That's BADASS.

 

[Lessen]

Hey Ralph, if you need a pilot I found one today. He's not the most reliable but he works for fruit snacks.

 

[Rolex]

LOL.... That's cool, and so is he, but I think he has a problem with an obstructed view.
What's he sitting in?

 

[Karl M]

Kind of looks like the OH-58C Kiowa that we Natoinal Guard folk use for counter drug missions. I'd take the offer, you can't find pilots willing to work for fruit cups.

 

[Rolex]

I'll be stocking up on peach and apricot fruit roll-ups. :

 

[hamz9561]

LOL.... That's cool, and so is he, but I think he has a problem with an obstructed view.
What's he sitting in?

He doesn't have any problems. He just flies on instruments.: