BTCat
First 30 Member 
FIRST 30 MEMBER
BT Cowboys Cruiser
Posts: 2,213
|
Post by BTCat on May 23, 2009 14:26:04 GMT -6
|
|
BTCat
First 30 Member
FIRST 30 MEMBER
BT Cowboys Cruiser
Posts: 2,213
|
Post by BTCat on May 23, 2009 14:26:24 GMT -6
  Servo placement was a little tight. I loosened the frame bolts a little to squeeze them in. Servo Wires are routed outside the frame to keep them away from spinning parts. I wire tied them to give it a clean line. The horn on the pitch servo was trimmed to keep it out of the main gear. Note: The mount bolts that come with the Alpha 400 are a little long. I used two #4 aluminum washers on each bolt to assure they didn’t protrude into the armature. |
|
BTCat
First 30 Member
FIRST 30 MEMBER
BT Cowboys Cruiser
Posts: 2,213
|
Post by BTCat on May 23, 2009 14:26:42 GMT -6
 I chose my electronics placement based on a couple of things. First, to try to keep the electronics away from interference. Second, to try to keep them more protected against crash damage. This kept the front tray free for the ESC. With two antennae, Futaba recommends that the antennae be oriented about 90 degrees from each other on opposite sides. Each antenna is about 5” long, so the choices are limited. I used some antenna tube to serve as a protective channel. Not exactly pointed 90 degrees from each other, but close enough to allow duplication of signal reception.  I used some wire insulation to cover the sharp edges around the frame that might cause wire chaffing or cuts. I took a standard 12 gauge wire. Cut it lengthwise and stripped the wire out. I then cut the insulation to length. It curls nicely around the frame edges without any glue. All wires are secured. There are plenty of ways wires can rub with the sometimes tight quarters. I was especially concerned about any wires near that motor. |
|
BTCat
First 30 Member
FIRST 30 MEMBER
BT Cowboys Cruiser
Posts: 2,213
|
Post by BTCat on May 23, 2009 14:26:57 GMT -6
 I choice the carbon fiber tail rod because of the length. It is 260mm. The standard EXI is 300mm and the Align steel rod is 280mm. The Carbon Fiber one is a lot cleaner look with extra room for the servo  The plastic tail that comes stock with the EXI SE WILL TURN unless it is modified. I tried tightening it and would have sworn it would have held. Nope. Turned after a couple of flights. I modified it by drilling a very small hole in the side of the tail assembly and through the boom. I inserted a very short (about 5mm) self tapping screw. It held long enough for the CNC tail to arrive and I am confident it would have held much longer. But the CNC tail is worth every penny. Very smooth and stable. |
|
BTCat
First 30 Member
FIRST 30 MEMBER
BT Cowboys Cruiser
Posts: 2,213
|
Post by BTCat on May 23, 2009 14:27:12 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
BTCat
First 30 Member
FIRST 30 MEMBER
BT Cowboys Cruiser
Posts: 2,213
|
Post by BTCat on May 23, 2009 14:45:37 GMT -6
Future Plans for the EXI: I have a CopterX CNC Main and Tail assembly on order. I plan to replace parts as needed with upgrades. I have already replaced the main shaft and feathering shaft with Align. This thing flies very smoothly considering the price. Check out the take off and hover in this video...Now if I can just upgrade my flying skills…..  |
|
akent
Moderator 
FIRST 30 MEMBER
I love the 500!
Posts: 2,826
|
Post by akent on May 24, 2009 14:52:46 GMT -6
Great stuff, BT!!
Well done!
Kent
|
|
Tony
First 30 Member
FIRST 30 MEMBER
Posts: 312
|
Post by Tony on May 24, 2009 20:15:30 GMT -6
Great job BT.
|
|
BTCat
First 30 Member
FIRST 30 MEMBER
BT Cowboys Cruiser
Posts: 2,213
|
Post by BTCat on May 24, 2009 20:27:51 GMT -6
Thanks Guys,
Been wanting to put this together for a while, but I crashed before I got the picks the first time.
Kent, did you notice I left a note for you on one of the pics?
|
|
|
|
Post by Solitaire on May 24, 2009 22:20:51 GMT -6
Yup, you did a very nice job on that heli, BT. Very clean. We just need to find you a deal on some CF tail blades.  I just realized the significance of the "Screaming Eagle" moniker duh! Otherwise known to us not-so-fancy EXI owners as "SE"  |
|
BTCat
First 30 Member
FIRST 30 MEMBER
BT Cowboys Cruiser
Posts: 2,213
|
Post by BTCat on May 25, 2009 9:57:02 GMT -6
Yup, you did a very nice job on that heli, BT. Very clean. We just need to find you a deal on some CF tail blades. I just realized the significance of the "Screaming Eagle" moniker duh! Otherwise known to us not-so-fancy EXI owners as "SE" Sorry Sol, you are throwing duds today. My Scream'n Eagle idea was from the decal. ;D AND, I will keep my orange blades for a while. When she's tail in I like something to look at. Call it a heli "tramp stamp" if you will ;D ;D |
|
McKrackin
First 30 Member
First 30 Member
Flippin' the bird!
Posts: 3,720
|
Post by McKrackin on May 25, 2009 10:14:37 GMT -6
"Tramp Stamp"...lmfao ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Classic....
|
|
akent
Moderator
FIRST 30 MEMBER
I love the 500!
Posts: 2,826
|
Post by akent on May 25, 2009 21:04:07 GMT -6
Kent, did you notice I left a note for you on one of the pics? Hey, I love your curls, dude! I need to learn how to do it. My wires are just kinda there. No bling like yours! Kent |
|
akent
Moderator
FIRST 30 MEMBER
I love the 500!
Posts: 2,826
|
Post by akent on May 25, 2009 21:05:10 GMT -6
Hey BT, I was wondering how you like the 5065 on the tail?
Is it stable enough? It sure looks like it in the video.
Best,
Kent
|
|
