Stratus Hex Starter Adapter?

[bkervaski]

Do they make a 6mm hex adapter or would I need to buy the proflex from ma?

[angelob]

You can use a Raptor 50v2 hex start adaptor - make sure its the v2 version since v1 was 5mm.

Angelo

[DavidH]

You can use any hex adapter that will fit a 6mm shaft. If the hex adapter has pointed set screws. Take them out and replace them with flat tip or cupped tip set screws.
You do not need to grind a flat on the start shaft.
Clean the inside of the adpater and the shaft with acetone or alcohol. Then use red loctite on the inside of the adapter that slides on the shaft. Put the adapter on the shaft. Take the set screws and put blue loctite on them. Install the set screws in the adapter and tighten them. Let the loctite cure for several hours.

The hex adapter will not slip. When you get ready to take it off you will have to heat the adapter to release the loctite.

David

[bkervaski]

Perfect, thanks.

[wattybotts]

David said it perfectly. I have been using a Hirobo Hex Adapter on my Extreme and Stratus for almost 450 flights combined... not once has it come off!

[Gary O]

Forget the pro flex start shaft. I've gone through 3 one ways in less than 2 months. I've just finished putting hex adapters on all of my MA helis. The pro flex is a great idea, the one ways are just a very weak link.

[DavidH]

I used the Pro Flex since it was introduced in the mid to late 90's. I never had any problem with the one way bearings. Only problem I had was the flex shaft broke a couple of times. That was easy replacement. That was when MA was still using the flexible shaft drive for a ratchet. When they changed to the larger flex cable. Didn't have any more problems.

Only reason I switched to the hex adapters. Is it seems the majority of helicopters on the market are using hex start systems. So I switched to hex system. That way if something happens to my starter, batteries dead etc. Then it made it easier to bum a starter from someone to start my model.

David

[WillJames]

Are you leaving the pro flex on the clutch shaft until the starter completely stops spinning before you pull it off Gary? If you don't let your starter stop completely before you yank it off the start shaft, it will kill the bearings very fast. I know you fly a lot, so it probably could happen in a month, not exactly sure.

[Gary O]

I leave it on the shaft until the starter stops spinning, otherwise you can feel the bind it puts on the one way. These 2 I have now didn't last no time. In fact, the first time I used one of them the one way would release as soon as the engine hit it's compression stroke.