Lepton build-up thread

[mudbogger2]

Got my Lepton in today! :mrgreen: Going to start a build thread with lots of pics as I go for you guys.
Lets get started!

[mudbogger2]

All the parts in the kit come in a bag with a number or multiple numbers on it. Each number represents a step in the manual. As you are starting each step you will use the parts from the bag with the corresponding number on it.

I lay each bag out before I begin to make sure they are all there.

[mudbogger2]

Reading through the manual before beginning is also recommended, I found anadditional instructuon sheet that has some changes to steps3,4,14,24 and 35.

Also a parts change notice! The balls on the main grips have been changed(says due to possibility of binding) to a difftent type.

More in a while!

[mudbogger2]

Starting with the build.

Step 1 is a pretty easy one.
Just don't use too much force when tightening the balls down onto the plastic bellcranks. They WILL strip if you overdo it.

[mudbogger2]

Step 2 has a lot going on. Look over the page carefully before starting.
Lay out all the pieces and separate them to keep thing organized.

It may be easier to install all the parts on to half of the frame first. Like so. I installed all the pieces on the right half first.

[mudbogger2]

Last part of step Two. I noticed no refrence to use locktite on metal to metal fastners on this step. BE SURE TO USE BLUE LOCKTITE! Always on metal to metal fastners.

Noticed the servo mounts are adjustable. Nice feature to allow many types of servos to fit easily. :glasses:


More tomorrow. Stay tuned!

[WillJames]

Sweet Jon!! Thanks for sharing!!

[mudbogger2]

Step 3. Adding the landing gear and eletronics trays in front.

[mudbogger2]

Step 4. Building the tail case.

Be sure to insert the belt through the tail case and around the pulley before adding on the sides. Spin the tail shaft after assembly to make sure it is spimming freely. If you over tighten the rear of the tail case the tail shaft will bind and be hard to turn.

[mudbogger2]

Step 5. Tail rotor assembly.
The tail grips have 4 screws holding them together. Do not use too much force on them or they will strip out.

[mudbogger2]

Step 6. Remove the tail pitch plate from the bag. It is already assembled
but make sure it spins freely and the links move freely.

It will be easier to install the links on the tail rotor grips at this time to check the fit of the ends and adjust if needed before assembling the tail.
Mine were perfect without the need for any adjustment though.

Step 7 is assembling the tail rotor, pitch plate assembly and tail pitch lever. Be sure to lube the tail shaft and pitch plate and make sure they move freely.

[mudbogger2]

Step 8. Installing the boom on the tail box.

I used the antenna tube out of the same bag as the tail boom to push the belt through the boom.

[mudbogger2]

Step 9. Assemble the boom supports.

A set of link tools makes this job a lot more pleasant on the fingers.
Be sure the ends are lined up as shown in the manual.

[mudbogger2]

Step 10. Install the boom in the frames.

Just slip it in. Adjustments will be made later on in the build.

Starting to look like a heli!

[mudbogger2]

Steps 11-14 are radio install. I will do this later on as I do not have my eletronics yet.


Steps 15 and 16 are removing the assembled head from the bag. Make sure the pins are secure and ther is no binding in the grips.

[mudbogger2]

Step 17. Installing the seesaw and mixing arms.

This is the step that involves the updated part change. The balls on the main grips are shorter and the balls on the mixing arms have changed orientation. Follow the parts change sheet closley here.

Also be sure to use locktite on the screws holding the balls on. The manual does not show it on this step.

[mudbogger2]

Step 18. Stabilizer control arm assembly.

Measure the flybar and make sure both sides measure the same distance on each side to keep things balanced.

[Finless]

Lookin good!

I get my Lepton tomorrow and I will be doing build videos as well :)

You going 3S or 4S setup?

Bob

[mudbogger2]

Still playing around with power setups on KC's spreadsheet. 4S minimum. 5S if I can find a good setup. :twisted:

[ethinger]

3s is not there...

Jon and Bob let us know what you think of the tail blades.
i think they are too small... what do u think?

[mudbogger2]

The blades look a little small but the tail hub and grips are pretty big so it will give a decent size tail rotor disk.
I am going to try the stock ones first. I would suspect unless you are doing a lot of backward stuff they will be fine.

[mudbogger2]

Step 19. Install the paddles.

I love the way these mount. 4 setscrews. No chance of these babies coming off(even with the stupid headspeed I am probably gonna try :twisted: )

[mudbogger2]

Step 20. Assemble the swash.

I tried pretty hard to get it to separate. Never budged. Don't think we will have to worry about that.

[WillJames]

Sweet Jon, I really like the looks of that machine so far!! S-U-W-E-E-T!!

Thanks for sharing the build!!

[mudbogger2]

Step 21. Washout assembly.

The arms are pre-assembled. Make sure they move freely. One of mine was a little stiff but a drop of oil got it moving freely.

The manual does not show to use locktite when joining the arms to the slide block. Be sure to use some blue locktite there. Don't want those falling off.