Lepton Build Videos Are Here

[Finless]

This is where the Lepton build videos will be posted.

ALL LEPTON BUILDERS:
I believe that the Hirobo addendum sheet that comes with balls for the blade grips is incorrect! I notice binding if you dont change which ball goes where on the seesaw mixer arms.

Update! I just talked to Jeff Green. He pointed out I had my washout backwards which I have now fixed (dang cant believe I made that mistake!), and we discussed the issue. He and many others have been flying per the addendum no problem. While I still believe this to be an issue Jeff asked me to please try it stock first then decide. I agreed to do so as this is a reasonable request!
Here is a video explaining the pros and cons of the mod and my discussion with Jeff Green:
VIDEO -> Discussion with MRC of Pro's and Cons of my mod (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=issue_update.wmv)

Here is video explaining the issue:
Head linkage binding issue]
VIDEO -> LINK ISSUE (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=issue.wmv)

OK, Here is my mod which I think solves what I consider an issue. Please watch the above video about my conversation with Jeff and then you decided at this point weither to use this mod or not.
Head linkage binding issue - My Modification
VIDEO -> LINK ISSUE - My Modification (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=issuefixfinal.wmv)


On with the build videos:
VIDEO -> Kit Contents Overview (12 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=kit_overview.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 1 - Bell Cranks (18 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step_1.wmv)

Step2 - WOW this is a VERY large step so it is broken into 2 parts:
VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 2-1 Part 1 (47 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step2_part1.wmv)
VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 2-1 Part 2 (37 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step2_part2.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 2-2 (24 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step2_2.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 3 - Landing gear and plates (12 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step_3.wmv)

I forgot to do this in step 3 video
VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 3a - Elevator assembly (8 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step_3a.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 4 - Tail case assembly (14 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step4.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 5 - Tail hub and grips (10 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step5.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Steps 6 & 7 - Slider and final tail build (12 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step6_7.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Steps 8 & 9 - Boom and supports (10 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step8_9.wmv)

Please note I am skipping steps 10 through 14 as I do not want to mount the boom or electronics yet for video purposes. Step 15 will be next and later I will come back to these steps.

Note: I highly reccomend disassembly! See video as to why!
VIDEO -> Lepton Build Steps 15 & 16 - Head Assemply and IMPORTANT Info (10 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step15_16.wmv)

Important: see note above as the below video shows implementing the addendum sheet and I believe there are problems.
VIDEO -> Lepton Build Steps 17 - Seesaw and mixer arms (16 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step17.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Steps 18 & 19 - Flybar cage and paddles (some good build tips!) (40 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step18_19.wmv)

Motor mount is needed after this!
VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 22 PARTIAL (20 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step22a.wmv)

Please note: after seeing 2 of these it is clear motor mounting needs to be looked at far before assembling the boom, main shaft, main gear, etc due to access to the motor screws and pinion. At this point I will not be following the manuals step order because of this. I will come back and cover all steps.

Mount the motor now or be sorry!
VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 33 mounting the motor NOW (40 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step_motor.wmv)

Note: There is a TIP about a mod to the swash plate that I think is needed!
VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 24 - Installing Swash, Washout, and Head (15 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step_24.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Steps 25 - Head Linkages (18 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step_25.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Step 12 - Cyclic Servo Installation (15 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step12.wmv)

Note: I forgot to mention MAKE SURE that your throttle stick is at center when choosing and setting your servo wheels for center!
VIDEO -> Lepton Build Steps 26,27,.28 - Servo Linkages (42 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=steps26_27_28.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build Steps 30&31 - Head Linkage setup (32 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=steps30_31.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build - Tuning out CCPM interactions (23 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=ccpm_interactions.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build - Step 11 mounting the tail servo (9 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step_11.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build - Electronics Placement (32 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=electronics.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build - Steps 22&23 mouting the tail (25 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=steps22_23.wmv)

VIDEO -> Lepton Build - Step 29 - Setting up the Tail servo and Gyro (25 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=step29.wmv)

That's it folks! I hope you enjoyed this series. I may do a canopy trimming video and for sure will do a flying / trimming video this weekend

Below are the test flights. First one is my heli on 4S and second one is Jack726's heli on 3S (2 APEX 2100 packs). I also show ending flight pack, ESC, and motor temps. On monday I plan to shoot some test flight vids of hard 3D by a pilot that can fly much better than me.....

This was the VERY first flight other than a few test hovers. This is my Lepton on 3700ma 4S, Hyperion 10 turn motor. You will see I still have to work on my T-curves and I had more positive pitch than negative as you will see in inverted hover the head RPM was higher. All that is fixed now so Monday I will have more test vids along with some hard 3D from someone that co fly much better than I. I enjoyed the fact the VERY FIRST flight I was able to have some fun right off the bat. As I get the machine dialed in it will just get better and I think this is going to be a fun little heli.
VIDEO -> Finless first test flight of 4S setup (42 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=lepton_test4s.wmv)

OK this is Helifreak user Jack726's Lepton on 3S (2 Apex 2100 packs) Hyperion 8 turn motor. After having some experience setting mine up, we tweaked his and got his curves set and I did his first test flight other than some hover and RPM checks. As you can see this is a FUN bird even on 3S. I was suprised and impressed with this set up even after flying mine on 4S. So you all know on my 4S and his 3S we set the curves for 2600 head RPM.
VIDEO -> Finless first test flight on Jack726 3S setup (42 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/lepton&filename=lepton_test3s.wmv)

NEW
My 4S Lepton EX getting hammered around by a PRO.
Inverted auto too!
VIDEO -> My Lepton Ex getting hammered around (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/demos&filename=lepton4s3d.wmv)


Enjoy,
Bob

[rdlohr]

You got it! Cool!

[supertrex2]

ohh... so thats what youve been doing bob... :)

My lepton suppose to be arriving .... 17 hrs from now lol. :D

[Finless]

Awesome! This will be the most complete build series I have ever done!

Bob

[supertrex2]

So Bob, what will be your motor, ESC. servos gyro for this lepton?

[Finless]

You will have to WAIT and see :)

My Announcement video in the Lepton forum explains what I will be doing or at least gives a hint!

Bob

[Finless]

Just posted step 2 (step 2-1 in the manual).
I had to break it into 2 video parts or the single video would have been 100 meg!

Wow this a a very large step all in one page. I am pretty sure I covered everything and i hope this helps new people get through it!

Please let me know what you think! Too much detail etc?

Bob

[supertrex2]

Bob, what kind of Video camera do you use?

[Finless]

It;s a JVC Mini DV model GR-D290u

Dont judge the quality of the downloaded videos as they are HIGHLY compressed. The DVI quality is really good from the camera.

Bob

[Finless]

OK just posted step 2-2 of the build process :)

ENJOY,
Bob

[Finless]

Step 3 has been posted.... Moving along nicely!

This is a really fun build.

Bob

[Rockohaulic]

Hey Finless - You got your toy before me! What's up with that?? My audio must be off a bit because I didn't hear that kid in a candystore enthusiasm when openning your heli box in the Kits Contents Overview!!! Muahahahahahahaha :D

Anyway, you asked for feedback on detail. Your detail is perfect! For example, I just finished watching Step 2-1 where you explained where the open face of the bearing blocks would be. The best part of that is when you said WHY it should be like that. Once I know why, then I am less likely to make a mistake.

Thanks for the all your effort in the videos!!

[Finless]

Hey Rock...... I got mine first becasue I was number one on the list when they first came out and I told them I was doing a build video ASAP.

I guess there are some fringe benifits to doing videos ;)
I am GLAD you are enjoying them :)

Anyway I just posted steps 5 through 9.

Bob

[Rockohaulic]

Finless,

You are so busy building and pumping out videos that you accidentally posted step 4 video again for step 8&9 video! Oooops! :shock:

Enjoying the videos!!!

[Rockohaulic]

Finless - You have already built the tail assembly and you went with the stock tail blades.

I read that they are too small for the Lepton. Are you going to try the stock blades in flight before upgrading to larger ones if they are deemed necessary??

Rockohaulic

[Gus]

Bob,
Steps 8 & 9 appear to actually be step 4.
Gus...

[WillJames]

Fixed Gus, Bob is out to eat right now. Thank you for bringing it to Bob's attention.

[Finless]

Finless - You have already built the tail assembly and you went with the stock tail blades.

I read that they are too small for the Lepton. Are you going to try the stock blades in flight before upgrading to larger ones if they are deemed necessary??

Rockohaulic

It's all the blades I have right now and yes I am aware of the tail blade complaint. I am building it STOCK and later as I get to know the heli I will post mods, enhancements, etc.

Fixed Gus, Bob is out to eat right now. Thank you for bringing it to Bob's attention.

Thanks for fixing this Will.

Bob

[supertrex2]

What? we need to change the Stock tail? For a bigger one? What size?

[Finless]

I just posted Steps 15 & 16.
I highly reccomend disassembly of the head as I found some trouble. e.g. no grease on a thurst bearing and some screws didnt have locktite.

Bob

[Raven_darkcloud]

Hay bob what are the skids made of? I'm keeping a close eye on all the new elects while saving up over the summer. Also if I get the video wright, that frame can fit mid size servos? What sizes can it take? The lepton is curently at top of my list.
Thank you for all the vids and info. :noteworthy

[Rockohaulic]

The design of the boom supports seems very unconventional. Why use ball links to install boom supports? With time, won't they develop play?? :!:


You did it again! You explained why the ball bearings for the thrust bearings go on the way they do with the closed end towards the grip and now I will always get this right!! Sweet!

Thanks Finless!

[Finless]

Hay bob what are the skids made of?


There one piece plastic... I think I see a need for gorilla gear ;)


That frame can fit mid size servos?


Yea like 3150, 3102, Hitec HS85's (go MG metal gear on those), etc. I will be showing HS85's then later going digital with the Airtronics 94761.


The design of the boom supports seems very unconventional. Why use ball links to install boom supports? With time, won't they develop play??


Yea I knd of dont like that myself... I would hate to see one pop off and go into the rotor. I may mod that later ;)

Bob

[z11355]

the current gorilla gear are about 25mm narrower.

you fly alll the time w/ balll links and most of the time, if one of those 'pop off', it's a whole
lot worse than a boom support coming loose. I think it's a misplaced fear.

[Finless]

Well what I meant was later someone makes a after market gorilla gear ;)

I would not use the Trex gear on this for sure.

Well I agree about the ball link but on this bird unsnap one from the boom. Becasue it is a link on the fram as well it can move all over the place unlike bolted on boom supports we have seen before. It certainly is way more easy to go into the rotor with this design. I am not saying it's a big deal but is more likely say of you were inverted than other heli's.

Bob