Any hints on building and flying Vario XLV Turbine

[heliman53]

Anyone have experience with the Vario XLV I am going to be building one at work starting next week for a customer. I will be using the PHT4 engine, just thought any hints would be usefull thanks. Craig B

[chopper jockey]

http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=11658
have you seen this thread? the two stage is superb :)

[Heli_jack]

Find a place that sells Cahones.

[heliman53]

chopper jockey, I have seen the two stage if I were to build one for myself that is the way I would go. Heli jack, I know what you mean this thing is huge! You could fit a small child in the canopy! Craig B

[DKTek]

I'm just a couple weeks from ordering the XLV as well. I'll fly it stock until I get used to it and that'll give me time to get another $6 K for the two stage and its conversion kit. This is by far the most expensive machine for me yet.

This is a little strange for me as I've been in full scale aviation all my life and I've got a lot of time with turbines, but I feel like a noob as I am when it comes to RC turbines. :mrgreen:

Anyone know if Peter Rob finished the large belt conversion for the XLV?

Please, post a few build pics if ya don't mind Mr. B.

DK

[chopper jockey]

The wider belt up-grade has been done. Peter Rob has the prototype and on going testing with the standard belt, which has proved to be more than adequate as is. All production kits now have the up graded belt as standard and a choice of turbines and configuration. For example you can have the SPH5 with gearbox at the front and a long belt or turn it around the other way and have a short belt. The same applies if you want the wren power unit. Both available with kero start if you want it but there are warranty issues if you choose the kero start option for the Wren. :)

[heliman53]

Well as it turns out I am not going to get the chance to build this thing, the customer in Spain decided he wants to do the build. Man I'm bummed, waited three months to get the kit had the engine from Jetcat in a week and a half. Guess I will have to buy one myself. Craig B

[Peter Rob]

The prototype SPH5/hobbyparts conversion Has been such a success for me that, I am waiting for a new Vario XLV kit and new SPH5 from JetCat, the prototype will be upgraded to the latest spec then hopefully transplanted into my Vario 1/4 scale Jetranger,which I feel is marginal on power with its Jet Cat PHT3
Peter Rob

[DKTek]

Sorry to hear that Mr. B. At least if you get your own, it'd be to your spec's. :mrgreen:

Which belt config gives the cleaner looking install for the running gear? Are there any pics of the various configs with all running gear installed? Are there any considerations I should look at if I go with Kero Start on the SPH5? What happens to the start tank position on the mechanics?

Has anyone logged time on the different configs for the belt size? Pro's/Con's of each would be awsome info. What if I want to run the 3 bladed head and tail rotor for turbine on the XLV, would one belt set up be better than the other for this application?

I'm trying to finalize the set up for myself guys and any pre order advice would be appreciated. Aside from the HobbyParts conversion for the SPH5, I'd rather support the US distrib's for the face to face value. Not that I wouldn't ask a lot more questions on the forums. I've learned a lot from the forums.

Peter R. , any chance you'll do a build thread on yours? :glasses2:

DK

[Peter Rob]

After 14 hours running I have just done a maintenance check, because the rubber ring in the starter motor bendix had to be changed,also the fuel filted had to be cleaned out,thats it, the original drive belt is still not showing signs of wear, but I will change the belt to 12mm when it goes into scale
Peter R

[chopper jockey]

DK, more info on the 2 stage XLV in my gallery :) I dont think there is another 2 stage version produced.

[DKTek]

Hey CJ, is it possible to use a clutch with this set up? I noticed you don't have one in the pics. I'm gonna assume that the one from the gasser will fit but knowing is better. What about shimming? Will that be required to get a clutch on there? Thanks for the info CJ.

DK

[chopper jockey]

The way to go with the latest designs now is clutch free. If you think about it the clutch is only essential with a fixed drive system such as IC or single stage turbine. Full size turbine helicopters have no clutch and have been doing this sinse the get go, and with a two stage turbine becomming more and more realistic now, who needs a clutch when you have remote start? The answer is no, the old fashioned lump of metal is no longer required and has been designed out. :cool:

[cbergen]

That is of course assuming that you never want to get near the heli while the engine is running, say for instance, blade tracking, reading the ECU, and so on.

And off we go!! :lol: :twisted:

[chopper jockey]

Hi Chris,
with electric start it`s not much different than an electric heli. I presume you can not do the tracking when the motor is running either? Besides, how often do you have to track the Bergen? it would be a safer option to shut down to adjust the tracking anyway, remote starting is not a problem and much safer IMO. :cool:

[rkeith2]

Hey Chopper Jockey -

I am wondering if you can expand on something for me. I might be misinterpreting what you are stating about full scale above. I fly a Bell Jet Ranger and when the battery and fule are on and the start switch is engaged the blades start turning. Were you saying that ?

Ron

[rkeith2]

Ooops I think you just answered Chris

[chopper jockey]

Hey Chopper Jockey -

I am wondering if you can expand on something for me. I might be misinterpreting what you are stating about full scale above. I fly a Bell Jet Ranger and when the battery and fule are on and the start switch is engaged the blades start turning. Were you saying that ?

Ron

I have edited my post, sorry for the mis understanding. :)

[DKTek]

The way to go with the latest designs now is clutch free. If you think about it the clutch is only essential with a fixed drive system such as IC or single stage turbine. Full size turbine helicopters have no clutch and have been doing this sinse the get go, and with a two stage turbine becomming more and more realistic now, who needs a clutch when you have remote start? The answer is no, the old fashioned lump of metal is no longer required and has been designed out. :cool:

Reguardless if I agree with you or not, it is required in the USA for AMA. Also, are engine start cycles as important for these little jems as they are for the real deal? If so, seems a waste to shut down for initial trim adjustments and checks.

So, is there a way to bolt up the gasser clutch to the output shaft of the SPH5? If not, I guess a visit to the local machine shop will produce a solution. Thanks for any words of wisdom guys.

Dedicated XLV nut... :glasses2:

[chopper jockey]

The gasser clutch is designed around a lower reving petrol engine. The two stage gearbox out put shaft is geared around a higher reving methanol type engine. So what happens when you fit a gasser clutch to a second stage out put is it drags. So mods are then needed. It's too much trouble for the small gain (if any)in return. As far as I know the number of start / stop cycles is not an issue. I have a wren with over 50 hours and more than 400 starts. Besides, the start up sequence is a real buzz every time. :cool:

[heliman53]

Taht's true, every time I crank mine up at the local plank field everything stops and I have the field pretty much to myself! Don't fly there much but it's close to where I work so I sneek over to burn a little Kero once in a while. Craig B

[DKTek]

Joe Howard got my order today for the XLV with the three blade main and tail. I'll fly it with the 29 cc for now but I will order the conversion soon as well along with the SPH5. :mrgreen: :glasses2: :smokin:

Yeah, Big Boy Club... :lol:

[ozzy pilot]

Hi DKTek

From previous experience Joe has told me that he is not allowed to deliver into the Australian market as we already have a local Vario dealer. You may need to check on this. I hope Joe can deliver into Aus as I now a couple of guys after scale bodies

Cheers

[cbergen]

Melbourne, FLORIDA!! :lol:

[DKTek]

After rereading my last post, I need to clarify something. Although I ordered the three blade set up, I'll fly the VR22 head with the 29cc. The turbine head (703/40)may be a little much for the gasser. I'll get used to flying the stock XLV first, then do it up with the three blade stuff when I get the SPH5 and conversion. Call it High Dollar baby steps... :mrgreen: