How to reduce the weight of Raptor 90/90SE

[R-4-L]

I think as a follow up to the thread: http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=20768

Raptors are heavy out of the box..
It would be extremely helpful if everyone could share their tips for reducing the weight of the raptors.

I really hope everyone could input their experiences and I'm sure everyone will benefit from this thread.

Thanks...

[ShawnK]

Well, so far it seems the standard procedures are:

* Remove the aluminum frame stiffeners
* Infinivation dampening system (allows removal of spindle hinge pin and bearings)
* Remove carbon fiber bottom plate
* Lightweight paint job (or none at all)

[R-4-L]

those are valiable tips, thanks buddy,
I also heard that some people cut off some of the unimportant parts.. don't know what though, your procedures seems to remove the stuff that do add weight. some people remove vertical fins which are negligible.

[ShawnK]

I'm just going on what I've heard (and seen) other people doing.

I know some people aren't fond of "milk jug" canopies, but with minimal decals, they are light.

If you're the type who can lay up their own fiberglass forms, then another suggestion is to make your own canopy. I have a friend who designed their own plugs and laid their own single-layer 'glass canopies. With a good (read, not heavy-coated) paint job, they were coming in at about 7 oz. Most others I've seen come in at a pound or over.

Using Duralite 1900mah Li-Ion packs will save a good percentage of weight, too. Yeah, you'll have to switch them out after a handful of flights, but is that such a big deal?

Ditch the horizontal fin, use a hollow vertical fin.

If you have the push-pull elevator assembly, try using servo output shaft supports instead.

Mavrikk low-pro landing gear can help you shave a couple ounces. I've even seen people use 30-size landing gear on larger birds in order to reduce weight. (After all, it only works when sitting on the ground... how much do you need?)

A mini-digital servo will work on throttle, and save a little weight. You can even get high-speed ones for not too much money.

Moving your rudder servo to the rear (if it's not already) and using the wire drive (as opposed to the carbon pushrod) will save some weight, and help you with balance if you are a little nose heavy.

Governors aren't an absolute necessity. One could always run without one. :wink:

I've also seen people wrap all their radio gear in 2 feet of foam, tie it all with Velcro straps, and then attach the whole rat's nest to their heli with 24 rubber bands and a wad of Shoe-Goo. A different (better?) method - in my opinion - is to set your battery on the battery tray with a couple small strips of Zeal tape, and then mount your receiver, governor, etc. on top of that with additional small pieces of Zeal tape, and then secure the mess with one or two rubber bands just to keep it from walking around. All that foam stuff adds weight.

If you really want to be anal-retentive, shorten all your electrical leads. Most people have twice as much wire as they need. Yes, you may have to redo it if you ever use that gear on another machine, but is that something you do on a regular basis?

There's lots of ways to lose weight. There's not much you can do to change the physical structure of the mechanics, but you can do a little creative calorie counting in your accessories and placement. You're not going to find 1/2-pound chunks at a time, so you have to shave a little here, a little there.

I'm just spitballin' ideas here... I don't even own an R90 SE yet. :mrgreen:

[R-4-L]

:) Thanks for the tips buddy,, a friend told me that every ounce counts.. and those are certainly ways to reduce weight! specially the battery part, why i didn't think of that!..

Those servo supports , I don't recall them.. what are they?

removing header tanks also reduces flying weight i think!

now whats stopping you from owning an R90SE ?? i am seriously thinking about purchasing one,, however, with the way the market is heading, i am surprised TT didn't lower their prices.. !

[ShawnK]

now whats stopping you from owning an R90SE ??


A chronic, debilitating lack of funds. :roll:

[R-4-L]

yea, i have that condition too. :DOH

[ShawnK]

In Kuwait? I thought you were in the Mecca of new commercialism! I'm surprised you're not raking it in hand over fist! :mrgreen:

Speaking of lighter batteries, the Duralite website says that the weight difference between a 4000mah and 1900mah pack is about 3 oz. Admittedly, that ain't a huge amount, but it is almost 1/4 pound, and like I said, every little bit helps if you're looking to drop weight.

[R-4-L]

those were the good'ol days,, unfortunately, I studied science and went out to study genetics in the UK,, WHY ? because stupid me I thought about studying what I like and understand most.. If I have gone through the road of accounting and the related, my room would'v been filled with stratuses :arggg: .. scientists don't get any attention around here. :dontknow