View Full Version : Fireup's Tail Mod Jig
Finless
10-16-2007, 08:06 PM
OK this is what a lot of folks have been asking for.
It is in reference to this long post in the 450 forum explaining what this mod does to balance the tennis racket effect of the tail blade grips.
http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=41309
It really does work and really helps relieve your tail servo from working so hard.
The mod involves drilling and tapping and in my opinion this is the best way. Some folks are doing it using the bolt that holds on the tail blades and that works based on what I have heard but I myself have not tried that so not sure how well it works. I know this drilling and tapping does work and once done keeps you from having to mess around with blots and nuts etc when removing tail blades.
Anyway Kevin (Helifreak user: Fireup) made a jig to do it easily. In the jig kit comes the drill bit and tap and with this jig, it makes this job quick work! The jig will probably handle doing 10-15 grip sets before the drill hole starts to wear out. So this will allow you to do several for your friends.
Anyway I like it (tools man arrrr arrrrr arrrr arrrr) and here is a video showing exactly how to use it. I did a set of grips for Rick Lohr... Yes Rick these are your grips in the video :)
Video Link ->Fireup Tail Mod Jig how too (43 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/fireup&filename=tailmodjig.wmv)
If you want this jig, PM helifreak user: fireup
Bob
rabidguineapig
10-16-2007, 08:17 PM
Awesome, I've been looking forward to this!!!! :noteworthy
Funky
10-16-2007, 09:34 PM
Thanks for the vid Bob :cheers
My jig is on the way from Fireup, I can't wait to try the tail mod!!!
Great work to bob and fireup !! I ordered my little kit last week and hope the kit arrives before the snow does (dang Canadian customs). In all my hast i forgot to ask if it works for v1 AND v2 tail grips.
Nice jig. I would do one thing differently to get that extra accuracy. Drill one side first, then flip it and drill the other side. That way the drill will have less chance to flex and walk on you.
Rogan
10-20-2007, 03:38 PM
Holy disclaimers batman!
!'m off to the Barras tomorrow, and there's an odds and sods box of taps in one of the tool shops... I need M2 right?
torkboy
10-22-2007, 10:15 AM
This is one awesome mod.
My tail has never felt soo great.
Taffage
10-22-2007, 11:28 AM
Would this benefit all 450 sized heli's?
Have you tried this on the Dragonus II Bob?
Finless
10-23-2007, 01:53 AM
No I have not but I will check it out soon... My Dragonus has been down for like a month waiting for parts :(
Bob
Pinecone
10-23-2007, 05:16 AM
How about larger helis?
Finless
10-23-2007, 05:34 AM
Not with this jig... it is made for the Trex grips.
Bob
Rogan
10-23-2007, 01:41 PM
I think the principle scales, so it would reduce the rudder load for any heli.
I haven't tried it on my t-rex yet - it's down - and I'm away for work next week.
*sigh*
One day.
steveiewonder
10-24-2007, 07:34 PM
were can you get this tool for this mod??
Rogan
10-24-2007, 08:38 PM
pm fireup?
Finless
10-24-2007, 09:16 PM
Yes did you not see the post or video? Instructions at both places tell you if you want one of these jigs is to PM helifreak user: frieup
No offense but if you cant follow that simple instruction I worry if you can use this jig.... Sorry for being harsh but sheesh...... I thought for sure this was clear? IT"S IN THE FIRST POST!
Bob
I mod'ededed both my tails today as soon as the mail arrived. Took me about 40min to do both (i was watching TV). The instructions are so clear you don't need the bob vid (sry bob). Hope to get out before school tomorrow and put it through its paces.
Finless
10-24-2007, 09:22 PM
heheheheh remember some need a visual and HFG I know your a smart guy so I still recommend watching ;)....
But yes this thing is almost fool proof!
NOW GO FLY IT and be ready to not be happy at first! you will need to tweak your tail settings! i HAD to go out a hole on the servo wheel and tweak with my rudder end points and gain to get it where I liked it. This makes the tail so different that if you are good flier you WILL tweak the settings.
Bob
Bob
I'am an engineer, if I am every satisfied its time to put me out to stud (I am ready to go :P). I run a 2100T/3400G combo (i must be the only person on earth who prefers this gyro to the 401) so it will be interesting to see the results. I'am currently fighting some lipo issues (3 of my FP lipos have lost all power) so i really cant deal with another problem :(.
Finless
10-25-2007, 12:32 AM
I run a 2100T/3400G combo (i must be the only person on earth who prefers this gyro to the 401
Huh really? NFW! ;)
Sorry to tell you I run this combo on a RC-Tek heli and I know it VERY WELL... I have to say the rudder feels VERY different than a 401 but IT IS NOT BAD... Hold wise I got NO COMPLAINTS. My only thing is the rudder stick feel is different but once you get use to it and dial in some expo it really is a GOOD gyro..... So don't feel left out man this is not a bad combo by ANY stretch! In fact I think it might actually be better than a 401 but I just have not flown it enough to say so.
So HFG DONT you feel bad about that combo man because it is not what everyone else flys! I think it IS a good combo for sure and I would NOT kick it out of bed for eating crackers ;)
Seriously this is a GOOD combo!
Bob
I don't use any expo but i had to knock down the ATV to limit the piro rate. Its a great gyro once you get use to the very different feel from a 401. Holds pretty well during fast tail first inverted hurricanes, starts to wag when i push it too hard so its predictable.
Finless
10-25-2007, 01:00 AM
I don't use any expo but i had to knock down the ATV to limit the piro rate. Its a great gyro once you get use to the very different feel from a 401. Holds pretty well during fast tail first inverted hurricanes, starts to wag when i push it too hard so its predictable.
Agree for sure! I just need some more time with it but the bad truth is the new SpartanRC gyro might just keep me from giving the 2100 some time and a fare eval...... Understand I have NEVER done a 2100 vid as I was testing that gyro myself all ALONE and was waiting until I could talk openly about it. Well time has come I guess and OH... no one paid me or gave me the gyro! I BOUGHT IT! I did this on my own!
WELL... here is what I have to say so far... IT ROCKS but for noobs it will be harder to setup and those that have flown a 401 before will have a different rudder stick feel.... BUT that is not a bad thing!!! and in fact I have to say! This might be a BETTER feel in the long run! The 2100 when set up right is BETTER than the 401. Sorry THERE I said it ;)
However the bad news is I think the Spartan Gyro might be even better.
Folks I wish I had the time to fly this stuff until the cows come home.... BUT the Spartan to me is giving me same GREAT tail feel and 601 like holding. I am NOT going to give a thumbs up just yet myself but so far I AM IMPRESSED.
Anyway HFG the 2100 IS IN FACT a great gyro so don't feel bad about having a combo no one else has! If it does what YOU want it to do who the F cares :)
If I was putting together a NEW machine today my gyro choice MIGHT be
Spartan 640 once out
Logictech 2100
Futaba 401
Sorry but the new features and power of the new gyros coming out, DO over come the 4 year old tech of the 401 BECAUSE my flying ability while not great, does allow me to feel the difference. The new gyros ARE better if you can set them up properly!
Bob
trexflyer02
10-25-2007, 01:06 AM
Hey Finless, can you check the FP2500 pack review thread? I have a question for you. Thanks :)
-trexflyer02
Well i finally used fireup's kit to mod both my tails, worked great (minus the problems i had with my tail hubs and bearings). I took some quick snap shots of the tail as there seems to be a limited number of good photos showing the details.
http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j159/hfguy/
TheJackal
11-11-2007, 05:35 PM
Sorry but the new features and power of the new gyros coming out, DO over come the 4 year old tech of the 401 BECAUSE my flying ability while not great, does allow me to feel the difference. The new gyros ARE better if you can set them up properly!
Bob
Wow I didnt realise this was the case. Here was me thinking I had compromised getting the cheaper (assumed lower quality) 2100T. I never knew the 401 was 4 years old tecjnology.
buzzsaw 46
11-12-2007, 12:35 AM
The 401 is more than four years old! More like 6-7years old. I'm surprized it has stayed near the top of any list for as long as it has, not because it isn't good, but electronics dont stay current for very long normaly.
I think it's success has as much to do with the near plug and play usability. I hear many people say the CSM560m is better than a 401 but it is more time consuming to get to that point. It's kind of the same as the proliferation of ARF's and RTF's.
Love my 2100T's and it sounds like I might need to treat myself to a Spartan.
Finless, you fly many CSM gyros?