Disappointed with Raptor Reps

[H2daB]

All of you that know me, know that I'm a big raptor fan. Also, I always recomend the Raptor to anyone who is looking to get into the hobbie. Most all the guys I fly with, however, fly MA. However, I stick with the Raptor. I have flown the Raptor 50 for over a year and just recently moved up to the 90.

I'm a bit put off by the representation of the "REPS". I went to the Huntsville Flyin in hopes of getting to see and get to know Szabo, but he showed up, flew one time and drove off. So much for getting any advise. Anyway, I recently went to the Chattanooga Flyin and wow had a great time. However, I've had this bit of up and down vibration in the tail of my 90 since day one. I noticed it during the first hover of my copter. A Rappy Rep was there so I asked him, not sure of his name( a rather round fellow like me), He couldn't help me but said he would find out from another flyer of the 90 by the next day. Well I saw him the next day. He packed up and left without so much as a word. Kind of a Rappy Rep thing I quess.

I still like my rappy( still have the vib tho), but I'm beggining to see a Stratus in my future...let me look into my crystal ball...yep looks even clearer today.

Have a great day.
Ben Webb

[rob_jones]

I noticed that, too. While he certainly seemed like a nice guy, the TT rep at Chatt wasn't overly knowledgeable or helpful.

Maybe he was just having an "off day". :?:

[hionhelis]

A Rappy Rep was there so I asked him, not sure of his name( a rather round fellow like me), He couldn't help me but said he would find out from another flyer of the 90 by the next day. Well I saw him the next day. He packed up and left without so much as a word.



H2daB,

I am that Rep, I spoke with you again on Saturday after I tried to reach my buddy that may have had an answer, I told you he was out of town but I would continue to try to reach him and if I did I would let you know what I found out. I was at the field well after dark Sat and I was there Sunday till around 1 and if my memory serves me right you were packed up before we were both days. You could have asked me at any time if I had heard anything, its a two way street.

As far as not being helpful I would beg to differ, with all the time I spent talking and helping people I was able to get a whole 3 flights in that whole weekend. I am sorry you feel slated and that I didnt give you the attention you wanted. I will try harder to be of more help next time.

[H2daB]

Brett

I'll have to ask Rob to be absolutely sure, but I'm almost positive that we left at 10:30 saturday night and left at about 3 or maybe a bit after on sunday...just to clear that up............( I got ahold of Rob and He did confirmed this). You did talk to me a second time Saturday but you said you couldn't get ahold of a guy and you would call him back and "YOU would get back with me". I made the assumption that you would get back with me..."Stupid Me". I will remember not to assume so much in the future. Buy the way...there is no shame in saying that "I had a very long drive to make back home and was trying to get packed up and just forgot about it." Also, I never said that you were not a helpful individual, read my post, I just plainly stated that you didn't speak the next day. No big deal. We can still be friends, and if somebody around south GA needs help with there rappy tell them to email me at h2dab@georgiacrashmasters.com

As for the vibration in the tail, I think I have it worked out, but I'm not sure. It has been raining all day and I havn't been able to fly it to see.

Have a Rappy Day
Ben Webb

[rcspud]

Let me chime in about Alan Szabo Jr., Im in no way his rep, and cannot or wont make excusses for him,but he is a very busy young man. I got to meet him a few weeks ago and spent 3 great flying days with him. He was very helpfull in getting me flying my old v1 30. I found ASJ very quite and understanding,plus very very knowlagable. After a few hours of sitting next to him and flying with him, he opened up a bit and was laughing and be a regular teen(to me). Aparently he like the area well enough he even stayed an extra week here practiceing.

I for one am glad I got to spend a bit of time with ASJ and will always keep a raptor or 2 in my hanger.

[WillJames]

I think it is your motor running rich because it is not broken in like Clint and Brett said at the event. Let us know if the vib goes away as it breaks in.

[rob_jones]

We fixed the problem yesterday. It wasn't the engine, main shaft, spindle, torque tube, gear mesh, or tail blades. It was the V-Paddles. They weren't even close to being balanced. We balanced the entire head and ended up putting lead in one of the paddles. After that, it smoothed out completely. I mean like a whole new helicopter. :mrgreen:

[WillJames]

Glad to hear you figured it out. We all thought it would be about impossible it was the airframe after Ben had gone through and replaced everything, pulled out the boom a couple mm and also added another bearing in the tail boom. Doncha love it when you figure out a problem that is dogging you for a while.

Congrats Ben on getting the big Rappy flying smooth!! Funny how it takes a Hirobo guy to figure it out how to fix a raptor!! :D Good work Rob!!! :smokin:

[rob_jones]

Funny how it takes a Hirobo guy to figure it out how to fix a raptor!!

LOL! Maybe I should be a TT rep! :wink:

[WillJames]

You would be a GREAT Rep Rob. Always helping at going to a TON of events!

[H2daB]

Yeah guys, The R90 is so smoth now. The tail looks as thow it was painted in the sky...zero vibration. Thanks Rob for the help. Of all the v-paddles I've use these are the first that have ever been out of balance. Must have been the last set on friday. Anyway Rob, I want to remove the lead that I added and lighten the other paddle instead. Maybe run a drill threw the center and then reseal it. What do you think?


Ben Webb

[NolanManley]

Not the first time I saw that happen. ;)

We fixed the problem yesterday. It wasn't the engine, main shaft, spindle, torque tube, gear mesh, or tail blades. It was the V-Paddles. They weren't even close to being balanced.

[rob_jones]

Ben,

I'd see if you can get Vic to swap them out for a matched set. I'd think you'd leave the frying pan and enter the fire if you try to drill out the lead and then lighten the other paddle to match. It'd be a lot easier to just bolt on new paddles. :wink:

[AMainMaker]

I never would have figured the paddles being out of balance. I suggested to Ben the 3rd bearing in the boom. It fixed the vibe I had in my 90. I suppose I can put that in solution folder for tail vibes. It is hard to pin point the problem there are so many possibilities.
Glad ya got her fixed up Ben
Jason