Raptor 50V2 tail pushrod

[Maxime30]

I'm in the process of upgrading my 50V2 and need some advice.


I already installed a CF boom, nice CF "bat" fin and stab, metal head block, ReactorX regulator, awaiting metal stabilizer arms ( from RCbest, hope they will be good), and awaiting a Muscle Pipe.


I wil install the tail servo under the tailboom using either the BFCarbon or TT servo mount. However... What should I use for a tail pushrod?? Should I use a CF rod, or is there anything that would be direct-fit? I run the standard lenght tailboom, not the stretched Titan boom.



Thank you!

[Caleb Phillips]

Don't run a boom mounted tail servo. It's more like a downgrade. The oil will mess things up.

[Ah Clem]

I have to agree with Caleb. The rudder servo should be up front in the servo tray where it will stay dry.

I have two other 50 sized machines with the rudder servo in the back, and you cannot believe how oily the servos get. I need to find a way to move those servos up front as I am sure that the amount of oil that gets on them will damage them eventually (there are many posts on this subject).

If you fly inverted it is worse. If you fly inverted, backwards the amount of oil is absolutely unbelievable-all over the frame and the servo.

[archiebald]

Well, I don't know if it my style of flying but I have been running a boom mounted servo for a couple of years now without any major problems. I use the Quick UK set with the carbon tail rod. (You can buy the CF push rod + anodised endpieces on their own from Quick UK - who have upgraded their website - looks very nice)



Pros
> Better tail response
> No need to reset the tail linkage every time you adjust the belt tension.
> Overall easier maintenance (for example, if you want to remove the main shaft to overhaul the one-way clutch, you need to slacken / remove the belt and reset it afterwards)
> No ugly rod stays (white plastic) on the tail boom
> No need to wrestle the aforementioned rod stays off every time you crunch a tail boom.
> I use the empty space up front in the servo frame for the push pull collective pitch kit for the Titan (it takes the side loads off the collective servo)

Cons
> I had one big crash that stripped gears in my S9254. (but I think this could have happened anyway if the servo was up front - it was a biggy) Replacement parts were very cheap, so no problem.

(I've also had several other crashes that destroyed the boom, but the servo survived unscathed in each case)

Sure, the servo will get oily on the outside, but that's all. When I replaced the gearset in the S9254, I found absolutely zero fuel residue inside. The built-in seals do a good job of keeping the grease in and the gunk out. Can't say if this is true for other makers servos though.

If you fly backwards or inverted backwards, the oil residue really plasters everything inside the canopy anyway, so there's really not that much difference.

[Maxime30]

Thank you for all the comments. Actually the "pros" mentionned outweight the "cons", in my point of view anyway. Do you think I could protect the servo with Plasti-Dip ( used to do that in rc cars)???



Should the cf pushrod be supported somewhere or are the ball links sufficient?


Can you post a link for the Quick UK rod??



Thank you!

[archiebald]

Quick UK - https://www.quickuk.eu/cat/thunder_tiger_parts/raptor_30_50_parts.html

By the way, their direct shipping is excellent (and cheap). I live in Japan and the longest I have had to wait was 6 days, but generally 4 to 5 days.

You`ll have to scroll through the parts - page 6 at 10 items per page. You are looking for the 30/50 carbon tail pushrod and the 30/50 carbon tail pushrod ends.

Note, that since the Titan came along, they supply a longer rod that you need to cut to length. Just wrap masking tape around it (prevents splinters) and use a razor saw to trim it down.

They will come as separate parts, just roughen the surfaces and use some 30 min epoxy to fit the ends on. Beware, air pressure trapped in the tube will try to push off the first one you fit when you push on the 2nd one. (or you can remove one ball link and adjuster screw to let the air escape) Don't use CA glue.

I don't use any mid support on mine - it is very stiff so not necessary. However, for safety, I always now fit 2 steel balls at the servo arm and the crank arm with slightly longer M2 screws, then I pop the ball link fully over the first ball and down onto the second. Not really necessary - it's just a precaution I now use after seeing someone else lose their tail (standard front servo linkage) due to a worn ball. With my little mod, it becomes virtually impossible to accidentally pop off the link. Control might go a bit woolly but you'll land it safely.

If you want to add something to seal the servo, then go ahead, but like I said my Futaba S9254 tail servo is sealed so well from the maker that it is not necessary.

[Maxime30]

Thank you for the link!


I already have plastic clamps to mount the servo on the boom, and I'm also waiting for a carbon plate that will mount the servo just like the Titan. Don't know which one is best...


Can you tell me what is the diameter of that carbon rod? I might just order the rod ends and use one of the many carbon rods I still have from my old F3A days....



Thank you!:noteworthy

[Maxime30]

Well I bought the rod ends from QuickUK, but can't locally find a CF rod that fits....


Anyway I bought a CF Titan boom and belt, and the Titan pushrod. Mounted the servo with a BF Carbon bracket ( much like the stock TT bracket).



And best of all.... I filled the now empty tail servo space with a servo controlled by my brand new Carbsmart!:happyd


Thank you for the help!

[ghtracey]

Nice... you're making me jealous now. I want one of them CarbSmart thingies. Mind you, I want a Redline 53H to hook it up to as well. :P *sigh* My wish list just keeps getting bigger, I need to stop reading this forum.