MA Stratus 'Bobby Watts Special' build videos

[Mercuriell]

While Bob's been slaving away over the new T700 and Avant Aurora, I've been checking out an old favourite the Miniature Aircraft X-Cell Stratus recently released in a Bobby Watts special version (http://bobbywatts.com/Bobby_Watts_Special_Stratus_Frames_Information.pdf ) with modified 'fast response' bellcranks, new tailbox Delrin gear and some frame mods:


http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=50545&stc=1&d=1212832551


WHile sharing some of it's 90 brothers' features MA has some distinctive features potential builders can check out these videos with Bob's to help them choose ! Check out also the Freak MA Forum (http://www.helifreak.com/forumdisplay.php?f=17)


http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=53845&stc=1&d=1215253475


MA Stratus 'Bobby Watts Special' Build videos:

What's in the Box 27 MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratuswhatsinthebox.wmv) :woot

Mounting the Fan 29 MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusfan.wmv) :arggg:

Fan removal and dialing in the hub 32MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusdialhub.wmv) :hammer

Engine and Landing Gear mounting 23MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusenginemount.wmv)

Fuel tank and fan shroud - completion lower frame half - 27MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusfueltank.wmv) :Stay

Left upper frame assembly - 27MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusleftframe.wmv)

Gear and clutch assembly - 45MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusdriveand clutch.wmv) :Bliss

Final frame assembly - 32MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusfinalframe.wmv):banana

Swash and Servo install - 32MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusswash.wmv)

Fitting Fan Shroud, Stiffeners and Canopy mods - 25MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratuscanopy.wmv) :drool:

Rotor Head and Main Grips - 50MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusrotor.wmv) :glasses2:

Fixing Rotor Head on Heli and Frame Electrics (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusfinalrotor.wmv) - 20MBwmv :Fan

Tail Rotor Assembly - 46MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratustail.wmv) :thumbup:

Final assembly - 33MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusfinal.wmv):banana

Maiden Flight - 9MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusmaiden.wmv):fly


Next up: Repair and maintenance as they crop up !

Seesaw repair - 15MB wmv (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusseesaw.wmv)

[Bolders]

Fantastic.... thanks for putting in the time. Can't wait to see the rest.

[mlucia]

This is great!! Thanks for doing this for sure!

[bd2312]

Now this is what i want to see. I am currently just starting the build of my second stratus also being a bw version. cant wait to see all the vids.
cheers

[gwk]

Great job as always John!!

[mlucia]

John and all the MA guys... a question.

-Seems like that fan was far out of balance. I know there are after market fans and do you think they would be closer/better/more suitable then the stock fan?



Looking forward to the next section of the video!!

[Funky]

I love my Stratus, I can't wait to see the videos!!

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

subscribing:)

[Mercuriell]

John and all the MA guys... a question.

-Seems like that fan was far out of balance. I know there are after market fans and do you think they would be closer/better/more suitable then the stock fan?



Don't know - unless they were specifically balanced I don't see how they'd come out the machine shop much different from the MA item - read a thread on another forum where the guy had taken out x4 1/4" divots where I'd used x7 3/16" so I guess it's about the same - no big deal - not difficult to do and you can see the benefits even on the balancer.

[Mercuriell]

Added in engine and landing gear mounting (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusenginemount.wmv)- next up fuel tank and start on upper frames

[mlucia]

Thanks John... subscribed.

[Dood]

Outstanding videos John.
I don't even own a Stratus (and probably never will)
But Im enjoying the hell out of these videos.

Keep it up!

[Mercuriell]

Lower half frame completed - Fuel tank installation and fan shroud (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusfueltank.wmv) - $64 question as to clunk and weight - I elected for Hayes clunk tubing and an OS bubbleless clunk rather than the supplied MA fuel magnet and clunk line

[Funky]

I am currently using hayes and the bubbless clunk in my Stratus. I was previously using the fuel magnet but it fell apart and I didn't have any replacement foam. It worked great until then :roll:

[CatchmyCorsair]

DOH! I just ordered stuff from Readyheli and was THIS close to ordering Hayes clunk line. I guess I'll grab Hayes and the OS clunk. The OS clunk doesn't need maintenance?

Thanks for the videos! :thumbup: Mine's starting to take shape.
Did you have a hard time locating the MP5? All US dealers have been out of stock for awhile.

[rotorhead58d]

Thank you for these videos. The info contained is very useful for any heli build. Will you be showing a flight video at the end? Again, thanks a million.

Kevin

[Mercuriell]

DOH! I just ordered stuff from Readyheli and was THIS close to ordering Hayes clunk line. I guess I'll grab Hayes and the OS clunk. The OS clunk doesn't need maintenance?

Thanks for the videos! :thumbup: Mine's starting to take shape.
Did you have a hard time locating the MP5? All US dealers have been out of stock for awhile.
No system's perfect and I have heard of probs with the Hayes line swelling and falling off fittings so a couple of ties might be worthwhile - haven't heard of probs with the OS clunk but I'm sure some people have had :) - Found the MP5 no problem - you have to shop around Asia / EUrope / US to find bits though - thank goodness for the internet !

Thank you for these videos. The info contained is very useful for any heli build. Will you be showing a flight video at the end? Again, thanks a million.
Kevin

A flight video is definitely on the agenda !

[FlyJ]

Question for you guys about the fan. just bought a somewhat used stratus with some aftermarket parts and i'm not sure which are upgrades and which are stock. When i installed the fan it seemed to balance fairly well, however the collets just will not fit into the fan. the fan which i think is an aftermarket part has a groove for a woodruff key which i'm using instead of the collets. seems to work fine but does anyone else have this problem?

[Mercuriell]

Question for you guys about the fan. just bought a somewhat used stratus with some aftermarket parts and i'm not sure which are upgrades and which are stock. When i installed the fan it seemed to balance fairly well, however the collets just will not fit into the fan. the fan which i think is an aftermarket part has a groove for a woodruff key which i'm using instead of the collets. seems to work fine but does anyone else have this problem?

The collets are crucial for centering up the fan and also gripping the fan and shaft to transmit power (in your case done by the Woodruff key) some after market fan manufacturers make their own collets which I would think essential. Other problem is that there have been some subtle but relevant changes in OS motors of the same model which compounds the problem - if yours balances and dials OK then I guess it's fine but if not I'd buy a new fan & collet set.

[Finless]

I fixed the image width so this first post image was not messing up the formatting.

John.... KICK BUTT job on this build man! :noteworthy

Bob

[JR NUT]

thanks for these videos im learning heaps,i wish you guys would do a vibe 90.keep up the great work:noteworthy

[Mercuriell]

thanks for these videos im learning heaps,i wish you guys would do a vibe 90.keep up the great work:noteworthyAnother 90 !!! - you got any idea how much work is involved in building (let alone videoing and commenting on these big birds !:arggg: - Actually Bob and I would LOVE to get out vids on the Vibe 90 and the Synergy N9 :smokin:

Anyway back to business - posted the upper left frame assembly (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusleftframe.wmv) and the gear and clutch assembly (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=mercuriell&filename=Stratusdriveand clutch.wmv) will be up SOON !

The frame assembly is a little confusing as there aren't detailed instructions on the variance of the Specials with the Standard frame - I've covered the main differences in the video but thought it would help to post some detailed pics of the LEFT frame inside and outside

[gr8t1dini]

What was all the background noise? Great video BTW!

[Laurens]

Awesome John! I think its time to start saving up for a BW stratus conversion kit for me.

[Mercuriell]

Awesome John! I think its time to start saving up for a BW stratus conversion kit for me.

Have to say it wasn't my FIRST choice but man I am enjoying this build, oozes quality and I think the BW side stiffeners really well though out and worthwhile - can't wait to get this bird in the air but as Bob will testify, figuring it out well enough to explain and several dry runs at assembly to get it right, then videoing it and putting the vid together takes time! I wasn't satisfied with my dialling in the hub so that's been redone and video'd - should be up tonight