Another Stratus Conversion

[buster1]

Have been working on converting my Tempest 3D due a crash a few weeks ago - I am happy to report, that the conversion goes together very well and I am just about done - a few comments if I may.
1. The stratus heli. is laid out very well - a good deal of thought went into this heli.
2. The aligment of lower frame to upper frame set up which mates the clutch to the engine is spot on - alignment is much easier and more accurate.
3. The servos a laid out better which offers more precise control.
4. Reduced parts count and weight - another plus.
5. receiver, gov., gyro electronic tray area is much cleaner.
6. rear fuel tank is great for visability and CG.
7. This one doesn't mean much - but the heli. looks a lot better.

Overall, I am very happy that I decided to conver to Stratus. I'm sure it is going to fly great. Also happy with the new Flybar control system.

If anyone is considering the jump to either convert or buy the kit - I definitely like it.

Happy flying,
Jeff

[sumonzu]

Great news, I've already bought the kit, but I'm waiting for the conversion (not necessarily waiting for a crash :wink:) since the Tempest i quite new and I like to fly it a little bit more .

Anyway, can you tell me which are the most difficult steps of the conversion process? What do I have to take care most?

Thank you!
Marcello

[buster1]

Since you have a kit and the Tempest for future conversion - you have the parts necessary to due the conversion - for this reason, you don't have the change the older clutch/bearing to new Tempest Style - I didn't have to do this because I converted a Tempest, but that could have been a pain.
Also, make sure that washer that came with motor is under fan to ensure proper height of fan and mating with clutch bell (instructions will outline this) - again, you have the Tempest, so that should already be taken care of - but make sure to check. Regarding the Stratus layout in contrast to Tempest - its a much better design and you will like it better then Tempest.
Otherswise, the quality and line-up (how parts fit together) is just about perfect. Just read the instructions and build - it goes together very easy - I am just about done with mine (just tweaking the set-up).
The instructions are very detailed and accurate.
Have fun,
Jeff

[WillJames]

I am installing the last 2 servos and finishing up my conversion from an Extreme myself and I agree 100% with all your points Jeff. I started on it Saturday morning and I should have it finished today. I got a whole new clutch stack because I have seen people swap out the middle bearing block to the Tempest/Stratus style and I did not want to do that part of the process myself. I could have sent it to MA and let Jeff do it, but I wanted an extra clutch stack anyway.

You will need 2 servo extensions for the Rudder and Elevator Servos Marcello.

The other thing to be careful with is if you run the Cline like I do, (or a YS) you need to be sure MA/who you buy it from knows it when you buy the conversion so they provide you the tank that is compatible with high pressure systems. You may also want to leave a little more space between the muffler and the tank than the 5mm the directions say for room for tank expansion. Other than that the instructions are GREAT, if you follow them you will have an easy conversion. I used the heat gun to remove one end of my TR Control rod to shorten it and re JB'd it. Worked great and easy to. If you don't want to do this you can makeup a new TR Control Rod.

You will need to move your boom clamp that holds the horizontal fin and boom supports to the boom back a little bit as the bottom plate locates them a little farther back than the Extreme/Tempest. I use CA on mine, so I had to use the heat gun just a little to get it to move back. Not a big deal at all.

As Jeff said, the conversion is a very easy one. I am really looking forward to having my tank right there in teh open so I can easily see how much fuel I have left. I am also looking to the flying characteristics/light weight of the Stratus. I have flown RHR Ray's and I love it!! Hang Time!!

[pilotError]

First Flights...

After a bunch of misfires I finally got to maiden the Stratus conversion this past weekend.

All I can say is its just amazing...

Fast Rolls, stable forward flight and very smooth all around. I have the new flybar carrier on it as well. I'm very happy with it so far.

Anyone try a Stratus Expert conversion yet?

Mike...

[WillJames]

My Extreme to Stratus conversion is ready to fly tomorrow!! Can't wait. Will report back. See Hammer and Elektro-Jeffro at the field tomorrow!! 9AM!

Yea Baby!!

[sumonzu]

Thank you William for all the interesting input: everything is clear now and I'm very tempted to go ahead with the conversion as soon as possible. I have an extra job however: install the new 0864-13 11T pinion w/Brg Inst and take out the one installed (do you know how to do this job without destroying the old bearing/pinion?), because I want to change the gear ratio to the 8.18 one (I have the 7.91).
At the moment I'm running the OS 91 PS (still evaluating if upgrade to the Omi modified carb).
Also you said "I used the heat gun to remove one end of my TR Control rod to shorten it and re JB'd it. Worked great and easy to. If you don't want to do this you can makeup a new TR Control Rod". What about simply to shorten both the threaded rods?
Have fun and tell us how do you feel your new Stratus! :D

[WillJames]

I will answer the part aht I can. The Bearing block change was done by Tim Thomas using a torch and a table witha slot in it and the tool from MA. Other than that I did not wtch closely so I cannot sey what or how much heat it took, etc.

The tail rod needs to much removed I'm pretty sure to just shorten the threaded rods. Even removing the recommended length from the conversion manual, I still needed to thread the ends on a little more than they were with my extreme to make it fit.

I flew today and I experienced some glitching. I am 99% sure it was my glow igniter extension. I am removing it now and cutting more out of the bottom of my canopy to access teh glow plug. I have to say I am very impressed with how this conversion goes together.

[Rodney]

Cant wait to try one out Will.

[WillJames]

You can fly mine at IRCHA SE Rodney. Not a problem at all man.

[BigVanVader]

Pick ME!!!!!!!Pick ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:

[WillJames]

You can fly it to vance, not a problem.