Maiden flight of the Century "Condor" gasser -=Vid

[DebianDog]

Note: this is not really a "Condor", it is a Predator Carbon SE with a stretched tail, heavy lift blades, plus a few other modifications. Century is releasing the Condor kit soon but I bought all the things (I could) that will be in the kit when it comes out. *They are having clutch issues under REAL heavy loads. *So when the helicopter is released I can throw in the new clutch a all metal tail and I will have a Condor. *Anyway...

My Rant:
First off this is a great helicopter but... the Century manual/instuctions are for sh1t! *Wholly cow you would THINK that when you buy a near $2000 helicopter the book would be better than the $300 ARF (Tiger 50) manual, but NO! *Not even close! *Century... if you are reading this Download a manual from them and take a lesson (http://www.audacitymodels.com/T50manual/index.html). *For cripes sake man... my T-Rex instructions were better than your kits manuals! *That's not saying much.
/rant

Yes, with the first flight the pucker factor was HUGE. *But we made it!

Don't give me too much crap about the video I threw it together in like an hour. *Also Stator Gator (Tom) is gonna help me get my headspeed straight and... I was hovering around like crazy to try and get a feel for the helicopter. By the 3rd tank it is a little boring just holding a dead hover. Dang "a tank" lasts forever! :mrgreen:

1st Flight of the Condor - WMV - 17.5 megs (http://danslagle.com/data/movies/Condor1.wmv)

1st Flight of the Condor - HIGH RESOLUTION H.264 - 31.2 megs (http://danslagle.com/data/movies/Condor1.mov) - Note: If you do not have QT 7 you will need a FREE Windows media player codec to see this video (http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Video/Codec-Packs-Video-Codecs/Storm-Codec.shtml)

Oh and for Baja - Sorry brother, I wanted to buy your Observer but... Wanted to start with an underslung camera mount for my 1st AP bird. Also, I will wear my HF tee in the next vid ;)

[DebianDog]

I would like to thank "Stator Gator" Tom for speaking with me on the phone yesterday (for some time) about getting the headspeed down. I had a hard time talking my partner into loading the head up earlier with pitch (as Tom said I would) but we did manage to get rid of most all the vibrations and the headspeed is around 1550.

Thanks man!

[NolanManley]

830mm blades.
That's still seems too high. It should fly very well at 1200 to 1300.

Advise is not worth getting if your not going to try it at least once. ;)

[DebianDog]

Yeah she still "ain't right" but it flies a LOT nicer than it did.

Remembering this gasser stuff is all new to me. (I do not have my radio or log book here at work) We are only using like 50% of the throttle and adding a lot of pitch early. What would your suggestions be? More pitch earlier?

I think I am gonna make a road trip up to see Stator Gator since I was welcomed and he lives in VA. Unfortunately I have to go to NJ this weekend.

[NolanManley]

I totally understand. ;)
I'm still pretty new to it also and was lucky enough to have Dr Tim at my beckoning call when I build my Gasser. I was working in CA for over 4 months and needed something to build. Anyway we setup his Benzin with 810 V's and at 1250 rpm it was SWEET and would auto for DAYS.
At a hover I'm only at around 30-35% throttle even on my Spectra G. I wonder what gearing you have for the Condor? Your post is the first I've seen of the Condor.

Have a good trip. I'm STILL TDY in KY. :arggg:

[DebianDog]

I wonder what gearing you have for the Condor? Your post is the first I've seen of the Condor.

I believe it is an 88T main and 13T pinion I spoke with "Ricks" about it and they were not exactly sure if an 11T pinion was the solution either but... it works out on paper. :mrgreen:

[DebianDog]

Century rep got with me this morning. YEP! 11 tooth pinion :mrgreen:

[DebianDog]

Final note: After a few phone calls and "ummms" from Century customer service, the sales guy finally agreed that a 11T pinion should have been in the box and sent me one for free. :smokin:

[NolanManley]

Cool :D

Just got thru watching the video.. Nice job!
I think you could have put 15lbs on it and it would have climbed pretty hard at that rotor rpm. :lol:

[DebianDog]

Yeah this thing has lift like crazy.. My only complaint with the bird so far is the boom mounted servo. Feels sloppy. Never guess what else I bought when I was talking to Century today. YEP, the upgrade. :roll:

Tail servo in the frame (where the empty hole is) with an extension assembly.