Defective Aurora swashplates?

[mike4406]

I have an Aurora from the original shipment, shipped direct from Avant (purchased from Heliproz). The bird is built, and was almost ready to fly when I discovered the swashplate inner ball has at least 1mm of play inside the swash. No prob, I contacted Avant and got a replacement, and guess what, the replacement swash inner ball is just as loose as my original. I could have easily not discovered this and flown the heli, but I was finishing up adjustments while setting up the pitch and heard a clicking sound, which ulimately turned out to be the inner ball banging around inside the swash. I can even shake the swash and hear the ball rattle around.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has discovered this problem (I assume its a prob, I have never had a swash with this much slop, nor do I consider it safe). I would advise folks to take a look and see if you have the same prob. And if its a new kit, I would check as well....

I have contacted Avant again via email but not getting any replies on the issue.

[Razzman]

I have two swashplates that are in need of replacement. My first Aurora has 6 gallons through it, and I noticed that the pivot ball was loose in the upper ring, mainly 'side to side' play. So I looked at my spare kit for a replacement, and I found that swash had even more play. The swash other wise is very well made, but it's strange to see just a metal ring around the pivot ball, usually you will see some kind of 'composite material' surounding the metal ball. The Avant gang must be taking some R&R, they have not responded to me, usually they get back within the day. I just bought a Quick UK Hirobo swash, used one on my Avant, very nice and adjustable. Augusto will get this worked out, not sure how long it will take. I PMed a couple other factory pilots, their swashplates are holding up well.

Brian

[mike4406]

yep, if you visit the other forum, the thread is growing by the second. I find it strange that no team pilots, nor even Augusto is stepping up to the problem. Guess we'll have to wait and see how this all shakes out. I did get a reply from Avant RC, basically saying its ok to fly it that way, but I don't buy it for one second. This is a quality control problem in my opinion, and I do hope they step up and fix the problem quickly.

[Augusto]

If the play is small it's not a problem because the swashplate vertical location is determined by the servos and not the ball. The ball acts simply as a vertical sliding guide and any vertical play in the ball is not reflected in the vertical position of the swashplate since that only depends on the servos.

Despite that if anyone needs their swashplate ball replaced we will gladly do it at no charge.
Please look at this thread for instruction on how to request replacements:
http://www.avantrc.com/support/showthread.php?t=538

Augusto.

[Razzman]

I recieved two pivot balls from Avant RC today, thanks! But they still have some play, but less than my originals. It would be good if Augusto could find a better replacement ball similar to MA or JR, quick UK.

Brian

[Finless]

I just checked mine and it as about .5mm side to side and no up and down. I really don't think this will effect anything. Up and down would not be good but the side to side as little as it is, seems to not effect flying.

Bob