Spectra building questions...

[Mr.Mike]

Hi,

I am going to start the building of my Spectra next week.
Two questions as for now:
1.Has any of the two possible engine setups (front or rear facing) proven to be the better one? Which is the most common and why?
2.How about installing a carbon tail boom vs. the original aluminium one.

thanks
best regards
Mike

[WillJames]

Not sure about hte motor direction. If the jug faces forward, you can see your gas tank??

THe metal booms are used because they flex less than the carbon booms. I am pretty sure MA has been running the metal booms for a long time in their gas kits.

John or Carey will see this thread soon and reply.

[NolanManley]

Get the setup video that Will made with John (BigCR) on the spectra build-up. ;)

[bigrcr]

Will is correct, the aluminum boom is stiffer than the carbon and this is important in the gas model. Stay with the aluminum boom (it's cheaper anyway) you don't want bling here.

The motor turned with the cylinder rearward was the way I started out. I did not want to take any chance with induced Rf from the motor from the beginning. I liked the model that way and had no issues.

Then I turned the motor around (cylinder to front) and like it even better! The model balances perfectly and the fuel level change during flight does not change the CG. I have had NO problems with Rf from the ignition being closer. I have used both a base loaded antenna and a full length with zero issues. I like the full length the best myself.

Hope this helps!

[carey shurley]

No data on the motor configuration that most people are running, although you've given me a good idea for a poll.

As John said, the aluminum boom is stiffer and actually absorbs some of the engine vibration. The c/f boom will certainly fit, however I wouldn't recommend it.

The original intent of the bi-directional motor mount, was four fold:
- allow for a rear mounted and visible fuel tank
- move the cg more forward, it generally will balance just slightly nose down in this configuration
- allow for multiple fuel tanks - for duration flights
- with the big hatori muffler, the model looks better in this config

[Mr.Mike]

Thanks for your great comments!
John's Video is great, I have it for some months now. If induced RF is not an issue I will take the front facing setup. Better cg and visibility of the fuel tank. Better look as well.
I'm looking forward to this machine. :D
BTW did anybody find any reliable fix for the muffler coming loose issue?

thanks a lot guys
regards
Mike

[bigrcr]

Yes. Will James had a guy to make a few of the muffler adapters out of stainless steel for us- proving my theory. They were a bit expensive but are the only way to keep the muffler on long term. This is due to the heat cycling of the aluminum adapter loosening the bolts. You can keep tightening up the bolts to the aluminum adapter and have some success, but in the long term it still loosens.


BTW- Thanks for the Kudo's. The video was actually Wills idea.
Later,

[WillJames]

BTW- Thanks for the Kudo's. The video was actually Wills idea.



It may have been my idea but John is where all the knowledge and experience came from. Thank you John!! You sure have taught me a lot!!

I am very happy that people are watching the video and learning!!