how to... 550L Dominator Linkage Rods

[Steve Joblin]

My 550L Dominator kit came with 3 linkage rods that look like this:



The ends are flat of the threads are flat, so it doesn't want to bite into the plastic ball links

The metal rods are symetrical, so how do I know which threads are clockwise, and which are anti-clockwise?

Anyone have any tips or tricks for these?

[kfjensen]

I put a bit of a taper on the end of the metal rod using the electric drill and a file. Then put the plastic link loosely into a vise. With the metal rod still in the cordless drill, apply around 10-20 pounds of pressure or so, then slowly start the drill. It should bite and start screwing it in. Try your best to not go in at an angle.

If you cant see well enough, and/or dont have a magnifying glass, then to tell which way the threads are going simply use your fingernail and start turning the rod.

[Steve Joblin]

Thanks kfjensen!

Chucked the rods in my drill press and chamfered the ends... the ball links threaded on nice and easy and straight!!! Many thanks!!!

Unfortunately, both ends of the rod are righ-handed threads, so they don't work as a turnbuckle! What a lame design! Align went through all the trouble of machining the links and didn't reverse the threads?! Now I have to buy real turnbuckles so I can precisely level my swash! Very disappointing!!!!

[kfjensen]

Glad it worked for you. Credit goes to nitrokyosho on youtube. Found it after reading of similar troubles with the 450L build.

To be honest I would try setting it up first with the provided links. While leveling the swash in the GPRO you probably wont miss having the adjustable turnbuckles at least for mid stick. One of the steps is 90ing the servos, afterwards are you really confident that you are at 89,90 or 91°? Then in GPRO you subtrim each servo to get the swash level. Best bet is to get the links all the same length then get the swash level at mid stick, then check its also level within reason at max positive and negative. If you were attempting to level the swash using different length links(adjustable turnbuckle) then your servos by definition would not be at 90° Obviously the best case would be to have the links at exactly the correct length(adjustable turnbuckles) and the servos at 90° Later if your still not satisfied, you could simply swap out for the adjustable turnbuckles.

I see you've been around HF, so apologies if I'm stating the obvious.

[Steve Joblin]

Appreciate the thoughts, comments, and suggestions! I may have been around a while, but i never stop learning! I think I will take your suggestion and give it a go and see how it turns out.