New Canopy Screw Design

[syn-]

I haven't really been a big fan of the canopy attachment method since I got my N9 (not long ago at all), so I decided to do something about it.

The problem I have with the stock setup is that the canopy screws put far too much pressure on the grommets when they are tightened down sufficiently to keep them from vibrating loose. This pressure causes undue stress to be placed on the grommets, which really shouldn't be getting much abuse at all. In turn, this stress causes the grommets to prematurely fail.

The reason this pressure is required is because the small pieces of metal that protrude out of the thumb screws is too short. This metal piece is intended to contact the canopy post on the frame so that the screw can tighten against metal instead of the rubber grommet. That piece is just too short for the job... the grommet is far wider than it is, which means that the grommet must be compressed a good bit before the thumb screws actually contacts the canopy post/stand-off.

My solution to this was to build a new screw setup with a larger spacer. The parts used are as follows:
- 3x12mm socket head bolt
- 3x5x5mm spacer (Synergy part 109-355)
- 3x9x1mm flat washer (Hirobo part 2506-010)

This one is easy, I just put a little medium CA on the first 5mm of the base of the bolt then slid on the flat washer followed by the spacer. Gluing these together makes for one complete piece so there is less chance of losing a spacer at the field. See the pics below for a visual

This setup eliminates almost all of the pressure on the grommet, but leaves enough compression (around .5mm worth) so that the canopy/grommet isn't just shaking around on the bolt. And as an added bonus, I think it looks cleaner than the big gold plated thumb screws. *shrug* I'll post a follow up once I have put the same number of flights on this setup that did the old grommets in.


-syn

[syn-]

For reference, here are some pics of what the original thumb screws look like in the same positions as well as a picture of what happens to the grommet.

-syn

[Chuckie]

You need to CA each grommet to the canopy and use a little grease under the thumbscrew. My grommets have lasted for 6months to more than one year following these steps.

Regards,

Charles

[syn-]

I tried the grease thing on the inside of the grommets, but not on the thumbscrew side... I guess I should have. Hopefully I'll have the bird up in the air this weekend and can see how the new screws work out.

I'll post crash pics if the canopy flys off while I'm inverted!


-syn

[MAIONX]

also another easy option would be to add a locknut on the inside of the canopy..

thats what i used on my Xcell machines, worked a treat.. i love the look of those thumbscrews.

[ChrisLaFollette]

My screws for my Extreme are similiar to that. I started off with CF rod cut to length and a big 3mm washer. Then changed to a metal piece on each that looks like what I started off with once I found what I really needed. So far so good and they look clean and dont kill my grommets.

[Chuckie]

The synergy canopy has a very tight on the bottom support. I already have to stretch out the bottom of the canopy a little when putting it in place. Well I move one into place first then the other. For the rear standoffs adding a locknut would work. Just tighten the thumb screws with a hex driver! Thumb screw is the wrong name. I agree they look good. A lot of attention to detail has gone into many small parts on the N9.

Charles