FYI: some first impressions on a Atom 500

[redbird300]

I found a decent solution to replace the steel wire tailrod on the Atom 22mm tailboom with a carbon one, allthough it might be not really necessary, but I don't like the look of that slightly bended rod.

I bought these plastic/carbon snap-on tailrod guides, they fit firmly over the Atom boom as I tested today, one should be enough:
http://www.fast-lad.co.uk/store/tail...07-p-6791.html

And a hollow 4 mm carbon rod with links from a Logo400, these fit perfectly as they are, nicely smooth and strong:
http://www.fast-lad.co.uk/store/mik4...ol-p-5406.html

But the tailrod guide is meant for a steel rod, so I'm filling up the 2 outer holes with epoxy, and will drill one big hole in the middle for the 4 mm carbon rod, Job done, even without taking the tail apart.

[lankey]

Sounds like a great solution Raf, well done

Must admit that I don't really like the steel rod and plastic guides on the 500.... feel a similar mod coming on in the near future!

[redbird300]

Well, I just like it to be as perfect as possible, these things are hard enough to fly as such, lol. Had to cut 25 mm from the carbon Logo400 rod, so it should be long enough for most 500 size helis, I guess.

[redbird300]

That's a nice, strong and straight 4 mm carbon tailservo rod now.
And I gave it some KBDD tailblades, while I was working on it anyway.

[lankey]

Originally Posted by redbird300

That's a nice, strong and straight 4 mm carbon tailservo rod now.
And I gave it some KBDD tailblades, while I was working on it anyway.

Oooh yeah.... that's what we're talking about.

Looks really awsome Raf

[B2TheEYo]

Very nice Raf. Looks mint.

[n8rloves2fly]

cant figure out how to get the slop out of the tail? I have some pic at Atom tail tread.

[redbird300]

Originally Posted by n8rloves2fly

cant figure out how to get the slop out of the tail? I have some pic at Atom tail tread.

Look at the very first post of this thread:

Quote:

What I didn't like:
-) the tailbladegrips on my bird had a litlle bit too much play to my liking, solved that by adding an extra 6,8x3,0x0,38 mm (yes, I like to be accurate, lol) homemade washer in the grips,

[Tomstoy]

Nice bird, Raf, and an excellent shot, I might add!

[n8rloves2fly]

I see you made some washers do you have extra or know were I can find some?

[redbird300]

Originally Posted by n8rloves2fly

I see you made some washers do you have extra or know were I can find some?

I found some metric 3 millimeter washers in a local store, with exactly the right inner and outer diameter, and I grinded these slowly on a piece of sandpaper to get exactly the right thickness. Trial and error method. This costed me a lot of time, but you already have the measurements now, so that would go faster for you. I don't have any spares, neither do I intend to make some, I'm sorry. That why it is a hobby, it eats up all your spare time, lol.

[n8rloves2fly]

So i should be able to take the one of the thrust bearing washers in to get the right size. Thanks for the tips Any idea what thickness I should start off with?

[redbird300]

Originally Posted by redbird300

FYI: an announcement from Compass Models on their website, dated 9 march:

Compass Model is proud to announce the future release (mid of April) of a Atom conversion kit named Atom 5.5 (550 size). The tests shows good flying results on flying time and power. A lot of requests from pilots all over the world pushed the decision so here we are.
Kit contains: 510mm Carbon Main Blades, Boom, Belt, 8T Pinion, Tail Rotor Control Rod.

And I guess the overpowered stock motor won't have any problems with that kit.

These kits now sell for about 100 $.
Not a bad option after a crash if you would need to replace the boom and blades anyway, I guess.