Ultimate Dragonus 2 Upgrade Revisited

[feapril5]

Posted something along similar lines a couple years ago. I was initially inspired to change the RCER head due to the difficulty in locating Dragonus head parts in the US. In that iteration, I converted my Dragonus to a Rave 450 FB head that I had extra when I converted that heli to FBL. Finally, I've converted mine to FBL using the Align 450 DFC head in conjunction with a Gazaur Mars 480 swashplate. I've also converted to the Align slant gear and upgraded to the (as yet unreleased) solid RCER frame spacers. I'm using MKS DS95 (i) servos with a Helicomand FBL unit. Scorpion motor and Koby ESC. This was my first Dragonus with the Vision canopy, gives it a kind of TDR look in the air. One thing that really stands out on this machine is how quiet it is. Even at higher headspeeds it make very little noise. For those who are curious, I'm using the stock hardened mainshaft but you could modify a non DFC Align 450 mainshaft with a strategically drilled hole. If anyone has any questions feel free to post or PM as I've spoken with a couple of you who've asked questions about FBL conversions. Enjoy!

[krimo]

Thanks for posting feapril!

I got the Gazaur swash some time ago and recently picked up the Rave Control Rod Set and the Rave FBL Pushrod set to deal with the potentially different link lengths you mentioned. Next, I'll get the DFC Head! I'm dying to get this put together but its gonna be a while until I can afford a unit with the bailout feature.

Those MKS servos have the best specifications I've ever seen in the micro class. They're in a class by themselves! I have to lower my servo aspirations but I'm spoiled by MKS's specs.

[milliotseb]

I also like the vision canopy (and it has lot more space than the dragonus one )

It looks like to be a nice setup. I have also a dragonus FBL that I should work on (using a rjx FBL with Trex 450 FBL head links)

Did you had to do something special for the slant gear?

[FiveZigen]

Just use a trex one way bearing holder for the slant gear mod.

[feapril5]

Did you had to do something special for the slant gear?[/QUOTE]


What Five said. I used the Align one way hub.

[krimo]

I just ordered a 450 DFC Head for my FBL Project. I've been thinking about the V-Bar instead of the IKON for its supposedly reliable Bailout feature. I think I may give up on my DX6i for something better and then get those MKS servos. This has been a long time coming!

[rc247]

I'm venturing into FBL land myself. Going with RJX head and a Robird G31. Pretty good gyro for under $100. Just don't have any time to install it working 72+ hours a week!!!

[krimo]

I finally purchased the MKS DS95 cyclic and DS95i tail servos from another helifreak forum member! Woot woot! I did a radio upgrade as well. Now all I need is a FBL gyro and I'm there!

I'm still on the fence when it comes to a FBL controller with "Bailout". Besides my novice skills I'm getting old and the 450 is tough for me to see and that lead to my last crash.

[krimo]

Will someone explain the exact Align parts required to do the "slant gear" conversion? Please correct me if I'm wrong, I got these part numbers from Align-Trex.com for a 450 Pro:

Slant Thread Main Drive Gear, 121T, P/N: H45156QA
Helical Gear, 12T, P/N: H45157
One Way Bearing, P/N: HS1229

Do I have to use the, Main Gear Case, P/N:HS1228

Thanks.

[FiveZigen]

Yup, you need to use the gear case. It has four holes where as the Rcer part only uses three holes.

[krimo]

Thanks Five!

I finally purchased a a FBL Gyro: MSH Brain! I hope the Auto Level really works! Now all I need is a Motor, ESC and the parts for the slant gear mod.