Build Starts Today

[Justin Stuart]

I use the RCBooya quick-release canopy bolts.

[rctazz]

Originally Posted by Justin Stuart

I use the RCBooya quick-release canopy bolts.

Which is exactly what I am going to do but I actually laughed out loud when I realized the 4 bolts left in the box were for holding the canopy on. Couldn't throw some cheap M3 thumbscrews into the kit? 4 of them at Ready heli are $7.99, 4-Aluminum ones from experience are $1.50

[ndugu]

It is what it is. There are other models out there. Why don't you build one of them? You've clearly been against the Aurora since the beginning.

[WillJames]

Originally Posted by rctazz

So basically, based on what you said about threading the 2mm balls into the plastic, I have to buy 3 new parts (44 dollars) and see if I can get the balls to thread into those holes without stripping them. Sweet.

Same thing with the MA machines I used to fly. There is a black carbonized rubberized CA that I would get from B&B Hobbies that works GREAT for screws into plastic. I actually started using it when I flew Raptors. If you check out the Spectra G build vids here in our video forum I shot of John Garst building my Spectra G, you will see the Black CA in use. Works great!!

[fatboyrob]

Originally Posted by ndugu

It is what it is. There are other models out there. Why don't you build one of them? You've clearly been against the Aurora since the beginning.

bit harsh. he building the heli and pointing out what he thinks could be better. no model is perfect including this one and a couple of the points are valid
when he flys the heli all the little points raised will disappear because it flys better than everything out there in my opinion.

[rctazz]

Originally Posted by ndugu

It is what it is. There are other models out there. Why don't you build one of them? You've clearly been against the Aurora since the beginning.

Not true at all. If that was the case I would not have dropped 2500.00 (including the kit) to build it. I just would have sold it as new in the box. I'm psyched that it is almost done and even more excited to fly it. I simply stated my opinion about my experience with the build and the kit pieces. I have built a lot of Helis but never one that is considered to be high end. It really wouldn't have mattered what brand of model it was I would have given my opinion about what I though could be improved.

To be fair, I have mostly stated negative and I haven't said much positive and there are a lot of things positive about the Avant build. Here is what I like about the Avant even before flying. The body/frame/Boom is so rigid when assembled it is like one piece. The boom block/ boom braces hold the boom very solid. The metal components are very stout. The flybarred head is so tunable, being an engineer, that almost makes me want to fly it as a flybarred heli just to play. The electronics placement forethought is outstanding including pre-cut holes for tie wraps and straps. Even the tail blade holders with their preload is ingenious, I just wish the bolts holding the halves together had nuts on the back side of the threads and the ball on the holder did too. The pre-installed servo nuts is a plus instead of having to fumble with the bolts and nuts to hold them in a tiny space. I am sure, based on watching videos and reading what people say, the Avant will fly amazing just like it is. I already stated somewhere that IMO, it is without a doubt the best looking Helicopter on the market.

That being said, there are things that can and should be improved. Some are simple fixes like using longer threaded balls through plastic and putting a nut on the back side. If nobody gives feedback it will never happen, the whole squeaky wheel gets the grease thing. How many people here wouldn't buy aluminum upgrade parts to replace the plastic stressed parts on the Avant...if they were available.

Edit: Thanks Rob, didn't see your post until after I posted this.

[rctazz]

Originally Posted by WillJames

Same thing with the MA machines I used to fly. There is a black carbonized rubberized CA that I would get from B&B Hobbies that works GREAT for screws into plastic. I actually started using it when I flew Raptors. If you check out the Spectra G build vids here in our video forum I shot of John Garst building my Spectra G, you will see the Black CA in use. Works great!!

Thanks Will, I'll check that out.

[Jason Bell]

Originally Posted by rctazz

Thanks Will, I'll check that out.

I believe this is the stuff Will is talking about.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ughened-CA-1oz

[Justin Stuart]

I used to use that same black rubberized CA. (I too learned about it from John Garst from his Spectra video). However I no longer use that glue and instead use thin CA. The reason why is that the hole where you're going to put the CA (namely the little 2mm hole in the plastic tail blade grip) creates such extreme surface tension that even regular CA will not fill the hole. Instead it just sticks to the outside of the hole forming a meniscus. Thin CA has a lot less surface tension and actually goes inside the hole instead of forming a meniscus above the hole.

I think you really need at a minimum a 3mm hole in order to be able to use that black CA in the hole. For a 2.5mm hole or smaller, I think you need at a bare minimum regular CA.

Of course it should be noted that I make liberal use of nitromethane-based CA dissolver to remove any excess glue that gets onto things. I bought a bunch of CA dissolver before they discontinued it at my local Hobby Lobby. I have yet to find a new source of the stuff, but I still have a year's worth of CA dissolver in a box so that will hold me.

I consider CA to be almost as high on my list of "must-haves" in this hobby is a good set of MIP drivers.

[rctazz]

Originally Posted by Jason Bell

I believe this is the stuff Will is talking about.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ughened-CA-1oz

Thanks, I couldn't find it on BBs website.

Mechanically done with the Heli (until the FBL head gets here). I ordered the Edge Premium SE 693 FBL blades and they should be here in a couple of days. I am going to borrow a receiver to do the setup on this head until the Spektrum/Beast Combo is available. It looks like the manual rod lengths for the head are pretty close if not right on.

[WillJames]

Funny that you are using a Pool Table to build on. I thought I was the only one who did that. At least I used to be before I sold the table a couple years ago.

I agree the Black CA can get thick, if you get a super fresh bottle and you clean the threads really well and apply it very thin like locktite it would work most likely but you are probably right thin CA might do just as well or better in such a small application.

[rctazz]

Originally Posted by WillJames

Funny that you are using a Pool Table to build on. I thought I was the only one who did that. At least I used to be before I sold the table a couple years ago.

I agree the Black CA can get thick, if you get a super fresh bottle and you clean the threads really well and apply it very thin like locktite it would work most likely but you are probably right thin CA might do just as well or better in such a small application.

I actually built it at my RC workbench (see previous pictures) I just put it there for those pictures. I have built many helis and planes on that pool table...much to my wife's dismay.

[rctazz]

Finished the build last night, Setup the ESC and did a bladeless test spin everything looked and sounded good. Weather permitting, I should be able to maiden this weekend. I checked the swash to mixing arm rod angles with a articulating protractor and one of them is a little less than 90 degrees so I am going to play with that tonight and then re-zero the blades.

Now I have to setup the flybarless head.