Wren predator balance questions, looking for opinions from previous owners

[DDragon]

Hi folks,
Now that I have the trex744 setup the way I like it I thought I'd give it a try on the old wren 54 predator. I know that this is a pretty old setup and there are few around, but I was wondering if anyone could share their experience.

The biggest problem I have is with center of gravity. It's very nose heavy and I found that the only way to compensate was to put some lead weights on the tail fin. I'd rather not do this, but again I may be fighting a loosing battle and this bird may just be too nose heavy .... Period.

I'm running the basic predator air frame with all the metal goodies. I'm using the smallest batteries I could find, but all the electronics are still on the front end.

Would anyone else like to share there experiences with this?

Thanks.

[MattJenner]

hiya,
is there any chance you could put up some pics?

[cbergen]

Deron, Are you still running the standard length boom, or have you lengthened it and running 800+mm blades?

[DDragon]

Originally Posted by MattJenner

hiya,
is there any chance you could put up some pics?

Hi Matt
I have a bunch of pics on the forum here for went I first showed everyone. I'll see if I can find the link and get the pics. But it looks almost like yours.

How's the balance on yours?

[DDragon]

Originally Posted by cbergen

Deron, Are you still running the standard length boom, or have you lengthened it and running 800+mm blades?

Hi Chris
I'm running the condor boom and the longer blades. 810 or 815 I believe.

I saw Mike has twin tanks on the side and uses that area for electronics on his condor wren. I thought of doing that?

[DDragon]

Finally found it.... here's the thread with pictures Matt:

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=112224

BTW... just pulled it apart. I noticed that two screws "fell out" from the clutch shoe attached to the aluminum hub.

I was wrong.... the ones that feel out were broken, and the remaining two were broken but the heads hadn't fallen out. I've been flying like that for I don't know how long. But it doesn't look like it's been spinning in the hub.

[ppridday]

I put my flight pack and ecu pack on top of the fuel tank at the back. It brought the CG back a bit. This was still with my regular boom and 720's. Should be pretty good with the Condor setup. Unfortunately it looks a little bit cobbed together... It would be nice to have it looking more 'finished'...

Paul

[MattJenner]

D
Did you get it sorted matey ?
As you can see from my photo's it is possible to get it level, as in my picture the swash is level and the fuel is slightly higher at rear,it does hover tail down slightly.. but only slightly..
If you need any more help just shout out..

All the best

Matt

[DDragon]

Hi All,
Well as an update. I was finally able to get things straightened out. I had to order a new clutch show and bell from Century which took a while and some parts for the battery holder shown in the pictures as well as the gas bottle holder... they were nice and cheap, made well and fit nicely for my uses. But it took almost a month to get them.

Anyway, taking my ideas from Gizmomans build, I moved as much as I could to the back. With the 820 blades and tail everything seems to be much better in the balance arena.

I took her for a short test flight with a half tanks of gas and everything seems well balanced. As the fuel emptied they was a "slight" shift to the front. But nothing uncontrollable.

So anyway... I think she is now balanced.

Cheers.