TDF Henseleit Shock Absorber Belt Tensioner

[Azimuth114]

I think it is much better than the rubber band.

[Vinger]

Never had a single problem with the bicycle inner tube rubber band. Light and simple.

[Dr.Ben]

Actually, it's not, and that's why when Nick Maxwell refined the Minicopter Diabolo Black Edition, he specifically specified a change to the rubberband like Jan uses instead of the previously used shock.

The belt is not only lighter, simpler, and less costly, it also provides superior tension control because it reacts much, much quicker to variations in belt load with changes in tail pitch.

Jan is a brilliant engineer. Instances where outside revisions to his designs prove to be superior are about as scarce as beachfront property in the US state of Tennessee. If you ask Jan why he doesn't use a shock, he will likely give more explanation proven in testing than you might possibly imagine.

Ben Minor

[Azimuth114]

I don't disagree with you how brilliant Jan is but I think there is a lot more to it than the 14grams difference and the cost of a $6.00 shock.
There is somthing about having a rubber band and paper clips when in trouble .

[Raptorapture]

Looks cool

[Azimuth114]

This was my whole point to doing it. It does look cool and it is big part of the hobby building great flying and looking helis. I was amazed the first time I seen it on a Banshee than a TDR II Diabolo 700’s I am curious to know how many did get replaced by rubber band if they work so great ?

[Vinger]

If a helicopter has been designed with a shock then it normally works great, both the Banshee and the TDR2 use it but take note with either no oil or very thin oil in the shock. The TDR2 even uses levered guide pulleys to get the correct geometry for the shock to work.

On the TDF Jan uses the rubber band for simplicity and weight.

[tanasit]

I tried my best to get the o-ring with as close to the property of the stock rubber band. SInce I have tons of o-ring with several kinds of material but I ended up with the orabge silicone one which I use to hold the hatch of my electric rc boat with hreat result.

First I check the pull of the stock rubber band at the proper set distance which is 24.0 oz. Then I search for the o-ring that will give me similar pull at the same distance.

Next to hold the o-ring in place without popping off the pin, I utilize the other pin and install a small servo arm to the frame to hold the other end of the o-ring as seen. I also decide to add another servo arm to store an extra o-ring on board.