Audacity Pantera Build VIdeos

[Finless]

OK next up on the heli grill is the Audacity Pantera! $199 kit or 2 for $300...
Should be interesting. Back in 2004 - 2005 this was the type of heli that most everyone was flying. All plastic frames, parts etc. I had a Raptor 50, Hirobo Sceadu Evo 50, and Hirobo Freya which the contruction was vary similar to this heli. Again plastic molded frames etc... Thats mostly what people flew back then and they flew well! My bet is this one will fly well too. It's been a while since I have built a heli of this style. If your looking for a cheap heli this may just be it!

On with the build!

VIDEO -> Pantera - What's in the box! (37 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Steps 1 - 4 (47 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Frame Build Part 1 (73 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Frame Build Part 2 (56 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Main Gears and Main Shaft Installation (35 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Fan, Hub, Clutch install and checking run out (Dial Indicating) (68 Megs)

ALL.... Sorry for the long delay! my excuses are:
1) I needed the time off for a bit!
2) I needed the time off for a bit!
3) I needed the time off for a bit!
4) WORK! You all know the economy and HUP! Double time or loose your job!
5) WORK, WORK, WORK.....
6) Lazy arse COUCH POTATO!
7) HEY! I gotta fly too damn it
8) Equipment changes! I wont go into this but I got some bad electronics! Fixed now though
9) Are any of you buying these lame excuses?

OK so here we go! Honestly I cant wait to fly this thing. Sorry to John Beach for the delays... I know he understands my excuses

VIDEO -> Pantera - Head Build Part 1 (75 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Head Build Part 2 (59 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Head Build Part 3 (50 Megs)

HAHA! Got some time this week FINALLY to do more build vids!
OK so here we go...

VIDEO -> Pantera - Servo Installation (40 Megs)

OK this is servo setup using the Airtronics SD-10G
VIDEO -> Pantera - Servo Setup (84 Megs)

NOTE! I screwed up! On this heli the swash goes DOWN for positive pitch. This head has leading edge control grips and thus the swash moves in the other direction for positive pitch! TAKE NOTE OF THIS! I will make an update video. Thanks to HF user Spell for pointing that out to me!
Here is Head Setup using the Airtronics SD-10G
VIDEO -> Pantera - Head Setup (65 Megs)

Here is a Head Setup UPDATE that explains how the head works and also goes through how to setup the Airtronics SD-10G cyclic "amounts" using swash menu and EPA's.
VIDEO -> Pantera - Head Setup UPDATE! (28 Megs)


VIDEO -> Pantera - Installing the Servo Braces (38 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Throttle Servo Setup (68 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Tail Assembly Part 1 (60 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Tail Assembly Part 2 (66 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Tail Supports and Tail Installation (88 Megs)

FINALLY! I am sorry for how long this took you all.... Stuff happens and my free time went to hell in a hand bag shortly after IRCHA last year. But finally got there Here are the last 2 vids. Showing where I placed my electronics, chit chat about the canopy, and the maiden flight.

VIDEO -> Pantera - Electronics Placement and Canopy Notes (45 Megs)

VIDEO -> Pantera - Maiden flight after 2 trim flights (89 Megs)



Bob

[Mercuriell]

Great Bob - been a lot of talk on this heli which has a few novel features I understand - like air intake filter so be fascinated for you to check out its build and quality

[mapleleafs]

awesome Bob, cannot wait to see more!

[flipurbird]

where can we find this model for purchase?

[Finless]

www.audacitymodels.com

Bob

[Wrench]

Thanks Bob, Now I can get going on mine. I was waiting on your video's so I don't mess it up.

[Finless]

Well the bad news..... I am going out of town for a funeral mid this week so other than the frames which I have done, vids will stop until the following week.... Then of course IRCHA is right next so I doubt I will have it all shot by IRCHA.

Bob

[dropnhook]

Hey Bob are you planning a low budget build on this one?

[Finless]

Yes.... Servos will be Hitech 6975s so kind of middle of the road.

Bob

[Mesnik]

I am sure I speak for most of our Audacity community, we are excited to see Bob working on the Pantera!!

Thanks for the videos and sorry you have to go to a funeral...


When you have time, more, more, mooooore!!

[benwhite22]

I took the 50 plunge not long ago and picked up a couple of Panteras. Although I'm still a newb and still breaking in the engine, I'm very pleased with it.

Unfortunately on the second hover flight, I had a mishap (apparently NiMH receiver batteries take a few cycles before charging to their full capacity). I can say that this is one solid heli! Fortunately all I had to do was dig some parts out of the second kit that I bought for half price: $100! Do that with a 600N.

Can't wait to see this build progress and I might chime in with a few build tips.

[metalhead1986]

I had a Pantera I had to sell to raise funds for other things. I already want one back, so I am sure watching Bob's videos will fuel that fire.

There are definitely some unique features of this heli that I am sure not many people are aware of.

Hey Bob. Are you going to stuff a .90 in this one?

benwhite22 - you are right. NiMH batteries do need to be formed when they are new.

[adam crosby]

Finless is great because he builds all helis, not just the major players!

good man Bob

Adam

[OMFGitzDanny]

bob we need to see Ely Q vision 50 bulid videos.

[mapleleafs]

Originally Posted by OMFGitzDanny

bob we need to see Ely Q vision 50 bulid videos.

kit builds itself....lol goes together in one night!/

[JimLerch]

FYI, the pinion gear on the Pantera is not pressed into place, it is screwed in as normal. I too thought it was a press fit, and promptly destroyed my first clutch bell while removing the pinion with a hammer and a drift pin.. Imagine my surprise when I succeeded, then found the threads...

Here's a video I recorded on doing a gear ratio swap on my big block Pantera. (aka the bottle rocket chaser)

Upgrading the Pantera gear ratio (6 min 55 sec)

[Mercuriell]

Great little video Jim - love the WH&S message (safety goggles, yah-dah yah-dah, blah blah )

Not surprised the Rappie parts so similar - probably out of the same factory !

[Finless]

Thanks for the tip Jim!!! Looking at it it sure looks pressed in! Glad to know it is threaded though as that is better in my opinion... Thanks!

Bob

[Finless]

Two new videos posted. Frames part 1 and 2.

Bob

[madmick]

Way to go Bob,
not all of us can have the newest Heli out there. Nice to see some of the low end kit's that are available.