Lowered Mikado Head Setup

[Cat1]

Originally Posted by Jays200

I'd also be interested in the stock height head as I can continue to use the hardened mainshafts. I noticed you're using the non-hardened shafts with the c-clip. Is that because they're easier to machine?

Perhap Mikado couls make a scaled down Xxtreme head for my Logo 400.

We are using the new mikado hardened Main shafts and have to use carbide tooling and coolant to cut and redrill. The new hardened mains have grooves.

[Laurens]

I'll be following this thread for my 400. I'm not so sure about my 600SE though, since its a lot more critical.

Great initiative though!

[Cat1]

Sounds Good Laurens.... What are you concerned about on the "criticality" issue.... we are flying this setup on a 600se with no problems.... Part is stronger and tolerances are tighter than the stock unit.... part of this items development was to replace stock headblocks that were failing during hard 3D... (3 failures on the stock part..)

Hope to have some 400 blocks done soon...

[BennyTRD]

Originally Posted by Laurens

I'll be following this thread for my 400. I'm not so sure about my 600SE though, since its a lot more critical.

Great initiative though!

I'm far from being anything considered PRO, but I am good at mashing the sticks with poor collective management at times, even as far to strip maingears on my SE. But out of the 65 or so flights on this heli with this setup, there has been no issue with blade strikes at all. As long as your heli is mechanically sound (dampeners, etc), I can't see anyone have issue's unless your running your blades VERY loose, and loading up the head considerably.

[prototype3a]

The problem I found with lowered heads on the se was not with blade strikes in flight but during other situations. Mine had a very bad vibration that took a long time to track down. I had several near misses and one boom strike with the lowered head. It is also easy to have one with a harsh soft start if the collective isn't zero'd.

My only advice is that while it isn't guaranteed to strike on the 600se, it is much more likely to happen with a lowered head if something goes wrong.

[Tristin]

Sorry whong thread, see new thread started...

[Laurens]

Ok, so it seems to be good enough for normal use. But still on bad auto's I'm afraid it might cut off the boom.

About the 400 head, isn't it easier to use the stock shaft but use a big spacer under the maingear? I've been thinking about this, but I'm missing the kind of headblock you guys are making. Also, on the 400 the distance between the frame and head is a lot more for its height.

[Cat1]

Originally Posted by Laurens

About the 400 head, isn't it easier to use the stock shaft but use a big spacer under the maingear? I've been thinking about this, but I'm missing the kind of headblock you guys are making. Also, on the 400 the distance between the frame and head is a lot more for its height.

This is a good Idea Laurens... I think the shaft is 12mm shorter than stock but I traded my set up 400 away and will have to get the exact measurements... there is also a difference between the older 400 shafts and the SE shafts (i Think)... Didn't think the 400 units would be so popular but they seem to be the hot item so we will get the units in production :thumb up:

[Cat1]

There seems to be a demand for the stock height head block with a built in swash driver... got a prototype made up and just have to test fit it to a machine....

here are a couple pics.... the improvements over stock are the same as the lowered unit...
- 7075 alloy
- better block to yoke fit (a good yoke will have to be warmed slightly to fit)
- smaller spindle hole (9.6mm vs 10mm...doesn't sound like much but makes for a big cross section increase in the critical thin area.. this is where the stock units fail)
- integrated swash driver for simple set up.
- opposing clamp bolts for better balance
- better mainshaft fit.

If you are interested in units like this give Ben (BennyTRD) a pm... He is keeping track of the requests

Chris

[Bullfrog98]

Any idea about the price for the head that will fit the stock shaft?

[SUBA]

I am also interested in a stock height head block with a built in swash driver for my 600SE.

Time to pm i think

[Jays200]

Laurens,

Good idea with the spacer.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to what to use for a 12mm long spacer/bush with a 10mm hole and preferably made out of aluminium?

[BennyTRD]

Originally Posted by Bullfrog98

Any idea about the price for the head that will fit the stock shaft?

Going to figure this out tonight when we get together, Theres a little bit more alloy used for this setup, but the same basic prcoedure. I'll keep everyone posted.

Originally Posted by SUBA

I am also interested in a stock height head block with a built in swash driver for my 600SE.

Time to pm i think

PM replied.

Originally Posted by Jays200

Laurens,

Good idea with the spacer.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to what to use for a 12mm long spacer/bush with a 10mm hole and preferably made out of aluminium?

I'm sure if we had the exact dimensions for what you need, the spacer could be made up very easily. Could be included as part of the 400 setup.

[Bullfrog98]

Originally Posted by BennyTRD

I'm sure if we had the exact dimensions for what you need, the spacer could be made up very easily. Could be included as part of the 400 setup.

That sounds like a great idea

[Laurens]

I've been toying with the spacer that MA models use between the maingear and middle bearing block. I guesstimate that its about 10mm, maybe even 12mm high. Diameter is just like the Mikado heli's 10mm, so that should drop right in. I wish I had it here with me at this moment, but its at home and I can only measure that next friday.

Its made out of brass, but with those dimensions I think the weight difference will be minimal.

[BennyTRD]

Just a quick photo at the field today.

[Cat1]

Hello all...

Got the stock height unit mounted and fitted thanks to Ben... He was kind enough to being over a frame and a spare stock head set up... Transferred the new piece in and took care of one small fit issue and its ready for production....

This unit will be $70 plus shipping... I know it's a little pricy for $5 worth of alloy but there is a considerable amount of machining that goes into a piece such as this and I have to make the hours spent in front of the machines worth something as its time i am not spending playing with my "toys"

if you are interested please send Ben (bennyTRD) a message and we will get you in the lineup...

Thanks again for all the interest

Chris

[OICU812]

VERY nice, looks great!!!

[GimpyGolden]

I'm in for one.
PM sent Benny.

[Laurens]

Already sent a PM, lets see how much interest there will be.