What an awesome helicopter this machine is. Some people don't
like the paint job, but considering how well it was done, I think I can
stand it for a while. |
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One look at this rotor head and you know it means business. My
xcell is equipped with the metal head block, which is both clamped and
pinned to the mainshaft. It is not quite an SE because the mixing
arms and blade grips are still plastic. However, there is virtually
no slop anywhere, and the swashplate makes the raptor's look like childs
play. |
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Here you can see one of the head modifications I made. The flybar
control arms are usually level, but if you angle them like in this pic
you can get a bit more cyclic throw as seen in the next picture. |
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Yep! That should be plenty of throw to liven things up a bit.... |
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These are the SAB 3D 680's. This pair is one of the lightest
60 size blades on the market at 170grams each. To keep the finish
looking nice a little auto wax was applied before seeing any glow fuel.
You can also see the white plastic 3D paddles by Minair. |
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I am using the stock wire antenna for now on my PCM receiver (mandatory
with a metal and carbon heli).
Rubber bands are still one of the best ways to secure
electronics since they get a good grip on the tray.
Notice how well padded the rx and battery are. |
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Another look at the fiberglass canopy. The front intake Hatori
muffler means no canopy trimming, and a KSJ muffler clamp keeps everything
secure. |
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The plastic radio tray houses the collective and aileron servos.
Both the push-pull collective and aileron arm are worthwhile upgrades.
Since the rudder servo is mounted out back, the gv1 amp can be mounted
in its place. |
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Look closely and see the CNC bearing equipped aileron rocker.
This is one of the best upgrades to get since the stock plastic arms bend
out and risk popping out in flight. Also see how the gv-1 is mounted
on 2 layers of double stick tape to reduce vibration. |
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The drivetrain is well laid out, and uses the new style clutch bearing
block. You can also see the slipper clutch and CNC elevator swingarm.
That is a 6mm hex adapter on the start shaft so the same wand can be used
on both the raptor and the xcell. |
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