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My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:18 am
by Hallmark
Hello Folks,

Well today my FPV Raptor arrived from China. I ordered it on the 18th and it's here on the 26th (would have been sooner save for the public holiday for our great ANZAC soldiers), so I give the supplier 10/10 for processing, packing and sending. I'd also grade them a 10 for communication as they would answer questions and email enquiries about other parts within hours! Great work FPVflying.com

I also want to comment that it arrived having missed training day with the Chinese soccer team! The box was in great condition and the contents were in perfect shape. :)

I'm going to post a YouTube video of the package and its contents as well as produce a step-by-step pictorial how to assemble the FPV Raptor as it does not come with even the most basic of instructions :shock:

So this new thread is to show how anyone with some basic knowledge can move from the wonderful world of AXN into FPV with the assistance of a few mates, a mentor named Bruce and the desire to have fun at all costs!!!

More to come in the next hours...

Re: My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:46 am
by Hallmark
Here's an update: HobbyKing have 94 Fatshark Dominator goggle sets in stock right now, so if you want these great units ORDER NOW!!!

I've had mine on backorder for a while now and I am eagerly awaiting their despatch - I paid for a courier so hoping mid next week will be time to funk up and complete my Geek look :lol:

Re: My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 11:39 am
by cynr100
At least a pic of the plane mate or the box it came in :P , don't leave us hanging like Bruce does :D

Re: My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 12:26 pm
by Hallmark
Here are early stage pictures...

I had to reverse the propeller shaft as this is a heli motor, but it wasn't too hard once I got some help :lol:

The ESC and batteries are Dualsky and I like these as I see heaps of models running the same stuff and they just go on and on.

I have replaced the control horns with Du-Bro as the stock one were crap. I have an issue with the elevator push rod as there is a huge angular travel from the fuse to the horn, so I might have to move the horn, will post pics tomorrow and see wht you all think.

I will get into a detailed description of what I want to put where (there is so much space in and on this bad boy) tomorrow too, so please be patient with me. :?


Raptor Frame.jpg
Here is the frame laid out
Raptor Frame.jpg (101.92 KiB) Viewed 21809 times


Wing.jpg
A Wing with reinforcements
Wing.jpg (58.77 KiB) Viewed 21809 times


ESC, Motor, Battery and Rx set up.JPG
ESC, Motor and bits
ESC, Motor, Battery and Rx set up.JPG (149.14 KiB) Viewed 21809 times

Re: My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 12:38 pm
by Hallmark
Here's some more photos...

This is the camera/Tx platform with the prop adapter on it, but it has so much room to play and put bits where needed. Also underneath the hub to the left there's an area for the RTH system to be placed and remain flat.

Camera Platform001.jpg
Camera Platform001.jpg (92.91 KiB) Viewed 21809 times

Re: My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 1:09 pm
by Hallmark
And yet more...

Re: My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 1:31 pm
by Hallmark
As you can see the elevator control rod has a huge angle of travel so what to do? Should I move the control horn or cut away the PVC to give the rod more room to make the turn???

You will notice a spinner comes with this kit, but I am not going to use it because it is too close to the tower and I see no point having a spinner on a pusher... :P

Re: My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 9:08 pm
by quarry44
congrats on the new toy,hm.If it were me ,I'd replace the clevis with a Du-Bro ball joint connector.This would make the angle irrelevant.You could also put a kink in the pushrod near the clevis,but then you would still get a bit of angular movement,which might cause the clevis to pop open .This would not be good. :o

Re: My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:27 pm
by cynr100
Hope you have negotiated a hangar arrangement with SWMBO.

Way to go HM :mrgreen:

Re: My FPV experience is about to begin (Build Thread)

PostPosted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 3:26 am
by Hallmark
I am hoping my backpack arrives this week so I can set up for an FPV flight next weekend. I will probably go to NZ later in the year and see if Bruce will let me have a fly with them, that would make my year for sure! :D

I will sort some more pictures in the next hour or two, I had to relocate the ESC and will share some ideas too...

SWMBO is at work and the 2m wing assembly is currently living on the back of my leather couch so rules are: it's in my room I am allowed to have it (as long as it gathers no dust lol)