Hellenicopter: 2015

Agusta-Bell 206B RC Helicopter in Scale 1:5.7 of the Greek Army Aviation

Introduction

I have started this blog as an english-text alternative to a thread that I have opened in modelclub.gr (modelclub forum in greek) regarding my project to build an RC scale model of an Agusta-Bell 206B Jet Ranger II of the Hellenic Army (see unofficial site).

Now a few words about the project itself. The model is based on the fuselage provided by Vario (model 1004) in scale 1:5.7. There are very little differences between a Jet Ranger III (model kit) and an Agusta-Bell AB-206B Jet Ranger II that I needed for the project, so I decided to get the kit from Vario. The kit has been bought from one of the best specialists and professionals in the field, Mr Thomas Baumann who has helped me with making my choice of the model and its accessories (Helikopter Baumann). Thanks Thomas! I would also like to thank the team of eflight for their professional support not only for this construction but for all my RC models and accessories. In addition, I would like to thank the team from Innoflyer and especially Mr. Christophe Raible for the help with the lighting system and for letting me test a new CPL model before its official launch. I would like to add here the biwix.com RC helicopter store and Johnny Trolliet at my hometown Renens for his exceptional service, availability and prices!

The particularity of this project is that the mechanism that I fit in the fuselage is not the one from Vario but a modified Align T-Rex 700E (Align RC Helicopters). I will give here details on the way that this is done with diagrams, photos, tips and tricks. This will cover the first part. The flight tests of the modified T-REX 700E have been conducted at the RC model field in Dizy, Switzerland that belongs to the Dizy RC Modelling Group (GAM Dizy). Big THANKS to all the members of the Club for the great friendliness since the first day I started there and for their help with advice and tips!

The second part will be dedicated to the scale model itself. Some photos of the Greek AB-206B can be found on the internet but they do not cover all the details. More photos of the aircraft with the Greek colors may be requested in the forum of modelclub.gr where I have gotten most of them thanks to the team spirit and great friendliness of the members (THANKS^1000 dsamba!!!). In order to complete the photographic part of the project I managed to get my own photos of a Jet Ranger III. This has been made possible thanks to the courtesy of the people from Heli-Lausanne (Heli-Lausanne) who have immediately accepted my request to get there and take as many photos as I needed. A big THANKS to them too!!!

At the last phase of construction, I have got invaluable help for the dimensions of the AB-206B landing gear from Iraklis Karailidis. Many-many thanks to you Iraklis!

So after this short introduction I will start publishing the steps I have already taken and will take during this quite challenging project (at least for me, it is my first scale RC helicopter).

I hope that you will find this blog helpful if you have a similar (or the same) project as mine and you will enjoy it as much as I do!

Welcome!
Hellenicopter

30/07/2015

Quick release system for my customized mUVe 3D printer

OK, since I have been building a lot of parts for my heli using the customized mUVe3D DLP printer it deserves some time spent to show you a new idea I have for a quick release system of the building plate.

I have taken apart a Hama photo tripod "Traveller Duo 170" in order to use its head for the quick release system. After making some changes to the head (replacing the tightening screws/levers by short screws) and attaching it to the horizontal bar of the mUVe3D z-axis the system is ready to be tested. In fact, it is very useful to have full control of the tilt and swivel angles of the plate using the tripod head in order to fine tune the position of the plate.

Below you can find some photos. Once I test the system to build some parts I will post more photos.

Cheers,

Hellenicopter

26/05/2015

JLog 2.6 with Castle Creations Phoenix Edge HV 120

14/05/2015

Changing an EC3/EC5 plug without destroying it

For some reason you may need to remove an EC3 or EC5 plug from your battery or your ESC and in general once the bush or the socket is clipped in it is difficult to get it off without ruining the plastic around or cutting the wire shorter.

I have found a relatively easy way to do that without destroying the plastic plug. Here's how:

Let's say you want to remove this wrongly installed plug from your Li-Po pack.

ATTENTION! REMOVE AND RE-INSTALL ONLY ONE CONNECTOR AT A TIME TO AVOID A POTENTIAL SHORT CIRCUIT!

Step 1: Use the corresponding connector (male/female) as an extension that will help to push out the socket.

Step 2: Use a powerful soldering iron (100W in my case) to heat the extension socket until you can feel the heat around the plastic plug and the battery cable.

Step 3: Use a small vice (a Proxxon MS 4 here) to push the extension against the plastic and unclip the socket out of it.

Step 4: Pull the extension off the connector and separate them from the plastic plug.

Step 5: Do the same for the other connector and finally assemble them in the new plug. In my case I had to unsolder the male connector and replace it with a female one before re-installing it in the new plastic housing.

As you can see the blue plastic plug is almost intact after the operation and can be reused.

More to come on the Jet Ranger itself during the coming weekend.

Cheers,

Hellenicopter

08/05/2015

First fit of scratch-made parts (with and without 3D printing)

The project has accelarated the pace in the last weeks and hopefully it will be ready for June. Rivets waiting for their turn as well as other parts. To be updated soon. Some photos below show a temporary fit of parts. The black-colored parts are 3D-printed parts using a FunToDo Industrial Blend resin. The red cable-cutter is made with a MakerJuice SubG+ resin. Other parts are either made of plastic, polyester resin or of composite material (carbon-fiber, tail cover of the tail hub). More coming soon.

Cheers,
Hellenicopter