Hi guys, I'm back again with another full build thread, this time for the beautiful Synergy N7, the latest of a very well engineered line up of Rc Helicopters from the Botos Design and Distribution Company.
A massive thanks go to Ade and Roger at Climb Out, the official Synergy importers for getting my kit to me the following day after they hit the UK. Typical though for me, the build was slow because of my work commitments etc, but its done, its fantastic, and it flys amazingly well.
Also a quick thanks to Bud at QuickUk for getting me my OS105 HZ-R and Harori pipe for the build.
Right, first up all the parts come in their own sub assembly bags in a big box, in with another box with the very well shaped and designed canopy. All the sub assemblys came pre built, that way Synergy can be sure that there is a very high liklyhood that all the nuts, bolts, washers etc are all in the kit, and in their correct places. However, you MUST take apart every part, as there is NO thread lock on any part of this kit. I like this idea very much, because firstly your not hunting through a bag of screws for the correct size, and also your not second guessing if enough thread lock has been added during factory assembly.
When I build any kit, I have a small pot of Isopropyl Alcohol, 'Blue roll' paper towels and some ear buds. Every single thread, wether it's a nut, bolt, grub screw, blind thread (eg feathering shaft threads) get degreased before I add thread lock and assemble.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/187_zps55d05eb2.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/187_zps55d05eb2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/186_zpsa2b075eb.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/186_zpsa2b075eb.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/184_zps4a03fe43.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/184_zps4a03fe43.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
The first job for me on any build I do, and infact the only part I dont like doing, is sanding every edge of every carbon part. For this I use a needle file, and sone 400 grit wet and dry paper. I do wear vinyl/latex gloves to do this, and try not to breath in the carbon dust, so a DIY dust mask is a good idea as well.
All the carbon parts were very well made, very few chips on the edges, unlike some other kits I have built in the last few years!!
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/188_zps91226d80.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/188_zps91226d80.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Ok, now the fun begins!! I did not build mine in the same order as in the very well presented assembly instructions, because I wanted to build the frame up first and see how it all looked. Re the assembly instructions, these are not provided with the kit, as is the way now with a few kits I have built. Instead, you can just down load the latest PDF assembly instructions from the Synergy web site, and build from your laptop or tablet device. The instructions are found here [URL]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12820571/N7_Manual_v1.0.pdf[/URL]
First up is the Gyro mount plate, Rear frame brace, and Radio plate assembly. This exposed the first issue I had with my kit (which is obviously a first batch kit) The Rear frame brace had not been countersunk for its fixing bolts. No biggie, I just used a countersink bit in a cordless drill, and used one of the M2.5 bolts as a depth guide. Matt Botos is aware of this happening with a hand full of the first batch kits, so I'm prity sure future kits will not have this issue.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/189_zps93dbf28e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/189_zps93dbf28e.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Next up is the Main Boom Clamp assembly. Beautifully machined alloy, using Aircraft grade alloy (used throught the whole Synergy range) with no flappy bits left on!! Every part has strength built in, but kept to a minimum weight.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/190_zpsd2e2dd8c.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/190_zpsd2e2dd8c.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Now I built up the Tail offset bell crank. Again, very light, but strong and well machined, and uses twin bearings. Blue thread lock was used on most of this build except for a few areas I will highlight.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/194_zps070474fc.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/194_zps070474fc.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Next we have the Main Shaft bearing blocks. The bearings come already pressed into the blocks, and are in very tight. For this reason, I did not press them out and refit with bearing lockers, as they are held inplace by design. Just keep an eye on the assembly instructions as to which way up they should be, so the bearings dont drop out!!
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/195_zps867b08d0.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/195_zps867b08d0.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Now the frames can start to be built up, starting with the RH frame sides. Just a quick note here, I NEVER use thread locker on any frame bolt untill I have the assembled frame jigged up, main shaft in and square on a sheet of plate glass.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/198_zpsb299a5cd.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/198_zpsb299a5cd.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
The front corners of the frame are paired up for strength. Also worth a note here, the main frame is made up in 4 pieces (and a pair of front doublers) which really helps bring down crash costs. Now instead of having to replace an entire frame side, you may only have to buy one of the 4 bits to repair the frame.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/199_zpsaeb3dc64.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/199_zpsaeb3dc64.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/200_zps32a511e5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/200_zps32a511e5.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Now the frame is starting to take shape...
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/201_zpsd61b3f44.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/201_zpsd61b3f44.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/202_zps2fd14329.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/202_zps2fd14329.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
On with the LH front side now, again all bolts degreased, and loosly snugged up to hold everything in place.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/203_zps042ccc1c.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/203_zps042ccc1c.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
A massive thanks go to Ade and Roger at Climb Out, the official Synergy importers for getting my kit to me the following day after they hit the UK. Typical though for me, the build was slow because of my work commitments etc, but its done, its fantastic, and it flys amazingly well.
Also a quick thanks to Bud at QuickUk for getting me my OS105 HZ-R and Harori pipe for the build.
Right, first up all the parts come in their own sub assembly bags in a big box, in with another box with the very well shaped and designed canopy. All the sub assemblys came pre built, that way Synergy can be sure that there is a very high liklyhood that all the nuts, bolts, washers etc are all in the kit, and in their correct places. However, you MUST take apart every part, as there is NO thread lock on any part of this kit. I like this idea very much, because firstly your not hunting through a bag of screws for the correct size, and also your not second guessing if enough thread lock has been added during factory assembly.
When I build any kit, I have a small pot of Isopropyl Alcohol, 'Blue roll' paper towels and some ear buds. Every single thread, wether it's a nut, bolt, grub screw, blind thread (eg feathering shaft threads) get degreased before I add thread lock and assemble.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/187_zps55d05eb2.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/187_zps55d05eb2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/186_zpsa2b075eb.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/186_zpsa2b075eb.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/184_zps4a03fe43.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/184_zps4a03fe43.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
The first job for me on any build I do, and infact the only part I dont like doing, is sanding every edge of every carbon part. For this I use a needle file, and sone 400 grit wet and dry paper. I do wear vinyl/latex gloves to do this, and try not to breath in the carbon dust, so a DIY dust mask is a good idea as well.
All the carbon parts were very well made, very few chips on the edges, unlike some other kits I have built in the last few years!!
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/188_zps91226d80.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/188_zps91226d80.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Ok, now the fun begins!! I did not build mine in the same order as in the very well presented assembly instructions, because I wanted to build the frame up first and see how it all looked. Re the assembly instructions, these are not provided with the kit, as is the way now with a few kits I have built. Instead, you can just down load the latest PDF assembly instructions from the Synergy web site, and build from your laptop or tablet device. The instructions are found here [URL]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12820571/N7_Manual_v1.0.pdf[/URL]
First up is the Gyro mount plate, Rear frame brace, and Radio plate assembly. This exposed the first issue I had with my kit (which is obviously a first batch kit) The Rear frame brace had not been countersunk for its fixing bolts. No biggie, I just used a countersink bit in a cordless drill, and used one of the M2.5 bolts as a depth guide. Matt Botos is aware of this happening with a hand full of the first batch kits, so I'm prity sure future kits will not have this issue.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/189_zps93dbf28e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/189_zps93dbf28e.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Next up is the Main Boom Clamp assembly. Beautifully machined alloy, using Aircraft grade alloy (used throught the whole Synergy range) with no flappy bits left on!! Every part has strength built in, but kept to a minimum weight.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/190_zpsd2e2dd8c.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/190_zpsd2e2dd8c.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Now I built up the Tail offset bell crank. Again, very light, but strong and well machined, and uses twin bearings. Blue thread lock was used on most of this build except for a few areas I will highlight.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/194_zps070474fc.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/194_zps070474fc.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Next we have the Main Shaft bearing blocks. The bearings come already pressed into the blocks, and are in very tight. For this reason, I did not press them out and refit with bearing lockers, as they are held inplace by design. Just keep an eye on the assembly instructions as to which way up they should be, so the bearings dont drop out!!
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/195_zps867b08d0.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/195_zps867b08d0.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Now the frames can start to be built up, starting with the RH frame sides. Just a quick note here, I NEVER use thread locker on any frame bolt untill I have the assembled frame jigged up, main shaft in and square on a sheet of plate glass.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/198_zpsb299a5cd.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/198_zpsb299a5cd.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
The front corners of the frame are paired up for strength. Also worth a note here, the main frame is made up in 4 pieces (and a pair of front doublers) which really helps bring down crash costs. Now instead of having to replace an entire frame side, you may only have to buy one of the 4 bits to repair the frame.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/199_zpsaeb3dc64.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/199_zpsaeb3dc64.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/200_zps32a511e5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/200_zps32a511e5.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Now the frame is starting to take shape...
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/201_zpsd61b3f44.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/201_zpsd61b3f44.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/202_zps2fd14329.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/202_zps2fd14329.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
On with the LH front side now, again all bolts degreased, and loosly snugged up to hold everything in place.
[URL=http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Rctintin/media/203_zps042ccc1c.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af210/Rctintin/203_zps042ccc1c.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

V-Bar x2

+ 7 x Eddies finest EGS's
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