700 Stripped gear with CNC Bearing block

[kamikaze]

It would be interesting to see how many of the failures are on helis running 8volt and 6volt. There is obviously a problem if it's such a regular failing but is it possible that through either super fast servos or collective abuse or both that it's working beyond it's design capabilities. I would have thought that the test pilots would have found this problem fairly quickly and it seems that some helis suffer and others don't. I am not defending Align but they obviously get top marks for product promotion and I doubt they would risk a loss of market share if they thought it was a defect. Surely they would have redesigned it themselves.

[t-rex pedro]

It would be interesting to see how many of the failures are on helis running 8volt and 6volt. There is obviously a problem if it's such a regular failing but is it possible that through either super fast servos or collective abuse or both that it's working beyond it's design capabilities.

I think its nothing to do with servo voltage. I personally feel the YS and new OS engines pump out much more power than the old OS/Align 91 which this heli was probably developed using. The torque combined with a poor design is the problem IMO. I'm no expert and have a lot to learn but I do like to try to give it full banana (ChrisB -haha!) and I just feel any wear on the gear will result in it stripping when its smashed around the sky. Trouble is its just too tempting to give the thing full welly!

I do agree though, I'd rather spend £10 on a couple of main gears than something else letting go.

In summary, the CNC block is a waste of time.

[Tim Procter]

In summary, the CNC block is a waste of time.

And a total arse to fit so mine will be staying in.

[t-rex pedro]

And a total arse to fit so mine will be staying in.

Yeah, totally agree Tim. Now its in it cant be any worse than having the plastic block in there and I certainly wont be taking it out!!!! I guess it will add rigidity but still doesnt fix the gear issue (which was its intended design)!!!!

[kamikaze]

I don't think that the new delrin gear is the best solution either since someone has managed to strip one in no time and no, it wasn't me. As far as cnc bearing blocks go I agree with Busterboy,extra cost, zero benefit. Good or bad the align part has been designed to give the correct mesh. If you fit an aftermarket block you've no accurate way of setting the perfect gear PCD's. I aso think that part of the problem is the fact that the gears are moulded and therefore not perfectly circular,so if you add parts like the 3rd bearing block you could end up with tight mesh/slack mesh/tight mesh problems.

[raptorheli2]

if you add parts like the 3rd bearing block you could end up with tight mesh/slack mesh/tight mesh problems.

there is no way you will end up with a tight or slack mesh unless you make it that way. i wouldn't even attempt to fly my own 700's without me meshing it. if your not capable of meshing gears correctly then you shouldn't be flying 90's.

i'm 100% fitting the 3rd blocks as i have them sitting here and i'll 110% not have any mesh problems as the 3rd block has ZERO effect on the mesh.

cheers

[barney]

if you add parts like the 3rd bearing block

Ah, dont confuse the Clutch block with the 3rd mainshaft bearing mod though.

As a matter of interest hows electricscuedo getting on with that? Last time I heard he was at 2 gallons a couple weeks back.

I think it was raptorheli2 mentioned there is also a mod 1 pinion and gear in development. (Not Align)

Strangely I myself have still to strip one.. I regularly do a high speed pass with a 1/2roll to inverted and a big dab of forward cyclic to stop the 700 dead in its tracks..and boy does it kill the headspeed. So its not for the want of trying.

[kamikaze]

Don't blow a gasket,I I said you could, not would, I have no doubt your the best gear mesher in the UK but not everyone else is! My point was that a moulded gear will never,ever,ever,ever be as truly circular as a machine cut one. Therefore it IS possible for a lesser mortal to set the mesh at one point and it be slightly out somewhere else.

[kamikaze]

I see your point Barney but I was trying to make a point about gear mesh I wasn't saying the 3rd block doesn't work.

[barney]

The gear is pretty light weight built and can easily be flexed TBH.

This alone would allow it to flex in turn should there be any misalignment from frame flex. The problem is finding where the movement is coming from.

I've always reckoned the design's lacked a 3rd main shaft bearing especially as the main gear is below both bearings. This means any side flex in the frame is amplified at the maingear.

[kamikaze]

Like I said I do agree with all the above and I do know the difference between 3rd bearing blocks and cnc clutch bearing housings but the point I was and am still trying to make is that most of these mods can, "in the wrong hands",do as much harm as good. Also until a 1 module gear set is available gears will and are still stripping despite having every add on money can buy. It was not my intention to upset anyone but to ask whether all these aftermarket goodies are worth it as nothing seems to be sorting the original problem, just making it more costly and complex.

[ChrisB]

I agree,nothing seems to be curing the problem for the people who get it,maybe some kits offer better mesh than others.

All i do know is its typical Align,head in the sand let the customers fashion a way of fixing the models that of course have nothing wrong with them Sorry we are too busy rushing the 450 V3 out,no time to bother sorting the 700 after all they are still selling so who gives a toss.

[Made2Fade]

guys i seem to have up and down play in the main gear... is any one else getting it?

Cheers
Lee

[Stuart]

I agree that some mods can prove more harm that good. if not done correctly. Though I think with over 6000 index's with googles search engine referring to stripped 700 main gears now some duplicates will be in it, but its a key phrase that google knows so they are actively indexing sites that refer to this. If it was a one off then most would live with it but to have gear after gear being stripped its not good and it would appear that Align HQ are not interested in resolving it. Rather they seem to let all the buyers find there own mods and fixes to overcome it.

I have to say I have an NSP, but I've never replaced so many bearings or links in a heli's that's only about 8mths old.

Its the poor attention to quality into the build materials or in the 700 more likely the lack of the third bearing block that will give the competition that ability to get back some market share.

[ChrisB]

I agree,there is an Align Uk representative that frequents these forums and i cant ever recall an input on any of the problem posts.

When you see how well some of the other manufacturers and importers openly support their products etc on here,Maxpoly and Rob Blake to name but two i can forsee Align getting too complacent for their own good and wouldnt be at all surprised if they lose loyal customers to other brands,customers that will probably never return again.

Its quite simple,people are not making these problems up,the gears are failing in flight for no obvious reason,why for once cant Align come out and answer some of the peoples questions?.Although mine hasnt failed as of yet how do i know that it wont happen at any minute when i next fly it?,some reassurance or product support would be nice,i know its not the most expensive 90 but £400 odd quid is still a lot of money to fork out.