New Align 700 FBL Head!!

[ChrisB]

I must admit I originally hated the Compass head but I have two of them now and they are really clever in design and so simple.

On the reliability front,I can't think of any reports documented of one failing so I would accept that the design is OK.

[Toolman]

So I have waffled on a lot but I guess all im trying to say is that everything is flexing anyway and the Compass system has been in the field long enough to be proven reliable and generally not suffer from fatigue failures.

I personally like the simplicity of the Compass direct link head, think it provides a really clean look and would be happy to run the system. The rigid system employed by Goblin and Align imo have yet to be proven

While I don't like the compass system, I haven't felt compelled to critisise it because it has a clear flexible section which allows for what ever flap & lead lag flexing occurs. As you say they are proven.
This new rigid style worries me, the only flex point on the Align system is the ball on the end!
Tim

[ChrisB]

Awesome new video of Kenny Ko flying it.

T-REX 700 New DFC Direct Flight Control Rotor Head on the Trex 700E V2 - Page 1 - RunRyder RC Helicopter

[Zeeflyboy]

While I don't like the compass system, I haven't felt compelled to critisise it because it has a clear flexible section which allows for what ever flap & lead lag flexing occurs. As you say they are proven.
This new rigid style worries me, the only flex point on the Align system is the ball on the end!
Tim

Maybe I'm being thick, but where is the flex in the current system using a seperate swash driver? Couple of videos of it now and it seems to fly perfectly well, so I don't get the skepticism?

[bolders]

Maybe I'm being thick, but where is the flex in the current system using a seperate swash driver? Couple of videos of it now and it seems to fly perfectly well, so I don't get the skepticism?

The ball joints connected to the grips allow free movement (as long as they are aligned with the teeter point of the feathering shaft) so they don't need flex.in the system.

There is no reason for these systems to not work in the short term. It is the longevity of.operation which is in question due to fatigue failure. Also the effect on the damping which may be less noticeable when running high head speeds.

[Grant_beltcp]

Basically if the feathering shaft was solid in the head block there wouldn't be any issues, but as the head has damper's in it allows the feathering shaft to tilt either way so that the angle on the grips is not always 90 degrees to the main shaft. That means that the solid links need to flex that same angle to work. Normal ball links twist at the balls so have no I'll effect.

[Zeeflyboy]

Ah I see what you are saying... Guess time will tell if it's an issue!

[ChrisB]

There is a thread on freak about a compass head where the top bolts have sheared off.

http://helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=365992

[Toolman]

The thing to remember is that the loading/flexing due to the flapping of the blades is per revolution.
IE if you are running 2000rpm headspead this is just perfect for fatigue failures!


And for what gain, all you gain is to remove the swash follower.

Ah I see what you are saying... Guess time will tell if it's an issue!

Sorry, why change to a design that leaves you thinking that.

Doesn't make sense to me, I'd rather fly not expecting control failure!

Tim.

[Zeeflyboy]

Never said I'd be the one trying it out - that's what the guinea pigs are for!

[ChrisB]

More info on the dfc head from Align rc and a lower headspeed video.Quoted from them" many more exciting things to come this year". Please don't my wallet cannot take it.

New Align Flybarless Head - Page 10 - HeliFreak

[coolice]

Hey All.

I've just seen Duncans 700E sporting this new head today and it does look very nice. Very, very low compared to the stock mainshaft and head assembly, also Align have kept the same spindle to blade grip spacing/distance and so the geometry isn't changed from the original 700E head which is good.

There was/is the same concerns over the rigid control arms and the small M3 cap head screw taking a lot of load and twisting loads if there is any damper deflection, also the closer proximity of blade to boom distance meaning a higher head speed might be advantageous to avoid book strikes. However flight performance was very good!!!
Model rolled axially and certainly didn't exhibit any bad behaviour, the 3G didn't seem to mind and was in total control of the model as Dunc gave it a good wringing out!
.

[stunks]

I have orderd mine's this morning hoping to get it this week or maybe next week early! cant wait to try it.

[PeteStewardson]

I have orderd mine's this morning hoping to get it this week or maybe next week early! cant wait to try it.

Where did you order from?

[stunks]

Where did you order from?

ALIGN 700DFC Main Rotor Head Upgrade Set H70089 NEW | eBay