Looking for advice on Agile 5.5

[treff]

Hi, I am looking for advice on the Agile 5.5 in particular setting of the mesh between the torque
tube drive and the bevel gear. I have tried meshing this tight, loose and everywhere in between
but after a few very light circuit flights the bevel gear disintegrates in a loud bang. I am now on my
fourth bevel gear. I have emailed KDS but no response. I just wondered if any other Agile 5.5 owners
out there are doing anything different to what I do in setting up their 5.5 helicopters. I would be
most grateful for any info or idea that you may have. Thanks
This is sort of a final plea.
ANYONE OUT THERE> I NEED HELP>SOMEONE MUST KNOW SOMETHING ANYONE< ANYONE AT ALL.

[treff]

Does no one know anything about the Agile 5.5. NOBODY?

[GIXERMAN]

http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/kds/11...-5-set-up.html or have a look threw kde agile section

[bigpops]

Mine's been okay so far (touch wood), but I totally get your point that a kit at this price point should not exhibit such problems.

I got mine at the beginning of June, but only have about 10 flights on it due to swash plate (spherical plain bearing) problems that grounded it for about a month, then me buying a 7HV off a guy that bought a 7.2 meaning I put all my attention into that.

Mine now makes a weird noise that is caused by the mesh between the crown gear (plastic) and spiral gear (metal). It didn't always make this noise. I know it's that because it makes the same noise with the whole tail boom removed. The first two flights it was supremely quiet, like a belt tailed heli, so I don't know. Maybe I changed the mesh, I can't quite remember.

I watched this video for setting the mesh between the two gears, but you've probably already seen it.

[treff]

Thanks both for the replies. Yes I have watched the video. I think I brought a duff one. I have been in touch with KDS in the states
and sent then some pics but I am bitterly disappointed. I won't sell because it will just be passing on the problem to some other poor
bugger and I wouldn't do that. Stick it in the loft I suppose. I believe there is a design flaw in this model. Thanks again.

[tomatwalden]

Could the problem be with the metal TT gear that the plastic bevel gear meshes on to? Have you tried changing it in case it hasn't been made correctly? Perhaps why successive plastic bevel gears have failed?

[treff]

Thanks tomatwalden, yes that was my next thought. I have changed everything else. Might be a long shot but I will order one. One thing about
this helicopter it is very easy to work on. Thanks again.

[panosg]

Get in touch with the guys in Weston and they should be able to help you out.
Welcome to Agile Heli! - Agile Heli
I had lot's problems with mine with the beavel gear been bent, but that was with the first batch.
All sorted now. Worth trying to sort the problem out as they are awesome helis to fly.

Good luck mate.

[treff]

Just an update I am still awaiting replies from the designer of this helicopter Roberto and also from KDS in the states. I will keep you posted in due course.

[treff]

Last update on the Agile 5.5. I have been in touch with the designer of this helicopter and to be honest I am none the wiser.
He suggested putting a paper washer under the oneway bearing box. KDS, not a word really, very, very disappointing considering
the cost of this kit. I might just as well brought something from Hobby King. I am angry this was my first delve into what was supposed to
be top of the range RC helicopters and in my opinion after be an engineering photographer in the past this is junk dressed up in a pretty box.
I think the Agile advertising tosh says "do it differently" what they mean throw your money away in a different way. This will be my last word
I will move on in the knowledge that I will never spent my money on a KDS product again. Cheers

[GIXERMAN]

seems to be a lot of talk of problems with these helis won't be on my shopping list. hope you get it sorted.

[tomatwalden]

Sorry to hear that. As Gixerman says, hope you get it sorted.

[matt27]

Real shame as some people adore these machines and others have really fallen out with them. Hope you do get it sorry soon though bud

[bigpops]

seems to be a lot of talk of problems with these helis won't be on my shopping list. hope you get it sorted.

As I mentioned to treff in a PM, you never used to read of any problems until the middle of this year. By which time the 7.2 had been out about a year, and the 5.5 a little bit less. Something must have changed in the manufacturing or quality control process.

Funnily enough, that's about the time I bought mine. I always do a lot of reading about anything I'm planning to buy and if I'd seen anything, I would have spent my money on a Gaui X5 instead.

[scallybert]

Compare that torque tube to mainshaft bevel gear arrangement with an Align.

On an Align, the bevel gears are inside a casing, and the drive to mainshaft is via a straight-cut pinion. If that casing is slightly misaligned, etc, the straight-cut pinions can accommodate it. It has no effect on the bevel gears.

On the Agile, one bevel gear is mounted on the tail boom assembly, and the other is on the mainshaft. Any misalignment, etc of the tail boom assembly wrt the frame, and your bevel gears work wrong.

So, KDS 'saved' an idler, but introduced a terrible design flaw. [From what I've seen from a very quick look]. I think KDS should have hired an engineer...