Raptor E720 Build Thread

[Surinder Singh]

I picked up my Raptor E720 from Midlands Helicopters on the 3rd January. Today I started the build.


Please see my previous post:


http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/main-d...heli-crew.html


Not sure about all the electronics just yet but I am definitely using a HC-3SX for the FBL system as pictured.


I thought I'd start by posting the box and contents.


All the part are very nicely packed and presented and the quality of the machined parts looks ace.


Stay tuned


Surinder.


p1.jpgp2.jpgp3.jpg

[enterpryse]

Re: Raptor E720 Build Thread

Jeeze Surinder you'd normally have something in the air and flipping it by now - get a grip and get it built man.....

Stuart

[Surinder Singh]

Okay so far the manual is not great, but I should be able to get by.

I was looking in Bag B for the thrust bearings. I couldn't find them. I then realised at all the bearings are already pre-installled in the grips

Also noticed a nice adjustment for the swash should any play develop. Anyone know if I should take the adjustment bolt out and re threadlock it?
I'm not sure if I'd be able to get the adjustment right if I remove it. the swash bearing are super smooth and really nicely adjusted. I feel like I should leave it as is ?


Surinder.

[sunny_manku1985]

Speak to rob turnbull, he has just finished building his I am sure he'll help you out if you get stuck :-)

[JoeBailey]

Raptor E720 Build Thread

I removed mine and locked it.

It's not in very tight when you take it out

[Surinder Singh]

Jeeze Surinder you'd normally have something in the air and flipping it by now - get a grip and get it built man.....

Stuart

Lol Stu,

I'm on it, doing a few hours a day after work.

Should have the airframe done in a few days, so far its going together well.

[Surinder Singh]

Thank you Joe,

I will remove and locktite it. How did you get the correct tension on it what should I aim for to get the tension correct ?

I removed mine and locked it.

It's not in very tight when you take it out

[Surinder Singh]

Got most of the head and swash together. I had to use the .5mm shims to get the right smoothness in the blade grips two thinner ones where also included.

Also attached a pic of the swash adjustment. I've never had one of these on a swash before. I've previously only build Align heli's

[JoeBailey]

Raptor E720 Build Thread

Thank you Joe,

I will remove and locktite it. How did you get the correct tension on it what should I aim for to get the tension correct ?

I just refitted till it felt the same as before.

[Stuart]

As Joe says you don't need to over tighten it....

I did a review on the G4 which is obviously much the same as the E720...its a doddle to build less parts than most heli's to be honest and built like a beast.

Thunder Tiger Raptor G4 Flybarless | RCHA Reviews

[Surinder Singh]

Thank you Stuart, I read your review a while back. It was a very interesting read.

What are your thoughts about the G4 now that you've had it for a while?

[Stuart]

Put it this way I won't be selling them in a hurry. I've not had in my a heli that flew like the G4 or E720 for a while infact the last was the Synergy N9 ironically I had three of those.

The difference between the G4 and E720 is purely a power and weight issue. My 105 G4 is 1kg lighter dry weight than the E720 once fuelled is roughly the same and when flying its only the 'Snap' as I call it that differs in flight initially I'm going to tone down the E720 as its too much pitch and get the governor sorted.

I still much prefer flying the Nitro for its power delivery is more natural in my book and obviously it out flys the E720 on air time. However there is a video of an E720 doing 10 min flight in the US and not slow stuff either so he's obviously flying on duracell.

Only thing I'm looking forward too is some decent after market canopies - the only upgrade in my book you'll need is to look at the washouts and a boom mounted tail servo. The std one if you snap the tail off will have you using a dremel to get the wire out.

Its got some great presence in the air and is sweet to fly and built to take it and last if bumped. I've put mine in 3 times two of which I snapped the boom and its cost me less than £150 exc blades each time. The last one I didn't even bother changing the mast and feather.

I have to say if it wasn't for the reliability of the TT and the fact its like putting on a pair of gloves and so predictable - my flying last year just wouldn't have progressed as much as it did in the 12mths from Jan last year to now. Those I fly with will vouch for this....

[Surinder Singh]

Thank you for your feedback Stuart.

I just had another read through of your review and build. It makes far more sense now that I have the parts in front of me and I'm doing the actual build.

I'll be using your review as a guide, seems to be clearer than trying to follow the manual. The close up pictures you've done will be very very helpful too.

I agree with you on the parts count. It's much lower than I expected.


Surinder.

[Surinder Singh]

The head went together perfectly.

The 15mm hardened hollow main shaft looks very strong and all the movement is very smooth with no play whatsoever.


p6.jpg

[Planehazza]

If I was in the market for a 90 nitro I reckon it would very likely be this. Shame I don't need one lol