The Reno Continues!

Got a bit more done this week while waiting for the custom throttle levers.

Gotcha. This will become something very funky!

Client requested the same spacing as the Ace transmitter.

Oh no! Mr. Bill!!! LCD goes here.

Stick in original condition.

Return of the Nibbler.

Trim this!

X-Files.

X-Files. Wait a minute...that's deja vu!

Commencement of Cool Client's Nifty Kraft Single Stick MS2K Conversion Project

Last week was a very exciting time at Andy's Rec Room and I promise a full disclosure at the appropriate point in time unless Wiki-leaks gets hold of the info first. This week the new design is still under way and I have commenced this conversion of a 1977 Kraft single stick transmitter to a MS2K. A very cool feature will be the client requested dual throttle/collective levers on both sides of the transmitter. This will allow left or right handed use of the radio via a switch. A very cool request that will be a challenge but tons of fun. Here are the first day snaps.

Stay cool fellow RC cats,
Andy

Greetings Mr. Kraft!

Backside upon arrival.

Original inside parts.

OK you dirty rat, spill your guts!

Oh dear, so many parts. Spock where do they go?!!!

The keepers.

Unleash the "Nibbler"!

Module in case.

Spektrum DM9 module all fitted.

Woody the Mule!

Here are some snaps of the new design prototype's progress. It is in it's first, ultra rough incarnation and a hint of crazy possibilities are here too! The shots do not have the collar installed in the top hole yet. There will be "wings" on the side of the open "cap", for lack of a better description.

The other cap design will be kept as well but this concept would deliver a much lighter rudder assembly and space for buttons or other stuff.

Cheers,

Andy

Back

Front

Throttle mock-up

Throttle mock-up

Top 1

Top 2

Wood was chosen to get going

First Rough Drawing ot the New Rudder Block

This is a very rough concept of the aluminum bearing block that will house 2 sealed bearings and the Bourns 1 million rotation conductive plastic pot. Much work ahead!

Stop The Presses!

I will be halting production of the current stick because I have completed a new design for the rudder assembly and need the time to finish designing and prototyping the unit.

This new design will have the shaft completely isolated from the pot, run on 2 ball bearings and be lighter and simpler. It is the difference between continuing the project and stopping as the current design is simply too time intensive. I will continue special orders if someone absolutley wants the original over the new design but in very limited numbers.

I am extremely excited about this first stage of the design and will have images soon. The two axis lower assembly will be redesigned as well in a similar manner with full BB support.

Please stay tuned,
Andy

Revival of a Classic American Beauty

The Micropro 8000 is possibly the last of a truly majestic breed. This striking example has been restored with Gordon Anderson's MS2K encoder and a full metal gimbal and rudder assembly. I enjoy the purpose built design that was punched up by some of the best graphic design of the 1980s. It will serve duty as a 3D single stick. Great work!

Reporting for duty!

A Beautiful Retrofit Project

Here is a snap of a super clean installation of the precision metal rudder assembly in a Multiplex Evo 12. Great work! Hmmm...might have to try fitting one in a DX7.

Cheers,
Andy

Some great work done here!

Project L-Stick

In case anyone is looking for an über-cheap way to get into Single Stick flying and has basic metal working ability, I present the L-Stick. I will not be selling this or making accurate drawings as it is intended as a fun DIY, use at your own risk project. Yes, improper use can result in waking up in Vegas with a very strange bed partner, driving a DeLorean, visiting Mr. Trump's hair stylist or a sudden, uncontrollable urge to use mouthwash!!! For details, please check out the user group. If you use the correct, high tech cap, it evens has instructions on how to use the stick (last photo) ;-)

Cheers,
Andy

 

First Ocean Crossing Beastie!

Here are some snaps of 3/16" aluminum shaft rudder assembly. This will be a retrofit for a Multiplex Evo 12 and I am very stoked to see the results when completed! It is also the first one to leave the continent.

Cheers,
Andy

School

Here is a snap of where inspiration is drawn from. I tried to get a good cross section of classic American and even a couple Canadian radios too see production techniques, variations in products and really get the vibe of these gems.

The Spektrum DX7 is a great workhorse and shall be part of the stable once all the design work is done. The herd will be culled at some point but there a few guys, like the S&O and Proline SS, that are going nowhere.

The strange one in in the middle is no classic just an homage to the greats and something that I like to fly :-)

Have a great one,
Andy

Friday Update

Had a great meeting with the local cnc shop owner. The next small run will be as was but the the future possibilities look very promising. Saw some of his sample work and it was stellar.

Have a great one,
Andy

Friday Update

I will be meeting with a local CNC shop owner today and hopefully have good news regarding the cage and bezel production. The waterjet cutting has been very successful for the cap and cup parts as well as the scissors.

Weekend Edition

Here is number 5 about to head out tomorrow. I also added a few shots of the bezel prep. The shape is water jet cut but the angle has to be hand cut.

Cheers & Happy Weekend,
Andy

The Kit

Finished Bezel

Fine Finishing File

Visible Shaping

Coarse File Work

Friday's Child

Got another one going to a good home!

I just wanna fly!

Another One Is Born!

Here is another gimbal about to leave the nest.

Gimbal with optional bezel.

Assembly Time!

Here are the bits for this week's final assembly. All cut, drilled, tapped sanded and polished.

Parts ready for assembly.

Hole-E Caps 'n' Cups

Well, here are the drilled caps and cups. You can also see the pins in the cup. They go through the press fit, bonded, assembly right through the shaft.

Next step soldering, assembly and finishing. We're getting close!

Cheers,
Andy

Caps 'n' Cups.

Phew, one of the hard jobs done.

Since I am still hemming and hawing over which mill to get, for now, the parts still have to be hand cut. Here are some some snaps of the finished brushed frames and a shot of the high tech prosess used to make them.

Cheers,
Andy

The frames ready for a tasty stuffing of yokes, bails & springs.

Yep..that's a jeweler's saw in action!

Ramping back up.

Got some bits prepped and the next 5 units are under way.

Top Cap Ver 3.0

And with the waterjet cut plate here is the latest top cap design.

Cheers,
Andy

Top Cap Ver. 3.0

New Batch of parts.

Here are the parts I had waterjet cut. The bit on the right is the new top cap design.

Cheers,
Andy

Boss, boss zee parts!

Post Your Beauties!

Got a user group set up. Everyone is welcome so long as they have a sense of humour :-)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/andysrecroomrc/

Cheers,
Andy

First Flight of the MS2K SS!

Got out this evening and my friends Yanni & Natasha were my patient audience as we waited for a lull in the wind. Natasha kindly offered to be my camera person and captured the footage. Great work on a $67 Kodak digital camera! I have not flown outdoors in 20 years so a foamy in the wind to fly with was a real hoot! Man things have changed from balsa, balsa & more balsa! The single stick is very natural and comfy and reduces any panic reflex that one might get flying a short sticked duallie.  Will definitely take it out again on a calm day give it a real workout.

Cheers,
Andy

 

You Tube link here for better quality

Some snaps of the my first MS2K