I’m replacing the stock brushed spindle with a brushless spindle. The issue is that the new spindle is larger.

Printed a new set of mounts in Proto-Pasta CF PLA with 75% infill. They’re extremely stiff and should do the job very well. If you’ve got a Zen Toolworks machine and want the STL files, send me a PM. The new mounts are for a 55mm spindle.

The LCD I'm using is slightly larger than the old 16X2. This isn't an issue as the "Tracker III" sticker/screen blocked off a bit of the opening. A piece of .030 polycarbonate and about a minute on the laser and we're good to go.

I've decided to use this as my UHF setup. Grabbed an EzUHF module from RMRC and used the laser cutter to make a hole in the poor thing. I've been learning the laser the last few days, and this is my first cut on anything that's not scrap wood. It's very clean with the module installed. Tolerances are just about where they need to be, and the module sits square with some adjustment (although, slightly to the right). It's purposely placed a little high to allow for a slight bit more clearance for the main board and wiring. I'm still planning it all out, but I figured a little extra room would be welcome. I've tacked it in with a slight bit of RTV, but the tabs hold well. More for peace of mind than anything. Notice the small dots in the top right from where I was aligning the laser... managed to peck through the tape I was using as a reference. Luckily they're covered by the module. For a first cut on the laser I'm pretty happy, and look forward to improving my techniques.

I'll be using an ATMEGA2560 with OpenTX for the radio. I'm also going to install the small Spektrum RF board and switch between them, so I can use the 2.4 antenna I've already installed. The ATMEGA board should be here in a few days, and from there we should be able to move pretty quickly.

Spent today working on another prosthetic for http://enablingthefuture.org/. It's a really great program that helps out kids that need prosthetic hands. It's especially rough on parents with children that need these medical devices as children grow out of them extremely quickly. Instead of paying thousands of dollars every few years, Enabling the Future helps them get the devices they need for free. Granted, they're just 3D printed, but they look awesome and work well.

I still need to pick up more padding and velcro to finish the straps as well as some more fishing wire to complete the fingers and allow them to close. Been using plastidip on the finger tips to provide a little extra grip too. If you'd like to print one, check out their site and download the files!

**neons** hooked me up with a Tracker III radio and two Seeker II receivers for free. The transmitter has an issue where the output is fine until roughly the last 1/4 of the stick in which it kicks back to center. It's showing this on both gimbals and all four channels, so the first step is to pop it open and measure the outputs of the gimbals to verify if they're the root of this problem. Seeing as all four channels are showing this behavior, odds are it's not the gimbals themselves, but I've seen weirder things happen. Below is a video showing the problem.

Tracker III Radio Issues (0 min 12 sec)

I'll be updating this post as I go through the repair. I've got some other work to fit in along with this, so it may be a few days before we see a working unit.

Slippin' the J-TEC (0 min 31 sec)

Haven't updated my blog in a while, so here's an entry. I haven't mentioned too much on her about my J-TEC. It's my current IMAC airframe, replacing my Hangar 9 260 (sold it last summer, to move up to this). I'm running a DA-150 with MTW cans, HiTec 7955's on all surfaces and fromeco LiFe packs all around.

Here she is.

Just about ready to fly. Maiden soon!

Specs:
DA-100
JR DS8611a's throughout with 8711 on rudder
Fromeco batts and regulators
Airtroncs SD-10G and 10ch FHSS-3 receiver

Well more of an assembly I suppose.

Anyway, here's what I'm going with...

Motor: Rimfire 35-36-1200
ESC: Great Planes SS45 ESC
Battery:True R/C 3s 2500mah lipo
Receiver: Airtronics 8ch 2.4
Aileron servos:JR DS285
Elevator and rudder servos: Hitec HS-81

I'll be going pull-pull on the rudder. Should be a fun plane. Stay tuned.

Well...

It just arrived. Overall the finish is amazing. I can't say enough about how well the kit was produced.

I'm planning on starting my build over Christmas break. Stay tuned.