ARTICLE FROM ROTARY USA BY THE MANUFACTURE.
HELI SHOWN 30 PRO
Originally,
I was going to have Rotory or an outside pilot submit the review on the new
Quick 30 Pro. However, I began to realize that possibly no one knows more about
the Quick 30 Pro than myself.
First off, I have total respect for any company that undertakes the production
and manufacturing of the many components it takes to make the whole product
ready to go into the box. While I have known this for years, it's a totally
different story when you decide to enter manufacturing yourself. It's an
education, to say the least.
My partner, a Japanese hobby enthusiast; Mr. Tatsuya Iyobe is the president of a
company called, "Quick of Japan". His background is one that has
prepared him as a expert to manufacturer a radio controlled helicopter. While
working for most of the famous Japanese helicopter companies, he acquired his
knowledge and skills. Mr. Iyobe has been instrumental in many of the designs
currently on the market today.
Seeing a need in the Japanese market for crash parts, he bought his first CNC
(computer numeric code) machine and began manufacturing main shafts, head
spindles, flybars, and other common crash parts. He was questioned by the
Japanese distributors how he was able to deliver the parts in just a few days.
Hence, the name Quick of Japan, for his quick deliveries of helicopter products.
However, he is most famous for manufacturing and designing after- market
upgrades for Shuttle, Ergo, and other model helicopters. Over the last several
years, Mr. Iyobe's business and production capabilities have grown. He now
utilizes 20 of the finest, fastest CNC machines available in Japan.
Mr. Iyobe and I, decided two years ago that we would
jointly produce a high quality R/C helicopter at the lowest price possible. We
believe that high quality and low prices are two ingredients that will make
success in a very crowded arena.
The Quick 30 Pro as it is today, is not
the original design concept. We incorporate a sliding collective tray that is
similar to the mechanical performance of German products. The servo tray slides,
as opposed to a rocking motion, to create the simultaneous reaction of the
servos.
As we were preparing ourselves for our first production, there was the rebirth
of the more than 20-year-old design called CCPM (collective cyclic pitch
mechanics) or as it is currently known as EMS (electronic mixing system). Our
decision was to go with the EMS. We felt that this is the future of R/C
helicopters since the advent of digital servos. In fact, most of the radio
manufacturers already have EMS mixing from the low-end 6 channels to the
high-end 8, 9, and 10 channel systems.
Digital servos will soon be available in sport version for 30 class helicopters.
We feel EMS is here to stay and that most non-EMS systems will become designs of
the past. In fact, in Japan everything is EMS that is in current production, or
new models for the upcoming season.
After many changes and modifications from the first EMS Quick 30, presently, all
the CNC machined parts are anodized here in the States. In Japan anodizing is
very expensive. U.S. anodizing produces a better job with the "bright
dip" aluminum coloring process that gives the clear bright color. Once
anodized, we press fit all the bearings with special locktite. We then heat the
parts for 30 minutes to activate the locktite. The #609 Loctite we use is tested
to the incredible level of 2300 pounds of pressure per square inch. The
application will hold for a lifetime, unless temperatures reach above 125 F.
What this means is; don't leave your heli in the back of your car, in the middle
of the summer, with the windows shut tight. Actually, that's not too healthy for
the canopy either.
Since our Quick 30 Pro is available
in either metal or carbon frame kits, all parts had to conform to a proper
fit with both versions. There were 5 or 6 changes we made in the final
carbon frame-cutting program to address problems from the original frame
design. Areas like lowering the fan shroud, to adding additional carbon
material to what we felt were some potential problem areas. All the photos
shown in this article are from our final production prototype.
The Quick Pro uses a 10 x 19 x 7 main shaft bearing that is traditionally
used on 60 class machines. All bearings are installed in the bearing
blocks to insure they hold, and not cause radio noise problems. We
recommend adding a small amount of Locktite to the main shaft to prevent
the shaft from slipping in the bearings.
Of at least a 100 machines, that I have built in the past 14 years, I
found that no two have the same tolerances. You can never get a true tight
fit with plastic frames, since the material always expands and contracts
at different levels. This causes poor ball bearing fit, thus creating slop
and lost motion. The Quick 30 metal machine, (all aluminum parts) is
constructed from 2000 series aluminum. This material is much denser and
harder than 60-61 aluminum which is basically soft by nature. Don't get me
wrong, 60-61 is still better than plastic. Actually, there are many parts
in plastic helicopters that work as good as the metal parts. However, from
the swashplate to the head, high quality ball bearing products rule in
performance, durability, and flying characteristics.
In early spring, we will introduce the Quick 30 "Learner". This
machine will have some non-critical molded parts to reduce the cost. This
will allow those on limited budgets, the same thrill of learning to fly a
R/C helicopter, while still maintaining high standards and high quality.
Our thinking is: Some flyers who own the Pro version, who are endeavoring
3D flying, might want to substitute plastic parts to keep costs down while
learning.
In designing our final version, from the swashplate to the head, we used
every bit of modern technology available. We utilized double bearings, (2
x 5 x 2.5) into the machine's washout link instead of using the
traditional plastic washout type link. We are using our standard CNC
single bearing swashplate, washout base, and arms. There are two bearings
on each arm, with a pinned guide. Our new center-dampened head has a high
tilt, fast response seesaw, creating very smooth and responsive flight
characteristics. Our blade grips have 6mm individual spindles. We use a
standard 30-size silicon skid stop, inserted over a cross member in the
head block for dampening. We used a larger skid stop method on our 60-size
heads, which produced excellent results as well as low replacement cost.
Our tail assembly is very similar to the upgrade Shuttle option we have
been making for years. We have lightened the tail rotor by not using the
traditional heavy tail tube holders. Instead, we elected to pre-install in
the boom, a machined tail side plate holder that is pressed fit with #609
Locktite. Replacement retail cost for the boom is £8 approx. It comes with a
blue anodized finish which aids in good visual tracking. The tail pitch
slider is our new dual ball bearing version, with a removable pitch arm.
We used our machined pulley and output shaft, which we have been selling
for years. The tail pitch lever is the same one used in our Shuttle
upgrades. We will have the tail side plates available in carbon or metal,
both at a very low replacement cost. The blade grips are 8% glass filled
nylon with machined hub and dual ball bearings in each grip. We do have a
CNC tail blade grip available, but felt this actually was a better choice
for the 30.
In our prototype, we used an OS 32 for power. When we tightened down the
motor mount and bearing blocks, we were dead center on the milled slots on
the side frames. The gear mesh on the Quick 30 is as smooth as a TSK.
The Quick 30's canopy is all fiberglass as pictured. We will have several
pre-painted canopies available as special offerings to early kit buyers at
great discounts. We also have a "blow molded" canopy under
development for our Quick Learner, or for those who are "3- D'ing
it". It will take a good hit and maintain its shape.
The set-up for the EMS is very simple, actually easier than the single
collective servo system. The Quick 30 Pro has ample room for all the
electronics. I placed my receiver battery under the front plate, with the
receiver and receiver box on the top. We machined two small slots in the
front side frames, to allow our Velcro straps to slide through. This holds
the battery and the receiver box, making for a very secure installation.
Neat wiring also makes for a secure and visually pleasing installation.
Pictured is our HHI muffler, however I prefer using a two-piece helicopter
or long tuned pipe myself. Our finished dry weight, with blades is 7.0
pounds (fuel capacity is 10 ounces). I had to check it several times
because I did not believe it myself. I used a 5-cell battery pack, as well
and additional items. This weight is actually better than our
expectations. Our metal version will weigh-in at approximately 7.5 pounds
or under, depending on the individual's building and finishing choices.
We are presently handling all online questions concerning our products,
whether good or bad. Our technical department will offer advise that will
not only assist Quick flyers, but anyone who seeks information on model
helicopters.
In conclusion, after 14 years in the R/C helicopter business, I still have
a passion for the sport of R/C flying. Now with our new Quick 30 getting
ready to ship, My interest in flying has been re-kindled.
Below is the specification for each of the models. These are the only
changes in the range between the 3 models.
PRICES
To Buy Click
Here
Quick 30 standard (CCPM direct,G10 side frames, Stainless steel fly bar
and link arms, metal swash plate.
£237 inc vat (postage additional)
As above with closed control CCPM and metal sideframes (30 pro metal)
£302 inc vat (postage additional)
Carbon frame model including carbon boom supports
£381 inc vat, postage additional (30 pro carbon)
Please note that painted canopies are not standard although a transfer set
is supplied as standard to the white canopy. Pre painted are available
upon request.
Click on thumbnails for larger pictures
