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Tricopter build Guide
the Scarab tricopter 660 is a simple build -- it does requires soldering skill to assemble the PDB - ability to use hand tools such as the pro-tool 1/16" - ability to understanding how Loctite™ is used on threads of critical screws and grub screws (and also how to heat screws with a soldering iron tip to soften Loctite - then remove grub screws without damaging the heads)
RISK - New users must understand RISK in hobby FPV aviation DIY - as the builder you will become the manufacturer and legally responsible for the conduct of the aircraft - see T&C link bottom of all pages to for a better understanding of RISK in RC drones - don't expose yourself to risks
Tools used / required - all tools below are Excluded
Assemble stages overview
Assembly
8 Balls assembly
Install the GoPro holder ; then use the round file to dull the edges of the 8 carbon holes so they are NOT sharp ; then add the 8 gell balls into the carbon plate
Carefully pull the silicon balls through the holes in the metal plate - be sure to align the front ball ; add the 2 compression bands
insert the grub screws M3X6 into the outer holes of the DELRIN clamps - only screw them down a few turns - these will be tightened at the end of the build - later
Insert the 8 smaller grub screws into the 2 x collet rings - only insert them a few turns - these will be tightened later
Dull down the sharp edges of the lower MAIN plate with a diamond file - insert the 16 x 21mm post and secure LIGHTLY/loose (not tight) with M2 x 8 bolts using the pro-tool 1/16" "
Install the PDB with nylon standoffs post M3x6 and hold the plate with nylon bolts phillips
slide the pitch-change-rm over the rear tail boom - leave it loose atm
slide the boom holders down over the posts ; NOTE the front booms holders are ALUMINIUM left 7 right - the front = delrin and the rear = delrin
use a diamond file to smooth the edges of the INNER tubes - this is important to prevent motor wires from being chaffed later on - do both ends of all tubes
Slide the lower boom holder clamps down ; the LOWER LEFT/RIGHT are METAL - CNC aluminium - the front and rear are Delrin
install the booms into position ; add the ball to the pitch change arm
assemble the engine coolers/holders loosely at first - then slide them over the tubes afterward and tighten
use the 4 x shorter M2*6 screws in the INNER RIGHT position to hold the clamps closed - do not over tighten these atm
when these are in place it should look like this
install the 8-balls gello-killer sadle clamp lightly - then slide over the 40mm front carbon tube and tighten 2 x M3*8
flip the frame over and install the 2 x M3*12 screws with penny-washers into the metal boom holder centre holes - tighten
install the right-rear landing gear by itself with M2*10
attach the servo - ONLY by one bolt the lower M3*8 - tighten the lower bolt - insert the upper M3*8 bolt but leave it LOOSE - important
the ball should be inserted into the 2nd hole from centre - use BLUE loctite™ to hold the nut secure - RISK - if the ball comes loose you will loose control of the tricopter and crash
do not over tighten the ball - make sure the Loctite glue holds the ball firm - not over tight
the link rod - the open side of the rod ends has a shinny "ring" - the closed side is matt - make sure the open sides are opposite
carefully press the rod end until it clicks over the ball - the balls will be VERY tight - to loosen them heat with ahair-dryer and "work" the rod end back and forth until loose - this process seats the balls to the rod ends
flip the frame over and install the left rear landing gear with 2 x M2*10 using the Pro-tool 1/116"
flip it back over and install the outer top plate - ; then the inner top plate as well
make sure to tighten the M2 bolts on the REAR boom holder - both top and bottom now _ FIRST ; use a 1/16" pro tool only ; then fianlly the SERVO upper M3 bolt (blue driver 2nd lastly after the clamps are compressed by the small M2)
install the top plate inner access
install all the remaining upper M2 bolts M2*8 with 1/16" tool ; finally tighten all the grub screws ; tighten the screw enough to HOLD the carbon - if you over-tighten these grubs you can crack the carbon tubes - be aware - take care
Go over the entire frame M2 with the 1/16" tool and ensure all are tight - both sides upper & lower
the FRAME build is completed