Bird of Time

[Aros]

It really does feel that way.

Any recommendations for servos? The manual lists servo suggestions but I think that manual is pretty old, like from the original kits...Hoping for drop-ins that I don't have to trim anything if possible. This may be the extent of my ARF range for builds, lol.

[xviper]

It really does feel that way.

Any recommendations for servos? The manual lists servo suggestions but I think that manual is pretty old, like from the original kits...Hoping for drop-ins that I don't have to trim anything if possible. This may be the extent of my ARF range for builds, lol.

The great thing about this plane is that it needs only 2 servos. I used the biggest ones that I had that would fit into the pre-cut slots. It’s got pretty large rudder and elevator, so in a dive, it’ll sustain quite a bit of force, so your usual 9 gram servos just WON’T do. I think mine are 12g, maybe even 17g. If you install spoilers like I did on my first BoT, I used the “thin wing” servos from HobbyKing, which are very stout. That plane, I used the spoilers from a Mystique RES. They really helped to do spot landings but on my current one, I’ve gotten pretty good at landing it where I want it without spoilers.
I’m using a HobbyKing “glider drive” motor (higher KV one of the bunch) running on 3s. Can’t remember the ESC that’s in there. It’s at least a 60A. Like all my sailplanes, it has a “Return to Home” device on it (Bigaole to be exact).
As with the Mystique, Eflite recommends ironing the whole plane right out of the box to take out any wrinkles in the wrap and to make sure the edges are stuck real good. Doing it to the BoT also makes for a great finish - like bouncing a coin off a drum. Use a hobby iron with the cloth cover on it, not a clothes iron.
PS. Did yours come with a bellcrank? Mine didn’t. I had to get one from the hobby shop. I also had to make a mount for it in the tail from little hardwood blocks.

[Aros]

A Return To Home device would be a great addition! As for the bellcrank, I haven't checked all the contents of the box yet but I assume everything I need for the build is included minus servos/batt/rx/tx of course. I was reading through the manual including EP amendment and I didn't see any indication of needing a bellcrank. I'll let you know. Thanks for the servo info!

[xviper]

The odd thing is that they do allow for you to install a servo in the tail section if it's thin enough and yet, they have a tube installed that is for a rod to run to a bellcrank from the area under the main wing section. I elected to go with the rod and mount both servos in the main compartment.

[Aros]

Hmm, interesting...I will be checking soon...May be different on this EP version...I will find out.

[Aros]

I was looking through the model yesterday and there definitely isn't any bellcrank anywhere. I would love to have both servos in that mid compartment but I have no clue where to begin. I found a thread on RC Universe where one guy mentions a "Ben at RCAirMods" but the thread was from 2018. He wrote:

One of the only snags I did encounter, which was no big deal, was the fact I had to mount a servo in that little hole in the tail for the elevator. Well, thanks to Ben at RCAirMods that problem went away for only 22$! Most all of his mods for the BOT arf will work on the ep version. The tail linkage mod,that lets you relocate the elevator servo up front under the wing,works flawlessly! Be sure to let him know you have the ep because the braided cable needs to be a little longer and he will ship it extra long for you to cut to length. He is a super nice guy and will help you in any way!

I searched high and low for a "RC AirMods" but all I came with up is some random Pinterest links and a YT video but his name wasn't Ben. Would love to locate someone who can make my life easier with some mods that will help...

[xviper]

On both of my BoT, all I needed was the bellcrank. I purchased them from a local hobby shop. They are very common and cost only a few dollars each. What you need to do is to design a wooden mount for it to be epoxied into the tail. To locate it correctly, you need to dry fit the elevator so you know where the bellcrank needs to go. The bottom of the bellcrank lines up with the end of the rod tube (sheath). Everything else I needed for the elevator linkage was included in the BoT kit. The wire rod was plenty long. When I get a chance (later today), I'll go take some pictures of the inside of the tail section and main servo compartment to give you an idea of what I did. It's not terribly difficult and the end result is quite satisfying.
The Mystique RES uses the same approach, but on that model, the bellcrank assembly was already installed at the factory. Same for the Radian XL.

[Aros]

Thank you xviper I appreciate photos very much. I am a visual learner by nature. Sounds like that will be the way to go. Are there various sizes I would need to know what size?

[xviper]

Thank you xviperAre there various sizes I would need to know what size?

I'm not sure if there are different sizes of bellcranks. My LHS had only one size and it looked like it would fit into the space and had enough "throw" to move the elevator properly.

[Aros]

Does this look like it will do the trick?

https://www.motionrc.com/products/du...llcrank-system

Also, sorry for all the questions but I've never owned a sealing iron before. Do you have any recommendations for a specific one? I see quality and temp control is a big deal with these...Thanks!

[xviper]

Does this look like it will do the trick?

https://www.motionrc.com/products/du...llcrank-system

Also, sorry for all the questions but I've never owned a sealing iron before. Do you have any recommendations for a specific one? I see quality and temp control is a big deal with these...Thanks!

Yes, that bellcrank will do, however, the other Du-Bro ones that come in pairs and has a nut will be more secure. You'll have to cut the bolt a bit shorter. The iron I got was from HobbyKing but I'm sure your LHS will carry one. Inspect all the covering on your BoT. If it all looks like it's sealed down really well and the areas between the wood on the wing sections look tight, you may be OK to not bother with ironing it. It's just that the Mystique instructions say to iron the whole plane regardless. I'll attach a picture of mine.


The following is a series of pictures showing you the RX (with telemetry) and Bigaole placement and servo placement. Upon inspection, I realize that the spaces provided for servos is sized for 9g ones, so that's what I had and that's what I used. Seems to work fine over many dozens of flights. You can see that the rod sheaths were already in place, just needed to be trimmed a bit shorter for my build. You'll see the bellcrank through the hole in the tail. If you look at the slit above the hole, you'll see the elevator connecting rod. That was part of the parts bag that came with the plane. Also, you'll figure out that it must be installed onto the CF rod of the elevator as you thread it into the rod hole. To keep it from falling out, I left the whole elevator attached permanently. Another picture shows the other end of the sheath if you blow it up a bit. Again, that end had to be shortened a bit so it didn't interfere with the bellcrank movement.

[Aros]

Thanks for the photos! I totally see how you've done it. A lot more clear now...I also will get the Dubro version instead as you mentioned. Appreciate the info and pics!

[Aros]

I only recall seeing one long rod in the box which I assume is for the rudder...Do I need to purchase another for the bellcrank?

[xviper]

Hmmm ...................... If they only gave you one rod, then yes, you'll need another one for the elevator if you don't mount the servo in the tail.

[Aros]

Roger that. I am not sure what size, so I am ordering both the Du-Bro 4-40 762mm / 30" Threaded Rod and Du-Bro 2-56 762mm / 30" Threaded Rod.

[xviper]

Not sure you need it threaded. You can put a Z bend at one end and one of those little cylindrical rod holders at the servo end, like what you see in one of my pictures.

[Aros]

True...I will need to cut the rod down somewhat anyways I would imagine...Actually I may have a spare one. I'll check.

[xviper]

I had left over rods from my first busted Radian XL.

[xviper]

Getting BOTH Z-bend ends into the bellcrank AND hooking up the pushrod to the elevator "cross rod" is real tricky. Having the nut of the bellcrank hold down is an advantage. After you mark the placement of the bellcrank and wooden backboard, glue the backboard in place. Do all the attaching of Z-bends and short pushrod while the bellcrank is loose and can be manipulated. Then it can be slipped over the bolt and secured with the nut with some FoamTac on the threads. This part will have you standing on your head, with your tongue out and significant body English applied.

[Aros]

LOL that was my next question...I have no doubt I will be closing all the windows during this process.