Rick’s Friction Free CF Tail Pushrod Setup

This setup enables you to use Heliproz’ carbon fiber and titanium end pushrod set to enhance any helicopters rudder performance. You not only gain tail response due to a stiffer and more accurate servo movement to the tail; but also safety due to the stronger construction of the pushrod.

Some heli’s (especially above .50 size) use a longer rod setup versus the smaller and shorter heli’s. Because of this some form of support is needed along the length of the pushrod to eliminate or reduce flexing. Due to the larger diameter of the carbon pushrod it is difficult to find a tail rod guide that will work properly. I personally use this setup on my .50 size heli’s also to eliminate any possible chance of undue flex.

This is an easy, effective, and inexpensive way to solve this problem. Using parts from Min Air as shown in the detailed picture of the T-Rex 600N, the total cost including the pushrod was under $15. This system works only on heli’s with rear mounted servos, or heli’s with a front mounted servo that uses a bellcrank system on the rear of the frame. If you own a Raptor V1 or V2 you will need to move the servo to the rear.

First remove the old pushrod and cut the raw carbon fiber tube to length using a Dremel cutoff tool or razor saw. DO NOT use a hobby knife as these carbon fiber tubes are not wrapped, but the fibers are linear to the length of the rod for stiffness and will shatter if you apply pressure to the tube. Use JB weld to glue the titanium ends into the carbon rod and use tape to hold them in place until the glue dries. Thread one ball length on one end of the rod. Then slip one Teflon heat shrink tube and the guide onto the carbon rod. Next install the other ball link and adjust to the proper length for your particular heli. Next install the rod and using an existing tail rod guide check the Min Air guide for vertical alignment in relation to the run length (distance between the servo arm ball and tail pitch slider) along the pushrod. If everything lines up (look from side and behind); install a 2mm screw (lengths vary to application—I use 2x10mm), through the Min Air guide and into the existing stock tail rod guide. You may need to make some modifications to work in you particular application, although I have found by moving the stock guide side to side or forward and aft I could always make them work. An extension may be needed for some heli’s if the length is incorrect. Center the Teflon heat shrink tube on the rod guide and shrink it with a heat gun to fix it to the carbon rod.

I have used this setup on several heli’s with great success. It’s easy and effective. I find it especially good when using JR’s new 770 gyro as it is very sensitive to any pushrod resistance.

Rick Klages@Heliproz.com