Build Thread - HK Scorpion Y650

So I have finally begun the build. I started with the 2-axis camera gimbal to get a feel for the quality of the materials in these kits. First impression is good. On the one hand, the parts are really tight to fit together and in a few cases even needed some micro-filing to fit. But on the other hand... the parts are really tight to fit together (tight=no slop!) Materials appear to be slightly on the thin side. Time will tell if the structure will hold up to the stresses I intend to inflict
Only a few minor issues thus far... I used the last of my standard-size servos putting my new Super Chipmunk 90s together so no servos for the camera gimbal. And the motors I ordered were just enough oversize that the mounts don't match the pre-drilled holes in the airframe. So I need to decide if I want to adjust the mounts, adjust the airframe, or use just slightly smaller motors - hmmm...

 

Sadly, no. I still have to order my control board and distribution block. And decide what to do about the motor mounts.
It has gone together fairly easy so far - just basic model assembly with a few very minor tweaks (filing parts to fit). The real tedious work will come when I install all the electronics. Keeping it all tight and tidy, while leaving enough play in the wires on the arms to allow them to fold. And keeping in mind the CG.
The motors I got are plenty large, and I still need to mock them up on the frame to be sure I have enough ground clearance for the bottom-mounted ones.
In short, I still have a lot of work to do before she's airworthy. But its coming along well and so far I am pleased with this Scorpion
Just realized I didn't get a pic of the camera gimbal. I'll get that posted as little later today. Got to wait for some "medicinal" assistance before I can get up an be somewhat mobile

 

Yeah, I know the KK2 has issues. But the designer is already working on a firmware upgrade and after he releases that he has committed to releasing the source code which will bring about MANY new options and features from the community. I'm going to be calling Tiger later today to get his impressions - he should have had his in the air by now (hopefully). The Naza/GPS is looking real good because it fills all my requirements, its just hard to justify right now for someone looking at 2-4weeks of unpaid medical leave Not to mention I have made a commitment to the club to enter into the pattern flying contests and have started talking with High-Dollar Rick about possibly purchasing one of his pattern airframes (~$600!).
The next few days will tell the story for me as I have an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon tomorrow and will have a better idea of the damage to my knee.

 

I had already actually given that some thought. Not sure what I might have that we could trade for, but I'm certainly open to the idea. Let's give it some thought...

 

Here are a few more pics with the motors mocked-up (only one screw holding each motor in). Looks like there'll be enough room to keep the props from hitting the ground. As I mounted the props, I noticed that they have a good amount of flex. Not sure I want this as I would imagine constant flexing would hasten the fatigue and hence failure of the props. I'll continue to use them to get everything setup and then upgrade to some better props before any serious flights with a camera.

 

John, just downloaded and read through the GU-344 manual. It looks like it only supports quads. Bummer, I was starting to get the fever to get this together for the weekend. Oh well, it was a good thought :-\

 

It's official - I'm a KK2.0 man 8) Just placed my order - I've been waiting for the board and M-M servo leads to be in stock at the same time. Kept my order under 100g and $40 and was able to take advantage of the $2.99 international air mail shipping! Woohoo - can't wait ;D

 

Thanks for the generous offer, but my biggest limitation currently is time. I am back to work and am playing a frantic game of catch-up! I also (still) need to adjust my motor mounts I am anxious to get this going, but I'll have to take it slow as I really want to get it right and not rush it.

 

Oh, I forgot to rub in that I had $21 in rewards points with HobbyKing and so my whole order only cost a little over $16!! ;D ;D ;D

 

Thanks for joining the forum Les! Yeah, my motors are a bit over the top, but that just my way of doing things. The manual calls for 2208-2212 motors with 900-1000kv on 3s lipos. Kinda wimpy for my taste, but I've see lots of videos with this airframe flying with those motors and it does just fine.