Predator Gasser building tips?

[almanac]

I'm building a Predator Gasser and looking for any tech tips that might be helpful.

For instance: I notice when connecting the tail control rod to the servo that the pushrod does not run parallel to the tail boom. However, if I was to put the tail servo on facing the left instead of right, as shown in the instructions, then it looks to me that it would be a straighter run. Anybody else run into this?

[tdswan]

The control rod doesn't have to run parallel at all. The most important thing is that it runs very freely, which is easy with this type of setup. I wish all my helis had a control system like the on one the Predator.
As far as building tips, checking and adjusting your runout when you install your fan hub onto the motor is C-R-I-T-I-C-A-L !!!!! You most likely heard that elsewhere if you've done any research at all. If you don't know how to do this, you NEED to learn how. There's a number of threads out there that will show you how.
That's the biggest, most critical tip I can give you without knowing what difficulties you're running into. Another is to make sure you use Dextron transmission fluid on the sprague gear (one way bearing) or you'll have some major vibration issues as well. Some will tell you Tri-Flow, I haven't used it on a sprague gear so I can't comment. Most gasser guys will tell you Dextron.
Good luck. You'll love your gasser. I know I do.

[almanac]

Thanks for the Dextron tip. I think I even have some. Now I'm thinking, how will I get that Dextron in there? Disassemble?

I'm not having any "problems" in particular. I just thought some people who have done it before might have some interesting ideas how to do things better.

I did use a dial indicator on the fan hub to get this straight. I'm quite familiar with using a dial indicator so this was not a problem once I cobbled up a secure mounting for it. I started with the regular .001 one until I had it fairly close then switched to the finer .0001 dial indicator for the finishing work.

I found that the 4 button-headed screws, for attaching the clutch to the fan hub, were too short. They only extended 1 mm (or a little less) through the hole. Not really enough bite for the load they carry. Could be the flats on the outside of the fan hub were not cut as deeply as usual on mine. At any rate, I found some longer screws to fit.

It's too bad that a dial calliper won't fit in the space to check the clutch alignment. I found the eyeball method a bit unsatisfying.

A radio repair technician gave me a good tip for positioning the receiver in the heli. He said I should try to keep the antennas at least the length of the antenna away from anything conductive like the metal frame. I'm referring to the little 1/4 wave 2.4 GHz antennas here.

Instead of wrapping the receiver with foam I started with a soft foam block, cut it in half, and carved out a space in the middle to fit the receiver. It will stick out front from underneath the tray, into the nose of the canopy. Then I will put the second receiver out under the tail boom near the horizontal fin.

Do you happen to have the V3 speed torpedo muffler? I haven't ordered one yet but the stock muffler doesn't appear to have any muffling in it at all - just an empty can. Can you tell me what it the dimension of the exit pipe on the V3 torpedo. Actually, I would like to know both inside and outside diameters. I want to order an extension pipe to fit it, to direct the exhaust farther away from my cameras.

Anybody making auxiliary mufflers?

[tdswan]

I'm running a V2 Torpedo. Don't know much about the V3 at all. Nothing good, or bad. My pred was an early one.....before they had made the flat spots on the hub for the clutch. I ALMOST had the screws fail on it. If I'd have stayed in the air 20 seconds longer, I'd have been likely replacing my engine along with my friend's camera mount it was carrying. Century replaced it for nothing with the upgraded hub. Biggest drawback was re-indicating the hub.
If you're not having low-frequency vibration issues, I wouldn't tear down just to re-lube your sprague. If you notice a resonating vibration in it, it's the first place to check though. I chased that one for quite a while before I figured it out. :o
I've got my 2.4 antennas sticking out from the metal tray ( on the 9 channel receiver) with one pointing straight forward and the other antenna to the left side. My satellite receiver is on a home-made mount down below just a few mm from the bottom of the canopy....Around 2" from anything conductive, so I think all should be well in that area. Even with my PCM system, I never had a lock-out or any type of radio issues at all. I also shielded the plug wire from interferance. I've got pics in my RR gallery that you can link to in my signature. I don't have any pics of my 2.4 receiver setup, but the shielding on the plug wire is shown.