Vario Gasser project

[Wolferz]

Hello everyone.

It is time for me to step up to a large scale gas heli. I have decided on the Agusta A-109 as the fuse. Vario makes a very nice one here: http://us.vario-helicopter.biz/shop/...ducts_id=36435 However, I am always open to alternatives... especially when they are cheaper! I heard about the Thunder Tiger Agusta A109 though slightly smaller, can it handle gas or only nitro?

For theoretical purposes, say I get the Vario. It recommends specific mechanics and engine, but I have used other equipment on electrics and had better results. Are there any suggestions for mechanics?

I will have a four-blade flybarless head on this model with a Skookum SK-720. I was thinking of getting the Eagle Tree telemetry system with the gps module as well. I have been unable to find better systems other than the Helicommand Pro with GPS and that exceeds my budget. Any recommendations here? I am looking at 2 - 3 hour flight time on the large tank and jewel generator.

Vario of course recommends a Vario mechanics set http://us.vario-helicopter.biz/shop/...ducts_id=33083 with 87:21 ratio. I am putting slightly larger blades on the head for a little slower rpm and more stability, should I stick with the 87:21? Would the 90:18 be disastrous?

With the retracts, lighting, and everything else, I will need a bigger radio. I have been looking at the Aurora 9, the JR 9503, and the JR 11x. I know there are a lot of others, but feedback in this department would be appreciated. (currently use Walkera 2801 and 2602 radios.)

Feel free to throw any other suggestions out there. I know some would say buy a large pod and boom, but I have flown scale for several years and while the biggest I've flown is 600 class electric, I would never lift it off the ground if it didn't have a scale fuse.

Thanks!

[wingtip]

2-3 hour flight time???????? thats gonna be one big fuel tank and lots and lots of extra weight, you can bet your arse you'll need to re think your gear ratios.... with that big of a change over stock i'd build it pod and boom and just add dead weight to get it close to the estimated weight and then some so you can test your gear ratios without risking damaging a nice fuse.

[Wolferz]

It is also having longer main blades and a slightly slower rpm for more stable and realistic flight. The fuel will only be about 48 oz. from what I am told. This is definitely a big project, and I intend on not damaging that fuse, are there any suggestions on better mechanics than this one for it? http://us.vario-helicopter.biz/shop/pro ... s_id=33083

They also offer a 90:18 mechanics and I could, of course, put any size engine in it.

Any ideas on a good setup for heavy payload? Note, while the system will be losing weight from having the SK 720, it will be gaining weight for fuel, generator, telemetry, nav lights, searchlight, and retracts.

[wingtip]

for vario mechanics, heavy payloads, a few people come to mind first to talk to

Joe Howard of vario
Peter Wales
Chris Bergen of Bergen RC

these boys have done it all

[Wolferz]

Wow, thank you for the resources. I emailed East Coast Scale Helicopters, but I think they are a distributor and not Vario proper. Maybe Joe Howard will see the post title and check in.

[vario]

We are the Importer for North and South America, and Canada.
Give me a call on Monday at either number on the web site, and we can discuss what you want to try and accomplish.
Regards
Joe Howard

[Wolferz]

Thank you Joe. I will call for sure.