AJ Laser 230z 73" Build Thread

[AKNick]

For the choke system... this one drove me crazy. I ended up flipping the choke arm 180 degrees, utilizing a Dubro 90 Degree Bellcrank, left over ball links, the smaller servo pushrods that I replaced earlier, and a snap ball like I got from RedwingRC.

I went this route because it felt like a "clean" installation, verses playing around with trying to get the geometry perfect for making a push-pull rod through the cowling. We shall see how long this bellcrank lasts. Note the wheel collar spacer on the bellcrank.

Also note the elaborate support stand that I made to support the throttle linkage. holy smokes... I made it so you can get to the engine mount bolt through the center opening.

 

[AKNick]

Wow @AKNick, that is really nice! One question though, are you going to cut a hole in the firewall where the carb is?

negative. I don't think that will be necessary.

 

[Bipenut53]

Ok, that is a very nice, clean install for the choke, I don't think I have ever seen a choke lever out the side of the fuse. Nice work AKNick

 

[AKNick]

Thanks Bud!

So I found one discrepancy on this model that high quality AJ Aircraft QC missed!!!!!! The LH Aft Wing anti-rotation support bracket!!!! Missing!!!! So I made one by tracing the other side with a piece of paper, transferred it onto a piece of scrap plywood, cut it out and epoxying it in place.

 

[3dmike]

Very nice! Love the detailed build thread!

 

[Steve_JR]

Looks great! Love the choke linkage layout!

 

[AKNick]

So I had to switch around the throttle servo 180 degrees so it would clear the fuel tank, shortened the linkage 1/2", then tightened down the engine mount bolts all around after adding blue locktite. In this pic you can see how I managed to tighten the "hard to get to" bolt by using an old trick I learned for extra leverage utilizing a boxed end wrench.


Then added some welders glue to the throttle linkage guide tube onto the support bracket. I later added a zip tie for extra security.



Then re-checked the throttle throw/end points with the radio powered up and secured the linkages in place using a bit of Med-Zap after it's torqued in place. If you need to remove it later it'll pretty much break away. Seems to work for me.

 

[AKNick]

Added a Spot-ON RC Magnetic fuel dot on the RH side of the fuselage, placed a couple supports to keep it from flexing as you try and pull the fuel dot out... that little rare earth magnet it STRONG I tell you!! They didn't give you a heck of a lot of room to get you finger in to pull it out, but as long as you don't trim your finger nails it works great!



I'd like to mention I did recently purchase this from Aztech Aeromodels, They shipped fast! Just like old times!

 

[AKNick]

Next I made a side bracket out of some scrap plywood for my Tech-Aero IBEC Throttle Kill Switch.


I'll add a photo of it installed later. I Zapped it in place and then covered in it epoxy later.

 

[Bipenut53]

Boy that's a nice build [MENTION=3929]AKNick[/MENTION], going to be a nicely built airplane!