TO BUILD A "MINNIE" GYRO, as designed these are some of the MATERIAL items that are necessary:
NOTE, If you choose to use different materials or modify the design, the model may not fly. This model was not just an overnight development, but the result of of experimentation over an extended period of time.
(1) A Carbon Fiber tube (available from Lone Star Models.)
Note: If you can find an arrow shaft or a Dave Brown pushrod that is nearly the same in diameter and just as light, this might work, although I have not tried anything else but the CF tubing. The key is that it must be light... and I do not recommend aluminum tubing for this model.
(2) 3 Micro sized servos (available from Tower Hobbies, and some other hobby sources)
(3) A relatively small receiver with end connections, such as one of the new FMA receivers, or one of the small, just as inexpensive, R600 JR receivers that have the connections on the end.
(4) Some uni-directional carbon fiber strips, such as the California Carbon "iron-on" type. ( Hobby Lobby)
(5) A small flat battery pack of 270 mah, no more than 400 mah. Remember, a larger battery will weigh quite a bit more.. and keeping the weight down is the primary consideration..
(6) A .15 engine, such as the OS .15 fp or the Thunder Tiger .15 gp
(7) Two small model car ball bearings. 3/8" OD 1/8" ID
(8) A small Radio Shack switch.
(9) Other materials are basically standard model items generally available at your hobby store.
To build the "MINNIE" GYRO, I consider THESE TOOLS would be almost necessary:
(1) A power scroll or jig saw.
(2) A drill press, or an accurate hand drill if the drill press is un-available.
Items that would be extremely HANDY TO HAVE AVAILABLE:
(1) A small diet scale accurate to just a few grams...
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rev. 12-21-98..jb