Folding masts

[Mike Jackson]

I am curious about folding masts and am considering one for my ride. Craig Tompkins said he would jump in here and provide some info and pictures. Thanks Craig!

[Rotorhead]

Hello Mike

Thanks for your interest, one of the biggest complaints among those considering
Gyros, is to once again clam “It fits in a standard garage or trailer” and that began
My pursuit of a folding mast right after finishing my dominator I realized it was almost
9 foot tall and after count less hrs wrestling. I made a simple bolt on device, but wasn’t crazy about drilling more holes in the mast. Then at one of those PRA conventions, “ Attend conventions” ran into the

Guy’s from sportcopter we talked about my problem and simply asked if he would sell
The folding mast option separately he was reluctant but agreed . I found quit simple to
Install , I would suggest you give a lot of consideration to how much clearance you will require I’ve installed three now each time going lower the Ideal range to shoot is Between 72” to 78 “ Clearance
should get you thru most std trailer openings once inside much higher, but please do your own research .

I'll search my hard drive I know I have better pics than this

[KenSandyEggo]

Folding mast is nothing. I own a pair of folding blades. Of course I can't figure out how to unfold them yet.

[Rotorhead]

Installation

When ordering you need to have some things worked out for instance
You can order with or without the urethane bushing . I used the one with
Urethane, because I mounted so close to the top of mast, that’s what
I needed to fit in my current trailer. The urethane is supposed to act like
Shock absorber and it might help with some imbalance in the blade system.
Also on the Air Command I used it because of the Skywheels to see if I could
Improve or cover up any Blade imbalance. This is no substitute for proper blade
Balance just trying to reduce all possible stresses on the control system.

Next you need decide if you need the Heim joints or not, I use them due to the
Tall tail, some would argue will make the mast to rigid, and I would say is
another reason to use the Urethane bushings .

Installing the assembly- redundant mast is a must, you’ll see why in moment.

Once you decide the hinge point draw line but do not cut at this time you will
Do all your machine work first then cut the mast. I also know of person who
hinged it in the forward direction as well.

Now if you can drill two persion ½" holes “center” there should be enough clearance
To drill the remaining holes undersize and ream to size or use my favorite a Bullet Bit. I always
add a small 10-32 screws and bolt the two mast halves together now use the scuff
wear plate guide to trim and cut the Mast then de burr and paint.

Now press in the stainless steel bushings provided and your done .

Hey ken Good Plan :rolleyes:

[Mike Jackson]

Hi Craig,

Just got back from a family trip. Thanks for the info and pictures!

Mike

[rwr]

It would seem the bushing would decrease the 2-per vibration. Is this true?

[Rotorhead]

Hi Bob
It would seem the bushing would decrease the 2-per vibration. Is this true?

That was my thinking I would say that question should be asked of sportcopter not only do they use this material in the folding mechanism they use it in the rotorhead itself not sure of Durometer Value they use, but it all helps. Like I said I thought it
best with the add support for the Tall Tail

I believe Ernie is offering springs in his head, Not for sure. but as understand it, this was done due to the ridged mast on some two places. Maybe some of you know more about this application than I.