Canopy push pins

[flyalan]

If you have as many canopies as I do you may want to invest in a tapered reamer :-)
Most heli shops have them or get one at you local ace hardware.

Cheers
Alan


Alan Butler
Team Synergy

[RichL]

+1 Alan. As a alternative method you can use a drill bit just run it reverse.  Taper reamer does the job much more cleanly though.



Rich

[Jean-Luc Bolduc]

I just use a hobby reamer to enlarge to proper size. One thing  I noticed, is the holes are not exactly aligned, so I start with aligning a front hole, then marking the back hole, same canopy side, then elnlarge a bit sideways to align it.
I finish doing the same on the other side. This way the pins get in a lot easier.

[Ross Lawton]

+1 Tapered canopy reamer makes the job much easier and makes the finished hole cleaner without chipping the paint if damaging the fibreglass.

Cheers,
Ross

[flyalan]

I just use a hobby reamer to enlarge to proper size. One thing  I noticed, is the holes are not exactly aligned, so I start with aligning a front hole, then marking the back hole, same canopy side, then elnlarge a bit sideways to align it.
I finish doing the same on the other side. This way the pins get in a lot easier.

+1 on that. I do exactly the same thing. Depending on how much you need to move the holes you may need to move both the front and back. Had that problem on the last few Fusuno canopies I ordered for the E7. 
Getting the holes right is the key to getting them off and on easily.
The only canopies I use magnet mounts on are the Fremont of the N5C. That is a matter of not getting my fingers burned on the muffler when changing out the receiver packs.

Cheers
Alan


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RichH]

Dremel makes a conical stone bit that works great twisting by hand.

[Greg Jackson]

I have a reamer, but this time I was able to do it this way very carefully n either way, it's done now.  But can't wait to even get to the point when I can fly the Heli and have the canopy on.

[bleomycin]

I'm thinking of going for the magnetic mounts, are these the correct ones? http://www.readyheli.com/TX7F-05BK-Quick-UK-T-Rex-700N-Magnetic-Canopy-Mounting-Set--Black_p_38134.html

Is there anything else needed to make them work? Thanks!

[flyalan]

As far as using push pins (of any brand) on a canopy is concerned alignment of the canopy is very important.  After using push pins from other sources for two years now I have yet to see a canopy right out of the box that lines up perfectly.  That includes canopies from all the major mfg's. Since the release of the E5 I have started using Matt's pins on my E7's (replacing ones from another MFG).  I find they hold well if properly installed. My process is as follows....

I start by placing the canopy on and checking to see how the holes line up with respect to the center of the female socket. I then determine if the holes need to go farther apart or closer together. If only a Millimeter of so you can pick either the front or rear holes as home base so to speak and move the other set backwards of forwards a bit.
I accomplish this by using an Exacto knife and start enlarging the holes by elongating in the direction I need to move them.  Once the hole is elongated in the right direction I use a reamer to finish the job and enlarge them to the correct diameter.  I HIGHLY recommend the use of a hand held reamer to open up canopy holes.  It is much easier to make small enlargements with a reamer.
Install the grommets in this first set of holes and then install the canopy.  Now look at the remaining set.  Check to see if they are again centered on the female post.  If not adjust those as outlined above. 

If the holes need to move away or closer by more than a MM or so you may need to elongate both sets of holes.

As far as hole diameter, I test fit the male pin in the grommet and enlarge the holes as needed until the pin slides in smoothly without the grommet moving around on the canopy.  As Rich mentioned silicone lube is the way to go after the grommet is installed.

This process takes a little time but you will be rewarded with a well fitting canopy. 

Cheers
Alan

[Greg Jackson]

I have been lucky, both canopies matched up to the mounting location without changes.

Yeah, only use a knife if it is a spyderco and you have done knife seminars and have certification like me.  I did it that way twice and had good success, but the Byrd knifes are shaped in a way it's possible and I went slow and only removed a small amount at a time. Worked on both canopies so far.

[bleomycin]

I wanted to follow up and confirm to anyone else who may be looking these are the correct magnetic mounts, i just installed them and they work great: http://www.readyheli.com/TX7F-05BK-Quick-UK-T-Rex-700N-Magnetic-Canopy-Mounting-Set--Black_p_38134.html

[steffgiguere]

Bleomycin, did you install these on all 4 mounts? We have seen these get loose with backwards hurricanes, once 4cyclic, had his canopy go though his blades this way, therefore we now install the the magnets in front and leave the pleasing stock clips in the back.

[Greg Jackson]

Once you get use to the stock push pins they work great.  I feel confident in them, wouldn't so much with the magnet style.

[flyalan]

I like them!  I now have them on the E7's as well as the E5. 

Alan

[Rodney Kirstine]

I wanted to follow up and confirm to anyone else who may be looking these are the correct magnetic mounts, i just installed them and they work great: http://www.readyheli.com/TX7F-05BK-Quick-UK-T-Rex-700N-Magnetic-Canopy-Mounting-Set--Black_p_38134.html

I bought these, as well.  I put the shorter ones on the front of my E5 and I put the longer ones on the front of my E7.  These things rock!