When my kit arrived,
every part was sealed
and numbered in the
order listed in the
manual, as I
expected. I like
this way of
packaging,
because the builder
has everything in a
particular bag to
complete a given
step. The white gelcoated
canopy was
protected in a separate
box, to make sure that it
wouldn’t be damaged in
shipment.
The assembly manual was
extremely detailed. There were plenty of
illustrations, to help visualize how to
assemble and secure each component. The
instructions went as far as specifying what
type of thread-lock compound to use.
The directions contained “tips” in
almost every section to ensure proper
assembly. They even reiterated good
building habits, such as cleaning areas
with alcohol before using thread lock.
Pointers on the correct position of a
bearing were also extremely helpful.
In addition, the manual detailed radio
program settings. That would be
particularly helpful if you chose one of the
recommended transmitters, as I did.
Assembly: I immediately noticed that the
clutch assembly was oversized. JR sets a
new standard in making a stronger 90-size
helicopter. The bearing blocks appeared to
have more material to solidly hold the
bearings in position. Locations for a typical
IT’S
BEEN
AWHILE
since a 90-class
helicopter was designed to fly both 3-D
and FAI—and fly them well. The SG was
unveiled during the 2008 IRCHA
(International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association) Jamboree. Several JR/
Horizon Hobby pilots flew it at that event
to give attendees a peek at what we could
have in the future, regardless of our flying
style.
Chat about the Vibe 90SG continued
until it was finally available the following
year at the Toledo Show in April, where I
took a closer look at how much detail was
put into making this piece of art. The
overall look is well balanced and sleek.
June 2010 63
Swashplate: JR Vibe 90SG Helicopter Kit
ANDY PANONCILLO
Expert Scott Gray tuned this
machine to suit any serious
helicopter pilot
Andy increased the number of
tail rotor pushrod supports to
keep the amount of pushrod
flex to a minimum.
The author completed the Vibe 90SG with a
set of Curtis Youngblood Radix 710mm
main blades and carbon-fiber tail blades.
A seven-channel radio is adequate for the
Vibe 90. The Spektrum DX7se is better
still; it can broadcast at the fastest rate
possible, quickening helicopter response
to pilot input time.
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:39 PM Page 63
The YS .91 is easy to set up and requires minimal run-in. If the
Vibe vibrates a bit much, there’s a chance that the needle setting
is rich. Set right, it’s a smoothie.
The clutch and gear drive train are as robust as they come. A
vented clutch bell improves cooling, and its depth gives the
shoes lots of grip.
This is a full kit; nothing is preassembled.
Only common metric helicopter tools are
required for assembly. The manual calls for
a parts bag at every step.
The user is required to select a favorite set
of blades. Sizes from 690mm to 710mm will
suit; the longest offers the most “float.”
Heavier FAI blades will smooth out this
machine.
The Spektrum AR7100R receiver has a builtin
regulator and governor; it’s specifically
sold to suit helicopter pilot demands. A
Thunder Power 2200-4400 mAh 2S Li-Poly
battery is recommended.
Improvements in the new head include a
wrap-around flybar cage and mixing arms
with three linkage-point options. Another
big difference is all-metal blade grips.
JR High Voltage servos offer the most “pop”
in cyclic controls. Pilots who want hard 3-D
performance need these cool-running units.
The battery must match the demand.
Beefy gears on the torque tube and tail
shaft repeat the robust engineering
throughout the model. A dual-point pitch
slider keeps input rocking to a minimum,
increasing precision.
Contents of the 600cc fuel tank are quickly
depleted. The great part is that it’s
supported with rubber dampeners, so the
last drop is as potent as the first.
Photos by Michael Ramsey
64 MODEL AVIATION
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:44 PM Page 64
June 2010 65
As do bigger airplanes, bigger
helicopters fly better. Although they
offer the pilot exquisite agility, they
handle so smoothly that they’re
almost trainerlike.
Right: Cyclic control interaction is minimized when the 140° swashplate mixing option is
installed. Be sure your helicopter radio is equipped with that swashplate program option.
Above: A long tail is part of what gives
this Vibe its “groove” in forward flight.
The included fiberglass canopy can be
neatly decorated with included decals,
shown.
Right: Andy checks the security of the
four hex-head canopy screws before
flight. V-Blades, tested on the tail, proved
to work well.
Pluses and Minuses
+•
Fully tunable mechanics, for extreme
cyclic response.
• Robust sprag autorotation clutch.
• Flybar cage is standard.
• Dual-yoke tail rotor actuator.
• New rotor head system with ultrarigid
dampening.
• Oversized main and tail drive
transmissions.
• Self-aligning, easy-to-maintain engine
mount system.
-•
G10 lower side frames are not in
keeping with the high-end appeal.
• More tail rotor pushrod support
would be considerate.
Specifications
Type: 90-size 3-D helicopter
Skill level: Exp ert build er,
intermediat e pil o t
Rotor diameter: 63 inches
Weight: 10.25-10.75 pounds
Length: 53.5 inches
Engine: .90-size helicopter
Gear ratio: 8:1 main, 4.65:1 tail
Construction: Carbon fiber, G10 frames
Control system: 120 or 140 CCPM
Drive system: Torque tube
Main rotor blades: 680-720 mm
Tail rotor diameter: 11.34 inches
Tailboom: Aluminum tube with ballbearing
supports
Canopy: Painted fiberglass
Landing gear: Fiber-reinforced nylon
Fuel tank: 600cc
Radio: Seven-channel helicopter system
(minimum), four high-speed/high-torque
servos, gyro, gyro servo
Price: $1,499.99
Test-Model Details
E ngi ne used: YS 91 SR
Muffler used: Cur t is
You ngblo od E nterp rise s Mu scl e
Pipe 5-90
Fuel: Byron Rotor Rag e 30 %
Radio s ystem: S pe ktrum
DX7se transmitt er, Spektrum
AR7100R rece iver, fo ur JR
DS8717HV u ltra sp eed cycli c
servos, one J R DS89 00G g y ro
servo, JR G770 3 D G y ro, JR 7. 4-
volt, 4000 mA h Li -Poly battery
Fli ght duration : Six to 1 0
mi nutes
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:48 PM Page 65
This month we list those who have donated $10 or more in support of the Academy’s programs, the National Model Aviation
Museum, and the International Aeromodeling Center. These people have made more than a donation—they have made an
investment in the future of aeromodeling.
When you see these folks, thank them! They are now among the thousands who have given back to model aviation part of what
model aviation has given to them. Many things will be possible due to their thoughtful giving and generosity.
We list our supporters monthly. These donations represent amounts processed in the month of March 2010. If your name is
not listed, please write to the Membership Department and include a canceled check. We want to recognize all contributors!
Thank you.
Jim Archer - CA
Philip S. Arterburn - TX
John P. Barwick - NC
Henry D. Baust - OH
Larry G. Belcher - AZ
Ronald E. Brunelle - CT
John M. Bryant - GA
Michael C. Callas - CA
William M. Conradi - KS
Corsair Model Aircraft
Club - OH
Tim Crawford - CA
Craig Davis - IL
Gregory A. Davis - OK
Robert A. Davit - IL
Antonio L. Del Pozo - CA
Richard M. Dry - CA
Quenten Duden - AZ
Mark J. Feist - OH
Mark E. Franke - VA
Henry G. Frautschy - WI
Curtis Frazier - NC
Donald G. Garofalow - NJ
Richard E. Gengler - AR
Eric B. Hall - MN
Harvard University
Accounts Pa - MA
Gerald R. Hawk - IL
John Hentosh - TX
Christopher J. H ill - CA
Dale A. Holbert - FL
Matt Hoover - CA
Darold Jones - CO
Peter Kauneckas - VA
Thomas J. Kirschner - MD
James R. Kolsby - GA
William E. Kretschmer - OH
Kenneth Lachney - LA
Michael Law - NJ
James Levangie - MA
James R. Lewis - IA
Jonathan Linde - MA
William E. Logan - VA
Howard T. Marano - PA
Robert E. Mccord - TX
Walter E. Meyer - NY
Eric A. Mielke - PA
Alex Milionis - NJ
Patrick G. Moore - WA
Randy J. Morton - CA
Roy D. Nelson - PA
Joseph Offley - IN
Thomas L. Overman - NC
Stephen Paul - CO
Jack Plekan - NJ
Franklin A. Pope - WY
Richard L. Prann - PR
Steven H. Puthuff - CA
Kevin R. Raba - AZ
Merritt W. Robertson - IL
Royce Stiening - IN
Micheal J. Stoltz - NJ
Charles Thomas - VA
Hans-Henrik W. Veisner - TX
Daniel F. Vernon - FL
Michael J. Virag - FL
Joseph Wagner - MD
Richard Wells - IL
Joe C. White - TX
Richard J. Wiese - OH
Steven R. Winner - NV
$10 up to $100
Your Contributions Do Make a Difference!
$1,000 Plus
Ball Corporation - CO
$100 up to $500
Ina Huie - MD
John R. Krouse - MD
Mindbank Consulting Group - VA
Jeffrey C. Paas - OH
Penny Parra - VA
Charles R. Scott - PA
66 MODEL AVIATION
4mm-diameter governor magnet were
provided in the clutch assembly.
The Vibe 90SG gear drive system looked
overbuilt—plenty strong for serious abuse.
The material and gear security gave the
impression that there was no way you could
make it flex.
The main gear assembly, tail drive gear,
and autorotation hub are easy to assemble.
Sliding the autorotation shaft into the hub is
such a smooth action that it is easy to tell that
JR paid much attention to machining quality.
That attention is evident throughout the
assembly. I recommend that you put an ample
amount of oil in the sprag bearing, to ensure
smooth operation.
The 10-year-old single-stack frame design
continues to be popular because of its ease of
assembly and maintenance, reduced parts
count, and lighter overall weight. Unlike other
helicopters on the market that employ the
power plant to support frame integrity, the
engine mount block and lower bearing block
in the Vibe 90SG are bridged with an extra
frame support.
In addition, a frame brace plate on each
side holds the lower bearing block to the front
side of the frame. Another internal frame
support in the front mounts parallel to the
frame support and bridges the engine and
lower bearing block.
There is a tremendous amount of torsional
strength not only to the entire frame, but also,
and more importantly, along the main gear
and main shaft section, to keep it from
flexing during high-demand maneuvers.
All lever arms, including the elevator Aarm,
are made from aluminum. I wrote this
before, but the bearings fit beautifully!
There are two forward equipment trays on
which to mount electronics. The bottom tray
includes the canopy posts. The one-piece gyro
tray is located on the front top of the frame.
The canopy protects all sensitive electronics.
The tank is mounted in the rear portion of
the frame and held in place with separate
lateral frame sets. It is suspended with four
rubber posts. The tank does not touch the
model mainframe, completely isolating it from
vibration.
Two brass collets center the fan hub on the
motor. The cooling fan is wide in diameter
with 12 blades, making it efficient in cooling
the engine regardless of flight conditions.
The fan shroud has a big enough opening
to accommodate any engine; no trimming is
necessary. The engine mount is a separate
piece from the engine block mount. Spacers
are included, so any brand of power plant
will fit.
The bottom frame plate and the landing
gear bolt together to the aluminum frame
lower bracket. The landing struts appear to be
sturdy and sit slightly lower to the ground than
on previous models, enhancing the sleek
appearance.
I’m amazed by how clean and smooth
the swashplate feels, yet there is no
significant play. Again, full credit goes to
the attention to machining every part of
the Vibe 90SG to exact tolerances.
This kit gives you a choice between 120
and 140 CCPM (Cyclic Collective Pitch
Mixing). I like the overall look of the full
metal head. JR incorporated its trademark red
and black to the anodized assembly, and it
turned out to be appealing.
The pitch arms and mixing arms have
multiple ball-link pivot point positions. This is
where you can apply your setting for 3-D or
for FAI flying.
Also provided are two kinds of head
dampeners: extra hard and medium hard. A
silicon insulator around the blade spindle shaft
allows some dampening of the spindle inside
the head block. The flybar cage is also
anodized red and black.
Two ball-bearing shaft drive guides
support the torque tube. Its connection points
are designed with the same philosophy as the
robust gear system and, from my viewpoint,
are unlikely to fail easily.
Two washers are provided for setting the
correct tail-gear mesh. Dual-pin support of the
tail-pitch slider provides linear movement
during operations, making it much smoother
and more precise.
Thrust bearings, other bearings, and
washers are installed to the tail hub before
piecing the halves of the tail grips. I like this
grip design, because it’s easy to maintain and
service. Three pushrod guide clamps support
the tail pushrod design.
Some of the parts are not self-aligning, so
take care when you put those together. When
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:49 PM Page 66
you align the clutch assembly to the main gear
to set the gear mesh, the brass tapered collet
doesn’t self-seat with the fan hub. Take care to
check for runout.
The tail pushrod assembly is fine, but I
think it needs more guides. It comes with
three, but I added two more because the rod
can flex between the recommended support
and even resonates during lower rpm modes.
The fine machining and quality of metal
used on the Vibe 90SG speaks for the high
quality control, but it puzzles me that G10
material is used for the lateral side frames that
hold the tank. Using carbon plates, as is done
on the rest of the machine, might add cost but
carries more support to the bottom plate and
certainly adds to its appearance.
Flight: Hovering has always been hard for me.
Keeping a helicopter in one place, as if
hanging by a string, while performing a simple
Pirouette can be difficult.
But when I hover the Vibe 90SG, I’m
amazed by how much easier it is to keep
locked in one spot. Its overall stability and
balance create a feeling of being in full
control. This model doesn’t have the tendency
to wander.
The Vibe 90SG tracks well in forward
flight. I don’t have to work hard to keep the
same altitude during forward or backward
maneuvers. It also rolls linearly and smoothly.
Even with a 3-D setup, FAI pilots will
probably love this machine.
Regarding 3-D flying, wow! I installed the
hard dampening, and it is adequate for 3-D
performance.
As I mentioned earlier, the Vibe 90SG
gives a feeling of being in control. It doesn’t
wander, but instead tracks well, making
backward, inverted, or right-side-up
maneuvers incredibly comfortable.
During stressful maneuvers, you can tell
that the rigidity of the frame structure is
working. The strong, fast JR 8717HV servos
complement this model’s great feel during
flight.
If you want a great-quality helicopter you can
use for 3-D and FAI, I strongly recommend
the Vibe 90SG. That is not only because it
looks great, but also because it flies well
regardless of flying style or category of
interest.
This kit does cost more than the traditional
3-D machine, but take into account its quality
and durability. Especially if you’re into
precision flying, in which you can’t afford to
drift out of a maneuver because of play in a
model’s head, the Vibe 90SG is much less
likely to surprise you.
There are minor issues, such as the use of
G10, but that can be considered a personal
preference. It affects only the cosmetic
appeal—not the flight characteristics. After the
first few flights, I totally forgot about it.
I currently have the Vibe 90SG installed in
an F3C Stacy II fuselage, but I have not set it
up to fly FAI maneuvers yet. I plan to use this
machine in the Nats this year.
Mark Fadely, MA’s RC helicopter
columnist, is interested in how that part of the
project works, out so keep an eye on his
column for my report. We expect great
things. MA
Andy Panoncillo
[email protected]
Manufacturer/Distributor:
JR/Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Sources:
YS Parts and Service
(775) 267-9252
www.yspartsandservice.com
Curtis Youngblood Enterprises
(979) 779-2172
www.curtisyoungblood.com
Byron Fuels
(712) 364-3165
www.byronfuels.com
Spektrum
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com
JR
(800) 338-4639
www.jrradios.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 63,64,65,66,67,68
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 63,64,65,66,67,68
When my kit arrived,
every part was sealed
and numbered in the
order listed in the
manual, as I
expected. I like
this way of
packaging,
because the builder
has everything in a
particular bag to
complete a given
step. The white gelcoated
canopy was
protected in a separate
box, to make sure that it
wouldn’t be damaged in
shipment.
The assembly manual was
extremely detailed. There were plenty of
illustrations, to help visualize how to
assemble and secure each component. The
instructions went as far as specifying what
type of thread-lock compound to use.
The directions contained “tips” in
almost every section to ensure proper
assembly. They even reiterated good
building habits, such as cleaning areas
with alcohol before using thread lock.
Pointers on the correct position of a
bearing were also extremely helpful.
In addition, the manual detailed radio
program settings. That would be
particularly helpful if you chose one of the
recommended transmitters, as I did.
Assembly: I immediately noticed that the
clutch assembly was oversized. JR sets a
new standard in making a stronger 90-size
helicopter. The bearing blocks appeared to
have more material to solidly hold the
bearings in position. Locations for a typical
IT’S
BEEN
AWHILE
since a 90-class
helicopter was designed to fly both 3-D
and FAI—and fly them well. The SG was
unveiled during the 2008 IRCHA
(International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association) Jamboree. Several JR/
Horizon Hobby pilots flew it at that event
to give attendees a peek at what we could
have in the future, regardless of our flying
style.
Chat about the Vibe 90SG continued
until it was finally available the following
year at the Toledo Show in April, where I
took a closer look at how much detail was
put into making this piece of art. The
overall look is well balanced and sleek.
June 2010 63
Swashplate: JR Vibe 90SG Helicopter Kit
ANDY PANONCILLO
Expert Scott Gray tuned this
machine to suit any serious
helicopter pilot
Andy increased the number of
tail rotor pushrod supports to
keep the amount of pushrod
flex to a minimum.
The author completed the Vibe 90SG with a
set of Curtis Youngblood Radix 710mm
main blades and carbon-fiber tail blades.
A seven-channel radio is adequate for the
Vibe 90. The Spektrum DX7se is better
still; it can broadcast at the fastest rate
possible, quickening helicopter response
to pilot input time.
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:39 PM Page 63
The YS .91 is easy to set up and requires minimal run-in. If the
Vibe vibrates a bit much, there’s a chance that the needle setting
is rich. Set right, it’s a smoothie.
The clutch and gear drive train are as robust as they come. A
vented clutch bell improves cooling, and its depth gives the
shoes lots of grip.
This is a full kit; nothing is preassembled.
Only common metric helicopter tools are
required for assembly. The manual calls for
a parts bag at every step.
The user is required to select a favorite set
of blades. Sizes from 690mm to 710mm will
suit; the longest offers the most “float.”
Heavier FAI blades will smooth out this
machine.
The Spektrum AR7100R receiver has a builtin
regulator and governor; it’s specifically
sold to suit helicopter pilot demands. A
Thunder Power 2200-4400 mAh 2S Li-Poly
battery is recommended.
Improvements in the new head include a
wrap-around flybar cage and mixing arms
with three linkage-point options. Another
big difference is all-metal blade grips.
JR High Voltage servos offer the most “pop”
in cyclic controls. Pilots who want hard 3-D
performance need these cool-running units.
The battery must match the demand.
Beefy gears on the torque tube and tail
shaft repeat the robust engineering
throughout the model. A dual-point pitch
slider keeps input rocking to a minimum,
increasing precision.
Contents of the 600cc fuel tank are quickly
depleted. The great part is that it’s
supported with rubber dampeners, so the
last drop is as potent as the first.
Photos by Michael Ramsey
64 MODEL AVIATION
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:44 PM Page 64
June 2010 65
As do bigger airplanes, bigger
helicopters fly better. Although they
offer the pilot exquisite agility, they
handle so smoothly that they’re
almost trainerlike.
Right: Cyclic control interaction is minimized when the 140° swashplate mixing option is
installed. Be sure your helicopter radio is equipped with that swashplate program option.
Above: A long tail is part of what gives
this Vibe its “groove” in forward flight.
The included fiberglass canopy can be
neatly decorated with included decals,
shown.
Right: Andy checks the security of the
four hex-head canopy screws before
flight. V-Blades, tested on the tail, proved
to work well.
Pluses and Minuses
+•
Fully tunable mechanics, for extreme
cyclic response.
• Robust sprag autorotation clutch.
• Flybar cage is standard.
• Dual-yoke tail rotor actuator.
• New rotor head system with ultrarigid
dampening.
• Oversized main and tail drive
transmissions.
• Self-aligning, easy-to-maintain engine
mount system.
-•
G10 lower side frames are not in
keeping with the high-end appeal.
• More tail rotor pushrod support
would be considerate.
Specifications
Type: 90-size 3-D helicopter
Skill level: Exp ert build er,
intermediat e pil o t
Rotor diameter: 63 inches
Weight: 10.25-10.75 pounds
Length: 53.5 inches
Engine: .90-size helicopter
Gear ratio: 8:1 main, 4.65:1 tail
Construction: Carbon fiber, G10 frames
Control system: 120 or 140 CCPM
Drive system: Torque tube
Main rotor blades: 680-720 mm
Tail rotor diameter: 11.34 inches
Tailboom: Aluminum tube with ballbearing
supports
Canopy: Painted fiberglass
Landing gear: Fiber-reinforced nylon
Fuel tank: 600cc
Radio: Seven-channel helicopter system
(minimum), four high-speed/high-torque
servos, gyro, gyro servo
Price: $1,499.99
Test-Model Details
E ngi ne used: YS 91 SR
Muffler used: Cur t is
You ngblo od E nterp rise s Mu scl e
Pipe 5-90
Fuel: Byron Rotor Rag e 30 %
Radio s ystem: S pe ktrum
DX7se transmitt er, Spektrum
AR7100R rece iver, fo ur JR
DS8717HV u ltra sp eed cycli c
servos, one J R DS89 00G g y ro
servo, JR G770 3 D G y ro, JR 7. 4-
volt, 4000 mA h Li -Poly battery
Fli ght duration : Six to 1 0
mi nutes
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:48 PM Page 65
This month we list those who have donated $10 or more in support of the Academy’s programs, the National Model Aviation
Museum, and the International Aeromodeling Center. These people have made more than a donation—they have made an
investment in the future of aeromodeling.
When you see these folks, thank them! They are now among the thousands who have given back to model aviation part of what
model aviation has given to them. Many things will be possible due to their thoughtful giving and generosity.
We list our supporters monthly. These donations represent amounts processed in the month of March 2010. If your name is
not listed, please write to the Membership Department and include a canceled check. We want to recognize all contributors!
Thank you.
Jim Archer - CA
Philip S. Arterburn - TX
John P. Barwick - NC
Henry D. Baust - OH
Larry G. Belcher - AZ
Ronald E. Brunelle - CT
John M. Bryant - GA
Michael C. Callas - CA
William M. Conradi - KS
Corsair Model Aircraft
Club - OH
Tim Crawford - CA
Craig Davis - IL
Gregory A. Davis - OK
Robert A. Davit - IL
Antonio L. Del Pozo - CA
Richard M. Dry - CA
Quenten Duden - AZ
Mark J. Feist - OH
Mark E. Franke - VA
Henry G. Frautschy - WI
Curtis Frazier - NC
Donald G. Garofalow - NJ
Richard E. Gengler - AR
Eric B. Hall - MN
Harvard University
Accounts Pa - MA
Gerald R. Hawk - IL
John Hentosh - TX
Christopher J. H ill - CA
Dale A. Holbert - FL
Matt Hoover - CA
Darold Jones - CO
Peter Kauneckas - VA
Thomas J. Kirschner - MD
James R. Kolsby - GA
William E. Kretschmer - OH
Kenneth Lachney - LA
Michael Law - NJ
James Levangie - MA
James R. Lewis - IA
Jonathan Linde - MA
William E. Logan - VA
Howard T. Marano - PA
Robert E. Mccord - TX
Walter E. Meyer - NY
Eric A. Mielke - PA
Alex Milionis - NJ
Patrick G. Moore - WA
Randy J. Morton - CA
Roy D. Nelson - PA
Joseph Offley - IN
Thomas L. Overman - NC
Stephen Paul - CO
Jack Plekan - NJ
Franklin A. Pope - WY
Richard L. Prann - PR
Steven H. Puthuff - CA
Kevin R. Raba - AZ
Merritt W. Robertson - IL
Royce Stiening - IN
Micheal J. Stoltz - NJ
Charles Thomas - VA
Hans-Henrik W. Veisner - TX
Daniel F. Vernon - FL
Michael J. Virag - FL
Joseph Wagner - MD
Richard Wells - IL
Joe C. White - TX
Richard J. Wiese - OH
Steven R. Winner - NV
$10 up to $100
Your Contributions Do Make a Difference!
$1,000 Plus
Ball Corporation - CO
$100 up to $500
Ina Huie - MD
John R. Krouse - MD
Mindbank Consulting Group - VA
Jeffrey C. Paas - OH
Penny Parra - VA
Charles R. Scott - PA
66 MODEL AVIATION
4mm-diameter governor magnet were
provided in the clutch assembly.
The Vibe 90SG gear drive system looked
overbuilt—plenty strong for serious abuse.
The material and gear security gave the
impression that there was no way you could
make it flex.
The main gear assembly, tail drive gear,
and autorotation hub are easy to assemble.
Sliding the autorotation shaft into the hub is
such a smooth action that it is easy to tell that
JR paid much attention to machining quality.
That attention is evident throughout the
assembly. I recommend that you put an ample
amount of oil in the sprag bearing, to ensure
smooth operation.
The 10-year-old single-stack frame design
continues to be popular because of its ease of
assembly and maintenance, reduced parts
count, and lighter overall weight. Unlike other
helicopters on the market that employ the
power plant to support frame integrity, the
engine mount block and lower bearing block
in the Vibe 90SG are bridged with an extra
frame support.
In addition, a frame brace plate on each
side holds the lower bearing block to the front
side of the frame. Another internal frame
support in the front mounts parallel to the
frame support and bridges the engine and
lower bearing block.
There is a tremendous amount of torsional
strength not only to the entire frame, but also,
and more importantly, along the main gear
and main shaft section, to keep it from
flexing during high-demand maneuvers.
All lever arms, including the elevator Aarm,
are made from aluminum. I wrote this
before, but the bearings fit beautifully!
There are two forward equipment trays on
which to mount electronics. The bottom tray
includes the canopy posts. The one-piece gyro
tray is located on the front top of the frame.
The canopy protects all sensitive electronics.
The tank is mounted in the rear portion of
the frame and held in place with separate
lateral frame sets. It is suspended with four
rubber posts. The tank does not touch the
model mainframe, completely isolating it from
vibration.
Two brass collets center the fan hub on the
motor. The cooling fan is wide in diameter
with 12 blades, making it efficient in cooling
the engine regardless of flight conditions.
The fan shroud has a big enough opening
to accommodate any engine; no trimming is
necessary. The engine mount is a separate
piece from the engine block mount. Spacers
are included, so any brand of power plant
will fit.
The bottom frame plate and the landing
gear bolt together to the aluminum frame
lower bracket. The landing struts appear to be
sturdy and sit slightly lower to the ground than
on previous models, enhancing the sleek
appearance.
I’m amazed by how clean and smooth
the swashplate feels, yet there is no
significant play. Again, full credit goes to
the attention to machining every part of
the Vibe 90SG to exact tolerances.
This kit gives you a choice between 120
and 140 CCPM (Cyclic Collective Pitch
Mixing). I like the overall look of the full
metal head. JR incorporated its trademark red
and black to the anodized assembly, and it
turned out to be appealing.
The pitch arms and mixing arms have
multiple ball-link pivot point positions. This is
where you can apply your setting for 3-D or
for FAI flying.
Also provided are two kinds of head
dampeners: extra hard and medium hard. A
silicon insulator around the blade spindle shaft
allows some dampening of the spindle inside
the head block. The flybar cage is also
anodized red and black.
Two ball-bearing shaft drive guides
support the torque tube. Its connection points
are designed with the same philosophy as the
robust gear system and, from my viewpoint,
are unlikely to fail easily.
Two washers are provided for setting the
correct tail-gear mesh. Dual-pin support of the
tail-pitch slider provides linear movement
during operations, making it much smoother
and more precise.
Thrust bearings, other bearings, and
washers are installed to the tail hub before
piecing the halves of the tail grips. I like this
grip design, because it’s easy to maintain and
service. Three pushrod guide clamps support
the tail pushrod design.
Some of the parts are not self-aligning, so
take care when you put those together. When
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:49 PM Page 66
you align the clutch assembly to the main gear
to set the gear mesh, the brass tapered collet
doesn’t self-seat with the fan hub. Take care to
check for runout.
The tail pushrod assembly is fine, but I
think it needs more guides. It comes with
three, but I added two more because the rod
can flex between the recommended support
and even resonates during lower rpm modes.
The fine machining and quality of metal
used on the Vibe 90SG speaks for the high
quality control, but it puzzles me that G10
material is used for the lateral side frames that
hold the tank. Using carbon plates, as is done
on the rest of the machine, might add cost but
carries more support to the bottom plate and
certainly adds to its appearance.
Flight: Hovering has always been hard for me.
Keeping a helicopter in one place, as if
hanging by a string, while performing a simple
Pirouette can be difficult.
But when I hover the Vibe 90SG, I’m
amazed by how much easier it is to keep
locked in one spot. Its overall stability and
balance create a feeling of being in full
control. This model doesn’t have the tendency
to wander.
The Vibe 90SG tracks well in forward
flight. I don’t have to work hard to keep the
same altitude during forward or backward
maneuvers. It also rolls linearly and smoothly.
Even with a 3-D setup, FAI pilots will
probably love this machine.
Regarding 3-D flying, wow! I installed the
hard dampening, and it is adequate for 3-D
performance.
As I mentioned earlier, the Vibe 90SG
gives a feeling of being in control. It doesn’t
wander, but instead tracks well, making
backward, inverted, or right-side-up
maneuvers incredibly comfortable.
During stressful maneuvers, you can tell
that the rigidity of the frame structure is
working. The strong, fast JR 8717HV servos
complement this model’s great feel during
flight.
If you want a great-quality helicopter you can
use for 3-D and FAI, I strongly recommend
the Vibe 90SG. That is not only because it
looks great, but also because it flies well
regardless of flying style or category of
interest.
This kit does cost more than the traditional
3-D machine, but take into account its quality
and durability. Especially if you’re into
precision flying, in which you can’t afford to
drift out of a maneuver because of play in a
model’s head, the Vibe 90SG is much less
likely to surprise you.
There are minor issues, such as the use of
G10, but that can be considered a personal
preference. It affects only the cosmetic
appeal—not the flight characteristics. After the
first few flights, I totally forgot about it.
I currently have the Vibe 90SG installed in
an F3C Stacy II fuselage, but I have not set it
up to fly FAI maneuvers yet. I plan to use this
machine in the Nats this year.
Mark Fadely, MA’s RC helicopter
columnist, is interested in how that part of the
project works, out so keep an eye on his
column for my report. We expect great
things. MA
Andy Panoncillo
[email protected]
Manufacturer/Distributor:
JR/Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Sources:
YS Parts and Service
(775) 267-9252
www.yspartsandservice.com
Curtis Youngblood Enterprises
(979) 779-2172
www.curtisyoungblood.com
Byron Fuels
(712) 364-3165
www.byronfuels.com
Spektrum
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com
JR
(800) 338-4639
www.jrradios.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 63,64,65,66,67,68
When my kit arrived,
every part was sealed
and numbered in the
order listed in the
manual, as I
expected. I like
this way of
packaging,
because the builder
has everything in a
particular bag to
complete a given
step. The white gelcoated
canopy was
protected in a separate
box, to make sure that it
wouldn’t be damaged in
shipment.
The assembly manual was
extremely detailed. There were plenty of
illustrations, to help visualize how to
assemble and secure each component. The
instructions went as far as specifying what
type of thread-lock compound to use.
The directions contained “tips” in
almost every section to ensure proper
assembly. They even reiterated good
building habits, such as cleaning areas
with alcohol before using thread lock.
Pointers on the correct position of a
bearing were also extremely helpful.
In addition, the manual detailed radio
program settings. That would be
particularly helpful if you chose one of the
recommended transmitters, as I did.
Assembly: I immediately noticed that the
clutch assembly was oversized. JR sets a
new standard in making a stronger 90-size
helicopter. The bearing blocks appeared to
have more material to solidly hold the
bearings in position. Locations for a typical
IT’S
BEEN
AWHILE
since a 90-class
helicopter was designed to fly both 3-D
and FAI—and fly them well. The SG was
unveiled during the 2008 IRCHA
(International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association) Jamboree. Several JR/
Horizon Hobby pilots flew it at that event
to give attendees a peek at what we could
have in the future, regardless of our flying
style.
Chat about the Vibe 90SG continued
until it was finally available the following
year at the Toledo Show in April, where I
took a closer look at how much detail was
put into making this piece of art. The
overall look is well balanced and sleek.
June 2010 63
Swashplate: JR Vibe 90SG Helicopter Kit
ANDY PANONCILLO
Expert Scott Gray tuned this
machine to suit any serious
helicopter pilot
Andy increased the number of
tail rotor pushrod supports to
keep the amount of pushrod
flex to a minimum.
The author completed the Vibe 90SG with a
set of Curtis Youngblood Radix 710mm
main blades and carbon-fiber tail blades.
A seven-channel radio is adequate for the
Vibe 90. The Spektrum DX7se is better
still; it can broadcast at the fastest rate
possible, quickening helicopter response
to pilot input time.
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:39 PM Page 63
The YS .91 is easy to set up and requires minimal run-in. If the
Vibe vibrates a bit much, there’s a chance that the needle setting
is rich. Set right, it’s a smoothie.
The clutch and gear drive train are as robust as they come. A
vented clutch bell improves cooling, and its depth gives the
shoes lots of grip.
This is a full kit; nothing is preassembled.
Only common metric helicopter tools are
required for assembly. The manual calls for
a parts bag at every step.
The user is required to select a favorite set
of blades. Sizes from 690mm to 710mm will
suit; the longest offers the most “float.”
Heavier FAI blades will smooth out this
machine.
The Spektrum AR7100R receiver has a builtin
regulator and governor; it’s specifically
sold to suit helicopter pilot demands. A
Thunder Power 2200-4400 mAh 2S Li-Poly
battery is recommended.
Improvements in the new head include a
wrap-around flybar cage and mixing arms
with three linkage-point options. Another
big difference is all-metal blade grips.
JR High Voltage servos offer the most “pop”
in cyclic controls. Pilots who want hard 3-D
performance need these cool-running units.
The battery must match the demand.
Beefy gears on the torque tube and tail
shaft repeat the robust engineering
throughout the model. A dual-point pitch
slider keeps input rocking to a minimum,
increasing precision.
Contents of the 600cc fuel tank are quickly
depleted. The great part is that it’s
supported with rubber dampeners, so the
last drop is as potent as the first.
Photos by Michael Ramsey
64 MODEL AVIATION
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:44 PM Page 64
June 2010 65
As do bigger airplanes, bigger
helicopters fly better. Although they
offer the pilot exquisite agility, they
handle so smoothly that they’re
almost trainerlike.
Right: Cyclic control interaction is minimized when the 140° swashplate mixing option is
installed. Be sure your helicopter radio is equipped with that swashplate program option.
Above: A long tail is part of what gives
this Vibe its “groove” in forward flight.
The included fiberglass canopy can be
neatly decorated with included decals,
shown.
Right: Andy checks the security of the
four hex-head canopy screws before
flight. V-Blades, tested on the tail, proved
to work well.
Pluses and Minuses
+•
Fully tunable mechanics, for extreme
cyclic response.
• Robust sprag autorotation clutch.
• Flybar cage is standard.
• Dual-yoke tail rotor actuator.
• New rotor head system with ultrarigid
dampening.
• Oversized main and tail drive
transmissions.
• Self-aligning, easy-to-maintain engine
mount system.
-•
G10 lower side frames are not in
keeping with the high-end appeal.
• More tail rotor pushrod support
would be considerate.
Specifications
Type: 90-size 3-D helicopter
Skill level: Exp ert build er,
intermediat e pil o t
Rotor diameter: 63 inches
Weight: 10.25-10.75 pounds
Length: 53.5 inches
Engine: .90-size helicopter
Gear ratio: 8:1 main, 4.65:1 tail
Construction: Carbon fiber, G10 frames
Control system: 120 or 140 CCPM
Drive system: Torque tube
Main rotor blades: 680-720 mm
Tail rotor diameter: 11.34 inches
Tailboom: Aluminum tube with ballbearing
supports
Canopy: Painted fiberglass
Landing gear: Fiber-reinforced nylon
Fuel tank: 600cc
Radio: Seven-channel helicopter system
(minimum), four high-speed/high-torque
servos, gyro, gyro servo
Price: $1,499.99
Test-Model Details
E ngi ne used: YS 91 SR
Muffler used: Cur t is
You ngblo od E nterp rise s Mu scl e
Pipe 5-90
Fuel: Byron Rotor Rag e 30 %
Radio s ystem: S pe ktrum
DX7se transmitt er, Spektrum
AR7100R rece iver, fo ur JR
DS8717HV u ltra sp eed cycli c
servos, one J R DS89 00G g y ro
servo, JR G770 3 D G y ro, JR 7. 4-
volt, 4000 mA h Li -Poly battery
Fli ght duration : Six to 1 0
mi nutes
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:48 PM Page 65
This month we list those who have donated $10 or more in support of the Academy’s programs, the National Model Aviation
Museum, and the International Aeromodeling Center. These people have made more than a donation—they have made an
investment in the future of aeromodeling.
When you see these folks, thank them! They are now among the thousands who have given back to model aviation part of what
model aviation has given to them. Many things will be possible due to their thoughtful giving and generosity.
We list our supporters monthly. These donations represent amounts processed in the month of March 2010. If your name is
not listed, please write to the Membership Department and include a canceled check. We want to recognize all contributors!
Thank you.
Jim Archer - CA
Philip S. Arterburn - TX
John P. Barwick - NC
Henry D. Baust - OH
Larry G. Belcher - AZ
Ronald E. Brunelle - CT
John M. Bryant - GA
Michael C. Callas - CA
William M. Conradi - KS
Corsair Model Aircraft
Club - OH
Tim Crawford - CA
Craig Davis - IL
Gregory A. Davis - OK
Robert A. Davit - IL
Antonio L. Del Pozo - CA
Richard M. Dry - CA
Quenten Duden - AZ
Mark J. Feist - OH
Mark E. Franke - VA
Henry G. Frautschy - WI
Curtis Frazier - NC
Donald G. Garofalow - NJ
Richard E. Gengler - AR
Eric B. Hall - MN
Harvard University
Accounts Pa - MA
Gerald R. Hawk - IL
John Hentosh - TX
Christopher J. H ill - CA
Dale A. Holbert - FL
Matt Hoover - CA
Darold Jones - CO
Peter Kauneckas - VA
Thomas J. Kirschner - MD
James R. Kolsby - GA
William E. Kretschmer - OH
Kenneth Lachney - LA
Michael Law - NJ
James Levangie - MA
James R. Lewis - IA
Jonathan Linde - MA
William E. Logan - VA
Howard T. Marano - PA
Robert E. Mccord - TX
Walter E. Meyer - NY
Eric A. Mielke - PA
Alex Milionis - NJ
Patrick G. Moore - WA
Randy J. Morton - CA
Roy D. Nelson - PA
Joseph Offley - IN
Thomas L. Overman - NC
Stephen Paul - CO
Jack Plekan - NJ
Franklin A. Pope - WY
Richard L. Prann - PR
Steven H. Puthuff - CA
Kevin R. Raba - AZ
Merritt W. Robertson - IL
Royce Stiening - IN
Micheal J. Stoltz - NJ
Charles Thomas - VA
Hans-Henrik W. Veisner - TX
Daniel F. Vernon - FL
Michael J. Virag - FL
Joseph Wagner - MD
Richard Wells - IL
Joe C. White - TX
Richard J. Wiese - OH
Steven R. Winner - NV
$10 up to $100
Your Contributions Do Make a Difference!
$1,000 Plus
Ball Corporation - CO
$100 up to $500
Ina Huie - MD
John R. Krouse - MD
Mindbank Consulting Group - VA
Jeffrey C. Paas - OH
Penny Parra - VA
Charles R. Scott - PA
66 MODEL AVIATION
4mm-diameter governor magnet were
provided in the clutch assembly.
The Vibe 90SG gear drive system looked
overbuilt—plenty strong for serious abuse.
The material and gear security gave the
impression that there was no way you could
make it flex.
The main gear assembly, tail drive gear,
and autorotation hub are easy to assemble.
Sliding the autorotation shaft into the hub is
such a smooth action that it is easy to tell that
JR paid much attention to machining quality.
That attention is evident throughout the
assembly. I recommend that you put an ample
amount of oil in the sprag bearing, to ensure
smooth operation.
The 10-year-old single-stack frame design
continues to be popular because of its ease of
assembly and maintenance, reduced parts
count, and lighter overall weight. Unlike other
helicopters on the market that employ the
power plant to support frame integrity, the
engine mount block and lower bearing block
in the Vibe 90SG are bridged with an extra
frame support.
In addition, a frame brace plate on each
side holds the lower bearing block to the front
side of the frame. Another internal frame
support in the front mounts parallel to the
frame support and bridges the engine and
lower bearing block.
There is a tremendous amount of torsional
strength not only to the entire frame, but also,
and more importantly, along the main gear
and main shaft section, to keep it from
flexing during high-demand maneuvers.
All lever arms, including the elevator Aarm,
are made from aluminum. I wrote this
before, but the bearings fit beautifully!
There are two forward equipment trays on
which to mount electronics. The bottom tray
includes the canopy posts. The one-piece gyro
tray is located on the front top of the frame.
The canopy protects all sensitive electronics.
The tank is mounted in the rear portion of
the frame and held in place with separate
lateral frame sets. It is suspended with four
rubber posts. The tank does not touch the
model mainframe, completely isolating it from
vibration.
Two brass collets center the fan hub on the
motor. The cooling fan is wide in diameter
with 12 blades, making it efficient in cooling
the engine regardless of flight conditions.
The fan shroud has a big enough opening
to accommodate any engine; no trimming is
necessary. The engine mount is a separate
piece from the engine block mount. Spacers
are included, so any brand of power plant
will fit.
The bottom frame plate and the landing
gear bolt together to the aluminum frame
lower bracket. The landing struts appear to be
sturdy and sit slightly lower to the ground than
on previous models, enhancing the sleek
appearance.
I’m amazed by how clean and smooth
the swashplate feels, yet there is no
significant play. Again, full credit goes to
the attention to machining every part of
the Vibe 90SG to exact tolerances.
This kit gives you a choice between 120
and 140 CCPM (Cyclic Collective Pitch
Mixing). I like the overall look of the full
metal head. JR incorporated its trademark red
and black to the anodized assembly, and it
turned out to be appealing.
The pitch arms and mixing arms have
multiple ball-link pivot point positions. This is
where you can apply your setting for 3-D or
for FAI flying.
Also provided are two kinds of head
dampeners: extra hard and medium hard. A
silicon insulator around the blade spindle shaft
allows some dampening of the spindle inside
the head block. The flybar cage is also
anodized red and black.
Two ball-bearing shaft drive guides
support the torque tube. Its connection points
are designed with the same philosophy as the
robust gear system and, from my viewpoint,
are unlikely to fail easily.
Two washers are provided for setting the
correct tail-gear mesh. Dual-pin support of the
tail-pitch slider provides linear movement
during operations, making it much smoother
and more precise.
Thrust bearings, other bearings, and
washers are installed to the tail hub before
piecing the halves of the tail grips. I like this
grip design, because it’s easy to maintain and
service. Three pushrod guide clamps support
the tail pushrod design.
Some of the parts are not self-aligning, so
take care when you put those together. When
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:49 PM Page 66
you align the clutch assembly to the main gear
to set the gear mesh, the brass tapered collet
doesn’t self-seat with the fan hub. Take care to
check for runout.
The tail pushrod assembly is fine, but I
think it needs more guides. It comes with
three, but I added two more because the rod
can flex between the recommended support
and even resonates during lower rpm modes.
The fine machining and quality of metal
used on the Vibe 90SG speaks for the high
quality control, but it puzzles me that G10
material is used for the lateral side frames that
hold the tank. Using carbon plates, as is done
on the rest of the machine, might add cost but
carries more support to the bottom plate and
certainly adds to its appearance.
Flight: Hovering has always been hard for me.
Keeping a helicopter in one place, as if
hanging by a string, while performing a simple
Pirouette can be difficult.
But when I hover the Vibe 90SG, I’m
amazed by how much easier it is to keep
locked in one spot. Its overall stability and
balance create a feeling of being in full
control. This model doesn’t have the tendency
to wander.
The Vibe 90SG tracks well in forward
flight. I don’t have to work hard to keep the
same altitude during forward or backward
maneuvers. It also rolls linearly and smoothly.
Even with a 3-D setup, FAI pilots will
probably love this machine.
Regarding 3-D flying, wow! I installed the
hard dampening, and it is adequate for 3-D
performance.
As I mentioned earlier, the Vibe 90SG
gives a feeling of being in control. It doesn’t
wander, but instead tracks well, making
backward, inverted, or right-side-up
maneuvers incredibly comfortable.
During stressful maneuvers, you can tell
that the rigidity of the frame structure is
working. The strong, fast JR 8717HV servos
complement this model’s great feel during
flight.
If you want a great-quality helicopter you can
use for 3-D and FAI, I strongly recommend
the Vibe 90SG. That is not only because it
looks great, but also because it flies well
regardless of flying style or category of
interest.
This kit does cost more than the traditional
3-D machine, but take into account its quality
and durability. Especially if you’re into
precision flying, in which you can’t afford to
drift out of a maneuver because of play in a
model’s head, the Vibe 90SG is much less
likely to surprise you.
There are minor issues, such as the use of
G10, but that can be considered a personal
preference. It affects only the cosmetic
appeal—not the flight characteristics. After the
first few flights, I totally forgot about it.
I currently have the Vibe 90SG installed in
an F3C Stacy II fuselage, but I have not set it
up to fly FAI maneuvers yet. I plan to use this
machine in the Nats this year.
Mark Fadely, MA’s RC helicopter
columnist, is interested in how that part of the
project works, out so keep an eye on his
column for my report. We expect great
things. MA
Andy Panoncillo
[email protected]
Manufacturer/Distributor:
JR/Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Sources:
YS Parts and Service
(775) 267-9252
www.yspartsandservice.com
Curtis Youngblood Enterprises
(979) 779-2172
www.curtisyoungblood.com
Byron Fuels
(712) 364-3165
www.byronfuels.com
Spektrum
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com
JR
(800) 338-4639
www.jrradios.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 63,64,65,66,67,68
When my kit arrived,
every part was sealed
and numbered in the
order listed in the
manual, as I
expected. I like
this way of
packaging,
because the builder
has everything in a
particular bag to
complete a given
step. The white gelcoated
canopy was
protected in a separate
box, to make sure that it
wouldn’t be damaged in
shipment.
The assembly manual was
extremely detailed. There were plenty of
illustrations, to help visualize how to
assemble and secure each component. The
instructions went as far as specifying what
type of thread-lock compound to use.
The directions contained “tips” in
almost every section to ensure proper
assembly. They even reiterated good
building habits, such as cleaning areas
with alcohol before using thread lock.
Pointers on the correct position of a
bearing were also extremely helpful.
In addition, the manual detailed radio
program settings. That would be
particularly helpful if you chose one of the
recommended transmitters, as I did.
Assembly: I immediately noticed that the
clutch assembly was oversized. JR sets a
new standard in making a stronger 90-size
helicopter. The bearing blocks appeared to
have more material to solidly hold the
bearings in position. Locations for a typical
IT’S
BEEN
AWHILE
since a 90-class
helicopter was designed to fly both 3-D
and FAI—and fly them well. The SG was
unveiled during the 2008 IRCHA
(International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association) Jamboree. Several JR/
Horizon Hobby pilots flew it at that event
to give attendees a peek at what we could
have in the future, regardless of our flying
style.
Chat about the Vibe 90SG continued
until it was finally available the following
year at the Toledo Show in April, where I
took a closer look at how much detail was
put into making this piece of art. The
overall look is well balanced and sleek.
June 2010 63
Swashplate: JR Vibe 90SG Helicopter Kit
ANDY PANONCILLO
Expert Scott Gray tuned this
machine to suit any serious
helicopter pilot
Andy increased the number of
tail rotor pushrod supports to
keep the amount of pushrod
flex to a minimum.
The author completed the Vibe 90SG with a
set of Curtis Youngblood Radix 710mm
main blades and carbon-fiber tail blades.
A seven-channel radio is adequate for the
Vibe 90. The Spektrum DX7se is better
still; it can broadcast at the fastest rate
possible, quickening helicopter response
to pilot input time.
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:39 PM Page 63
The YS .91 is easy to set up and requires minimal run-in. If the
Vibe vibrates a bit much, there’s a chance that the needle setting
is rich. Set right, it’s a smoothie.
The clutch and gear drive train are as robust as they come. A
vented clutch bell improves cooling, and its depth gives the
shoes lots of grip.
This is a full kit; nothing is preassembled.
Only common metric helicopter tools are
required for assembly. The manual calls for
a parts bag at every step.
The user is required to select a favorite set
of blades. Sizes from 690mm to 710mm will
suit; the longest offers the most “float.”
Heavier FAI blades will smooth out this
machine.
The Spektrum AR7100R receiver has a builtin
regulator and governor; it’s specifically
sold to suit helicopter pilot demands. A
Thunder Power 2200-4400 mAh 2S Li-Poly
battery is recommended.
Improvements in the new head include a
wrap-around flybar cage and mixing arms
with three linkage-point options. Another
big difference is all-metal blade grips.
JR High Voltage servos offer the most “pop”
in cyclic controls. Pilots who want hard 3-D
performance need these cool-running units.
The battery must match the demand.
Beefy gears on the torque tube and tail
shaft repeat the robust engineering
throughout the model. A dual-point pitch
slider keeps input rocking to a minimum,
increasing precision.
Contents of the 600cc fuel tank are quickly
depleted. The great part is that it’s
supported with rubber dampeners, so the
last drop is as potent as the first.
Photos by Michael Ramsey
64 MODEL AVIATION
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:44 PM Page 64
June 2010 65
As do bigger airplanes, bigger
helicopters fly better. Although they
offer the pilot exquisite agility, they
handle so smoothly that they’re
almost trainerlike.
Right: Cyclic control interaction is minimized when the 140° swashplate mixing option is
installed. Be sure your helicopter radio is equipped with that swashplate program option.
Above: A long tail is part of what gives
this Vibe its “groove” in forward flight.
The included fiberglass canopy can be
neatly decorated with included decals,
shown.
Right: Andy checks the security of the
four hex-head canopy screws before
flight. V-Blades, tested on the tail, proved
to work well.
Pluses and Minuses
+•
Fully tunable mechanics, for extreme
cyclic response.
• Robust sprag autorotation clutch.
• Flybar cage is standard.
• Dual-yoke tail rotor actuator.
• New rotor head system with ultrarigid
dampening.
• Oversized main and tail drive
transmissions.
• Self-aligning, easy-to-maintain engine
mount system.
-•
G10 lower side frames are not in
keeping with the high-end appeal.
• More tail rotor pushrod support
would be considerate.
Specifications
Type: 90-size 3-D helicopter
Skill level: Exp ert build er,
intermediat e pil o t
Rotor diameter: 63 inches
Weight: 10.25-10.75 pounds
Length: 53.5 inches
Engine: .90-size helicopter
Gear ratio: 8:1 main, 4.65:1 tail
Construction: Carbon fiber, G10 frames
Control system: 120 or 140 CCPM
Drive system: Torque tube
Main rotor blades: 680-720 mm
Tail rotor diameter: 11.34 inches
Tailboom: Aluminum tube with ballbearing
supports
Canopy: Painted fiberglass
Landing gear: Fiber-reinforced nylon
Fuel tank: 600cc
Radio: Seven-channel helicopter system
(minimum), four high-speed/high-torque
servos, gyro, gyro servo
Price: $1,499.99
Test-Model Details
E ngi ne used: YS 91 SR
Muffler used: Cur t is
You ngblo od E nterp rise s Mu scl e
Pipe 5-90
Fuel: Byron Rotor Rag e 30 %
Radio s ystem: S pe ktrum
DX7se transmitt er, Spektrum
AR7100R rece iver, fo ur JR
DS8717HV u ltra sp eed cycli c
servos, one J R DS89 00G g y ro
servo, JR G770 3 D G y ro, JR 7. 4-
volt, 4000 mA h Li -Poly battery
Fli ght duration : Six to 1 0
mi nutes
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:48 PM Page 65
This month we list those who have donated $10 or more in support of the Academy’s programs, the National Model Aviation
Museum, and the International Aeromodeling Center. These people have made more than a donation—they have made an
investment in the future of aeromodeling.
When you see these folks, thank them! They are now among the thousands who have given back to model aviation part of what
model aviation has given to them. Many things will be possible due to their thoughtful giving and generosity.
We list our supporters monthly. These donations represent amounts processed in the month of March 2010. If your name is
not listed, please write to the Membership Department and include a canceled check. We want to recognize all contributors!
Thank you.
Jim Archer - CA
Philip S. Arterburn - TX
John P. Barwick - NC
Henry D. Baust - OH
Larry G. Belcher - AZ
Ronald E. Brunelle - CT
John M. Bryant - GA
Michael C. Callas - CA
William M. Conradi - KS
Corsair Model Aircraft
Club - OH
Tim Crawford - CA
Craig Davis - IL
Gregory A. Davis - OK
Robert A. Davit - IL
Antonio L. Del Pozo - CA
Richard M. Dry - CA
Quenten Duden - AZ
Mark J. Feist - OH
Mark E. Franke - VA
Henry G. Frautschy - WI
Curtis Frazier - NC
Donald G. Garofalow - NJ
Richard E. Gengler - AR
Eric B. Hall - MN
Harvard University
Accounts Pa - MA
Gerald R. Hawk - IL
John Hentosh - TX
Christopher J. H ill - CA
Dale A. Holbert - FL
Matt Hoover - CA
Darold Jones - CO
Peter Kauneckas - VA
Thomas J. Kirschner - MD
James R. Kolsby - GA
William E. Kretschmer - OH
Kenneth Lachney - LA
Michael Law - NJ
James Levangie - MA
James R. Lewis - IA
Jonathan Linde - MA
William E. Logan - VA
Howard T. Marano - PA
Robert E. Mccord - TX
Walter E. Meyer - NY
Eric A. Mielke - PA
Alex Milionis - NJ
Patrick G. Moore - WA
Randy J. Morton - CA
Roy D. Nelson - PA
Joseph Offley - IN
Thomas L. Overman - NC
Stephen Paul - CO
Jack Plekan - NJ
Franklin A. Pope - WY
Richard L. Prann - PR
Steven H. Puthuff - CA
Kevin R. Raba - AZ
Merritt W. Robertson - IL
Royce Stiening - IN
Micheal J. Stoltz - NJ
Charles Thomas - VA
Hans-Henrik W. Veisner - TX
Daniel F. Vernon - FL
Michael J. Virag - FL
Joseph Wagner - MD
Richard Wells - IL
Joe C. White - TX
Richard J. Wiese - OH
Steven R. Winner - NV
$10 up to $100
Your Contributions Do Make a Difference!
$1,000 Plus
Ball Corporation - CO
$100 up to $500
Ina Huie - MD
John R. Krouse - MD
Mindbank Consulting Group - VA
Jeffrey C. Paas - OH
Penny Parra - VA
Charles R. Scott - PA
66 MODEL AVIATION
4mm-diameter governor magnet were
provided in the clutch assembly.
The Vibe 90SG gear drive system looked
overbuilt—plenty strong for serious abuse.
The material and gear security gave the
impression that there was no way you could
make it flex.
The main gear assembly, tail drive gear,
and autorotation hub are easy to assemble.
Sliding the autorotation shaft into the hub is
such a smooth action that it is easy to tell that
JR paid much attention to machining quality.
That attention is evident throughout the
assembly. I recommend that you put an ample
amount of oil in the sprag bearing, to ensure
smooth operation.
The 10-year-old single-stack frame design
continues to be popular because of its ease of
assembly and maintenance, reduced parts
count, and lighter overall weight. Unlike other
helicopters on the market that employ the
power plant to support frame integrity, the
engine mount block and lower bearing block
in the Vibe 90SG are bridged with an extra
frame support.
In addition, a frame brace plate on each
side holds the lower bearing block to the front
side of the frame. Another internal frame
support in the front mounts parallel to the
frame support and bridges the engine and
lower bearing block.
There is a tremendous amount of torsional
strength not only to the entire frame, but also,
and more importantly, along the main gear
and main shaft section, to keep it from
flexing during high-demand maneuvers.
All lever arms, including the elevator Aarm,
are made from aluminum. I wrote this
before, but the bearings fit beautifully!
There are two forward equipment trays on
which to mount electronics. The bottom tray
includes the canopy posts. The one-piece gyro
tray is located on the front top of the frame.
The canopy protects all sensitive electronics.
The tank is mounted in the rear portion of
the frame and held in place with separate
lateral frame sets. It is suspended with four
rubber posts. The tank does not touch the
model mainframe, completely isolating it from
vibration.
Two brass collets center the fan hub on the
motor. The cooling fan is wide in diameter
with 12 blades, making it efficient in cooling
the engine regardless of flight conditions.
The fan shroud has a big enough opening
to accommodate any engine; no trimming is
necessary. The engine mount is a separate
piece from the engine block mount. Spacers
are included, so any brand of power plant
will fit.
The bottom frame plate and the landing
gear bolt together to the aluminum frame
lower bracket. The landing struts appear to be
sturdy and sit slightly lower to the ground than
on previous models, enhancing the sleek
appearance.
I’m amazed by how clean and smooth
the swashplate feels, yet there is no
significant play. Again, full credit goes to
the attention to machining every part of
the Vibe 90SG to exact tolerances.
This kit gives you a choice between 120
and 140 CCPM (Cyclic Collective Pitch
Mixing). I like the overall look of the full
metal head. JR incorporated its trademark red
and black to the anodized assembly, and it
turned out to be appealing.
The pitch arms and mixing arms have
multiple ball-link pivot point positions. This is
where you can apply your setting for 3-D or
for FAI flying.
Also provided are two kinds of head
dampeners: extra hard and medium hard. A
silicon insulator around the blade spindle shaft
allows some dampening of the spindle inside
the head block. The flybar cage is also
anodized red and black.
Two ball-bearing shaft drive guides
support the torque tube. Its connection points
are designed with the same philosophy as the
robust gear system and, from my viewpoint,
are unlikely to fail easily.
Two washers are provided for setting the
correct tail-gear mesh. Dual-pin support of the
tail-pitch slider provides linear movement
during operations, making it much smoother
and more precise.
Thrust bearings, other bearings, and
washers are installed to the tail hub before
piecing the halves of the tail grips. I like this
grip design, because it’s easy to maintain and
service. Three pushrod guide clamps support
the tail pushrod design.
Some of the parts are not self-aligning, so
take care when you put those together. When
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:49 PM Page 66
you align the clutch assembly to the main gear
to set the gear mesh, the brass tapered collet
doesn’t self-seat with the fan hub. Take care to
check for runout.
The tail pushrod assembly is fine, but I
think it needs more guides. It comes with
three, but I added two more because the rod
can flex between the recommended support
and even resonates during lower rpm modes.
The fine machining and quality of metal
used on the Vibe 90SG speaks for the high
quality control, but it puzzles me that G10
material is used for the lateral side frames that
hold the tank. Using carbon plates, as is done
on the rest of the machine, might add cost but
carries more support to the bottom plate and
certainly adds to its appearance.
Flight: Hovering has always been hard for me.
Keeping a helicopter in one place, as if
hanging by a string, while performing a simple
Pirouette can be difficult.
But when I hover the Vibe 90SG, I’m
amazed by how much easier it is to keep
locked in one spot. Its overall stability and
balance create a feeling of being in full
control. This model doesn’t have the tendency
to wander.
The Vibe 90SG tracks well in forward
flight. I don’t have to work hard to keep the
same altitude during forward or backward
maneuvers. It also rolls linearly and smoothly.
Even with a 3-D setup, FAI pilots will
probably love this machine.
Regarding 3-D flying, wow! I installed the
hard dampening, and it is adequate for 3-D
performance.
As I mentioned earlier, the Vibe 90SG
gives a feeling of being in control. It doesn’t
wander, but instead tracks well, making
backward, inverted, or right-side-up
maneuvers incredibly comfortable.
During stressful maneuvers, you can tell
that the rigidity of the frame structure is
working. The strong, fast JR 8717HV servos
complement this model’s great feel during
flight.
If you want a great-quality helicopter you can
use for 3-D and FAI, I strongly recommend
the Vibe 90SG. That is not only because it
looks great, but also because it flies well
regardless of flying style or category of
interest.
This kit does cost more than the traditional
3-D machine, but take into account its quality
and durability. Especially if you’re into
precision flying, in which you can’t afford to
drift out of a maneuver because of play in a
model’s head, the Vibe 90SG is much less
likely to surprise you.
There are minor issues, such as the use of
G10, but that can be considered a personal
preference. It affects only the cosmetic
appeal—not the flight characteristics. After the
first few flights, I totally forgot about it.
I currently have the Vibe 90SG installed in
an F3C Stacy II fuselage, but I have not set it
up to fly FAI maneuvers yet. I plan to use this
machine in the Nats this year.
Mark Fadely, MA’s RC helicopter
columnist, is interested in how that part of the
project works, out so keep an eye on his
column for my report. We expect great
things. MA
Andy Panoncillo
[email protected]
Manufacturer/Distributor:
JR/Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Sources:
YS Parts and Service
(775) 267-9252
www.yspartsandservice.com
Curtis Youngblood Enterprises
(979) 779-2172
www.curtisyoungblood.com
Byron Fuels
(712) 364-3165
www.byronfuels.com
Spektrum
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com
JR
(800) 338-4639
www.jrradios.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 63,64,65,66,67,68
When my kit arrived,
every part was sealed
and numbered in the
order listed in the
manual, as I
expected. I like
this way of
packaging,
because the builder
has everything in a
particular bag to
complete a given
step. The white gelcoated
canopy was
protected in a separate
box, to make sure that it
wouldn’t be damaged in
shipment.
The assembly manual was
extremely detailed. There were plenty of
illustrations, to help visualize how to
assemble and secure each component. The
instructions went as far as specifying what
type of thread-lock compound to use.
The directions contained “tips” in
almost every section to ensure proper
assembly. They even reiterated good
building habits, such as cleaning areas
with alcohol before using thread lock.
Pointers on the correct position of a
bearing were also extremely helpful.
In addition, the manual detailed radio
program settings. That would be
particularly helpful if you chose one of the
recommended transmitters, as I did.
Assembly: I immediately noticed that the
clutch assembly was oversized. JR sets a
new standard in making a stronger 90-size
helicopter. The bearing blocks appeared to
have more material to solidly hold the
bearings in position. Locations for a typical
IT’S
BEEN
AWHILE
since a 90-class
helicopter was designed to fly both 3-D
and FAI—and fly them well. The SG was
unveiled during the 2008 IRCHA
(International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association) Jamboree. Several JR/
Horizon Hobby pilots flew it at that event
to give attendees a peek at what we could
have in the future, regardless of our flying
style.
Chat about the Vibe 90SG continued
until it was finally available the following
year at the Toledo Show in April, where I
took a closer look at how much detail was
put into making this piece of art. The
overall look is well balanced and sleek.
June 2010 63
Swashplate: JR Vibe 90SG Helicopter Kit
ANDY PANONCILLO
Expert Scott Gray tuned this
machine to suit any serious
helicopter pilot
Andy increased the number of
tail rotor pushrod supports to
keep the amount of pushrod
flex to a minimum.
The author completed the Vibe 90SG with a
set of Curtis Youngblood Radix 710mm
main blades and carbon-fiber tail blades.
A seven-channel radio is adequate for the
Vibe 90. The Spektrum DX7se is better
still; it can broadcast at the fastest rate
possible, quickening helicopter response
to pilot input time.
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:39 PM Page 63
The YS .91 is easy to set up and requires minimal run-in. If the
Vibe vibrates a bit much, there’s a chance that the needle setting
is rich. Set right, it’s a smoothie.
The clutch and gear drive train are as robust as they come. A
vented clutch bell improves cooling, and its depth gives the
shoes lots of grip.
This is a full kit; nothing is preassembled.
Only common metric helicopter tools are
required for assembly. The manual calls for
a parts bag at every step.
The user is required to select a favorite set
of blades. Sizes from 690mm to 710mm will
suit; the longest offers the most “float.”
Heavier FAI blades will smooth out this
machine.
The Spektrum AR7100R receiver has a builtin
regulator and governor; it’s specifically
sold to suit helicopter pilot demands. A
Thunder Power 2200-4400 mAh 2S Li-Poly
battery is recommended.
Improvements in the new head include a
wrap-around flybar cage and mixing arms
with three linkage-point options. Another
big difference is all-metal blade grips.
JR High Voltage servos offer the most “pop”
in cyclic controls. Pilots who want hard 3-D
performance need these cool-running units.
The battery must match the demand.
Beefy gears on the torque tube and tail
shaft repeat the robust engineering
throughout the model. A dual-point pitch
slider keeps input rocking to a minimum,
increasing precision.
Contents of the 600cc fuel tank are quickly
depleted. The great part is that it’s
supported with rubber dampeners, so the
last drop is as potent as the first.
Photos by Michael Ramsey
64 MODEL AVIATION
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:44 PM Page 64
June 2010 65
As do bigger airplanes, bigger
helicopters fly better. Although they
offer the pilot exquisite agility, they
handle so smoothly that they’re
almost trainerlike.
Right: Cyclic control interaction is minimized when the 140° swashplate mixing option is
installed. Be sure your helicopter radio is equipped with that swashplate program option.
Above: A long tail is part of what gives
this Vibe its “groove” in forward flight.
The included fiberglass canopy can be
neatly decorated with included decals,
shown.
Right: Andy checks the security of the
four hex-head canopy screws before
flight. V-Blades, tested on the tail, proved
to work well.
Pluses and Minuses
+•
Fully tunable mechanics, for extreme
cyclic response.
• Robust sprag autorotation clutch.
• Flybar cage is standard.
• Dual-yoke tail rotor actuator.
• New rotor head system with ultrarigid
dampening.
• Oversized main and tail drive
transmissions.
• Self-aligning, easy-to-maintain engine
mount system.
-•
G10 lower side frames are not in
keeping with the high-end appeal.
• More tail rotor pushrod support
would be considerate.
Specifications
Type: 90-size 3-D helicopter
Skill level: Exp ert build er,
intermediat e pil o t
Rotor diameter: 63 inches
Weight: 10.25-10.75 pounds
Length: 53.5 inches
Engine: .90-size helicopter
Gear ratio: 8:1 main, 4.65:1 tail
Construction: Carbon fiber, G10 frames
Control system: 120 or 140 CCPM
Drive system: Torque tube
Main rotor blades: 680-720 mm
Tail rotor diameter: 11.34 inches
Tailboom: Aluminum tube with ballbearing
supports
Canopy: Painted fiberglass
Landing gear: Fiber-reinforced nylon
Fuel tank: 600cc
Radio: Seven-channel helicopter system
(minimum), four high-speed/high-torque
servos, gyro, gyro servo
Price: $1,499.99
Test-Model Details
E ngi ne used: YS 91 SR
Muffler used: Cur t is
You ngblo od E nterp rise s Mu scl e
Pipe 5-90
Fuel: Byron Rotor Rag e 30 %
Radio s ystem: S pe ktrum
DX7se transmitt er, Spektrum
AR7100R rece iver, fo ur JR
DS8717HV u ltra sp eed cycli c
servos, one J R DS89 00G g y ro
servo, JR G770 3 D G y ro, JR 7. 4-
volt, 4000 mA h Li -Poly battery
Fli ght duration : Six to 1 0
mi nutes
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:48 PM Page 65
This month we list those who have donated $10 or more in support of the Academy’s programs, the National Model Aviation
Museum, and the International Aeromodeling Center. These people have made more than a donation—they have made an
investment in the future of aeromodeling.
When you see these folks, thank them! They are now among the thousands who have given back to model aviation part of what
model aviation has given to them. Many things will be possible due to their thoughtful giving and generosity.
We list our supporters monthly. These donations represent amounts processed in the month of March 2010. If your name is
not listed, please write to the Membership Department and include a canceled check. We want to recognize all contributors!
Thank you.
Jim Archer - CA
Philip S. Arterburn - TX
John P. Barwick - NC
Henry D. Baust - OH
Larry G. Belcher - AZ
Ronald E. Brunelle - CT
John M. Bryant - GA
Michael C. Callas - CA
William M. Conradi - KS
Corsair Model Aircraft
Club - OH
Tim Crawford - CA
Craig Davis - IL
Gregory A. Davis - OK
Robert A. Davit - IL
Antonio L. Del Pozo - CA
Richard M. Dry - CA
Quenten Duden - AZ
Mark J. Feist - OH
Mark E. Franke - VA
Henry G. Frautschy - WI
Curtis Frazier - NC
Donald G. Garofalow - NJ
Richard E. Gengler - AR
Eric B. Hall - MN
Harvard University
Accounts Pa - MA
Gerald R. Hawk - IL
John Hentosh - TX
Christopher J. H ill - CA
Dale A. Holbert - FL
Matt Hoover - CA
Darold Jones - CO
Peter Kauneckas - VA
Thomas J. Kirschner - MD
James R. Kolsby - GA
William E. Kretschmer - OH
Kenneth Lachney - LA
Michael Law - NJ
James Levangie - MA
James R. Lewis - IA
Jonathan Linde - MA
William E. Logan - VA
Howard T. Marano - PA
Robert E. Mccord - TX
Walter E. Meyer - NY
Eric A. Mielke - PA
Alex Milionis - NJ
Patrick G. Moore - WA
Randy J. Morton - CA
Roy D. Nelson - PA
Joseph Offley - IN
Thomas L. Overman - NC
Stephen Paul - CO
Jack Plekan - NJ
Franklin A. Pope - WY
Richard L. Prann - PR
Steven H. Puthuff - CA
Kevin R. Raba - AZ
Merritt W. Robertson - IL
Royce Stiening - IN
Micheal J. Stoltz - NJ
Charles Thomas - VA
Hans-Henrik W. Veisner - TX
Daniel F. Vernon - FL
Michael J. Virag - FL
Joseph Wagner - MD
Richard Wells - IL
Joe C. White - TX
Richard J. Wiese - OH
Steven R. Winner - NV
$10 up to $100
Your Contributions Do Make a Difference!
$1,000 Plus
Ball Corporation - CO
$100 up to $500
Ina Huie - MD
John R. Krouse - MD
Mindbank Consulting Group - VA
Jeffrey C. Paas - OH
Penny Parra - VA
Charles R. Scott - PA
66 MODEL AVIATION
4mm-diameter governor magnet were
provided in the clutch assembly.
The Vibe 90SG gear drive system looked
overbuilt—plenty strong for serious abuse.
The material and gear security gave the
impression that there was no way you could
make it flex.
The main gear assembly, tail drive gear,
and autorotation hub are easy to assemble.
Sliding the autorotation shaft into the hub is
such a smooth action that it is easy to tell that
JR paid much attention to machining quality.
That attention is evident throughout the
assembly. I recommend that you put an ample
amount of oil in the sprag bearing, to ensure
smooth operation.
The 10-year-old single-stack frame design
continues to be popular because of its ease of
assembly and maintenance, reduced parts
count, and lighter overall weight. Unlike other
helicopters on the market that employ the
power plant to support frame integrity, the
engine mount block and lower bearing block
in the Vibe 90SG are bridged with an extra
frame support.
In addition, a frame brace plate on each
side holds the lower bearing block to the front
side of the frame. Another internal frame
support in the front mounts parallel to the
frame support and bridges the engine and
lower bearing block.
There is a tremendous amount of torsional
strength not only to the entire frame, but also,
and more importantly, along the main gear
and main shaft section, to keep it from
flexing during high-demand maneuvers.
All lever arms, including the elevator Aarm,
are made from aluminum. I wrote this
before, but the bearings fit beautifully!
There are two forward equipment trays on
which to mount electronics. The bottom tray
includes the canopy posts. The one-piece gyro
tray is located on the front top of the frame.
The canopy protects all sensitive electronics.
The tank is mounted in the rear portion of
the frame and held in place with separate
lateral frame sets. It is suspended with four
rubber posts. The tank does not touch the
model mainframe, completely isolating it from
vibration.
Two brass collets center the fan hub on the
motor. The cooling fan is wide in diameter
with 12 blades, making it efficient in cooling
the engine regardless of flight conditions.
The fan shroud has a big enough opening
to accommodate any engine; no trimming is
necessary. The engine mount is a separate
piece from the engine block mount. Spacers
are included, so any brand of power plant
will fit.
The bottom frame plate and the landing
gear bolt together to the aluminum frame
lower bracket. The landing struts appear to be
sturdy and sit slightly lower to the ground than
on previous models, enhancing the sleek
appearance.
I’m amazed by how clean and smooth
the swashplate feels, yet there is no
significant play. Again, full credit goes to
the attention to machining every part of
the Vibe 90SG to exact tolerances.
This kit gives you a choice between 120
and 140 CCPM (Cyclic Collective Pitch
Mixing). I like the overall look of the full
metal head. JR incorporated its trademark red
and black to the anodized assembly, and it
turned out to be appealing.
The pitch arms and mixing arms have
multiple ball-link pivot point positions. This is
where you can apply your setting for 3-D or
for FAI flying.
Also provided are two kinds of head
dampeners: extra hard and medium hard. A
silicon insulator around the blade spindle shaft
allows some dampening of the spindle inside
the head block. The flybar cage is also
anodized red and black.
Two ball-bearing shaft drive guides
support the torque tube. Its connection points
are designed with the same philosophy as the
robust gear system and, from my viewpoint,
are unlikely to fail easily.
Two washers are provided for setting the
correct tail-gear mesh. Dual-pin support of the
tail-pitch slider provides linear movement
during operations, making it much smoother
and more precise.
Thrust bearings, other bearings, and
washers are installed to the tail hub before
piecing the halves of the tail grips. I like this
grip design, because it’s easy to maintain and
service. Three pushrod guide clamps support
the tail pushrod design.
Some of the parts are not self-aligning, so
take care when you put those together. When
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:49 PM Page 66
you align the clutch assembly to the main gear
to set the gear mesh, the brass tapered collet
doesn’t self-seat with the fan hub. Take care to
check for runout.
The tail pushrod assembly is fine, but I
think it needs more guides. It comes with
three, but I added two more because the rod
can flex between the recommended support
and even resonates during lower rpm modes.
The fine machining and quality of metal
used on the Vibe 90SG speaks for the high
quality control, but it puzzles me that G10
material is used for the lateral side frames that
hold the tank. Using carbon plates, as is done
on the rest of the machine, might add cost but
carries more support to the bottom plate and
certainly adds to its appearance.
Flight: Hovering has always been hard for me.
Keeping a helicopter in one place, as if
hanging by a string, while performing a simple
Pirouette can be difficult.
But when I hover the Vibe 90SG, I’m
amazed by how much easier it is to keep
locked in one spot. Its overall stability and
balance create a feeling of being in full
control. This model doesn’t have the tendency
to wander.
The Vibe 90SG tracks well in forward
flight. I don’t have to work hard to keep the
same altitude during forward or backward
maneuvers. It also rolls linearly and smoothly.
Even with a 3-D setup, FAI pilots will
probably love this machine.
Regarding 3-D flying, wow! I installed the
hard dampening, and it is adequate for 3-D
performance.
As I mentioned earlier, the Vibe 90SG
gives a feeling of being in control. It doesn’t
wander, but instead tracks well, making
backward, inverted, or right-side-up
maneuvers incredibly comfortable.
During stressful maneuvers, you can tell
that the rigidity of the frame structure is
working. The strong, fast JR 8717HV servos
complement this model’s great feel during
flight.
If you want a great-quality helicopter you can
use for 3-D and FAI, I strongly recommend
the Vibe 90SG. That is not only because it
looks great, but also because it flies well
regardless of flying style or category of
interest.
This kit does cost more than the traditional
3-D machine, but take into account its quality
and durability. Especially if you’re into
precision flying, in which you can’t afford to
drift out of a maneuver because of play in a
model’s head, the Vibe 90SG is much less
likely to surprise you.
There are minor issues, such as the use of
G10, but that can be considered a personal
preference. It affects only the cosmetic
appeal—not the flight characteristics. After the
first few flights, I totally forgot about it.
I currently have the Vibe 90SG installed in
an F3C Stacy II fuselage, but I have not set it
up to fly FAI maneuvers yet. I plan to use this
machine in the Nats this year.
Mark Fadely, MA’s RC helicopter
columnist, is interested in how that part of the
project works, out so keep an eye on his
column for my report. We expect great
things. MA
Andy Panoncillo
[email protected]
Manufacturer/Distributor:
JR/Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Sources:
YS Parts and Service
(775) 267-9252
www.yspartsandservice.com
Curtis Youngblood Enterprises
(979) 779-2172
www.curtisyoungblood.com
Byron Fuels
(712) 364-3165
www.byronfuels.com
Spektrum
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com
JR
(800) 338-4639
www.jrradios.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 63,64,65,66,67,68
When my kit arrived,
every part was sealed
and numbered in the
order listed in the
manual, as I
expected. I like
this way of
packaging,
because the builder
has everything in a
particular bag to
complete a given
step. The white gelcoated
canopy was
protected in a separate
box, to make sure that it
wouldn’t be damaged in
shipment.
The assembly manual was
extremely detailed. There were plenty of
illustrations, to help visualize how to
assemble and secure each component. The
instructions went as far as specifying what
type of thread-lock compound to use.
The directions contained “tips” in
almost every section to ensure proper
assembly. They even reiterated good
building habits, such as cleaning areas
with alcohol before using thread lock.
Pointers on the correct position of a
bearing were also extremely helpful.
In addition, the manual detailed radio
program settings. That would be
particularly helpful if you chose one of the
recommended transmitters, as I did.
Assembly: I immediately noticed that the
clutch assembly was oversized. JR sets a
new standard in making a stronger 90-size
helicopter. The bearing blocks appeared to
have more material to solidly hold the
bearings in position. Locations for a typical
IT’S
BEEN
AWHILE
since a 90-class
helicopter was designed to fly both 3-D
and FAI—and fly them well. The SG was
unveiled during the 2008 IRCHA
(International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association) Jamboree. Several JR/
Horizon Hobby pilots flew it at that event
to give attendees a peek at what we could
have in the future, regardless of our flying
style.
Chat about the Vibe 90SG continued
until it was finally available the following
year at the Toledo Show in April, where I
took a closer look at how much detail was
put into making this piece of art. The
overall look is well balanced and sleek.
June 2010 63
Swashplate: JR Vibe 90SG Helicopter Kit
ANDY PANONCILLO
Expert Scott Gray tuned this
machine to suit any serious
helicopter pilot
Andy increased the number of
tail rotor pushrod supports to
keep the amount of pushrod
flex to a minimum.
The author completed the Vibe 90SG with a
set of Curtis Youngblood Radix 710mm
main blades and carbon-fiber tail blades.
A seven-channel radio is adequate for the
Vibe 90. The Spektrum DX7se is better
still; it can broadcast at the fastest rate
possible, quickening helicopter response
to pilot input time.
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:39 PM Page 63
The YS .91 is easy to set up and requires minimal run-in. If the
Vibe vibrates a bit much, there’s a chance that the needle setting
is rich. Set right, it’s a smoothie.
The clutch and gear drive train are as robust as they come. A
vented clutch bell improves cooling, and its depth gives the
shoes lots of grip.
This is a full kit; nothing is preassembled.
Only common metric helicopter tools are
required for assembly. The manual calls for
a parts bag at every step.
The user is required to select a favorite set
of blades. Sizes from 690mm to 710mm will
suit; the longest offers the most “float.”
Heavier FAI blades will smooth out this
machine.
The Spektrum AR7100R receiver has a builtin
regulator and governor; it’s specifically
sold to suit helicopter pilot demands. A
Thunder Power 2200-4400 mAh 2S Li-Poly
battery is recommended.
Improvements in the new head include a
wrap-around flybar cage and mixing arms
with three linkage-point options. Another
big difference is all-metal blade grips.
JR High Voltage servos offer the most “pop”
in cyclic controls. Pilots who want hard 3-D
performance need these cool-running units.
The battery must match the demand.
Beefy gears on the torque tube and tail
shaft repeat the robust engineering
throughout the model. A dual-point pitch
slider keeps input rocking to a minimum,
increasing precision.
Contents of the 600cc fuel tank are quickly
depleted. The great part is that it’s
supported with rubber dampeners, so the
last drop is as potent as the first.
Photos by Michael Ramsey
64 MODEL AVIATION
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:44 PM Page 64
June 2010 65
As do bigger airplanes, bigger
helicopters fly better. Although they
offer the pilot exquisite agility, they
handle so smoothly that they’re
almost trainerlike.
Right: Cyclic control interaction is minimized when the 140° swashplate mixing option is
installed. Be sure your helicopter radio is equipped with that swashplate program option.
Above: A long tail is part of what gives
this Vibe its “groove” in forward flight.
The included fiberglass canopy can be
neatly decorated with included decals,
shown.
Right: Andy checks the security of the
four hex-head canopy screws before
flight. V-Blades, tested on the tail, proved
to work well.
Pluses and Minuses
+•
Fully tunable mechanics, for extreme
cyclic response.
• Robust sprag autorotation clutch.
• Flybar cage is standard.
• Dual-yoke tail rotor actuator.
• New rotor head system with ultrarigid
dampening.
• Oversized main and tail drive
transmissions.
• Self-aligning, easy-to-maintain engine
mount system.
-•
G10 lower side frames are not in
keeping with the high-end appeal.
• More tail rotor pushrod support
would be considerate.
Specifications
Type: 90-size 3-D helicopter
Skill level: Exp ert build er,
intermediat e pil o t
Rotor diameter: 63 inches
Weight: 10.25-10.75 pounds
Length: 53.5 inches
Engine: .90-size helicopter
Gear ratio: 8:1 main, 4.65:1 tail
Construction: Carbon fiber, G10 frames
Control system: 120 or 140 CCPM
Drive system: Torque tube
Main rotor blades: 680-720 mm
Tail rotor diameter: 11.34 inches
Tailboom: Aluminum tube with ballbearing
supports
Canopy: Painted fiberglass
Landing gear: Fiber-reinforced nylon
Fuel tank: 600cc
Radio: Seven-channel helicopter system
(minimum), four high-speed/high-torque
servos, gyro, gyro servo
Price: $1,499.99
Test-Model Details
E ngi ne used: YS 91 SR
Muffler used: Cur t is
You ngblo od E nterp rise s Mu scl e
Pipe 5-90
Fuel: Byron Rotor Rag e 30 %
Radio s ystem: S pe ktrum
DX7se transmitt er, Spektrum
AR7100R rece iver, fo ur JR
DS8717HV u ltra sp eed cycli c
servos, one J R DS89 00G g y ro
servo, JR G770 3 D G y ro, JR 7. 4-
volt, 4000 mA h Li -Poly battery
Fli ght duration : Six to 1 0
mi nutes
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:48 PM Page 65
This month we list those who have donated $10 or more in support of the Academy’s programs, the National Model Aviation
Museum, and the International Aeromodeling Center. These people have made more than a donation—they have made an
investment in the future of aeromodeling.
When you see these folks, thank them! They are now among the thousands who have given back to model aviation part of what
model aviation has given to them. Many things will be possible due to their thoughtful giving and generosity.
We list our supporters monthly. These donations represent amounts processed in the month of March 2010. If your name is
not listed, please write to the Membership Department and include a canceled check. We want to recognize all contributors!
Thank you.
Jim Archer - CA
Philip S. Arterburn - TX
John P. Barwick - NC
Henry D. Baust - OH
Larry G. Belcher - AZ
Ronald E. Brunelle - CT
John M. Bryant - GA
Michael C. Callas - CA
William M. Conradi - KS
Corsair Model Aircraft
Club - OH
Tim Crawford - CA
Craig Davis - IL
Gregory A. Davis - OK
Robert A. Davit - IL
Antonio L. Del Pozo - CA
Richard M. Dry - CA
Quenten Duden - AZ
Mark J. Feist - OH
Mark E. Franke - VA
Henry G. Frautschy - WI
Curtis Frazier - NC
Donald G. Garofalow - NJ
Richard E. Gengler - AR
Eric B. Hall - MN
Harvard University
Accounts Pa - MA
Gerald R. Hawk - IL
John Hentosh - TX
Christopher J. H ill - CA
Dale A. Holbert - FL
Matt Hoover - CA
Darold Jones - CO
Peter Kauneckas - VA
Thomas J. Kirschner - MD
James R. Kolsby - GA
William E. Kretschmer - OH
Kenneth Lachney - LA
Michael Law - NJ
James Levangie - MA
James R. Lewis - IA
Jonathan Linde - MA
William E. Logan - VA
Howard T. Marano - PA
Robert E. Mccord - TX
Walter E. Meyer - NY
Eric A. Mielke - PA
Alex Milionis - NJ
Patrick G. Moore - WA
Randy J. Morton - CA
Roy D. Nelson - PA
Joseph Offley - IN
Thomas L. Overman - NC
Stephen Paul - CO
Jack Plekan - NJ
Franklin A. Pope - WY
Richard L. Prann - PR
Steven H. Puthuff - CA
Kevin R. Raba - AZ
Merritt W. Robertson - IL
Royce Stiening - IN
Micheal J. Stoltz - NJ
Charles Thomas - VA
Hans-Henrik W. Veisner - TX
Daniel F. Vernon - FL
Michael J. Virag - FL
Joseph Wagner - MD
Richard Wells - IL
Joe C. White - TX
Richard J. Wiese - OH
Steven R. Winner - NV
$10 up to $100
Your Contributions Do Make a Difference!
$1,000 Plus
Ball Corporation - CO
$100 up to $500
Ina Huie - MD
John R. Krouse - MD
Mindbank Consulting Group - VA
Jeffrey C. Paas - OH
Penny Parra - VA
Charles R. Scott - PA
66 MODEL AVIATION
4mm-diameter governor magnet were
provided in the clutch assembly.
The Vibe 90SG gear drive system looked
overbuilt—plenty strong for serious abuse.
The material and gear security gave the
impression that there was no way you could
make it flex.
The main gear assembly, tail drive gear,
and autorotation hub are easy to assemble.
Sliding the autorotation shaft into the hub is
such a smooth action that it is easy to tell that
JR paid much attention to machining quality.
That attention is evident throughout the
assembly. I recommend that you put an ample
amount of oil in the sprag bearing, to ensure
smooth operation.
The 10-year-old single-stack frame design
continues to be popular because of its ease of
assembly and maintenance, reduced parts
count, and lighter overall weight. Unlike other
helicopters on the market that employ the
power plant to support frame integrity, the
engine mount block and lower bearing block
in the Vibe 90SG are bridged with an extra
frame support.
In addition, a frame brace plate on each
side holds the lower bearing block to the front
side of the frame. Another internal frame
support in the front mounts parallel to the
frame support and bridges the engine and
lower bearing block.
There is a tremendous amount of torsional
strength not only to the entire frame, but also,
and more importantly, along the main gear
and main shaft section, to keep it from
flexing during high-demand maneuvers.
All lever arms, including the elevator Aarm,
are made from aluminum. I wrote this
before, but the bearings fit beautifully!
There are two forward equipment trays on
which to mount electronics. The bottom tray
includes the canopy posts. The one-piece gyro
tray is located on the front top of the frame.
The canopy protects all sensitive electronics.
The tank is mounted in the rear portion of
the frame and held in place with separate
lateral frame sets. It is suspended with four
rubber posts. The tank does not touch the
model mainframe, completely isolating it from
vibration.
Two brass collets center the fan hub on the
motor. The cooling fan is wide in diameter
with 12 blades, making it efficient in cooling
the engine regardless of flight conditions.
The fan shroud has a big enough opening
to accommodate any engine; no trimming is
necessary. The engine mount is a separate
piece from the engine block mount. Spacers
are included, so any brand of power plant
will fit.
The bottom frame plate and the landing
gear bolt together to the aluminum frame
lower bracket. The landing struts appear to be
sturdy and sit slightly lower to the ground than
on previous models, enhancing the sleek
appearance.
I’m amazed by how clean and smooth
the swashplate feels, yet there is no
significant play. Again, full credit goes to
the attention to machining every part of
the Vibe 90SG to exact tolerances.
This kit gives you a choice between 120
and 140 CCPM (Cyclic Collective Pitch
Mixing). I like the overall look of the full
metal head. JR incorporated its trademark red
and black to the anodized assembly, and it
turned out to be appealing.
The pitch arms and mixing arms have
multiple ball-link pivot point positions. This is
where you can apply your setting for 3-D or
for FAI flying.
Also provided are two kinds of head
dampeners: extra hard and medium hard. A
silicon insulator around the blade spindle shaft
allows some dampening of the spindle inside
the head block. The flybar cage is also
anodized red and black.
Two ball-bearing shaft drive guides
support the torque tube. Its connection points
are designed with the same philosophy as the
robust gear system and, from my viewpoint,
are unlikely to fail easily.
Two washers are provided for setting the
correct tail-gear mesh. Dual-pin support of the
tail-pitch slider provides linear movement
during operations, making it much smoother
and more precise.
Thrust bearings, other bearings, and
washers are installed to the tail hub before
piecing the halves of the tail grips. I like this
grip design, because it’s easy to maintain and
service. Three pushrod guide clamps support
the tail pushrod design.
Some of the parts are not self-aligning, so
take care when you put those together. When
06sig2_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/22/10 12:49 PM Page 66
you align the clutch assembly to the main gear
to set the gear mesh, the brass tapered collet
doesn’t self-seat with the fan hub. Take care to
check for runout.
The tail pushrod assembly is fine, but I
think it needs more guides. It comes with
three, but I added two more because the rod
can flex between the recommended support
and even resonates during lower rpm modes.
The fine machining and quality of metal
used on the Vibe 90SG speaks for the high
quality control, but it puzzles me that G10
material is used for the lateral side frames that
hold the tank. Using carbon plates, as is done
on the rest of the machine, might add cost but
carries more support to the bottom plate and
certainly adds to its appearance.
Flight: Hovering has always been hard for me.
Keeping a helicopter in one place, as if
hanging by a string, while performing a simple
Pirouette can be difficult.
But when I hover the Vibe 90SG, I’m
amazed by how much easier it is to keep
locked in one spot. Its overall stability and
balance create a feeling of being in full
control. This model doesn’t have the tendency
to wander.
The Vibe 90SG tracks well in forward
flight. I don’t have to work hard to keep the
same altitude during forward or backward
maneuvers. It also rolls linearly and smoothly.
Even with a 3-D setup, FAI pilots will
probably love this machine.
Regarding 3-D flying, wow! I installed the
hard dampening, and it is adequate for 3-D
performance.
As I mentioned earlier, the Vibe 90SG
gives a feeling of being in control. It doesn’t
wander, but instead tracks well, making
backward, inverted, or right-side-up
maneuvers incredibly comfortable.
During stressful maneuvers, you can tell
that the rigidity of the frame structure is
working. The strong, fast JR 8717HV servos
complement this model’s great feel during
flight.
If you want a great-quality helicopter you can
use for 3-D and FAI, I strongly recommend
the Vibe 90SG. That is not only because it
looks great, but also because it flies well
regardless of flying style or category of
interest.
This kit does cost more than the traditional
3-D machine, but take into account its quality
and durability. Especially if you’re into
precision flying, in which you can’t afford to
drift out of a maneuver because of play in a
model’s head, the Vibe 90SG is much less
likely to surprise you.
There are minor issues, such as the use of
G10, but that can be considered a personal
preference. It affects only the cosmetic
appeal—not the flight characteristics. After the
first few flights, I totally forgot about it.
I currently have the Vibe 90SG installed in
an F3C Stacy II fuselage, but I have not set it
up to fly FAI maneuvers yet. I plan to use this
machine in the Nats this year.
Mark Fadely, MA’s RC helicopter
columnist, is interested in how that part of the
project works, out so keep an eye on his
column for my report. We expect great
things. MA
Andy Panoncillo
[email protected]
Manufacturer/Distributor:
JR/Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Sources:
YS Parts and Service
(775) 267-9252
www.yspartsandservice.com
Curtis Youngblood Enterprises
(979) 779-2172
www.curtisyoungblood.com
Byron Fuels
(712) 364-3165
www.byronfuels.com
Spektrum
(800) 338-4639
www.spektrumrc.com
JR
(800) 338-4639
www.jrradios.com