ltc

My Feedback: (3)

This appears to be the second Contra from Akiba. The first design has been discontinued based on searches from Japanese sites?
This one is significantly different than the first.

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Haven’t seen it offered for sale yet on the other popular Japan sites; Morris Hobby or Hobbynet...

ted32776

This may be of interest, a Japanese friend tells me that contra is a prototype unit from 50Products. Here you can see one in the new FlightHobby Top Stage mono. I've not seen it yet on the 50Products site but that might confirm the fact that it's still in development. Even the Top Stage kit is still in development and only a factory preassembled unit is currently available.

ltc

My Feedback: (3)

Thank you for posting that info.
I contacted 50Products at one time regarding one of their belt drives (Fantasista 70 drive unit, 5s Type J or K ... can’t remember now)
They told me they will not ship drives outside of Japan. Maybe that has it will change?
However Morris Hobby and Hobbynet do ship to the USA which is how I finally got the unit
I believe 50Products have produced all Akiba drives so far so they must collaborate.

This new Contra is much simpler than the first Akiba Contra so perhaps it’s a also lighter?
it looks to use the same 3D printed spinner as well.

ted32776

Yep, had the same run around with 50Products a year ago. I finally got a friend to make the purchase. They do make really nice quality products. Chances are it's still the same deal today. Most independent Japanese manufacturers simply don't want the aggravation for small orders. Currently, I think the only way out for Japan shipments from anyone is through the high-end shippers like Fedex, might be wrong but that's what I was told shortly after the virus moved in. As for this new design, I especially like the simplicity of the lengthened shaft design and simplicity is the righteous path to saving weight.

ltc

My Feedback: (3)

You’re fortunate to have a friend in Japan!
I am hopeful that Hobbynet or Morris will eventually offer these for sale, like the original Akiba Contra and the current single prop 50Products drives.
They are small enough where FedEx should be possible/reasonable.

Now if I can only figure out how to get one of those beautiful Japanese handbuilt 2m pattern planes shipped over here ...

ini

About Corona and mail:
I just ordered some small R/C parts from California/USA.
They were shipped through USPS as normal registered mail. Start was slow but after the package fianlly got to LAX it was directed to Japan and then to Europe. I received it two days after leaving LAX Airport.

They can send stuff to Europe from Japan. Why not to States?

ltc

My Feedback: (3)

It looks as though the new Akiba Contra is available for purchase

https://morris-hobby.securesite.jp/85_1612.html

ted32776

A beautiful piece of workmanship. At about 1675.00 USD landed, it's about 375.00 over the V4. Two vastly different approaches to the same solution. I would guess there could be a bit more maintenance with the Akiba unit but it's still pretty.....sorta like a hot girlfriend .

ltc

My Feedback: (3)

I need to compare the CAD drawings between V4 and this new Akiba
Im curious how much work it would be to swap out a V4 and drop this in ...

David Bathe

Such a smart design. A far more balanced, thought out approach. Standing ovation IMO: