This by far was my biggest challenge - simply said, so much pain can be avoided by a simple utility arm carrier with servo brackets that can mount to the skin. They would align and eliminate any binding issues with the skin AND give you a solid option for attaching servos. There are currently three options where this is possible, but not are ideal for aluminum builds.
- The duo who developed the Tex-Mex frame put out skin mounted carriers and arms; however, unless printed on a SLS printer they are too thin and flimsy and cannot support the aluminum arms effectively with out flexing - I broke two while testing them. To overcome this you need to go with a light weight arm option which defeats the purpose of an aluminum build. Also, they encroach on the LDP making the servo a difficult fit.
- I did come across a version of the one mentioned above - same concept, but uses the Baddeley V2 utility arm. This is probably the best option if you want to go the 3d printed arm route. It is not compatible with aluminum arms.
- Third option was the Epix utility arm carrier. This has great reviews; however it is not being produced at the moment. From what I read, its on the back burner currently.
There is a huge opportunity to make a lot of builders happy with this simple flatpack. I personally have the Comm-8 frame and the standard utility arm carrier does not have the brackets to attach a servo. If you want that, you need to upgrade to the $400 carrier. It replaces the centerplates with ones that can accommodate a servo and also comes with GT2 20T pulley and horn with associated belt. This seems to be a solid option; however, the GT2 pulley horn is only compatible with 24 tooth servo shafts. Extremely rare and I could only find one HiTec servo that could accommodate (which is the one that is recommended on the website). If the horn was a simple 25 tooth version, the servo selection would be endless. The benefit would still not outweigh the $400 cost to have remote utility arms.
*Request* Skin Mounted Utility Arm Carrier
*Request* Skin Mounted Utility Arm Carrier
-- R2Pilot
