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Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/10/2005 10:41 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		All,

Bought a used Aerohawk that was said to fly with three extra batteries. No matter what I do I can't seem to get it off the ground. My latest attempt I've gotten it to drift, but even a full throttle with crash gear on I can't get it off the floor. I have removed the main drive axle and verified it's straight. It does vibrate a little and the main gear seems to wobble up and down a little on the motor gear. Any thoughts on how to get it off the ground???

Thanks!

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/11/2005 5:25 PM   
justin_92_92



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Status: offline 		First get a shaft collar for your main gear if you dont have one....This will make your main gear stay put. Next make sure you dont have too much wieght...are your running stock batteries? Also change thge blades and see how it does. Is the motor puttiong out enough for you? Have you tried the johnson motor? Very cheap motor with lots of power. What does this have thats not stock.. Got pics?

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/14/2005 4:18 AM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		I actually noticed way too much slop in the main shaft so replaced the weakened rubber sleeve with a slightly longer piece of fuel tubing. This seemed to correct the slop. Running stock batteries that are known to be good. I'm going to swap blades with a spare set that the guy included. I also emailed him and asked him about it. He said the hobby shop guy bent the main blades so they were more aggressive and then it took off just fine. Thoughts? Should I curl the main blades? Last time I flew it, it really seemed like it wanted to lift but acted like it had too much weight, not enough thrust, or something inbetween. I'll try to post pics when I can.

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/14/2005 8:03 PM   
Shard


 

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Status: offline 		What kind of training gear are you using? The weight is most likely your problem. Bending blades will give you more lift so try that.

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/14/2005 10:41 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		Ok...I bent the blades some which didn't seem to have much effect. I'm using that orange ping pong ball and black stick crash gear...pretty light stuff. I am noticing that I'm getting a LOT of wobble on that main gear once I get just past half throttle. It seems like it wants to lift at 3/4 throttle but like it just doesn't have that extra ooomph to get it off the ground...like it's stopping power at that 3/4 throttle. I adjusted the main motor so it had the slightest bit of play between that and the gear (not too tight, not loose) The LHS guy and I did damage the gear just a bit testing it before I put a tighter sleeve on the main shaft to keep it from sliding down too far past the motor gear but only nicked the top of about 1/4 of the teeth. The rest seem intact. Like I said, I think the wobble is bad. I can't imagine it would stop it from lift, but I'm no pro. Like I said, I pulled out the main shaft and rolled it on a flat table...no warping that I could tell. The main gear is brand new but of course a tad scuffed thanks to inexperience. I am going to get it to a pro here at the local Hobbytown on Saturday. Any advice until then?? I set the heli on it's side and slowly spun the blades. Seemed like it favored one of the paddles so I applied 3 or 4 pieces of invisble tape to the other one. Not sure if it did any good, but it seemed to favor that one paddle less. I'm damned frustrated but determined to learn.

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/14/2005 10:58 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		A work buddy and I were looking at the main shaft and he noticed from the top down that there is about a couple good milimeters of wobble that started about half throttle and got progressively worse as I went to full throttle. I don't understand how this could be if I verified that the main shaft is straight and the main gear is straight. Thoughts?

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/15/2005 6:07 AM   
credence


 

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Status: offline 		Wobble can be caused by imbalanced blades, misaligned blades, flybars with screwed up pitch, or a combination of all three.

It's been my experience that if theres an imbalance anywhere in the rotor head, it will cause the appearance of a warped shaft, when in reality, the imbalanced weight is causing the shaft to flex while spinning.
Try tightening the blades as tight as they will go (without stripping anything). Now, align each blade so that the leading edge is at an EXACT 90 degree angle with the flybar. If everything is aligned properly before each flight, the blades should stay put while spinning giving you a steady head. Keep in mind that this will require proper alignment before each flight, as the blades will not auto-adjust under centrifugal force. I find this method works better than the "tight but not too tight" method, for small fixed pitch helis, due to their lower head speeds. If you still get wobble, you could have imbalanced blades. Also make sure your flybar paddles are perfectly flat, and that the flybar has the exact same distance between both paddles on either side.

In terms of your lift problem. I suppose it could be a number of many reasons, bad batteries, faulty motor, faulty speed controller, dirty pots on your transmitter, etc. Wobble won't prevent you from lifting off, atleast, it's not likely. It'll only make the heli difficult to control in the air

I'd try giving the blades a real good twist to really increase their pitch. If that doesn't work, try some new batteries, or better yet, some more powerful batteries like an 8 cell, or even some lipo's.

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/15/2005 8:59 PM   
SMaric


 

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From: BroadstoneDorset, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Sometimes the JST connectors from the battery (mostly - as these are the ones constantly be made/un-made) degrade (increased resistance) resulting in lower voltage being available to motor

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/15/2005 10:14 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		Well, brought it to work again today and tested it over lunch. I put the "out of the package" blades on instead. They seemed to create a bit less wobble, but it was still there. It seemed to get worse and power seems to stop increasing after 3/4 throttle. It really seems like it wants to get off the ground but isn't generating enough force. I decided to truly look at the main gear so held the heli level and turned the main gear by hand. I noticed (without any battery/motor driven power) that the main gear moves down to the bottom of the motor drive gear at 180 degree turn then back up to top at 360 degrees. So without taking photos yet, starting at 0 degree mark main drive gear centered on the motor gear, at 90 degree mark the main gear is at the top of the motor gear, at 180 degree mark the main gear is center, at 210 degree mark the main gear is at the bottom of the motor gear, and then back to 0 degree. Like I said, I removed the main gear completely and could not see any warping. Is it possible that it's warped so slightly that I would be able to tell by rolling it on a flat surface? Again, the main drive gear is new out of the bag. BUT, wouldn't that lead someone AWAY from the imbalanced blades if you can turn the gear manually and see a warping effect?

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/15/2005 10:47 PM   
SMaric


 

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From: BroadstoneDorset, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Take the main gear off the shaft
Take the Rotohead assemblu off the shaft

Use a set square to check the shaft above the airframe
Check the shaft at various angles

Push the shaft down so it is only just captured by the top bearing

Now use the set square on the shaft poking out of the bottom of the airframe


Is there any play in the bearings - turn them over & try again

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/20/2005 3:51 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		Hey all,

Got some good advice from a local expert. Apparently this week I'm going to pull the main drive shaft and gear and replace those. He also noticed a stop point in the tilt of the very top mechanism that assists with roll and pitch and said that it should be glass smooth when shifting from side to side so you get even/smooth pitch and roll. He also looked at my fuel tubing fix of the sleeve that holds the main drive shaft in place above the frame and mentioned that it could be causing un-necessary friction, thereby reducing power. He also mentioned that I might need to clean the motor if it's not brushless, and possilby replace it. He felt the batteries were not the cause and the last thing to consider replacing. He said EVERYTHING must be straight and smooth before the heli will fly well. He did say that curving those main rotor blades might enhance lift, but I've already tried that on the original set with no improvement. I'm sold on the fact that it's true RPMs that are my problem. All this coming from someone who has wrapped $1000 up into his TRex electric heli. I hate to sink a good $50 into parts for this Aerohawk, but barring his recommendations, I can't be tossing $500 more into a new heli and scrap this one, eventhough he had some STELLAR recommendations on what types of helis to pursue (kits of course) and how to get parts cheap. He WAS kind enough to fire up his $1000 heli in the park (not including Tx) and fly some for me. After a mere 15 minutes of flying I was at a point of BEYOND awe. I know my airplanes are fun to fly, but this took "fun" to more of a level of "euphoria". I promise I will post pictures sometime today or tonight. I'm going to buzz home and grab the heli and tools so I can start tearing it down over my lunch hours each day. I guess it's better to spend $50 and get this heli flying to learn than to spend $500 and damage something 10x more expensive.

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/20/2005 9:33 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		Ok, I think I found the problem. I think the main drive shaft is split and warped just a few degrees. NOW...I have looked at dozens of websites and each one lists a different price and part number for what seems to be the correct drive shaft. I've even seen a site that offers a notched drive shaft with c-ring to hold the shaft in place. Anyone have ANY clue what the right part number is for that shaft and where the best internet retailer is???

THANKS!!!

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/20/2005 10:26 PM   
SMaric


 

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From: BroadstoneDorset, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Part #19244 main shaft with retaining pins
This is likely to be the carbon Fibre shaft the tha Aerohawk comes with as standard

Or

Part #19215 main shaft with pins and 'e-ring'
This is a steel shaft with a circlip that clips onto the main shaft above the top bearing - thus allowing you to dispose of the rubber tubing


The other way of getting rid of the rubber tubing is to fit a shaft collar - this basically clamps to the main shaft again above the top bearing

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/21/2005 4:38 AM   
justin_92_92



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Status: offline 		here is a good spare parts place. http://www.raidentech.com/smhesppa.html I might get the aerohawk back out and fly it...mostley been doing the raptor 30 thing. But I keep an eye on this forum as well. Hope the site helps. I hate ordering the wrong parts.

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/21/2005 8:57 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		I would use raidentech, but I've heard bad things about their shipping times, etc. Are they reliable?? Thanks for the part #'s, SMaric. There is SO much incorrect advertising about those parts out there on the sites that I can't keep it all straight.

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/21/2005 9:15 PM   
SMaric


 

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From: BroadstoneDorset, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Do you have a copy of the manul / Parts List

If NOT send me your details via PM & I'll Scan/Photo them & send you a copy

The User Manual Instructions aren't worth much, But the exploded diagram helps when you're fitting parts back together (at least initially)

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/21/2005 10:34 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		This is what I got for Part 19215, but I know what you're talking about

19215 Rotor Head for Smartech SkyLark/Aerohawk Helicopter

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/21/2005 10:36 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		What's the difference between the following??

SM19244
19244 AEROHAWK MAIN SHAFT

SM19208
19208 MAIN SHAFT AND PIN

at a sample website like

http://www.rchobby.co.uk/webstore/smartech_skylark_aerohawk_spar.html

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/21/2005 10:38 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		This website looks good on prices, but I wonder about shipping time/price/etc. Thoughts?

http://www.egrandbuy.com/smskaehesppa.html

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/22/2005 4:17 AM   
justin_92_92



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Status: offline 		it wasnt bad for shipping i didnt think. The prices are cheap enough to buy alot of spares once.

the difference in the two shafts is one is steel and one carbon fiber. i belive the pin one is steel.

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/22/2005 3:20 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		Well, I ordered two drive shafts, two main gears, and a new swashplate/slant tray.

2 19226 Main Motor Gear BIG for Smartech SkyLark/Aerohawk Helicopter 12.00
2 19208 Main Axes for Smartech SkyLark/Aerohawk Helicopter 10.00
1 19204 Slant Tray Inside/Outside for Smartech R/C Helicopter 4.00

Subtotal: 26.00
Shipping: 6.83
Tax: 0.00

Total: 32.83


I didn't think that was too bad to get my heli in the air. Hopefully shipping will be quick.

Oh, and here's something VERY odd. When a bought my heli the guy gave me a brand new Rotor Head (PN#19215). When the expert looked at my heli he was really worried about the blade pitch being stiff and having a sticky point. He said the blade pitch should be perfectly smooth to allow for fluid roll and pitch. I sanded down the inner portion of the rotor head so it ran through the frame fairly smoothly (still have quite a bit of fine grit sanding to do) and it seemed to help. Anyone find it odd that a brand new out of the package rotor head is sticky and has a stopping point in it??

I wish I had the funds to get a solid TREX V2 with 6 channel Tx so I could learn on something more than a small scale heli as I've heard that the bigger helis are much more stable, but there's never enough money just sitting around waiting to be spent, is there...


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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/24/2005 4:13 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		Ok, skip that. "EGrandBuys" had the main gear out of stock, so had to cancel that order and order with Raidentech. I decided for the price to order a slant tray and a few main drive shafts until the main drive gear comes back in stock.

Name Code Qty Each Options
---------------------------------------------------------
19204 Slant Tray ~204 1 3.00
Inside/Outside for
Smartech R/C Helicopter
19245 Part for Aerohawk ~245 3 2.25
RC Helicopter
Subtotal 9.75
Shipping 6.45
Tax 0.00
Total 16.20

Prices seemed really good, and I decided to go with the upgraded drive shaft after reading the following information...

http://www.rotory.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=MINI1&Number=35058&page=14&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

VERY GOOD ARTICLE on the Aerohawk.

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/24/2005 11:39 PM   
RockyJ


 

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From: why, KS, USA
Status: offline 		I have had good help and response from Hobby Lobby.

The steel shaft and clip is the way to go. It is my first heli. I had a problem with the machine and HL help said he suspected faulty mixer and sent me one no charge and it did the trick.

But IMHO the steel shaft is a must. There are aerohawk threads about that.

I got off the ground but couldn't control it and it crashed a few times. After that it wouldn't get off the ground and had a slight main rotor wobble. It didn't appear like the wobble was a power problem but an out of balance condition like that drains a lot of power.

I found a crack in the rotor head, I CA'd it and it took right off. Apparaently an hour isn't enough for a good ca join so it cracked again. Re CA'd and it wend ok again. But I bought a new rotor head. Not in yet.

I do not tighten my rotors at all , not loose but just a little tighter than loose. It causes no problem and is much more forgiving in a bump.



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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/29/2005 7:32 PM   
SMaric


 

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From: BroadstoneDorset, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		DanAt2ndStory

Photos of the manual came out too faint
Scanner has gone on the blink

Take a look at
http://www.helihobby.com/html/Skylakr_Manual1.html

it's for the Skylark (an earlier version of the Aerohawk) but it should be pretty close

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RE: Getting the Smartech Aerohawk off the ground - 6/29/2005 10:05 PM   
DanAt2ndStory


 

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From: Van Horne, IA, USA
Status: offline 		Alright, my parts from Raidentech showed up today. Not bad for ordering on Thursday. I installed the new steel mainshaft with the C Clip with no issues and put everything together. This was of course after smoothing down that Rotor Head since it was so stiff. Charged up a couple batteries and tried one. For some reason that battery was weak or bad, so had to change to the other battery. There was still some slight wobble in the main gear but I don't have a choice but to use that gear since most internet retailers are out of stock. This time at just over 3/4 throttle the heli wants to take off, but wants to pitch forward very fast. I trimmed it back as far as possible so it would try to balance but had limited space for testing. I'll take it to a park tonight see if I can get more room to test. I also notice probably too much wobble in the rotor head when reaching near full throttle as it still doesn't seem to have enough power. Thoughts??

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