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blade 400 servo failure - 4/19/2008 11:48:20 PM   
blade400


 

Posts: 4
Joined: 4/9/2008
From: coventry, RI, USA
Status: offline 		hello everyone...im just wondering if this has happened to anyone else... ive had my b400 for about 2 months and have had many great flights with no probs or crashes.... untill yesterday that is.. i noticed i had a vibration in the heli which seemed to come on for no reason...i found that the belt was a lil loose and tightend it up and the vibration was a lil better.. so then i went check my balance on my blades they were fine so while i was at it i checked my pitch and set it up for +10-10 this was not an easy task i couldnt achive this from the radio and had to do it from the ball links.. anywho... i went back out and it was flying great even switching from flight mode to idle up there was no jump just a smooth change.. i flew a few circuts and then it happend!!!!! no right cyclic!!!!! full stick nothing!!!and then she went right in to meet tera firma!!!!! well i got her home riped her apart and found the cyclic servo had crapped out.. i checked another servo in its spot on the reciever and it worked fine.. i know these are not the best servo's and dont center well but just beware they will fail!! i still love this machine and i gatta say as hard as she went in the only damage was a bent shaft
and flybar!! and lots of dirt!! how the blades didnt break is beyond me the blades were just the stock wood ones... no cracks no chips nothing! but i did replace em just to be safe.. even the feathering shaft was straight!!
if this happened to anyone else?? let me know i am going to replace them all any idea's what works well with these??
thanks
Robb
       Post #: 1

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 4/20/2008 1:25:37 AM   
SeaComms


 

Posts: 246
Joined: 7/11/2006
From: Sunshine Coast,Sunny Queensland, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		Yep, the (coincidentally) aileron servo shat itself but instead of not driving, it was overdriving under load and threw it forward and to the right - before it had even lifted off the ground. Cept mine wiped out the blades, feathering shaft, tail shaft rotor and main shaft. LHS has replaced the servo and the other bits no charge, but I have lost faith in the stock servos and installed HS-65's.

_____________________________

Blade 400 - learning to fly again
SeaComms.com.au, For Seamless Communications

(in reply to blade400)
       Post #: 2

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 4/20/2008 5:16:18 AM   
rotarydoc


 

Posts: 1116
Joined: 3/17/2008
From: Laurel, MD, USA
Status: online 		Hey guys,

I find this thread extremely interesting, because my brand new B400 is having a servo issue as well. It seems that my elevator servo has a mind of it's own...it seems to lose track of it's center point...earlier today, it was flying quite well, and when I went to lift off with a new battery, the swashplate was tilted way towards the rear, and it had rearward cyclic applied to the rotor disc...

Brought it back to the bench, and the only thing I could figure to do to correct it was to reposition the servo arm on the servo, with the trims centered, until the swash was level. I did this, and the heli flew fine for the next pack. When I wrote to the forum, everyone (including me) figured that the servo gears had stripped, (even though no crash) and to take it apart and have a look-see. Well, the gears were fine. I put new ones in anyways. I put it all back together, and centered the trims, and reinstalled the elevator arm.

When I went to recheck it a bit later, when I powered the heli up, the swash immediately went forward, and was stuck there...it would still respond to elevator stick movement, but at center, it was way pushed forward...the only thing I did was power it down, and back up...

I'm thinking the servo is whacked out, but the problem is, it's very intermittent, and it's acting fine now!

Driving me crazy...I don't know whether to just get a new Eflite servo tomorrrow, or bite the bullet and get the HS65's ...

Welcome any and all comments!

Glenn

(in reply to SeaComms)
       Post #: 3

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 5/28/2008 5:10:50 AM   
jono70


 

Posts: 5
Joined: 12/13/2006
From: X, AUSTRIA
Status: offline 		The servos in the Blade 400 are a disaster! All three around the cyclic have failed. The shop I bought through replaced them at no charge with a different servo the E-Flite DSP75. However, I had two major crashes costing lots in new parts. I've decided that whilst the Blade 400 was perfect as a first helicopter being RTF now that I understand how to repair and thus build a helicopter I'm not going to upgrade or buy any more parts for the Blade. I'll fly it until it crashes itself again and then buy a Thunder Tiger. Either the Mini Titan or the E620. E-Flite just can't expect me to enjoy flying a helicopter that fails in mid air!

Thus if you have to get a RTF the Blade is great but if someone can help you setup a kit then buy something else.

(in reply to rotarydoc)
       Post #: 4

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 5/29/2008 6:20:43 AM   
cobra525



Posts: 76
Joined: 12/2/2003
From: Miami, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Dont worry the Blade is fine and still cheaper than a kit with or without upgraded servos. People change and upgrade parts on ALL helis. What fun would they be if you couldnt. I have Hitec HS-65MG on cyclic, and HS-56HB on tail duty. I would replace the feathering shaft after a crash too. They love to look straight after a spill.

Rotarydoc- Your brave and lucky. Replace that servo with what ever you like but dont fly with that one. Loosing center and drifting definately not mechanical but an electronic problem. It will do it anytime while in the air.

< Message edited by cobra525 -- 5/29/2008 6:52:38 AM >

(in reply to jono70)
       Post #: 5

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 5/30/2008 1:34:19 PM   
jono70


 

Posts: 5
Joined: 12/13/2006
From: X, AUSTRIA
Status: offline 		Dear Cobra525,

OK. If I get the same servos as you listed is it as simple as mounting and plugging them in? Will they work easily with the Spectrum DX6i? The replacement DCP75 they gave me at the front failed so these are no better than the original ones.

(in reply to cobra525)
       Post #: 6

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 5/30/2008 2:29:10 PM   
H3li


 

Posts: 136
Joined: 12/19/2007
From: UK, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		I'd say it's probably best swapping out the one Servo altogether, with an identical new E-Flite one?

It's generally not advised to upgrade just 1 servo, leaving the rest standard, as that 1 will have different torque/response ratings etc, and wont work in unison with the other factory E-Flite servos. Upgrade none or all

jono70 -
I made a choice between the Blade 400 and a Thunder Tiger Mini Titan (my sig indicates which i went for). I wont knock the 400, but will say, just take a close look at both Heli's side by side (Chassis, Rotor head, Tail assembly, even the Canopy itself), there really was.. IS... no comparsion - hence I went with the Mini Titan and LOVING IT !!!

.....It's a PROPER 450 class Heli, and even TRex 450 owners are making the switch to the Mini Titan Make the switch and you won't look back.

_____________________________

- Thunder Tiger Mini Titan (450, e-CCPM)
- E-Flite Blade CX2 (micro, Coaxial)

(in reply to jono70)
       Post #: 7

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 5/30/2008 3:55:17 PM   
rotarydoc


 

Posts: 1116
Joined: 3/17/2008
From: Laurel, MD, USA
Status: online 		Hey guys,

Just to bring this thread up to date, I have long since upgraded the servos in the B400 to JR DS285MG's. Haven't looked back since. NO MORE servo issues!

The heli flies great with these servos!

Thanks, as always for the advice/suggestions!

Glenn

(in reply to H3li)
       Post #: 8

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 5/30/2008 11:18:27 PM   
jono70


 

Posts: 5
Joined: 12/13/2006
From: X, AUSTRIA
Status: offline 		H3li,

Which Mini Titan did you get the SE with all the metal? I'm now in a toss up between the Mini Titan SE and the Align TREX 450 SE Version two.

By many reviews they are almost exactly the same to fly but the Mini Titan is easier to work on except for the small ball links? I'm may upgrade all the servos in my Blade 400 (from the recommendations these are going to be either Hitec HS65MG or JR DS285MG) then eventually use the radio gear to fit out the new Heli.

I really love the Blade 400 and went from a coaxial to it and can now fly really well excluding 3D but have been using the 'Stunt Mode' and getting the feel for rolling to 90 degrees and was on the cusp of doing my first 3D when the ongoing servo problem grounded me.

I was thinking of a bigger heli but the need for a field and the prospect of 'clipping a jogger' with a larger rotor is beyond requirement!

(in reply to rotarydoc)
       Post #: 9

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 5/31/2008 8:04:08 AM   
cobra525



Posts: 76
Joined: 12/2/2003
From: Miami, FL, USA
Status: offline 		I think the Eflite servos pretty much serve their surpose to hover and a little beyond. Once into forward flight and a little hard turning, It wold be nice to treat the little blade to a servo upgrade. It deserves it they fly awesome. Im not loosing the value of it because the DS75 servos are currently in use in an airplane now and they are doing fine for that.

JONO as far as installation, The Hitecs I mentioned fit right in and are sub micro size as the Eflites. Only the gears inside and arms are bigger and better. When I installed mine I was experimenting with more throws and pitch so I changed a few things. In your case you may or may not have to play with your radio's subtrims, swash mix, and reversing options so thay work correctly. That part can be frustrating at first if you do. However the reward is you will be able to set up other CCPM helis later. Go check out the BLADE 400 TIPS AND TRICKS thread here on RCU. The guys there have posted great pics of what their servo upgrades look like. If they use the DXI radios they might even be able to give you the values and settings to program yours.

(in reply to jono70)
       Post #: 10

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 6/1/2008 7:05:34 PM   
H3li


 

Posts: 136
Joined: 12/19/2007
From: UK, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Hi Jono,

I actually went for the non SE version (to be honest, I wasn't aware of the SE when I was making my purchase! DOH!!).
Anyway, absolutely loving this Heli. Havent really experienced issues with 'small ball links', and I have quite big hands (proportional to my 6'3" frame).

However, I have already started the upgrades (due to a bit of flight damage now and then), and have fitted a Carbon Tail Boom plus a number of metal head/tail parts.

I will agree the Mini Titan is relatively straightford to strip down/re-build, plus the instruction guide is clear and very easy to follow with the diagrams (not often stated about Heli manuals). I understand that the TRex is quite a complex build, as there are so many small parts!??

Either way, both STUNNING Helis - let us know which you go for. :-)

_____________________________

- Thunder Tiger Mini Titan (450, e-CCPM)
- E-Flite Blade CX2 (micro, Coaxial)

(in reply to cobra525)
       Post #: 11

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 6/5/2008 11:23:22 AM   
jono70


 

Posts: 5
Joined: 12/13/2006
From: X, AUSTRIA
Status: offline 		I have fitted my Blade 400 with JR servos. The difference is breath taking to say the very least. It was simple to put them in but had to buy new arms that suit the Blade.

I had a look at a Gaui Hurricane 550. The shop guy made a good point that I already have a small heli so why not move up in size. So far haven't found anything but good comments about them and may pick one up as the parts are easy to get and cheap.

In the mean time I managed to do a roll with the Blade 400. Now I can't say that I felt 100% in control during the whole thing but I didn't crash.

(in reply to H3li)
       Post #: 12

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 6/5/2008 6:20:40 PM   
heli-terror


 

Posts: 3
Joined: 5/29/2008
From: Round Rock, TX, USA
Status: offline 		I purchased the 400 about a week ago and decided to try it for the first time. I took it outside, got a feel for the controls and trimmed it taking it to a hover about a foot above the ground. Once I felt it was trimmed okay, I took it to an altitude of four feet. I was hit by a sudden gust of wind and crashed tail first into the ground due to lack of experience. The crash wasn't bad, it suffered a bent flybar and linkage popped off here and there but, not even the blades broke. I rearmed the linkage and went to try again. I turned on the radio and then the helicopter and the sub-micro servos behind the mast began to whine loudly. They had stripped internally. I took it to the hobby store and the technician told me the factory DS75 servos tend to strip with ease. They said i was better off swapping them out with a set of JR Servos (which go for about $160.00 a set) and now the heli flies a whole lot better with alot more control response.


I don't know if you guys noticed, but blade 400's are expensive $469.00 and repairs will take you to spend considerably more than what you've paid for it.
My brother is an experienced pilot with about 8 helis. He recommended I buy the E-sky Belt CP and I did. This heli is an awesome RTF that goes for $189.00 and does aerobatics right of the box. ( a considerable upgrade-Futaba GY-240) Its the same size as the 400 and most importantly, the parts are insanely cheap. Take the time to watch this video:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KAv7hajTE4Y

(in reply to jono70)
       Post #: 13

RE: blade 400 servo failure - 6/8/2008 6:26:07 PM