chris6414
Posts: 600
Joined: 12/23/2004
From: Warminster ,
PA, USA
Status: offline
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First off, if you are reading this, then welcome to the addicting hobby of RC electric helos. I keep reading about set-ups of the Belt CP and many newcomers are being told to set-up like they were going to fly 3D. I have had my Belt for a year and a half and have been flying Helos for 3 years. I don't fly 3D and just enjoy scale type/sport helo flying. I started as most, wanting to try something that just was amazing to watch and having flown planes for 15+ years, helos were just the next challenge. If it weren't for the affordability of the ESky brand I probably would still be just wishing I could afford one.
The first thing you need to do when purchasing one of these is to study up on electrics and LiPo technology. This is the dominent power source for these new helos and the safety factors that need to be learned cannot be over emphasized. Plus, if you don't know how to care for your batterries it will get expensive in a hurry, not to mention you could be chasing a gripe that could be related to a bad battery from over discharge. I'm an Avionics guy by trade so I know how difficult it can be chasing trons to find out what the issue is.
Finless and others have put on the net, countless lessons to set-up a helo correctly so it will fly. If your new, don't even think about 3d for now as you just want to get into the air and hover so, tape that idle up switch or disable it if you have a fancier radio. Many have learned about the "I wonder what this switch will do" mistake. Don't add yourself to that list. You can start by just setting up your helo for normal mode and fly like that for a few months or like me, for a year, until you start playing with the idle up mode of flight.
Setting up is easy so don't charge the battery, throw it in there and spool it up. First off, you probably don't have the knowledge of what this electric powered, inverted lawn mower, without a guard is about to do. Unplug the motor(all three wires) turn on the transmitter with the throttle all the way down and plug the helo battery in and "see" what the swashplate, blades and paddles are actually doing. Then put the throttle stick at the bottom and set up your swash and paddle blades so they are level (by eye is fine). Then make sure your servo arms/bellcranks are at 90 degrees. Don't stress if you cannot get it perfect as most servos are not perfectly matched. You can measure blade pitch by eye but a pitch gauge would really help here. You want 0(level looking at the tip) to -2 degrees at 0 throttle and 7-9 degrees at the top(full throttle and collective) I fly with 8.5 degrees at the top, but for a year I never went above 7.5 degrees and she flew just fine and didn't run too hot. You are looking for about 4-6 degrees at mid stick so it will hover in that area. Once again, don't get wrapped around the axle if you have to tune the throttle up to 60 or 70% to get it to hover. You can fine tune it later.
The tail set-up is also not too difficult. With a "rate" gyro you will need about 5-7 degrees positive pitch to the right so the tail will blow the tail to the left in the hover to compensate for the main rotor torque. With the radio on and the rudder trim centered, just check the servo arm for 90 degrees and loosen the mounting screws and slide the servo to get the approximate pitch. Same deal, don't get wrapped around the axle if you need to move the trim tab on the radio to get the helo to stay straight. That is what it is there for. Now, if you have to move it all the way to one side then set her down and make an adjustment. If your new to this then I have to recommend staying with a rate gyro till you are more comfortable actually flying the helo. It teachs you to "fly the tail" which you have to learn and a Heading hold gyro doesn't really allow the helo to weathervane when learning FF and FFF.
Then if you have never hovered a helo, make or purchase some trainer gear for your size helo. For a 450 size, some dowels or carbon fober rod, with ping pong or practice golf balls on the tips. Just make an "X" pattern by putting them through your skids and leave 10-12 inches out at each corner of the helo and affix with tape or zip ties. If on a smooth serface you can actually get the helo light on the skids and "drive' it around to get the feel for how it reacts to swash movement. If you don't, you will most likely have an incident that will have you ordering replacement parts. Sure it isn't cool but it will teach your fingers how to react to what the helo will do and save you from many crazy landings. Kepp in mind that under 18-24 inches the helo is in really "Dirty" air so it will be all over the place. That is to say, your flying in your own down wash which is very turbulent air. Above the knees is much better for hovering but them the knees rattle! 
Things to remember:
Helos don't just lift straight up and stay in a hover without constant input
Never slam the throttle to zero when your in trouble, unless, you are absolutely sure you are crashing.it is asking for a boom strike and busted parts
Rotor blades are dangerous when spinning at high speeds (Keep children, pets and bystanders away and behind you!)
ALWAYS, ALWAYS turn on your transmitter at zero throttle before powering up the helo, and turn it off, AFTER you unplug the helo battery!
All linkages need to be checked for smooth operation. Disconnect from servos to check this with your calibrated finger tips
Tail drive belt and gear mesh need to be smooth and not too tight or this will heat up in a hurry.
Lipos are like your wife, treat them well, and you know.... Treat them badly and watch out. Don't run them dead or you will kill them.
Gyros drift unless you spend over $100 on a great gyro
You will need to practice allot before forward flight, unless you like spending money and fixing your helo.
BE PATIENT! Which is probably the hardest thing with a new toy. Make no mistake though , these are not TOYS! They can break bones and do serious damage if mishandled.
I love to help out and I too learn new things every day. Most of what I learned, I learned by trial and error and reading threads about the helos. So any other experts out there feel free to add to this thread. Keep the rotors Level.
Chris
< Message edited by chris6414 -- 5/8/2008 3:42:48 PM >
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Printable Version
All Forums >> RC Helicopters >> Electric RC Helis >> Esky Helicopters >> To the beginner... 
To the beginner... - 
RE: To the beginner... - 
I forgot to pull off the collective once I rolled over. I was just awe struck and a little nervous so I mental locked. I told myself before I tried it to pull the collective to just below half, but the moment took over and I was just trying to catch the thing as it screamed at 80 degrees toward the ground. I rolled out at about 50 ft and it screamed by. What a rush!
