Hello again everyone,

After doing some research about start-up heli tools (mainly for micro electrics), I came up with some info which raised me more questions than answers. Pls. take note that comments herein are based on opinion and what others have to say. Due to variety of tool designs, features & brands flooding the r/c market (making it more confusing to newbies), it may be important to distinguish one from the other w/ the end that some are better suited that others for a particular task or purpose. Though I already have some & have got an idea w/ how some will be used, it always pay to exchange notes with everybody who might have better, innovative ways & means in maximizing every tool’s important role in this fascinating hobby. I also presented some comments and/or questions on these. Others may chip in too. This is for the benefit of all who feel the need to buy/collect right tools for their helis, know more and improve their maintenance/repair skills as well as those more experienced and want to share their knowledge & insights to the novices. For those who are either, pls. feel free to input, add or comment of what you have in mind & let’s all discuss more...

On Measurement Tools:

a. Blade balancer – Most say it is a must for a perfect, well-balanced rotor blades (a common source of vibration during flight) and better flight stability. According to one source, unseamed glass edge CG balancing method is also another, if not, better alternative to the more common triangular ruler or cutter blade edge method used by many since horizontal, perpendicular (90 degree) alignment of the measured blades w/ the glass edge can be determined by marking a reference line on the glass surface-something not easily done with just a ruler or cutter blade edge balancing. Horizontal alignment is critical in accurately identifying the blade’s spanwise CG & on where to add counter-weight (usually tape on micro helis) to the lighter blade during the rotorhead CG balancing, if necessary. Others also say that those who want faster, easier and more accurate blade balancing, commercially sold ones particularly those w/ a heavier base (for lighter micro blades), have bubble levelers are always an option. While others use a high-point balancer such as Tru Spin to correct the chord-wise balance of the entire rotorhead assembly w/ flybars. Anybody have tried all these methods, can compare/comment on these? Which is the best method for micro main blades? How about for tail rotor blades?

b. Pitch gauge/meter – Most say it as a must for CCPM helis to accurately measure the blade pitch/angle in various TX stick positions & during mixing adjustments. Some pitch gauges have up to 15 degrees +/- pitch range while others have only +/- 10 or 12. Also others are made of plastic, metal or a combination of both while others have an extra feature of bubble levels attached. Also, there are flybar paddle gauges. Which features are important especially for micro CCPMs? Are flybar pitch gauges also necessary for micro helis-either FP or CCPMS? Any thoughts on these?

c. Pocket scale – Since blade weight & balance and heli over-all weight during flight (AUW) are important to heli ultimate flight performance (especially when doing aeraobatics or 3D), measurement of its components is a must as others say. Digital pocket scales sold by online hobby stores mostly have a 500-gram capacity x 0.10 gram accuracy while others on a 100-gram x 0.01 spec. Other prefer analog. precision scales saying that they are more accurate or have a lesser margin of error than digital scales & w/o any battery or power requirement. Which scale type/specs are more useful? What scale capac. and/or accuracy is more appropriate for which part/component of micros & in general? Comments pls..

d. Digital caliper – Considered optional but useful for measuring the center & length of the flybar, linkage length or servo center position. Usually comes in 6” or 8” measuring ability. Which is better digital or analog? Aside from mentioned, which parts of micro helis is this instrument needed to do precise measurements? Any other innovative uses or application?

e. Servo tester/adjuster – Useful for most basic servo applications, some online stores claim. Is this tool important not to do away with? Any other innovative ways in testing servos w/o using this tool?

f. Swashplate leveler tool – Needed in aligning swashplate with the axle/main shaft. Some use swashplate leveler types just align the swashplate (90 degrees) w/ rotorhead shaft while a newer kind has horizontally & perpendicularly attached bubble vials that measure the swashplate’s horizontal level alignment at various vertical swashplate positions like when the collective travel is adjusted up & down & vice-versa. Which type is better or more important? Or are both features equally important? Is there a type sold that incorporates both features?

g. Temperature gun (IR) – Measures the temperature of main/tail motors & batteries, non-contact & use infrared sensors. Aside from mentioned, what heli parts/components does temperature need to be closely monitored being a critical factor in either flight performance or simply to avoid damage due to overheating? Is there a operating temperature threshold or guideline that may be considered best, good or bad for certain types and/or brands of motors? How about other electronic parts such as BECs, 4-in1s, RXs, etc. etc.?

This topic appears lengthy already & I’ll continue with more tools and additional inputs, if any, in my succeeding posts soon. Thanks.