Helimax axe cp Problem
 

I have a problem to throw out there. I'm not new to RC,but started back with the heli's. The problem is while in a hover or just moving around, the axe will either jump up alittle and then go straight down. Like the collective is changing. There is no radio interfence, this happens anywhere. Is it the mixer or the reciever? It jumps around pretty much all the time. Sometimes it will be good for a while, then go nuts. I'll catch it before it hits the ground hard. Its stupid to say this, but it seem to after I changed to a LIPO battery. Any ideas? Thanks for any help, Lenny

RE: Helimax axe cp Problem
 

My friend has had the same problem with his axe cp. A couple things to look at are:

1- Are you connecting the power when the heli isn't sitting level. This will cause your intialization process to screw up. My friend was holding his heli as he plugged it in usually and it caused the very behavior your describing. Letting it intialize on the floor cleared some of the problems up.

2- Is there any binding or sloppy play in the head assembly. Sometimes plastic parts end up with flaring (ridges along the mould edges) that can cause your parts to stick or if your parts are old (did you buy a used heli?) the ball links can be worn out and cause sloppy play in the head assembly. The main motor could also be worn out if you bought a used heli.

3- Blade tracking. Try to balance your blades as best you can, it will make a significant difference.

I'm no expert, but these three things cleared up alot of my friends problems. As for the lipo, I will tell you you might be right. My friend's axe is a whole different monster when he plugs the lipo in. It seems like its trying to push all its power out as fast as possible and the heli flys like its on crack. I've thought the same thing but keep being told it wouldn't cause such problems.

Hope it helps

SureToCrash

RE: Helimax axe cp Problem
 

Skyrocket,

Suretocrash is correct on all of his tips, but I can almost 100% guarantee you are getting interference. Try switching the RX antenna wire over to the other skid. Every one of these helis I've worked on do this because the ant runs right next to the motor wires. If that doesn't fix your problem, let me know.

RE: Helimax axe cp Problem
 

Hey, thanks for the tips. I'll try thes out and keep you posted. I've changed blades and grips. Only because I had too. Right now they track good. But I'll check everything out like you said. The reason I though of the battery, because of the time frame. I changed batteries and sometime after I notice the erratic change. It's like the blades will go to a negative pitch and then back to normal.
Thanks again, Lenny

RE: Helimax axe cp Problem
 

Excellent advice given above. I've been fighting the same problem for a while. One thing that worked for me was to set the flybar paddles to a slight negative pitch relative to the stabilizer hub. Positive pitch in the flybar paddles made it worse.

RE: Helimax axe cp Problem
 

I was getting so much radio interference I moved the Rx and the 3 in 1 around until I stopped getting hit. I moved the 3 in 1 to the left side and secured with double sided tape. The Tx is on top. I have only had 1 hit since I moved it all around.

Now, if I can only get it to stop getting blown around by the 15-20 MPH winds I am trying to fly in. It is almost like flying a parachute in the wind.


Dru.

RE: Helimax axe cp Problem
 

Put a pitch gauge on the heli( with the motor unplugged and in 3d mode), I bet you have 13-14 degrees collective in up and down. Don't ask why, I don't know, but it's way too much and there is no way to lessen it electronically, so you'll have to do it mechanically but it causes geometry issues with the cyclic/pitch controls. My opinnion on the axe cp is it's a decent design but the radio is a major shortcoming, the ability to not adjust endpoint is garbage. That is all it really needs, I'm actually thinking of getting my buddy a mini titan ,mx400 or a t-rex just to make him enjoy this hobby, instead of playing investigator for poor engineering or radio programing. All heli's have their weak points, the axe has a few, but the few it has are major, 3-1's burning because of over-amping, too much pitch and no control over servo endpoint. Just the radio upgrade is more than the whole heli package! P.O.S. in my mind.