Good day everyone,

This goes to micro heli pilots/owners who have some experience setting-up, trimming, flying and repairing or maintaining Esky helis or its compatibles using some tools.

Being relatively new to electrics, I would like to solicit recommendations for some good and affordable basic, start-up "must-haves" (hand, measurement and miscellaneous tools) for micro electric helis to start with? I'm starting to collect/build my tool kit set to be generally applicable for the popular Esky series (like the HBFP, HBKv2-CCPM, Belt-CP) and even the 400-450 class like Align's Trex. Pls. include your preferred brands, the stores/sites where it can be found or sold. Also, quick tips, tricks & advices in using the more complicated or advanced tools would be helpful.

I haven't explored the entire RCU forums/site about these topics so any inputs/suggestions are well appreciated. Thanks.

I think things like an IR temp gun, a pitch gauge, a volt meter, the proper screw drivers and allen wrenches, a soldering iron, heatshrink and a way to shrink it, like a heat gun or a lighter, zip ties, teflon lube, scissors, pliers,

I get alot of things from harbor frieght just because they are decent quality and really inexpensive, and well worth the money you pay.

I would add a metal tool box (for charging batteries in), lube (I use WD40), Ball Link pliers is a good investment ( I went thru 3 helis before buying one, sorry I didnt get sooner), also I would get a decent tackle box to put all your junk in. I found one at dicks sporting goods that was perfect, with compartment for up to 325mm blades and tons of convertable spaces for all the little parts and crash kits.

You can also check Big Lots for cheap tools jewelers screwdrivers sets and allen wrenches dirt cheap and nice large tool cases or plastic see through tubs with lids that may fit your heli. I got an Allen Wrench set at WalMart for 5 bucks...they sell cheaper ones but I chose the Blue case keys in mm sizes...smalled is for 3mm allens and its held up well. If you break an aluminum boom, also check out whether any of the Easton arrowshafts might work for you. I am using the Easton 2214 XX75's for replacement booms on my Falcon 3D. They are like 7 bucks for one arrowshaft and I cut it in half and have enough for 2 spare booms. Blue locktite is a must. Dont ever use the RED as the screws may not come out without heating them up and that may ruin whatever.
Ralph

Thanks mrasmm for breaking the ice and thanks Erik & Ralph for your follow-throughs! Collecting and using the proper tools to set-up, trim & fix (after crashing) are among the most important aspects of maintaining helis not to mention choosing the right heli to fits one's flying preference/s and budget. I started this thread to consolidate more info/feedback that can be contributed and gathered, if possible, and be useful to anyone who finds it so. Though there may be other similar threads or topics, it might still be noteworthy to start or reiterate one to emphasize its importance especially to the novice or uninitiated. Need not I say more as I'm still scouring the net for more info, I'll post 'em back (maybe some w/ questions & clarifications as to the proper dimensions and usage) Again, thanks in advance to those who have and will contribute for the benefit of all...and make heli flying as easier as it is enjoyable...

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.

To continue after a long pause…This time, it’s less detailed since these tools are a must and commonly used by anyone in the RC heli and other hobbies:

On Hand Tools:

a. Allen/Hex Wrench Driver Set – useful in variety of hex nut and bolt applications & usually comes in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6mm sizes.
b. Ball Link Pliers – for easier removal and installation of pushrod ball links with swashplate upper and lower star linkages especially for those made in metal (to avoid chipping your nails!). Also comes in plastic (suitable for plastic ball linkages) and curved tip (for hard to reach places especially in helis w/ small, cramped component set-up and configuration)
c. Hobby Vise – useful in various hobby projects that need to be held steady/still, clamped or locked at an angle and assists like an extra pair of hands. Usually made of heavy cast metal and attaches to work surfaces like tables and workbenches. Makes the job a lot easier than having none.
d. Mini/Precision Screw/Nut Driver Set – useful also in variety of applications requiring miniature/small screws and nuts. Most basic sets come in #1,#0,#00,2.3mm,1.8mm, 1.4mm sizes.

Other Tools - Electric and/or Battery-operated (also necessary for Mods/Upgrades):

a. Drill Set – for boring holes and widening/refitting jobs. Also comes in variety of dimensions and applicability.
b. Heat Gun – useful for melting plastic heatshrinks (e.g. to cover exposed/soldered wires) & other plastic mods. My also be butane powered.
c. Solder Iron/Gun – ideal also for general hobby application and home use. Requires basic soldering skills and solder supplies (e.g. solder paste, wire and holder/stand).
d. Multimeter – a must for electric helis/planes and other RC electrics. Basic units measure Voltage (Volts), Current (Amps) and Resistance (Ohms). Advanced units may have more features/functionalities and cost more. Maybe analog or digital and can perform battery testing and checking.
e. Battery charger – Comes in various features and functionalities such as charging/discharging, balancing, overcharge/undercharge protection, etc. for different battery types: Ni-Cad, NiMH, Li-on, Li-Po, etc. Generally, the more intelligent and advanced features are, the more expensive. Necessary to maintain battery health and maintenance for longer battery life and better performance.

Well, these hopefully sum up the overview topic on basic, introductory tools for micro electric helis for the benefit of newbies and the unfamiliar. Have we missed any important, must-have tools for micro electric starters here? If so, pls. feel free to contribute and add your inputs/comments/ tips/ advices other than those mentioned. Thanks to all.