Hi all, I'm pretty new to this hobby (still practising my hoover) and recently bought a CopterX 450AE V2 RTF, and I've had some sweet flights with it (not crashed yet o_O), but i've noticed that the chopper sometimes spinns around pretty fast when it becomes light on the skids just before takeoff. This happens now and then but has'nt been a major problem, usually it stabilizes when it gets in the air, but now the problem has gotten worse. I was gonna fly today but the heli spinned around like crazy so i did'nt dare lift it of the ground. There does'nt seem to be anything wrong with the helicopters mechanics, should'nt be since its never been crashed, which makes me wonder if the root to evil might be the elf hobby gyro that came with the rtf version. It's very strange because sometimes theres no problem at all. Anyone else had some experience with this gyro, any problems like this? What kind of gyro would you all recommend if it indeed is the gyro that causes this (i'm on a budget and a noob so nothing too fancy). Any help will be greatly appreciated!

There are a number of reasons for the tail spin on a helicopter. It is important that there is no binding in the tail rod and when you set it up you have the tail slider centered and then trim the tail in normal mode (rate mode) before setting to heading hold. I suspect that since it comes and goes you are not allowing the gyro to initialize at start up. You must not touch the heli for about 10seconds after you plug your battery in. Also once the tail is set and in trim do not move the rudder trim tab. Set up is the place to check before trashing any equipment. If you want to change your gyro all so think about your tail servo. You must have a fast digital servo to keep up with the modern gyros. Speaking of which. If your servo is an analog one make sure your gyro is set to run it. Usually a switch on the unit that say normal/DS. The best deal I have seen would be a Logitech2100/3100 servo combo from Heliproz at $109.00. I use Futaba 401 and 9257 combo on my Trex and Copterx. I also have a 2100 on it's way to use on another small project. If you would, I host a thread call Heli stuff and Fellowship and would love for you to join the family. Several of us have the CopterX and we can help.

Merry Christmas,

Jim

Jim did not mention weather conditions. When I think of sweden I think of cold and snow and although I've not had my 450s out in the cold winter air as of yet I have heard that the temprature change from inside to outside can affect the gyro.
Carl I'm not sure what your weather is doing over there but if it is cold outside be sure to give the gyro a few minutes (I've heard 10) to adjust to the cooler temps before powering up. Not sure that's your trouble but it's a handy piece of information anyway.

Thats a good point.

Jim

I followed your advice and it flew like a dream today , no spinning around at all. I still dont know what caused the problem in the first place, but I guess that doesn't really matter anyway now that it all works.

Yeah, its cold (warmer than usual this winter though, around 0 to -2 degree C at day), and dark too by the way, so I put the heli outside for 10-15 min, dont know if thats what solved my problem but it definitely didn't hurt.

Speaking of low temperatures, does that affect battery performance? I'm currently running a 2200mah 11.1V 20C battery, and it only gives me like 5 minuets or so. I think I'm gonna buy a better battery, you know any good?

And final question :P If I buy a new gyro would it be best to buy a better Tx and servos aswell? or is that overkill?

thank you & merry x-mas

Carl,
Glad to hear you got it sorted out. Yes the cold will affect the battery. It's best to keep them some place warm untill you use them (house/car).
I run Outrage 2200 25c batteries on my 450s and I like them alot. I've also heard that Battery Hobby are very good for the price (cheap), this comming from a very good sorce.
As for upgrades I don't think there is any such thing as having too good of equiptment on a heli. So with CPX being every bit a good as Trex,,, I say upgrade to your hearts content (to your wallets content, lol).
Merry Xmas and happy flying,
Rob.

How long time can you stay up in the air with those batteries? Just so I know if its worth an upgrade

I can get about ten minutes before the esc 3.7 volt cut off goes on. But that's farther than you should take them down. For scale flight I'd say 6 to 8 minutes is safe.

8 - 10 minutes is pretty sweet. Think i'm gonna get myself new tx, rx, gyro, battery and prehaps change servos, dunno if thats needed. Speaking of gyros again, whats the difference between futaba gy401 and gy240? Is a beginner gonna notice the difference anyway?

thx,
Carl