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VISIT THE #1 FORUM ~ WWW.ROTORY.COM
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2008 US $5.95
THE PREMIER PUBLICATION FOR RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS
R/C
1992 - 2008
16 t h
ANNIVERSARY
R O T O R Y
M O D E L E R
ROTORY MODELER MAGAZINE - THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN R/C HELICOPTERS!
SUPER COBRA ■ JR VIBE 50 ■ FUTABA 10CHP ■ HHI HARD CORE
THE WORLD’S PREMIER PUBLICATION FOR RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS
R/C
“we know around here”
1992 - 2008
16 t h
ANNIVERSARY
R O T O R Y
M O D E L E R
FUTABA T10CHP 2.4GHZ - Jim Richards 6
THE WAY IT IS - Mike Mas 12
JR VIBE 50 PART II - James Wang 18
MHA FUNFLY - Mike Mas 34
ACE AH-1W SUPER COBRA - James Wang 46
HHI HARD CORE - Nick Crego 74
ROTORY MODELER MAGAZINE - THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN RC HELICOPTERS
EDITORIAL - Mike Mas 5
BACK ISSUE INDEX 38
IN SCALE 46
FOR STARTERS 64
AD INDEX 84
IN SUPPORT
OF OUR
U.S. TROOPS
contributing writers
Mike Mas
James Wang
Nick Sacco
Ron Osinski
Jim Richards
Nick Crego
Norman Reyes
Terry Moore
Carey Shurley
Ed i t o r i a l
as
M
e
k
i
M
Safety – Safety - Safety! OK guys, it’s time
that we take this 3D thing to a new level and
publisher / editor
Mike Mas
associate publisher
Linda Tilden
layout and graphics
Mike Mas
make “safety” our first priority. It seems as if
it’s just normal course of business to hear about
another machine going nuts and almost hitting
someone these days.
With 3D being the most dominate portion of
our hobby now, crashing, which used to be almost
a rarity, has become all but common-place with
our models. Pilots need to take more
responsibility when slinging a machine around. I
can’t tell you how many times I have witnessed a
machine flipping and tumbling at 80 mph heading
right for the spectator area and luckily - the
pilot, machine, and the equipment hold together
and prevent what could be a tragedy for our
industry.
All events - including the majors like IRCHA,
need to enforce the flight line rules. How many
times have we all witnessed one of the hot-shot
pilots go to fly and right there behind them is
their “entourage of followers,” standing right in
harms way if anything should go wrong.
Regardless of whether you’re a pilot or
spectator, or what event you’re attending - I
strongly urge you to take the incentive to bring
any potential safety situations up to both the
pilot and whom ever is running the event. Let’s
all work together to make R/C helicopters a safe
Photo: Mike Mas performing the world’s first and only
hovering “Tailstand Maneuver” with his X-Cell.
Do Not attempt this difficult and dangerous maneuver
with your model helicopter under any conditions.
and enjoyable sport.
Best Regards,
Mike Mas
R/C Rotory Modeler Magazine
P.O. Box 240 Moneta, VA 24121-0240
Phone: (540) 721-3124
Web: www.rotory.com
e-mail: mail@rotory.com
R/C Rotory Modeler Magazine is published bimonthly by R/C Media Corporation, M.J. Mas, President.
We reserve the right to edit, rewrite, or refuse to publish editorial material and assume no responsibility
for accuracy, errors, or omissions. This copyrighted magazine has been designed to facilitate the
distribution of information about the radio control model industry. Reproduction in whole or in part is
strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
R/C Rotory Modeler Magazine is published bimonthly. Print subscription rates are: United States
$35.70, Canada $49.95. PDF Download subscriptions are $35.70 Worldwide.
FASST
Hz
G
4
.
2
l
e
n
10-Chan
tem
s
y
S
r
e
t
Compu
Jim Richards
w
Overvie
utaba fires back at the 2.4GHz
market with the first modular system that provides true Digital
Data Stream from beginning - right
out to the antenna.
The real benefit of the 10C modular
system is you can use the TM-10 module to fly 2.4GHz-equipped helis, or replace it with a 50 or 72MHz module
and fly your existing models without
added equipment or expense.
The 10C uses 2048 resolution in the
FASST 10-channel 2.4GHz mode to allow
for almost instantaneous control of
the model. The antenna for 72MHz is
still provided with the transmitter.
While a Campac is not supplied, the
10C still provides the Campac slot.
This allows the use of the Futaba Campac module system, thus permitting
you to transfer your current 9C helicopter data to the 10C.
F
ROTORY
10C System Overview
After a fairly long wait, Futaba finally released the new
2.4GHz T10CHP, a 10-channel heli radio system. The 10C is
a mid-priced radio with high-end features, which should attract the serious 3D’er, or F3C pilot who needs dependability and features at an economical price. After just a few
minutes of inspecting the menus, I found the 10C offers
quite a few “high-end” features formerly only found on
Futaba’s more advanced radios. In this day and age of tight
hobby budgets, it’s nice to have a radio that compares to the
“Big Boy” sets that cost thousands.
Interior - While the new 10C is a modular system, it still
offers the speed and response of most “dedicated” digital
2.4GHz radios. Unlike other modular systems, which have to
convert analog signal to digital for the 2.4GHz emission, the
10C is all digital stream - right from the beginning. The result is absolute no lag in control at all. The real benefit of
the 10C modular system is you can use the TM-10 module to
fly 2.4GHz-equipped helis or replace it with a 50 or 72MHz
module and fly your existing models without added equipment
or expense. The antenna for a 72 MHz module is still pro-
vided with the transmitter. The 10C uses 2048 resolution in
the FASST 10-channel 2.4GHz mode, which allows for almost
instantaneous control of the model.
Some of the advantages of 2.4GHz FASST technology
are; “Continuous Channel Shifting” - the FASST system
shifts frequency 500 times per second, which means virtually
little chance for same-channel interference to occur. The
system also has “Real-Time Response” - with a pure digital
data stream, servo response is virtually instantaneous. Some
additional features include: “Dual Antenna Diversity” - this
seamlessly selects the best signal between two receiver antennas. And last, but not least, “Easy Link” - this forms an
impenetrable link between the transmitter and receiver. For
CCPM flying, the 10C allows “Servo Grouping,” which matches
the timing of multiple servos for more efficient timing movement of the servos. This feature makes a major difference
during quick climb-outs, where any unwanted servo movement
will cause the model to roll or pitch.
While a Campac is not supplied, the 10C still provides the
Campac slot. This allows the use of the Futaba Campac mod-
Large, 160 x 72 LCD with backlighting, adjustable contrast & auto-off
Dial ‘n Key™ programming w/joystick navigation
15-Model memory (expandable w/optional CamPACs)
10-character user name
10-character model name
2048 resolution in FASST 10-channel mode
Basic & Advanced menus
Enhanced airplane, heli & glider software
Smart Switch Technology™ (SST) — Logic Switches allow you to activate a function
when specified switch and/or stick positions occur
Up/down on/off timer (activate by stick or switch)
Tracks service hours for radio and models
Mode 1-4 selectable (Modes 3 & 4 programmable)
Assignable functions/switches
Auxiliary channel screen
2 proportional slider switches
Digital trims on all 4 main channels
Trim memory & sub-trims (all channels)
Adjustable trim steps (1-40)
Fail-safe, servo reversing & EPA
“Full Functionality” trainer system (cord required)
Flap switch (3-position)
Retract switch
Rotary Dial (3)
Adjustable Throttle Cut/Idle Down
Sticks w/length & tension adjustments
Servo cycle w/bar graph displays
Constant trim, voltage, name and timer display
Advanced Heli Menu
6 Programmable Mixes (4 linear/ (2) 5-point curves)
8 Factory-Defined Mixes: Hover-Throttle; Hover-Pitch; Throttle-Needle; Governor; Offset;
Revo (5-pt.); Delay; and Throttle Mix (ail/ele/rdr)
Gyro menu Plus
8 swashplate types w/graphics
Swashplate AFR
(4) 7-point throttle curves and (5) (including throttle hold) 7-point pitch curves
Adjustable High/Low pitch setting
3 Adjustable Idle-up conditions
ROTORY
9
Super bright backlit display
of the 10C shows plenty of
info on the default screen.
The display measures
160 x 72, with full adjustability for back lighting, contrast, and an “auto-off”
feature to conserve battery voltage. Along side
the display is a “joystick”
cursor and a Selection Dial.
This image shows the
graphic display of the 7point Throttle Curve.
Note the right side of the
screen clearly shows the
points and their respective
settings. Changes can be
easily made - even in bright
sunlight.
The beauty of the 10C is its unique ability to have a all digital system and the use of either 2.4GHz
or conventional 50 & 72MHz modules. Note both antennas are in place.
Here is one of the Advanced menus showing
the Governor, Program
Mixes, Throttle Mix, Thr
to Needle and condition
menus. The 10C has numerous advanced features generally only
found on sets costing
over a thousand dollars.
10
ROTORY
ule system, thus allowing you to transfer your current 9C
helicopter data to the 10C.
In brief, some of the other 10C features are 10 character user and model names, and assignable functions and
switches. The 10C accepts separate gyro sensitivity, governor speed and servo travel rates for up to four flight modes
and automatically changes them when the flight mode
changes. There are six programmable modes for helis, with
eight swash types - complete with graphic displays.
For those of you with some of the older Ni-Cad fast
chargers (like me), you’ll find they’re still using 9.6 volts NiCad for the transmitter. Of course in the 2.4GHz mode, I’m
told the set consumes only 25% of the power it takes for
72MHz module operation.
Exterior - The new 10C sports some outstanding looks on
the outside. The first thing that will grab you is the massive
bright backlit display. It measures 160 x 72, with full adjustability for back lighting, contrast, and an “auto-off” feature, to conserve battery voltage. Along side the display is
a “joystick” cursor and a Selection Dial. The cursor allows
you to zoom through the menus. By simply pressing down on
the joystick, it takes you from page 1, to page 2, of the
menus. The menu selection is divided into both Basic and Advanced menus. These are reached by pressing the “Mode”
button. Once you reach the desired menu, the Selection Dial
allows quick number and selection changes, hit the end button and it takes you back to the top level of the menus.
While the 10C is a totally different radio than my much
older 1024 set, after just a few flights, I found myself totally comfortable with the feel and performance. The 10C
sticks feel just like those on the top-end sets. The 10C also
uses standard switch placement. There are three variable
pots, which are easily reached for assigning most anything
you like. Right now, my plans are to use the Futaba 10C on a
scale project I’m planning, where I’ll need the extra channels for an electronic flybar system, retracts, and lighting.
The Futaba T10CHP set is supplied with an installed TM10 module and a matching R6014FS 14-channel receiver with
an NR-4RB 1000 mah Ni-Cad airborne battery pack and
charger. We found the average street price at just
$599.95. RM
www.amainhobbies.com
www.heliproz.com
www.ronlund.com
www.mtahobbies.com
ROTORY
11
Crossing The
Mike Mas
I had a forehead slapping experience
the other day when Jim happened to bring to my attention an editorial piece in another “Heli Magazine.” The publisher was bragging about their “so called” policy where
they take the initiative to rate one model helicopter better or worse than another. They even had the audacity to
find fault with other publications in the industry that didn’t adopt a comparison rating system like theirs and thus,
the reason for this article.
The question they need to answer is; who awarded them the credentials to judge who’s better than someone else?
It takes months, years, and in some cases decades to bring a model helicopter to the field, just to let some “novice
reviewer,” who’s just looking for a free helicopter and some exposure, to drop the hammer on others’ hard work.
This if anything, shows a publication’s total lack of knowledge for the industry, as well as their disrespect for the
tireless work involved in taking a model or product from concept to reality.
First off, it’s important to note that we’re not evaluating or reviewing toasters, blenders, or coffee pots here,
where the goal is to see if the toast is brown, or how well your Margarita came out. RC helicopters are among the
most complex radio control devices in the industry. As an example, in this very issue there is an in-depth 10-page
article on just the set-up of a Vibe 50. As complex as this article is, it just merely touches base on the thousands
of possibilities that could make a machine fly in a different manner, be it good or bad. Even with over half a century
of experience here at Rotory, among our staff, we choose not to be judge and jury and rate one helicopter better
or worse than another.
rated 1
6?
=
=
?
?
rated 4.5
rated 4
“To give you an idea of just how childish their point rating system is, some
of the so called published “Evaluation Specs” include, would you believe;
Wind Direction: N.E. – turnability (???) – Visibility: 10 miles – Wind Speed: 4
mph - Weather: Cloudy. Please, let’s get serious here!”
LINE
“My best advice to any publication, when it comes to helicopter reviews, is to review
and judge each model on its own merits - don’t try to play “God” over the industry and
attempt to label others’ work to put one manufacturer on a pedestal over another with
a flawed rating system. In addition, accept the fact that you’re not some kind of geniuses with a “criteria” that every manufacturer must meet. Take each machine and
look at it from its own advantages or disadvantages, and everyone will come out a winner. Remember, regardless of how perfect or imperfect a model is, it will only fly as
good as the pilot who controls it - so each review is not just a test of the machine.”
The real question that needs to be answered is, how can a
publication - that has only been in business for a few years
- with absolutely “no background" in helicopters what-soever and staffed by primarily “Google Search Reviewers,”
gain enough knowledge to be able to evaluate the work of a
team of manufacturer experts who’s sole business is the design and manufacturing of model helicopters? The answer is
- they can’t!
Just because a staff reviewer can “flip-flop” around and
pull off some 3D maneuvers, does not give them the credentials to evaluate and award worthless rating points to compare that product to another. All they are doing is degrading
the work of other manufacturers to please a particular advertiser for the moment.
To give you an idea of just how childish and immature
their point rating system is, some of the so called published
“Evaluation Specs” include, would you believe; Wind Direction: N.E. – Turnability (huh?) – Visibility: 10 miles –
Weather: Cloudy. Please, let’s get serious here, is this some
of the required data to conclude if someone’s equipment
meets a criteria?
Bottom line, it’s not fair for an individual who wears the
title of “product reviewer” of a magazine to be judge and
jury over a manufacturer’s work. It’s impossible for a pilot
(any pilot) to pick up a machine and in a few minutes or even
hours, judge the equipment to be better or worse than a
competitor’s model. Not even an expert, much less a novice
can evaluate a model for its total worth in mere “minutes” of
flight time. This is what R&D is all about. The true test of
a helicopter is not in a few flights, in a schoolyard down the
street, but after months and years in the field. There are
thousands of factors that affect those first few flights
such as; different set-ups, pitch range, fuel, blades, rpm,
gyro, gear ratio, and most important; pilot ability – this all
contributes to a well rounded review.
My best advice, to any publication, when it comes to helicopter reviews, is to review and judge each model on its own
merits - don’t try to play “God” over the industry and attempt to label others’ work to put one manufacturer on a
pedestal over another with a flawed rating system. In addition, accept the fact that you’re not some kind of geniuses
with a “criteria” that every manufacturer must meet. Take
each machine and look at it from its own advantages or disadvantages, and everyone will come out a winner. Remember,
regardless of how perfect or imperfect a model is, it will
only fly as good as the pilot who controls it - so each review
is not just a test of the machine.
Here at Rotory, you’ll seldom see a negative review on a
product because we just don’t accept advertising from anyone. If a model has problems, it will never see the pages of
Rotory. Unlike other publications, we turn down numerous
advertising opportunities because we won’t review a helicopter that is here today and gone tomorrow. If you see a review in Rotory, we assure you it’s from an established
manufacturer that is solidly implanted in the states and supported as well. Rotory reviews each helicopter on its own individual merits, be it good or bad, and not just how lucrative
the manufacturers advertising budget might be. We understand that helicopters are complex and there is no such
thing as a perfect machine.
In conclusion, we don’t play the “rating games” and devalue
the work of manufacturers and the choices of our readers.
We report, and let our readers and retail sales dictate a
models’ position, whether it’s above or below another – it’s
the modelers’ choice, not ours!
This is our rating policy!
RM
ROTORY
13
ast issue we examined the new Vibe 50 helicopter, this
can be expensive and daunting in setting up. Plus, many of
month I will go over how to set it up using a modern
the sophisticated features may not be needed. Most
L
helicopter transmitter. I will also discuss how spread
medium priced radios are more straightforward to program
spectrum technology works. A helicopter will only fly as
because only essential features are provided, and these
good as how well it is setup mechanically and electronically.
essential features are more than enough to take you from
Setting up any RC helicopter is a simple science that can be
the learning stage to extreme 3-D aerobatics. Modern
learned. One only needs to learn some basic rules then with
airplane radios sold within the last three years all come with
practice, will get better and faster at setting up any
helicopter software in the transmitter. In general, we can
helicopter to suit any style of flying. After building and
divide the helicopter radios on the market into three price
setting up hundreds of RC helicopters for myself and
ranges: the top end such as JR 12X 12-channel radio and
friends in the last 30 years, I am now fairly certain once my
Futaba 12 and 14 channels; the medium range radios such as
new model is set up on the work bench, it will hover close to
JR 9303 and Futaba 9-channel; and the affordable, which
hands-off on its first flight and the rotorspeed will be
are mostly 5 to 7-channels, such as the Spektrum 6 and 7-
fairly close to spot on. In this article I will show you how to
channel radios, Futaba 6, Hitec Eclipse, Hitec Optic, and
program a modern helicopter transmitter using the JR
Airtronics RD6000 and RD8000. The modern affordable
XP9303 and JR X9303 2.4 GHz transmitters as examples
radios are just as reliable as the expensive radios - the main
because they are extremely versatile and they represent
difference is features. The JR X9303 is a nice balance
excellent value for the money. The 9303 is my favorite
because it has nearly 90% of the features of the top end
general-purpose helicopter transmitter. The technique
radios, but it costs $500 to $600 less, and only $100 to
described here are valid for Vibe 50 and others.
$200 more than the affordable.
First, it is not necessary to have a very high-end radio to
The JR XP9303 and the new X9303 2.4 GHz transmitters
learn how to fly or to be a hotshot pilot. High-end radios
have identical physical dimension and identical programming
18
ROTORY
Part II
Set-Up
&
Flying
James Wang
ROTORY
21
www.horizonhobby.com
features. The difference is the new 2.4 GHz version uses
Benefits of Spread Spectrum Radios - The DSM
spread spectrum technology. For many years, most RC
protocol used by spread spectrum is a packet protocol
modelers around the world use 27, 35, 40 or 72 MHz
similar to PCM, but it uses far superior error detection
This is the first
(mega hertz) bands. These bands are crowded with other
and forward error correction schemes. The range of
screen, which shows
users, besides RC hobbyists. Most RC clubs in the US use
spread spectrum radios is generally as good as, or better
the top-level system
a manual frequency control board where a pilot is
than normal RC systems that work on 27, 35, 40 and 72
choices.
supposed to let other club members know that his
MHz. For the same RF power, the range is much better
frequency is being used. So, if someone else also has a
for wideband systems. All spread spectrum receivers can
transmitter on the same frequency they would not turn on
correlate signals below the noise floor. An added
their transmitter. However, occasionally, accidents still
advantage of Spektrum and 9303 2.4 GHz radios is they
happen and someone would forget to check the board and
have higher signal coding resolution than most non-
turn on their transmitter and shoot down a flying model.
spectrum radios such as the regular JR 9303. The JR
Spread spectrum technology eliminates this interference
X9303, when used with the included 921 receiver, has
potential.
2048 servo resolution. This translates to a much
For eCCPM helicopters,
smoother servo action. One of the main benefits of DSM
such as JR Vibe 50, choose
How Spread Spectrum Works - First of all, the spread
spectrum concept uses the 2.4 GHz band, which is a much
protocol used by Spektrum is a faster response rate.
the 3-servo swashplate
higher frequency than 72 MHz, and a higher frequency
2.4 GHz is a much higher frequency and shorter
means it can have more channels squeezed into one band.
wavelength compared to the 72 MHz frequencies and this
between 60 and 70%,
The beauty of spread spectrum is we no longer need a
means 2.4 GHz is prone to polarization and multi-path
which helps reduce control
frequency flag system.
One simply turns on the
problems. The multiple satellite receiver is designed to
binding at full collective
transmitter and flies - just like turning on a mobile phone
solve these issues. It also has the additional safety
and full cyclic command.
to talk without ever checking if anyone else is on your cell
benefit should one receiver fail in flight the second one
phone frequency. If one RC pilot is already flying in the
will continue to give you safe flight. However, once you
air when the second pilot turns on his spread spectrum
land and turn off the receiver, you will not be able to
transmitter, the spread spectrum transmitter will
activate use of this damaged receiver, so this is a very
automatically search out a clear channel. Currently there
nice safety feature found only on the Spektrum receiver.
boom support or carbon rubbing against carbon. Mechanically
six channels. On a modern digitally programmable radio, one
is enough spectral capacity for 40 RC operators operating
Some home cordless telephones are also in the 2.4 GHz
generated electrical noise has no energy above 300 MHz or so,
simply touches the + or - buttons or a thumb wheel on the
simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz range. Unless you have 40
band, but they are designed and regulated by FCC to
and 2.4 GHz is way higher than 300 MHz. In other words,
front panel to reverse the servo travel direction and change
RC helicopter fliers all turn on their transmitters at the
share the 2.4 GHz band fairly with other spread systems.
metal rubbing against metal always generates a broad
numerical values. Over ten years ago, on old analog
programmable radios, servo reversing was achieved by pushing
a micro dipswitch underneath the transmitter cover.
mode. Try to use a value
same time in a two miles radius, then it is unlikely, the
Since the wavelength of 2.4GHz is only 12 cm their
spectrum of RF (radio frequency) noise and this electrical
transmitter/receiver pair will run out of a clear channel to
transmitter and receiver antennas are very short as
radio noise spectrum does not extend beyond 300 MHz, so
compared to 72 MHz radios.
Spread spectrum
there is no chance for the 2.4 GHZ receiver to get
On a Mode II helicopter transmitter, the right stick
Horizon Hobbies first applied spread spectrum to their
transmitters do not require a long telescoping antenna.
interference from sub-300 MHz noise. If you fly electric
controls the fore/aft and left/right tilting of the main rotor
RC car radio systems in 2005 and named the product line
All spread spectrum radio antennas are quarter
helicopters, you will be happy to hear you don’t even need
disk; these are called cyclic controls. When the rotor disk
Spektrum Radios. Once the concept was proven reliable,
wavelength, so each receiver antenna is only 3 cm long.
those ferrite rings on the ESCs any longer.
tilts, the tilted rotor thrust vector pulls the helicopter in the
Horizon introduced the DX6 6-channel aircraft RC system
There are two short little 3 cm antennas on each spread
Setting Up The Vibe 50 With A JR 9303 Transmitter -
direction that the rotor disk tilts. That is how pilots control
in 2006 and the DX7 7-channel radio in 2007. These two
spectrum receiver because the antenna is so short it may
Most modern RC helicopters, such as the Vibe 50, all have
the flight direction of a helicopter in hover. In forward
radios became instant successes in the US. Horizon then
get blinded in certain flying orientations, so two antennas
collective pitch control, which means blade angle can vary to
flight, the right stick makes a helicopter behave like an
licensed the technology to JR and in 2008 JR introduced
mounted at opposite directions provide the best
increase or reduce thrust to provide faster vertical control.
airplane, and responses are exactly the same as controlling the
the X9303 2.4 GHz 9-channel spread spectrum radio,
reception.
All collective helicopters should use a helicopter radio with six
elevator and aileron on an airplane. To make a helicopter
perform a loop, the pilot simply pulls the right stick back, and
utilize.
which I am using in the Vibe 50 helicopter. All Horizon
For RC helicopter pilots, I think one of the most
or more channels. The six channels are for; left/right cyclic,
Spektrum transmitters can operate JR spread spectrum
important benefits of spread spectrum receivers are they
fore/aft cyclic, tail rotor control, throttle, collective pitch,
to make a helicopter do a roll, the pilot simply pushes the right
receivers and vice versa. This makes Horizon Spektrum
are less sensitive to metal-to-metal noise, such as bad
and gyro gain setting.
stick to the left or right.
and JR powerful partners.
bearings or metal pushrod chaffing against an aluminum
reverse feature (REV) and end-point adjustment (EPA) for all
20
ROTORY
Usually there is a servo direction
Continued On Page 24 . . .
ROTORY
21
With over a decade of knowledgeable and professional service to the R/C
helicopter community, at MTA, we know helicopters perhaps better than
anyone else in the retail market. Regardless of your needs, be it nitro or
electric, we have the inventory in stock to keep you flying and not waiting on parts to arrive at our facility. Make certain before you buy your next
heli, radio or accessory, that you check out our web site for the best
prices anywhere.
PROVEN FLIGHT METHODS FOR THE NEW PILOT!
OVERVIEW OF A COMPUTER R/C SYSTEM
A step-by-step video showing the operation of a
computerized radio control system. Our format
provides a working example for each menu item, such
as Pitch & Throttle Curves, Expo, Autorotations, etc.
This overview will work well with any brand of radio
control system. This DVD is designed for the new
pilot. Normally Sells For: $19.95 + $3.95 S&H
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HOW TO BUILD & FLY R/C HELICOPTERS
Learn how to S uccessfully F ly R adio
C ontrol Helicopters under the expert
instruction of Multi-Time National
C hampion and U. S . FAI World
Championships Team member, Mike Mas.
Our production begins with a tour of a
model helicopter, next we provide an
overview of kit construction, pre-flight,
set-up, and the correct operation of the
“helicopter radio system” covering pitch
curves, autorotations, idle-up, right
through inverted flight. Most
important, Mike Mas will take you out
to the flying field and show you how to
successfully fly a remote control
helicopter. This DVD may be used with
all helicopters currently available.
Professionally produced. This Production
is ideal for beginner & new pilots.
Normally Sells For: $32.95 + $3.95 S&H
Mike Mas - 1977
Mike Mas - 1989
First Ever “Inverted Landing”
Performing the world’s “First Ever”
Inverted Flight & Aerobatic 3D
Maneuvers with a R/C Helicopter.
Acomplished with Mike’s “Mas Tech”
3-Point Set-Up, now being used by
every top pilot in the world today!
These difficult maneuvers were performed by a professional pilot for demonstration purposes only and should not be attempted.
Vibe 50 Continued From Page 21
Collective Pitch Travel Range Setup - For a collective
moves the throttle stick to about 1/3 stick position the
pitch equipped RC helicopter, it is a must to use a
rotorspeed will reach the desired flying rpm (typically
Sub Trim. Here I used
transmitter with helicopter software, otherwise it will be
around 1500 rpm). But, the helicopter will not lift off the
20% Sub Trim for Channel
nearly impossible to control the motor speed and main rotor
ground because the main rotor blade angle should be only
2 and 6 because it was the
blade angle (called collective pitch) simultaneously. The
around 2-degrees. As the pilot pushes the left stick upward
advantage of having collective pitch control on RC
to the middle position, blade angle will increase to 4-degrees.
helicopters is so pilots can control vertical motion precisely
Then the rotor will generate enough thrust to lift the
and instantaneously by varying the main rotor blade angle.
helicopter into a hover.
Try minimizing the use of
only way to keep the servo
arm perpendicular to the
servo casing at zero
degree collective pitch.
For aerobatic flight, the helicopter can be set up to have +10
Most helicopter transmitters allow pilots to prescribe the
to –10 degrees (MAS Tech.) of blade angle change - that is
main rotor blade angle in at least five points: low stick, ¼
what I do on all my helicopters. Helicopters typically hover
stick, half stick, ¾ stick, and full stick positions. More
with about +4 degrees angle on the main rotor blades, with
expensive radios allow defining the throttle and collective
+10 degrees the helicopter would climb rapidly. For inverted
pitch curves at 7 or more points. As mentioned earlier, for
flying, the pilot would perform a half roll and then command
beginners it is best to set the blade angle at –2 degrees at
the main rotor blade angle to –4 degrees to produce enough
low stick (point 1), +4 degrees at half stick (point 3), and +10
negative thrust to sustain inverted hover or inverted flight.
degrees at full stick (point 5). On the JR 9303 transmitter
For doing an inverted climb from an inverted hovering
it is not a must to program in a value for points 1, 2, 4, and 5
optimize a balance
position, the pilot would command the servos to move the
because the JR 9303 has a smoothing feature called Exp
between servo control
blade angle to –10 degrees.
(see photos of the JR 9303 transmitter screen). If Exp is
resolution, and speed, and
on, then the JR 9303 will automatically make the throttle or
reduce control
As the blades change their angle, profile and induce drag
increase. At zero degree blade angle the drag is at a
pitch curve a smooth curvature.
minimum. As the blade angle is enlarged to +10 or –10
Programming The Normal Mode Throttle Curve -
degrees, drag would rise. This is the reason why we must
Helicopter transmitters allow pilots to program precisely
have a way to automatically increase motor power to
how much throttle power the model engine can produce at
compensate for the higher drag at larger blade angles.
different throttle stick positions. Usually, using 5 points is
Try to keep the Travel
Adjust close to 100% for
all channels, this helps
nonlinearity.
I recommend 3D pilots to
For beginners, my recommended blade angle settings for
enough. The JR 9303 uses 7 points. For simplicity, let’s only
the left stick are: -2 degrees when the left stick is all the
use 3 points, the low point, middle point (point 3) and the
set up the collective pitch
way at the bottom, +4 degrees when the left stick is in the
high point. For a medium sized glow engine powered RC
in Idle-Up mode first -
middle, and +10 degrees when the left stick is at the top at
helicopter, such as the Vibe 50, let’s start by setting the
because Idle-Up mode
full throttle position. The advantage of using a helicopter
carburetor opening for the 7 points at 0%, 25%, 60%, 78%,
prescribes the full +10 to
transmitter is the left stick can control two channels (the
88%, 96%, 100%. Please refer to the picture of the JR
-10 degrees collective
throttle channel and channel 6) at the same time. The
transmitter. This will yield a hovering rotorspeed of around
pitch travel range, and
throttle servo is plugged into the throttle channel on the
1650 rpm. If you prefer a lower rotorspeed at hover, then
the pitch curve is a
receiver, and the main rotor pitch control servo is plugged
reduce them to 0%, 25%, 40%, 55%, 80%, 90%, 100%.
straight line.
into channel 6. As you move the left stick, the transmitter
Note, for electric helicopters, it is best to set the electric
will change the motor speed and blade angle simultaneously.
motor’s electronic speed controller (ESC) at 0%, 25%, 60%,
This is important because as mentioned earlier, when blade
78%, 88%, 96%, 100% for the seven points. This means at
angle increases, drag increases. Thus, more engine power is
half stick, the electric motor will be at 78% of maximum
needed to overcome higher drag. Otherwise, the rotorspeed
power, and 100% power at full stick position. For electric
will decline. The goal is when the throttle stick is at the low
helicopters, we need to have the motor power come up
position the engine should idle at around 1500 to 2000 rpm
quicker than glow engine helicopters because we want to
and the centrifugal clutch should disengage and the blades
avoid hovering with the ESC at less than 50% duty cycle.
should not spin. As the pilot moves the throttle stick up, the
The ESC controls the electric motor’s rpm by sending a
blades will start to spool up and spin slowly. As the pilot
square wave voltage to the motor. If the ESC is set at less
Normal throttle mode
Throttle Curve shown here.
The values for points 2, 3
and 4 determine the
hovering rotor rpm. The
numbers shown are a fairly
high rpm for hover, around
1650. Beginners, reduce
24
ROTORY
the values to give 1500 rpm.
U-shape Throttle Curve for
than 70% at center stick, then the ESC will have less than
fluctuations (plus and minus 100 rpm) during aerobatics
Idle-Up mode. JR
50% duty cycle (square of .7 is .49), then the large voltage
because one can never match the loading perfectly for all
transmitter has a smart
rise with each duty cycle will be more likely to cause a radio
situations. That is why top competition 3D pilots use an
feature called EXP. When
glitch. If you are experiencing glitches during hover on an
optional electronic engine governor to electronically control
EXP is activated it
electric helicopter, then increase the throttle value in the
the engine power automatically to help lock on the
transmitter to at least 70% at the middle throttle point.
rotorspeed at a constant rpm, for example at 1900, no
automatically “smoothes”
the curve, reducing the
Idle-Up or Stunt Mode Setup - Idle-Up, or Stunt Mode
matter what maneuver the helicopter is doing. Most
need for so many points.
as JR calls it, is used for aerobatic flying only. The Idle-
modern ESC’s for brushless electric motors on electric
Up switch allows pilots to control the helicopter with a
helicopters have something called the “governor mode”
whole different throttle and pitch curve when the Idle-Up
which allows the ESC to sense the motor rpm and then hold
switch is turned on. Idle-Up mode is used primarily for 3-D
that rpm constant - no matter what the loading is.
aerobatic flying.
Here I use +25%
Exponential for Position 0
(Normal Throttle Mode),
and +35% for Idle-Up 1
and +30% for Idle-Up 2
mode. Note, other radio
manufactures sometimes
use negative values to
denote the same thing.
Here I set the Gyro
gain to 80% for all
three throttle modes,
Normal, Idle-Up 1 and
Idle-Up 2.
It is called 3-D flying because
Once a modeler understands the principle of throttle
experienced pilots can make the helicopter flip, tumble, and
and pitch curves and learns the fundamental rules, and why,
travel in any direction in a three dimensional space with
on setting the throttle and pitch curves, then the pilot’s
ease. For 3-D flying, it is necessary to use longer servo
flying quality will increase immediately. Remember, how
arms to achieve –10 to +10 blade angle travel. The blade
well a RC helicopter model fly depends 50% on how well the
angles for the 5 points should be –10, -5, 0, +5, and +10
mechanics are built and 50% on how well the transmitter is
degrees. Since we want a “straight-line” pitch curve in
programmed. Modern RC helicopter transmitters have so
idle-Up mode, it is only necessary to use 3 points to define
many smart features, they can compensate for some of the
the Idle-Up pitch curve.
poor mechanical setup on a model, but if you can optimize
As shown in the picture, just use points Low, 3, and
both the mechanical setup and your transmitter
High. The transmitter values for the 3-point Idle-up pitch
programming, then your helicopter will fly better than the
curve should be 0, 50, and 100. As a start, the throttle
exact same brand model owned by your friends, and your
power values for the 3-point throttle curve could be 100%,
flying skills will improve at a faster rate.
60%, and 100%. Then turn on the EXP feature and that will
Throttle Hold - The Throttle Hold feature is used to
A strong point of the JR
change the Idle-Up throttle curve from a V-shape curve
practice autorotations. When Throttle Hold is activated,
9303 is it can display the
into a smooth U-shape throttle curve. This throttle curve
the motor will shut down and the pilot can glide the
Exponential control curve
provides full engine or motor power at Low point (low stick)
helicopter down - just like a real helicopter with a dead
shape on the LCD screen.
when the blade angle is –10 degrees, and full engine or
stick engine. When Throttle Hold is turned on, the pilot
This is how the correct
motor power at High point (high stick) when the blade angle
still has full control of the blade collective pitch.
Exponential control should
is +10 degrees. The motor power will be 60% at half stick
Travel Adjustment or End Point Adjustment - Travel
look – flat near middle
when the blade angle is zero degrees. The picture shows
Adjustment or End-point adjustment (EPA) is used to set
control stick.
the Idle-Up throttle and pitch curves as displayed on the
how much movement the servo arm can swing in each
JR 9303 LCD screen. Experienced pilots will need to fine
direction. On most radios, the left and right movements of
tune the Idle-Up throttle curve values at points 3 such
the servo arm can be individually set from 0 to 150% of the
that when throttle/collective control stick is shifted, the
maximum throw. The End-Point Adjustment is used to
motor power should be perfectly matched to overcome the
control the servo’s total travel range. I suggest setting
varying blade drag at any collective pitch setting. This way,
them at 100% initially during the setup. Fine-tune the EPA
the main rotor rpm will be constant at any collective pitch
setting during flight tests. For example, if the helicopter
setting from -10 to +10 degrees.
yaws quicker to the left than to the right, then program
In Idle-Up mode only, I usually adjust the middle point
the EPA to give 90% left tail rotor servo travel, and 120%
Idle-Up throttle curve value so the helicopter’s main rotor
right tail rotor servo travel. This way, the helicopter will
maintains a constant 1900-rpm for the Vibe 50, Raptor 50,
yaw equally fast to the left or right when given a full left
or Evo 50 helicopters. Of course, there will be some
or a full right tail rotor command.
ROTORY
27
On some radio and gyro combinations, the EPA is used to
the servo control throw when a switch is toggled on the
rotor blade collective pitch angle by approximately plus and
However, Sub Trims are valuable when using the same
set the high and low rate gyro gain settings. With the JR
transmitter. Despite most modern transmitters, such as
minus 2-degrees during hover. The hover throttle trim
transmitter to operate 3 different models, Sub Trim allows
9303 and most new helicopter radios, channel 5 or other
the JR 9303, which allow automatically activating aileron
allows you to vary the motor power by, approximately, plus
you to keep the mechanical trims in the center and use the
auxiliary channels are used to set the gyro gain from the
and elevator dual rates when you switch on Idle-Up (for
or minus 15% at hover by opening or closing the carburetor
Sub Trims to account for the differences in setup for the
transmitter.
example low aileron and elevator control sensitivities in
slightly. For example, if the rotorspeed is slightly low in
three models. Sub Trim is useful for setting up helicopters
Gyro and Gyro Gain - I am using the new JR 770 3D gyro
hover and maximum control sensitivities in idle-up for
hover and the controls seem sluggish, because the weather
with electronic CCPM (cyclic-collective pitch mixing).
on the Vibe 50. I have purchased two of these gyros
aerobatics). I usually do not use Dual Rate, instead I
is hot or it's too windy, then you can simply blip the JR
Revolution Mix - Revolution Mix is used to prevent the
recently because I find them very simple to set up and
recommend using the Exponential feature.
The
9303 hover pitch trim downward to reduce the blade pitch
helicopter from yawing when the throttle/collective is
they work well. The JR 770 3D was introduced in late
Exponential feature is more practical because it
slightly, and/or also blip the hover throttle trim up to
changed. This feature is standard on all helicopter radios.
2007 and it has received good feedback. The complete
desensitizes the stick controls when the sticks are near
increase the throttle slightly. For example, this may speed
With modern heading hold gyros, it is not necessary to use
gyro is housed in a square metal block less than one-inch
their center position. This helps the pilot to perform
up the rotorspeed from 1500 to 1600 rpm. The beauty is
Revolution Mix any more because the heading hold gyro will
tall and one-inch square and there isn’t a separate
precision hovering and prevent over correcting the
we can experiment and alter the hovering handling
automatically hold a heading under any collective pitch
amplifier box. This makes it simple to install and saves
helicopter’s motion (which leads to pilot induce oscillation
characteristics without ever touching the helicopter.
setting.
weight. The JR 770 gyro is easy to set up, which is similar
PIO). I recommend using Exponential because we can
Sub Trim - The electronic Sub Trim is similar to the
This article provides the fundamental principles in what
to a Futaba GY-401. The gyro gain is adjusted from the
always leave the feature on - there is no need to toggle
mechanical trim. Sub Trim allows you to change the servo
a helicopter transmitter does and how to program an initial
transmitter.
switches.
centering position by approximately plus or minus 10-
set of values. As one experiments with the transmitter
For most helicopter applications, the gain for the JR
The JR 9303 transmitter displays the Exponential
degrees using the + and - push buttons. Most radios have a
settings more and understands the purpose of each
770 gyro should be around 45 to 70%. The optimal gain
control curve nicely on its screen. As you can see from the
Sub Trim for all channels. I don't use Sub Trim that often.
feature, then you will soon become a master at setting up
will depend on the length of servo arm used on your tail
photo, the Exponential control curve should be more flat
If I ever need to change the servo arm's center, I usually
any RC helicopter. The key is to understand why the
rotor servo. I recommend using a servo with the ball link
near center stick position and steeper near the extreme
physically remove the plastic servo arm and turn it by one
feature is there. Finally, the JR 9303 is nice because it
hole at about 16 to 18 mms from the center of the servo
ends of control stick movement. I recommend using 20 to
or two splines. I use the mechanical trims on the front of
has all the essential features for advance flying and
arm. In the last 30 years, I have tried almost every single
40% Exponential for aileron and elevator (roll cyclic and
the transmitter more often. When I am test flying a new
trimming, and it does not have useless features just for the
JR gyro ever made, including JR NES100, 120, 130, 1000,
fore/aft cyclic) controls for all model helicopters. The JR
helicopter, I use the mechanical trims first, then, make the
purpose of adding bells and whistles. RM
3000, 5000 and 7000. The newest JR 770 3D is the best
9303 is a smart radio and it permits different Exponential
adjustments on the pushrod length after the flight.
of all because the 1000, 3000 and 5000 series JR piezo
settings for each throttle mode. Normal Throttle mode is
gyros sometimes drift (the gyro will cause the tail rotor
also called position 0, idle-Up 1 is position 1, and Idle-Up 2
servo arm to drift when it is not supposed to move). The
is position 2. The position 0, 1 and 2 refers to the idle-Up
new 770 3D gyro does not have any drift problems and it
toggle switch setting. For some RC helicopters, I use a
also locks the helicopter heading solidly during high-speed
higher percentage of Exponential for Normal Throttle
forward or backward flight and 3D maneuvers. This gyro
mode to get more precise and easier hovering. For
is only $150. That is why I bought two.
example; 40% in Normal Throttle mode, and 30% in Idle-
I have tried it with Futaba 9253, 9254, Hitec 6965, and
Up modes. For some helicopters, I may use only 25%
Ace 0606 digital servos on high and low frame rate. The
Exponential in Normal Throttle mode, and 35% in Idle-Up.
high frame rate should be reserved only for high-speed
It all depends on the hovering rotor rpm and what kind of
digital servos. The best combination is to use it with the
handling I want. Make sure you choose + or – sign correctly
new JR 8900 high-speed digital servo because they are
in front of the percentage, because every radio brand
optimized for each other. Using the 8900 servo with the
defines Exponential direction differently. The goal is to
high frame rate setting on the JR 770 gyro provides
flatten the control curve.
excellent performance. I have not tried using the JR 770
Hovering Pitch and Hovering Throttle - Most radios have
3D gyro with the new mini and medium size JR high-speed
two very useful knobs or trim levers on the front or side
servos, yet. But I plan on trying them on my mini electric
of the transmitter. The JR 9303 has a hover pitch trim
helicopters because the 770 gyro is compact and light,
tab on the left front and a hover throttle trim tab on the
which makes it perfect for mini electric helis, too.
right front. Most helicopter radios should have these two
Dual Rate and Exponential - Dual Rate allows reducing
www.heliproz.com
www.ronlund.com
features. The hover pitch trim allows you to vary the main
www.mtahobbies.com
28
ROTORY
Maryland
Helicopter
Fun-Fly
MHA
events.
up one of the
ad
he
in
ob
R
&
Ralph Delusio
2008
Mr. “3D” Henry Caldwell stands watch.
Irwin Siner and Company from HHI.
No it’s not a joke - this contestant attempted
to go through the obstacle course inverted!
If you look close, you’ll
see a 450 after it hit the
upper ring of the obstacle
course.
Heli-Direct was well represented at the event - their new
Outrage looks like a real contender in the electric heli field.
Representing Prince George County Police
in their 520N Notar; CPL M. Economes,
CPL C. Elrod, and CPL J. Kelley.
Rob Wagner was the winner
in the 450 Heli challenge
Obstacle Course.
The unique mechanics of the Gohbee Phazor 600.
Deck!
g . . . On The
in
lk
ta
e
’r
e
W
Due to limited space and a barrage of new products to report on in this issue,
we’re limited to just a few pages for the 2008 MHA event.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the entire Maryland
Helicopter Association staff for putting on one of the best heli events in the
nation. This is the most friendly group of individuals on the planet. If you get
the chance, be sure to attend this great event next year - you’ll have a blast!
This specta
tor brough
t
his own sea
t!
Gohbee’s Phazor 450
ROTORY
37
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JULY/AUGUST 2008
Global Cypher 3D - Mike Mas
JR Vibe 50 Part I - James Wang
Align T-Rex 500 - James Wang
MAY/JUNE 2008
Airtronics RDS 8000 - Mike Mas
Thunder Tiger Redline 35H - Mike Mas
RJX X-Treme 50 - James Wang
Building A Scale Heli Pt. II - C. Shurley
For Starters - Nick Sacco
MARCH/APRIL 2008
Real Flight G4 - Mike Mas
For Starters - Ron Hammond
Proper Charging Technique - J. Wang
Building A Scale Heli PT I - C. Shurley
Futaba T7C Radio - J. Richards
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008
JR X9303 R/C System - Jim Richards
Align Trex 600N - James Wang
Futaba 2.4GHZ Modules - J. Richards
Southern Challenge - Mike Mas
Thunder Power Extreme 450 - Ron O.
HeliMax Axe EZ RTF - Nick Sacco
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007
Raptor 90 3D - James Wang
AMA Scale Nats - Brian Stewart
HeliDirect HDX 450 Pt II - M. Mas
T.T. Mini Titan SE - James Wang
2007 IRCHA - Mike Mas
Hangar 9 FS ONE Sim - J. Richards
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Heli Max Axe CP RTF - Mike Mas
Helidirect 450 - Mike Mas
Reflex IVOL Sim - Mike Mas
Futaba T12-FGH - Mike Mas
Pantara 50
T-Rex Tail Mod
JULY/AUGUST 2007
Futaba 6EX-2.4 - Mike Mas
Slimline Powerstation
MRC XRB Shuttle - Mike Mas
Gasser Ingredients PT II
JR Vibe 50-90
MAY/JUNE 2007
Horizon T-REX 450SA
Gazaur Heli
Gasser Ingregients
MARCH/APRIL 2007
Spektrum DX7 - Mike Mas
Thunder Tiger Mini Titan
Audacity Models Pantera 50
Hirobo Lepton EX
Realflight
E-Raptor’s - Mike Mas
Webra Heli Engine Line -Up
Gohbee Part II
Heli-Max MX 450XS - Mike Mas
IRCHA 2006
Apache AH-64
Align 600 Electric
Li-Po History & Safety
Electric Helis
Hirobo Shuttle +2 - Mike Mas
Gohbee 50-90
AMA Scale Nats
Quick Gasher
XFC Championships
JULY/AUGUST 2006
Futaba 12ZH - Mike Mas
Miniature Spectra G Pt. II
Toledo Expo
HHI Outdo 600
MTA Knight 50
MAY/JUNE 2006
TREX 450SE
CSM SL720
JR Vibe
MAS TECH - Mike Mas
SGP Reactor
MARCH/APRIL 2006
Miniature Spectra-G
Heli Max MX 400 - Mike Mas
MAS TECH - Mike Mas
Raptor 50 Titanium
Century 3D Pro - Mike Mas
Helis & Steelers
Horizon Blade CX
Genisis Tiger 50
MAS TECH - Mike Mas
Hitec Robotics - Mike Mas
Freya EVO 90
Spektrum DX6
Reflex Flight Simulator
Eagle Tree Systems
IRCHA ’05
Hirobo Freya EVO
Synergy Overview - Mike Mas
Vario Benzin
Honey Bee CP II
Hornet X-3D & X-CP
Blade CP JR Receiver Hack
MRC Vertol Tandem Rotor
XFC Championships
Tuning Tips Raptor 50SE
JULY/AUGUST 2005
E-Flite CP Micro
West Mountain Radio
Piccolo Pro 3D
MAY/JUNE 2005
Helimax Rotofly
Quick Pic Cam
Futaba 14MZ System - Mike Mas
T-Rex Electric
Electric Bladerunner
MARCH/APRIL 2005
CCPM Raptor
Raptor 50 SE
REV Limiter
ECO 7 Electric
MRC XRB Lama SR - Mike Mas
Electric Bladerunner
Kyosho Caliber M24 - Mike Mas
Hoverfly Electric
Raptor 90SE
JR XP9303- Mike Mas
Novarossi C50 & C60
Hitec Optic 6 - Mike Mas
Graupner A-Star
TME Battery Management
Eagle Tree
O.C. Bob Gathering
Robbe Cuatro
Hirobo Freya
Futaba 7CHP System - Mike Mas
XFC Championships
Bling Bling Tempest
Raptor R-90 Overview
JULY/AUGUST 2004
Hitec EVO Multiplex - Mike Mas
MS Composit Hornet CPX
Minicopter Acrobat
MAY/JUNE 2004
Quick EP/Sweet Sixteen
Weston UK 36H & 50H Engines
OS .91 C-Spec
Clutch Systems
Nuremberg Toy Fair
MRC/Hirobo Freya X-Spec
JR XP6102 Radio - Mike Mas
MARCH/APRIL 2004
Airtronics RD 8000
Electric Talk Pt. III
Rotor Tachometers
Ace Raptor 90 - Mike Mas
Bergen Observer Pt. II - Mike Mas
Vario Xperience
Bergen Observer Pt. I - Mike Mas
Throttle Jockey Direct
Setting-Up for 3D
Electric Talk Pt. II
Cover Story
Maxie-Joker
Corona
Raptor Talk
Electronic Gem 2000
Electric Talk
Gasser Plumbing Mods
MRC 30-50 Evolution - Mike Mas
Piccolo Pro - Mike Mas
Dial Indicating
XFC Championships
Maryland Fun Fly
Quickie 15
Century Hummingbird - Mike Mas
Mas Tech 3D/3G - Mike Mas
JULY/AUGUST 2003
Graupner NH-90 Part II
Throttle Jockey
Dymond Charger
Raptor 60-90 Conversion
Carbon Fiber
MAY/JUNE 2003
Mike Mas - Mas Tech 3G/3D
In Scale - Dolphin Stage 2
CSM Smart Lock 560 - Mike Mas
HHI Quick 50 Pro
TT/Ace Raptor 50-V2 - Mike Mas
MARCH/APRIL 2003
Mikado Logo 10
Draganflyer III
Graupner NH 90
Airscoot
R/C Aerial Video Systems
Raptor 30 Stretch - Mike Mas
Upgrading To 70-90 Power
Medicine For Servos
Raptor V2-39 - Mike Mas
JR Voyager 50 & IMZ 50 Eng.
Top Gun
Hoverfly
Graupner Turbine
Joker Electric
IRCHA Jamboree 2002
Agusta A109
Airtronics Tour
HHI Quick 60
Century Raven 50
JULY/AUGUST 2002
JR Venture - Mike Mas
JR XP662 Radio Sys. - Mike Mas
Kyosho Caliber 30 - Mike Mas
Vario Benzin Trainer
MAY/JUNE 2002
Century Hawk IV
JR Voyager
Ace Raptor 50 - Mike Mas
Futaba 9CHP - Mike Mas
MARCH/APRIL 2002
The Mas Tech - Control Sytms II
Mikado Logo 20
Graupner Turbine
Airtronics RD-6000
AH-64A Apache
MS Composite Hornet
Quick Learner - Mike Mas
Century Products Fusg.
In Scale - Dolphin
For Starters - Nose-IN
Top Gun - Jerry Hicks
Hitec Eclipse 7 - Mike Mas
Ultra-Star
Quick 60 Sport
Hirobo Sceadu 30 & 50 - Mike Mas
Hirobo Cup 2001
Futaba GY601
Hoverfly
Raptor 60 V2
The Way It Is - Mike Mas
JULY/AUGUST 2001
Slimline Products - Mike Mas
Century Falcon 46
Graupner Starlet .50
Hirobo Shuttle RG
JR Vigor CCPM
Hobbies & Helis Quick 60
MAY/JUNE 2001
Raptor 60 Review / Mike Mas
Vario S-76
Heli Safety
In Scale - Hughes 500 C
MARCH/APRIL 2001
RealFlight G2 / Mike Mas
Quick 60
JR R-22 CCPM
Chargers & Cyclers
Kyosho 46 VR Part II
Vario Viper
JR Voyager
Kyosho 46VR
In Scale - Talk About Down Loading
JULY/AUGUST 1997
A-Z About Servos
Century Hawk Heli Upgrades
Estes MDS .38 Heli Engine
Futaba 6XH Heli Radio
Vario Benzin Trainer Helicopter
In Scale - Scale at Toledo
MAY/JUNE 1997
Ergo JR’S Latest Venture
Kestrel Wind Meter
Kyosho Nexus 30
JR Ergo 30-46-60
JR XP-8103 & XP-783
In Scale - Resin Casting
Mike Mas - Mas Tech Safety First
Tech Talk - Rossi 60
MARCH/APRIL 1997
Cleaning Model Engines
Altech GPH-346
Century Hawk 30
In Scale - Lighting Systems
Tech Talk - NEJ 3000 Gyro
About Piezo Gyros
Futaba G-501 Gyro
Kyosho Freq. Monitor
JR Ergo 30-60 Overview
Airtronics Stylus Heli Radio
For Starters - Scuttle your Shuttle
Mike Mas - Mas Tech Visual Linking
to Your Heli
The Bell AH-1Z is the newest attack
helicopter for the US Marine Corp. It has
nothing in common with the original AH-1
Huey Cobra helicopter that was introduced
during the Vietnam War in 1966. The AH-1
family of attack helicopters has gone
through over a dozen changes, including
the famous original AH-1G Gunship, the AH1S Tow Cobra, the AH-1J Naval version, and
the AH-1W Whiskey.
The newest AH-1Z
retains the narrow frontal profile of the
Cobra family, but as Bell Helicopter
described, it is designed for the 21st
century and it delivers state of the art
dynamics, weapons and avionics to
incorporate the latest in survivability.
Ace AH-1W
Super Cobra
With anti-armor capability, it engages and
defeats the broadest array of threats at
standoff ranges that defy imagination.
Story By - James Wang
46
ROTORY
he AH-1Z is based on the proven AH-1W airframe reliability, with a
T
new composite four-bladed rotor system and two powerful T700GE-401 engines (same as used on Sikorsky Blackhawk and Boeing
Apache AH-64). With virtually identical front and rear cockpits on
the AH-1Z, fully integrated weapons, avionics and communications
systems the AH-1Z flies with the most advanced aircraft
survivability equipment in the world. The AH-1Z is truly state-ofthe-art. Thunder Tiger has just released a scale fuselage of the
AH-1W, which can also be decorated to look like an AH-1Z. The
Thunder Tiger fuselage is made from clear PVC polyvinylcarbonate
type material and is available in clear (TTR3870) or in three
different factory painted versions. This scale fuselage is
designed specifically for the Thunder Tiger Mini Titan E325 or
Mini Titan SE electric helicopters.
The Thunder Tiger Mini Titan E325 electric helicopter, launched
Ace AH-1W
Super Cobra
in early 2007, was an instant success among electric helicopter
aficionados. Unlike many other electric helicopters on the market,
which are all based on a variation of the T-Rex 450 design, the Mini
Titan E325 is packed with many ingenious ideas - and the design is
original. The Mini Titan is one of the best flying and most user-friendly
mini electric helicopters on the market. In Spring 2008, Thunder Tiger
introduced a special edition Mini Titan called the Mini Titan SE. The SE version
has lots of functional bling to make your flying pals drool. The SE has a gorgeous
silver CNC machined metal main rotor and tail rotor, and black carbon parts. The awesome
flight performance and great look of the Mini Titan SE has raised the bar another notch for mini
electric helicopters. Rotory Modeler was the first to review the Mini Titan SE in the
November/December 2007 issue.
The new AH-1W/1Z scale fuselage fits either Mini Titan mechanics perfectly. The fuselage was
released in summer 2008 as a fuselage kit first. Next to come will be a complete AH-1W package
that includes the fuselage and the standard Mini Titan E325 mechanics, along with a Ripper
brushless motor and a 40 amp ESC (electronics speed controller). I have the clear fuselage
version (TTR3870), which is $70. It takes about ten hours to glue the fuselage together, add the
many scale plastic detail parts, then spray paint it, and fit it to my existing Mini Titan helicopter.
The results are a beautiful looking model that is adorable and only two feet long. However, it looks
mean and tough just like the real gunship. The kit includes many scale detail parts, such as two
replica AIM9 Sidewinder missiles except they don’t fire. The color choices for the factory
painted ones are TTR3870G (camouflaged army green), TTR3870D (camouflaged dessert), and
TTR3870L (camouflaged US Marine blue-gray). These painted versions are $90 each.
In order to make the model look super scale, Thunder Tiger engineers have devised an ingenious
45-degree transfer gearbox for the tail rotor drive system, to allow mounting the tail rotor atop
the vertical fin like the real AH-1W/1Z. This transfer gearbox is a marvelous designed piece,
which is also lightweight. It will also make it easy for Thunder Tiger to offer additional scale
48
ROTORY
TG7000 is a highperformance mini heading
lock gyro that is suitable
for electric or glow engine
helicopter use. It is
similar in size and
capability to the GY-401.
longer agile for 3D flying. If you have flown a Mini
model can still perform loops, rolls, stall turns, tail
Titan before then you already know the Mini Titan
slides and funnels, but Chaos and Tick-Tocks
E325 and E325 SE are more stable than many
become sluggish. I do not push the model as hard
other mini electric helicopters on the market.
with the fuselage because the motor and battery
With the fuselage and the slight extra weight, the
are more enclosed than in a pod-and-boom version,
control responses become slower, but the model
and have less ventilation. I recommend using the 10
feels more stable when hovering in calm conditions.
or 11-tooth motor to keep the main rotorspeed
Most fuselage helicopters will be affected by gusty
under 2000 for hover and around 2600 for Idle-
wind, due to the increased side area.
Up. Usually, when flying the pod-and-boom version,
Flying the AH-1W Mini Titan is fun and will
I use a 13 or 15-tooth pinion and set Idle-Up at
definitely attract attention at the field. The
100% flat-line and full open to get 2800 to 3000
model flies gracefully. With the tail rotor raised
rpm rotorspeed for 3D flying. For scale flying and
to the same height as the main rotor disk, actually
to carry the extra load, it is best to use a lower
helps reduce undesirable cross-coupling between
tooth pinion so you can achieve more torque. For 3D
yawing, pitching, and rolling fuselage motions. This
flying in pod-and-boom configuration, I use +11 to -
means when a tail rotor command is given, it tends
11 degrees. With the scale fuselage, I changed the
to produce more of a pure heading change with less
pushrod settings, so I get +13 to -9 degrees. Using
need for cyclic corrections. Try a slow 360-
a lower rotor rpm also makes the model quieter and
pirouette turn and you will find out. The AH-1W
more realistic.
The Mini Titan mechanics fit the AH-1Z fuselage perfectly.
The Thunder Tiger AH-1W conversion kit starts at $70 and it includes many scale details,
Not sure if other electric mechanics will fit as well.
such as a 20 mm chin gun.
helicopters that have tail rotors mounted on top of
and engines. They share 84% commonality, which is
the vertical fin, such as Apache, Blackhawk, BO-
remarkable. About 100 AH-1Z’s and 100 AH-1Y’s
105, S-76, etc.
will be produced for the US Marine Corp.
The real Cobra helicopters always had a very
Fortunately, the Thunder Tiger Mini Titan also
narrow front profile. This is because back in 1960,
has a narrow profile and the Thunder Tiger AH-1W
when Bell Helicopter engineers at Fort Worth,
fuselage is designed around the Mini Titan
Texas designed the Cobra gunship, they purposely
mechanics. The three-eCCPM servos and the
made the fuselage very narrow so it was difficult
plastic main gear represent the widest area of the
for enemy troops to shoot it with machine guns
Mini Titan and they fit perfectly in the AH-1W
from the front or from below. One may not know,
engine bay area. The scale AH-1W fuselage also is
but originally, in the 1960’s the Huey Cobra AH-1
a perfect fit for the 3S lithium flight battery. The
was based on the famous UH-1 Huey mechanics.
flight battery for the Mini Titan is strapped to a
The AH (attack helicopter) used the UH (utility
sloped battery tray on the front of the helicopter,
helicopter) mechanics, rotor, and engine, and the
and this just happens to be where the cockpit area
only difference was a change of fuselage shell.
is for the AH-1W. Any standard 2100 to 2500 mAh
Today, the AH-1Z attack helicopter for the
3S Li-Po battery will fit in this spot.
Marines still borrows this philosophy.
50
Bell
Depending on how much scale detail and how
Helicopter currently produces an AH-1Z attack
much paint you add on, the scale fuselage will add
gunship and an AH-1Y transport helicopter. They
between 6 and 10 ounces to the flying weight. This
both share the same hardware - such as
does not distract the hover and forward flight
transmission, rotor head, rotor blades, tail rotor,
performance. However, with the fuselage it is no
ROTORY
ROTORY
51
52
What makes the Mini Titan E325 series such an
boom, which holds the pulley and pinion gear as part
outstanding flier is its unique one-piece molded main
of the tail boom. Because this casing is clamped
frame, which provides strong rigidity. Everyone
onto the tail boom, hence, pulling the tail boom out
loves this main frame because it is strong, light, and
of the helicopter main frame will not affect tail
Right: The engine cheeks on
user-friendly. There are no sideframe pieces and
rotor drive belt tension. The entire tail boom and
the real AH-1W and 1Z houses
spacers to tediously bolt together. The Mini Titan
belt drive assembly can be quickly removed and
two GE T700-401 turbine
design is elegant. The motor, tail boom, and landing
replaced in a matter of seconds. When the tail
engines. Here you can see the
gear all attach to this one-piece molded frame. The
boom is plugged into the main frame, the tail drive
Mini Titan tail boom hiding
“guts” of the Mini Titan and SE are basically
pinion engages the main rotor bull gear perfectly.
inside.
composed of three parts: a molded one-piece main
We have never seen the gears jump teeth.
frame, a one-piece base plate, and a molded one-
If you do not have a Mini Titan helicopter yet,
piece landing gear. I love the one-piece molded
then I recommend buying the higher price Mini
landing gear because it is light and simple to install,
Titan SE mechanics for the AH-1W. The all-metal
and it allows the model to sit high above grass and
main rotor head on the Mini Titan E325 SE is a mini
dirt with good clearance for the tail blades. The
work of art. There is no freeplay. The metal
scale AH-1W fuselage package also includes a
center hub sits rock solidly on the main rotor shaft.
molded one-piece landing gear and it is made to look
The SE responds precisely to every minute
Left: Metal tail rotor parts
like the scale AH-1W landing gear. This one-piece
command prescribed by the pilot. Hovering control
and carbon boom are
gear makes assembly faster, too.
has become very precise and forward flight is dead-
standard on the SE version.
On the Mini Titan, the two bearings for the main
on accurate, but when full cyclic inputs are
rotor shaft are spaced far apart to prevent the
demanded, the model rolls or pitches instantly, like
Below: The special edition
shaft from wobbling. One bearing is mounted on top
a high performance sports car. With either version,
Mini Titan SE is a work of
of the frame, and the other bearing is mounted
dual ball bearings are used at all the pivoting points.
art and a great flying mini
below the main gear. With the two bearings this
The new SE is a great engineering marvel and value
electric helicopter.
far apart, there is no need to use a third bearing.
at under $450 for the entire SE package that
The lower bearing is captured in a molded recess in
includes the helicopter model and a higher
the mainframe assembly bottom plate. It is also
performance brushless motor, a 40-amp ESC, and
extremely easy to remove the rotor shaft or main
carbon blades. As all smart consumers know, it is
gear for servicing.
more cost effective to purchase a SE helicopter kit
It is best to test fly the Mini Titan before
rather than buying all the upgrade parts to convert
adding the fuselage. I suggest putting in at least a
a standard Mini Titan into a SE version. Buying all
dozen flights on the mechanics before adding the
the SE metal and carbon parts plus a new motor can
scale body. As with any scale RC helicopter, with
cost twice the price of buying an SE model.
the body on, it is more difficult to work on the
If you are looking for a new heading lock gyro,
mechanics. The benefit of flying scale electric
Thunder Tiger has just introduced two new gyro
helicopters instead of glow engine is there is no
systems. The TG7000 is their top of the line piezo
need to access the engine, and there is no messy oil
crystal gyro and it is available with or without their
inside the fuselage.
full-size 0606 high-speed digital servo. The
The Mini Titan’s unique plug-in tail rotor drive
TG7000 is built like the Futaba GY-401 and JR 770
assembly permits removing or replacing the entire
gyro with all electronics housed in a single small
tail boom in just a few seconds, without needing to
cube. Except the TG-7000 is the most compact
re-adjust belt tension. This is a feature found in no
when compared to the others. The performance is
other mini electric helicopter. The Mini Titan has a
also similar to the GY-401. The TG7000 is designed
plastic casing attached to the front of the tail
for glow engine helicopters, but the compact size
ROTORY
Ace AH-1W
Super Cobra
SPECIFICATIONS:
WWW.ACEHOBBY.COM
makes it perfect for mini electric helicopters, too. A
all the information required to engage the enemy quickly
good high-speed mini digital servo for the TG7000 is
and accurately. This helmet also supports improved
the JR 3500 servo. The Thunder Tiger TG6000 heading
communication and reduced cockpit workload.
lock gyro is aimed at the sport electric fliers and it is
Instead of using a conventional center control stick
lower priced than the TG-7000. It is available with or
and a collective/throttle grip on the left, the AH-1Z
without a high-speed mini servo.
incorporates only a single 4-axis HOCAS (Hands on
Finally, let us take a look at some of the items
Collective and Stick) side-stick for control. The AH-1Z
protruding from the real AH-1W/1Z helicopter.
has identical front and rear cockpits to permit either
Thunder Tiger has replicated these scale details. The
pilot to fly and fight from either cockpit, so there's no
AH-1Z Target Sight System (TSS) incorporates a
need to have separate training programs for front or
third-generation FLIR mounted at the nose of the
back seat.
helicopter. The FLIR hides behind the flat chisel
Well, now for $70 to $90, you can get a AH-1W/1Z
window at the nose. Bell helicopter claims it provides
Super Cobra conversion kit for your Mini Titan
the longest range, lowest
helicopter and start doing some scale flying in your own
jitter,
backyard. RM
and
weapons'
highest
Length: 30.71" / 780mm
Width: 4.8" / 122mm
Height: 7.95" / 202mm
Main / Tail Rotor Dia: 29.45" (748mm) / 6.14" (156mm)
Gear Ratio: 1:11.5:4.4
Flight Battery: 3S / 1,800~2,200 mAh
Full Equipped Weight: 31.7 oz. / 900g.
accuracy
possible
of
any
helicopter sight in
the world.
The
For Further Information:
1-800-322-7121
WWW.ACEHOBBY>COM
system scans the
battlefield without
emitting traceable
radar, positively
identifying
and
tracking multiple
targets at ranges
beyond the maximum
range of its weapons
system. Below the FLIR
is a rotate-able turret
housing, and a three barrel 20
mm canon with 750 rounds of ammunition.
LIR images are seen by the pilot and copilot through
their "Top Owl" Helmet Mounted Sight and Display
(HMS/D) system, which is manufactured by a company
called, French Thales. Helmet mounted displays provide
www.heliproz.com
www.ronlund.com
www.mtahobbies.com
54
ROTORY
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can run any brushless motor from 300kV up to 2000kV and set it up on any battery configuration from 6S to 12S. Thus the Phazor 600 is a flexible platform
allowing you to optimize today’s and tomorrow’s battery, ESC and motor
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• Modular Composite Frames and 7075 Aluminum Screws. The Phazor 600
frames are beefy; available in Carbon Fiber and G10. Our competitors skimp on
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• Breakaway Skid Pads and Canopy Standoff Tabs. These inexpensive components are designed to give way during a crash in order to reduce or even eliminate damage to more expensive components.
• High Center of Gravity. We’ve mounted the motor with the shaft pointing
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Carb
James Hudak
any high-end helicopters have carbon fiber frames.
these multi-directional lay-ups that make a stiff panel. The
Some have a few pieces of carbon for radio trays,
woven cloth is considered a “cosmetic” layer. Yes, that neat
M
mounts, and tail booms, while others literally have
looking woven carbon is just for looks. (It does provide
carbon for every flat panel, tube or anything else. There
some additional stiffness, but it’s rather insignificant
are even carbon fiber skids available for those wanting to
compared to two layers of uni-directional at right angles.)
De-Lamination: The Invisible Problem
save every gram of weight. With carbon fiber, there are
other issues to be aware of, and we’ll try to cover some of
If your carbon heli is in a crash, there is a possibility of
Trex 500, use an extensive amount of carbon fiber to produce a strong lightweight model.
de-lamination. What provides carbon fiber panels their
them here.
Carbon Panels
strength are the fibers, but these fibers must be supported
Now, there are many types, shapes, sizes, and
by the epoxy that it’s saturated with. De-lamination means
compositions of carbon fiber. Just in flat plates, there are
that the effected area’s bonds have been broken. The
hundreds of ways to make it and each of these ways
fibers are still there, as well as the epoxy, but the layers
produces different characteristics. The aircraft industry
are de-bonded and the strength is lost for the most part.
often does a carbon lay-up differently for each place it’s
Often, if this happens near the edge, you can see that the
needed – thus, optimizing the strength for the intended
layers of fiber are separated. If you flex the panel in the
area. But, for RC helis, a generic lay-up is used for plates,
area, you will notice that it is no longer stiff. This problem
which are used most commonly. These plates are more or
often happens in narrow areas of the plate and in areas that
less equally stiff in all orientations and are a good general
have screws or other fasteners. Watch out for it. (Some
use plate. I might add that the newest high-stiffness tail
may try using CA to re-bond the layers, but it’s not
booms are a new lay-up that is quite sophisticated.
recommend, it won’t be nearly as strong as it was originally.)
Conductivity
As for the plate carbon fiber panels, many don’t really
know what is in them. In fact, that pretty woven cloth does
The “pots” in your servos detect any change in position,
not really contribute much to the strength of the panel.
whether it is desired or not. Guess what material is used in
“Uni-directional” fiber, are fibers that run in one direction
the pot? Carbon - it’s just not in fiber form. So, that
and are just plain black with the sheen produced by the
means that it’s conductive, but not a good one; in fact it’s a
fibers. It is these layers that provide most of the
resistor.
stiffness. Depending on the lay-up, there can be any number
For radio frequency interference, carbon can be a
of these uni-directional layers in the plate. They are
problem. A good conductor, like aluminum, does pick up RF,
oriented in different angles; some are at 90-degrees, some
but it also drains the energy away more readily. Carbon, is
at 45-degrees, and any other angles that are desired. It is
just conductive enough to pick up RF, but not conductive
64
Carbon fiber has all but become common place in today’s new generation of helicopters. Models, like the new
ROTORY
enough to dissipate it. The military aircraft have many
proper installation. (If anyone is curious, the newer booms
advanced design features to combat this and other
use fibers running down the boom, and at 30-degrees left
electrical problems with carbon aircraft. This partial
and right, and a cosmetic woven layer on the outside.)
conductivity can cause glitches. Now, this does not
Be especially careful to look out for cracks and de-
happen often. But, in the early days of carbon helis, the
lamination on any “clamped” areas. The boom clamps at
carbon replacement frames were known to glitch more
the frame and horizontal fin are areas where the carbon
than the aluminum frames they replaced. A lot of
could develop small cracks. This happens usually when the
experience in this area has more or less fixed this
clamps are too tight, or after a crash. Never use any
problem for good.
carbon boom that has any cracks, or any other
Mechanical Issues
abnormalities. Seldom does a boom survive even a light
The points where there are fastener holes on the
crash without a crack at the clamps. So, go over it
carbon plates are vulnerable. Not using washers at these
carefully before risking flying it. I have seen them break
points could weaken that area. Many, if not all, of the kit
in flight from this. You should even inspect new booms for
manuals do tell the builder to use proper hardware, don’t
cracks and such that could have happened during shipping.
be tempted not to, especially around the engine and
In conclusion, be sure to inspect carbon fiber parts on
bearings. The idea is to spread the load across a larger
your heli.
area of the plate, thus preventing any fractures.
abnormalities, especially after a crash, no matter how
Tail Booms in Carbon Fiber
Be absolutely sure that there are no
minor it was. The same thing goes for blades. But, the
These carbon booms of today are often stronger than
word seems to be out on that. Many pilots do insist on
their aluminum counterparts are. But, there are things to
perfect blades (tail and main), but some neglect the other
look out for. Again, the kit manual should already cover
carbon parts. Be safe and have fun!
ROTORY
RM
65
Nick Crego
uick World Wide, located in Coopersburg, PA, is a familiar name to anyone involved with flying
Q
radio control helicopters. They are one of the few choices we modelers have if we want to
support an American company. In business for over 20 years, they have continually developed
their line of helicopters and have a full range of glow, gas, and electric models to fit anyone’s needs.
This review will be looking at the new Quick Hard Core Electric helicopter, their latest 3D design
utilizing their low KV philosophy of power system.
The Quick Hard Core is an all aluminum and carbon fiber 3D electric helicopter that swings 600mm
blades, with the capability of going up to 640mm. It is powered by, what Quick refers to as, Low KV
technology. Low KV technology is different from how many electric helicopters are powered, it uses
motors that have a low KV rating and powers them using high voltage to achieve the same effect as a
high KV motor running on lower voltage. The reasoning is that it lowers the amp draw of the system,
putting less stress on the batteries and motor. The result is lower temperatures and less strain on
your components, with better performance, longer lasting batteries and motors. It gives you the ability
to use less expensive battery packs since they are not required to provide as much current. It’s a well
thought out system, and one that we often see people converting other helis to. The difference here is
that Quick has designed the Hard Core around a high voltage/low KV setup right out of the box, so
there is plenty of room for batteries - and everything balances without the need for additional parts.
74
ROTORY
www.QUICKWORLDWIDE.com
Overview
THE BUILD
equipment. Everything lined right up without tweaking,
The review helicopter was built from instructions for
which is a testament to the quality of the parts, and made
another model, as the proper instructions were not
it a simple bolt together affair. The motor and main shaft
available at the time. However, the build was easy as
are held in alignment with a single machined aluminum block
Quick uses the same basic design in their smaller
that ensures that there is no flexing between them, and
helicopter, the Quick Super Fly, with only minor changes,
allows the motor to be mounted using 4 screws to be sure
and the head was the same as one of their glow
that there is no shifting in flight. The Hard Core also has
helicopters. I have been told that the correct instructions
a nice adjustable battery compartment that protects the
should be available by the time you read this.
batteries inside the frame. It is fully adjustable with
The kit is packaged in bagged assemblies that you open
different length spacers to accommodate any size battery.
as you build the helicopter, with most of the screws
It allowed the provided 5s 5000mah packs (the heli uses 2
provided in a separate plastic hardware box. The build
of them in series to provide a 10s 5000mah power source)
itself is fairly easy, open the bag for the step you are
to fit entirely inside the frames where they are protected
working on in the manual, find the appropriate screws in
in the event of an “incident”, as opposed to many designs
the hardware box and follow the diagrams and text. The
that just hang the batteries out in front where they are
only real difficulty here is that the hardware box isn’t
vulnerable.
TAIL
organized very well, so it sometimes
becomes necessary to hunt down the
correct screw among the hardware
Overview
between the manual and the kit
where
components
were
pre-
assembled while the diagrams
showed that I would have to
assemble them. After contacting
Quick, I was told that they did that
so people would have a reference
Quick’s new torque tube setup and
single piece tail gearbox. This setup
kit. I did find a number of places
where there were discrepancies
The review kit was provided with
Quick
Hard Core
Electric
is simple, light, and very durable,
and is driven off a counter gear
from the front, eliminating the
problem of setting crown gear mesh
and worrying about stripping. The
gears are machined from delrin, run
Quick has designed the Hard Core around a high voltage/low KV setup right out of the box, so there is
true, and should prove to be very
plenty of room for batteries - and everything balances without the need for additional parts.
durable in use. Quick uses a single
piece tail gearbox that does a great
production tail case, and the shipping kits fit fine.
and chunky swashplate with no extra play in it. The only
job of keeping everything in
Rather than wait for replacements, I pulled out the
thing to note here is that I was unable to get the
anything pre-assembled should be
alignment, and allows gear mesh to
rotary tool and ground down the inside of the case a bit
mixing arms to pivot freely on the grips without binding,
thoroughly checked for thread lock,
be set using shims like many other
so it would slip right on. Production kits shouldn’t have
or loosening up the screw to the point of it having too
grease, and fit. Never ever trust a pre-assembled part to
helis on the market. As it came pre-assembled out of the
this issue. The only disappointment here is that the tail
much play. Working with Quick on this issue, we came
have thread lock on it; the helicopter you save may be your
box, the gear mesh was perfect and the tail box was very
is not driven during autorotations, so the heli will just
up with a fix involving a spacer inside the mixing arm,
own!
smooth. The single piece gearbox is a beautiful piece, it is
weathervane into the wind during an auto. This does
which is something that will be on future kits.
I’m not going to go through every step of the build, as
well made, strong, light, and the open design allows
help overall auto performance, but eliminates the ability
the instructions do a great job of that, and are available
inspection of the gears so you can be sure they are not
to do any kind of aerobatic autos.
for download at www.quickheli.com. What I am going to do
damaged should you dip the tail in the dirt.
should they need to do maintenance
on these components. As always,
is highlight some of the interesting features and places a
person might have difficulty with.
MAIN FRAMES
HEAD
FINAL SETUP
After adjusting all the links from the JR 8311 servos
to get the head in a symmetrical 3D setup with 0-
The tail hub and blades themselves are a nice triple
The head on the Hard Core is a well-proven design
degrees at center stick, I discovered that I was only
bearing design with two radial bearings and a single thrust
similar to what has been used by numerous
able to achieve a maximum of 6-degrees of positive and
bearing. The finished assembly is very smooth, robust, and
manufacturers over the years. It mounts the mixing
negative pitch. Some investigation showed that the
The main frames use a strongbox structure that has the
works well. I did run into a snag on assembling the tail
levers on the grips themselves, and operates very
culprit was the washout pins in the bottom of the head
carbon side plates interlocking with metal blocks. This
case onto the boom, it just wouldn’t fit. I contacted
smoothly. The head is all metal, with a 10mm main
were too long and hitting the swashplate. I slowly
results in a very stiff structure to support all the
Quick, and we determined that my review kit had a pre-
shaft, 6mm spindle, thrust bearings, and a nice, smooth
trimmed the pins using a rotary tool with a cutoff wheel
76
ROTORY
ROTORY
77
“The heli is very stable in a hover and will sit just about hands-off with only minor
corrections for the wind.
Punching the collective showed the heli to have no shortage of
www.QUICKWORLDWIDE.com
power, climb performance is very similar to a standard 50-sized helicopter with no bogging.”
until I was able to achieve a 22-degree pitch range
620mm or 640mm blades, which should solve that
with 11-degrees positive and negative and 0 at
problem, I just didn’t have a chance to try them.
center stick. Power is provided by the supplied
As always, I end my flights with a few autos, and
450kv Quick Ray Power 4120 motor, Castle Creation
the Hard Core didn’t have much hang time at the
Phoenix 85HV ESC, and 2 5s 5000mah Lipo
end due to the extra weight over a 50, but they are
batteries. Final flight weight was 9lb 3oz. No main
certainly doable and fun, I’d place the auto
blades are supplied. I used a set of 600mm NHP
performance somewhere between a 30 and a 50-
Razor Pro Carbons, and the supplied plastic tail
sized heli.
blades and paddles.
FLYING
CONCLUSION
Flights were conducted on a nice sunny Iowa day
with our standard winds of 10-15mph.
The only issues I had with the build were a few
The
missing screws, and the others can be attributed to
helicopter lifted off with no vibration, and the
the kit being pre-production and have been
blades in track, operating very quietly without gear
addressed in shipping kits. On the first flight I
noise and a nice smooth humming sound. The heli is
stripped the main gear during a tic-toc, after
very stable in a hover and will sit just about hands-
replacing it and adding some Nord-lock washers
off with only minor corrections for the wind.
that Quick supplied, I had no further problems and
Punching the collective showed the heli to have no
the heli proved to be reliable. The kit was easy to
shortage of power, climb performance is very
build, flies well, and looks good. The all metal and
similar to a standard 50-sized helicopter with no
carbon construction means that no upgrades are
bogging. Tracking in forward flight is excellent,
necessary, and it should show very little wear long
with little tendency to be pushed off course by the
term. The support provided by Quick via email and
gusty winds. Loops can be as large as you want
phone was fast, helpful, and courteous, on par or
them, and rolls are fast and axial with the
better with anyone else in the industry.
helicopter staying on course through the maneuver.
I would recommend this heli to anyone who is
I flew the heli through the moderate 3D routine I
looking for a large electric heli for sport or
am capable of flying (I call it, Old Guy 3D), including
aerobatic flying. 3D pilots might be disappointed by
backwards upright and inverted, tic-tocs, death
the weighty feel of it for 3D.
spirals, tail slides, and some inverted hovering. The
substituting smaller batteries (perhaps a 10s
Hard Core handled all of those maneuvers with
3000mah pack for 5 minute flights) would knock a
ease, and never bogged, even during heavy collective
pound or more from the weight and put it in the
and cyclic inputs. It has more power in 3D flight
hunt. It’s a great flying heli, and a great design
than a 50-sized glow heli, and flight times were 9-
from Quick World Wide. RM
However,
minutes of 3D taking 4000mah out of the battery.
The Hard Core does feel heavy in the air during
3D flight, due to the extra weight it is carrying
78
ROTORY
For Further Information:
Quick World Wide
over a 50-sized heli that would fly on the same
610-282-4811
sized blades. However, it is capable of running
www.QuickWorldWide.com
ROTORY
79
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