This is the first of five articles I have for you. These articles were originally part of a guide that was many pages in length so I decided to break it down into bite-sized pieces.

I felt that it was too much information to include in one guide. These articles are extremely important as they will help you build the foundation for assembling an R/C helicopter.

These articles apply to all R/C helicopters, except for part five, which is meant for nitro flyers, not electric. Also, these articles apply to clockwise rotating helicopters and USA radio.

In part one, I will be using a Futaba 9c (radio) and a collective pitch system (CP) nitro R/C helicopter. This guide applies to electrics too. First we'll be looking at the swash plate.

We have to make sure the servos move the swash plate in the intended direction and that the linkage rods are connected to the servos as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. It's highly recommended that you perform these steps before you attempt to fly.

REMEMBER: The reference starting point for this guide is CENTER STICK.

Step # ONE - Turn on the transmitter (Tx) and the receiver (Rx). The servos should now move to their center positions. If the servos make a loud buzzing noise they are binding. This means the servos are being put through too much pressure and they are screaming for help.

Step # TWO - Set the transmitter rudder trim (the little button that moves left or right) on both side controls to center position, and set the throttle/collective joystick to the middle position.

Important!

In the following pictures, this is how your setup is supposed to look. Notice the 90 degree angle. Don't pay too much attention to the type of helicopter pictured. Just pay attention to the setup.

Step # THREE - Let the cyclic joystick rest in its center position (center stick), and check both the aileron servo linkages, and elevator servo linkages, for the following:

a) The servo arm should have an angle of roughly 90 degrees with the servo linkage rod. If it doesn't, undo the servo horn (plastic star or circle) from the servo, rotate it, and check again.

REMEMBER: The reference throttle point for this adjustment is CENTER STICK.

b) The swash plate should be level when the stick is in the CENTER position. If it's not, adjust the elevator servo linkage to get it level. The instruction manual might tell you the length but, from my experience, it might not be totally accurate.

After that, adjust the swash plate so it tilts slightly to the right, using the trim, for a clockwise-turning rotor. Why to the right? The helicopter will tilt to the left with a clockwise rotating rotor. This will compensate for the tilt. You might have to play with the links a few times to get it right.




You can purchase a leveler at your local hobby shop to help you with the cyclic setup.

Also, leave the throttle trim (the little button that moves up and down) fully down at this stage.

Before we start on the cyclic servo, here's something you should know...

Cyclic Servo Setup

Definitions:
Cyclic pitch is the individual angling of the blades on each revolution of the rotor. This moves the R/C helicopter's nose upward, downward, or side to side for rolling the craft.

Aileron is really an airplane term, but is easier to say than "cyclic roll." Ailerons are what make an R/C helicopter go left or right.

Step # FOUR - With the tail pointing towards you, move the left/right cyclic (aileron) control to the left. The swash plate should tip to the left.

Rear View

Side View

Step # FIVE - Next, move the left/right cyclic (aileron) control stick to the right. The swash plate should tip to the right.

Rear View

Side View

Note: If the swash plate moves in the opposite direction, change the direction of the servo. See "reversing" in your radio's computer setup under "servos".

Step # SIX - Move the front/back cyclic (elevator) control stick forward. The swash plate should move to the front of the helicopter.

NOTE: Reverse the channel if it goes the wrong way.

Rear View

Side View

Step # SEVEN - Move the front/back cyclic (elevator) control stick down. The swash plate should move to the back/tail of the helicopter.

NOTE: Reverse the channel if it goes the wrong way.

Side View

REMEMBER: The reference starting point for all adjustments is CENTER STICK.

Well that does it for part one of this guide. In part two, I will to discuss the setup of the servo as it relates to the pitch.

We'll look at the throttle/collective stick of the controller. We'll also make sure the blades point in the intended direction.

Fly safe and look out for the next guide.

See you at the field,

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