In this guide, I will be using a Futaba 9c (Radio) and a collective pitch system (CP) nitro RC helicopter.

In this section we'll be looking at the swash plate.

You need to make sure the servos are moving the swash plate in the right direction and that the linkage rods are connected to the servos as close to a 90 degree angle as possible.

 

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

 

Step # ONE - Turn on the transmitter (Tx) and the receiver (Rx). The servos should now move to their center positions.

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

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

Definitions:
Cyclic pitch is the individual angling of the blades on each revolution of the rotor. This affects the moves of the RC helicopter, moving the nose upward or downward or rolling the craft from side to side.

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

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

                       

Here's a Rear View	Here's a Side View

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

                     

Here's a Rear View	Here's a Side View

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

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

Reverse the channel if it goes the wrong way.

                     

Here's a Rear View	Here's a Side View

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

Reverse the channel if it goes the wrong way.

                     

Here's a Rear View	Here's a Side View

Step # Seven- 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 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 leveled, adjust the elevator servo linkage to get it level.