Newbie Question on Caliper 30

I'm new to Heli's and assembling a Caliper 30. I have the Caliper all assembled and have been trying to set it up. My question, is it normal with servos connected that the Main blades can still move up and down freely. Its as though there is a lot of play in the system. I know I'm not explaining this very well but I can't think of any other way to put it. I'm hoping someone can understand what I'm asking and maybe explain to me what I'm observing.
Thank You

[colin]

Hi.

With the servos connected to the collective, the SWASH PLATE should not move, unless the servo tells it to. In other words, there isn't any play on the swash plate. You can't move it up or down.

The blades on the other hand are rather "flappy" and they can move about an inch, should you hold the blades by the tip and gently push it up/down.

Is the play you're referring to at the swash plate or at the blades itself?

Thats a relief, the slop is in the blades and the swashplate is stable. I guess I have to ask, how can the heli be controlled with that much play in the blades?

Thank Colin

[colin]

Well, let's say you apply a 350 pound force to each blade horizontally. That's about the force that will make it stable enough during flight.