Rudder Servo Initial Setup
In this section we will discuss on how to setup the tail rotor. We need to make sure the tail grips are moving in the proper direction.
Note: Most RC helicopters have a "clockwise rotating main rotor", as a result the model will try to rotate anti-clockwise or nose to the left if it weren't for the tail rotor.
The tail rotor helps the RC helicopter compensate the heli either clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on the main rotor rotation.
Step # Ten - Return the throttle to center position. Adjust the rudder servo horn position on the servo steel balls such that it makes the 90 degree angle we talked about with the rudder linkage rod.
Adjust the linkage rod that controls the pitch of the tail rotor to a position that gives alignment/pitch to the blades. Make sure we give the tail rotor some pitch. Here are some examples:
1. For a clockwise main rotor rotation, adjust the tail rotor so that the one tail rotor grip (top grip) points slightly to the right; this will compensate the heli to the RIGHT.
2. For a counter-clockwise main rotor rotation, adjust the tail rotor so that the one tail rotor grip (top grip) points to the LEFT position. This will compensate the heli to the LEFT.
Note: The tail rotor blades will now have some pitch. This is the amount of pitch needed to offset the torque of the motor at hover.
In order to prevent the RC helicopter from turning to the left we need some kind of pitch on the tail rotor, this will makes the heli move to the RIGHT which straightens out the RC helicopter.
Step # Eleven - Move the rudder control to the RIGHT. The pitch on the tail rotor blades should INCREASE.
|
 |
 |
|
Step # Twelve - From center position, move the rudder control to the LEFT, the pitch on the tail rotors should DECREASE, and pass through zero pitch (no pitch/angle on the blades), and in fact will end up a little the other way.
 |
 |
 |
|
Note: If the direction is wrong, the channel will need to be reversed.