Radio Control Helicopters
Mark Fadely [email protected]
Bobby Watts and SmackTalk RC
Hi everyone! Thanks for visiting the rotary-wing department of MA. Here is where you can get your monthly fix for RC helicopters. Whether you are new to these machines or a seasoned veteran, there is a lot of good material for you here.
Bobby Watts is here in my virtual studio, and he is going to shower us with some high-tech "heli-speak." Bobby is one of the world's top 3-D pilots and an experienced helicopter designer. He travels around the world to do flying demonstrations and workshops. I thank Bobby for helping our readers by sharing his knowledge.
He and his good friend Bert Kammerer have produced a video series dedicated to helping RC helicopter pilots called SmackTalk RC. It covers everything from maintenance to 3-D flying. I watched the videos and they are entertaining and extremely informative. Both Bobby and Bert know what they are talking about; sometimes when you rely on sources such as Internet forums you can end up with bad advice, so I appreciate these experts taking on this project.
Interview: Bobby Watts (Q&A)
MF: What are some common mistakes when building a helicopter?
BW: If something doesn't seem right during the build, call or e-mail the manufacturer and make sure you are assembling the model correctly. Don't force parts that don't fit, and follow the manual carefully. If you are unsure about alignment, control throws, or torque settings, get clarification before the first test flight.
MF: The pros’ helicopters always seem to be so smooth and vibration-free. How do they do that?
BW: To be honest, that is one of the reasons they are pros. If your machine is not running right, rolls crooked, or constantly falls apart, you won't get very far. Having a properly running machine is well over half the battle.
Always make sure all rotating shafts—the main shaft, spindle shaft, tail shaft, etc.—are straight. That helps eliminate vibration. For nitro helicopters, a smooth-running engine is extremely critical. If the motor runs roughly, it will be very apparent in the air: bolts will start to come loose, the gyro may drift, and so on.
MF: Is there any routine maintenance that you do, or do you just wait for something to break?
BW: I think it’s very important to always maintain your helicopter and keep it as tight as possible. Depending on parts quality and design, maintenance can be as simple as changing ball links every once in a while or as crucial as changing a clutch monthly to prevent failure.
For me, I:
- Change ball links (both metal balls and plastic links) when they start to get sloppy.
- Replace fuel tubing if it becomes chafed or worn.
- Keep an eye out for any slop and change parts as soon as they start to wear.
MF: What tools are the best to use?
BW: The most important tools to have when working with RC helis are good hex wrenches. Constantly using small L-wrenches gets old fast. I use either Mavrikk wrenches (available from Heli Wholesaler) or the Thorp yellow-handled wrenches — both hold up well. I still use a Mavrikk 2.0mm wrench I won in 2004.
Other essential tools:
- Ball-link pliers
- Side cutters
- Needle-nose pliers
- Good screwdrivers
I'm also a huge fan of having a tool bag instead of lugging a big field box around. Lowe's has a great bag that comes in a set of two for about $10 — well worth the money.
MF: Do you modify anything on your helicopter right out of the box?
BW: It depends on the helicopter. I work closely with Miniature Aircraft, so usually by the time we're done it needs no modifications and most machines I fly are stock. With other helicopters, some parts may be prone to coming loose or the machine may have a different feel. After I've flown a machine for a few months I usually know what to watch for. For the most part, everything I fly is completely stock unless we are testing something new.
MF: What things should I look for after crash damage? Is hidden damage common?
BW: Check all rotating shafts—if they are bent, replace them. Pilots sometimes overlook the starter shaft; it can get slightly bent in a crash and cause vibrations. Also check the tail hub if you hit the tail during a crash and broke tail blades. For nitro engines, if you hit the ground while the engine is still running, check the crankshaft; high-impact crashes can bend engine cranks.
MF: I hear pilots change bearings, pistons, and liners in their nitro helicopters. How often do you do that?
BW: I generally change rear bearings at least every eight months. If a competition is coming up, I will change them beforehand so I know everything is running smoothly. If you hear a raspy noise at idle, it's time for a new bearing.
A good rule of thumb: replace the front bearing one time for every two or three rear bearing changes. If a bearing feels "notchy," replace it immediately.
For the piston ring: a black-colored ring indicates it's still in good shape. When it turns silver, it's worn out and needs replacement.
For the engine liner: as long as it does not have vertical scoring or scratches, it's OK. If you see vertical scratches inside the liner, it means the engine has run too hot (often due to a lean run) and the liner needs to be replaced.
Closing
If you pilots out there are serious about your helicopters and want advice from the best in the business, check out Bobby and Bert's SmackTalk RC.
Make plans to attend the IRCHA (International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association) Jamboree fun-fly, August 11–15. You can talk to Bobby and Bert in person there. The event is held at the AMA's National Flying Site in Muncie, Indiana. Enjoy some summertime flying, and I will be back next month. — MF
Sources
- SmackTalk RC
(866) 459-7990 www.smacktalkrc.com
- Loctite
- Heli Wholesaler
(877) 454-9757 www.heliwholesaler.com
- Miniature Aircraft USA
(406) 245-4883 www.miniatureaircraftusa.com
- International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
