Radio Control: Helicopters
WHEN I SIT at my computer to start another column, I try to think of a subject that will be of most interest to all the readers. This task is made a lot easier when I receive a letter requesting information of general interest: Luke Christian of Rohnert Park CA wrote with questions concerning the proper setup of a gyro; techniques for setup for hovering and aerobatics; and some technical reasons why gyros behave as they do if not set up correctly. Since I have not devoted a column to gyros as yet, this certainly seems like the perfect time. So lets start with some theory as a basis for understanding this very valuable part of our helicopters.
Radio Control: Helicopters
BY NOW MOST OF THE COUNTRY is out of the grips of winter, and our thoughts are again returning to flying helicopters. However, if you did not perform a thorough end-of-flying-season maintenance inspection on your favorite machine, now is the time to take a close look at it. And even for those of you who are lucky enough to have good flying weather the year `round, it's still a good idea to give your helicopter a thorough inspection to make sure it's ready for summer. Not every helicopter will be the same, or require the same attention in every area, but some basics apply to all helicopters:
Radio Control: Helicopters
GAS X-CELL UPDATE: Several issues ago I described the Gas X-Cell in detail; since then I have talked with others who are flying this fine helicopter and would like to pass on their experiences, techniques and recommendations. Although the "out of the box" Gas X-Cell flies great at 12 pounds, anything we can do to reduce weight in any helicopter will improve its overall flying performance. So here are a few things several people have experimented with: The points and condenser don't add a lot of weight, but a little can be saved by converting to electronic ignition. Several units are available at a wide variety of prices, but low-cost, effective electronic ignitions can be found at Kmart in the lawn and garden section, or at your local lawn mower service center. I don't have a specific brand or model number, but I was told they sell for $10 to $20 and work just great. Also, by the time you read this Miniature Aircraft will be stocking standard and high-rpm electronic ignition systems specifically for the Gas X-Cell.
Radio Control: Helicopters
FOR YEARS, CURTIS YOUNGBLOOD has been renowned as the best overall model helicopter pilot in the world, excelling in both freestyle aerobatics and precision FAI maneuvers. However, it wasn't until I had the opportunity to see Curtis compete at the Nats that I knew the secret to his success in FAI. It may be obvious to say that Curtis flies differently than others, since he continues to win almost every contest he enters, but the truth of the matter is that he really does fly differently than other competitors. As he began his hovering maneuvers, I could see that what he is really doing is flying formation with the ground. To explain:
Radio Control: Helicopters
MORE ON BLADE BALANCING: Several columns ago I discussed blade balancing, and the need to match blades to any two of the following: blade spanwise center of gravity (CG); their total weight; or their overall balance, to obtain a useful pair of statically balanced blades. Note that if you match any two of the blade characteristics, you automatically have matched the third. I also discussed the use of the Koll Rotor Pro balancer, designed by Laurel Koll and manufactured and sold by Miniature Aircraft (3743 Silver Star Rd., Orlando FL 32808), as the first commercially available product to accurately balance and match the apparent CGs of our rotor blades. This means we can get a set of balanced blades just by using the Rotor Pro balancer. However, another way to solve the balance problem is to substitute the benefits of an accurate gram scale for overall balance.
