Please help a total novice.

[gljcleeve]

Hi All
I've just located your site and wondered if you could help with a problem.
I recently bought a Lama-5 4 channel helicopter for an introduction to r/c flying and have encountered a problem.
The manual, such as it is tells me that there are 2 modes for the controller, but doesn't say how to switch between them. It has chosen to switch to mode two, and reverse the rotor direction at the same time.
I've tried adjusting the switches, but must be missing some detail along the way.
Can anyone enlighten me as to a probably blindingly obvious solution?
Many thanks.
Gary

[fatmantom]

you can not change the mode of the tx (controller) (unless you unscrew it all maybe)

but mode 2 is the one you want anyway. the rotor direction you can simply flip the motor plug that goes into the rx (reciever). either that or you've put the blades on the wrong way!

cheers,

[Boggy]

as far as im aware your tx is either mode 1 or 2 there is no switching between them. if its mode 2 the throttle/ rudder is on the left stick. airl/elev on the right.

are you sure the rotors are reversed? there is no switch for that either,or have you messed with plugs / connections??

[Boggy]

nice one tom

[fatmantom]

lol... thanks ron

[gljcleeve]

Thanks, I think.
I haven't messed with any plugs or connections, except the dip switches at the base of the controller.
The heli came ready assembled and at 1 point flew like a rat up a drainpipe.
Everything is enclosed inside the bodywork so I haven't and wouldn't know how to switch the plugs or connectors as the only 1 I have access to is the battery pack connector which will only go in 1 way.
And even I can tell if a set of blades spinning at several hundred RPM is attempting to lift a craft or push it into the floor...........

[andylinney]

That sounds really unusual, especially if you've not fiddled with anything. You don't mention where you got it (although I'm guessing online?) if you did get it from an actual model shop then you're as well to call back in and ask them to take a wee look at it for you. If you bought it from them it's quite likely that they'll not charge you for the privelege. If you did get it online then it might still be worth going into your nearest model shop but do expect to pay some small consideration for them having a look at it for you - your location only mentions england, perhaps if you can be a wee bit more specific a nearby member might agree to cast an eye over it. It's really unlikely that the terminals on the motor would reverse unless it is a very old design brushless controller. Perhaps get the blades to the point where they're on the verge of turning a give a VERY gentle push in the right direction (do this at your own risk however, older brushless motors had a habit of occasionally starting in reverse, if it's a brushed setup then it's far less likely)

Andy

[gljcleeve]

Thanks Andy
I'm from the Vale of Evesham, Worcs. and bought the model from Maplins in Worcester.
I'll take it back at the weekend to get advise as a closer inspection, with a magnifying glass, leads me to think that the main roto spindle has come loose and dropped. Being a twin, contra rotating design, the top rotor has dropped onto the motor for the lower rotor thus reversing it and free spinning the top one with the up draught.
Not a problem solved, yet, but at least understood.lol
Many thanks.
Gary

[andylinney]

It's going to be an easy fix with a jewellers screwdriver if that's all it is. Have a go and repair it. If you decide to stick with RC helis you're going to be doing lots of repairs so might as well start as you mean to go on, just loosen the screws that hold the shafts in place, shove it all back up into place and tighten it back up again - job done...

[163phil]

<If you decide to stick with RC helis you're going to be doing lots of repairs so might as well start as you mean to go on>

You're not kidding Andy!!

Stick with it Gary, you won't believe the fun (and frustration!) you'll get out of this hobby!

...and welcome to the madhouse

Phil

[gljcleeve]

Thanks for the help lads.
The main frustration are the usual ones of getting the weather to match the free time.
I've quickly discovered that evn my little indoor helli really needs to be outside, the kitchen has the most open space, but the wife's vicious when it hits things. lol.