Helicopter Repairs

[andywatson17]

Hello,

I got seduced by the idea of buying a helicopter and bought a Dragonfly Helicopter. My first flight literally lasted 30 seconds and it was clear i'd totally underestimated how difficult it was. Managed to break off the tail rotor and managle the skids and now the helicopter doesn't seem to respond at all.

Does anyone know if there is anywhere in London (preferably SW London) where i can take it to get it checked out and get it repaired because my technical knowledge could be written on the back of a very very small postage stamp.

Thanks ops:

[Raptorite]

Hi Andy,

First of all welcome to the hobby and this site, any questions or help you find yourself in need of, ask away

I think from what you have just said, you might have discovered the merits of a good simulator on the computer

I am not that familiar with the dragonfly, other than the knowledge that it is a pretty popular micro electric model. The fact that it does not respond at all, combined with the fact that it has suffered a bit of a bash would indicate the receiver crystal has failed. The crystal is a delicate piece of kit that attaches to the receiver, its purpose is to decifer the signals sent from the transmitter and pass them on to the receiver for processing to their correct channel and therefore function. Without this the receiver is effectively blind and cannot see any signals being sent to it from the transmitter. This is all done by means of radio signals so my definition of "seeing" the signals is purely for illustation purposes, so don't get confused with the description

The fix for this is fairly easy, it involves removing the crystal from the receiver and replacing it with a new one. It is very easy to pull a crystal out, as it is held in only by its two legs. Once you have it out, take it to the nearest model shop and ask for a replacement. Crystals are typically around 6 but may vary depending on brand.

I'm sure that some of our South London based members will be able to give you information on clubs and shops in your area, but as a starting point the British Model Flying Association website is a good place to visit, as it lists all model flying clubs in the UK by region. Their site is at www.bmfa.org

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Pete.

[kiwipilot]

Please don't take this as being smug.

Best advice I was ever given was to buy a sim.
There are a range of them out there that can be run through your pc/laptop and directly from your tx.

You'll gain valuable skills and a sense of how small movements affect the heli in different ways.

Above all it'll save you a few in the longterm.

btw, where in SW London are you?

Nigel (based in Epsom) may be close, and also Dave at Flyin Fish.

[Ade_Law]

aggreed, go and get a lesson and get them to check it out for you whilst your there.

Ade
www.themodelworx.com