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Blade 400 3D - Help and lesson learnt :) (Funny Read)

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  • Blade 400 3D - Help and lesson learnt :) (Funny Read)

    Oh dear. I checked the weather lastnight and thought this morning would look like the perfect weather for testing out the Blade400 3D as the reports were for very low winds. So I got up nice and early and headed down to one of the local parks. Setup the training gear, placed the battery into the helicopter not connected. Switched on the TX and selected the right model for the heli. Made sure the throttle hold was on. Plugged in the heli lipo and checked some cyclic movement to see if some of the controls were working. Nope nothing. So I thought ok I'll rebind the helicopter. Which I did successfully. Started to move the controls around and had collective and cyclic movement. Took off the throttle hold and gave it a quick spool up to centre throttle/collective. At this stage I noticed the wind wasn't coming from behind me. So I repositioned and decided to check the anti-torque / tail pitch (dunno why I didn't check before). Couldn't notice any movement so I was like WTF is going on.

    Now this is the lesson learnt bit

    For some silly reason I decided to change over from my modified Blade400 model settings to the Blade 400 original settings while still having the ESC/Motor connected. Next minute I know the heli is spooling up to max throttle. I checked the throttle hold and that is ON. Checked Flight Mode and that was in Normal not Stunt. Checked throttle/collective and that was at low/negative position. At this stage I'm starting to panic as I could imagine the heli going into orbit. So I do the only thing at that point in time I thought was the best option. Stand on the training gear. Well my leg started to get a battering from the main rotor and I put my hand. Dunno what I was expecting to achieve as there is no ON/OFF switch. Anyway I think I managed to struggle with the ESC/Motor bullet connectors with the blades running I have sore thumb that much I do know. Afterwards I thought to myself it would of been better just to have switched back to the modified Blade400 model atleast that had control over the heli (except rudder).

    Anyway after looking at the helicopter once I had it disconnected something I noticed that was a major blunder on my part. I left the bind plug in after binding

    Looking at the helicopter once panic subsided the damage to it was some bent flybar rod and the main rotor blades took a bit of a knock and removed part of the heat shrink plastic film. I managed to bend back the flybar rod to near new state. Will have to replace it at a later date along with the blades. My main concern is that I locked the rotor and being an electrician I know locked motors ain't a good thing unless you have thermisters and thermal overload protection. So the question is would I have done any serious damage to the motor or ESC? Or would the main damage have been to the gears/cogs?

    The other thing is that once I straigtened out the flybar I was going to go for another test run but I couldn't get my anti-torque / tail pitch working. Left/Right movement on the left stick isn't controlling the tail servo whatsoever.

    How would you guys go about investigating what is causing the problem.

    Cheers
    Darryl


    ps. Dog owners at parks are annoying! I had one little wet mutt that had just come out of a creek jumping all over me as I was trying to set up.
    Darryl

    Eflite Blade MSR
    Align Trex 450 Sport
    Spektrum DX6i
    BMFA Member

  • #2
    Update:

    Have it on the dining room table with power plugged in and ESC/Motor disconnected. Swinging the tail around the gyro is moving the servo motor so the gyro and servo are working. It's just not responding to TX input.

    Just started stripping it down a bit to find out what sort of damage that I have. One bent feathering shaft as you'd expect
    Last edited by dam74; 19-09-2009, 09:04 AM.
    Darryl

    Eflite Blade MSR
    Align Trex 450 Sport
    Spektrum DX6i
    BMFA Member

    Comment


    • #3
      This happened to me on my belt CP when I switched off the DX7 while the battery was connected to the heli, I am assuming you are using DX6i, you need to make sure that during binding process your TX throttle stick is at low position so the AR7000/6000 would see this as the default position if there is no TX signal.

      Regards

      Comment


      • #4
        Hi, I'm using the default Spektrum DX6i that came with the heli. When you say low position is that fully low or about 1/3 from center low? As the pictures in the manual seem to show it about 1-4-1/3 from center or are you suppose to put it to full/max low position. Not entirely sure, any help would be appreciated.

        Regards
        Darryl
        Darryl

        Eflite Blade MSR
        Align Trex 450 Sport
        Spektrum DX6i
        BMFA Member

        Comment


        • #5
          Make sure the throttle is at Zero position during binding.

          Regards

          Comment


          • #6
            So that the stick is centered?

            As negative collective/throttle stick increases throttle in stunt mode and produces negative pitch. Correct?
            Darryl

            Eflite Blade MSR
            Align Trex 450 Sport
            Spektrum DX6i
            BMFA Member

            Comment


            • #7
              Centre stick on your throttle curve is about 50%, that is why if the TX signal is lost it will default to the binding position, hence for your incident to not happen again in case, you need to bind with TX throttle at 0% or stick at the bottom of travel in NORMAL mode.

              Regards

              Comment


              • #8
                Ok, in Normal mode my collective stick would be at full down position 0% on the throttle curve (normal) when binding? So if TX/RX signal is lost then it will go to this throttle? Do remember reading about this but the manual didn't say (or show picture) that the throttle/collective should be at full down position when binding. It kind of looks from the picture at about 1/4-1/3. I'm pretty sure that was the problem with the original model settings. I think when binding I might of not had the throttle/collective set right and at center position.

                Which when I thinking about it when I bound that model, I think I might have had the throttle/collective at center stick. So when I switched to this model today and the motor started spooling up it never took off so I'm guessing it just defaulted to 50% throttle.

                On another note, while rebinding I've found that the tail servo is now working again.
                Darryl

                Eflite Blade MSR
                Align Trex 450 Sport
                Spektrum DX6i
                BMFA Member

                Comment


                • #9
                  Good set of reminders there for us all. An interesting read, thanks everyone and especially Dam74 for sharing with us.
                  Keep Smiling

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Yeah things to remember in future:

                    * Never rush as you'll end up forgetting to do things
                    * Always remove bind plug after binding
                    * Always check all linkages before powering up (mine were fine)
                    * Always check collective, anti-torque and cyclic operation with no ESC/Motor connected
                    * Never change flight model with ESC/Motor connected
                    * Try not to panic in emergency situations as there are probably better means to stop your heli (instead of grabbing blades).

                    Lucky it wasn't an IC huh? Would of had to taken a trip to A&E.
                    Reminds me of the old warning labels on chainsaws. "Don't try to stop chain using your legs." (or words to that effect)


                    Also another point to remember, try and avoid areas where dog owners take their dogs for walks. As they'll always bring their dogs over to pester you with brilliant phrases like "you're not being much help jack". The biggest concern was one of these little mutts was going to go running off with my helicopter in it's mouth
                    Darryl

                    Eflite Blade MSR
                    Align Trex 450 Sport
                    Spektrum DX6i
                    BMFA Member

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Sigh see what else I've damaged now. One M2 bolt snapped on the rotor yoke which now I know why the blades disengaged from the motor as the rotor shaft was free spinning. Guess I'll have to go to a hobby store tomorrow and try to source one and order some spares from sussex helis.
                      Darryl

                      Eflite Blade MSR
                      Align Trex 450 Sport
                      Spektrum DX6i
                      BMFA Member

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Hi Dan74,

                        If the top bolt is snapped, check the bottom one as well. Sometimes it is just holding on and can fracture on spoolup or worse in flight. Here's a good link for small bolts 330-Piece Nut, Bolt and Screw Set : Nuts, Bolts & Washers : Maplin you get 20 M2x12 Jesus size bolts and lotts of others besides for £2.99 UK Pounds.

                        One other thing on fractures, Never fly with a straightened feathering shaft. I know of one Trex owner that did and the shaft fractured through the crystalisation in the straightened part. Blades shot off in flight, heli fell. Nasty mess not worth the small amount saved. Also the flying blades can kill if you are close enough!

                        Keep safe and happy landings!
                        Keep Smiling

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Well I quickly whipped into Portsmouth and went to Fratton Model Centre. What a waste of space that shop is. Nice enough blokes and probably great for Grandad with his trainset or little model boat that putts around the lake but for anybody into performance electric/ic cars, boats, helicopters and aeroplanes you might aswell not bother. A simple thing like M2 hex head bolts and nuts were not to be found. Nor was any screw or normal bolt for that matter. I then decided to try Portsmouth Hobby Store in Cosham but they were closed when I got there. I drove past Maplins and wondered if they had M2 bolts/screws but carried on as I thought the other store would be open. Silly me Might try them tomorrow and get one of those boxes.

                          The feathering Blade 400 was only bent a very small bit probably about 2-3mm out on both ends where the blades have slapped my hand and leg.

                          If you still recommend not flying it then I might aswell just order a set of replacement blades, feathering shaft, flybar rod and hardware pack on the internet and wait for them to arrive (which I will do anyway and replace in week). However with the weather so nice I wanted to atleast try and get some hover practice in. I'd agree doing anything serious like 3D acrobatic wouldn't be recommended with anything bent/damaged.
                          Darryl

                          Eflite Blade MSR
                          Align Trex 450 Sport
                          Spektrum DX6i
                          BMFA Member

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Hi Dam74............

                            It's always best to use E-flight spares when you repair your Blade. I use this shop with no problems, if it is in stock it will arrive next day if you wish.

                            Genuine Align RC Helicopters and Spares Parts from Sussex Model Helicopters

                            or

                            In worthing not far from you if you wish to pop down there, is

                            Radio Control Model Cars, Boats, Planes, helicopters, Model Accessory
                            Last edited by spunkmyer; 19-09-2009, 06:31 PM.
                            Mike, 3rd Hampton Scout Group
                            Spectrum DX7
                            Piper Pawnee 40
                            Wot Trainer, OS 46Fx
                            3D 400
                            P68C Scale twin
                            SRCMC
                            www.controltower.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/1.html


                            Pround owner of an EGS

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by dam74 View Post
                              Well I quickly whipped into Portsmouth and went to Fratton Model Centre. What a waste of space that shop is. Nice enough blokes and probably great for Grandad with his trainset or little model boat that putts around the lake but for anybody into performance electric/ic cars, boats, helicopters and aeroplanes you might aswell not bother. A simple thing like M2 hex head bolts and nuts were not to be found. Nor was any screw or normal bolt for that matter. I then decided to try Portsmouth Hobby Store in Cosham but they were closed when I got there. I drove past Maplins and wondered if they had M2 bolts/screws but carried on as I thought the other store would be open. Silly me Might try them tomorrow and get one of those boxes.

                              The feathering Blade 400 was only bent a very small bit probably about 2-3mm out on both ends where the blades have slapped my hand and leg.

                              If you still recommend not flying it then I might aswell just order a set of replacement blades, feathering shaft, flybar rod and hardware pack on the internet and wait for them to arrive (which I will do anyway and replace in week). However with the weather so nice I wanted to atleast try and get some hover practice in. I'd agree doing anything serious like 3D acrobatic wouldn't be recommended with anything bent/damaged.
                              time i chipped in here!
                              dont try to fly it with anything bent darryl you will be asking for trouble. ( and if you even get it off the ground you'll more than likely stuff it straight back in)Patience is part of the hobby im afraid. so strip it right down and anything that needs replacing get it ordered its also a good opportunity to see how it works. take photo's as you go as a reminder for the rebuild and dont be tempted to bodge or make do with any parts as you will only end up rebuilding again
                              Ron

                              hobby-hangar.co.uk
                              SWRCH-GO big or Go home!
                              http://www.ultimatebuildandfly.co.uk/

                              Comment

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