Tip for some that might already know

[dam74]

If you're fed up with removing the bullet connectors from esc to motor to test out servo settings then an easier way if you have a 6v battery pack from a nitro heli with a 3pin header plug on the end of it is to disconnect the ESC from the RX (might not be necessary) and plug the battery into the battery/bind or throttle port on the RX. Away you go, test away to your hearts content.

The only reason I mentioned this was that my bullets were kind of hard to remove and I ended up damaging the heatshrink which I've replaced now.

[Smoothound]

I always setup my electric helis with a Y lead or an extension lead depending on the Rx so I can easily plug in a standard Rx pack for setup without having to mess with the motor leads or the pinion backlash

[dam74]

Phil another useful tip about the Y harness. I take it you use servo connector locks at the joint between which ever lead you use to splice. I'd go the ESC lead as if you lose motor control atleast you have full cyclic/rudder so could perform auto?

[coptermanic]

I hate messing around with ESCs, batts etc and setting up. Just don't have the courage of my convictions that I have done it correctly, and forever in fear of another episode like before when I switched on as normal and the whole world started getting destroyed by my 450 at 100%rpm. Now with the 600 Nitro, I am completely at ease.............

[spunkmyer]

Hmmm Intresting stuff fellas. Me thinks my blade could do with some updates!!

[dam74]

I hate messing around with ESCs, batts etc and setting up. Just don't have the courage of my convictions that I have done it correctly, and forever in fear of another episode like before when I switched on as normal and the whole world started getting destroyed by my 450 at 100%rpm. Now with the 600 Nitro, I am completely at ease.............

You live an learn Mike. I had a similar accident but it was when I first got the heli and it was a case that I hadn't initiated the ESC with low throttle, had also left the Bind Plug in and to top it all off switched models while powered up. As a result I've learnt a valuable lesson and check always that no bind plug and that I'm in low throttle when powering up. I have occasionally turned while the ESC is initiating and noticed the throttle had been knocked and was at about 35-40% and quickly removed the deans/ec3 connector. However I feel pretty confident now with it.

[unwind-protect]

A better way of doing this (for Spektrum, at least) is to put a short servo extension lead from the batt/bind socket to somewhere accessible. You can then use that to power the rx via a nicad pack, or for rebinding when necessary. There should be no real risk of powering the motor via the nicad pack.

[Smoothound]

I try to use a free channel where possible. If you use the ESC channel and the Y lead fails you will lose all power to the rx with the possibility that the motor will continue to run without control

[Smoothound]

A better way of doing this (for Spektrum, at least) is to put a short servo extension lead from the batt/bind socket to somewhere accessible. You can then use that to power the rx via a nicad pack, or for rebinding when necessary. There should be no real risk of powering the motor via the nicad pack.

Exactly what I mean. I only use a Y if there is no other option

[Hangar-7]

I hate messing around with ESCs, batts etc and setting up. Just don't have the courage of my convictions that I have done it correctly, and forever in fear of another episode like before when I switched on as normal and the whole world started getting destroyed by my 450 at 100%rpm. Now with the 600 Nitro, I am completely at ease.............

You need to see this way Mike - no mess, no smell, low noise pollution and this is the 21 century technology. Be brave, take the bull by the horns - the first couple of times would be scary but then you'll love it.

The club I used to fly, most of the old f***s hated electric (& me, possibly ) but now 90% of the members fly only electric!

I started this move over 18 years ago when electrical technology was in its infancy (brushless motor was not even born!!) It has not reached adulthood yet but very much a kicking & moody teenager.

[coptermanic]

yes but a LiPo is hardly environmentally friendly to make, and even more so dispose of!!!!!!!!!

[dam74]

yes but a LiPo is hardly environmentally friendly to make, and even more so dispose of!!!!!!!!!

Can't get away from using lipos whether electric power source or nitro so either way you're screwed.

You're talking about environmently friendly and what are you in control of on a day to day basis?

[Mart61]

I agree with your tip Darryl - been doing it ever since my little CX2 span up and hit the ceiling! I set my controls on the 4.8V Rx batteries and don't use the ESC until it's time to set that up.

[scallybert]

Where possible, I tend to do pretty much as others have described here. Though I do have some concerns about connecting a battery across the output of a BEC (onboard an ESC or otherwise).

Additionally, if you have an ESC with a good governor mode, you should be able to set a soft start & slow spool up. That being the case, if you do accidentally spin it up, you'll get enough warning to be able to figure out what's happening and pull the main power connector before it gets too exciting.

I've succesfully done this - reaching under the blades of a G5 to pull out a Deans - when I wasn't expecting it. It was relatively non-dramatic.