Laser Blade Tracking

[Big Tonka]

Hi All
blade tracking by looking at the edge of the blades while they are spining at 280mph + scares the crap out of me, so here is a simple method, blade tracking measurement is possible by simply using Lasers (red or green);

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The aim is to "safely" measure the tracking discrepancy of your Heli's blades and you AVOID the need to look at the blades on its horizontal plane while it is rotating at a very high speed.

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This can be done by simply pointing the laser from the top towards the surface of the blades while these are rotating;

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You can see the tracking discrepancy by simply looking at the 'projected' reflection of the laser from the blades. If it comes out as a short line (or TWO dots) , then the blades are not tracking well;

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If its close to a SINGLE "dot" such as the one below, then the blades are tracking well;

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It is possible to determine which blade needs adjustment by simply using a different color material marker (the choice of material depends on the color it reflects when a green or red laser is projected on it) on one of the blades. Any tracking discrepancy will result to a two colored reflected DOT or line.

Thats all into it - and dont drop that laser pointer on your blades while its rotating.

Well the safe way is to use a laser leveler on a tripod;

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[Balders]

interesting idea, although some tracking issues only show up when pitch is induced (ie hovering) so make sure the heli is secured to something heavy first

[waveydavey]

[Mslater]

Its a great Idea and probably very accurate but TBH I can see and check the blade tracking on takeoff. Perhaps this is a good method for smaller helis though but it would be better if the blades were under load, that way you are testing the dampers as well.

Interestingly I wonder if you can use laser reflections to measure vibrations on the body.

[Big Tonka]

Nice addition to the thread Balders.
BT

[tonystevens]

i just get someone else to check while im hovering, much safer

[unwind-protect]

i just get someone else to check while im hovering, much safer

I do that, too; I hover over their head and get them to shine the laser at the heli...