Is this setup right?

[GrandFromage]

I've been flying 3/3.5ch RC helicopters for a while and I've loved it. However I've wanted to get into learning to fly 6ch RC helicopters. To start with I asked for a 4CH cheapish helicopter for my birthday. After a little debating I decided on the G.T. Model 3109 - Large Metal RC Helicopter - 2.4Ghz 4CH - | RC Helicopter, Radio Controlled Helicopter, Remote Control Helicopter

Bought for my birthday, I got it out the box, attached the training kit I'd bought and tried some basics. Basics being trying to hover. The result; the thing wanted to turn over onto it's left. Trimming had no effect, so next it was fiddling with the swashplate. I finally got it to hover(ish) but I think the settings to achieve this are completely and utterly wrong. I've stuck a video on youtube ( GT Model 3109 Helicopter - Very poor - YouTube ) and would appreciate any thoughts/suggestions on how/if I can fix this helicopter.

[Paulice]

Don't try to take off as the swash needs to be level in both directions first, as in the video it would tip very sharp to the side.


Welcome to the forum.

[GrandFromage]

Paulice - thanks for the prompt response.
That's the problem - that's how the swash needs to be to achieve level flight. If the swash is level, it tips sharply to the left BIG style! Through a large amount of fiddling with the swash plate, the setting you see is what's needed to get it up in the air with basic control.

[Paulice]

It looks like on the paddle bar, the thing at the very top of the head as a weight on it, Do both sides have one?

[GrandFromage]

Yep, weights are on both sides

[Delarado]

The swash needs to tilt that way to hover. I swashplate will never be level in a hover situation, as it needs to counteract the thrust from the tail rotor.

That does seem extreme though.

[Paulice]

You really need to get to a club, and let someone set it up for you, you have no chance with it like that.

Take some photos of the head, so we can see the links, take a few from different angles maybe some can see the problem, I'm going out now so can't help till tomorrow now, Someone will jump in to help you.

[GrandFromage]

Too extreme IMHO. Being the first 4CH I've had it just seems crazy. Without the swash at this angle the trim on the controller set at the settings in the video, the thing is uncontrollable. As a result of the extreme settings, it's very hard to control. Tilting to the right - very little control in this direction. Forward direction - very little control as it's always trying to fly backwards as well as left.
Personally I'm thinking I should have gone for something a little more well known.

[Paulice]

The swash needs to tilt that way to hover. I swashplate will never be level in a hover situation, as it needs to counteract the thrust from the tail rotor.

That does seem extreme though.

But that's sitting on a table, I agree a couple of degrees but not all the way like that is, there is little to no movement left to roll the heli.

Plus this model has a raised tail rotor the affect on the swash would be less, as the tail is closer in line to the main rotors.

[GrandFromage]

Thanks Paul, I'll take some photos and post later today. Cheers

[Delarado]

If the tail rotor is "pushing" above the centre of gravity then itd cause it to tip left.

It shouldnt be that far though your right...But I meant if thats what it needs thats what it needs I guess? It might just be a poorly designed helicopter...

And just FYI OP, a single rotor heli will never hover completely steady. Itll always have a tendancy to move around, and you need to compensate yourself.

If it ALWAYS tips backwards then thats not right. But it wont ever hover on the spot. You might need to adjust the links.

My suggestion would be to adjust the links so that the swash is a little tipped like it is to hover when the sticks and trim are centred. Then adjust further from there...

[GrandFromage]

I'm inclined to agree with the poorly designed helicopter.
I think I may have used the wrong phrase. When I say hover - think trying to keep the helicopter in one place where one place is a 5 x 5m at around 1-2ft off the ground! ;-) Because of the extreme angle of the swash and trim, compensating is nigh on impossible. I can't actually alter the swash any further. Looking from the back, the right linkage is screwed right down and the one on the left is screwed to it's max. The next thing to alter are the arms on the servo's that the linkage fit into. Again - this just seems too extreme to me and hence I go back to agreeing with your comment about a poorly designed helicopter. (Bad workmen and tools ;-) )

[Delarado]

might be worth getting an experienced member to look at it.

When I first got my 120SR which is similar to what you have although smaller, I thought it was broken. Turns out it was my thumbs!

[daren]

Looking at the video the right hand servo isn't level with the left hand, just undo the screw in the middle of the right hand servo pull the arm off and reposition it.

[unwind-protect]

I have NO idea what is going on, but it seems bizarre that the flybar plane is intersecting the main rotor plane. They should be approximately parallel. My guess is that the head is misassembled; a more detailed picture would be helpful.

My other though in seeing the swash so far out is that you have not enabled ccpm mixing in the transmitter. All three swashplate servos should act together to move the swash directly up and down when you use the collective (throttle) control (disconnect the motor or use throttle hold to verify this)

Even Align main gears are known to wobble, though not usually that badly!