Slow Servo when Cold

[Steve]

One of the servos on the CCPM on one of my helis is showing an odd characteristic when it's cold. All 3 CCPM servos are the same age (approx 4 years), have been in the heli since it was first built, and the heli has never been dinked. The servos are Futaba 3050 digitals running on a 4.8V NiCd supply. I've been keeping an eye on this for a few weeks now.

The symptom is - when the heli is turned on for the first flight of the day, one of the CCPM servos (the centre one - makes it easy to spot) is visibly and notably slower than the other two. If I spend about 20 seconds moving the collective up and down over its whole range (sort of warming the servos up a bit), then the slow one gets better, to the point where it appears to be the same as the other two. It's then fine for the rest of the afternoon until next week, when it all starts all over again.

Never had a problem in flight, just seems odd behaviour.

Any ideas?

[moyesboy]

How cold does it get?
The swedes flying on frozen lakes say they changed the grease inside the servos becuase it freezes and goes stiff!
This sounds like a (cost of new servo) vs (cost of model) scenario.
Change it before it lets you down I reckon!

[Steve]

Thanks, makes sense.

I was kinda resigned to the idea of a new servo, but if it's something as simple as re-greasing, then it's worth a punt.

Any other ideas.

[Steve]

Well the Futaba servo gear grease arrived from Quick UK this morning and I've just dismantled the offending article, cleaned all the cogs, smeared new grease and tested..... still the same, so it wasn't that causing the woes. I can only assume that the servo motor has had it.

The gears were very dirty none-the-less. Not surprising I suppose given the age of the servos.

Now, do I replace the one servo (maybe £35), knowing that the other two are the same age and might be nearing the end of their useful life, or do I replace all 3 - I've got 2 brand new JR 8231s sitting on the shelf so could get one more of them for about £50?

[helidriver]

or as ur up there

grab 3x 3152s from inwood for 45 notes. give ur planks a treat with the 3050 on the throttle and ....................

nah , not gonna start on the planes. its toooo easy.

[Steve]

grab 3x 3152s from inwood for 45 notes. give ur planks a treat with the 3050 on the throttle and ....................

nah , not gonna start on the planes. its toooo easy.

Why would I consider down-grading my servo choice?

Don't get me wrong - 3152s are excellent value for money, but I'm considering the next servos up the ladder from there.

[Aidi]

I have a 3050 kicking around if you are interested mate... let me know if you are after one. Probably only had a dozon flights on it before upgrading.

[helidriver]

Sorry.

you asked for ideas, but if u know everything anyway why even bother asking.

[Steve]

I tried to send this by PM, but you have chosen not accept PMs, so I am forced to air my views in public.

you asked for ideas, but if u know everything anyway why even bother asking.

I think that's a bit of harsh and unnecessary statement to make in a public forum. Forums are for discussion, not insults.