rrTV-PHOTO   New HD TV
HOME   rrTV-PHOTO   GALLERIES   MY GALLERY   HELP-FAQ
myHOME PM pmRR MEMBERS 473 ONLINE 74 EVENTS SEARCH REGISTER  START HERE
 
1 page834 viewsPOST REPLY
ZoomsHobbies . Autography FlightPower . HeliHobby

.
.
e-Century Hummingbird - Swift > V3 help wanted
 
 
bornloser
Heliman
Location: UK

Hi Guys

I can hardly believe the video I've seen on here of a V3 flying under perfect control. I've had mine six months and was about to trash it. I bought a TRex and it flies great - no problems. But the V3.... But clearly they can fly great.

So - can anyone help me work out what is going wrong? I've flown planks for years and had no trouble mastering the TRex. So I fgure it must be something in the V3 set up.

When I first got it it had the Elite Tx. I found the control throws to be way too much - just breathing on the stick had it all over the place. So I used my Futaba 6EX HP and wound the rates down to 40% on pitch and roll. This gives about 3mm each way (6mm total) movement measured at the ball link on the swash plate.
I have also fitted small collet weights on the flybar to calm it down.

It is reasonably/semi controllable like this, but as soon as I let it start moving forward then I am in trouble. Any back stick to stop it moving results in it pitching up and despite full forward stick this continues until it tail slides into the ground.

Any help most appreciated.
04-12-2006 Over year old.
 
 
cudaboy_71
Key Veteran
Location: sacramento, ca, u.s.

one thing about the little FPs is the lighter you get them, the more twitchy they are. additionally, a low headspeed just exacerbates the problem.

the steps i took to tame down my FP are as follows:

put on the gold motor (brushed)

trimmed the blades 3/4"--for a tip to bolt hole distance of 22cm. (this gets the headspeed up and increases stability)

i also used a slightly heavier, higher mah 2s lipo for an AUW of 256g.

finally, check your CG over the main shaft and verify your paddles are level and the flybar is balanced. other than that there's really not much to these little guys.

after trying this you might dial your expo back to 0, as you really shouldnt need any on these models.

good luck.

if it ain't broke…break it.
04-12-2006 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
bornloser
Heliman
Location: UK

Thanks for tips - I'll try them.

Any chance that you can measure your control throws? I'd dearly like to know what 'standard' should be.

Cheers
04-12-2006 Over year old.
 
 
cudaboy_71
Key Veteran
Location: sacramento, ca, u.s.

i'm sure someone will chime in. i'm actually flying a V1 HB/Draganfly hybrid. So, i'm sure my throws will be different. The design is identical to the V3 though, so my suggestions are applicable.

FYI, my EPAs are at 100% on HS-55s using the outer hole of the long, thin arms. I also have the lightened paddles. But, i had those just laying around ....so, i cant comment whether those really helped response or not.

if it ain't broke…break it.
04-12-2006 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
Silvashadow
Senior Heliman
Location: Bexley, Kent, UK

bornloser, Have you checked the CofG? I find that the V3 flys best with the balance just in front of the main shaft. If you lift the heli off a table by the flybar the back of the skids should rise JUST before the rest. I really like flying my V3, as much as my Predator and I think that is fantastic.
04-12-2006 Over year old.
 
 
garage_flyer
Key Veteran
Location: Elk Grove, CA (Sacramento area) U.S.

I bought a few used birds before. They ALL had problems. For the same reason people always ask why one would sell a used car when they listed their used cars for sale.

My first "flying" heli was a V1. I bought it off E B A Y. It would take off but was completely out of control. I tore the thing completely apart and started trying to replace the bad parts. When I figured out the total it was too high so I just bought a NIB ARF V3 from my LHS. It was the best $69.99 I spent in this hobby. In one evening I moved all the electronics over to the new ARF and it hovered right in the middle of my garage the same night.

I was hooked ever since...
04-12-2006 Over year old.
 
 
bornloser
Heliman
Location: UK

Success!

Hi Guys

I trimmed the main rotor blades back to 22mm as suggested - and am gob-smacked at the improvement. I've only had a quick hover in the living room, but it was 100% better. Can't wait for the wind to die down outside.

Why on earth do they sell them with the blades so long!

Cheers
04-13-2006 Over year old.
 
 
garage_flyer
Key Veteran
Location: Elk Grove, CA (Sacramento area) U.S.

If you have a T-Rex as well, I will fly that for outside and keep the V3 in. It doesn't do well in ANY wind.
04-13-2006 Over year old.
 
 
bornloser
Heliman
Location: UK

Forgot to close this thread just in case anyone fresh reads it. With the blades trimmed 25mm and the 11.1 v lipo my hummingbird is now a joy to fly. Took a bit of time to get the 3/1 board gyro set dead right (gain). Flies great outdoors in dead calm conditions. If there's a breeze I fly the TRex. Thanks for the help guys.
06-21-2006 Over year old.
 
 
1 page834 viewsPOST REPLY
HeliProz . Ron’s HeliProz South . Century Helicopter

.
.
e-Century Hummingbird - Swift > V3 help wanted
  UPDATE SCREEN   PRINT TOPIC Advertisers 

Subscribe to This Topic

Saturday, May 17 - 6:19 am - Copyright © 2000 - 2008 runryder.com | email | link to rr | runryder needs cookie