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Tail
Pitch |
Other gyro
pages: - Gyro gain - - Gyro & Revo Mix - - Common Confusions - |
Blades not straight when at center - A common confusion about the tail pitch is that the blades should be straight when the stick is in the center. Instead they need a small angle as seen in the 'center' picture below. The reason is that the torque from the main rotor causes the body of the helicopter to rotate the opposite direction. In the case of the Raptor and all other helicopters with a clockwise rotating main blade, the body would be forced in an anti-clockwise direction (nose moves to the left). So with no tail rotor (or one set to zero degrees) the helicopter will rotate left very fast. So during hover you need some pitch in the tail blades to counteract the torque and keep the helicopter from rotating.
Less blade pitch to left then the right - Direction of tail blades - Center position - NOTE: Here is a great tip that Lenny Nimmerrichter sent me. Instead of measuring the 4.5mm gap on the tail to center it, just align the tail control lever so that it is parallel with the tail shaft. For more questions about the tail related to gyros
such as 'why does the servo reach the limit before the
stick is all the way to the side?', 'why does the servo
not return to center?', and more. Go to these pages: |
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Steps
to check for the correct directions of the tail system =========================================== R30/50/60/90 Here are the steps to figure this out, please don't skip any, check each even if you know you have checked them before. I have found many times weird problems are only strange because you assumed something was right and did not check it in detail. Been-there-done-that <grin> ![]() Check that the belt is the right direction: Rotate the main gear so that the main blades spin clockwise (as viewed from the top) the tail needs to rotate counter clockwise (as viewed from the right side of the helicopter). If not, then when you installed the belt you did the 1/4 turn the wrong direction. Check radio/gyro: Move the rudder stick to the right, the control rod for the tail should be pulled toward the front of the helicopter. Next pick up the helicopter by the rotor head. Grab the tail boom and quickly rotate the helicopter so the nose goes to the left. Watch the control rod, it needs to move forward. If it does not then the gyro is reversed. Check gyro mounting: Replace the mounting tape if needed. The gyro should feel like it's on a cushion, if there is any slop then replace the tape. I use CSM tape on all my gyros. Check rudder position: ![]() Flying: First crank up the helicopter and verify the engine is not turning backwards. If the engine is turning backwards, the tail will spin full time, also as you try to lift off, the main rotor will not turn (unless the clutch is broke). Get the heli light on the skids (not off the ground) and give a small right rudder command. If the nose goes to the right and it rotates at the corresponding speed then try going to left. If it does go left then you are set to go. |