17
The
PRO
-Piccolo is designed for aerobatic and 3-D flying, and is extremely agile. For this reason we recommend
initially that you connect the pitch-axis and roll-axis pushrods to the middle hole in the servo output arms, or reduce
servo travels at the transmitter to about 70%.
As already mentioned, there are two alternative control arrangements:
V1
(combined control of collective pitch and rotational speed)
With this version it is important
to check two particular points:
1. Dimension X at the collective pitch pushrods must be set as stated.
2. The collective pitch servo must be installed as described, so that the collective pitch sleeve just touches the centre piece
at maximum collective pitch (full throttle). If this is so, then the basic set-up is correct.
With this control method you actually have no direct means of altering the ratio between throttle and collective pitch, and
therefore system rotational speed. However, there is a little “work-around”: since the Piccoboard reads in the throttle zero
position (rather than the collective pitch servo) afresh every time it is switched on, you can adjust the ratio between throttle
and collective pitch by moving the trim
before
you switch on.
Trim towards “motor stopped” =
higher hover speed
Trim towards “full-throttle” = lower hover speed
V2
(separate control of rotational speed and collective pitch)
For this version you need a 5-channel transmitter with appropriate programming facilities. Start by setting the throttle
and collective pitch functions to “linear” (no curve).Now set a hover speed of around 1700 rpm. Program a suitable
idle-up value, and your
PRO
-Piccolo is ready to fly an unlimited aerobatic schedule.
Naturally we recommend Version 2, to ensure that you can set up your system optimally and exploit its potential to
the full!
In our testing programme we have found the following components and settings to be an excellent starting point:
- Battery: 8 x 700 mAh NiMH cells, (67480)
- Dimension X at collective pitch pushrods: 4.5 mm
- Hover speed: 1700 rpm /
- aerobatics: 1900 rpm
- Max. rotor speed: 2000 rpm
Now check that the throttle and collective pitch servos are operating in the correct direction.
Motor stopped: collective
pitch sleeve down;
Full throttle: collective pitch sleeve up.
Switch the transmitter on
first
, then set all trims to centre, and move the throttle stick to the extreme back (idle) position. Do
not connect the flight pack
until
you have done this. If the servos immediately start jittering uncontrollably, there is a
problem with the transmitter and receiving system. Disconnect the flight battery immediately, and check the wiring: the most
likely culprit is that the crystals are fitted incorrectly, or not fitted at all.
If the servos remain calm, let the helicopter stand without moving until the red LED on the Piccoboard lights up. This
takes about 5 - 7 seconds; the electronic system is now active.
Keep the throttle at the “full back” position and carry out a check of the control systems: when you pull back on the
pitch-axis stick (back cyclic), the swashplate should tilt towards the tail. Move the roll stick to the left, and the
swashplate should incline to the left. Now
slowly
open the throttle slightly. The main rotor will start to rotate, followed a
moment later by the tail rotor.
Pull the throttle stick back again, allow the rotors to stop and disconnect the flight pack plug. Switch off the radio
control system once you have done this.
Pre-flight checking:
- Have you re-fitted the retaining clip properly after any maintenance or repair work? (without the clip the rotor head
may be forced off in an abrupt manoeuvre).
- Did the battery holder engage properly when you pushed it into place?
Finally you can fit the canopy on the model. Slide the moulding onto the helicopter from the front, and press the two
rubber grommets attached to the canopy onto the Piccoboard support plate. Please ensure that the glue on the canopy
is completely cured before you do this, otherwise it will become stuck to the model. If this happens it may be very
difficult or even impossible to remove it again.
Congratulations - you've done it! On the workbench stands your
PRO
-Piccolo, completely finished and ready
for its first flight. Before you attempt this, please recharge all the batteries.
Setting up and test-flying
