G
eneral Building Guidelines
Assembling a model helicopter can be a lot of fun. As you build your Lite Machines
Model 110
helicopter you will observe the function of each part and subassembly,
and develop a feel for mechanical systems in general. It is important to build your own
Model 110
so that you know how to maintain and repair it. For more technical
information on how helicopters work, refer to the
How Helicopters Work
section of the
Operator’s Guide.
Most parts of the
Model 110
are designed to assemble in only one way, so assembly
is easy. In some cases, however, parts can be assembled upside-down or
backwards. As much as possible, the instructions will warn you about incorrect
assembly, so read each assembly instruction entirely and study the drawings before
performing each assembly step. When you have completed an assembly step, mark
the check-off box by the step number to keep track of your progress.
Review this entire
Model 110
Construction Manual and the
Model 110
Operator’s
Guide before starting assembly. The beginning of this Construction Manual contains
a list of required tools and materials. Follow all building steps carefully, and make no
modifications or “improvements”. Modifications can reduce performance or lead to
part failure. Remember, proper assembly and safe operation of your
Model 110
helicopter are your responsibilities.
Friction and Binding
For the best flight performance, it is important that all mechanical linkages move very
freely. The servos in the
Model 110
must actuate several interconnected pushrods,
control arms and ball-links to control the main rotor and tail rotor. Even small amounts
of friction or binding in the linkages can affect flight performance. Friction and binding
often cause problems that are difficult to diagnose, especially for beginners.
Fig. 4-1 shows a simplified linkage system with a servo and several interconnected
linkages. Tight ball-links, rubbing pushrods, dragging control arms and jammed parts
are all sources of friction and binding. Even if each link produces only a small amount
of friction, the total friction produced by a long chain of links can be substantial. This
friction can stall the servo, or cause it to perform erratically. Friction and binding can
also prevent small servo movements from reaching the main rotor or tail rotor where
they are needed for precise control when hovering.
In addition to link friction, molding “flash” (the thin plastic ridge produced by the mold
seam-line) sometimes interferes with the operation of moving plastic parts. Molding
flash must be removed with sandpaper or a hobby knife.
Construction Manual
General Building Guidelines
LITE MACHINES
4-1
