5
Back & Forwards, Up & Down:
This helicopter features counter-rotating coaxial rotors (a fancy way
of saying two rotors which spin in opposite directions). If you’re any kind of expert on helicopters,
you’ll know that this is not the same way that full-scale helicopters are usually made – they’ve got a
uni-directional main rotors with a vertical tail rotor. We think that this coaxial design works best for
these scale models because:
•
It’s more stable than a single rotor. Because the rotors move in opposite directions, the helicopter
has less of a tendency to spin the other way.
•
It is way easier to set up. There are only two trim settings to get right, as opposed to the three trim
settings that are required for the more conventional helicopter design.
•
More rotors mean more lift, which means an easier to fly and more manoeuvrable helicopter.
However, because the tail rotor is horizontal rather than vertical, the helicopter has a tendency to
ascend whilst moving forwards, and descend whilst reversing. This isn’t really a problem if you ease off
on the throttle whilst moving forward and increase the throttle whilst moving backwards. You’ll get a
feel for it pretty quick.
Trim (Rotation):
If you find that the helicopter is turning slowly left or right when you’re not using the
right stick on the controller, then you’ll need to adjust the trim. The trim knob is located in the centre
of the controller, between and just below the primary sticks.
You’ll probably have to do this every couple of flights, but it only takes a moment. Basically, the trim
‘fine-tunes’ the speed of the rotor blades, and will help keep the helicopter flying straight.
If the helicopter is rotating clockwise (it’s turning right from the imaginary miniature pilot’s perspective)
then rotate the trim knob counter-clockwise.
If the helicopter is rotating counter-clockwise (it’s turning left from the imaginary miniature pilot’s
perspective) then rotate the trim knob clockwise.
WARNING:
Do
NOT
fly
near eyes or face.
!
