[Nogan]

Hey Gang,

This is my first newbie post so here's a brief background. Been flying a CX2 for about six months. Got a Blade 400, about ten flights on it. Had the aileron servo lock up in a low hover sending the bird cartwheeling. So perfect time to upgrade the servos, gyro and all those little things that will make it a little more fun to fly.

I have a pretty good understanding of the pitch/throttle curve relationships. There will be NO 3D in my immediate future.

In idle up mode the head speeds are kept pretty much constant while all lift is dictated through pitch control via the throttle stick.

So here are my questions;

(a) Can i use an (idle up) style throttle curve setting with a constant lower head speed for forward flight and sport flying? (what are good head speeds?)

(b) I have a Phoenix ESC with PC programming, should I use the governor mode to control the maximum head speed? (How is this done in conjunction with the throttle curves?)

(c) Am I better off to just use the Tx throttle curves to control my head speed?

(d) I would like to get used to flying with a constant head speed. Is this a foolish endeavor?

*note* I do have access to a photo tach.

All comments and criticisms are greatly appreciated. This will be my first of many posts to come

Cheers.

[MarkToo]

Generally with the electrics, you should be flying with the throttle curve (in idle up), flat and at or near 100%. This puts the least stress on the electronics and apparently gives the most efficient use of battery power.

If you'd like to lower your head speed, most fellas would recommend a pinion change.

I'm really not sure how much use a governed ESC really is - I'm sure someone with more electric experience/knowledge can give you some better advice in this regard.

If you're looking for stability for general hovering and flying around, I'd just adjust my throttle/pitch in normal mode to give a nice combination with a fairly flat hover area on the curve (for throttle). It's nice to reserve the idle up function for full power and full collective authority so that you can switch to it instantly should you find yourself needing to get out of a tight spot (loss of orientation recovery, or an unusual attitude).

Not sure if this helps or even answers your question.

Mark

[Max]

Hi Nogan. In addition to Mark's comments, I will try to add my 2c:

Originally Posted by Nogan

(a) Can i use an (idle up) style throttle curve setting with a constant lower head speed for forward flight and sport flying? (what are good head speeds?)

What do you mean by "lower" headspeed? IMO, 2000-2500 should be OK for you

Originally Posted by Nogan

(b) I have a Phoenix ESC with PC programming, should I use the governor mode to control the maximum head speed? (How is this done in conjunction with the throttle curves?)

Set your throttle curves up FIRST as best as you can, then you can turn on governor mode, but honestly, if you set up your throttle curve right, you shouldn't need governor mode (but its nice to have )

Originally Posted by Nogan

(c) Am I better off to just use the Tx throttle curves to control my head speed?

See my comment above- I would bet the majority of electric heli fliers do it this way with no problems at all

Originally Posted by Nogan

(d) I would like to get used to flying with a constant head speed. Is this a foolish endeavor?

Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, most of your flying SHOULD be done in the idle up mode. Power-on descents without idle-up is a real beyotch!

Good luck with your setup, and remember, you cant learn if you don't try!

[Nogan]

Hey Guys,

Thanks very much for the advice! So Idle up it is, I'm going to use the tach just to make sure my head speeds are in check, and I'll probably govern them just to prevent an over speed and be extra ----. I just assumed that a lower head speed would = more stable. Quite the contrary after some more research! A little Expo should help in that department.

I guess I honestly didn't realize you guys were always buzzing around in idle up...This just got a lot more exiting!

**Remember..Baby steps**

Thanks again, I'll post back when I have tried it out.

Cheers,
Nogan..aka (Matt)

[Gary Maker]

When considering upgrades, if you've never considered the MKS brand of servos from Hobby King for your Blade 400, you should take a look!

I'm a die hard user of Hitec servos, have been for years, but these MKS servos really blew me away. The 9670A for example has a titanium gear set, is coreless digital and has a response time of 0.07 sec/60deg. and at approx $55 is one heck of an awesome servo!

I am using this servo with a Futaba GY401 Gyro on the tail. You can purchase 3 MKS servos for the cyclic that have more torque, are much faster and about half the price of Hitec's 65MG's

IF you haven't upgraded your servos yet, it might be worth your while to check out the MKS servos on the Hobby King website.

Just as a side note: Turnigy 2200mAH 3S 25C Lipo packs w/balance leads are only $14.95 each. I just purchased 2 and they are fabulous packs!

[Nev]

I would not bother with governor mode. Also in my opinion, if you are not flying 3D no need to run throttle through the roof. A constant head speed for whatever you are doing is all you need. As you progress this will require more throttle to keep the head speed constant. I found that using a Data logger like this one...http://www.eagletreesystems.com/MicroPower/micro.htm
while you are gaining your heli skills, will allow you to fine tune between head speed, power consumption and handling and give you longest flight times. I set idle up 1 - this way, then my idle up 2 - HOTTER better suited to rolls loops etc...no 3D yet. In due course I will push the numbers a bit to start trying some more aggressive flying.

Good luck.

[u8mydog]

I wouldn't bother with governor mode either. There have been some reports of some gyros not acting properly if governor mode is turned on.