In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores one of the most fascinating subsets of radio-control hobbies -- the world of RC helicopters. Once the RC helicopter is assembled, guest expert Jeff Green provides some insight into the aerodynamics and capabilities of these amazing machines and gives Chianelli a quick flying lesson.
RC Helicopter Parts and Assembly
In this segment, Chianelli goes over some of the assembly basics for the Shuttle Plus (figure A) from Hirobo (TM), distributed in the US by MRC Altec (TM). Jeff Green, senior product manager for MRC Altec and helicopter-flying specialist, joins him to provide some technical expertise.
The assembly of the Shuttle Plus is more straightforward than many RC hobbyists might suspect, and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. The model shown in the demonstration comes with a comprehensive, 67-page assembly and operating manual that includes numerous diagrams as well as detailed assembly information. Following is some basic information about the parts included in the kit, and information about how helicopters operate.
Important : This demonstration shows provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of this particular model helicopter. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours, whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.
- All of the parts necessary for the assembly of the Shuttle Plus come in a kit (figure B). The street price for this model is around $200.
- The main mechanics of the helicopter housed in the body -- including the rotor head and drive gear -- come preassembled, straight out of the kit (figure C).
- Other critical items in the kit include clutch-engine components, tail-fin, motor (included in the ARF version), an upgraded swash plate, tail-boom struts, main blades, supporting hardware for servos, starter shaft, decals, and a ready-to-bolt-on tail-boom assembly.
- The swash plate (figure D) serves to change the angle of the blades, which increases or decreases lift and allows the helicopter to move forward, backward, left and right.
- The main blades (figure E) are made from and covered with wood.
- The engine provided in the ARF kit is a high-quality engine with a true chrome-plated sleeve (figure F).
- The tail-boom assembly is attached to the main body by removing two screws, sliding the boom into position, installing a belt and setting tension.
- The fully assembled Shuttle Plus (figure G), sans rotor blades, is used to show how critical components work together.
- Five servos are installed in the helicopter. The servos are the motorized units that send input from the radio to the helicopter and control flight functions. They include the following:
- Aileron servo (figure H) for left and right cyclic
- Elevator servo (fore and aft cyclic)
- Tail rotor (for controlling yaw)
- Collective servo (for controlling blade pitch)
- Throttle servo (for controlling speed).
- A gyro is mounted in the main body (figure I). The gyro helps stabilize the tail rudder, making the model easier to fly and control.
- The receiver and battery pack are mounted with foam padding (figure J) that protects them from vibration or damage caused by crashes.
In the segment that follows, some of the basic mechanics and aerodynamics of helicopter flight are explained.
RESOURCES :
Radio Controlled Helicopters: The Guide to Building & Flying R C Helicopters
Model: 1854861379
Author: Nick Papillon
Nexus Special Interest Ltd.
RC Modeler magazine
RC Modeler magazine
Sierra Madre, CA 91025
Fax: 626-355-1476
Website: www.rcmagazine.com
Shuttle Plus RC Helicopter
Shuttle Plus Helicopter by Hirobo
Distributed in the US by MRC
Hirobo Limited, Model Enterprise Division
FuchuJapan
Website: www.model.hirobo.co.jp/english
MRC (Model Rectifiers)
MRC (Model Rectifiers)
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-225-6144
Website: www.modelrectifier.com
GUESTS :
Jeff Green
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-225-6144
Website: www.modelrectifier.com
Radio-control helicopter expert and senior product manager for Model Rectifier Corporation.
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