DIY Network

Electric RC Helicopters: Piccolo "Fun" Assembly From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-201

Chris Chianelli readies the Piccolo "Fun" mini-copter for flight.

In this segment, Chris Chianelli shows just how easy it is to assemble one of these beginner-level mini-copters and get started in this exciting branch of the RC hobby.

Electric RC Helicopters -- Assembly

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.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I
	Figure J

• Assembly of the Piccolo RC helicopter is simple. All the parts come in a kit and are contained in individually labeled zip-lock bags (figure A). The kit includes complete assembly instructions. Most of the parts either snap together or are fastened using simple screws and bolts. Only a small amount of soldering is required.

• The tools you'll need are needle-nose pliers, a set of jeweler's screwdrivers (Phillips head), small standard (slotted) screwdriver and a hobby knife (figure B).

• Following the instructions that come with the kit, the assembly is fairly quick and easy. Because assembly is so straightforward, in this demonstration Chris simply shows the final steps in the process.

• The tail-rotor assembly incorporates a micro-motor, ball-bearings and the tail-rotor itself. The spur-gear of the tail rotor simply slips into position by pushing the shaft in through the bearings. The rotor is held in place by a small retainer tube that slips into position (figure C).

• The main-rotor blade attaches with a single screw and nut. Avoid over-tightening because the blades must be loose enough to be slightly flexible (figure D). As the main-rotor spins, centrifugal force causes the blades to align in their proper positions. As you put together the main-rotor assembly, make certain that the fly bar, paddles and the fly-bar control arm are all aligned so that the line up in the same plane -- all even with the main rotor blades.

• Assemble the servos and linkages following the manufacturer's instructions. The servos attach easily using double-sided tape. The servo control-linkages are attached at 90-degree angles (figure E).

• Once the servos and linkages are in place, the main rotor blade simply snaps into position and is attached via tiny ball-joints (figure F) that snap together.

• The on-board battery pack is held in place underneath the motor by a rubber band (figure G).

• Important: Before plugging the battery cable, make certain that the RC transmitter is turned on. As a rule of thumb with RC model operation, the transmitter should always be the first thing turned on, and the last thing turned off.

• Note the circuit board in the area of the battery pack known as the pico board. The pico board (figure H) incorporates electronic speed controllers for both the motor for the main-rotor and the mini-motor that drives the tail rotor. There is also a gyroscope that coordinates the two motors to create a stationary reference point. This allows balance between the torque effect of the main rotor and the counterbalancing control of the tail boom.

• With the transmitter turned on, when the battery cable is connected a small LED light illuminates on the pico board (figure I). This indicates that the gyroscope is centered and ready for operation.

• With the motors, battery pack and rotors all installed, the final step is to simply snap on the canopy (figure J). The Piccolo is now ready to fly.