Specifications

The first reason is: tachometers do not work well with flourescent light because the
light flickers at high speed.
The second reason is: It is very difficult to dodge an out-of-control helicopter inside
a small room.
For this step you will need a tachometer. Borrow one from a friend if necessary.
First, set your normal mode throttle curve using these settings:
• Five point throttle curve: 0-50-90-90-90
• Three point throttle curve: 0-90-90
Second, determine the your desired headspeed using this table:
Table 13.2. Recommended headspeeds
Headspeed
CP micro heli 2000-2400 rpm
ECO 8 1400-1800 rpm
Other CP nonmicro heli 1600-2000 rpm
If you are a beginner, then use a headspeed at the lower end of the range. If you are experi-
enced, then use a headspeed at the upper end of the range.
Third, immobilize your heli so it will not fly by weighting it. For a micro heli, you can put a small
ruler on top of the skids and weigh down the ruler with bricks on both ends. For a nonmicro,
you can use a larger piece of wood and cinder blocks. Be sure to use a heavy weight on both
ends. Make sure your landing skids will not separate from the helicopter frame.
Fourth, select the two-blade propeller mode on the tachometer. Next, place the tachometer un-
derneath the helicopter so the sensor points upward and the rotor blades will pass over the
sensor. Make sure the flybar and flybar paddles do not pass over the sensor because this will
cause an incorrect headspeed reading.
Now follow the helicopter power-on procedure and arm the helicopter ESC. Be sure to stand a
reasonable distance away. Slowly spool up the helicopter using the throttle stick and watch the
tachometer reading. If the headspeed goes beyond the upper expected range, stop immedi-
ately, because the helicopter may throw a blade if the headspeed is too high.
If your headspeed is too high before you reach half stick (90% throttle), then you should use a
pinion with a lower tooth count. If you are already using the smallest tooth count pinion, then
you may need to lower the maximum throttle values to 85% or so to lower the headspeed
slightly. Do not use a maximum throttle value of less than 85% because this may overheat the
motor. See Section 30.1.10, “How ESCs work” for an explanation.
If your headspeed is still too low by the time you reach half stick (90% throttle) then you should
try a pinion with a higher tooth count.
After you have adjusted the headspeed properly, copy the maximum throttle value to all points
on the idle-up 1 throttle curve. If your maximum throttle value is still 90%, the idle-up 1 throttle
Helicopter and Transmitter Setup
108