You maybe wanted to be a pilot but couldn’t reach your passion. Here, RC helicopters come to rescue your dream. You can live your dream just by sitting on the ground.
But sometimes, the flight might not seem smooth. You can go through some rocky experiences.
That’s why you’re asking about RC helicopter shaking.
Maybe your helicopter’s blades are not perpendicular to each other. Properly align the rotor and tail blades and straighten them. Also, a loose connection between any grip or shaft and unbalanced paddles will cause heavy shaking. Tightly but gently connect the shafts and balance out the paddles.
Don’t be perplexed about the answer. We’re here for you with the potential reasons and solutions of them. You just simply need to remain with us and go through the article.
You may find your path to work with your favorite helicopter.
So let’s try to identify the problem and respective solutions.
The Common Reasons and Troubleshoot for RC Helicopter Shaking
When you’re trying to fly your favorite RC helicopter. It might not perform as you wish. You’re feeling heartbroken now, right?
Well, wait! Your RC helicopter is shaking in flight due to multiple causes.
Here, we will be figuring out the causes. And then, break down the problems with solutions in an easy manner so that your head doesn’t feel like shaking.
Let’s explore the potential problems and solutions.
Reason 1: Helicopter Rotor Blades
Well, the most common and primary reason that your helicopter is shaking might be the blades. The main rotor blades are a very important part of your precious toy.
Spinning will create wobbling if these are not connected to the rotor mast. Unbalanced or damaged blades will not spin properly.
Solution
Firstly, you need to tighten the blades so that they can hold the craft named in sideways. Also, make sure that the blades are loose enough so that it falls down after shaking strongly. They can’t spin around loosely, but they can be moveable by hand.
After fixing the connection, you must be cautious about balancing both the main and tail blades. You can use a blade balancer to balance them properly. Not having a balancer nearby, you can opt-out for good old wooden blocks or a nut, a bolt, and a vise.
Alternatively, wrapping tape can be used to balance out their center of gravity point. You should be careful during taping not to obstruct smooth airflow. RC Heli enthusiasts recommend lightweight medical tape for this purpose.
The balancing factor also applies to the tail blades as well! Don’t forget about the small ones while concentrating on the mains.
Reason 2: Blade Grips and Shafts
The problem may lie in the main engine itself rather than the blades. One way to check it is to spin up the motor before installing paddles and blades.
If there is zero or little vibration in your toy, then there’s no need to worry. But if not, some components of your helicopter might be in the wrong order.
Solution
Firstly, you should check the blade grips for any foul play. They must not wobble back and forth but rather be fixed in position.
Secondly, don’t forget to check the connection of the main blade grips and feathering shaft. They must maintain a secure seal. Tail blade grips shouldn’t be left out, a good tightening is always appreciated in the long run.
Lastly, If any of the shafts, whether from the main or tail, is bent or damaged. It will create noticeable shaking. You can use a small hammer and a hardwood block to gently cure the bend point. Buying new ones is a better option since they are quite cheap.
Reason 3: Flybar Paddles
If the shaking is still happening, the problem may lie in the Flybar paddles. Try strapping your helicopter and testing before going out for a flight. A buzzing sound is completely normal.
So don’t get nervous yet!
Solution
However, if you see the platform shaking or notice a hazy spin in the frame, you might want to check the fly-bar paddles.
Along with balance, perfect measurements are also vital for them. Use a slide caliper and get an accurate and equal length of fly-bar on two sides of your helicopter.
Reason 4: Motor and Swashplates
In cases of extreme shakings, please check the motor, the heart of your helicopter. An inexpensive or damaged one may screw up your gyro. High pitch is a clear indication of such a problem. Sometimes the swashplate can cause these types of complications too.
Solution
Since these two are difficult to fix on your own, we will advise you to shift to a better and smooth running motor and swashplates.
Still Not Fixed?
Well, you have tried all of the above troubleshooting. But is your helicopter still shaking?
Then you might be trying to fix something that is already damaged.
Therefore, in this circumstance, contact your vendor and attempt to learn more about your guarantee. If you are lucky enough and have time to get a replacement, then take a chill pill.
If not, we’re regretful to inform you that you’ll have to spend extra money on a new RC helicopter.
Some Recommendations to Fly RC Helicopters Safely!
Who doesn’t want to make their helis last longer? Everyone, right? But you can’t do it anyway.
Well, nothing comes free in life. You need to maintain some measures which prove that you love your heli.
Stick with us for some amazing tips. If you want your priceless item to last a long time in your life, you must be careful when using it.
- Fix all the nuts and bolts soon before flying. Otherwise, it can lose control and break apart in the sky.
- Examine for any fractures, cuts, or slippage.
- You need to check the range along with radio functions.
- Do check if the trim has been knocked out or not.
- You need to ensure that your heli, radio batteries, and receiver are fully charged.
- Last but not least, avoid flying in the rain and heavy wind. And you need to choose a safer place for flying. Otherwise, it might be a reason for harmful experiences for you and others.
Please look into the following items if you want to have the best RC helicopters out there.
- Blade RC Helicopter 120 S2 RTF
- E-flite RC Airplane F-15
FAQs
Q: What causes side-to-side vibrations in helicopters?
Ans: If your helicopter is in disrepair, it might produce lateral and vertical vibrations. Also, the same vibrations can occur if a helicopter’s components fall out of alignment. The lateral vibration happens when certain parts get cracked, loose, and worn out. Then, a vertical vibration happens when a rotor blade becomes misaligned.
Q: How tight should RC helicopter blades be?
Ans: Well, it totally depends on the size of the helicopter. The bigger blade needs to be tighter. If helicopter blades get straightened out and turned on their side, you don’t want them to drop down. They will drop 45 degrees or more if your helicopter gets a good down shake.
Q: Why do RC helicopters have 2 rotors?
Ans: The transmission or the gearbox is in between two rotors. Despite the engine failing, the gearbox ensures that the rotors are in synchronization and do not collide. The dual rotor design creates yaw by applying alternating left and right cyclic to each rotor. Also, you should pull both lower parts of the helicopter in the alternate direction effectively.
Final Words
Hopefully, you’ve got to know the reasons and solutions for your RC helicopter shaking.
No pilot wants to face any problems while flying the helicopter. So, you must remain conscious of the appropriate precautions to keep the blades and tail balanced.
Also, ensure there are no bends and tails in the main and shafts.
It’s time to wrap up our session today. Keep up your passion for flying, and have a safe flight.
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