Experience the excitement of flight with the incredible Blade 120. Its agile design and effortless handling make it the perfect choice for beginners. However, to harness its full potential, you’ll need to master the art of binding. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of binding your Blade 120, ensuring a seamless connection between your transmitter and the aircraft.
Before you embark on the binding journey, it’s essential to gather the necessary equipment. You’ll need your Blade 120 helicopter, a compatible transmitter, and a binding plug. With these tools in hand, you can proceed with the binding process. Begin by placing the binding plug into the bind port of the Blade 120. This triggers the binding mode, indicated by a flashing LED light. Next, power on your transmitter and navigate to the binding menu. Follow the specific instructions provided by your transmitter to complete the binding process.
Congratulations! You have successfully bound your Blade 120. Now, you can experience the thrill of flying this incredible machine. But remember, binding is just the first step. To master the art of flight, you’ll need to practice regularly. With each flight, you’ll gain confidence and improve your piloting skills. The Blade 120 is the perfect companion on your journey to becoming a skilled RC pilot. So, spread your wings and soar into the sky, knowing that you have the knowledge and confidence to navigate the skies.
Selecting the Right Blades
Choosing the appropriate blades for your Blade 120 helicopter is paramount for optimal performance and flight characteristics. Consider the following factors when selecting blades:
Blade Length
| Blade Length | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Shorter Blades (280-300mm) | – Increased agility and maneuverability – Reduced drag |
– Less lift – Decreased flight time |
| Longer Blades (310-325mm) | – Increased lift – Extended flight time |
– Reduced agility – Possible vibration issues |
Blade Profile
Blade profiles vary in their aerodynamic shape, affecting the helicopter’s performance. Common profiles include:
- Symmetrical: Provides neutral handling, good for general-purpose flying.
- Asymmetrical: Generates more lift on one side, enhancing stability and autorotation.
- Semi-symmetrical: Offers a balance between symmetrical and asymmetrical profiles, suitable for a wide range of flying styles.
Blade Material
Blade materials influence their durability, weight, and flight performance.
- Plastic: Lightweight and affordable, but less durable.
- Carbon fiber: Strong and stiff, providing improved performance, but more expensive.
- Wood: Traditional material with a classic look, but requires regular maintenance and may not be as durable.
- Insert the screws through the holes in the blade grip and into the blade base.
- Tighten the screws firmly using a small Phillips-head screwdriver. Do not overtighten the screws, as this can strip the threads.
- Once the screws are tightened, ensure that the blades are not wobbling or loose. Gently pull on each blade to verify that it is securely attached.
- Check the tightness of the screws after several flights. Helicopters generate vibrations that can loosen screws over time, so regular checks are recommended to ensure the blades remain securely attached.
- Gather your tools: You will need a blade balancer, a flat surface, and a small weight.
- Place the blade on the balancer: Position the blade horizontally on the balancer, ensuring that it rests evenly on both sides.
- Check the balance: Observe the blade’s movement. If one end dips lower than the other, the blade is unbalanced.
- Add weight to the lighter end: Using a small weight or adhesive tape, carefully add weight to the lighter end of the blade until it balances on the balancer.
- Re-check the balance: Repeat steps 2 and 3 to ensure that the blade is balanced after adding weight.
- Move the throttle stick to the full up position and hold it for 5 seconds.
- Move the throttle stick to the full down position and hold it for 5 seconds.
- Move the rudder stick to the left and hold it for 5 seconds.
- Move the rudder stick to the right and hold it for 5 seconds.
- Move the aileron stick to the left and hold it for 5 seconds.
- Move the aileron stick to the right and hold it for 5 seconds.
- Center all sticks and hold them there for 5 seconds.
- Make sure the transmitter and receiver are turned off.
- Insert the bind plug into the bind port on the receiver.
- Turn on the transmitter and then the receiver.
- The receiver will enter bind mode and the LED light will start to flash.
- Move the transmitter sticks to the full up and full down positions.
- Move the transmitter sticks to the full left and full right positions.
- The LED light on the receiver will stop flashing and turn solid, indicating that the bind is complete.
- Remove the bind plug from the bind port on the receiver.
- Make sure the transmitter and receiver are turned off.
- Check the bind plug to make sure it is inserted properly into the bind port on the receiver.
- Turn on the transmitter and then the receiver.
- Move the transmitter sticks to the full up and full down positions.
- Move the transmitter sticks to the full left and full right positions.
- If the LED light on the receiver still does not stop flashing, you may need to replace the receiver.
Securing the Blades with Screws
Once the blades are properly aligned and seated in the blade grips, it’s time to secure them with screws. This step is crucial for ensuring the blades remain securely attached during flight.
For the Blade 120, you will need four M1.4 x 6mm screws to secure each blade. Follow these steps to properly secure the blades:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert screws through blade grip and into blade base. |
| 2 | Tighten screws using Phillips-head screwdriver. |
| 3 | Verify blades are securely attached. |
Balancing the Blades
Ensure that the blades are balanced before flying to prevent vibrations and improve the stability of your Blade 120 helicopter. Here’s how you can balance the blades:
| Blade Position | Weight Placement |
|---|---|
| Upper Blade | Add weight to the lower edge |
| Lower Blade | Add weight to the upper edge |
Once both blades are balanced, your Blade 120 helicopter will be more stable and efficient in flight.
Installing the Blade Holder on the Helicopter
1. Identify the Blade Holder and Mounting Posts
Locate the blade holder and the two mounting posts on the helicopter frame.
2. Align the Blade Holder with the Posts
Align the holes in the blade holder with the mounting posts on the helicopter frame.
3. Secure the Blade Holder with Screws
Use the included screws to secure the blade holder to the mounting posts.
4. Install the Main Shaft
Insert the main shaft into the hole in the blade holder.
5. Mount the Swashplate
Attach the swashplate to the top of the main shaft using the included screw.
6. Install the Main Gear and Flybar
Install the main gear onto the main shaft and secure it with the lock nut. Slide the flybar over the main shaft and secure it using the provided set screws. Refer to the table below for specific instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| a | Install the main gear onto the main shaft |
| b | Tighten the lock nut to secure the main gear |
| c | Slide the flybar over the main shaft |
| d | Insert the set screws to secure the flybar |
Calibrating the Receiver and Transmitter
Calibrating the receiver and transmitter ensures optimal communication between the controller and the helicopter. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Power On the Transmitter and Helicopter
Turn on both the transmitter and the helicopter.
Step 2: Enter Bind Mode
On the transmitter, press and hold the bind button. The transmitter LED will start flashing, indicating bind mode.
Step 3: Configure the Helicopter’s Bind Plug
Locate the bind plug on the helicopter’s receiver. Insert the bind plug into the BIND port.
Step 4: Connect the Transmitter and Receiver
Hold the transmitter antenna close to the helicopter’s antenna. This establishes a connection between the transmitter and receiver.
Step 5: Wait for Connection
The transmitter and receiver will automatically pair. The transmitter LED will stop flashing once the bind is complete.
Step 6: Remove the Bind Plug
Once the bind is complete, remove the bind plug from the helicopter’s receiver.
Step 7: Calibrating the Transmitter
To ensure accurate control, calibrate the transmitter’s stick inputs as follows:
| Output | Input |
|---|---|
| Motor running fast | Throttle up |
| Motor not running | Throttle down |
| Helicopter turns left | Rudder left |
| Helicopter turns right | Rudder right |
| Helicopter rolls left | Aileron left |
| Helicopter rolls right | Aileron right |
Performing a Test Flight
Once the binding process is complete, it’s time to take your Blade 120 for a test flight. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Safety Precautions
Before flying, always remember to follow proper safety precautions. Find an open field away from buildings, trees, and people. Wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves and safety glasses.
2. Check Controls
Before takeoff, ensure that the controls are working correctly. Hold the transmitter with the left hand and the helicopter with the right hand. Move the sticks and switches to verify their proper function.
3. Throttle Management
Practice controlling the throttle by gradually increasing and decreasing the power. Make sure the helicopter is stable before applying more power.
4. Basic Maneuvers
Start by practicing basic maneuvers such as hovering, forward flight, and turns. Slowly increase the distance and maneuver complexity as you gain confidence.
5. Landing
To land, gradually reduce the throttle until the helicopter loses lift and touches down gently. Practice executing smooth landings to prevent damage.
6. Monitor Battery Life
Keep an eye on the battery level and avoid flying until the battery is critically low. Always land the helicopter immediately when the low-battery alarm sounds.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the test flight, refer to the user manual or seek assistance from an experienced RC enthusiast. Don’t hesitate to ask for help to resolve any problems.
8. Skill Development
Regular practice and patience are key to developing your RC flight skills. Gradually increase the difficulty of your maneuvers as you become more comfortable with the controls. The more you fly, the better your coordination and reaction time will become.
| Flight Time | Recommended | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| No Wind | 6-8 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Light Wind | 4-6 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Moderate Wind | < 4 minutes | 6 minutes |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Transmitter and receiver not binding
* Ensure the transmitter is in bind mode.
* Make sure the receiver is powered on and within range.
* Try connecting the bind plug or pressing the bind button on the receiver.
2. Model not responding to transmitter commands
* Verify the battery is charged and properly installed.
* Check for any loose or damaged connections.
* Ensure the receiver is receiving a strong signal from the transmitter.
3. Transmitter battery draining quickly
* Replace the transmitter battery with a new one.
* Check for any shorts or damage in the wiring.
* Adjust the transmitter power setting to a lower level.
4. Model drifting or flying erratically
* Calibrate the transmitter and receiver.
* Ensure the model is trimmed properly.
* Check for any loose or damaged components.
5. Model losing altitude
* Check the battery voltage and recharge if necessary.
* Inspect the propeller for any damage or obstructions.
* Adjust the trim settings to provide more lift.
6. Model climbing uncontrollably
* Adjust the trim settings to reduce lift.
* Check the propeller for any damage or obstructions.
* Ensure the receiver is receiving a strong signal from the transmitter.
7. Model crashing
* Inspect the model for any damage or loose components.
* Review the binding process to ensure it was done correctly.
* Practice flying in a safe and controlled environment.
8. Model not able to take off
* Verify the battery is charged and properly installed.
* Ensure the propeller is spinning freely.
* Check the throttle settings and adjust as necessary.
9. Model overheating
* Allow the model to cool down before flying again.
* Check for any blocked or obstructed airflow vents.
* Use a lower transmitter power setting or reduce the flight time.
| Troubleshooting Tip | Possible Explanation |
|---|---|
| Model not responding to transmitter commands | Weak signal, damaged receiver, loose connections |
| Model drifting or flying erratically | Trim misalignment, loose components, interference |
| Model climbing uncontrollably | Trim misalignment, propeller damage, weak signal |
Maintenance and Storage of Blades
Cleaning Blades
After each use, clean your blades using a soft cloth or brush to remove any debris or dust. For heavily soiled blades, you can use a mild detergent and water, but make sure to dry them thoroughly before storage.
Sharpening Blades
As you use your blades, they will become dull over time. To restore their sharpness, sharpen them using a whetstone or sharpening stone. Start by soaking the blade in water for a few minutes to soften it. Then, hold the blade at a 20-30 degree angle to the stone and move it back and forth in a circular motion. Repeat this process on both sides of the blade until it is sharp.
Lubricating Blades
To extend the life of your blades and prevent them from rusting, lubricate them regularly. Apply a few drops of lubricant to the blade’s pivot point and moving parts.
Storage
When you are not using your blades, store them in a dry and cool place. Avoid storing them near sources of heat or moisture, as this can damage the blades.
Blade Storage Table
| Storage Condition | Recommended | Not Recommended |
|—|—|—|
| Temperature | 50-70°F (10-21°C) | Above 80°F (27°C) or below 40°F (4°C) |
| Humidity | 40-60% | Above 70% or below 30% |
| Exposure to Sunlight | No | Yes |
How to Bind Blade 120
Binding the Blade 120 is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. Follow these steps to bind your Blade 120:
People Also Ask
How do I know if my Blade 120 is bound?
When the Blade 120 is bound, the LED light on the receiver will stop flashing and turn solid.
What do I do if my Blade 120 won’t bind?
If your Blade 120 won’t bind, try the following steps:
How often should I bind my Blade 120?
You should only need to bind your Blade 120 if you are experiencing problems with the connection between the transmitter and receiver. If you are not experiencing any problems, you do not need to bind the drone.
