Monday 26 May 2008

How To Eliminate Vibrations On Your Helicopter - Part 1 - Clutch Alignment

The one thing that Helicopter Modellers dread is vibration. This can be the result of a un-aligned clutch setup. It is important for the Remote Control helicopter engine crankshaft, mechanical clutch and the clutch shaft to be aligned to +/-0.05mm (per manufacturer recommendation) run-off.
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If these parts are not aligned, it may be the source of vibration on the helicopter that may lead to damaged bearings, electronic failure and faster worn out parts.

As a result, modellers invest on a setup to measure and reduce this run-off.

To measure a run-off accurately, it is essential to use a dial indicator. This is a instrument whic is used to detect the amount of runoff and reduce this measurement to its minimum.

There are a few methods of setting up for a run off measurement. However, we found that most of these methods are inaccurate, cumbersome, contains too many variables, time-consuming and costly (For example, some modellers build a stainless steel platform for the magnetic stand for the dial indicator and a metal fixture to hold the engine or checking a cast shadow of the clutch and clutch as it rotates by hand over a white background)

Dialing in an engine, being an essential step to a good Remote Control helicopter setup, we decided to look into the process and critical consideration. Finally, we came up with a design that allows modellers to dial in their engine-flywheel-clutch setup in a matter of minutes with high precision. With this jig, any modeller can now dial gauge the engine at the field even without a table.

The fundamental of this fixture is that it takes reference/datum from the engine. In this way, the runoff measurements are closest to when the engine is operating on the helicopter.

With this fixture, modellers will take the least time to accurately identify the amount of runoff and make the necessary adjustments to reduce the runoff within the limits and finally, enjoy the pleasure of taking the Helicopter to the skies without worrying about vibration.

Ronald is a experience Remote Control Helicopter Pilot who has participated in international competitions. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical and Production Engineering and a Masters Degree in Logistic. He currently runs a Hobby business specializes in Remote Control Products.

You may visit the following website at http://www.singahobby.com to find out more or send an email to Ronald at ronaldyg@gmail.com

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