Zap400 newbie

[vic]

Hi All,

this is a truly great site! Thanks so far for the useful info that I have collected.
I am looking for any hints on building an RCMart Zap400/Zoom400 V2.
I have it pretty much together, but would appreciate ideas on control throws, and pitch curve setup etc. I have a Futaba 7CHP radio which has great instructions, but you need to know what you are aiming for! My ship is currently completely stock, but I would like to 'upsize' the components as they wear, or I smash 'em!
Thanks again for the advice so far.

Cheers from Australia, Vic

[gorn]

Hi Vic
with your throttle curve, 0,25,50,75,100 in normal mode.
Idle 1: 100,100,95,100,100
Idle 2: I do the same as above, dont skip this just encase you flick to idle 2 by mistake.
Pitch curve, first off make sure you have zero deg pitch at midstick, if you dont you can adjust the pitch rod on the Zap.
Make sure you have no subtrims active, ie: should be 0%, all endpojnts should be 100%
In normal mode: 0,25,50,75,100\
Idle 1 and 2 have to be set to match normal mode. When I setup my Rex I put in identical numbers, but the pitch moved higher when I switched to idle 1 anyway, so i had to set lower pitch value's to match the pitch I got in Normal mode.
Easy to do, just flick between Normal mode and idle 1, adjusting as nescessary in Idle 1 until pitch does not change when changing over. you'll know because the servo will move and you'll hear that.
Re-ckeck at midstick that you have zero deg pitch, adjust if you need to with the pitch rod.
You need to level your swashplate as well. i did this on a Zap using i think a 5.5mm allen key. Place it underneath the swash (should just barely fit, dont force it), look at any gap at front , rear and side to side until your sure its level, oh yeah, you use subtrim to level this providing that all servo arms were as close to 90deg when you started.
Im guessing your using a brushless motor in it? Brushless motors perform most efficiently when at 100% throttle, at lower settings you'll just generate more heat.
Plus Ive found that higher head speed is much more stable.
Hopefully I havent just confused you lol.
If you have any probs then PM me and I'll email you.
Cheers

[vic]

Thanks a heap gorn,

I'll try to follow your directions as closely as I can, and I'll let you know if I have too much trouble. When can I set the endpoints? I already had to reduce the collective a bit when I was installing the electrics, just to prevent binding.
Do you set up dual rates?

Cheers, and thanks again

Vic :glasses:

[gorn]

Ive never setup dual rates, i just use expo. try 30% to start with, but dont use it on the pitch chanel, you dont need it there.
Just trying to remember the Zap setup....use STRM to fine tune the centre of your servo's.
If you have Z bend links you will have to use STRM to level the swash as well, but this will not leave your servo's at 90deg most likely.
If the V2 Zap has ball links from the servo's then you should get your servo's at 90 using STRM, then adjust the links going from your servo's to level the swash.
Use an allen key like I mentioned before to judge the gap around the swash.
One you are happy that your servo's are at 90deg, and your happy with how level your swash is, then you can set your endpoints.
Just remember that your endpoints have a left and a right adjustment for each servo.
Adjust until you have full travel but no binding.
All going well, you should have it setup nicely.
If your not quite happy with your setup, then go over it again and fine tune until its right.
Hopefully Ive helped out more than confused you lol.
Let me know if you have any troubles.