Blade CP/CPP "calming/stabilizing" Modifications

[slikrx]

Since we've got a thread to make a nice, responsive CPP (THANKS RSTACY!!), I thought it might be good to make a catalogue/thread that talks about how to make these little buggers easier to fly.

So, I'll start, giving the mod, ease/difficulty (out of 10) cost as well as expected improvement "IMP" (1 - 10, 10 being most). I'll start with the cheaper/easier and most obvious.

If you disagree (and I'll edit) or want to add, post up!

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Blade tracking & balancing. Not a mod, and sort of obvious, but... ;)
ease: 3-4 out of 10, and free, if you have the stuff to do it. IMP=1

Align flybar paddles Just make sure they're parallel to the flybar frame.
ease: 1 out of 10, and free IMP=1

Add extra weights to your flybar, and make sure they're all the way out.
ease: 1 out of 10, and $3.50 for the weights, or similar wheel collars.
IMP=3

Center & balance your flybar
ease: 2(because there's no handy tool) and free IMP=1

Use flat bottom blades (works or some, I had no luck)
ease: 1 and $18 for the new blades IMP = 1

Level your swash plate, by increasing/decreasing the z-bend rod length
ease: 2 (for a 1st timer - just a hassle) and free IMP=1

Move the swashplate z-bend rods closer to the center of the servoes by 1 hole, and re-level your swash
ease: 2 and free IMP=2

Use a larger/heavier Lipo battery (within reason)
ease : 1 and $45 IMP = 2 (made a pretty good difference for me)

Install a heading hold gyro (like the Eflite G-90)
ease:2 and $85 IMP=4

Upgrade the tail motor/assembly (Direct drive/brushless, dual drive)
ease: 6 and $30 for simple DD setup or ~$80 for a brushless DD setup IMP=2

Upgrade to a "real"programmable radio
ease: 7 and $200 -$400 IMP=5

Upgrade the rotorhead to a CNC setup. (might require a radio upgrade)
ease: 5 and up to $140 IMP= 2-3

Get a TRex 600 or a 90 gasser ;)

[raspykart]

I would recommend bringing the Z arms in at least 2 holes. I did this a while ago and it was notably less sensitive. I may go 1 or 2 more holes during my next rebuild... darn neighbors tree :arggg: I highly highly recommend plastic flat bottom blades and an upgraded main shaft/gear. The blades take a lotta beating, seem more stable, but cause the main shaft to bend easier so an upgrade is in order.

[Pinecone]

Only problem is, you now have less available throw and may not be able to recover from a problem attitude.

Much better is to upgrade to a real Tx and use expo.

BIG thread on this in the Trex 450 area.

[txflyer]

where woudl you find upgraded mainshafts and gears ?

[carlo_the_wonder_frog]

Computer Tx of good quality makes the cp twice as good and much easier to fly. Assuming you program it correctly .

[slikrx]

where woudl you find upgraded mainshafts and gears ?
I got the microheli shaft & gear from helihobby.com:

http://www.helihobby.com/html/micro_blade_helicopter.html#PARTMH-CP102M

I got the autorotation one plus the needed shaft. I doubt it will really do autos, but it can only help.

[Funky]

I think the heading hold gyro should be one of the first upgrades. It makes a huge difference over the stock gyro. Combined with a direct drive tail it almost flies like a belt driven heli. For someone new to helis, chasing the tail constantly makes flying much more difficult. If you plan on sticking with the hobby, a good radio should be the next purchase. Both of these upgrades can make a night and day difference to your Blade when set up correctly.

[txflyer]

i just did my direct drive tail. i only got a 3 minute flight before i had to recharge. but wow every one should do the dd tail. the rotor that came with the motor from gws is only half the size of the stock one, so there is less chance of stalling iit out.

[Raysun]

What is the DD motor spec..is it easily availble?

Sorry if this is answered elsewhere, I'v just replaced 3 tail motors.

Thanks

Ray

[txflyer]

this is what i ordered btw you will need different screws for the motor at my lhs we found that a few of the screws from the blade cx hardware will fit..
oh and the props i got are black..
http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=A1190098&pid=gws100&img=l