Idle-up recommendations

[fling-winger]

I've been flying my EB for a while now but only in normal mode. I like flying gentle/ smooth circuits and have no interest in putting the EB on its back.

I fly my rex in idle-up. Should I be considering setting up an idle-up for the gasser and does anyone have any recommendations on a set-up.

Thanks,
Mark

[mister2u]

Good question, Mark. I was thinking the same thing. I've been flying in normal mode since I began also. I've got a question for you. Is the rpm supposed to increase dramatically after about the 1/2 or 3/4 throttle stick position or should it remain constant after either of those positions?

Byron

[lperagallo]

fling-winger,

When I first started flying I did the same as you, however as you progress you will enjoy the extra headspeed in Idle up. What are your pitch curves? On my gasser, I set my normal headspeed to 1,550 and Idle up at 1680. I am using 710mm main blades on the gasser as I modified it down from an EB. If you are using 810mm mains you want to have 1,450 and 1,650 as I do on my turbine which is EB mechanics. In idle up I have a pitch curve of +10, 0 -10 with zero at mid stick. This gives me the extra power to do some great stall turns, loops and rolls. I do use a governor on the gasser but have curves set up that match. I don't have them with me, but in order to help you a bit, post you curve numbers and we can compare them in relative terms. The curve stays relatively flat as compared to a Nitro machine, so it can look a bit strange.

mister2u,

The intent is to keep a consistent headspeed once you are in hover and stay there. The headspeed should not increase or decrease in Idle up. A GV1 with stator gator makes it easy if your engine is broken in.

Lou

[fling-winger]

My headspeed is pretty much bang on 1580-1600 from 1/4 stick and up. Not quite sure what the h/s is at full stick because I'm too chicken to hold the stick there - the heli dissappears to quickly for me!!

In normal, my pitch curve is -3 /+ 9 and running 810 v's.

[mister2u]

Thanks, lperagallo. So what I would need to do is determine what position my throttle stick is in while hovering and flatten out my throttle curve at that point, right? At the moment, it is completely linear from the bottom left to the top right (my throttle curve points are: 0,25,45,75,100: -2/+10 w/810V's also)

Byron

[fling-winger]

I set my idle up to give an even 1580-1600 headspeed from low to high stick- I must say I'm an "idle-up'er" and not going back!!

The heli responded much better on the approaches with alot less throttle lag when I needed it. Also, the odd tail kick I was getting before on approach didn't seem to occur as often. Just a reminder when 1st trying out an idle-up - make sure all your trims & expo's are the same as your normal mode or you might be in for a little surpise when you hit the switch!! Don't ask.

Mark

[lperagallo]

Mister2U,

I see you didn't get an answer and you may not like mine, but you throttle curve doesn't sound good at all. The only way I tell you to do it is to get a tach or borrow someone who has one (you can't do it alone) and use it to get a throttle curve that keeps the same headspeed through the pitch curve. I'd share my throttle curve, but it really won't help because it depends on how you engine is tuned and runs and how your throttle linkage is mechanically set up. All I can say is that the throttle curve is relatively flat as compared to a nitro engine. You curve looks a little strong but without knowing you headspeed there is nothing I can recommend that would be right.

Lou

[mister2u]

Hey, Lou. Yea, I've got to tack that headspeed somehow. I do own a tach, but haven't been able to get any help so far. Oh well, those are the breaks I guess. I'm just gonna have to keep looking. Thanks for the info.


Byron