How to start the heli?

[Mbuemi]

So I bought the Raptor 50 and got it put together - waiting on a couple other parts (Glow adaptor, blade balancer, and TX)

Just wondering how you start this thing - as my experience with gas motors is nil

Im guessing the starter hex tool - is inserted in to the starter shaft (forward of the main blade head) and then i take the 12v starter and stick it on top of the hex tool -- does it just crank the engine over then?

how long do you keep the starter on?

can i damage the engine or heli at any point during this?

As far as engine adjustments go - once it starts up do i need to adjust the carb throttle needles?

How do you measure the RPM? ive read i need to keep the RPM below 1700... but how to tell when i reach that speed?

Also - I have some thrust bearing grease, and gear grease, and bought an oil pen ... what do i need to grease, and oil? do all bearings get a squirt of oil?

servo arm balls, link rods? oil these?

what gets the grease?

and one last question - someone posted that when looking at my raptor from the right - with the tail on the back left, and nose front and right..

If i turn the main blades counter clockwise - the tail also goes counter clockwise.. is this right? i thought i read that the tail spins opposite the main blade for balance...

on mine - when i turn the main blades counter clockwise - my tail spins counter clockwise.. i dont see how i could have messed this up.. as the belt controls this - how could i put the belt on differently to reverse this?

thanks in advance for the noob questions - cant wait to get out and fly this beast :) or atleast learn lol

[RSL_Mongoose]

Best thing to do is set the engine needles at stock position until the engine gets broken in good, as far as starting its pretty straight forward, attach the glow driver to the plug, insert the start shaft into the hex adapter on the heli and spin it up, the Raptor has a one way bearing built into it so once it starts you can let off the starter and remove it.

Thrust bearings are in the main blade grips and need periodic attention with the grease but not to much.

On the blades rotation, when you rotate the mains clockwise the tail should go counter clockwise, if it differs from this you have the belt twisted the wrong was, all you need to do is remove the boom and twist the belt the opposite way.

Here is a website with some great info for a beginner and should get you started

http://www.raptortechnique.com/

Oh do yourself a huge favor and find someone in your area to check the machine out and maybe take it up the first time for you, most heli guys will drop whatever they are diong to help out a new guy.

Here is another link to the pilot locator for your area you should be able to find some help thats close by.

http://www.pilotlocator.net/state.php?state=OH&B1=Submit

[edm3]

Mbuemi,

I agree completely with Mongoose. Get some help in your local area. Had I tried it on my own I would be waiting for the crash kit or new model.

I use a HydraTork starter, the thing I like about it is that it has an internal battery pack so I do not need any cables or external battery. I also use a Radio South Pro Driver MK III glo driver for the same reason. Both require charging before use but they will last long enough for a days flying.

I found both of these items at Heliproz item numbers 804877 and 111333.

The website Raptor technique has a lot of good information and the webmaster will respond to your questions quickly.

I do not have enough experience to answer all your questions but I can tell you that starting the engine is pretty simple as long as you use some sort of check list before you start. After you get the radio and receiver on make sure the throttle stick on the radio is set to idle and that the idle ups are off. That's were some one with experience comes in handy. Then hold one of the blades and put the starter in the shaft and turn the engine over. Also, keep the radio in arms reach. If the engine is cold it might take a few seconds to start. When it does start I have noticed a slight change in sound so then I pull the starter. But for the real scoop check out www.raptortechnique.com

Have fun!

Ed :D

[OzarkCopterBum]

All good advice posted above, especially the part about getting someone with experience on the first flight. I was taught a starting procedure that I probably wouldnt have come up with on my own that saved me getting smacked with 1/4 lb billy clubs when I had a hot start.

Plus another advantage of getting help is you'll start with a heli that you KNOW is setup correctly and ready to fly.

[Mbuemi]

ok so anyone in columbus ohio want to take a look at my raptor :)
Should be ready for a first flight - by mid july :P

will drive far if anyone is willing to spend a few hours checking her out, make sure i assembled it all well...

buy ya lunch n beers too :P

[Sar]

Whatever you do, remember to hold firmly onto the blade grip(not the blade) while starting the heli. If you are not holding onto the grip and have the throttle reversed, radio turned off, or whatever else and the engine starts at full power you're in trouble. You'll be able to keep the rotor from spinning if you have a good grip and you can then use the other hand to stop the engine by pulling the fuel line.

Try the heli pilot locator as well the link is on the top of the main page here, you should be able to find someone there if you can't find anyone on the forums. Good luck and have fun :)

[WillJames]

www.pilotlocator.net <--- Pilot Locator

[Mbuemi]

Whatever you do, remember to hold firmly onto the blade grip(not the blade) while starting the heli. If you are not holding onto the grip and have the throttle reversed, radio turned off, or whatever else and the engine starts at full power you're in trouble. You'll be able to keep the rotor from spinning if you have a good grip and you can then use the other hand to stop the engine by pulling the fuel line.

Try the heli pilot locator as well the link is on the top of the main page here, you should be able to find someone there if you can't find anyone on the forums. Good luck and have fun :)

haha good advice there ! sounds like someone got knocked in the head once or twice :P i was wondering how you got out the way with that starter n hex tool right at the main blade hehe...

i could see it now - starting it up and pulling a combo jump forward roll sideways to get outta the way in time with a TX in one hand and starter in the other hehe...

on a more serious note - can that damage the head at all stopping the blades from rotating with my hand?

at startup with a working radio etc.. wont the TX keep the throttle low and the blades from spinning up right away?

thanks again -- lot of people in ohio on locator too -- so i guess thats a good thing - maybe i can bribe one of em to spend a morning or afternoon showing me the tricks..

think ive got her built well - have taken her apart and rebuilt her 3 times now - just waiting ont he TX n transmitter to arrive now...

thanks for help