How to balance multi-blade head?

[Deron Douglas]

Hi,
Just about finished the multi-blade heli. I have the HAC (T450 size) five bladed head. I spun her up and saw a VERY noticeable blade unbalance.

How would I go about balancing multi blades? Has anyone done this? I'm running carbon fiber blades that are balanced out of the package (I always check before mounting)... but the five I'm using are certainly out of balance with each other.

Thanks.

[Skiddz]

Do the entire assembled head with one of these:

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/products_id/4870

Mark each blade/grip combo with a different color and once balanced, always put that blade on that grip.

[Foxden]

Skiddz,

how would you go about balancing a blade with the prop balancer, I bought ddragon's 5 bladed head and I have a prop balancer in my work shop but I've never tried to balance a heli blade???? I now have to invest in 3 or so sets of carbon blades for this project and find a set that balance.

Thanks,

[Rodan]

You can use a spare mainshaft through the prop balancer to balance the entire head. I have had good results by simply balancing the blades individually. I use an old reloading scale that measures in grains, so it's much more precise than something like a postage scale (1 oz = 437 grains). I find the heaviest blade and balance the others to it.

If you have an even number of blades, you can simply balance the pairs. This is much easier, as most blade pairs come very close, but two different sets can be quite different. Just make sure to number the blades and grips to keep the matched blades directly opposite each other.

[Skiddz]

Run the mainshaft over one set of wheels on the DuBro unit and under the other set. The head will hang off the side of the table/bench this way. I've seen a picture of this somewhere, but can't find it right now. When I do, I'll post it or a link to it here.

[Foxden]

Thanks,

Appreciate it.

Clyde

[lrrps]

Guys,

I'd like to know if it's hard to fly helis with more than 2 blades on the rotor head.
Is a Helicommand Rigid any help?

[Deron Douglas]

Thanks Skiddz, This looks good... but I can't picture in my mind how it would work either. I have the 3 blades head now (less costly when I hit a tree and looks better for my heli)... when you find that picture I'd be interested in see it as well.