How to tell when Dampers are bad

[FuntanaS]

I couldn't find very much info on the signs that your head dampers are going bad? Are there any signs that it is time for new ones? The reason I am asking is because I have a Blade 450 with a Tarot FBL head on it and when in FF the tail bobs up and down. Could worn dampers be the reason? I do have a couple hundred flights on the head now.

Thanks

[kavic5150]

Line up your main blades with the tail boom. Then grab each blade as close to the grip as possible. With a small amount of force try to flex the blade grips against the head block. The dampers should feel firm and give very little.

After a hundred or so flights they might well be worn out. Do you use any petroleum based lubricants on or near them? If so, that can also break them down.

I'm not familiar with the Tarot head. Does it have a single damper on each side? The easiest thing would be to replace them if they feel squishy or appear damaged.

The other thing you can check is if any slop has developed in the rotor head. Since its a FBL head there arent alot of components that could be loose.

[FuntanaS]

Yes, it has a single damper on each side.

Should the blades be folded or straight out when flexing them? I just looked at my flight log and I have just about 380 flights on the head.

[desertstalker]

Symptoms of worn dampers

Mushy cyclic
Blade tracking issues (blades dont stay tracked)
Wobbles after cyclic stops (most noticeable in FBL helis)
tail bobbing can also occur, though more commonly from too hard dampers for the HS
Boom strikes

There a probably a lot more, but after 400 flights i would be changing them, in fact, I'd do them after 1-200 flights depending on how hard you fly and how they feel.

[SQRT(-2)]

For five bucks and replacement involving four screws, I would think that if you suspect them, replace them. Besides, it is a good excuse to inspect the bearings and such in the blade grips and make sure the feathering shaft screws are well secured.

[FuntanaS]

Does anyone know which ones the Tarot head uses?

http://www.hobby-wing.com/tl45110-01.html

[spykez]

This is from my umm... somewhat "local" (read regional) Tarot dealer of choice

http://www.hawk-rc.com/index.php?rou...product_id=459

I think it's the right part - should give you the part number at the least to allow you to order locally if the situation allows.

Otherwise try browsing - could only see dampers for the align DFC, RJX etc - you might find the part you're looking for.

[newbheliusr]

You can use the KBDD orange dampers for the Tarot head. Works great.

[Anthony440]

I like to replace dampers every flying season... better safe than sorry.

[kavic5150]

+1 for what they said. And no need to fold the blades, you just want to see if the main blades + feathering shaft are easily wobbled.

How hard are those KBDD orange dampeners Newbheliuser? Is there such a thing as too stiff for a heli to handle?

[FuntanaS]

There is only a tinny bit of give in the dampers if I apply a lot of force.

[LL-Cool-T]

Just replace them and see if that fixes ur problem. Like someone else said. For a few bucks and four screws it worth it. Especially after that many flights. They're really easy to replace and they wear out pretty quick. Especially if everything isn't dialed in perfectly. And after 200 flights u should probably tare down the head and inspect everything and tighten it all down. Takes about fifteen minutes.

[Volcano]

When you see them bulging out.

[FuntanaS]

I have noticed that the tail bobble in forward flight isn't to bad when I am in idle-up 2 but gets worse when I switch down into idle-up 1 which is a lower HS. It then gets even worse when I switch into normal mode.

That said I am going to replace the dampers I am just looking for the right ones to get. Would these work? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Damper-Rubbe...item3f18190971

[sp00fman]

The ebay dampers are so bad i could not use many in the set, and they lasted 3 flights., Not being able to get kbdd for a reasonable shipping fee, I actually started making my own from automotive airs hose.

[FuntanaS]

Originally Posted by sp00fman

The ebay dampers are so bad i could not use many in the set, and they lasted 3 flights., Not being able to get kbdd for a reasonable shipping fee, I actually started making my own from automotive airs hose.

Good to know. Thanks

BTW here is a link to the KBDD dampers on ebay with free shipping. Plus they are in the US so shipping won't take a month!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KBDD-T-Rex-4...ht_1149wt_1163

[desertstalker]

Originally Posted by FuntanaS

I have noticed that the tail bobble in forward flight isn't to bad when I am in idle-up 2 but gets worse when I switch down into idle-up 1 which is a lower HS. It then gets even worse when I switch into normal mode.

You want softer ones no idea what ones for your heli though.

[FuntanaS]

Well I just installed a new set of the orange KBDD dampers in the heli and the problem is gone!!! It is flying great again.

So I installed them dry but should I oil/grease them? I don't really see any reason too?

Thanks for the help