500 Bell 222 Body Set Installation

[Skapr1]

My thinking is by starting this Thread we can all get together in one place to discuss how to install the Body Set (BLH1885) onto the Blade 500 X (BLH4080). Everyone is different and how I do things may not be the correct way, but hey, we all gotta learn somehow!

One of the first obvious things to do is test fly the heli. Then before proceding with the actual install we must consider adjusting the rudder servo because after placing the heli in the body, I found out the servo is a tight fit causing unwanted noise (this is noted in the instructions) and the heli does not line up correctly in the body. As an alternate I considered cutting the body where the servo is located..

Also if installing the optional landing gear and lights it's helpfull to have a few servo extension wires because there is not alot of room inside the body. As I noted in another thread when installing the elect retracts we can use the original landing gear "struts". They are simply removed from the wood blocks with a twist and pull. They fit really nice.

After installing the optional gear/lights make sure that they properly operate (this is where a few servo extensions come in handy). Proper light install is green on the left and red on the right. For testing I placed the heli next to the body and hooked them up to the receiver (aux 2 gear for the retracts and aux 3 knob for the lights). You will need to go into the tx switch settings to do this. When satisfied the opts function as desired I recommend removal of the front landing gear to help facilitate the actual heli install into the body.

More to come...

[John R.]

Are the two places for the foam above and below the tail boom? I kind of got that from the second picture. Are there any other spots? I think this thread is great.

[Skapr1]

I placed the foam material from what I can see in the Instruction Manual pic.. Not sure if it's correct....

[John R.]

The picture is to dark in the manual for me to be sure.

[Skapr1]

Jumping ahead a bit..pic of rear cap screw on the base mount getting ready to install .... I used the small end of a toothpic wedged to hold the screw/washers in place...

The long 2.5mm hex tool is needed here for install (only on the rear screws).

[wavekatcher]

Would it help the rudder servo clearance issue to cut off the lower servo arm I see in the picture above?

Thanks for starting this thread, by the way

[Skapr1]

Originally Posted by wavekatcher

Would it help the rudder servo clearance issue to cut off the lower servo arm I see in the picture above?

Thanks for starting this thread, by the way

It's the rudder servo case on the right side (starboard) of the heli that is up against the inside of the body.

And you're welcome.

[Skapr1]

Here is the rudder servo "adjusted" to fit. Can't believe I considered cutting into the beautiful body.

[Skapr1]

The verticle fin install uses 2 phillips screws, washers and spacers. The screws and spacers need to be "run" in and out a few times, way to tight to install. 3mm washers on the screws first..

[crashcopterman]

Man, that looks snazzy!

[wavekatcher]

Hey there Skapr1,

Would you mind detailing how you adjusted the rudder servo? Looks like a simple re-adjustment of the servo and then the control rod and guide?


Thanks

Also, don't forget to paint the inside of the exhaust

[wavekatcher]

I forgot to ask if you had to drill holes for the lights?

[gianntsllos]

Thanks for making this thread. I would also like to know about the tail servo pushrod.Did you only turn the servo at an angle only? Did you make any adjustments to tha tail pushrod? Thank again.

[Skapr1]

The tail servo was only turned at the angle (and inner guide) shown. Outer guide remains the same from factory. No adjustments to the pushrod is needed.

The holes for the lights are pre-drilled. To aid in the install they needed to be "opened up" just a tad. A drop of medium CA to hold them in place.

[Skapr1]

And now the outcome.....

[gianntsllos]

Thank you! Thank you! Very nice pictures! Now we want a flight video!!!!! Thanks again for posting!

[wavekatcher]

Originally Posted by Skapr1

And now the outcome.....

Looking good!

I was wondering about the retracts. Do you store the heli with gear up or down?

I know with a couple of planks I have, sometimes the gear will cycle while plugging in the battery.

[Skapr1]

It's better to store the heli with retracts down. The gear never did cycle while plugging in the battery. Remember to never cycle the gear when on the ground (lol) while spooling up or down (brain fart can cause that).....

One thing I should mention... while installing the heli into the body, be very careful not to snag the esc wires and watch out for the capacitors. Just take your time and if it does not slide in smoothly, something is catching!

[wavekatcher]

Thanks!

How is the CG with the new fuselage?

[Skapr1]

CG is off a bit, tail heavy. Mounting the battery forward helps to counteract.

I'd like to add the following:

".....Correct light install is red left and green right."

Red Left - Green Right