Propeller install notes

CAUTION: Before actually mounting propellers make sure to test the motor operation to assure they run in the correct direction, else swap two leads on the specific motor to reverse its rotation direction until all match the picture. Wait with installing propellers until you see that the IMU and transmitter calibration look ok.  Once propellers are in place they represent powerful aviation stuff that can accomplish considerable lifting force, so unless you have everything looking right prior to propeller install, then motors running havoc in an unintended way could hurt both you, the ArduCopter and others. So take care and double-check your setup prior to running with propellers.


Propellers come as pairs in two sealed plastic bags. One pair is intended for running clockwise (front/rear) while the other pair backwards (left/right). Make sure you install them as shown in the following picture (the + orientation shown. Same rotation direction principle applies for X orientation as well) :

 


By rotating them in the shown direction make sure they are oriented to drive air downwards. Once you come as far as arming motors and applying some throttle, then double check rotation directions before attempting flight.


How to mount propellers on each motor axle:


The washer shall go into that hub recess.


You place it on top, then press it into the opening....


And here is how it looks with the spacer in place.

Now install the axle using both aluminium parts.


Propeller with the mount ready to go onto the motor axle.


This type of 2mm shaft screwdriver proved handy for tightening the nut


Mr Arthur P. Meiners have contributed this additional security advice:

* Put a small drop of locktite into the nut and start it onto the thread.

* Consider also to put some locktite onto the motor axle but make sure it does not leak down to the bearings.

* Position the prop adapter with prop onto the axle and carefully tighten the nut. Don;t use a very long-armed wrench. These aluminum thread's don;t like too much force. In addition excessive force can also negatively impact the strength of these EPP prop hubs. The adapter has to tighten onto the axle so that it sits tightly and the prop cannot turn on the axle. If the nut is also a spinner, that's all. If it is a normal nut and there is room, then consider adding a 2nd nut and tightening that onto the first. This provides additional security against the nut working itself loose in flight.

Tags: install, installation, propeller, propellers

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Umer on March 25, 2012 at 11:44pm

After pushing the washer into the propeller hub recess, there is a space between the propeller and the lower aluminum part (shown in figure). Am i doing something wrong?

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Permalink Reply by Raymond Choat on April 29, 2012 at 12:53am

I am also having this washer problem. Using larger 880kv orange motor from 3DR and propeller hub that came with it. Propeller is 11x4.7 APC. Mine looks just like yours, I can not push plastic spacer past the threaded portion onto the fatter non-threaded protion. So it leaves a space like your image shows. Did anyone ever let you know what to do about it? Thanks Ray.

Permalink Reply by Chris Huitema on April 29, 2012 at 1:32am

Is it because the shaft is 6.35mm (1/4") and the plastic washer is for 6.0mm shafts? the 0.35mm makes a big difference, if you push it all the way down they normally split.

I use the 880KV motors from JDrones with the grey 11x4.7 props and they only come with 6mm washers. I have used some washers from other props I was using prior to the grey ones. they have the right OD and ID

Permalink Reply by Brad Pittevski on May 31, 2012 at 12:36pm

> Using larger 880kv orange motor from 3DR and propeller

> hub that came with it. Propeller is 11x4.7 APC

same problem here. Has anyone a good solution for this? I can't just use a file since it would very likely be off center. Using a 6.3mm drill on it? I was confused about the orientation of the propellers fist since it all works fine if you put them on with the writing facing downwards.

Permalink Reply by Brad Pittevski on May 31, 2012 at 2:10pm

I've verified the dims: the shaft on the 880KVs I have is 6.2mm. The plastic washer of the APC propellers is 6.0mm.

Permalink Reply by Russell Marelli on June 20, 2012 at 6:16pm

I also have the 2836's and the 1147 props. Everyone seems to agree that the base of the prop adapter is 1/4 inch and the prop insert is 6mm. I know that the insert will fit over the 1/4 inch shaft if you force it, and I have done it,  but it just doesn't seem right to me as there are indeed 6mm prop adapters in addition to 1/4 inch adapters. They are not interchangeable as far as I know. I don't know that the 6.0mm inserts will self center over the 6.2mm shaft, although the error would be small. I'm more concerned with the integrity of the prop itself caused by the excessive radial pressure.

 

I ordered some truely 6mm prop adapters just to be sure.

Permalink Reply by Jack de Valpine on August 25, 2012 at 5:43pm

Is there any further guidance on what to do on this? I have the following:

ArduCopter 3DR-B Frame + Motors + Full Flight Electronics Kit
with the AC2836-358 motors and the 11X47 SFP Style propeller set

The included prop adapters do not fit correctly on the prop hub.


3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on August 25, 2012 at 6:33pm

Jack, do you mean that the hole in the arm isn't big enough? If so, that's true for the 880 motors, which you have (the arms were designed for the 850 motors, which is what most people use). Just drill them out to a larger size. (BTW, the new arms don't have this issue). 

Permalink Reply by Jack de Valpine on August 26, 2012 at 5:47am

Chris, thanks for the reply and apologies if my question was not clear. I already figured out about drilling out the frame arms to accomodate the larger motors. What I am referring to is the 11x47 props, which come with two sizes of "locating ring" inserts. These are the "washers" referenced in one of the explanatory images in the original post of this thread. Neither of the the insert/washers fit the axle/hub assembly. I want advice on what to do to resolve this.

Just as a side note if someone from 3DRobotics is reading this. The descriptive text for the 3DR-B Frame Kit (https://store.diydrones.com/Arducopter_3DR_B_Electronics_Kit_p/kt-a...) indicates that there are instructions for drilling out  for the larger motor size in the assembly instructions. This is not the case. Although it is not that difficult to figure out, a diagram and suggestion of standard drill bit size would help ease the assembly process in this case.


3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on August 26, 2012 at 7:33am

Jack: I just checked mine, and I see that I didn't use the rings at all. The props went on the shafts as they are. 

I'll let them know to add that to the instructions.

Permalink Reply by Jack de Valpine on August 26, 2012 at 9:12am

Chris, if I put the prop onto the axle/hub assembly stock, ie no insert/washer, there is a fair amount of play or slack so there is no way to get the prop centered on the axle/hub assembly. I would guess this would lead to spinning prop being out of balance. I also seem to recall reading, although I cannot find the reference right now, that the prop should fit snugly without any play onto the axle/hub assembly...


DeveloperPermalink Reply by R_Lefebvre on August 26, 2012 at 10:00am

I've got this same problem.  None of the rings on my props actually fit the adaptor properly.  So it's almost impossible to get the prop centred accurately.  One of the rings is about .5mm too big, the other too small.  The only solution I have at this point is to glue the small ring in, and then use a prop reamer to enlarge the hole.

I never used to have this problem with airplane props back in the day.  They all came with a small hole, and you were expected to ream it out to size with a prop reamer.  Very easy, and worked well.  I'm not sure why they have changed to this ring method. I don't like it.

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