I feel this question has been asked and answered by I can't find the post.
Still in the testing phase. Trying to setup heli after replacing all three swashplate servos. In the past I have setup the servos in regular heli setup with out the APM. This time after replacement and with the APM all hooked up, I tried to level the plate by the TX sub-trim. But the servos don’t move. Do I have to do it manually by adjusting the linkage only??
Thanks for the help,
Brian, TREX 500, FB, Futaba T7C tx
Replies
You can only do this by clicking "manual" on the Heli Setup page. This puts the servo outputs direct from the Tx with just basic CCPM mixing. If you are not in manual, then all the stabilization stuff is active and you'll never do this right.
So, it goes sort of like this:
1) Install servo horns so that they are as "level" as possible or straight when the servos are centered, as is common in Heli contruction.
2) Adjust all linkages to be equal/level/straight using common heli techniques.
3) Set ALL trims in the Tx to be in the middle. All sub trims in the middle.
4) Power up the APM. Make sure all the parameters are reset. Put the throttle/collective stick in the middle of the range, should see exactly 1500 in the collective RC input. Under the Trad Heli setup screen, click "manual" for the servos. Use servo reversing in MP to get the servos working in the correct direction. Use the MP servo trims to get the servo arms perfectly level/straight. Then use a swash leveling tool to make sure the linkages are equal and the swash is level.
Obviously, there is some interaction between servo trim, and linkage adjustment. You want the servo arms to be as level and even as possible, that's the key. It's actually not critical as the APM can adjust for a lot of error, but it will just fly better.
Question made simpler:
1) adjustments made electronically
or
2) adjustments made mechanically by linkage
Thanks, Brian