Lockout/Brownout Problems - Static is a #1 issue

[fireup]

Originally Posted by HeliBurns

Kevin, what made you feel that you needed to make such a mod?.....

The mod is not needed if you have a good meter that does not load down the signal. I added the Op-Amp so I can also use it with an analog voltmeter.

And what proof do you have that what tests show that static comes mainly from the tailblades?...No offence intended, just show your work.....

I'm mainly talking about static in the boom. If you watch the video I show both test, one without blades and one with blades. This is just my first testing and my impression as of now. I haven't probe near the main gear section yet.

[jurassic5]

As the tail metal gear seems to be a nice upgrade to have, I'll go for it and just sand the tailboom section that goes into the tail metal gear part and that should do the trick ?

[chichiuno]

You will get the same readings from the main blades and paddles.
Anything that moves in the air creates some type of static field.
ESD is the problem.

[gixxernoob]

Great info. I see on the vid that you have the GF frame. I wonder if its the same result for the CF frame?

[ChasHeliCop]

Hey Kevin, Great job man......
I ran it over the tail blades yesterday and got a big signal. I was thinking the material caused it, so I stuck a pair of K&B blades on there, a little larger and it increased the intensity. I didn't necessarily think the gears were holding the charge, but possibly the frame is absorbing the charge from the gears. Thanks for all the work you've done on this.

[Socal500]

I saw this lastnight as well. On the stock tail it will read at the tail first, around the spinning grips with no blades attached. Awesome how you hooked to a meter. You should definitely get a reading from the gears and Im interested in how much.

[motomanmel]

Sorry I should have been more clear.... We use this material Dupont Nylon with Fiber fill in my line of work all day!!!! LOL

Jerome

[motomanmel]

Kevin, Great Job with the video. With blade and without blades. I don't think its the material of the blades causing the static. I would think it once we put the load on the bearing from attaching the blades causing more friction that is STATIC. Grounding will do the trick. P.S. I had the Metal tail upgrade When I went down this weekend.

[kraaijer]

I've just ordered the carbon tail blades, you think they will doe this too to that extend?

I also ordered the metal tail case, so I should be fine with that.

Awsome job Kevin, thanks!!!

[motomanmel]

Originally Posted by kraaijer

I've just ordered the carbon tail blades, you think they will doe this too to that extend?

I also ordered the metal tail case, so I should be fine with that.

Awsome job Kevin, thanks!!!

I think it will have the same affect with Carbon Blades. The stock Nylon blades Has a 5% carbon fill or glass fill in them this is how they get the strength and light weight out of the material.

[Jason Bell]

Now kev needs to do it with a metal tail case, with sanding some of the coating off of the boom

[Socal500]

Assuming he is using the Greenlee that has the same range (50-1000), why is it activating at 1 volt? I was a bit concerned when my probe was detecting at the main gears, thinking there must be 50 volts there mininum. If it is a minute amount then I dont see a concern at the main gears since as Bob stated it has no place to build.

[motomanmel]

Originally Posted by Socal500

Assuming he is using the Greenlee that has the same range (50-1000), why is it activating at 1 volt? I was a bit concerned when my probe was detecting at the main gears, thinking there must be 50 volts there mininum. If it is a minute amount then I dont see a concern at the main gears since as Bob stated it has no place to build.

you mean 5 volts? not 50

[motomanmel]

Originally Posted by torkboy

Now kev needs to do it with a metal tail case, with sanding some of the coating off of the boom

Jason if we had a Metal tail block I think it would solve the problem but will take time to produce. Its not easy.

[Socal500]

Originally Posted by motomanmel

you mean 5 volts? not 50

No I mean 50. This greenlee I have is rated 50 to 1000v AC. One would think the detection range would fall between those 2, otherwise why provide the lower number.


Solution 1:
Ground Boom to Tail Case Bearing

Solution 2:
Get a metal tail case and remove coating and make sure there's continuity between boom and bearing.

Kevin so no ground from the boom to the frame?

[jared_of_atlanta]

You should probably check your bearings for pitting like Aberdeen says! ;-) Haha. Nice work. Now I don't feel so scared about getting my 500.

[fireup]

I've also tested my second 500 that was pre-lube with silicon oil and did not pickup anything on the boom. It also has a metal tail case, but I did not check if it's grounded. I think the lube is keeping the boom from holding any charge. I've only tested with GF frame. I'll will also test with CF frame when I have a chance.

You have to remember, the real problem is the buildup of charge over time. If it bleeds off and don't have enough energy to "spark" you will not have a problem.

Yes the probe I have is 50-1000V Greenlee. The probe is a "non-contact" sensor so it's just measuring the energy "near" the signal not on it, so the circuit amplify this. On a power cable, you need to be about 1/4 inch from the line for it to trigger. On the heli, you can be as far as 4" away and I will trigger. You can also get it to trigger by just rubbing the tip on you shirt.

[Socal500]

Yes I understand this. In my video I showed detection turning the head by hand alone at low rpm and that grounding eliminated this. The only source I have found remaining is the main gear. I just dont see the use of the rating range if its going to detect less than 50 volts. I would like to see what numbers show up on the main gear, assuming you get anything at all.

[Finless]

This needs to be in the sticky or this post stickied as well..... Ideas?

FYI interesting Kevin.... Have you tried the probe at the other end of the boom with the tail grounded?

Bob

[fireup]

It was getting late last night. I need to rebuild by carbon frame also. I was also able to get arcing and see a small spark when the tail was not grounded. I'll have to see if I can video this in the dark. I'll get more data soon.