Swash Not Level When Switching Between Flying Banks

[theshield35]

In setup 1 (default) of Flying Style Setup, my swash is perfectly level throughout its travel. However, when I switch to setup 2 to setup the self level, I noticed that at midstick, the swash is no longer level. What I missing something???

[jbobb1]

Did you have your heli level when you clicked the "set level" button on page 9?

[quinn]

Do you have tail drag comp enabled in any banks? Really this should only tip the swash at positive and negative collective, but maybe worth checking

[quinn]

Oh never mind, I'm assuming you have the self level enabled in the one where its not level, that's because it's trying to level the heli, so it tips the swash in the direction it wants to go

[theshield35]

Thanks for the quick replies. the heli was perfectly level when I hit the "set level" button. I didn't check off the tail drag box but I will double check just to make sure.

[quinn]

Even if it was perfectly level when you set the self level, its still gonna tip the swash when you go into that bank unless the heli is still sitting perfectly level

[jbobb1]

You can trim the SL in the advanced menu -
View advanced
Setup 2 (in your case)
Gov & level
Move the aileron and elevator angle of hover sliders

Edit - do this while the heli is level.

[jbobb1]

Originally Posted by quinn

Even if it was perfectly level when you set the self level, its still gonna tip the swash when you go into that bank unless the heli is still sitting perfectly level

+1

[theshield35]

Ok, checked a few things. Negative on the tail drag comp. - no boxes checked.

The heli is perfectly level. I leveled the heli & main shaft using a bubble level on top of the shaft in both directions (this is a "Lynx/blade 450x"). I leveled the swash perfectly throughout the travel in setup 1 & 2 using the advanced menu. I then hit COPY to setup #2 for servo setup. I also checked off the box "check mode" to disable the gyro when setting up.

From there, I kept the "check mode" checked off and went back into the basic wizard. I then went into the setup banks and checked off "self level" in set #2 only. Then I went back to the receiver setup menu and hit the "self level" button. Is that ok to do? OR should I uncheck the "check mode" box and then hit the self level button.

Note: When the "check mode" button was off, the swash did not remain level in the setup bank at mid stick - even though the heli remained level. Therefore, I kept the "check mode" box checked off.

One more thing. After this was complete, I powered up the heli on the bench (motor disconnected). The swash travelled perfectly. When I changed banks for the rescue mode, the swash stayed perfect - unlike before.

[unun]

Originally Posted by theshield35

In setup 1 (default) of Flying Style Setup, my swash is perfectly level throughout its travel. However, when I switch to setup 2 to setup the self level, I noticed that at midstick, the swash is no longer level. What I missing something???

The swash will not be level when you hit self level, if it's level when flying, you heli will drift, I set my 380 perfectly steady when I hit self level while the swash was slightly back and right on the field

[Dawiev]

Hi, SL on the bench will not give you an accurate picture and will not show if there is any interference from vibrations.

Set level when the heli is perfectly level. Next fly a few minutes in "normal" mode and land on as flat an area as possible. Before disconnecting the battery and with throttle hold on, activate SL. If the swash moves, you have to tune SL in the advanced menu, until the swash stays level. Every time cycle power and test.

If you get different, or erratic movements from the swash after landing, it means you have vibrations and need to fix them - mechanically or fixing the mounting of the unit.

Once you have a swash that stays level this way, you then take the heli up 2 / 3 mistakes high and activate SL. You might need a little bit of fine tuning, but after this, it should be fine.

Always test SL at the beginning of the day, during a flight session ( 2 / 3 mistakes high ) as you might have bearings going out, or other mechanical problems creeping in.

[theshield35]

Thanks again for the feedback everyone!

In the advanced menu, moving the aileron and elevator angle of hover sliders will not allow enough fine tuning to get it dead on balls. So, I guess I'll try Dawiev's suggestions and hold on tight, lol.

As you guys noted, the swash moves when switching to the SL bank (setup #2) even though the main shaft, swash, and heli is perfectly level. It's annoying because everything else is appears perfect (test flight coming). I don't get it but hopefully the new SL version will come out soon.

[zomaar]

How much movement are we talking about. Some servo chattering and minute movements or full deflection hold on to your underpants?

[theshield35]

Lol not quite hold onto your pants but more like a heavy drift. About a 2MM or so deflection to the rear and slight left if your looking from behind.

[theshield35]

Ok did a test and the flight was perfect with the exception of the SL. It reacted just as expected, it took off to the rear and left. It was controllable but it's not good for rescue. I'll try adjusting the hover values in the advanced mode and see what happens.! Couldn't do it this flight bc forgot my phone on the bench.

[Sam2b]

theshield35, did you use a bubble level fore/aft/left/right to ensure the heli was level when you clicked the "set level" button? If not, this will make the difference in flight when activating self level.

[theshield35]

Hi Sam2b - yes Sir. Not only did I use a bubble level, I Rechecked it with a digital gauge too in all directions. I even checked it on top of the main shaft by pulling the head off. What I did notice is that when I put the bubble level on top of the ikon (just for curiosity) the bubble level was slightly pitched backed, which is the same direction it went when I hit the SL switch. Please keep in mind that I also leveed the helicopter by placing bubble level on the main frame also. Thoughts?

[pctomlin]

A helicopter does not hover "perfectly" level with the main shaft due to tail rotor interaction. Setting level on the bench gets you close, flight testing and adjusting the sliders in the advanced menu gets you the rest of the way there.

[Dmaxison]

Originally Posted by pctomlin

A helicopter does not hover "perfectly" level with the main shaft due to tail rotor interaction. Setting level on the bench gets you close, flight testing and adjusting the sliders in the advanced menu gets you the rest of the way there.

I agree completely. I "eyeball it" and tune to the helicopter. Vibration has an influence on the SL angle so this is the best way I've found to setup SL. Treat as a case by case basis.

[theshield35]

Originally Posted by Dmaxison

I agree completely. I "eyeball it" and tune to the helicopter. Vibration has an influence on the SL angle so this is the best way I've found to setup SL. Treat as a case by case basis.

I absolutely agree with you and PCtomlin. However, and in theory, if the helicopter, swashplate, and mainshaft are perfectly level on the bench, and then reset level button is pushed, shouldn't the "self level" see that as being perfectly level? Therefore, when you switch from setup #1 into setup #2 self level mode, shouldn't the swashplate stay level because there are no other forces acting on it l? I am sure I can get the issue sorted out in the advance mode once the weather clears but I am just wondering what the Ikon is seeing as "level". Hope this make sense, typing from my phone lol