Stopping a helicopter

[Iceberg]

Hi,
I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now start
the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles with
the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate. In the engine booklet
it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop the
engine without chopping my arms off? is the engine supposed to cut out when
the throttle is fully closed or what?

thanks for any replies

[Paul McIntosh]

The heli guys I hang with just rest the palm of their hand on top of the
rotor head and the blades slow to a stop.

Personally, I would set the idle trim to stop the engine.

--
Paul McIntosh
RC-Bearings.com
"when steel just isn't enough"
"Iceberg" <big_bad_iceberg@oohay.moc> wrote in message
news:7%l_e.5269$VI6.776@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk. ..
> Hi,
> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now start
> the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles with
> the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate. In the engine
> booklet
> it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
> would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop the
> engine without chopping my arms off? is the engine supposed to cut out
> when
> the throttle is fully closed or what?
>
> thanks for any replies
>

[The OTHER Kevin in San Diego]

On Wed, 28 Sep 2005 01:05:07 GMT, "Iceberg"
<big_bad_iceberg@oohay.moc> wrote:

>Hi,
> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now start
>the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles with
>the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate. In the engine booklet
>it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
>would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop the
>engine without chopping my arms off? is the engine supposed to cut out when
>the throttle is fully closed or what?

The way I set 'em up is with throttle trim to high, the engine will
run. Throttle trim to the low setting kills the engine. (assuming
the left stick is full back)

[Steve R]

"The OTHER Kevin in San Diego" <skiddz "AT" adelphia "DOT" net> wrote in
message news:dn2kj11ghlf280jcbo0pinsl4h4hadkc8g@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 28 Sep 2005 01:05:07 GMT, "Iceberg"
> <big_bad_iceberg@oohay.moc> wrote:
>
>>Hi,
>> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now start
>>the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles with
>>the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate. In the engine
>>booklet
>>it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
>>would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop the
>>engine without chopping my arms off? is the engine supposed to cut out
>>when
>>the throttle is fully closed or what?
>
> The way I set 'em up is with throttle trim to high, the engine will
> run. Throttle trim to the low setting kills the engine. (assuming
> the left stick is full back)
>
>

If the following doesn't apply then please excuse the blatantly obvious
suggestion. ;-)

It also helps if you're model is setup mechanically to fully close the
throttle barrel. You need to make sure this is the case. Set the throttle
stick to full idle position and the trim full down. Pop the link off the
throttle arm and see if you can move the throttle arm itself any further.
If you can, then you need adjust the end point adjustment in the transmitter
to make up the difference, or you can make the control arm on the servo
longer or a combination of the two. If you "do" have to make this
adjustment, then also check the full throttle position in the same way.
Chances are that if one end is off, the other may be too. Main thing you
"don't" want is to have the linkage binding at the extremes.

There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to idle the engine low enough so
that the blades aren't turning. In some cases, especially with a new model,
the clutch may be a bit tight which will cause the blades to coast along
with the engine but it shouldn't be so bad that you can't put your hand on
the top of the rotor hub and stop the rotation with just a little pressure.
If this is the case, it should get better as the clutch wears in. Hope this
helps!

Fly Safe,
Steve R.

[david]

There is simply no question about it: with helis you MUST be able to stop
the engine from the tranny, and the idle position should be low enough to
run the engine but not, or barely, engage the clutch. Anything else is
unairworthy.

Once you've stopped flying pop your hand flat onto the blade hub to slow
them to a halt. FLAT mind you, no dangling piggies!

David
"Iceberg" <big_bad_iceberg@oohay.moc> wrote in message
news:7%l_e.5269$VI6.776@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk. ..
> Hi,
> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now start
> the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles with
> the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate. In the engine
> booklet
> it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
> would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop the
> engine without chopping my arms off? is the engine supposed to cut out
> when
> the throttle is fully closed or what?
>
> thanks for any replies
>

[Max of Mad]

Iceberg wrote:

> Hi,
> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now start
> the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles with
> the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate.

What model of heli are you running?

Is it a 30, 50, 60 or 90 size? Is it a gasser?

> In the engine booklet
> it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
> would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop the
> engine without chopping my arms off?

Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.

> is the engine supposed to cut out when the throttle is fully closed
or what?

Yes, assuming you have the throttle set correctly to the servo.

> thanks for any replies
>

The best way to adjust throttle is to make sure the control arm to the
throttle is closed tight when you connect it to the throttle servo at
cutoff position with the radio turned on.

To be sure, try starting the engine at throttle cutoff position. If it
starts, then you have done something wrong.


Max of Mad

[James]

In rec.models.rc.air Max of Mad <blah@blah.blah> wrote:
> Iceberg wrote:

>> Hi,
>> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now start
>> the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles with
>> the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate.

> What model of heli are you running?

> Is it a 30, 50, 60 or 90 size? Is it a gasser?

> > In the engine booklet
>> it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
>> would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop the
>> engine without chopping my arms off?

> Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
> blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
> exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
> it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
> using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.

This works especially well if it's a Bell 47 with simulated R/C
North Koreans nearby.

[Max of Mad]

James wrote:
> In rec.models.rc.air Max of Mad <blah@blah.blah> wrote:

<snip>

> This works especially well if it's a Bell 47 with simulated R/C
> North Koreans nearby.

? I beg to differ, but thats how I did it when I was a beginning and
didn't know any better.

Nowadays, I wouldn't let go of the rotor head, but I'm not there to help
him, and you obviously aren't either.

Hopefully he knows better now, since he knows how to get it started.
Grab the rotor head when starting. Don't let go unless there is some
slack. etc..


Max of Mad

[Steve R]

"Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
news:3XD_e.1757$ST1.32@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
> Iceberg wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now
>> start
>> the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles
>> with
>> the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate.
>
> What model of heli are you running?
>
> Is it a 30, 50, 60 or 90 size? Is it a gasser?
>
> > In the engine booklet
>> it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
>> would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop
>> the
>> engine without chopping my arms off?
>
> Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
> blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
> exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
> it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
> using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.
>

Uh, lay down on the ground and crawl under the spinning rotor blades?? I
don't think so. "Not" a good idea.

There's no reason whatsoever that you shouldn't be able to kill the engine
from the transmitter. If it's an older model, does it also have an older
engine? Engines sold not too long ago came with a mechanical idle stop. A
small screw that limited the low end of the throttle travel in the
carburator itself. If you've got one of these, it should have a small
spring on it that helps to hold it where ever it's set. This needs to be
backed off enough so that the throttle can close enough to stop the engine.
If your engine doesn't have this, then you need to get the linkage set so
that it closes the throttle completely. It's all in the setup.

Fly Safe,
Steve R.

[Max of Mad]

Steve R wrote:

> "Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
> news:3XD_e.1757$ST1.32@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>
>>Iceberg wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Hi,
>>> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now
>>>start
>>>the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles
>>>with
>>>the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate.
>>
>>What model of heli are you running?
>>
>>Is it a 30, 50, 60 or 90 size? Is it a gasser?
>>
>>
>>>In the engine booklet
>>>it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
>>>would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop
>>>the
>>>engine without chopping my arms off?
>>
>>Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
>>blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
>>exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
>>it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
>>using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.
>>
>
>
> Uh, lay down on the ground and crawl under the spinning rotor blades?? I
> don't think so. "Not" a good idea.
>
> There's no reason whatsoever that you shouldn't be able to kill the engine
> from the transmitter. If it's an older model, does it also have an older
> engine? Engines sold not too long ago came with a mechanical idle stop. A
> small screw that limited the low end of the throttle travel in the
> carburator itself. If you've got one of these, it should have a small
> spring on it that helps to hold it where ever it's set. This needs to be
> backed off enough so that the throttle can close enough to stop the engine.
> If your engine doesn't have this, then you need to get the linkage set so
> that it closes the throttle completely. It's all in the setup.
>
> Fly Safe,
> Steve R.
>
>


Steve,

I know it isn't safe. I'll state it for everybody.

Doing this IS NOT SAFE! You will be visiting a hospital very soon if
you do this incorrectly!

There.

But, if you can't get a heli engine to quit, you might try the method I
mentioned if you are semi-experienced, and/or not a dumbass.

I was positioning my response for someone who is not experienced and
wanting to know how to force a helicopter motor to stop running when his
other methods failed, and he asked for help.. I also offered advice to
prevent him from using my method in the future.


Max of Mad

[Martin X. Moleski, SJ]

On Wed, 28 Sep 2005 18:20:12 -0500, Max of Mad <blah@blah.blah> wrote in
<huF_e.4333$Qb6.962@bignews6.bellsouth.net>:

>>>Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
>>>blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
>>>exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
>>>it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
>>>using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.

>I know it isn't safe. I'll state it for everybody.

>Doing this IS NOT SAFE! You will be visiting a hospital very soon if
>you do this incorrectly!

>There.

>But, if you can't get a heli engine to quit, you might try the method I
>mentioned if you are semi-experienced, and/or not a dumbass.

When I first read what you wrote, I was SURE you were pulling
his leg.

Then I read the rest of your post and thought about the
height of rotor blades and their length.

I saw that your technique would work in many situations.

Better than waiting for the engine to idle through an entire
tank.

I'm filing the suggestion away in my bag of tricks. Hope
I don't ever need it, but it might come in handy.

Marty

[Steve R]

I hear ya Max. I meant no disrespect. It's just that most of us, even
those with more than a little experience with these things, tend to grossly
underestimate the amount of energy in the rotor blades, even when they're
turning no faster than what they'd be doing with an engine running "just"
fast enough to keep the clutch engaged.

I've accidentally put my shin into the tip of a rotor blade while leaning
over the rotor system to slow it down with my hand. The engine was at a
comfortable idle, the clutch was disengaged, and the rotor wasn't turning
very fast at all and it still left a respectable cut and knot on my leg. I
don't even what to know what it would do to me if it hit me in the head or,
God forbid, the face!

As an alternate suggestion, try using some kind of stick to pull the fuel
line off the carb. I used a broom handle to do this once. It was still
pretty awkward but it kept me out from under the rotor disk. Of course,
that's assuming you've got something like that available and the model's not
in a fuse.

Just a thought!

Fly Safe,
Steve R.
"Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
news:huF_e.4333$Qb6.962@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
> Steve R wrote:
>
>> "Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
>> news:3XD_e.1757$ST1.32@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>>
>>>Iceberg wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Hi,
>>>> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now
>>>> start
>>>>the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles
>>>>with
>>>>the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate.
>>>
>>>What model of heli are you running?
>>>
>>>Is it a 30, 50, 60 or 90 size? Is it a gasser?
>>>
>>>
>>>>In the engine booklet
>>>>it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
>>>>would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop
>>>>the
>>>>engine without chopping my arms off?
>>>
>>>Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
>>>blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
>>>exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
>>>it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
>>>using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.
>>>
>>
>>
>> Uh, lay down on the ground and crawl under the spinning rotor blades??
>> I don't think so. "Not" a good idea.
>>
>> There's no reason whatsoever that you shouldn't be able to kill the
>> engine from the transmitter. If it's an older model, does it also have
>> an older engine? Engines sold not too long ago came with a mechanical
>> idle stop. A small screw that limited the low end of the throttle travel
>> in the carburator itself. If you've got one of these, it should have a
>> small spring on it that helps to hold it where ever it's set. This needs
>> to be backed off enough so that the throttle can close enough to stop the
>> engine. If your engine doesn't have this, then you need to get the
>> linkage set so that it closes the throttle completely. It's all in the
>> setup.
>>
>> Fly Safe,
>> Steve R.
>
>
> Steve,
>
> I know it isn't safe. I'll state it for everybody.
>
> Doing this IS NOT SAFE! You will be visiting a hospital very soon if you
> do this incorrectly!
>
> There.
>
> But, if you can't get a heli engine to quit, you might try the method I
> mentioned if you are semi-experienced, and/or not a dumbass.
>
> I was positioning my response for someone who is not experienced and
> wanting to know how to force a helicopter motor to stop running when his
> other methods failed, and he asked for help.. I also offered advice to
> prevent him from using my method in the future.
>
>
> Max of Mad
>

[R A]

I once in the early stages of learning got caught out with the battery going
flat on the heli just at point of take off, that was scary as the wind was
blowing and trying the lift the heli and it was skidding across the ground,
I was helpless, there was no way I could of safely approached it to try and
stop it, luckily the nightmare as it seemed ended when the fuel ran out, yet
another big lesson learnt on preparation.

Rob
"Steve R" <srhodes13@houston.rr.nospam.com> wrote in message
news:91K_e.39279$w46.12285@tornado.texas.rr.com...
>I hear ya Max. I meant no disrespect. It's just that most of us, even
>those with more than a little experience with these things, tend to grossly
>underestimate the amount of energy in the rotor blades, even when they're
>turning no faster than what they'd be doing with an engine running "just"
>fast enough to keep the clutch engaged.
>
> I've accidentally put my shin into the tip of a rotor blade while leaning
> over the rotor system to slow it down with my hand. The engine was at a
> comfortable idle, the clutch was disengaged, and the rotor wasn't turning
> very fast at all and it still left a respectable cut and knot on my leg.
> I don't even what to know what it would do to me if it hit me in the head
> or, God forbid, the face!
>
> As an alternate suggestion, try using some kind of stick to pull the fuel
> line off the carb. I used a broom handle to do this once. It was still
> pretty awkward but it kept me out from under the rotor disk. Of course,
> that's assuming you've got something like that available and the model's
> not in a fuse.
>
> Just a thought!
>
> Fly Safe,
> Steve R.
> "Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
> news:huF_e.4333$Qb6.962@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
>> Steve R wrote:
>>
>>> "Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
>>> news:3XD_e.1757$ST1.32@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>>>
>>>>Iceberg wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Hi,
>>>>> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now
>>>>> start
>>>>>the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles
>>>>>with
>>>>>the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate.
>>>>
>>>>What model of heli are you running?
>>>>
>>>>Is it a 30, 50, 60 or 90 size? Is it a gasser?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>In the engine booklet
>>>>>it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but
>>>>>this
>>>>>would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop
>>>>>the
>>>>>engine without chopping my arms off?
>>>>
>>>>Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
>>>>blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
>>>>exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
>>>>it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
>>>>using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Uh, lay down on the ground and crawl under the spinning rotor blades??
>>> I don't think so. "Not" a good idea.
>>>
>>> There's no reason whatsoever that you shouldn't be able to kill the
>>> engine from the transmitter. If it's an older model, does it also have
>>> an older engine? Engines sold not too long ago came with a mechanical
>>> idle stop. A small screw that limited the low end of the throttle
>>> travel in the carburator itself. If you've got one of these, it should
>>> have a small spring on it that helps to hold it where ever it's set.
>>> This needs to be backed off enough so that the throttle can close enough
>>> to stop the engine. If your engine doesn't have this, then you need to
>>> get the linkage set so that it closes the throttle completely. It's all
>>> in the setup.
>>>
>>> Fly Safe,
>>> Steve R.
>>
>>
>> Steve,
>>
>> I know it isn't safe. I'll state it for everybody.
>>
>> Doing this IS NOT SAFE! You will be visiting a hospital very soon if you
>> do this incorrectly!
>>
>> There.
>>
>> But, if you can't get a heli engine to quit, you might try the method I
>> mentioned if you are semi-experienced, and/or not a dumbass.
>>
>> I was positioning my response for someone who is not experienced and
>> wanting to know how to force a helicopter motor to stop running when his
>> other methods failed, and he asked for help.. I also offered advice to
>> prevent him from using my method in the future.
>>
>>
>> Max of Mad
>>
>
>

[Dave :^\)]

Not to be a killjoy, but being a heli-ite on and off......
I do worry about the rest of the heli's setup as the throttle must be about
the simplest bit to get right.
PLEASE get someone who knows about helis to have a look at it - these bloody
things can do you or anyone else a whole lot of damage. I've seen fliers
with loads of plane experience come to grief with helis because the setup
and mechanical integrity is FAR more critical.
Dave :^)

"Martin X. Moleski, SJ" <moleski@canisius.edu> wrote in message
news:idbmj19qkmjt9fnk7ke01r2kltosmfuc0k@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 28 Sep 2005 18:20:12 -0500, Max of Mad <blah@blah.blah> wrote in
> <huF_e.4333$Qb6.962@bignews6.bellsouth.net>:
>
>>>>Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
>>>>blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
>>>>exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
>>>>it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
>>>>using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.
>
>>I know it isn't safe. I'll state it for everybody.
>
>>Doing this IS NOT SAFE! You will be visiting a hospital very soon if
>>you do this incorrectly!
>
>>There.
>
>>But, if you can't get a heli engine to quit, you might try the method I
>>mentioned if you are semi-experienced, and/or not a dumbass.
>
> When I first read what you wrote, I was SURE you were pulling
> his leg.
>
> Then I read the rest of your post and thought about the
> height of rotor blades and their length.
>
> I saw that your technique would work in many situations.
>
> Better than waiting for the engine to idle through an entire
> tank.
>
> I'm filing the suggestion away in my bag of tricks. Hope
> I don't ever need it, but it might come in handy.
>
> Marty
>

[Max of Mad]

Dave :^) wrote:
>
> Not to be a killjoy, but being a heli-ite on and off......
> I do worry about the rest of the heli's setup as the throttle must be about
> the simplest bit to get right.
> PLEASE get someone who knows about helis to have a look at it - these bloody
> things can do you or anyone else a whole lot of damage. I've seen fliers
> with loads of plane experience come to grief with helis because the setup
> and mechanical integrity is FAR more critical.
> Dave :^)

I worry, too. But, I figure the best way is to be helpful first, and
remindful if they listen. Telling people they are stupid will get
no-one exactly no-where these days..

Especially with model helicopters. Last year, I was test-running my 30
size hawk in the driveway when the neighbor's 13 year and 14 year old
daughters came running over and stood less than 10 feet from my heli
while I was hovering it 3 feet off the ground.. I landed and shut it
off as fast as possible.. They thought it was cool, and they wanted me
to let them try flying it. My, "HELL NO!" sent them scampering back home.

I still have nightmares. And I don't test run in the driveway anymore.

Model helis are dangerous. Even leccys are dangerous. A 30 size leccy
will be just as cruel as a 30 size glo.

How to get that across to a total n00b requires the knowledge of a teacher.


Max of Mad

[Max of Mad]

Steve R wrote:

> I hear ya Max. I meant no disrespect. It's just that most of us, even
> those with more than a little experience with these things, tend to grossly
> underestimate the amount of energy in the rotor blades, even when they're
> turning no faster than what they'd be doing with an engine running "just"
> fast enough to keep the clutch engaged.

I know you meant no disrespect. None taken.

You are exactly right there. From re-reading my earlier responses, I
see that it applies to me as well. Sadly true.

> I've accidentally put my shin into the tip of a rotor blade while leaning
> over the rotor system to slow it down with my hand. The engine was at a
> comfortable idle, the clutch was disengaged, and the rotor wasn't turning
> very fast at all and it still left a respectable cut and knot on my leg. I
> don't even what to know what it would do to me if it hit me in the head or,
> God forbid, the face!

The last shin knot I had came from my heli. :) It hurt like hell, too.
I had shut down and was reaching to grab the hub to stop the blades,
and my shin helped me to do that.

Soon after, I found myself thinking the same thing that you just explained.

>
> As an alternate suggestion, try using some kind of stick to pull the fuel
> line off the carb. I used a broom handle to do this once. It was still
> pretty awkward but it kept me out from under the rotor disk. Of course,
> that's assuming you've got something like that available and the model's not
> in a fuse.

A most excellent alternate suggestion. I may just use it next time. I
can reach the fuel line on my heli as easily as the muffler. Depending
on how full the tank is.. I may have to hold the line to keep fuel from
siphoning all over the ground.. I'll figure something out, though.

>
> Just a thought!
>
> Fly Safe,
> Steve R.


Max of Mad






> "Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
> news:huF_e.4333$Qb6.962@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
>
>>Steve R wrote:
>>
>>
>>>"Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
>>>news:3XD_e.1757$ST1.32@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>>>
>>>
>>>>Iceberg wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now
>>>>>start
>>>>>the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles
>>>>>with
>>>>>the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate.
>>>>
>>>>What model of heli are you running?
>>>>
>>>>Is it a 30, 50, 60 or 90 size? Is it a gasser?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>In the engine booklet
>>>>>it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
>>>>>would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop
>>>>>the
>>>>>engine without chopping my arms off?
>>>>
>>>>Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
>>>>blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
>>>>exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
>>>>it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
>>>>using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>Uh, lay down on the ground and crawl under the spinning rotor blades??
>>>I don't think so. "Not" a good idea.
>>>
>>>There's no reason whatsoever that you shouldn't be able to kill the
>>>engine from the transmitter. If it's an older model, does it also have
>>>an older engine? Engines sold not too long ago came with a mechanical
>>>idle stop. A small screw that limited the low end of the throttle travel
>>>in the carburator itself. If you've got one of these, it should have a
>>>small spring on it that helps to hold it where ever it's set. This needs
>>>to be backed off enough so that the throttle can close enough to stop the
>>>engine. If your engine doesn't have this, then you need to get the
>>>linkage set so that it closes the throttle completely. It's all in the
>>>setup.
>>>
>>>Fly Safe,
>>>Steve R.
>>
>>
>>Steve,
>>
>>I know it isn't safe. I'll state it for everybody.
>>
>>Doing this IS NOT SAFE! You will be visiting a hospital very soon if you
>>do this incorrectly!
>>
>>There.
>>
>>But, if you can't get a heli engine to quit, you might try the method I
>>mentioned if you are semi-experienced, and/or not a dumbass.
>>
>>I was positioning my response for someone who is not experienced and
>>wanting to know how to force a helicopter motor to stop running when his
>>other methods failed, and he asked for help.. I also offered advice to
>>prevent him from using my method in the future.
>>
>>
>>Max of Mad
>>
>
>
>

[Max of Mad]

R A wrote:

> I once in the early stages of learning got caught out with the battery going
> flat on the heli just at point of take off, that was scary as the wind was
> blowing and trying the lift the heli and it was skidding across the ground,
> I was helpless, there was no way I could of safely approached it to try and
> stop it, luckily the nightmare as it seemed ended when the fuel ran out, yet
> another big lesson learnt on preparation.
>
> Rob
> "Steve R" <srhodes13@houston.rr.nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:91K_e.39279$w46.12285@tornado.texas.rr.com...
>


That's definately a nightmare situation. I thought about that when I
was first getting into helis, and so I bought a battery cycler. I threw
a 1400mah batt in for the receiver. I even upped my transmitter battery
to 1800mah.

I learned this the hard way with a model airplane..

I recommend that anyone getting into helis do something similar. Get a
battery cycler (or borrow one) and check your batt capacity every other
month.


Max of Mad











>>I hear ya Max. I meant no disrespect. It's just that most of us, even
>>those with more than a little experience with these things, tend to grossly
>>underestimate the amount of energy in the rotor blades, even when they're
>>turning no faster than what they'd be doing with an engine running "just"
>>fast enough to keep the clutch engaged.
>>
>>I've accidentally put my shin into the tip of a rotor blade while leaning
>>over the rotor system to slow it down with my hand. The engine was at a
>>comfortable idle, the clutch was disengaged, and the rotor wasn't turning
>>very fast at all and it still left a respectable cut and knot on my leg.
>>I don't even what to know what it would do to me if it hit me in the head
>>or, God forbid, the face!
>>
>>As an alternate suggestion, try using some kind of stick to pull the fuel
>>line off the carb. I used a broom handle to do this once. It was still
>>pretty awkward but it kept me out from under the rotor disk. Of course,
>>that's assuming you've got something like that available and the model's
>>not in a fuse.
>>
>>Just a thought!
>>
>>Fly Safe,
>>Steve R.
>>"Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
>>news:huF_e.4333$Qb6.962@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
>>
>>>Steve R wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>"Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
>>>>news:3XD_e.1757$ST1.32@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Iceberg wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>>I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now
>>>>>>start
>>>>>>the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles
>>>>>>with
>>>>>>the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate.
>>>>>
>>>>>What model of heli are you running?
>>>>>
>>>>>Is it a 30, 50, 60 or 90 size? Is it a gasser?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>In the engine booklet
>>>>>>it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but
>>>>>>this
>>>>>>would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop
>>>>>>the
>>>>>>engine without chopping my arms off?
>>>>>
>>>>>Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands below the
>>>>>blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler, and block the
>>>>>exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a rag handy and wrap
>>>>>it around your finger and use it to block the muffler. Assuming you are
>>>>>using a glow engine.. The engine should quit immediately.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Uh, lay down on the ground and crawl under the spinning rotor blades??
>>>>I don't think so. "Not" a good idea.
>>>>
>>>>There's no reason whatsoever that you shouldn't be able to kill the
>>>>engine from the transmitter. If it's an older model, does it also have
>>>>an older engine? Engines sold not too long ago came with a mechanical
>>>>idle stop. A small screw that limited the low end of the throttle
>>>>travel in the carburator itself. If you've got one of these, it should
>>>>have a small spring on it that helps to hold it where ever it's set.
>>>>This needs to be backed off enough so that the throttle can close enough
>>>>to stop the engine. If your engine doesn't have this, then you need to
>>>>get the linkage set so that it closes the throttle completely. It's all
>>>>in the setup.
>>>>
>>>>Fly Safe,
>>>>Steve R.
>>>
>>>
>>>Steve,
>>>
>>>I know it isn't safe. I'll state it for everybody.
>>>
>>>Doing this IS NOT SAFE! You will be visiting a hospital very soon if you
>>>do this incorrectly!
>>>
>>>There.
>>>
>>>But, if you can't get a heli engine to quit, you might try the method I
>>>mentioned if you are semi-experienced, and/or not a dumbass.
>>>
>>>I was positioning my response for someone who is not experienced and
>>>wanting to know how to force a helicopter motor to stop running when his
>>>other methods failed, and he asked for help.. I also offered advice to
>>>prevent him from using my method in the future.
>>>
>>>
>>>Max of Mad
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

[John Lorbiecki]

Max of Mad wrote:
> Steve R wrote:
>
>> I hear ya Max. I meant no disrespect. It's just that most of us,
>> even those with more than a little experience with these things, tend
>> to grossly underestimate the amount of energy in the rotor blades,
>> even when they're turning no faster than what they'd be doing with an
>> engine running "just" fast enough to keep the clutch engaged.
>
>
> I know you meant no disrespect. None taken.
>
> You are exactly right there. From re-reading my earlier responses, I
> see that it applies to me as well. Sadly true.
>
>> I've accidentally put my shin into the tip of a rotor blade while
>> leaning over the rotor system to slow it down with my hand. The
>> engine was at a comfortable idle, the clutch was disengaged, and the
>> rotor wasn't turning very fast at all and it still left a respectable
>> cut and knot on my leg. I don't even what to know what it would do to
>> me if it hit me in the head or, God forbid, the face!
>
>
> The last shin knot I had came from my heli. :) It hurt like hell, too.
> I had shut down and was reaching to grab the hub to stop the blades,
> and my shin helped me to do that.
>
> Soon after, I found myself thinking the same thing that you just explained.
>
>>
>> As an alternate suggestion, try using some kind of stick to pull the
>> fuel line off the carb. I used a broom handle to do this once. It
>> was still pretty awkward but it kept me out from under the rotor
>> disk. Of course, that's assuming you've got something like that
>> available and the model's not in a fuse.
>
>
> A most excellent alternate suggestion. I may just use it next time. I
> can reach the fuel line on my heli as easily as the muffler. Depending
> on how full the tank is.. I may have to hold the line to keep fuel from
> siphoning all over the ground.. I'll figure something out, though.
>
>>
>> Just a thought!
>>
>> Fly Safe,
>> Steve R.
>
>
>
> Max of Mad
>
>
>
>
>
>
>> "Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
>> news:huF_e.4333$Qb6.962@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
>>
>>> Steve R wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> "Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
>>>> news:3XD_e.1757$ST1.32@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Iceberg wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can
>>>>>> now start
>>>>>> the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it
>>>>>> idles with
>>>>>> the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> What model of heli are you running?
>>>>>
>>>>> Is it a 30, 50, 60 or 90 size? Is it a gasser?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> In the engine booklet
>>>>>> it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine,
>>>>>> but this
>>>>>> would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I
>>>>>> stop the
>>>>>> engine without chopping my arms off?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Lay down on the ground on the muffler side and keep your hands
>>>>> below the blades, please. Wriggle yourself over near the muffler,
>>>>> and block the exhaust with your finger. If it gets too hot, have a
>>>>> rag handy and wrap it around your finger and use it to block the
>>>>> muffler. Assuming you are using a glow engine.. The engine should
>>>>> quit immediately.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Uh, lay down on the ground and crawl under the spinning rotor
>>>> blades?? I don't think so. "Not" a good idea.
>>>>
>>>> There's no reason whatsoever that you shouldn't be able to kill the
>>>> engine from the transmitter. If it's an older model, does it also
>>>> have an older engine? Engines sold not too long ago came with a
>>>> mechanical idle stop. A small screw that limited the low end of the
>>>> throttle travel in the carburator itself. If you've got one of
>>>> these, it should have a small spring on it that helps to hold it
>>>> where ever it's set. This needs to be backed off enough so that the
>>>> throttle can close enough to stop the engine. If your engine doesn't
>>>> have this, then you need to get the linkage set so that it closes
>>>> the throttle completely. It's all in the setup.
>>>>
>>>> Fly Safe,
>>>> Steve R.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Steve,
>>>
>>> I know it isn't safe. I'll state it for everybody.
>>>
>>> Doing this IS NOT SAFE! You will be visiting a hospital very soon if
>>> you do this incorrectly!
>>>
>>> There.
>>>
>>> But, if you can't get a heli engine to quit, you might try the method
>>> I mentioned if you are semi-experienced, and/or not a dumbass.
>>>
>>> I was positioning my response for someone who is not experienced and
>>> wanting to know how to force a helicopter motor to stop running when
>>> his other methods failed, and he asked for help.. I also offered
>>> advice to prevent him from using my method in the future.
>>>
>>>
>>> Max of Mad
>>>
>>
>>
>>
I'm surprised that no one has suggested tossing a coat, jacket or
blanket over the machine. Might cause some minor damage but at
least no one will bleed.

John L.

[Steve R]

Hi John,

I've seen that done. It was not pretty and it cause more than what I'd call
"minor" damage. I'd be more inclined to simply sit there until it run out
of fuel. It's still an option but I'd consider it only if I was concerned
about the flight battery running low or something. This would strictly be a
last resort in my book.

Fly Safe,
Steve R.


"John Lorbiecki" <lorbieckijr@milwpc.com> wrote in message
news:433df78b$0$3766$39cecf19@news.twtelecom.net.. .
> I'm surprised that no one has suggested tossing a coat, jacket or
> blanket over the machine. Might cause some minor damage but at
> least no one will bleed.
>
> John L.

[Chuck Jones]

"Max of Mad" <blah@blah.blah> wrote in message
news:Zel%e.156$MM3.127@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
>
> How to get that across to a total n00b requires the knowledge of a
> teacher.

Until one considers the old adage of: "Those who can't do! Teach!"

But maybe you're not dealing with the US education system.

[St. John Smythe]

Chuck Jones wrote:

> Until one considers the old adage of: "Those who can't do! Teach!"

But that completely overlooks the adage, "Those who can't teach, piss
and moan about those who can."

[Mike Young]

"Iceberg" <big_bad_iceberg@oohay.moc> wrote in message
news:7%l_e.5269$VI6.776@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk. ..
> Hi,
> I've built an old RC helicopter and after a few problems, I can now start
> the engine, but if I close the throttle on the radio control it idles with
> the blades are still spinning at a fairly quick rate. In the engine
> booklet
> it says you are meant to hold the fuel line to stop the engine, but this
> would be very difficult as far as I can see. So, how exactly do I stop the
> engine without chopping my arms off? is the engine supposed to cut out
> when
> the throttle is fully closed or what?

The clutch is designed to disengage well above any reasonable idle. The
rotors will spin down on their own with the clutch disengaged, or as
suggested by others, you can palm the center disc to avoid the prolonged
wait. Commonsense should tell you not to try this unless it's already
spinning down, but maybe it's worthwhile to mention. You can kill the engine
any way you like once you have the rotors stopped; they can't hurt you
unless they're spinning. Whichever way you do it, keep a firm grasp on the
rotor head.

There's a lot of reading available online and in books. Ray's Helicopter
book is still, I think, the canonical work. There's a lot that's new and
different from what you might already know about flying.

[Dennis]

I have a fuel line shutoff glued to the side of my heli,the kind that you
squeeze together and it locks in place over the tubing. If I cannot shut my
heli off for any unforseen reason at all it would only be a matter of
prodding the shutoff clip with anything long enough to pass safely under the
rotors.
Dennis

[Adrian Smith]

> I'm surprised that no one has suggested tossing a coat, jacket or
> blanket over the machine. Might cause some minor damage but at
> least no one will bleed.
>
> John L.

Tossing anything onto the blades when they are spinning at full tilt would
be extremely foolish..

IMO in almost all situations an out of control heli should be left to either
run out of fuel or fall over and self distruct.

--
Adrian Smith
www.YourStadium.com
Superb aerial pictures of UK football stadiums.