Lite Machines 110 Operator's Manual

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Operator's Guide

cknowledgments

PATENT

NOTICE

We thank all of those people who helped make Lite Machines Corporation and the

Model 110™ helicopter possible, including our good friend Paul Klusman. The Model

110 Construction Manual and Operator's Guide were developed and computer

illustrated by Paul Klusman: engineer, test pilot and helicopter guru. We especially

thank Mom and Dad - without their help and constant encouragement we could not

have done this.

Lite Machines Corporation

Purdue Research Park

1291 Cumberland Avenue

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Tel: (765) 463-0959

Fax: (765) 463-7004

USA

Most aspects of the Lite Machines Model 110 helicopter including, but not limited to,

the main rotor, main rotor blades, tail rotor, tail rotor blades, Arlton Subrotor™

stabilizer, Arlton Gyro™ stabilizer, swashplate, fuselage structure and configuration,

radio installation configuration, landing gear, and drive train are either patented (U.S.

5305968, 5597138, 5609312, 5628620, 5749540, 5836545, 5879131, 5906476;

Australia 681287, 686883; Europe 95918276.7-2312, 95932305.6-2312,

96928019.7; France 0605656; Germany 69221307.4; U.K. 0605656), patent

pending or patent applied-for in the United States and in other counties. For

information concerning patents and licensing, please contact Lite Machines

Corporation.

Revision VP8.2 0699

Acknowledgments

David and Paul Arlton

LITE MACHINES

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Summary of Contents for Lite Machines 110

Page 1 Tel: (765) 463-0959 Fax: (765) 463-7004 PATENT Most aspects of the Lite Machines Model 110 helicopter including, but not limited to, NOTICE the main rotor, main rotor blades, tail rotor, tail rotor blades, Arlton Subrotor™ stabilizer, Arlton Gyro™ stabilizer, swashplate, fuselage structure and configuration, radio installation configuration, landing gear, and drive train are either patented (U.S.
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Engine Starting Summary..3-3 Preferred Engine Starting Procedure ..3-4 Alternate Starting Method ..3-7 Adjusting Fuel Mixture and Compression . . 3-9 LITE MACHINES...
Page 3 Anti-Torque Systems ....5-8 Gyro Stabilizers ....5-8 Specifications, Model 110 Specifications, Model 110 General .
Page 4: Model Helicopter Safety
Model Helicopter Safety odel Helicopter Safety This section contains important safety information regarding proper handling of model-engine fuel and operation of the Lite Machines Model 110 helicopter. Fuel Safety 1. Use ONLY commercial fuel developed for model engine use. NEVER USE GASOLINE, DIESEL, OR ANY OTHER FUEL! These fuels will ruin model engines, and can explode and burn causing injury to YOU and OTHERS.
Page 5: Flight Safety
4. NEVER, EVER FLY NEAR OR OVER PEOPLE. Always keep your model at a safe distance from yourself and spectators. 5. Use only those model engines designed specifically for the Model 110 helicopter. Use of more powerful engines (such as racing engines) is potentially dangerous and will void all warranties.
Page 6: General Safety
7. Keep your model, radio and field equipment clean and in good repair. While cleaning and maintaining your model you can often find and fix potential problems before they occur (such as loose or damaged parts). LITE MACHINES...
Page 7: Learning To Fly
Moving the left stick to the left and right changes the pitch of the tail rotor blades causing the Model 110 to rotate to the left or right (like steering a car). Note that the left stick rotates the NOSE to the left and right. Always concentrate on the NOSE when using the left stick to turn.
Page 8 Operator's Guide Learning to Fly Note: Fully extend transmitter antenna before flying! Left cyclic Right cyclic (left roll) (right roll) Right cyclic Left cyclic Forward cyclic (nose down) Forward cyclic Aft cyclic (nose up) Aft cyclic Figure 2-1. LITE MACHINES...
Page 9 Right tail - rotor transmitter antenna (nose moves right) before flying! Left tail - rotor (nose moves left) Right tail - rotor Left tail - rotor High throttle High throttle (up) Low throttle (down) Low throttle Figure 2-2. LITE MACHINES...
Page 10: Training Gear
Glue Ping-Pong balls to the ends of the dowels with thick CA to prevent the dowels from abruptly catching the ground. Attach with rubber-bands Ping-Pong balls 1/4” x 24” wood dowels Figure 2-3. LITE MACHINES...
Page 11: Blade Tracking
Learning to Fly Note: If the dowels are too long or too heavy the Model 110 will appear unstable in flight. This is caused by the heavy dowels swinging under the fuselage on the thin wire landing gear. Reduce the size or length of the dowels if this happens.
Page 12: Dynamic Balancing
Operator’s Guide. Once the engine is running properly, open the throttle until your Model 110 helicopter is just about to lift off (or to about half throttle if your Model 110 is weighed down). Look at the tips of the rotating rotor blades (but never place your eyes or face in-line with the blades).
Page 13: Stability, Control Power And Climb Performance
This is called the “Cadillac” effect (a Cadillac being a big, luxury car). As a small, light helicopter, the Model 110 responds to air disturbances more quickly than larger helicopters, and so bounces around more in the wind.
Page 14: Adjusting Main Rotor Blade Pitch
(such as four-grips and six-grips). Odd-numbered grips are not available. The Model 110 generally climbs best with a six-grip on each blade. Six grips increase natural blade pitch by six degrees, and are identified by six raised dots on the top of the grips.
Page 15 Learn to fly on days with little or no wind. If there is a slight breeze, point the nose into the wind as shown in Fig. 2-5. The Model 110 will “weather vane”, actually making it easier to fly. Keep the nose pointed away from you at all times. When the nose is pointing toward you, three of the four controls (fore/aft cyclic, left/right cyclic and tail rotor) are reversed.
Page 16: Learning The Left Stick
Are the transmitter control sticks comfortable for your fingers? Stick length and centering tension are adjustable on most transmitters. Place your Model 110 on the ground with the nose pointing into the wind, and the engine adjusted and idling. Stand about 15 ft (5m) behind the model, and slightly to the left or right (review Fig.
Page 17: Adjusting The Arlton Gyroô Stabilizer
Tail Swing and Revo Mix The tail rotor of the Model 110 is connected by gears directly to the main rotor. As a result, the main rotor and tail rotor change speed at the same rate. This means that changes in engine torque are roughly compensated for by changes in the thrust of the tail rotor.
Page 18: Learning The Right Stick
If no one is available to help with the right stick while you concentrate on the left stick, then allow your Model 110 to wander a few feet during each hop. If it drifts or tilts in a particular direction on every hop, adjust the appropriate trim levers next to the right stick in the opposite direction.
Page 19 Operator's Guide Learning to Fly Figure 2-6. LITE MACHINES 2-13...
Page 20 Operator's Guide Learning to Fly Figure 2-7. 2-14 LITE MACHINES...
Page 21: Translational Lift
To increase rotor speed, refer to the Stability, Control Power and Climb Performance section of this Operator’s Guide. LITE MACHINES 2-15...
Page 22: Circles
(turn away from yourself to avoid flying nose-in). Circle in one direction at an altitude of 10 to 20 feet (3m to 6m), then turn away and fly the reverse circle. 2-16 LITE MACHINES...
Page 23: Figure 8'S
As the model returns to the initial circle you will be flying nose-in for a few seconds. This is long enough to experience nose-in flight, but short enough to avoid becoming disoriented. Practice both left-hand and right-hand figure 8’s, and eventually stand outside the figure. LITE MACHINES 2-17...
Page 24: Descending From Altitude
When you suddenly drop the throttle after landing, the Model 110 will tend to rotate to the left. By suddenly lowering the throttle you have removed the engine torque driving the main rotor, but the main rotor and tail rotor are still turning at high speed.
Page 25: Engine Operation
The Lite Machines Model 110 helicopter is powered by the Norvel Vmax-6 helicopter engine. The Vmax-6 is a high-performance glow-fuel engine developed specifically for the Model 110 from the Norvel AME series of award winning racing engines. The rugged Vmax-6 crankshaft is supported by a durable bronze bushing to withstand the side-loads generated by the gear driven rotor system of the Model 110.
Page 26: Breaking-In A New Engine
You may break-in your new Vmax-6 on an engine test stand or in your Model 110. Always use a Lite Machines heat sink on the Vmax-6 in your Model 110 helicopter. If you use an airplane style glow head without the heat sink, your engine will immediately overheat and seize.
Page 27: General Operating Considerations
6. Hold finger over carburetor intake for one second to prime engine (keep turning engine with electric starter). 7. Remove electric starter from engine to see if engine is running. 8. Repeat step 6 and 7 as required. LITE MACHINES...
Page 28: Preferred Engine Starting Procedure
This section is a detailed, step-by-step procedure for starting the Norvel Vmax-6 in your Model 110 helicopter. Since you will probably want to try flying your Model 110 once the engine is running, you should read the Learning to Fly section of this Operator’s Manual to understand the various flight controls.
Page 29 Lite Machines SpiraLite Speed and Norvel Freedom XL glow plugs require 1.2 volts. The best way to power a Lite Machines or Norvel glow plug is with a DuBro Kwik-Start clip. Never wire the glow plug directly to 12 volts (like your car battery) because the plug will burn out.
Page 30 12. Move the transmitter throttle stick (left stick) to about 1/3 throttle, and the throttle trim lever to full. Hold the rotor head with one hand, and tilt your Model 110 on its side WITH THE RIGHT SKID ON THE GROUND as shown in Fig. 3-1 and Fig.
Page 31: Alternate Starting Method
Be careful, if the throttle is set too high the clutch will engage and try to rotate the whole fuselage (and tail rotor) toward you. 18. Remove the glow plug clip, and place your Model 110 on its skids on the ground so that the main rotor can rotate freely.
Page 32 Starter Figure 3-3. Hold the Model 110 by the canopy and front landing gear struts as shown WITH THE MAIN ROTOR ABOVE AND TILTED AWAY FROM YOU. Once the engine is running, lower the throttle and place the Model 110 on the ground.
Page 33: Adjusting Fuel Mixture And Compression
Model 110 to the ground. With the Model 110 safely grounded, you can adjust the needle valve at full power. Slowly open the throttle.
Page 34: Inspecting Spiralite Speed Glow Plugs
CAREFULLY separate the loops of the coil from each other, and lift the coil slightly away from the glass insulation with the tip of a hobby knife as shown in Fig. 3-4. Test the glow plug again before installing it in your Model 110. Glow Plug Hobby knife Figure 3-4.
Page 35: Fuel Contamination
Many varieties of rubber will dissolve in glow fuel and quickly foul a glow plug coil. Avoid using rubber fuel bulbs, syringes with rubber plungers, and neoprene fuel tubing when transferring fuel into your Model 110. Use only silicone fuel tubing and plastic (polyethylene) containers to store or transfer fuel.
Page 36: Electric Starter Effect On Glow Plug
Turn off the starter and the plug will again glow orange. Also try operating the starter in one second pulses. Notice that the glow plug remains hot longer if the starter is pulsed. 3-12 LITE MACHINES...
Page 37: Engine Trouble-Shooting
Engine Operation Engine Trouble-Shooting This section identifies a variety of problems that you may encounter when starting and operating the Norvel Vmax-6 engine in your Model 110 helicopter. Possible causes and suggested actions are also provided. Engine will not pop: Glow plug bad Remove glow plug and test.
Page 38 Needle valve not adjusted Close needle valve completely then open 2 to correctly 2-1/2 turns. Carburetor clogged Remove needle valve and fuel line. Back-flush needle valve body with fuel. Reassemble needle valve and fuel line. 3-14 LITE MACHINES...
Page 39 Crankcase back plate not Remove engine and back plate, apply thread tight lock (temporary type) sparingly to back plate threads and reassemble. Not enough nitromethane Use fuel with more nitromethane (15% - 25% in fuel nitro recommended). LITE MACHINES 3-15...
Page 40 Repeat procedure until shaft is straight. Reassemble main rotor. Engine sound oscillates at all throttle settings: Clutch shaft loose, clutch Tighten clutch shaft in end of engine crankshaft. shoes slipping against prop plate 3-16 LITE MACHINES...
Page 41 Check needle valve, crankcase back plate and carburetor for leaks. Hole in fuel tubing Replace fuel tubing. Engine running very fast, but Model 110 will not fly: Rotor blade pitch too low Change blade grips to increase main rotor blade pitch.
Page 42 Remove needle valve and fuel line. Back-flush needle valve body with fuel. Reassemble needle valve and fuel line. Bad fuel fouling glow plug Buy new brand of fuel, change glow plug. Nothing will work, situation is hopeless: Gremlins in system Call Lite Machines 3-18 LITE MACHINES...
Page 43: General Maintenance
Lite Machines Model 110 helicopter. General Maintenance Periodically check all parts of your Model 110 for breakage, fatigue cracks, loose screws and normal wear before flying each day and when cleaning up at home. After the first few flights check all nuts and bolts, especially those holding the engine to the crutch.
Page 44: Radio Maintenance
Check ball bearings (every 100 flights, add oil if they move smoothly, replace bear- ings that feel “gritty” or drag when rotated) • Check main rotor hub, and replace if hub bolt hole is enlarged or cracked (every 100 flights) LITE MACHINES...
Page 45: Tail Rotor And Arlton Gyro Maintenance
Never try to repair flexible plastic parts such as any of the parts on the main rotor of your Model 110 helicopter! No type of glue (including CA glue) will stick to the plastic, and THE REPAIRED PART WILL FAIL IN OPERATION AND POSE A SERIOUS...
Page 46: Making Repairs With Ca And Baking Soda
Note that baking soda repairs are easy to shape with a hobby knife or sand paper, but are not as strong as Fast Glass. For high strength repairs, such as on the Model 110 plywood keel, use Fast Glass. For moderate strength repairs and to fill gaps, use baking soda.
Page 47: Fixing A Bent Tail Boom
Small dents will not affect the flight qualities of your Model 110. If a boom strike actually bends the boom, it can usually be straightened by hand several times before being replaced.
Page 48: Introduction
This section provides a brief technical explanation of certain aspects of helicopter flight control systems, and is included in this Operator’s Guide for your interest only. It is not necessary to read this section in order to build or fly your Lite Machines Model 110 helicopter.
Page 49: Background And History
Both main and tail rotors are driven by an engine usually located within the helicopter fuselage (body) near the main rotor shaft. A streamlined fuselage shell LITE MACHINES...
Page 50: Main Rotor Control
The aerodynamic lifting force produced by a rotor blade is related to blade pitch. Increased (positive) pitch corresponds to increased lift. Pitch axis Leading edge Pitch angle Rotor blade Rotor shaft Rotation direction Figure 5-1. LITE MACHINES...
Page 51 Since the gyroscope is rotating, it starts to tilt where the forces are applied, but the rotational motion effectively carries the tilting motion along with it. The maximum tilt actually occurs 90 degrees later in the direction of rotation. LITE MACHINES...
Page 52 On the Model 110 for instance, to tilt the rotor disk backward, the main rotor blades are pitched to a high angle of attack as they pass around the right side of the fuselage and to a low angle of attack around the left side of the fuselage.
Page 53: Main Rotor Stability
The change in pitch, and associated lift force, of the rotating rotor blades causes the helicopter to gain or loose altitude. Some small model helicopters (such as the Model 110) rely on variable engine speed instead of collective blade pitch for altitude control since main rotor thrust is proportional to engine speed as well as blade pitch.
Page 54: Retreating-Blade Stall
In order to keep the Model 110 moving forward at high speed, the pilot has to maintain forward pressure on the transmitter fore-aft cyclic control stick to reduce asymmetric lift and tilt the rotor disk forward.
Page 55: Anti-Torque Systems
(and consequently to the pilot’s legs in full-size helicopters, or to the servos in model helicopters). The unique swept tail rotor blades on the Model 110 balance the aerodynamic twisting forces of high lift cambered airfoils with other forces.
Page 56 These systems are too large and too heavy to work with the Model 110, and since they constantly adjust the tail rotor during flight they tend to accelerate wear on the tail rotor servo.
Page 57 The pins are connected to a gyro mount which is secured to the end of the tail rotor pushrod on the Model 110. The pushrod extends through the hollow tail rotor shaft (see Fig. 5-5). When the body of the helicopter turns, the pivot pins turn with the body and apply forces to the gyro spindle to tilt the paddles about a vertical axis in the direction of the turn.
Page 58 In this way the gyro can be set to coordinate turns by modifying the thrust of the tail rotor when the helicopter rolls. This is something like adding rudder when turning an airplane with ailerons. LITE MACHINES 5-11...
Page 59 (non-tilting) motion of the gyro has no effect on the gyro whatsoever. This means that the gyro will not tilt, and will not change the pitch of the tail rotor blades when the pilot moves the tail rotor controls. The gyro will operate only when the body of the helicopter turns. 5-12 LITE MACHINES...
Page 60 The Arlton Gyro stabilizer on the Model 110 is only one member of a family of simple mechanical gyros. Over 20 variations have been developed to suit various helicopter configurations.
Page 61: General
Operator's Guide Specifications, Model 110 pecifications, Model 110 241 mm (9.5”) 610 mm (24.0”) 191 mm (7.5”) 241 mm (9.5”) 140 mm (5.5”) 43 mm (1.7”) 71 mm (2.8”) 671 mm (26.4”) 163 mm (6.4”) Figure 6-1. General • Weight, no fuel: Approximately 28 oz (795 gm) •...
Page 62: Tail Rotor
2.3 oz (67 cc) • Nominal fuel capacity: 2.0 oz (57 cc) Note: The foregoing specifications are provided for interest only, and are not meant to be a basis for considering the Lite Machines Model 110 helicopter for any particular application. LITE MACHINES...

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