Bought a sweet used N5 and have a slight tail wag...questions...

[CRFan1]

So I am now an official member of the Synergy family...I purchased a really nice N5 belt drive and I have to say, this thing flies SWEET!  I am a noob pilot and I can tell how much nicer this thing is and it inspires confidence.  I was really nervous on the first flight but that is pretty much unfounded!

In any case, this bird has an OS 55HZR, Align servos all around and an Ikon FBL and we set it up in my DX-8.  the thing flies awesome but I have a small tail wag.  I have the gyro gain in the radio down to 48% and the tail is still locked in but I started at like 75% and it hasn't seemed to get much better at the lower gain.  It is a little better I guess.  Should I keep lowering the gain?  The tail seems to be locked in still.  Is there something in the Ikon software I should look at or change?  Just learning the set up on this thing......

[Chris Sexton]

Quick question, when you say 48%, are you reading that value from the TX or in the IKON software?  The default tail gain recommendation is 45% when read in the iKON setup software. Where that reads in the TX varies depending radio and servo setup.

My N5c has a tail gain value of 42 when read in the iKON setup software. on my Futaba 18mz that equals a TX reading of 48%

[smith512]

I cant comment on the Ikon unit, but realize that a "poorly" (and I use that term loosely) tuned nitro motor can induce vibrations that will manifest themselves into a small tail wag.  Usually a motor that is too rich will cause this.  #1 - make sure the motor is well tuned (both mid and high needles are equally important), #2 - maybe a looking at different mounting tape for the Ikon can help solve the problem.  I am a big fan of the clear 3M tape found at most hardware stores or Walmart.  #3 - make ABSOLUTELY certain the tail control linkage/slider/pitch arms are butter smooth and slop free.  #4 - make certain the tail grip thrust bearings are smooth and not binding.  I personally would not mess with any settings in the Ikon (from what I know it is a pretty dang good FBL unit that doesnt need a whole lot of messing with) until you have confirmed that the tail on the heli is mechanically correct (no binding, no slop, correct geometry) and the motor is tuned and running properly.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Welcome to the club!

Steve

[CRFan1]

Quick question, when you say 48%, are you reading that value from the TX or in the IKON software?  The default tail gain recommendation is 45% when read in the iKON setup software. Where that reads in the TX varies depending radio and servo setup.

My N5c has a tail gain value of 42 when read in the iKON setup software. on my Futaba 18mz that equals a TX reading of 48%

I am reading from the transmitter standpoint....the gain position in the Ikon software was I think 47%.....should I try lowering that?

[CRFan1]

I cant comment on the Ikon unit, but realize that a "poorly" (and I use that term loosely) tuned nitro motor can induce vibrations that will manifest themselves into a small tail wag.  Usually a motor that is too rich will cause this.  #1 - make sure the motor is well tuned (both mid and high needles are equally important), #2 - maybe a looking at different mounting tape for the Ikon can help solve the problem.  I am a big fan of the clear 3M tape found at most hardware stores or Walmart.  #3 - make ABSOLUTELY certain the tail control linkage/slider/pitch arms are butter smooth and slop free.  #4 - make certain the tail grip thrust bearings are smooth and not binding.  I personally would not mess with any settings in the Ikon (from what I know it is a pretty dang good FBL unit that doesnt need a whole lot of messing with) until you have confirmed that the tail on the heli is mechanically correct (no binding, no slop, correct geometry) and the motor is tuned and running properly.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Welcome to the club!

Steve

Thanks...I will check things out.  It is a very small wag and it IS possible it could be the motor tune but I have it pretty close.  It may still be a bit rich on the mid though......

[Chris Sexton]

Quick question, when you say 48%, are you reading that value from the TX or in the IKON software?  The default tail gain recommendation is 45% when read in the iKON setup software. Where that reads in the TX varies depending radio and servo setup.

My N5c has a tail gain value of 42 when read in the iKON setup software. on my Futaba 18mz that equals a TX reading of 48%

I am reading from the transmitter standpoint....the gain position in the Ikon software was I think 47%.....should I try lowering that?

Yeah low on an ikon is under 20

[CRFan1]

Quick question, when you say 48%, are you reading that value from the TX or in the IKON software?  The default tail gain recommendation is 45% when read in the iKON setup software. Where that reads in the TX varies depending radio and servo setup.

My N5c has a tail gain value of 42 when read in the iKON setup software. on my Futaba 18mz that equals a TX reading of 48%

10-4 I will try that first...thanks!
I am reading from the transmitter standpoint....the gain position in the Ikon software was I think 47%.....should I try lowering that?

Yeah low on an ikon is under 20

[CRFan1]

Oh and not sure if it matters but this bird has 96mm tail blades......also going to try switching to some 92mm Rails.....

[Chris Sexton]

Rail 96 are ideal for this bird. Not saying it won't work smaller but just saying

[jluthe1]

Welcome and enjoy this forum.... But stay with the 96's... How's your belt tension ?

[CRFan1]

Welcome and enjoy this forum.... But stay with the 96's... How's your belt tension ?

Belt tension is good...no issue there.  This bird on my buddys JR radio had no tail wag at all (before I bought it) oddly enough....

And the 96's on it are KBB's not rails......which I guess shouldn't make a difference?

[jluthe1]

I've got those 96's on my Fusion 50 but have the rail 96 on my E5 stretch, I do like the rails better though

[Rodney Kirstine]

I tried those on mine once.  Never again. Mine wagged like crazy with the plastic blades.  I'm not saying that's for sure the cause of yours but I do know how they flew on mine.

[CRFan1]

Thanks guys .....gonna try the simple things first and do the rail blades....if that doesn't work I will lower the gain a bit in the ikon and go from there.  Won't be able to fly for a while do to family obligations this weekend this weekend but i will keep you updated!