MX 400
MX 400
MX 400
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
WARRANTY
Heli-Max guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both
™
If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated
material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return
does not cover any component parts damaged by use or this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place
modification. In no case shall Heli-Max’s liability exceed the of purchase.
original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Heli-Max reserves Hobby Services
the right to change or modify this warranty without notice. To make a warranty claim, send 3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1
the defective part or item to Champaign IL 61822
Hobby Services at this address. USA
In that Heli-Max has no control over the final assembly or material
used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as
for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final much contact information as possible (daytime telephone number,
user-assembled product. By the act of using the user-assembled fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem
product, the user accepts all resulting liability. and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the
package the problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 In the hands of a capable pilot, the MX400 is an impressive
ASSEMBLE THE TAIL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3D performer. But for this helicopter to perform to its full
INSTALL THE PUSHRODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 potential, it must be properly equipped with all the right gear
INSTALL THE SERVOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 (servos, batteries, receiver, speed control). There may be
FINAL ASSEMBLY & SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 more than one type and brand of radio equipment that can
CHECK THE CONTROL DIRECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 be used. But based on extensive testing, following is the
BLADE BALANCING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 equipment we recommend so you can get the most
ADJUST COLLECTIVE PITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 performance out of your MX400 and assemble it as shown
ADJUST BLADE TRACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 in this instruction manual.
RANGE CHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
MX400 PARTS LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Transmitter
PARTS DRAWINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 At a minimum, this helicopter requires the use of a six-channel
PITCH GAUGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 helicopter transmitter capable of mixing between the throttle
and collective pitch channels. However, to unleash the full
aerobatic potential of the MX400, you will need a computer
radio capable of at least two sets of throttle and pitch curves.
The Futaba® 6EXH radio is an excellent entry-level radio for use
INTRODUCTION with this helicopter. For more programming capability, any of
Futaba’s higher channel-count computer helicopter radios will
work very well. FUTK60** or FUTK61**
The Heli-Max MX400 ARF is a fully aerobatic-capable helicopter,
offering the performance and flying manners of a 30-sized
machine in a much smaller and more convenient package. The
Servos
MX400 is no “toy” helicopter. With its double-damped head, belt-
You will need four servos for the MX400. The servos should
driven tail rotor, and aluminum frames, this is a “real” helicopter,
weight less than 10 grams apiece, and should have a
ready to fly anywhere you can find a safe landing pad.
minimum torque output of 14 oz-in. A good speed rating is
Take care to build straight and true. Misaligned parts will hurt the also important for helicopters, and we recommend that you
helicopter's ability to perform the extreme aerobatics it is choose servos with a speed of 0.12sec/60deg or less. We
designed for. recommend the Futaba S3103 (FUTM0037) and S3107
(FUTM0025) for use with this helicopter. Note: The Futaba
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
S3108 servo will not mount to this helicopter without
the MX400 visit the Heli-Max web site at
modification, and is therefore not recommended.
www.bestrc.com/helimax. Open the “Helicopters” link, and
then select the MX400 ARF. If there is new technical
information or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will
appear in the upper left corner of the page.
Receiver
You will need a 6-channel receiver for this helicopter. A
CAUTION: Be aware that the MX400 is small PCM receiver is strongly recommended for the noise
operated on the same frequency band as larger R/C rejection and failsafe capabilities that PCM offers. We
models. If flying your heli within five miles of an R/C recommend the Futaba R146iP receiver (FUTL0601) You
site, there is a real possibility that you could be will also need a single conversion crystal to use with this
operating your model on the same frequency (channel) receiver. While most Futaba receivers are sold on high and
as another R/C pilot. If this happens, a crash will low bands, the R146iP is not banded and can use either
result—with the person flying the more expensive high or low band crystals.
model suffering the greater loss (and having greater
potential for property damage or injury). The best thing Low band (channels 11 – 35) Crystal FUTL62**
to do is to join an R/C club and fly at the site where High band (channels 36 – 60) Crystal FUTL63**
frequency control measures will be in effect. If you
insist on flying elsewhere, always be aware of your **Replace the “**” in the order number for the crystals with
proximity to R/C flying sites. the preferred channel number. For example, if you want to
fly on channel 33, order crystal number FUTL6233.
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Gyro Recommendation
We recommend the use of a heading-hold gyro with this
helicopter. The Futaba GY240 gyro (FUTM0809) is an
excellent choice. ASSEMBLE THE TAIL
Battery
The MX400 requires a 1200-2000 mAh 3-cell Lithium-
Polymer (LiPo) battery capable of delivering 15A of current
continuously. We recommend the ElectriFly™ 3S 1250 mAh
pack (GPMP0823). This battery will deliver approximately 7
minutes of flight time with the recommended motor and
speed control.
Motor
You will need a brushless motor capable of handling 15A of
continuous current, and up to 22A in bursts. The motor
should also have a kV rating of 2500-3000 RPM/V for use
with the included pinion. We recommend the Heli-Max 6-
pole brushless motor (HMXG1001).
Charger
A charger capable of charging 3-cell (11.1V) LiPo batteries
such as the ElectriFly PolyCharge 1-3-cell LiPo charger
(GPMM3010) must be used. If using another charger, it
must be a LiPo charger or have a LiPo charge mode. Never
charge LiPo batteries with chargers not intended for LiPo
batteries or chargers on NiMH or NiCd settings.
Overcharging or explosion may result. In addition to the
PolyCharge, the ElectriFly Triton™ (GPMM3150) and Accu-
Cycle Elite™ (HCAP0280) are also suitable chargers.
IMPORTANT!
INSPECT YOUR HELICOPTER
Check all screws on the helicopter for tightness. If any
screws are loose, tighten them before flying. If any
machine screw that threads into a metal part is loose, be
sure to secure it with a drop of threadlocking compound. ❏ 2. Apply the decals to the horizontal stabilizer. Install it
This check should include the tail blade grip screws, and the horizontal stabilizer bracket onto the tail boom with
which will require removal of the tail rotor blades. two 2 x 8mm sheet metal screws. Do not fully tighten the
screws at this time.
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INSTALL THE PUSHRODS
❏ 3. Secure two tail strut ends and the rear frame spacer
to the frames with two 2x10mm machine screws as shown.
Use a drop of threadlocker to secure each screw.
❏ 5. Insert the carbon fiber tail struts into the strut ends.
Secure each end with a drop of thin CA.
❏ 6. Finalize the position of the horizontal stabilizer bracket, ❏ 3. Connect the ball link to the ball on the tail rotor pitch
and tighten the horizontal stabilizer screws to hold the control horn. Check to see that the ball link runs freely on the
assembly firmly in place. Do not over tighten. ball, and loosen it if necessary using the following Heli-Max Tip.
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❏ 6. Connect the elevator pushrod. Check the ball link and
HELI-MAX TIP adjust the fit if necessary.
❏ 6. With the servo centered and the pitch tray level, the
main blade grips should be parallel to each other. If they are
not, adjust the length of the linkages shown.
❏ 2. Install the pinion onto the motor, and install the motor
in the helicopter.
❏ 10. Cut the clear shield out along the molded-in cut lines.
❏ 8. Attach the hook side of hook and loop fastener to the ❏ 12. Secure the landing gear skids by positioning them
battery tray. correctly and adding a drop of thin CA at each joint.
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CHECK THE CONTROL DIRECTIONS BLADE BALANCING & INSTALLATION
❏ 1. Attach the “loop” side of the hook-and-loop material to ❏ 1. Balance your main blades using the Heli-Max Blade
the battery. Mount the battery to the battery tray. Balancer (HMXR4855). Do so according to the instructions
that came with your balancer.
❏ 2. For safety, do not install the main blades while
performing bench setup.
❏ 3. Lower the throttle stick all the way and turn on the
transmitter. Connect your battery to the ESC. If the ESC has
a BEC switch, turn it on.
4-CHANNEL 4-CHANNEL
TRANSMITTER TRANSMITTER
To set rates on the elevator and aileron, check to see that the
control rates are set to maximum for high rates. This can be
verified by checking that the ball link attached to the seesaw is
close to touching the main rotor grips at full input. Check the
elevator rate with the flybar perpendicular to the tailboom, and
check the aileron rate with the flybar parallel to the tailboom.
These maximum deflections work well for high rates, and we
recommend 60% of these values for low rates.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Rudder control throw will be affected by your gyro settings,
and will need to be tuned by to suit your flying style.
Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away from
the plane of rotation of the rotors whenever the battery
is connected.
Keep these items away from the rotors: loose clothing, shirt
sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose objects such as
pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out of shirt or jacket
ADJUST BLADE TRACKING pockets into the rotors.
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ROTOR HEAD
FULL SET....4001-105 ARK-401
4013-010
4202-007
4043-007
4012-005
4045-001
4014-001
4102-008
4102-004
4001-104
4043-007
4202-007
MIXING LEVERS
4012-006
4014-001
4012-007
4016-001
4045-001
4202-007
4012-008 4043-007
4102-008
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PITCH LINKS
4001-120
FLYBAR
4013-006
4001-106
4603-003
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BLADE GRIPS
4202-007
4043-007
4001-102
4001-101
4045-003
4012-112
4011-001
4016-002 5400-115
4013-001
4703-055
BLADE ATTACHMENT
4001-109
SWASH PLATE
4013-002
4043-007
4202-007
4001-108
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PITCH LEVER
4022-003
4302-006
4022-002
4021-012
4202-015 4022-001
4302-006
4202-007
4043-007
4021-008 4925-003
4021-003
4022-005
4935-005 4102-004
4302-006
4702-004
LINKAGES
4001-115
4001-116
4001-114
4043-002
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MAIN SHAFT TAIL DRIVE
4703-055
4013-003 4925-003
4045-004 4021-005 4001-113
4001-111
4022-008
4045-002
4021-006
4001-112
4001-110
4023-003
4022-009
4702-045
4925-004
4102-012
SERVO LINKAGES
4001-119
4001-117
4001-118
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MAIN FRAME
4002-204
4702-045
4302-006
4022-017 4002-203
4302-006 4021-010
4302-006
4102-022
4002-201
4002-202
4021-010
4302-006
4102-004
LOWER FRAME
4102-014
4002-206
4102-005 4021-011
4102-014 4021-009
4021-011
4702-045 4702-045
4102-004 4022-013
4002-205
4002-207 4102-004
4021-014
4603-003
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LANDING GEAR
4002-210
TAIL BOOM
4003-307
4003-312
4003-306
4003-314
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TAIL DRIVE GEARBOX
4003-303
4003-302
4003-304
4045-002
4003-305
4003-313
TAIL ROTOR
4003-310
4045-001
4502-006 4003-309
4003-311
4003-308
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CANOPY
4002-209
4002-208
PITCH TEMPLATE
e s posi tive
8d e g r e
8 degree
s negativ
e
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