Blade MCX Red and Black Canopy

Here is my first attempt at a custom canopy using my previously made template.
If you like, you're welcome to download it here. Anyone else that wants to try their hand at making a custom creation for your MCX is welcome to use the original template.

New Heli T-Shirt Releases

I've been busy creating new designs for the aviation section of Poker and Chaos. Mostly RC heli stuff. Be sure to visit the shop where you will find these designs on all types of apparel as well as gift items like coffee mugs, mouse pads, stickers and more.






Visit our tee shop to see more...

Blade MCX Repair or Upgrade

I have stated before just how tough E-Flite's Blade MCX is, but a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. In the case of the MCX the weak link is definitely the top rotor hub that holds the flybar. I have broken several of these and in talking to the owner of my local hobby store, he said he can't keep this part in stock as customer are coming in and buying them six at a time. A sure sign of a problem part.

A fix I've found is to install Lightning Power's CNC Aluminum hub. This bad boy is practically indestructible. It's rather pricey at $14.99 but when you factor in the lost time and gas of driving to get a plastic replacement every time it breaks, I think it's worth it. I purchased mine at helihobby.com

Another option I tried while I was waiting for the CNC version to arrive was to repair my latest broken hub. It seems they break at the same point every time, right at the base of the hub ears. This fix is not a permanent repair, but will get you back in the air until your next blade strike.

To do this repair, you will need Scotch tape, X-acto knife, 5 min epoxy and a toothpick. Start by cutting a piece of Scotch tape about 3/16" wide by 1/2" long. Then mix up a dab of epoxy and glue the ear back on to the hub at the point it broke off. Leaving the screw in the head will help hold the ear while the glue is drying. After dry, wrap the scotch tape around the hub so that it is slightly above the fracture yet won't interfere with flybar movement. Then mix another spot of epoxy and with your toothpick, coat the outside of the tape and carefully fill the void inside the ears that the tape has created. Be carefull not to get any epoxy anywhere that could cause restriction of flybar movement. The flybar has to be able to move freely or you will get what is know as the Toilet bowl effect(TBE). This is where the heli hovers in slow rotating circles as if it's going down a drain.

Once your repair has dried you can begin flying again. I've had this repair last many flights but it won't hold up to a heavy blade strike. The good news is that the Epoxy does not make a permanent bond to the plastic, so if need be, you can chip it off and do the repair over.

MCX Free Canopy Replacement

The Blade MCX is a tough little heli. My Nephew's is beginning to look like a combat chopper that has been pieced back together and sent back out to do battle again.

One part I thought would be the last to need replacing was the canopy. WRONG! While I've taught my 8 year old nephew to be careful, avoid blade strikes, stay away from the sink full of water and the dog bowl. One warning I failed to give him, was not to step on it as you're running to retrieve it from an emergency landing.

Not only did the canopy take a hit, but a canopy mounting arm on the main frame broke off. In order to replace the main frame you basically have to disassemble the entire heli. To avoid this seemingly tedious task I tried a dab of epoxy and a finely crafted tooth pick to make a repair. It worked, but not the best looking modification.

Last week I decided to make more permanent repairs. I was sure I could find more suitable replacements for the Scotch tape and toothpicks that were holding his bird together. So off to the local hobby shop I went. The frame was no problem, $4.99, but we hit a stumbling block with the canopy. No stock and no idea when inventory would be replenished.

Not one to give up easily, I decided to design a template that I could use to make a paper canopies with. The attached photo shows the results of my efforts. I think this is a good beginning and Here is a PDF file of the template for anyone that want to make their own . You can create a plain white version as shown by printing out the template onto 80# card stock or you could use photo print paper. Cut the canopy shape out with scissors or a xacto knife and glue the tabs on the bottom. The end of the xacto works well for punching the canopy mounting holes, just put the point in the center and rotate it like a drill bit. If also included a template so you can make a matching tail fin.

If your the artistic type, feel free to use the template as the basis for your custom canopy by jazzing it up in Photoshop. Good luck and as my dad used to say, "fly low and slow."

Blade MCX Review

This little heli seems to be the catalyst that is bringing many baby boomers back into radio control, as well as providing a great way for the younger generations to discover this great hobby.

During my childhood the only micro aircraft were slide together balsa gliders that had no external controls. A fully functional helicopter that you could do touch and go landings on your coffee table were only far off dreams of rich men.

Well, times have changed. E-flite's Blade MCX micro helicopter is just the ticket for preforming flight maneuvers in your living room and it's within the budget of just about everyone. For about $120 you get a complete set-up that includes this little heli with a 4 channel tranmitter, LiPo battery pack and portable charger. It even includes AA batteries for the Tx and charger. There is nothing else to buy and nothing to assemble. It is ready to fly right out of the box.

Traditional helicopters are very unstable but with the MCX's coaxial counter rotating blades, it's very easy for a beginning pilot to hover. Weighing in at 1 ounce with the battery pack, this is one tough bird. It takes a beating and jumps right back into the air, time after time. Even if you manage to break something on this heli, all parts are replaceable and readily available at most local hobby shops.

Specifications:

• length 7.9in (200mm)


• Height 4.7in (120mm)


• Main Rotor Dia. 7.5in (190mm)


• Wt with Battery 1 oz (28g)


• Main Motor Micro Coreless (2)


• Battery 1S 3.7V 110mah LiPo)


• Charger 1S 3.7V DC LiPo)


• Transmitter MLP4DSM 2.4Ghz DSM2 4 Channel


• On-Board Elec. 5-1 Receiver/Servos/Mixer/Esc's/Gyro

Having spent many hours flying the MCX, I can tell you this little heli is a load of fun, but I have to warn you, it can be addictive. It won't be long and you'll be looking for the next step up, which in my case was a Blade MSR. A review on this baby is soon to come.

For more information on the MCX or any of the Blade model helicopters, visit the E-Flite site.

Welcome

I've been involved in RC most of my life. My dad worked for Fox manufacturing in Arkansas when I was born. For those that don't know, Fox started building model airplane engines in 1948. I cut my teeth at the local flying field.

I've built and flown many aircraft models and in the mid 80s started playing with RC cars which I soon outgrew when I began racing go-carts. In 1995, after watching a Piper Pawnee that I had a couple of grand invested in fly off into the sunset with a radio failure I swore off RC forever.

It was at this point I decided I would try flying full scale and went through the process of getting my private pilots license. I flew for a few years on and off until 1998 when I suffered a heart attack and lost my medical. It was only recently that I was re-introduced to RC when my nephew got a Blade MCX for Christmas. I remember the days we used to build micro light gliders from balsa shavings and cover them with a thin coat of dope that you floated on water in the tub. Once it has dried we would glue a bee or other insect on the nose and fly them at the local gymnasium. Back then something like the MCX was just a dream.

Needless to say I've been bitten by the RC bug again and have purchased a MSR , DX6i and Phoenix simulator. What a blast. I also have my eye on a T-rex 450 Sport.

As a web designer and graphic artist I thought I would share my experiences with RC helicopters with fellow heli addicts. Hope you find something interesting or useful within these pages.