Century Helicopter Products Hummingbird V.3 User manual

Century Helicopter Products
Designed and Developed in USA
Copyright April 2004. All rights reserved.
HUMMINGBIRDv.3
InstructionManual
CenturyHelicopters
Engineeredforultimateperformance. Light
weight,durable,powerfuldesignfeaturing fiber
reinforcedcompositestructures.
SPECIFICATIONS
MOTORSIZE: 370
MAINROTORDIAMETER: 520mm
LENGTH: 485mm
WEIGHT: 155g(withoutelectronics)

Section 1Section 1
Section 1Section 1
Section 1 YY
YY
Your New Hummingbird vour New Hummingbird v
our New Hummingbird vour New Hummingbird v
our New Hummingbird v33
33
3HelicopterHelicopter
HelicopterHelicopter
Helicopter
GetGet
GetGet
Getting Stting St
ting Stting St
ting Startedarted
artedarted
arted
Items needed to fly the Hummingbird
1x Radio (4 channels)
1x Receiver (4 channels)
2x Micro servos
1x Century micro gyro
1x Hummingboard mixer/speed control
1xBattery(8.4Vor 9.6V)
1x Wall charger (NiMH type)
CHECKING OVER THE MODEL
Thankyoufor chosing the Hummingbird v.3 helicopter! Before beginning,checkthekit
contents as shown. This is a good time to check the “required items” section and
makesure everything necessaryis on hand forassembly.
INITIALMECHANICALADJUSTMENTS
TheHummingbirdflybar and main blades mustbesetproperly
afterremovingfromthe package.
1. Slide the flybar until it is centered in the rotor head having
equallength on eachside.
2. Tighten the two set screws in the flybar control arms to secure
the flybar using the supplied allen key. Flybar paddles must be
parallelto each other andthegroundwhen the swashplate is
level.Make sure the boltheadineach paddle faces upwards.
3.Adjust the blade tension on the main rotor grips to be equal
usingaphillipsheadscrewdriver. The tightness should besnug
but should also allow the blades to move. Setting the blades too
tightmay contribute to vibration.
4. Remove the canopy and set aside. You will not need the
canopy until the end of the setup process.
Before operating the Hummingbird the battery must
be charged. The “Bird Seed” is the recommended
battery for the Hummingbird .
The charger supplied will plug in to any standard
electrical wall outlet in your home. The charge time is
approximately 90 minutes. Frequently check the
battery temperature. The battery should be warm but
not HOT when fully charged.
CNE050
8.4V “Bird Seed”
CNE050A
9.6V “Bird Seed”
(optional)
CNE051
“Bird Seed”
Charger
(110V USA)
CNE051A
“Bird Seed”
Charger
(220V Europe)
CHARGING THE BATTERY
USING ADHESIVES TO SECURE THE MODEL
Checkoverthe landing gear area and otherlooselyfitareas
ofthe helicopter. Ifneededsecure any loose connections
usingtheadhesive of your choice.UsingCA(cyanocrylite)
glueisveryeffectivebutdifficult to debond for maintainance.
Householdwhite glue, although notasstrong,works well
and is easier to dissasemble later.
flybar
paddle
Do not leave charging battery unattended. Do not
overcharge. The battery is NiMH and comes partially
charged. Do not completely drain a NiMH battery.
Glue
Only glue items when their
positions are final for operation as
the glue may be difficult to debond.
Adjust
flybar
12
2
1
34
Required ItemsRequired Items
Required ItemsRequired Items
Required Items
Warning!
Only use double sided servo tape for mounting your
electronics such as servos, receiver, mixer board and gyro.
Gluing the electronics may harm them and make future
maintainance impossible.
1. Open package to check contents. 2. Remove helicopter carefully.
2
Avoid squeezing the
ends of the battery as
this can cause an
electrical short.A
shorted battery cannot
be safely used.

CenturyMicro
Receiver
CN2032
Aileron Servo (ch.1)
CN2023
(move left & right)
Elevator Servo (ch.2)
CN2023
(move front & back)
Bird Seed Battery
7 Cell 8.4V
CNE050
Bird Seed Battery
8 Cell 9.6V
CNE050A(optional)
MicroGyro
CN2022E
Mixer and speed control Board
CNE052
MainMotor
(ch.3) CNE056A
(go up & down)
Tail Motor
(ch.4) CNE019
(turn left & right)
Connect the tail motor and main motor
connectors to the board, note that the
twored wiresarebeside eachotherwhen
connected to the board as marked by
positive and negative indicators.
Gyro: signal faces
signal connection
Note:
Signal (s)
Positive (+)
Negative (-)
There are 2 wires coming from the upper
left corner of the board. The top wire is
marked rudder on the front of the board.
This wire goes into the gyro. Bottom wire
goes to the receiver for the throttle.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Channels
IMPORTANT:
If you have the
Century Lightning 4
channel radio please
refer to the wiring
diagram provided with
the radio system.
!
1 2 3 4 5 6
Channels
6 5 4 3 2 1
Channels
Section 2Section 2
Section 2Section 2
Section 2 Connection And Diagnostics FConnection And Diagnostics F
Connection And Diagnostics FConnection And Diagnostics F
Connection And Diagnostics For Theor The
or Theor The
or The
Electronic ComponentsElectronic Components
Electronic ComponentsElectronic Components
Electronic Components
TESTINGAND PREPARATION OF RADIO EQUIPMENT
PLEASEDON’TSKIPTHISSECTION
Before modifying or installing any radio gear,
please take a few minutes to test everything
as shown. Time spent becoming familiar with
the equipment and testing all the components
can prevent difficulty.
1. Install the crystals into the transmitter and
receiver. Be certain that the channel
frequency matches.
2. Note that all electronics plug into the receiver with the wires as pictured (orange wire faces
receiver label). Follow the diagram for each electronic connection. Once the electronics
system is connected and the transmitter is turned on, follow this step-by-step process to
check your equipment.
ELECTRONIC CONNECTION OVERVIEW
6 5 4 3 2 1
Channels
Throttle Connection
Servo Connections
Ch#1
Aileron Ch#2
Elevator
Rudder & Gyro Connections
Motor Connections
*Thetransmittermust be on before
poweringthe model.Always
power off the model before the
transmitter.
1.Turnonthetransmitter-Does
the green LED turn on?
2.Plugthe“Bird Seed” battery into
your mixer board and wait for the
IMPORTANT:
All connections shown in
this manual work for
Futaba, Hitec & Century
radio systems. If you
have any other radio
system please consult
your radio instructions
for channel numbering.
(some equipment may
differ in appearance.)
!STEP-BY-STEP COMPONENT TEST
3. Some servo arms require widening the hole in the arm in order for them to accept the
Hummingbird’s pushrods using a #55 drill bit [1.34mm or 0.052”].
Thegyrohelps
thehelicopter
maintainrudder
heading.Without
the gyro the
helicoptermight
spin out of
control.
Themixerspeedcontroller controls the amount of power
transfered to the main and tail motors in proportion.
MODIFYINGTHESERVOSFOR INSTALLATION
1. A long half arm may have to be created by
cutting a full or cross arm.
2. After testing the radio equipment the servos
will be in their center position. Remove the servo
retaining screw and servo wheel. Replace the
wheel with one of the long half arms. See section
3 step 7 for the final positions.
This diagram represents the
overall connections for wiring
the Hummingbird correctly.
This diagram includes the
separate connections
pictured above.
1
2
2
1
3
flashingLEDs on the mixerboard
andthe gyro to stop flashing.
3.Movetherighthandstick on
the transmitter left to right -
does the aileron servo move?
4. Move the right hand stick
forward and back - does the
elevator servo move?
Back of Hummingboard
Front of
Hummingboard
Warning!
Keep electronics from
becoming exposed to
glue, moisture or
extreme temperatures
to ensure proper
operation.
3

Servo Arm/Horn/Wheel
Servo Arm Retaining Screw
Servo Output Shaft
Servo Mounting Flange
Servo Case
Servo Lead w/
Connector
Ball LinksBall Links
Ball LinksBall Links
Ball Links
Ball link closed end
Ball link open end with lip
The correct side of the ball
link to mount has a larger
opening than the other side
and also has a lip in the
plastic around the opening.
Section 2aSection 2a
Section 2aSection 2a
Section 2a ModificaModifica
ModificaModifica
Modification And Diagnostics Of Thetion And Diagnostics Of The
tion And Diagnostics Of Thetion And Diagnostics Of The
tion And Diagnostics Of The
Electronic Components (continued)Electronic Components (continued)
Electronic Components (continued)Electronic Components (continued)
Electronic Components (continued)
MODIFYING THE SERVOS FOR INSTALLATION
4 & 5. (optional) Trim both servo mounting flanges from each
servo.
6. (optional) Cut the protruding portions from the bottom of
the servo case as pictured. This will allow the best fit in the
model. Note that the cut is made on the far end from the
servo lead.
7. (optional) After modifying the servo it should appear as
pictured.
8. Before entering section 3 you will need to remove the
pushrods from the swashplate of the helicopter. ready to
mount servo
MOUNTINGYOUR SERVOS
1. Insert the pushrod into the hole on
the servo arm farthest from the output
(10-12mm from center).
2. Place servo tape on the mounting
surface before mounting the servo.
3. Position servo so that the arm can
travel freely and the pushrod is straight
up and down.
4. Once the mounting position of the servo is
determinedcarefullymounttheservotothe mast
tower. If the servo has a label on the same side
that will mount with double sided tape, peel off
the label and clean the surface using rubbing
alcohol.
5. After mounting the servo place the plastic ball
link on the corresponding control ball on the
swashplate. Only use the large opening on the
ball link. (see below)
6. There are only 2 servos needed. When
mounted they should appear as pictured.
90O
angle
Swashplate
Servo horn
Adjustable
pushrod and
ball link
Section 3Section 3
Section 3Section 3
Section 3 Servo and pushrod setup andServo and pushrod setup and
Servo and pushrod setup andServo and pushrod setup and
Servo and pushrod setup and
instinst
instinst
installall
allall
allaa
aa
ationtion
tiontion
tion
4
56
456
The SerThe Ser
The SerThe Ser
The Servovo
vovo
vo
7
4
7. Turn the radio on with all sticks and
trims centered except for throttle. Make
sure the throttle is in the lowest position.
Use servo horns that have a hole 10-
12mm out from the servo pivot center and
place it as pictured (parallel to swashplate
and frame). Verify also that flybar paddles,
swashplate & servo horns are parallel to
each other and also 90 degrees to the
main shaft. You can adjust the lengths of
the pushrods by twisting the ball links
clockwise to shorten the length and
counterclockwise to increase the length.
7
8Carefully remove
ball link from
swashplate ball.
Too much force
may break the
plastic balls.
1 2 3
4

Servo tape
Battery
brackets
Rubber
band
INSTALLING ELECTRONICS TO YOUR HUMMINGBIRD
The electronics used to operate the Hummingbird helicopter install with servo tape. This will securely mount the electronic compo-
nents to the frame of the helicopter for proper operation. Be sure that the diagram on page 3 reflects the wiring connections that you
make to the mounted model. (note: the below photos are an example layout)
1. Mount the mixer board. 2. Mount the gyro (mount the gyro with
the word “Century” oriented as pictured).
3. Mount the receiver. 4. Plug in channel 1 for aileron servo. 5. Plug in channel 2 for elevator servo.
6. Plug in channel 3 for throttle
(mixer board). 7. Plug mixer rudder lead into gyro
(signal wires must face each other). 8. Plug gyro into channel 4 for rudder.
MOUNTINGTHE BATTERY
Section 4Section 4
Section 4Section 4
Section 4 RR
RR
Radio instadio inst
adio instadio inst
adio installall
allall
allaa
aa
ation andtion and
tion andtion and
tion and
baba
baba
batt
tt
ttery mountingtery mounting
tery mountingtery mounting
tery mounting
BREAKING IN THE 370 MOTOR
Items required:
1xcupofwater
2x D-cell batteries
1xseries 3-voltDcell battery
holder(example:RadioShackpart
number
270-386A)
1x(Optional)femaleconnector
Firstremovethemainmotorby
locatingandremovingthetwomounting
screwsunderthe mainchassis.Immersethe motor inacup
ofwater.Connectthemotorto the3voltbatteryholderRed
wire to red wire black wire to black wire. (Tip – a female
connectorcanbeattachedtothe batteryboxforquick
connectiontothemotor).Install batteries and Runmotorfor
fourminutestoamaximumoffiveminutes.Removemotor
fromwater immersion anddry. Placeonedrop oflightoil
(CN2024T Tri-Flow oil) on each brass bushing for
lubrication. Reinstall motor checking carefully for smooth
gear mesh.
(This procedure is only required to be performed once and
onlyonanewmotor).
Warning: Breaking in the motor is not “required”
Manufacturer is not responsible for problems related with
motorbreak-in.
Helpful HintHelpful Hint
Helpful HintHelpful Hint
Helpful Hint
ROUTINGTHEANTENNA
To provide the best possible reception for the model, the Hummingbird comes with a plastic tube for routing the antenna. Put a small hole
in one end and pull the antenna all the way through leaving about 2 to 3 inches of slack. Wrap the antenna around the tube. After the
antenna is almost completely wrapped around the plastic tube place a hole at the other end of the tube to secure the end of the antenna.
12
45
7
The Hummingbird uses a NiMH battery. Both 8.4V and 9.6V Bird Seed batteries will work and fit in
the provided battery brackets using a rubber band.
1. The battery slides back and forth on it’s supports so you can adjust the center of gravity on the
helicopter.
2. To test your results hold the helicopter by the flybar as pictured. Move the battery to have the
helicopter sit level or very slightly nose heavy.
3
68
1
2
Place a hole
here using a
thumb tack.
Place a hole
here using a
thumb tack.
Warning!
Only use double sided servo tape for
mounting your electronics. Gluing the
electronics may harm them and make
future maintainance impossible.
5

Section 5Section 5
Section 5Section 5
Section 5 BlBl
BlBl
Blade trade tr
ade trade tr
ade tracking / Q & Aacking / Q & A
acking / Q & Aacking / Q & A
acking / Q & A
ADJUSTING THE BLADE TRACKING
*The mixer board goes through an initialization period (15 seconds or so) where it detects the radio system. If all connections are correct
the light will then turn green. During regular operation the Hummingboard will remain solid green but as the battery starts to run out and
the voltage drops the helicopter will simply descend. At this time it is best to land immediately.
If the throttle and trims are in high positions you will notice a red light on the mixer board this indicates that you are at maximum throttle.
Q: Everything is on and connected. Why won’t the rotors turn?
A: -The throttle trim may be set too high try moving the trim to the lowest point.
-Your gyro may be installed incorrectly make sure the the order of wires is as shown on page 4.
-Your throttle channel may be reversed.
Q: Why does the helicopter spin like a top?
A: -It’s possible that the rudder channel on your radio is reversed or your gyro is installed upside down. Try mount ing the gyro 180
degrees by flipping the direction in which the word Century reads upside down. The tail rotor blades should only come under
control of the gyro when the helicopter is moved counterclockwise (nose left).
-Check the connections to the receiver to make sure connections are correct. If the problem persists take a look at the direction the
tail motor turns.
-The curved portion of the tail rotor should move forward being the “leading edge”. If this is not the case please check the polarity of
the motor’s connection to the mixer board.
Q: Why is there vibration?
A: -The main blades may be out of track. Refer to the blade tracking information above.
-Main blades are made as balanced pairs. Replacing only one blade at a time may cause vibration if those blades are not bal-
anced. It is best to replace main blades as a pair.
-The main shaft may be bent. This can be difficult to notice when the blades are not moving. A bent main shaft can be caused in a
crash or a hard blade strike.
-Vibration can also result from any loosely connected components such as the battery tray or the landing gear. Make sure to secure
them and be sure to check the frame and flybar every time you crash or have a hard landing as they may need to be repositioned.
Q: Why won’t the helicopter come off of the ground?
A: -Be sure that the gear mesh on the main motor moves smoothly and that the battery is fully charged. Do not fully discharge a NiMH
type battery as it will lose it’s capacity memory.
-If you don’t think it’s the battery it’s possible that slightly damaged blades are reducing the possible lift. If there is a part of the
blade broken off especially near the tip the helicopter may not lift properly.
-Check to make sure nothing is rubbing against the main gear possibly slowing its RPM.
Q: Why does the helicopter operate on its own without my command inputs?
A: -You may be getting hit with interference. RF interference can occur for many reasons. Ordinary household electronics, televisions,
cell phones, microwaves, electric tools and other R/C models can add to the field of interference affecting your model. Try turning
off unnessesary electronics or find an area where there are less electrical disturbances.
Q: Why does the helicopter still move too far forward or backward even after adjusting the servo arm positions and trims?
A: -The helicopter may not have an even center of gravity. You can slide the battery in it’s mounting tray to adjust it’s center of gravity.
-You can also combine your battery weight centering with trims and servo arm positions to get any desired combination.
TROUBLESHOOTING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Tracking refers to trimming the actual pitch of the main rotor blades to be equal. On the first flight, bring the rotor head up to speed
without leaving the ground and look at the side or profile of the rotor disk. Only one rotor blade should be visible, if there are two
distinctive blades then the tracking must be changed. Observe which blade color is lower and carefully flex the rotor blade needing
change into the other blade’s path. A
B
Move aileron
stick left, heli
moves left.
Move aileron stick
right, heli moves right.
Move throttle
stick upwards, heli
rises.
Move elevator stick forward, heli
moves forward.
Move elevator stick backwards, heli moves backwards. Move throttle
stick downwards,
heli decends.
Move rudder stick
left, nose moves
left.
Move rudder stick right,
nose moves right.
USA
USA USA USA
CONTROLMOVEMENT
6

Section 6Section 6
Section 6Section 6
Section 6 Construction DiagrConstruction Diagr
Construction DiagrConstruction Diagr
Construction Diagramam
amam
am
Your new equipment is warranted to the original purchaser against manufacturer defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of purchase. During this period,
Century Helicopter Products will repair or replace, at our discretion, any component that is found to be factory defective at no cost to the purchaser. This warranty is limited to
the original purchaser and is not transferable.
This warranty does not apply to any unit which has been improperly installed, mishandled, abused, or damaged in a crash, or to any unit which has been repaired or altered by
any unauthorized agencies. Under no circumstances will the buyer be entitled to consequential or incidental damages. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You
also have other rights which may vary from state
WARRANTYINFORMATION
7

CNE052
CNE051 Mixer Control Board
Charger
Tail Bearings Tail Rotor Blades
Trainer Pod Crash Kit
CNE021 CNE022 CNE023
CNE053 CNE054A
Tie Wraps, Tape & Band
CNE011B CNE012A CNE013
CNE014 CNE015 CNE016A CNE017A CNE018A CNE019
CNE020
Canopy & Decal Tail Boom & Gearbox Fins & Boom
Supports
Tail Drive Motor
Tail Gear & Shaft
Main Frame Battery Support
Landing Gear Rotor Head Bearings
Seesaw & Timing Yoke Cyclic Links & Rods
Main Motor
CNE007A CNE009A
CNE056A
Flybar Paddles
CNE006A
Main Gear & Shaft
Swashplate v.3
CNE008B
CNE050
Battery
CNE005
CNE001B CNE002 CNE004A
CNE003 Flybar
Main Rotor Yoke &
Stiffener Rotor Head Links Rotor Hub & BearingsMain Blades
CNE019G
Tail Pinion Gear
Section 7Section 7
Section 7Section 7
Section 7 ReplRepl
ReplRepl
Replacement Pacement P
acement Pacement P
acement Partsarts
artsarts
arts
CN2022E
MicroPiezo Gyro Micro Receiver
CN2032
CN2023
BB Micro Servo
CNE056G
Main Motor Gear
Main Motor
Heat Sink
CNE061
$5.05
Tail Motor
Heat Sink
CNE060
$4.25
Lithium Ion Batteries
HUMMINGBIRD v.3 ACCESSORIES
CNE057 700mAh 11.1V
$42.50
CNE057A 700mAh 7.4V
$29.95
CNE058 1400mAh 11.1V
$39.95
Carbon Fiber Main Blades CarbonFiber
Tail Blades
CNE062 $44.00 CNE063 $26.95
CN2033
$27.95
30 Minute
Quick Charger CNE059
$3.35
Main Blade Holder
9.6V 600mAh
NiMH Battery
CNE050A
$17.95
CNE065
$39.95
CarbonFiber
FlyBar Paddle
CNE064 $26.95
Lightning
Brushless
Motor
CNE252
$52.95
Brushless
Speed
Controller
PHX-10
$59.95
CarbonFiber
Canopy
HighAuthority
Tail Motor RotorTech Carbon
Main Blades
CN262302
$49.95
CNE253
$14.95
Main Shaft Collar
CNE024
8