Heli-Max Novus AH-1J SeaCobra User manual

Length: 9.0 in [229mm]
Width: 2.7 in [68mm]
Height: 3.3 in [84mm]
Rotor Span: 7.9 in [200mm]
Flying Weight: 2 oz [57.2g] with
supplied flight battery
Specifications
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
™

2
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
●Only use the included charger with the included battery or replacement
part (GPMP0409).
●Do not attempt to use this charger with NiCd or NiMH battery packs.
●Never charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.
●If the battery should become damaged, discard the battery. Do not
attempt to use a damaged battery.
●Do not leave the charger unattended while charging. Disconnect the
battery and remove input power from the charger immediately if either
becomes hot! However, it is normal for the charger to get warm.
●Disconnect the battery from the charger and carefully move the battery
to a fireproof location if the battery begins to swell or smoke!
●Never charge at currents greater than 1C.
●Always charge in a fireproof location.
●Never trickle charge.
●Never allow the battery temperature to exceed 150° F [65° C].
●Never disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or puncture cells.
●Never discharge below 2.75V per cell.
●Do not allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the charger.
●Do not block the air intake holes, which could cause the charger to
overheat.
●Do not place the charger or any battery on a flammable surface or near
a combustible material while in use.
●Do not charge on a carpet, cluttered workbench, paper, plastic, vinyl,
leather, wood, or inside an R/C model.
●Never charge inside a full-sized vehicle.
●Always disconnect the battery from the charger and the power supply
from the charger when not in use.
●Do not attempt to charge a battery if it is swollen or hot.
●ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

3
WARRANTY
WARRANTY
Heli-Max™guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and
workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any
component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Heli-Max’s
liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Heli-Max
reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Heli-Max has no control over the final assembly or material used for final
assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting
from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using
the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use
of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in new
and unused condition to the place of purchase.
To make a warranty claim, send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at
this address.
Hobby Services
3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822
USA
Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact
information as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number, e-mail
address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase
receipt. Upon receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly
as possible.
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT
CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING
THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
WARRANTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
INSTALL THE TRANSMITTER BATTERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TURNING THE MODEL ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
TRANSMITTER CONTROLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
EXPLODED VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Heli-Max™Novus AH-1J SeaCobra Helicopter.
We are certain you will get many hours of enjoyment out of this model. If you
should have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at
[email protected]. For the latest technical updates or manual
corrections to the Novus Helicopter visit the Heli-Max web site at:
www.helimax-rc.com
Open the “Helicopters” link, and then select the Novus AH-1J SeaCobra link. 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.

5
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in severe injury to
yourself and others.
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 pockets into the rotors.
The spinning blades of a model helicopter can cause serious injury. When
choosing a flying site for your Novus AH-1J SeaCobra, stay clear of buildings,
trees and power lines. AVOID flying in or near crowded areas. DO NOT fly close to
people, children or pets. Maintain a safe pilot-to-helicopter distance while flying.
1. Your Novus AH-1J SeaCobra should not be considered a toy, but rather a
sophisticated, working model that functions very much like a full-size helicopter.
Because of its performance capabilities, the Novus AH-1J SeaCobra, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.
2.You must assemble the model according to the instructions. Do not alter or
modify the model, as doing so may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a
few cases the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those instances
the written instructions should be considered as correct.
3. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so that the model
operates correctly on the ground and in the air.
4. You must check the operation of the model before every flight to insure that
all equipment is operating and that the model has remained structurally sound.
Be sure to check linkages or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.
5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this type of model before,
we recommend that you get the assistance of an experienced pilot in your
R/C club for your first flights. If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby
shop has information about clubs in your area whose membership includes
experienced pilots.
We, as the manufacturer, provide you with a top quality, thoroughly tested
helicopter and instructions, but ultimately the quality and flyability of your finished
model depends on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee
the performance of your completed model, and no representations are expressed
or implied as to the performance or safety of your completed model.
Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions to build a safe and
enjoyable model.

6
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
❏(8) AA Alkaline cells (SANP3500 AA 4-pack x2)
KIT INSPECTION
KIT INSPECTION
Before starting assembly, take an inventory of the Novus AH-1J SeaCobra
to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they are of
acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if
you need assistance with assembly, contact Product Support. When reporting
defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the
Kit Contents list.
Heli-Max Product Support:
3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822
Telephone: [phone], ext. 5
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
KIT CONTENTS
KIT CONTENTS
1. Helicopter 3. Charger
2. Battery 4. Transmitter
1
2
4
3

7
INSTALL THE TRANSMITTER BATTERIES
INSTALL THE TRANSMITTER BATTERIES
❏ Remove the battery
cover from the back of the
transmitter, remove the
battery box and install eight
(8) “AA” batteries into
the battery box. Double-
check the polarity of each
battery before placing the
battery box back into the
transmitter and replacing
the battery cover.
❏ Turn on the transmitter
using the power switch as
shown above and verify that
the indicator illuminates.
Turn the transmitter off
for now. If the indicator
did not illuminate, remove
the battery box from the
transmitter and verify that
the batteries were installed
correctly.

8
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY
Charging the Flight Battery
WARNING!! The charger supplied with the Heli-Max Novus
Helicopter contains protective circuitry. If you experience any
difficulties while charging the battery, please disconnect the
battery from the charger and unplug the charger from the power
source. Allow the battery and charger to rest for two hours as this will allow
the charge protection circuit to reset. If this issue re-occurs during normal use,
please contact technical support for further assistance.
❏ Plug the wall transformer
into an AC outlet. The
power indicator light on
the wall transformer will
be green and the charge
indicator light will be solid
red.
The battery is being charged.
The battery is fully charged.
A time-out has occurred.
The battery voltage is too low
or the charger is not powered.
The charger is ready.
Fast Flashing Red
Green (Solid or Flashing)
*Slow Flashing Red
*Solid Red
with Battery Connected
Solid Red
without Battery Connected
Charge Indicator Light
Once the battery
has been
disconnected from
the charger
contact technical
support for further
assistance.
*
WARNING!! Do not leave the battery connected to the charger
if the charge indicator is solid red. This may over-discharge the
battery, possibly causing damage to the battery or the charger.
Once the battery has been disconnected from the charger, contact technical
support immediately for further assistance.

9
❏ Plug the battery into
the charger. The charge
indicator light will start
flashing red quickly;
this indicates that the
battery is being charged.
Once the battery is
completely charged, the
charge indicator light
will turn green (solid or
flashing). Disconnect the
battery from the charger.
Under normal operating
conditions, the battery
may take up to one hour
to recharge.
Lithium Battery Handling and Usage
WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with this battery.
Failure to follow all instructions could cause permanent damage to the
battery and its surroundings, and may cause bodily harm!
Land your model immediately when the battery begins to lose
power. Recharge the battery before attempting another flight. A dangerous
situation can occur when attempting to recharge an over-discharged battery!
●ALWAYS charge the battery inside a fireproof container placed in a
fireproof location clear of combustible materials. Failure to do so can
result in property damage and/or bodily harm!
●ALWAYS keep charging batteries within eyesight. Leaving the battery
unattended is dangerous!
●ALWAYS keep a supply of sand accessible when charging. Dumping
sand on the battery will extinguish the LiPo chemical fire.
●NEVER use anything EXCEPT a LiPo approved charger.
●NEVER charge over 4.20V per cell.
●NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.
●NEVER charge through the “To ESC” or “DISCHARGE” lead.
●NEVER trickle charge, or allow the battery to discharge below 2.75V
per cell.
●NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 140° F [60° C].
●NEVER disassemble or modify the pack wiring in any way or
puncture cells.
●ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

10
Electric Motor Warning
Electric motors are very dangerous. Do not work on the model while the flight
battery is plugged in as interference may cause the main rotor blades to spin,
possibly causing injury to yourself.
Install the Battery
❏ Slide the battery into the
Novus AH-1J SeaCobra
as shown.

11
TURNING THE MODEL ON
TURNING THE MODEL ON
❏ The Novus Helicopter uses a
2.4GHz system that requires a
binding process when the unit is
powered up.This process involves
connecting the flight battery to
the ESC with the transmitter
turned off. Ensure that the throttle
stick is at its lowest position and
turn the transmitter on. You will
notice that the transmitter logo
begins to flash, indicating that the
binding process is taking place.
❏ Once the logo quits flashing
you should see the servos move,
signifying that the receiver is now
bound to the transmitter. The
helicopter must be left still for 5
seconds so the gyro can perform
the initialization process. The
Novus Helicopter is now ready
for flight. Always step 15 feet
[4.5m] away from the Novus
Helicopter before operating the
throttle. Do not hold the model
while operating the throttle.
A safe start is built into the Novus Helicopter that prevents the motor from
activating unless the collective stick has been lowered to the lowest position.
If the motor won’t run and turn the main blades, please make sure the
collective stick is all the way down and leave it there for a couple of seconds.
Then try moving the stick up slowly.

12
All controls described as
follows are with the tail
pointing directly towards
you. This is the best way
to start out since it keeps
the control inputs oriented
the same. Once you start
getting comfortable you
can work on side hovering
and nose-in.
Moving the cyclic stick
right will cause the
helicopter to tilt right and
it will start moving that
direction.
Moving the cyclic stick left
will cause the helicopter
to tilt left and start moving
in that direction.
TRANSMITTER CONTROLS
TRANSMITTER CONTROLS

13
Moving the cyclic stick
backwards (towards you)
will cause the helicopter
to tilt backwards and start
moving that direction.
Moving the cyclic stick
forward (away from you)
will cause the helicopter
to tilt forward and start
moving that direction.
Moving the collective
stick up (away from you)
will cause the helicopter
to climb higher.

14
Moving the collective
stick down (towards you)
will cause the helicopter
to descend.
Moving the tail rotor
stick towards the left
will cause the helicopter
nose to rotate left
(counterclockwise).
Moving the tail rotor
stick towards the right
will cause the helicopter
nose to rotate right
(clockwise).

15
FLYING
FLYING
The Heli-Max Novus AH-1J SeaCobra is an extremely lightweight helicopter.
Taking that into consideration, you should only fly the helicopter indoors or in
calm winds less than 1mph.
Until you become accustomed to the Novus AH-1J SeaCobra helicopter we
highly recommend flying it in a large area of at least 35 feet [10.5m] square with
no obstacles.
The Novus AH-1J SeaCobra is extremely lightweight and does not fly well in
ground effect (air disturbance when the model is hovered below 1 foot [30cm]).
The model should be flown at a minimum altitude of 1foot [30cm] to avoid the
ground effect.
Crashing
Once you realize the model is going to collide with something or crash into the
ground, you should always bring the throttle stick all the way down to stop the
main rotor blades from rotating. If you can remember to do this, chances are
you will not damage the helicopter in the crash. The main rotor blades carry a
lot of RPM and inertia during flight. Cutting the power to the main rotor blades
will prevent most of the crash damage.
Takeoff
Slowly add power and observe the model. If you feel it needs trimming, do so
before lift off. You will find that model helicopters never allow you to return the
sticks to center. You just need to position the stick as needed to maintain a
steady hover.
You will notice the cyclic controls lag behind your inputs. This is perfectly
normal and something you get the feel for with time. It’s normal to drift around
a little in a hover until you get used to flying the model. The cyclic controls are
fairly sensitive so only small movements are necessary.
Hovering
Once the helicopter is up in the air, simply try to hold it in one spot. This can
take some practice. Wind or air currents have a big effect on the stability of the
helicopter as well. Be patient and slowly work forward, as trying to rush the
learning process can be costly.
Landing
Level the helicopter into a steady hover and slowly decrease power until the
helicopter settles onto the ground.
Basic Maneuvers
Once you get comfortable with hovering at different orientations and landing,
it’s time to move on to more advanced maneuvers.

16
Slow Pirouettes – Add a small amount of tail rotor (left or right) and try rotating
the helicopter slightly sideways and see if you can hold it there. If you feel
uncomfortable, then bring the tail back toward you. Once you start getting
comfortable, try moving the helicopter to the side. Then turn back and fly back
to the other side in straight lines. Once you get that down you can try rotating
the helicopter around 360°, which is called a pirouette. The helicopter can drift
during these so make sure you have plenty of room when you first start
practicing.
Nose-in Hovering – After pirouettes it’s time to move on to nose-in hovering.
Take off and climb to 10 feet [3m]. Practice half pirouettes from tail in to nose-in
hovering and try to lengthen the delay in between. This will give you a little
practice nose-in and still give you a chance to get out of trouble. As you improve
you’ll remain nose-in for longer periods of time.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
The Heli-Max™ Novus AH-1J SeaCobra is a very small helicopter. Working on
this small model will require very small tools. The DTXR0170 DuraTrax®
Precision Phillips Screwdriver 00x75mm is recommended.
On occasion it will be necessary to replace damaged parts after a crash.
Please use this section as a guide to performing these steps.
MAIN ROTOR BLADE REPLACEMENT
❏ Remove the blade bolt
using a #00 phillips
screwdriver. After the blade
bolt has been removed,
slide the rotor blade out of
the blade grip. Reinstall the
new blade, ensuring that
the holes within the blade
and blade grip are aligned
properly. Reinstall the blade
bolt.

17
MAIN ROTOR GRIP REPLACEMENT
❏ Remove both blade bolts
and main rotor blades.
Remove the flybar linkage
from the blade grips.
Remove the two blade grip
screws and the blade grips
can be easily removed.
Reinstall the parts in the
reverse order listed above.
REPLACING THE FLYBAR
❏ Loosen the screws on
both flybar paddle collars.
Rotate the paddles counter
clockwise to remove the
paddle and the collar from
the flybar. Loosen the
screws on the flybar carrier
(both sides). At this point
the flybar can be slid out of
the flybar carrier. Slide the
new flybar into the flybar
carrier and ensure that the
new flybar is centered.
Tighten the flybar carrier
screws and reinstall the paddles. Ensure that the paddles are equal distances
out on the flybar and tighten the flybar paddle collar screws.

18
REPLACING THE TAIL SHAFT AND TAIL ROTOR
❏ Use a flat blade screw
driver to carefully pry the
tail rotor from the tail rotor
shaft. Slide the tail drive
gear off of the shaft. Slide
the tail rotor shaft out the
opposite side of the tail
rotor case. Slide the new
tail rotor shaft into the tail
rotor housing. Slide the tail
drive gear onto the shaft
(the step faces inward) and
press the tail rotor onto the
shaft, ensuring that the two
protrusions on the tail rotor line up properly with the tail drive gear.

19
Notes:

20
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Heli-Max Novus AH-1J SeaCobra are available
using the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List below. The fastest,
most economical service can be provided by your hobby dealer.
Novus AH-1J SeaCobra Replacement Parts List
#Stock # Description
1 HMXE8330 Main Rotor Blades
2 HMXE8331 Flybar Paddles
3 HMXE8441 Tail Rotor Blade
4 HMXE8332 Flybar Paddle Mounts (2)
5 HMXE8566 Blade Grips (2)
6 HMXE8567 CNC Rotor Head w/Main Shaft Assembly
7 HMXE8568 CNC Swashplate Assembly
8 HMXE8442 Tail Rotor Gear and Shaft Kit
9 HMXE8569 Complete Linkage Set
10 HMXE7923 Main Frame
11 HMXE8570 Flybar
12 HMXE8036 Main Drive Gear
13 HMXE7408 Replacement Fuselage
14 HMXE7409 Machine Gun Pods
15 HMXE8832 Ball Bearing Set
16 HMXE7333 Complete Screw Set
17 HMXG8019 Main Motor w/20T Pinion
18 HMXG8020 Tail Motor w/Pinion
19 HMXE7924 Landing Gear/ Battery Mount
20 GPMP0409 LiPo 400 mAh 1S Battery Novus SeaCobra
21 HMXM2026 4 in 1 E-Board/ Receiver
22 HMXE8037 Main Motor Pinion Gear
23 HMXE8833 Tail Rotor Shaft Bearings (2)
24 HMXE8443 Tail Rotor Shafts (4)
25 HMXE7416 Canopy/Ejection Seat
26 HMXE8571 Drive Gear Pins (2) Main Shaft Collars (2)