Heli-Max Novus FP User manual

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Length: 9.0 in [229mm]
Width: 1.6 in [41mm]
Height: 3.0 in [76mm]
Rotor Span 7.9 in [200mm]
Flying Weight: 1.8 oz [51.3g]
(with supplied
flight battery)
Length: 8.0 in [205mm]
Width: 1.6 in [40mm]
Height: 5.1 in [130mm]
Rotor Span 6.9 in [175mm]
Flying Weight: 1.85 oz [52.6g]
(with supplied
flight battery)
Novus FP Specifications Novus CX Specifications
Entire Contents © Copyright 2009 HMXE0802/0803MNL01

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IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
• Only use the included charger with the included battery or replacement
part (GPMP0408).
• 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.

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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 INSTRUCTION MANUAL FIRST. IT CONTAINS
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE
ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..........................................4
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED ....................................5
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS.................................6
KIT INSPECTION.................................................6
KIT CONTENTS..................................................7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS .......................................8
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ...................................9
LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE ...........................10
PREFLIGHT ....................................................12
CONTROLS ....................................................13
FLYING........................................................17
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR ........................................19
EXPLODED VIEW ........................................... 28, 30
PARTS LIST & OPTIONAL PARTS.............................. 29, 31
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Heli-Max™ Novus 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 CX or Novus FP 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.
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 Helicopter, 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 Helicopter 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 Helicopter, 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.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Eight “AA” Alkaline Batteries for the Transmitter
o (2) SANP3500 Sanyo AA Alkaline Battery (4 pack)
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ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Heli-Max Novus Helicopter are available using the order
numbers in the Parts List on pages 29 and 31. The fastest, most economical
service can be provided by your hobby dealer.
To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.hobbico.com.
Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the menu on the left side of the page.
Follow the instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or
International dealer.
Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling [phone],
or via facsimile at [phone], but full retail prices and shipping and handling
charges will apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If
ordering via fax, include a Visa®or MasterCard® number and expiration date for
payment. Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:
Hobby Services
3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822
Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the Parts List. Payment
by credit card or personal check only; no C.O.D.
If additional assistance is required for any reason contact Product Support by
e-mail at [e-mail], or by telephone at [phone].
KIT INSPECTION
Before starting assembly, take an inventory of the Novus FP/CX 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]
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KIT CONTENTS
1. Novus FP Helicopter
2. 3.7V LiPo Battery
3. 4-Channel 2.4GHz Transmitter
4. 110V Wall Charger
1. Novus CX Helicopter
2. 3.7V LiPo Battery
3. 4-Channel 2.4GHz Transmitter
4. 110V Wall Charger
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ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Install Batteries in the Transmitter
o Remove the battery cover from the back of the transmitter and remove the
battery box. 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.
o 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.
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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 difculties 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.
o 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.
*
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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.
o Plug the battery into the charger. The charge indicator light will start ashing
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 ashing).
Disconnect the battery from the charger. Under normal operating conditions, the
battery may take up to one hour to recharge.
LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & 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!

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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.
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.
Installing the Flight Battery
Slide the flight battery into the Novus Helicopter as shown.

PREFLIGHT
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.
Balance the Main Blades
The Novus Helicopter main rotor blades are already balanced and ready to fly.
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CONTROLS
Transmitter Controls
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 start moving
that direction.

Moving the cyclic stick left will cause the helicopter to tilt left and start moving
that direction.
Moving the cyclic stick backwards (towards you) will cause the helicopter to tilt
backwards and start moving that direction.
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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.

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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).

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Moving the tail rotor stick towards the right will cause the helicopter nose to rotate
right (clockwise).
FLYING
The Heli-Max Novus CX and FP are extremely lightweight helicopters. Taking that
into consideration, you should only fly the helicopter indoors or in calm winds less
than 1mph.
The Novus CX coaxial helicopter is very stable and easy to fly in comparison to
the Novus FP single rotor helicopter. Until you become accustomed to the Novus
FP helicopter we highly recommend flying it in a large area of at least 35 feet
[10.5m] square with no obstacles.
Both the Novus CX and Novus FP are extremely lightweight and do not fly well in
ground effect (air disturbance when the model is hovered below 1 foot [30cm]).
Both models should be flown at a minimum altitude of 1foot [30cm] to avoid the
ground effect.
Crashing
We already know that crashing is going to occur. 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.

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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.
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 degrees, 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!

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MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
The Heli-Max™ Novus CX and FP are very small helicopters. Working on these
small models will require very small tools. The DTXR0170 DuraTrax® Precision
Phillips Screwdriver 00x75mm is recommended for both the Novus CX and FP.
Both the Novus CX and FP are very sturdy helicopters. On occasion it will be
necessary to replace damaged parts after a crash. Please use this section as a
guide to performing these steps.
NOVUS FP – 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.
NOVUS FP – MAIN ROTOR GRIP REPLACEMENT
Remove both blade bolts and
main rotor blades. Remove the
ybar 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.

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NOVUS FP – REPLACING THE FLYBAR
Loosen the screws on both ybar paddle collars. Rotate the paddles counter
clockwise to remove the paddle and the collar from the ybar. Loosen the screws on
the ybar carrier (both sides). At
this point the ybar can be slid
out of the ybar carrier. Slide
the new flybar into the flybar
carrier and ensure that the
new ybar is centered. Tighten
the ybar carrier screws and
reinstall the paddles. Ensure
that the paddles are equal
distances out on the ybar and
tighten the ybar paddle collar
screws.
NOVUS FP – REPLACING THE MAIN GEAR
Remove the lower retaining
pin from the main gear using
needle nose pliers. Remove
the old main gear from the
model and install the new main
gear. Align the hole in the main
shaft with the hole in the main
gear and press the small pin
back through the hole.
NOVUS FP – REPLACING THE MAINSHAFT
Remove the lower retaining
pin from the main gear
using needle nose pliers.
Disconnect the servo linkages
from the swashplate. Slide the
main shaft straight up and out
of the main frame. Remove
and transfer necessary parts
to the new main shaft and
reinstall by reversing the
order listed above.