Simple test BEFORE flying for the first time, NAZA F450

[Waiheke]

Simple test procedure before flying a new copter for the first time.

On frame near motors mark rotation , felt tip pen or whatever, using instructions for correct rotation.
Run motors WITHOUT props, at low speed, touch each motor with the end of your finger to find direction.
Shut down, disconnect battery and fit props.

Place copter on the floor.
Connect battery.
Reach over and grab frame in center area firmly.
Do not remove your firm grip on the frame at any time untill battery disconnected at test end.
Do not at any time raise more than a hand width from the floor.
While holding down on the floor, start motors with other hand and raise throttle to about 25%.
Lift the copter only just clear of the floor.
If it feels that it is trying to stay level and not tilting in any direction then motor rotations, prop directions are correct.
Lift it a little more from the floor, say 25mm/1inch.
Using the hand holding the frame, try and tilt the copter forward,20-30deg, it should resist and try to level.
Do the same by tilting backwards, it should try and resist the tilting to go back to level.
Do the same for left and right tilt.
Keeping the copter just clear of the floor.
If all good then try the Tx stick movement, the copter should tilt in the direction that you move the sticks.
If at any time things are going wrong, push it back onto the floor and shutdown the motors, and investigate reasons.

Doing this before you lift off on first flight will save having the copter tip over.
When it comes time to do the first flight, give the copter a good dose of throttle and get at least 1mtr/3ft off the ground quickly.

 

[Billzilla]

Good advice.
I did much the same thing with mine.

 

[fayrwerks]

Its been discussed before... never touch an armed quad... much safer way would be to just simply wrap a electric or masking tape round the motor's propeller mount to check the motors direction. if its in X configuration just place it on the ground and push the throttle stick forward all motor should speed up. left aileron should make the 2 motors from the opposite side to spin faster and right aile the otherway around, forward elevator should make motors 3 & 4 faster back elev and motor 1 and 2 spins faster... to check if its compesating just hold the frame from underneath then dip it in one side the motor on that side should spin faster... install the props and test it somewhere safe... its always safer to have a friend or spotter on your first attempt to takeoff...

 

[Tomstoy2]

View attachment 4114View attachment 4115Agree,,, you can never be too safe,,, don't ask me how I know,,,

 

[Billzilla]

Meh, I'm pretty big & ugly, I can easily hang onto the bottom of the centre frame and give it full power.

 

[mailman35]

ive been using the painters tape to check rotation, and since i started doing it, it has led to an awesome lift off every time

 

[Dewster]

I also used tape to check the rotation of the props. My first hover resulted in a tip over. It tipped onto it's side. I was trying to milk the throttle into a hover instead of just giving it power. I've only had one tip over since. I have several successful flights with my Hexa and no problems. Knock on wood....