Blade CX User Manual

Specifications

Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.75 in (400mm)

Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.17 in (182mm)

Main Rotor Diameter
Weight RTF w/Battery

Main Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 (2 installed)

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.4V 800mAh Li-Po (included)

Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FM 4-Channel (included)

On-Board Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-in-1 Receiver/Mixer/ESC/Gyro (installed)

Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EFLRS75 High-Speed, High-Torque (2 installed)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.60 in (345mm)

. . . . . . . . . . . . 8.0 oz (227 g)

Introduction

The Blade™ CX is a truly Ready-for-Anyone-to-Fly micro class electric helicopter. Coaxial counter-rotating blades
cancel out the rotational torque that makes hovering a conventional helicopter so difficult while providing
unsurpassed stability in all other phases of flight too. Whether you are a first-time helicopter pilot or an
experienced pilot looking for the best in coaxial micro helicopter performance, you’ll enjoy many of the outstanding
features that have the Blade CX flying in no time such as pre-installed main motors, 4-in-1 control unit with
receiver, mixer, ESC and gyro, and high-speed, high-torque S75 sub-micro servos. With the included 4-channel FM
transmitter, 2-cell 800mAh Li-Po battery pack and DC charger, you’ll have precise control for hovering, forward
flight and more with durations of up to 15 minutes per charge.

While the Blade CX is nearly ready-to-fly right from the box, please take the time to read through this manual
completely for tips on battery safety and charging, control checks, flying and more. Please also take a few
minutes to watch the included Instructional Video CD for additional tips and to see the Blade CX in action.

Table of Contents

Specifications ............................................................................................................................................ 1

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................

Warning .....................................................................................................................................................

Additional Required Equipment ....................................................................................................................

Blade CX RTF Contents ...............................................................................................................................

Warranty Information ...................................................................................................................................

Battery Warnings, Guidelines and Charging ...................................................................................................

Charge Errors and Indications .....................................................................................................................

Install the Transmitter Batteries ...................................................................................................................

Installing the Flight Battery ........................................................................................................................

Center of Gravity ......................................................................................................................................

Control Test .............................................................................................................................................

4-in-1 Control Unit Description, Arming and Motor Control Test ....................................................................

Before the First Flight ...............................................................................................................................

Flying the Blade

Main Motor Proportional Mix Trimmer Pot Description and Adjustment .........................................................

Upper Main Rotor Blade Tracking Adjustment .............................................................................................

Main Motor Care and Installing the Optional Main Motor Heat Sink ...............................................................

2005 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code ...............................................................................

Replacement Parts List .............................................................................................................................

Optional Parts List ....................................................................................................................................

Replacement and Optional Parts ................................................................................................................ 33

Exploded View Parts Listing ......................................................................................................................

Exploded View ..........................................................................................................................................

™ CX ............................................................................................................................... 24

2
3
3
3
4
4
9

9
10
11
12
15
18

26
27
29
31
32
32

34
35

2

Warning

An RC model helicopter is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only
in open areas, preferably at AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved flying sites.

Lithium Polymer batteries are significantly more volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/Ni-MH batteries used
in RC applications. All manufacturer’s instructions and warnings must be followed closely.
Mishandling of Li-Po batteries can result in fire.

Additional Required Equipment

Only 8 “AA” batteries (sold separately) are required to complete your Blade™ CX.

Blade CX RTF Contents

Item Description

N/A Blade CX RTF Airframe
EFLH1040 4CH Transmitter FM 72MHz
EFLB0990 7.4V 800mAh 2-Cell Li-Po, JST/Balance
EFLC3100 2-Cell Li-Po Balance Charger, 0.5A
EFLH1209 Mounting Accessories & Screwdriver

3

Warranty Information

Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees this model 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
Horizon Hobby’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Horizon Hobby reserves the right to
change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Horizon Hobby has no control over the final assembly or material used for the final assembly, no liability
shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use of the final assembled product. By the act
of using the assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

Please note that once assembly of the model has been started, you must contact Horizon Hobby, Inc. directly
regarding any warranty question. Please do not contact your local hobby shop regarding warranty issues, even
if that is where you purchased it. This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and service you in the
event that you may need any assistance.

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.

Horizon Hobby, Inc.

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, Illinois 61822

[phone]

horizonhobby.com

Battery Warnings, Guidelines and Charging

While the 7.4V 800mAh 2-cell Lithium Polymer Battery Pack (EFLB0990) included with your Blade™
CX features Charge Protection Circuitry and Balance Charging via the included 2-cell Lithium Polymer
Balance Charger (EFLC3100) to help ensure a safe charge every time, you MUST read the following
safety instructions and warnings before handling, charging or using the Li-Po battery pack.

Note: Lithium Polymer batteries are significantly more volatile than the alkaline, Ni-Cd or
Ni-MH batteries used in RC applications. All instructions and warnings must be followed exactly.
Mishandling of Li-Po batteries can result in fire.

By handling, charging or using the included Li-Po battery you assume all risks associated with lithium
batteries. If you do not agree with these conditions, return your complete Blade CX model in new,
unused condition to the place of purchase immediately.

4

Battery Warnings, Guidelines and Charging (continued)

• You must charge the included 7.4V 800mAh 2-cell Li-Po battery pack in a safe area away from flammable
materials.

• Do not charge the battery when installed in the helicopter.

• Never charge the battery unattended. When charging the battery you should always remain in constant
observation to monitor the charging process and react to potential problems that may occur.

• After flight, the battery must be cooled to ambient temperature before charging.

• You MUST use the included 2-cell 7.4V Li-Po Balance Charger ONLY. Failure to do so may result in a fire
causing personal injury and/or property damage. DO NOT use a Ni-Cd or Ni-MH charger

.

• If at any time during the charge or discharge process the battery begins to balloon or swell, discontinue
charging or discharging immediately. Quickly and safely disconnect the battery, then place it in a safe, open
area away from flammable materials to observe it for at least 15 minutes. Continuing to charge or discharge
a battery that has begun to balloon or swell can result in a fire. A battery that has ballooned or swollen even a
small amount must be removed from service completely.

• In the event of a crash, you must quickly and safely disconnect and remove the battery from the model, then
place it in a safe, open area away from flammable materials to observe it for at least 15 minutes.

• Store the battery at room temperature for best results.

• When transporting or temporarily storing the battery, the temperature range should be from 40–120 degrees
Fahrenheit. Do not store the battery or model in a car or direct sunlight whenever possible. If stored in a hot
car, the battery can be damaged or even cause a fire.

• Do not over-discharge the battery. Discharging the battery too low can cause damage to the pack resulting in
reduced performance and duration. Follow the additional guidelines found in the “Flying the Blade CX” section
(page 25) to prevent over-discharge of the battery.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the handling, charging and/or use of the included Li-Po
battery pack, please contact Horizon Hobby’s Product Support staff at 1-877-504-0233.

5

Battery Warnings, Guidelines and Charging (continued)

It is important that you only charge the included 7.4V 800mAh 2-cell Li-Po Battery Pack (EFLB0990)
with the included 2-cell 7.4V Li-Po Balance Charger (EFLC3100). Your battery pack is equipped with
special Charge Protection Circuitry and a Balance Charge Lead with connector that is only compatible
with this charger. Attempting to charge the pack using another Li-Po charger or non Li-Po compatible
charger could result in serious damage. Please familiarize yourself thoroughly with the warnings and
guidelines (pages 4–5) before continuing.

Note: The Li-Po battery pack included with your Blade™ CX will arrive partially charged. For this reason the initial

charge may only take approximately 1.0–1.5 hours.

The included 2-cell 7.4V Li-Po Balance Charger will charge a near fully discharged (not over-discharged)

7.4V 800mAh 2-cell Li-Po Battery Pack in approximately 2.0–2.5 hours. In some cases the charge time

may be shorter depending on the actual amount of capacity left in the pack after a flight. NEVER charge

the battery unattended.

The charger requires up to 1.5 Amps of 11.5–15 Volt DC input power that can be supplied from a small 12V gel
cell or car battery.

6

Battery Warnings, Guidelines and Charging (continued)

Input power for the charger can also be supplied through the use of an AC to DC adapter/power supply for
convenient charging anywhere an AC outlet is available. We recommend the optional E-flite™ AC to 12V DC, 1.5
Amp Power Supply (EFLC4000). NEVER attempt to power the charger from an AC outlet without the use of

a proper AC to DC adapter/power supply.

The charger is equipped with two LED indicators marked RED and GREEN on the label. These LEDs indicate the
following (also found on the label of the charger):

• Red Flashing LED Only: Input power with no battery connected

• Red and Green Solid LED: Battery connected and charging

• Red Solid LED Only: Charge complete

• Red and Green Flashing LED: Charge error

7

Battery Warnings, Guidelines and Charging (continued)

Once you have connected the charger to a power source (Use care to ensure proper polarity when connecting
the charger to the power source), its red LED will flash to indicate the charger has power and is ready to begin
charging. Connect the Li-Po battery pack to the charger using the specially marked Balance Charge Lead. The
connector is keyed to prevent reverse polarity connection.

When the battery is properly connected and charging normally, the red and green LED indicators will glow solid.
Once the battery has been fully charged, the green LED will go out, leaving just the red LED glowing solid. The
battery can now be removed from the charger and installed into the Blade™ CX for flight.

8

Charge Errors and Indications

In the event that both the red and green LEDs flash, a charge error has occurred. Some examples of
charge errors and their indications include:

• Alternating flashing of the red and green LEDs will indicate that the charge process has been interrupted. If input
power to the charger has been interrupted due to disconnection from the power source or a drop in voltage/
current output from the power source, unplug the battery from the charger. Next, check to make sure that
the alligator clips are firmly and properly attached to the power source or that the input power plug from the
optional AC to 12V DC adapter/power supply is connected. Also be sure that the power source is providing the
proper amount of voltage and current required to the charger.

After confirming the connections and that the power source is delivering the necessary voltage and current, re-

start the charge process by connecting the battery pack. Continue to monitor the charge process to ensure that
no further charge errors occur.

• Simultaneous flashing of the red and green LEDs will indicate that the voltage of the Li-Po battery pack is
too low to allow the charge process to begin. In this case the battery may have been over-discharged due to
flying the model too long (For more information on preventing over-discharge of the Li-Po battery pack, see
the “Flying the Blade CX” section found on page 25), or that a single cell or even both cells in the battery pack
may be damaged.

If after several charging attempts you continue to see this charge error indication, you should remove the

battery pack from service and replace it with a new one.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding charge error indications, please contact Horizon Hobby’s
Product Support staff at 1-877-504-0233.

Install the Transmitter Batteries

Install 8 new “AA” batteries in the included transmitter. Check the power level of the batteries and operation of the
transmitter by switching the power switch on (upward). The status LEDs at the top of the transmitter will indicate
the power level of the batteries. If at any time the status LEDs no longer show green, it will be necessary to
replace the batteries with new ones.

9

Installing the Flight Battery

Use the included hook and loop material for mounting the Li-Po battery pack. The “hook” material is already
installed on the battery frame stop. Install the “loop” material on the end of the battery with the wire leads.

The battery can be installed through the opening in the rear of the body. Be sure to install the end of the battery
with the loop material first, with the wire leads oriented to the left side of the model so that they can pass by the
stop. Slide the battery into the support frame until the hook and loop material makes contact.

10

Installing the Flight Battery (continued)

Quick Tip: You can install a tape “pull tab” on the end of the battery to make it easier to remove. You can also

carefully remove some additional material from the opening in the rear of the body.

Center of Gravity

Once the battery has been properly installed and secured you will need to check the helicopter’s center of gravity.
If the helicopter is not properly balanced it can be difficult to control and constantly try to move forward or
backward in hover.

To check the center of gravity, lift the helicopter by the stabilizer flybar with the flybar positioned perpendicular to
the tail section of the body. Make sure that the helicopter balances level. If it does not, confirm that the battery
has been properly installed and reposition if necessary.

Support by Flybar

Must Balance Level

11