Blade MCX2 Instruction Manual
Created 01/10 bladehelis.com 16634
Note: Attempting to fly the helicopter without completely reading the manual may cause injury
to yourself and people in the vicinity, as well as damage to the helicopter.
Instruction Manual
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Specifications
Length .................7.9 in (200mm)
Height .................4.7 in (120mm)
Main Rotor Diameter .......7.5 in (190mm)
Weight with Battery. . . . . . . . 1.0 oz (28 g)
Main Motors ............. Micro coreless (2 installed)
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-Cell 3.7V 120mAh LiPo (included)
Charger ................1-Cell 3.7V DC LiPo (included)
Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . MLP4DSM 2.4GHz DSM 4-channel (RTF Only)
On-Board Electronics . . . . . . 5-in-1 receiver/servos/mixer/ESCs/gyro (installed)
Warning
An RC 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, following all instructions.
Keep items that can get entangled in the rotor blades away from the main and tail
blades, including loose clothing, pencils and screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands
away from the rotor blades.
Additional Safety Precautions and Warnings
As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for operating it in a manner
that does not endanger yourself and others or result in damage to the product or the
property of others.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to interference from many
sources outside your control. This interference can cause momentary loss of control
so it is advisable to always keep a safe distance in all directions around your model,
as this margin will help to avoid collisions or injury.
Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.•
Always operate your model in an open area away from cars, traffic or people.•
Avoid operating your model in the street where injury or damage can occur.•
Never operate the model out into the street or populated areas for any reason.•
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional support •
equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery packs, etc.).
Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of the reach •
of children.
Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure to all equipment •
not specifically designed and protected for this purpose.
Never lick or place any portion of your model in your mouth as it could cause •
serious injury or even death.
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Specifications ................................................. 3
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Additional Safety Precautions and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Blade mCX2 RTF Contents ........................................ 4
Blade mCX2 BNF Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
First Flight Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Flying Checklist ................................................ 5
Battery Warnings and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Battery Charging ............................................... 8
Installing the Transmitter Batteries (RTF ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing the Flight Battery ........................................ 9
Transmitter and Receiver Binding .................................. 10
Transmitter Control Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Control Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Channel 5 Information .......................................... 15
5-in-1 Control Unit Description, Arming and Motor Control Test ............. 16
Understanding the Primary Flight Controls ............................ 18
Dual Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Choosing a Flying Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Flying the Blade mCX2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Advanced Swash Plate Settings ................................... 23
Exploded View Parts Listing ...................................... 24
Exploded View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Replacement Parts List ......................................... 26
Option Parts ................................................. 26
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Compliance Information for the European Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any difficulties while charging, setting up, testing functions or flying
your Blade mCX2, see page 30 to contact the appropriate Horizon Product Support
office.
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Blade® mCX2 RTF Contents
Item Description
Not Available Separately ....Blade mCX2 RTF Airframe
EFLH1064B ............. MLP4DSM 4-Channel Transmitter, 2.4GHz DSM2
EFLB1201S .............120mAh 1-Cell 3.7V Li-Po
EFLC1000 ..............1-Cell 3.7V Li-Po Charger, 0.3A
EFLH1209 ..............Screwdriver
Not Available Separately ....8 AA Batteries
(Optional) FUG4 . . . . . . . . . . 4 AA Batteries
Blade mCX2 BNF Contents
Item Description
Not Available Separately ....Blade mCX2 RTF Airframe
EFLB1201S .............120mAh 1-Cell 3.7V Li-Po
EFLC1000 ..............1-Cell 3.7V Li-Po Charger, 0.3A
EFLH1209 ..............Screwdriver
Not Available Separately ....4 AA Batteries
(Optional) FUG4 . . . . . . . . . . 4 AA Batteries
Note: These checklists are not intended to be a replacement for the content
included in this instruction manual. Although they can be used as a quick
start guide, we strongly suggest reading through this manual completely
before proceeding.
First Flight Preparation
Remove and inspect contents•
Install four of the included AA batteries in the charger•
Begin charging the flight battery•
Install the remaining four AA batteries in the transmitter (RTF ONLY)•
Install the flight battery in the helicopter (once it has been fully charged)•
Test the controls•
Familiarize yourself with the controls•
Find a suitable area for flying•
Flying Checklist
Always turn the transmitter on first ❏
Plug the flight battery into the lead from the 5-in-1 control unit ❏
Allow the 5-in-1 control unit to initialize and arm properly ❏
Fly the model ❏
Land the model ❏
Unplug the flight battery from the 5-in-1 control unit ❏
Always turn the transmitter off last ❏
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Battery Warnings and Guidelines
The 1S 3.7V DC Lithium Polymer Battery Charger (PKZ3240) included with
the Blade mCX2 has been specifically designed to safely charge the
included 150mAh 3.7V 14C Li-Po battery. You may also use the E-flite®
Celectra™ 4-Port Charger (EFLC1004). You must read the following
safety instructions and warnings before handling, charging or using the
Li-Po battery.
CAUTION: Li-Po 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 a fire, personal injury, and/or property damage.
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 mCX2 model in new, unused condition to the place of
purchase immediately.
You must charge the included Li-Po battery in a safe area away from •
flammable materials.
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.•
DO NOT USE A Ni-Cd OR Ni-MH CHARGER. Failure to charge the battery •
with a compatible charger may cause fire resulting in personal injury
and/or property damage.
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.
Store the battery at room temperature in a dry area for best results.•
When transporting or temporarily storing the battery, the temperature range •
should be from 40–120º F. 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 catch fire.
Do not over-discharge the Li-Po flight battery. Discharging the battery too low can •
cause damage to the battery resulting in reduced power, duration or failure of the
battery entirely.
Li-Po cells should not be discharged to below 3V each under load. In the case of
the Li-Po battery used for the Blade mCX2, do not allow the battery to fall below
3V during flight.
The Blade mCX2’s 5-in-1 control unit features a soft low voltage cutoff (LVC) that
occurs when the battery reaches 3V under load. When the soft cutoff occurs,
the ESCs of the 5-in-1 unit reduce power to the motors (regardless of the power
level set with the throttle stick) in order to prevent the voltage of the battery from
dropping below 3V. This power reduction usually requires you to land the model
immediately, at which point you should power down the model and unplug the
flight battery.
And while it is possible to power the model up and to fly again after the soft LVC
occurs, this is NOT recommended as continued discharging to the soft LVC will
cause permanent damage to the Li-Po battery resulting in lost power and
duration in subsequent flights, or failure of the battery entirely. Continued
attempts to further discharge the battery may also result in loss of control while
the motors are running as the voltage may drop below the minimum operating
voltage of the receiver and other electronics.
Also, it is not recommended that you fly to the soft LVC every time you fly.
Instead, be aware of the power level of the battery/helicopter throughout the
flight, and if at any time the helicopter begins to require more throttle than typical
to maintain hover or flight, land the helicopter immediately. Routinely discharging
the battery to the soft LVC can still cause permanent damage to the battery.
Note: When the battery power/voltage is getting low, you will typically find that
significant rudder trim and/or rudder stick adjustments are needed to prevent the helicopter from spinning. This usually occurs before soft LVC, and
indicates a good time to stop flying.
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Battery Charging
Follow these steps to charge the Li-Po battery with the included charger:
Remove the cover on the bottom of the charger and install four of the included •
AA batteries, noting proper polarity. Replace the cover after the AA batteries
are installed.
Slide the battery into the slot on the charger. The endcap of the battery has been •
specifically designed to allow the battery to be slid into the slot easily one way
(usually with the label on the battery facing outward) to prevent reverse polarity
connection. However, check for proper alignment and polarity before proceeding
to the next step.
Gently press the battery and its connector into the charge jack/connector located •
at the bottom of the slot on the charger.
Once the connection is successful, the LED light on the charger turns solid red, •
indicating charging has begun.
A fully discharged battery (not over-discharged) takes approximately 30–40 •
minutes to charge. As the battery nears full charge, the LED light will blink. When
the battery is fully charged the LED light blinks approximately every 20 seconds
or goes out entirely.
Note: The Li-Po battery included with your Blade mCX2 will arrive partially
charged. For this reason the initial charge may only take 15–20 minutes.
Note: You can expect to charge the Li-Po flight battery approximately 15–20
times before it will be necessary to replace the AA batteries in the charger.
An optional 6V power supply is also available separately (EFLC1005).
This power supply will allow you to charge at home without the need for AA
batteries.
Installing the Transmitter Batteries (RTF ONLY)
Install four of the included AA batteries in the transmitter. Check for proper operation
of the transmitter by switching the power switch on (to the left). The LED light at the
top of the transmitter should begin to glow solid red while the transmitter beeps.
Installing the Flight Battery
Once the Li-Po battery is fully charged, you can install it in the helicopter.
This is done by sliding it into the battery mounting supports/slots just below the
main gears. Slide the battery into the slots with the label facing downward and the
connector oriented toward the back of the helicopter.
Note: Be sure to slide the battery into the slots until the endcap of the
battery comes into contact with the rear battery support. This allows you
to achieve the correct center of gravity for the best overall flight
performance. However, be sure the battery is not pushed far enough
forward that it makes contact with the servo gears, as this could cause
damage to the gears and a potential crash.
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