Compass Atom 500 User Manual

Assembly Manual

Copyright Compass Model 2008

As we continue to improve our products; this manual may not reflect all recent product amendments.

For more information, please refer to www.compassmodel.com

Version 2.0

Created : 10/26/2009

Features :

Fly at your own risk !

- Best 3D Performance

- Precision ECCPM 120° Metal Swashplate

- Easy Maintenance

- 80% Preassembled

- Low Parts Count

- Wear Resistant Parts

Equipped with extra Strong Frames, Aluminum Rotor Head, Aluminum Tail Rotor and a

Metal Swashplate the Atom 500 not only looks great but is long lasting.

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Compass Model Atom 500 Electric Powered Helicopter.This model has been
designed using the latest in state-of-the-art design technology. To achieve the best performance and reliability from this
model, please read through these instructions carefully so you become familiar with the contents of this kit before assembly.

AMA Information

We strongly encourage all prospective and current R/C aircraft pilots to join the Academy of Model Aeronautics. TheAMA is
a non-profit organization that provides services to model aircraft pilots. As an AMA member, you will receive a monthly
magazine entitled Model Aviation, as well as liability insurance plan to cover against possible accident or injury. All AMA
charter aircraft clubs require individuals to hold a current AMA sporting license prior to operation of their models. For
further information, you can contact theAMAat:

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN47302

Warning

The radio-controlled model helicopter contained in this kit is not a toy, but a sophisticated piece of equipment. This product
is not recommended for use by children. Radio-controlled models such as this are capable of causing both property damage
and/or bodily harm to both the operator/assembler and/or spectator if not properly assembled and operated. Compass
Model Ltd. assumes no liability for damage that could occur from the assembly and/or use/misuse of this product.Although
theAtom 500 is powered by a quiet, smooth-running electric motor, it should be assembled and operated with the same care
as its larger glow engine counterparts.When operating yourAtom 500, please exercise caution and safety.

Warranty

The warranty covers defects in material or workmanship or missing components to the original purchaser for 30 days from
the date of purchase. Compass Model Ltd will replace or repair, at our discretion, the defective or missing component.
Defective components must be returned to our Distributor prior to replacement.
Any part, which has been improperly installed, abused, crash damaged or altered by unauthorized agencies is not covered.
Under no circumstances will the buyer be entitled to consequential or incidental damages. The components used in this kit
are made from special materials designed for special applications and design strengths. Werecommend that all replacement
parts be original parts manufactured by Compass Model Ltd to ensure proper and safe operation of your model. Any part
used which was manufactured by any firm other than Compass Model Ltd VOIDS all warranties of this product by Compass
Model Ltd.

Warranty Procedures

Mail all warranty information within 15 days of original purchase date. If service is required, send the component in
question (if not missing) together with a photocopy of your bill of sale and an accurate description of the problem and part.
Ship components fully insured and prepaid. Compass Model Ltd is not responsible for any shipping damages. We will, at our
discretion, notify you of any costs involved, or ship it COD. You are required to pay all postage, shipping and insurance
charges.

R/C Helicopter Safety

A model helicopter must be built exactly in accordance with the assembly instructions. Compass Model Ltd has spent much
time and efforts refining this product to make it reliable in operation and easy to build. Vibration and stress levels are high and
all fasteners and attachments must be secure for safe operation. Safe operation is the responsibility of the builder/flyer and
starts with careful construction and continues with selection and installation of reliable radio equipment and motor/engine.
The need for safety is nowhere greater than at the flying field. A number of guidelines for safe flight have been developed by
experienced flyers and are set down here. It is urged that they be read, understood and followed.

Attention:

rules to apply in your country/Flying field.

each country has his own security application which cannot be laid down here so prior to any flight request the

Guidelines for Safe R/C Helicopter Flight

• Fly only at approved flying fields and obey field regulations.

• Follow frequency control procedures. Interference can be dangerous to all.

• Obtain assistance from experienced pilots.

• The Guidance provided by experienced pilots is valuable and sometimes necessary.

• Know your radio. Check all transmitter functions before each flight.

• Be aware that rotating blades are very dangerous and can cause serious injury.

• Never fly near or above spectators or other modelers.

• Do not fly r/c helicopter models near buildings, high voltage cables, trees or other obstacles.

• If a beginner, get help trimming the model first and flight training later.

• Don’t “track” the main blades by holding the tail boom. This is a temptation to builders who cannot hover yet and is very dangerous.

• Follow all recommended maintenance procedures for model, radio and motor.

• Only turn off the radio after the engine is shut down.

Necessary Items

In order to operate this model, you need to purchase the following items not kit-included.

6 channel or up radio and receiver.
3 mini servos.
1 gyro with rudder servo.
6S LiPo battery 2100mah~3300mah.
or 2 pack 3s LiPo battery with same capacity.

Main Rotor

Length: up to 430mm

Hex Wrench Set

(1.5mm,2mm,2.5mm,3mm)

Threadlock

Cutter Knife

Grease

Needle Nose Pliers

Mini Servos

Bearing Retainer

Screw Driver

Pitch Gauge

Ball Link Sizing Tool Ball Plier

Swash PlateTool

Preassembly Information

When first opening your Atom kit, you will notice that all of the parts are packaged and numbered to coordinate with the
assembly step numbers of this instruction manual. All small hardware (nuts, bolts, washers, etc.) for each step are packaged
separately within the main parts bags. When beginning a section, you will need to open only the bag with the corresponding
number to the section you are about to start. It is suggested that you place all of the hardware in an open container (e.g., servo
case) during assembly so as not to lose any of the small parts. It may also be helpful to familiarize yourself with the various
sizes of screws, bolts, nuts, etc., as illustrated in the appropriate assembly section before you begin assembly. In most cases, at
the end of each assembly section, there should be no parts remaining. Great care has been taken in filling the bags with the
correct quantity of parts and hardware for each section. However, occasional mistakes happen. In the event that you find a
parts shortage or are in need of technical assistance, please contact your local Compass Model parts dealer.

In The Box

This model is packed according to assembling steps. Do not open all the bags at one time.

Open only one bag for each step of assemply when building.

Atom 500

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

Step 4 Step 5

Carbon Frame Set 60A ESC

Compass Carbon Blades

Atom 500R Differences

Rotor Head Assembly

Long Items

Step 7 Step 10

Tail Assembly

Step 5 (With Flybar Weight)

G10 Frame Set 40A ESC

Compass FG Blades

Symbols & assembling

Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage, personal injury or danger.

Use Blue Threadlock

G

Use Grease

A

B

Use AB Glue

Use Bearing Retainer

* Always apply blue Threadlock when fixing Bolts on Metal parts.
* Always apply green retainer where bearings have to be fit into metal parts.
* Do not over-tighten self tapping screws into plastic parts or you will strip the threads!

Step 3

1

Servo

M2.5x16 Self Tapping
Bolt X 4

M2.5x10 Self Tapping
Bolt X 4

M2.5x8 Self Tapping
Bolt X 8

2.5mm Washer X 16

Plastic Spacer x 4

Serv o Nut x 2

Hole for
Mini Rudder Servo

The Servo installation is done without
the supplied Servo Rubbers.

Mini Servo

0

10

20

M2.5x8 Self-Tapping Bolt

2.5mm Washer

The Swashplate Servos are installed
in between the 2 frames. The Self
Tapping Bolts are screwed from the
inside, while the Self Tapping Bolts
for the Rudder Servo are screwed
from the out side. The supplied Servo
Nuts are only used for the Rudder
Servo.

30

40

The 4 Plastic Spacers are used to
bring the Elevator Servo Arm in
Line with the Swashplate Link Ball.

2

Landing Gear

M3 x10 Self Tapping
Bolt X 4

Plastic Spacer

M2.5x10 Self Tapping Bolt

Servo Nut

Standard Size
Rudder Servo

M2.5x16 Self
Tapping Bolt

2.5mm Washer

0

10

20

M3x10 Self Tapping Bolt

Landing Gear Struts

30

40

M3x5 S et Screw X 4

A

B

Use AB Glue

Tip: Do not over tighten the four 3 x 5mm

set screws as it can damage the landing
struts.

M3x5 Set Screw

A

B

Skid Cap

A

B

Landing Gear Skid

3

M3 Washer x2

Boom & Tail Rotor

0

Crimping Belt damages the Tensile Cords
and will result in premature failure.

10

30

20

40

M3 Nylon Lock Nut x6

M2.5x6 Cap Head Bolt x2

M3x40 Cap Head Bolt x4

M2.5 x8 Self Tapping
Bolt X 2

Use Threadlock

Bearing Retainer

Insert theTail Boom
fully into the Tail Gear
Case before tightening
the 2.5x6mm Bolts.

Vertical Fin Mount

M3 Nylon
Nut

M3 Washer

Be careful not to over tighten the
Bolts when attaching theTail Rotor
Blades.The Tail Blades should be
able to move with a slight amount
of resistance within theTail Blade
Holders.

Tail Set

These Bolts are only used to
compress the boom, please do
not screw them the whole way in.

M2.5x6 Cap

Head Bolt

M3x25 Cap
Head Bolt

M3 Nylon Nut

See Page Team Tips!

Slide theTail Boom through the
Tail Boom Mount. Twist theTail
Belt 90° to the right before

inserting it to the Idler Pulleys.

M3x40 Cap
Head Bolt

M2.5x8 SelfTapping Bolt

4

Main Gear

0

10

30

20

40

M2.5 Nylon Lock Nut x1

M2.5x10 Cap Head Bolt x1

M2.5x18 Shanked Bolt x1

Use Threadlock

Main Shaft

Mast Collar

M2.5x10 Cap
Head Bolt

2.5mm Nylon
Lock Nut

M2.5x18 Shanked
Bolt

See Page Team Tips!

Lift the Main Shaft Collar upwards and
secure to the Main Shaft by slightly
tighten the Lock Screw. It is necessary
to align the Lock Screw through the
hole in the side of the Main Frame.
While securing the Lock Screw, make
sure that you are pushing down on the
Main Shaft so that there will be no
up/down play in the Main Shaft once
the collar is secured.

Gear BacklashAdjustment:
For smooth operation and
performance, it is necessary to adjust
the Gear Backlash properly. Excess
Gear Backlash can cause premature
Gear Wear and damage. Insufficient
Gear Backlash can cause vibration,
as well as overheating of the Motor
and Speed Controller.Adjust the Gear
Backlash by placing one piece of
paper between the Gears to set the
distance. When the Bolts are secure,
remove the paper andtest the Gear
Backlash to insure that there is a
slight amount of free movement
between the gears.

To adjust the correct backlash between
the Motor Pinion and the Main Gear
loose the 4 Motor Mount Bolts, then fix
them tightly with Threadlock.

Check the correct rotation of the
Tail Rotor Blades. The Blade on
the Top moves to the rear. If the
Tail Rotor rotates incorrectly,
simply pull out the main shaft and
twist the Belt in the other
direction.

5

M2.5 x8 Self Tapping
Bolt X 4

M3x3 Set Screw x8

2.5mm Nut x1

M2.5x16 Shanked
Bolt x1

Rotor,Washout & Swashplate

P

u

s

h

t

h

e

F

In this step, push the Flybar trough the
Flybar Collar, Flybar Holder and the
Flybar ControlArms using the 3x3mm
set screws to fix theArms and Collars
onto the Flybar, care that both sides of
the Flybar are of equal length.

0

10

l

y

b

a

r

i

n

30

20

M3x3
Set Screw

40

Use Threadlock

See Page Team Tips!

M3x3 Set Screw

Adjust so that each side has exactly the same length

Paddle Insert

M3x3 Set Screw

Paddle Insert

Thread

Flybar

Thread

Thread

Be sure to note the correct
direction of the Flybar Paddles
as shown in the diagram. It is
very important to insure that the
Paddles are in parallel to each
other, as well as to the Flybar
ControlArm Assembly.

See Page Team Tips!

M2.5x16
Shanked Bolt

Washout Link

Main Shaft

2.5mm Nut

M2.5 x8 Self Tapping Bolt

Paddle