E-FLITE Blade 400 3D User Manual
Main Rotor Diameter ........................................................................................... 28.2 in (718mm)
Tail Rotor Diameter ................................................................................................ 5.3 in (135mm)
Height ................................................................................................................. 9.0 in (230mm)
Length ................................................................................................................ 25.6 in (650mm)
Weight with Battery ...............................................................................................23.5 oz (665 g)
Motor ....................................................................... 420H brushless outrunner, 3800Kv (installed)
ESC ................................................................................................... 25-amp brushless (installed)
Battery ...........................................................................3S 11.1V 1800mAh 20C Li-Po (included)
Charger ............................................................................. DC Li-Po Balancing Charger (included)
Transmitter............................... Spektrum DX6i 2.4GHz DSM2 6-channel Computer Radio (included)
Receiver .........................................Spektrum AR6100e 2.4GHz DSM2 Microlite Receiver (installed)
Servos .................................................................................. DS75H Digital Sub-Micro (4 installed)
Gyro ..................................................................................... G110 Micro Heading Lock (installed)
Specifications
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Introduction
The Blade™ 400 3D RTF is designed to offer intermediate to advanced heli pilots a ready-to-fly
experience like no other. It comes 100% factory built and tested so you can get flying right away,
and is equipped with state-of-the-art features like brushless and Li-Po power, a heading lock gyro,
digital servos and CCPM control. From smooth hovering to 3D flying, the Blade 400 3D’s size and
performance allow it to be flown outdoors in breezier conditions that would typically ground smaller
micro-class helicopters.
In addition to its impressive features and performance, the Blade 400 3D is the first ready-to-fly miniheli to come equipped with Spektrum’s advanced DX6i 2.4GHz DSM2™ 6-channel programmable
computer transmitter. Besides providing freedom from frequency restrictions and interference, the
DX6i’s DSM2 technology offers other unique advantages like faster control response and innovative
features such as ServoSync™. ServoSync automatically resequences transmitted data so mixed servos
receive their pulses at the same time so you can fly extreme 3D aerobatics with absolute precision. The
system also includes the feather light, 4.4-gram Spektrum™ AR6100e Microlite Receiver.
Other DX6i features include:
• Full-range capability • Servo monitor
• 10-model memory • Two 5-point throttle curves
• Heli and airplane programming • Three 5-point pitch curves
• Standard or 120º CCPM swashplate mixing • Revo mixing
• 3-axis dual rates and exponential • Gyro sensitivity programming
• Travel adjust • Two programmable mixes
• Sub trim
The DX6i is not only perfectly suited for the Blade 400––it can also be used to y just about any size
and type of model due to its full-range and programming capabilities.
And although the Blade 400 3D is nearly ready-to-fly right from the box, please take the time to read
through this manual for tips on battery safety and charging, control checks, adjustments and more
before making your first flight.
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 loose items that can get entangled in the rotor blades away for the main and tail blades,
including loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils and screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands
away from the rotor blades.
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries
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. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
when disposing of Lithium Polymer batteries.
Warranty Period
Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products purchased (the “Product”) will be free from
defects in materials and workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser.
Table of Contents
Specifications .......................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 3
Warning ................................................................................................................................. 3
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries ............................................................................................. 3
Warranty Period ...................................................................................................................... 3
Limited Warranty ..................................................................................................................... 4
Damage Limits ......................................................................................................................... 4
Safety Precautions .................................................................................................................... 4
Questions, Assistance and Repairs ............................................................................................4
Inspections or Repairs .............................................................................................................. 5
Warranty Inspection and Repairs .............................................................................................. 5
Non-Warranty Repairs .............................................................................................................5
Additional Safety Precautions and Warnings .............................................................................. 6
Additional Required Equipment ................................................................................................. 6
Blade 400 3D Contents ............................................................................................................7
Preparing for the First Flight Checklist ........................................................................................ 8
Flying Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 8
Battery Warnings and Guidelines ..............................................................................................9
Battery Charging ................................................................................................................... 11
Charge Errors and Indications ................................................................................................ 14
Installing the Transmitter Batteries ............................................................................................ 15
Installing the Flight Battery ......................................................................................................16
Control Test ...........................................................................................................................17
Electronic Speed Control (ESC) Features, Arming and Motor Control Test ...................................20
Gyro Initialization, Response Test and Adjustment ..................................................................... 23
Understanding the Primary Flight Controls ............................................................................... 27
Normal and Stunt Flight Modes ............................................................................................... 30
Throttle Hold .......................................................................................................................... 32
Before the First Flight .............................................................................................................. 34
Choosing a Flying Area ..........................................................................................................35
Flying the Blade 400 3D ......................................................................................................... 35
Main Rotor Blade Tracking Adjustment.....................................................................................37
Flybar Paddle Tracking Adjustment ..........................................................................................39
Head Dampening Shims and Tuning Cyclic Response ................................................................ 40
Recommended Maintenance ................................................................................................... 40
2007 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code .........................................................41
Exploded View Parts Listing ....................................................................................................42
Exploded View ......................................................................................................................43
Replacement Parts List ............................................................................................................ 44
Optional Parts List .................................................................................................................. 44
NOTES ................................................................................................................................. 45
NOTES ................................................................................................................................. 46
NOTES ................................................................................................................................. 47
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Inspections or Repairs
If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for a Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA). Pack the Product securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes may be
included, but are not designed to withstand the rigors of shipping without additional protection. Ship
via a carrier that provides tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon is not
responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request is
available at www.horizonhobby.com on the “Support” tab. If you do not have internet access, please
include a letter with your complete name, street address, email address and phone number where
you can be reached during business days, your RMA number, a list of the included items, method of
payment for any non-warranty expenses and a brief summary of the problem. Your original sales
receipt must also be included for warranty consideration. Be sure your name, address, and RMA
number are clearly written on the outside of the shipping carton.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include your original sales receipt verifying the proof-ofpurchase date. Provided warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be repaired or replaced
free of charge. Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
Non-Warranty Repairs
Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair will be completed and payment will be
required without notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50% of the retail
purchase cost. By submitting the item for repair you are agreeing to payment of the repair without
notification. Repair estimates are available upon request. You must include this request with your
repair. Non-warranty repair estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In addition you
will be billed for return freight. Please advise us of your preferred method of payment. Horizon accepts
money orders and cashiers checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover
cards. If you choose to pay by credit card, please include your credit card number and expiration
date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90 days will be considered abandoned and will be
disposed of accordingly. Please note: non-warranty repair is only available on electronics and model
engines.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Please call 877-504-0233 with any questions or concerns regarding this Product or warranty.
Limited Warranty
(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser (“Purchaser”) and is not transferable. REPAIR
OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE
PURCHASER. This warranty covers only those Products purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer.
Third party transactions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of purchase is required for warranty
claims. Further, Horizon reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice and
disclaims all other warranties, express or implied.
(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
ABOUT NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF
THE PRODUCT. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED THAT
THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
(c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon’s sole obligation hereunder shall be that Horizon will, at its option, (i)
repair or (ii) replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be defective. In the event of a defect, these
are the Purchaser’s exclusive remedies. Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all equipment
involved in a warranty claim. Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon.
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse,
abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of or to any part of the Product. This warranty
does not cover damage due to improper installation, operation, maintenance, or attempted repair by
anyone other than Horizon. Return of any goods by Purchaser must be approved by Horizon before
shipment.
Damage Limits
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
LOSS OF PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH
THE PRODUCT, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE,
OR STRICT LIABILITY. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price of
the Product on which liability is asserted. As Horizon has no control over use, setup, final assembly,
modication or misuse, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury.
By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this
Product, you are advised to return this Product immediately in new and unused condition to the place
of purchase.
Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to conflict of law principals).
Safety Precautions
This is a sophisticated hobby Product and not a toy. It must be operated with caution and common
sense and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe and
responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the Product or other property. This Product
is not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. The Product manual contains
instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the instructions
and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid
damage or injury.
Questions, Assistance and Repairs
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty support or repair. Once
assembly, setup or use of the Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly. This will
enable Horizon to better answer your questions and service you in the event that you may need any
assistance. For questions or assistance, please direct your email to productsupport@horizonhobby.
com, or call 877.504.0233 toll free to speak to a service technician.
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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, trafc, 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.) that you use.
• 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 specically
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.
Additional Required Equipment
No additional equipment is required to complete your Blade 400 3D.
Blade 400 3D Contents
Item Description
Not Available Separately Blade 400 3D RTF Airframe
SPM6600 Spektrum DX6i 2.4GHz DSM2 6-channel computer radio
EFLB18003S 3S 11.1V 1800mAh 20C Li-Po, 13GA EC3
EFLC3115 3S 11.1V Li-Po Balancing Charger, 1.8A
EFLH1001 Mini Helicopter Main Blade Holder
EFLH1474 Mounting Accessories, Screwdriver & Wrench Set
Not Available Separately Hook and Loop Material
Not Available Separately 4 AA Batteries
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Preparing for the First Flight Checklist
Please note this checklist is not intended to be a replacement for the content included in this instruction
manual. Although it can be used as a quick start guide, we strongly suggest reading through this
manual completely before proceeding.
r Remove and inspect contents
r Begin charging the flight battery
r Install the 4 included AA batteries in the transmitter
r Install the flight battery in the helicopter (once it has been fully charged)
q Test the controls
q Familiarize yourself with the controls
q Find a suitable area for flying
Flying Checklist
Please note this checklist is not intended to be a replacement for the content included in this instruction
manual. Although it can be used as a quick start guide, we strongly suggest reading through this
manual completely before proceeding.
q Always turn the transmitter on first
q Plug the flight battery into the electronic speed control (ESC)
q Allow the ESC and gyro to arm and initialize properly
q Fly the model
q Land the model
q Unplug the flight battery from the ESC
q Always turn the transmitter off last
Battery Warnings and Guidelines
While the 3S 11.1V 1800mAh Lithium Polymer Battery (EFLB18003S) included with your Blade 400
3D features Charge Protection Circuitry and Balance Charging via the included 3S 11.1V 1.8-Amp
Lithium Polymer Balancing Charger (EFLC3115) 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.
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 400 3D
model in new, unused condition to the place of purchase immediately.
• You must charge the included 3S 11.1V 1800mAh Li-Po battery 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 ight, the battery must be cooled to ambient temperature before charging.
• You MUST use the included 3S 11.1V 1.8-Amp Li-Po Balancing Charger ONLY. Failure to do so
may result in a re 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.
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• 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 and approximately ½ charge (3.8V per cell; 11.4V for a
3S battery pack) 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 catch fire.
• Do not over-discharge the battery. Discharging the battery too low can cause damage to the
battery resulting in reduced performance and duration.
Li-Po cells should not be discharged to below 3V each under load. In the case of the 3S 11.1V
Li-Po battery used for the Blade 400 3D, you will not want the voltage of the battery to fall
below 9V during flight.
The 25-amp brushless ESC installed on your Blade 400 model features a “soft” low voltage cutoff
(LVC) that occurs when the battery reaches 9V under load. When the soft cut-off occurs, the ESC
will automatically reduce power to the motor (regardless of the power level you have set with the
throttle stick/curve) in order to prevent the voltage of the battery from dropping to below 9V. After
the power is reduced and the voltage “rebounds” (rises) to above 9V, the ESC will automatically
return power to the motor until the battery reaches 9V again. This process will continue to repeat,
sometimes causing the motor/power to “pulse” rapidly, helping to provide a visual and/or audible
indication of the low battery voltage. However, in some cases it may be difficult to detect pulsing
of the motor/power, so we suggest that you be extremely aware of the power level of the Li-Po
battery during flight. If at any time the helicopter begins to require more throttle than typical to
maintain hover or flight, or has lost significant power, you must land the helicopter IMMEDIATELY
to prevent a sudden loss in power that could result in a crash.
Although the soft LVC of the ESC will help to prevent “deep” (below 9V; 3V per cell) over-
discharge of the battery, it is not recommended that you continue to run the motor for an extended
length of time after landing and/or noticing a loss of power. Routinely discharging the battery
to 9V can still cause permanent damage to the battery, resulting in shortened flight times, loss of
power output or failure of the battery entirely. It is recommended that you use the timer function of
the DX6i transmitter to keep the duration of each flight consistent and to prevent reaching the soft
LVC each time you fly.
Note: The timer of the DX6i transmitter included with your Blade 400 3D model has been
set for 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Although it is possible to achieve longer flight durations
safely depending on the performance of the battery, flying style of the pilot and other
factors, we suggest using this timer setting for the rst few ights. You can keep track of the
flight duration on subsequent flights and adjust the setting of the timer, as you prefer. Please
see the manual for the DX6i transmitter for more information regarding the timer function.
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 877-504-0233.
Battery Charging
It is important that you only charge the included 3S 11.1V 1800mAh Li-Po Battery (EFLB18003S)
with the included 3S 11.1V 1.8-Amp Li-Po Balancing Charger (EFLC3115). Your battery is equipped
with special Charge Protection Circuitry and Balance Charge Leads with connector that are only
compatible with this charger. Attempting to charge the battery using another Li-Po charger or non
Li-Po compatible charger could result in serious damage. Please familiarize yourself thoroughly with
the Battery Warnings and Guidelines section before continuing.
The included 3S 11.1V 1.8-Amp Li-Po Balancing Charger will charge a near fully discharged (not
over-discharged) 3S 11.1V 1800mAh Li-Po battery in approximately 1.2–1.5 hours. In some cases
the charge time may be shorter depending on the actual amount of capacity left in the battery after a
flight. NEVER charge the battery unattended.
Note: The Li-Po battery included with your Blade 400 3D will arrive partially charged. For this
reason the initial charge may only take approximately 30–50 minutes.
The charger requires up to 3-Amps of 11.5–15 Volt DC input power that can be supplied by the
optional AC to 12V DC, 3-Amp Power Supply (EFLC4030) for convenient charging anywhere an
AC outlet is available. NEVER attempt to power the charger from an AC outlet without the use of a
proper AC to DC adapter/power supply.
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Input power for the charger can also be supplied by a small 12V gel cell or car battery using the
included wire harness with alligator clips.
The charger is equipped with four LED indicators marked as CELL 1, CELL 2, CELL 3 and CHARGE
STATUS on the label. These LEDs indicate the following (also found on the label of the charger):
• Red Solid CELL STATUS LEDs and Red Flashing CHARGE STATUS LED: Input power connected,
battery to charge not connected
• Green Solid CELL Status LEDs and Red Solid CHARGE STATUS LED: Battery to charge connected
and charging, balance between cells OK
• Yellow Solid CELL STATUS LED and Red Solid CHARGE STATUS LED: Charging and balancing cell
with yellow LED
• Red Solid CELL STATUS LEDs and Red Solid CHARGE STATUS LED: Charge complete
• Red and Green Flashing CELL STATUS LEDs and Red Solid (or ashing) CHARGE STATUS LED:
Charge error
Use care to ensure proper polarity (as marked on the bottom of the charger case) when connecting
the charger to a power source. Once you have connected the charger to the power source, its CELL
STATUS LEDs will glow solid red and the CHARGE STATUS LED will flash to indicate the charger has
power and is ready to begin charging. Connect the Li-Po battery to the charger using the specially
marked Balance Charge Lead exiting the battery and the mating connector on the side of the charger
labeled with 11.1V. The balance connector is keyed to prevent reverse polarity connection.
Note: Be sure to place the battery and charger on a smooth, heat-resistant surface during charging.
When the battery is properly connected and charging normally, the CHARGE STATUS LED will glow
solid red and the CELL STATUS LED indicators will glow solid green when the voltage balance between
the cells is OK. If the CELL STATUS LED for any cell is glowing yellow while the CHARGE STATUS LED is
solid red, the indicated cell will be balanced (charged) so its voltage closely matches that of the other
two cells and the “full” charge voltage. Once the battery has been fully charged, the CELL STATUS and
CHARGE STATUS LEDs will glow solid red. The battery can now be removed from the charger and
installed in the Blade 400 3D for flight.
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Charge Errors and Indications
In the event that any CELL STATUS LED flashes red and green while the CHARGE STATUS LED glows
solid or flashes red, a charge error has occurred. Some examples of charge errors include:
• If any CELL STATUS LED ashes red and green while the CHARGE STATUS LED ashes red, the
voltage of the indicated cell(s) is below 2.5V. In this case the voltage of the indicated cell(s) is too low
to allow the charge process to begin.
If only one or two CELL STATUS LEDs flash red and green (while the CHARGE STATUS LED flashes
red), the balance connector connections for the indicated cell(s) may not be making good contact
with the charger’s mating connector. Be sure to double-check the connections to ensure they are
making good contact. If the connections are making good contact, the indicated cell(s) may have
failed or dropped to a voltage that no longer allows the battery to be charged safely.
In the event that all three CELL STATUS LEDs flash red and green (while the CHARGE STATUS LED
flashes red), the battery was likely overdischarged. Although the Electronic Speed Control (ESC)
installed on your Blade 400 3D model is programmed to help prevent deep overdischarge of the
Li-Po battery, you must exercise proper care of the battery if it is used in another application. You
must also be sure that the battery is never left plugged into the ESC for an extended period of time
after flying in order to prevent overdischarge.
Anytime one or more CELL STATUS LEDs flash red and green while the CHARGE STATUS LED
flashes red, you should remove the Li-Po battery from service and replace it with a new one.
• If any CELL STATUS LED ashes red and green while the CHARGE STATUS LED glows solid red, the
charge process for the indicated cell(s) has been interrupted. In this case, the balance connector
connections for the indicated cell(s) may not be making good contact with the charger’s mating
connector. Double-check the connections to ensure they are making good contact, and then begin
the charge process again.
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding charge error indications, please contact
Horizon Hobby’s Product Support staff at 877-504-0233
Installing the Transmitter Batteries
Install the 4 included AA batteries in the Spektrum DX6i transmitter. Check the power level of the
batteries and operation of the transmitter by switching the power switch on (to the right). The voltage
display on the LCD screen at the bottom of the transmitter will indicate the power level of the batteries.
If at any time the voltage of the batteries falls to 4.3V or less, an alarm will sound, and it will be
necessary to replace the batteries with new ones.
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