GRAUPNER Micro Star 400 User Manual
Order No. 4495
Micro Star
4496
400 v2
Miniature electric helicopter
for indoor and outdoor flying
Order No. 4495 Factory-assembled model incl. motor,
(
belt-driven
Order No. 4496 Factory-assembled model incl. motor,
(
shaft-driven
The contents of this kit can be assembled to produce a working helicopter, but the model
is by no means a harmless plaything. If assembled incorrectly or handled incompetently
or carelessly it can cause serious injury to persons and damage to property.
You alone are responsible for completing the model correctly and operating it safely.
Please be sure to read the information sheets - SHW 3 and SHW 7 - included in the kit.
They are an essential part of these instructions.
tail rotor)
tail rotor)
Warning!
GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY
Modifications, errors and printing errors reserved. ID# 56503 12/05
Micro Star 400 v2
Foreword
The MICRO STAR 400 v2 is a miniature electric-powered helicopter which boasts all the per-
formance and flight handling characteristics of much larger models. It is controlled using collec-
tive pitch and a Bell / Hiller main rotor mixer linkage, i.e. we have not adopted any compromises
which would have an adverse effect on flight control. The result is that the MICRO STAR 400 v2
can be flown without problem even in quite strong winds, in spite of its diminutive size.
The potential flight time per battery charge naturally varies according to the model’s set-up and
the pilot’s flying style; our experience shows that around 15 minutes duration is possible under
normal conditions if the recommended LiPo battery is used.
The control functions roll, pitch-axis and collective pitch are mixed mechanically, which means
that the model can be flown using a simple four-function radio control system; motor speed con-
trol and collective pitch are coupled together using a Y-lead. Nevertheless, a transmitter with
special helicopter options (mc-12 … mc-24) obviously offers certain advantages.
The model’s strong, lightweight chassis consists of nylon components, while the tail boom and
skids are made of eloxided aluminium; the boom braces are of carbon fibre.
The motor drives the main rotor by means of a single-stage gearbox with an integral auto-rota-
tion freewheel - by no means a standard feature in a model of this size.
The model is available in two versions which differ only in the tail rotor drive system: the tail
rotor is either driven directly by the motor via a ballraced carbon fibre shaft, or by a toothed belt.
Note: the version with belt-driven tail rotor is not suitable for installation in enclosed fuselages
such as the "A119 KOALA", Order No. 4461.
The MICRO STAR 400 v2 is supplied in a carry-case with handle; the case can be used subse-
quently to store and transport the model in ready-to-fly form (with the main rotor blades re-
moved).
Specification
Length excl. rotor approx. 580 mm
Height approx. 205 mm
Width excl. rotor approx. 90 mm
Main rotor Ø 630 mm
Tail rotor Ø 140 mm
All-up weight min. approx. 520 g
Main rotor reduction ratio 13.2:1
Tail rotor reduction ratio 4:1
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Micro Star 400 v2
Warning notes
The contents of this kit can be assembled to produce a working helicopter, but the
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model is by no means a harmless plaything. If assembled incorrectly or handled in-
competently or carelessly it can cause serious injury to persons and damage to prop-
erty.
When the model helicopter’s motor is running, the two rotors are spinning at high
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speed and contain an enormous quantity of rotational energy. Anything and every-
thing that gets into the rotational plane of the rotors is either destroyed or seriously
damaged - and that includes parts of your body. Please take extreme care at all times
with this machine.
If any object impedes the rotational plane of the revolving rotors, severe damage will
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probably be caused to the rotor blades as well as the object. Broken parts may fly off
and cause enormous imbalance; the whole helicopter then falls into sympathetic vi-
bration, you lose control and have no way of predicting what the model will do next.
You may also lose control if a problem arises in the radio control system, perhaps as
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a result of outside interference, component failure or flat or faulty batteries, but in any
case the result is the same: the model helicopter’s response is entirely unpredictable.
Without prior warning it may move off in any direction.
Helicopters have many parts which are naturally subject to wear, including gearbox
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components, motor, ball-links etc., and as a result it is absolutely essential to check
and maintain the model regularly. It is standard practice with full-size aircraft to give
the machine a thorough "pre-flight check" before every flight, and this is equally im-
portant with your model helicopter. Constant checking gives you the opportunity to
detect and correct any faults which may develop before they are serious enough to
cause a crash.
The kit also includes two additional information sheets - SHW 3 and SHW 7 - which in-
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clude safety notes and warnings. Please be sure to read them and keep to our recom-
mendations; they are an essential part of these instructions.
This helicopter is designed to be constructed and operated by adults, although young
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people of 16 years or more may do so under the instruction and supervision of com-
petent adults.
The model features sharp points and edges which are capable of causing injury.
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The flying of model aircraft is subject to certain legal restrictions, and these must be
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observed at all times. For example, it is essential to take out third party insurance, you
must obtain permission to use the flying site, and you may have to obtain a licence to
use your radio control system (regulations vary from country to country).
It is important to transport your model helicopter (e.g. to the flying site) in such a way
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that there is no danger of damaging the machine. Particularly vulnerable areas are the
rotor head linkages and the tail rotor generally.
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Micro Star 400 v2
Controlling a model helicopter successfully is not easy; you will need persistence and
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determination to learn the skills, and good hand - eye co-ordination is a basic re-
quirement.
Before you attempt to fly the model you should study the subject of helicopters in
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depth, so that you have a basic understanding of how the machines work. Read every-
thing you can on the theory of helicopters, and spend as much time as you can
watching other model helicopter pilots flying. Talk to chopper pilots, ask their advice,
and enrol at a specialist model flying school if you need to. Many model shops will
also be prepared to help you.
Please be sure to read right through these instructions before you start work on the
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model. It is important that you clearly understand each individual stage of assembly
and the correct sequence of events before you begin building.
Don’t make modifications to the model’s construction by using parts other than those
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specifically recommended, unless you are certain of the quality and suitability of
these other parts for the task.
We have made every effort to point out to you the dangers inherent in operating this
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model helicopter. Since neither we, the manufacturer, nor the model shop that sold
you the kit have any means of ensuring that you build and operate your model cor-
rectly and competently, we are obliged to disclaim any liability in connection with it.
Liability exclusion / Compensation
As manufacturers, we at GRAUPNER are not in a position to influence the way you build
and set up the model, nor how you install, operate and maintain the radio control system
components. For this reason we are obliged to deny all liability for loss, damage or costs
which are incurred due to the incompetent or incorrect use and operation of our pro-
ducts, or which are connected with such operation in any way.
Unless otherwise prescribed by binding law, the obligation of the GRAUPNER company
to pay compensation, regardless of the legal argument employed, is limited to the
invoice value of that quantity of GRAUPNER products which was immediately and
directly involved in the event which caused the damage. This does not apply if
GRAUPNER is found to be subject to unlimited liability according to binding legal
regulation on account of deliberate or gross negligence.
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Contents
Micro Star 400 v2
Foreword
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Warnings
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Accessories, extra items required
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1. Assembling the model, installing the RC system
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2. Setting up
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3. Final checks before the first flight
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4. Adjustments during the first flight, blade tracking
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5. Maintenance, assembling the model from components
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6. General safety measures
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7. Basic helicopter terminology
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P.2
P.3
P.6
P.7
P.11
P.13
P.14
P.15
P.23
P.23
Notes on the instructions
We have invested considerable effort in producing these instructions, with the aim of ensuring
that your model helicopter will fly reliably and safely. Please take the trouble to follow the
instructions step by step, exactly as described, as this guarantees a successful outcome. This
applies to you whether you are a relative beginner or an experienced expert.
The comprehensive illustrations show how the model is constructed; be sure to read the
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instructions which accompany the drawings.
All gears, bearings and moving joints must be greased or oiled carefully.
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You will find a list of replacement parts at the end of these instructions.
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Micro Star 400 v2
Accessories
Recommended items for the Micro Star 400 v2
Radio control system: see the main Graupner catalogue
We recommend a radio control system equipped with special helicopter options, or a microcomputer radio control system such as the mc-12, mc-15, mc-19, mc / mx-22 or mc-24.
Servos:
C 121 micro-servo
Order No. 5106
Gyro system:
PIEZO NT-312G pico gyro system
Order No. 5951
Speed controller:
PICO SC 20
Order No. 7160
or
PICO 25
Order No. 7172
Flight battery:
LiPo 1500
Order No. 7635.3BEC
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Micro Star 400 v2
1. Assembling the model
The main mechanical system of the Micro Star 400 consists primarily of glass fibre reinforced
nylon, a material which offers important advantages for use in model helicopters over alternatives such as aluminium, including high mass constancy combined with low weight, freedom
from fatigue effects, low-noise operation, and the ability to absorb vibration in the power train.
Since the model is supplied completely factory-assembled, completing it ready to fly simply involves installing the radio control system components and the flight battery.
However, please note that you should check that all the parts have been assembled correctly by
comparing them with the instructions; the final adjustment of the gearbox and linkages must
also be carried out by the modeller himself.
Important:
Before you carry out any other work on the model, it is essential to check that the power system
operates smoothly and freely.
Shaft drive:
Loosen the screws which clamp the tail rotor housing to the tail boom and adjust the position of
the tail rotor unit until there is barely detectable meshing clearance between the bevel gears on
the drive shaft and the tail rotor shaft. Re-tighten the clamping screws and ensure that the tail
rotor shaft is exactly horizontal.
Now loosen the clamping screws which fix the front of the tail boom to the chassis. Adjust the
position of the tail boom until there is just perceptible meshing clearance between the crown
gear of the tail rotor drive gear and the motor pinion, then re-tighten the clamping screws.
Finally, loosen the motor retaining screws and tighten them again, so that the motor takes up
the optimum position between the main gear and the tail rotor drive system.
Belt drive:
Check that the toothed belt is under tension, but still works smoothly and easily.
1.1 Installing the radio control system components
The arrangement of the radio control system components is shown in the illustration: The
servos are fixed to the chassis as shown in the drawing, using the screws supplied with them.
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Micro Star 400 v2
Connect the pushrods to the output arms of the swashplate, collective pitch and tail rotor
servos.
Important:
The servos must be set to centre (neutral) before fitting the output arms.
This is done by connecting the receiving system components including a receiver battery, then
switching on the transmitter and receiver. Check that all sticks and trims are at centre.
The basic collective pitch setting is established by adjusting the pushrod which runs up through
the main rotor shaft. Loosen the control rocker clamping screw to adjust this setting. Adjust the
pushrod so that the pitch angle of the blades is 0 … 3° when the servo is at centre and the
rocker is horizontal.
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Micro Star 400 v2
Adjust the position of the tail rotor servo until the tail rotor control lever is exactly at right-angles
to the tail boom when the servo is at neutral.
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