Heli-Max HMXE13 User Manual

™

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

Specifi cations

Length: 6.29 in [160mm]
Width: 1.77 in [45 mm]
Height: 4.72 in [120mm]

© 2010 Hobbico®, Inc. HMXE13

Rotor Span: 7.87 in [200 mm]
Weight: 1.37 oz [39g]

(with supplied fl ight battery)

**

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

● Only use the included charger with the included battery or replacement

part (GPMP0412).

● Do not attempt to use this charger with NiCd or NiMH battery packs.

● Never charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

● If the battery should become damaged, discard it. Do not attempt to use

a damaged battery.

● Do not leave the charger unattended while charging. Disconnect the

battery and remove input power from the charger immediately if either
becomes hot! However, it is normal for the charger to get warm.

● Disconnect the battery from the charger and carefully move the battery

to a fi reproof location if the battery begins to swell or smoke!

● Never charge at currents greater than 1C.

● Always charge in a fi reproof location.

● Never trickle charge.

● Never allow the battery temperature to exceed 140° F [60° C].

● Never disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or puncture cells.

● Never discharge below 2.75V per cell.

● Do not allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the charger.

● Do not block the air intake holes, which could cause the charger to

overheat.

● Do not place the charger or any battery on a fl ammable surface or near

a combustible material while in use.

● Do not charge on a carpet, cluttered workbench, paper, plastic, vinyl,

leather, wood, or inside an R/C model.

● Never charge inside a full-sized vehicle.

● Always disconnect the battery from the charger and the power supply

from the charger when not in use.

● Do not attempt to charge a battery if it is swollen or hot.

● ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

2

WARRANTY

WARRANTY

Heli-Max® guarantees this kit 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 modifi cation. In no case shall Heli-Max’s liability
exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Heli-Max reserves the

right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Heli-Max has no control over the fi nal assembly or material used for fi nal
assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting
from the use by the user of the fi nal user-assembled product. By the act of using
the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

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.

To make a warranty claim, send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at

this address.

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822
USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact
information as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number, e-mail address),
a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt.
Upon receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT
CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING

THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

WARRANTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

TRANSMITTER FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

INST ALL THE TRANSMITTER BA TTERIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

CHARGING THE FLIGHT BATTERY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

ELECTRIC MOTOR WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

TURNING THE MODEL ON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

TRANSMITTER CONTROLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

EXPLODED VIEW & PARTS LIST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Heli-Max AXE CXn Helicopter. We are certain

you will get many hours of enjoyment out of this model. If you should have any

questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at helihotline@hobbico.

com. For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the AXE CXn

Helicopter visit the Heli-Max web site at:

www.helimax-rc.com

Open the “Helicopters” link, and then select the AXE CXn. If there is new technical

information or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in the upper

left corner of the page.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in severe injury to

yourself and others.

Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away from the plane of rotation

of the rotors whenever the battery is connected.

4

Keep these items away from the rotors: loose clothing, shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs,

long hair or loose objects such as pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out of

shirt or jacket pockets into the rotors.

The spinning blades of a model helicopter can cause serious injury. When choosing

a fl ying site for your AXE CXn, stay clear of buildings, trees and power lines.

AVOID fl ying in or near crowded areas. DO NOT fl y close to people, children or

pets. Maintain a safe pilot-to-helicopter distance while fl ying.

Your AXE CXn should not be considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated,

working model that functions very much like a full-size helicopter. Because of its

performance capabilities, the AXE CXn, if not operated correctly, could possibly

cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.

Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an unsafe or unfl yable

model. In a few cases the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those

instances the written instructions should be considered as correct.

You must check the operation of the model before every fl ight to insure that all

equipment is operating and that the model has remained structurally sound. Be

sure to check linkages or other connectors often and replace them if they show

any signs of wear or fatigue.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

❏ (4) AA Alkaline cells (FUGP7300)

KIT INSPECTION

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting assembly, take an inventory of the AXE CXn to make sure it is

complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If

any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance

with assembly, contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing

parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list.

Heli-Max Product Support Ph: [phone], ext. 5

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Fax: [phone]
Champaign, IL 61822 E-mail: [e-mail]

5

KIT CONTENTS

KIT CONTENTS

1. Helicopter

2. Flight Battery

1 2

3. Charger

4. Transmitter

TRANSMITTER FEATURES

TRANSMITTER FEATURES

4

3

6

INSTALL THE TRANSMITTER BATTERIES

INSTALL THE TRANSMITTER BATTERIES

❏

Open the battery cover on the back of the transmitter, and install four

AA batteries. Double check the polarity of each battery before replacing the

battery cover.

❏ Turn on the transmitter and verify that the LED indicator glows solid red. Turn

the transmitter off for now. If the LED indicator did not come on, remove the battery

box from the transmitter and verify that the batteries were installed correctly.

7

CHARGING THE FLIGHT BATTERY

CHARGING THE FLIGHT BATTERY

WARNING!! The charger supplied with the Heli-Max AXE CXn

Helicopter contains protective circuitry. If you experience any diffi culties

while charging the battery, please disconnect the battery from the
charger and unplug the charger from the power source. Allow the battery and
charger to rest for two hours as this will allow the charge protection circuit to
reset. If this issue re-occurs during normal use, please contact technical support
for further assistance.

❏ Plug the charger into an AC outlet. The indicator light on the wall transformer

will fl ash red during initialization and then turn solid green once initialization has
been completed.

8

❏

Plug the battery into the charger. The charge indicator light will turn red;
this indicates that the battery is being charged. Once the battery is completely
charged, the charge indicator light will turn solid green. Disconnect the battery
from the charger. Under normal operating conditions, the battery may take up
to one hour to recharge.

Charge Indicator Light

Solid Red

Solid Green

(with battery connected)

Solid Green

(without battery connected)

The battery is being charged.

The battery is fully charged.

The charger is ready.

9

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE

WARNING! Read the entire instruction sheet included with this

battery. Failure to follow all instructions could cause permanent
damage to the battery and its surroundings, and may cause
bodily harm!

● Land your model immediately when the battery begins to lose

power. Recharge the battery before attempting another fl ight.

A dangerous situation can occur when attempting to recharge an

over-discharged battery!

● ALWAYS charge the battery inside a fi reproof container placed in a

fi reproof location clear of combustible materials. Failure to do so
can result in property damage and/or bodily harm!

● ALWAYS keep charging batteries within eyesight. Leaving the

battery unattended is dangerous!

● ALWAYS keep a supply of sand accessible when charging.

Dumping sand on the battery will extinguish the LiPo chemical fi re.

● NEVER use anything EXCEPT a LiPo approved charger.

● NEVER charge over 4.20V per cell.

● NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.

● NEVER charge through the “To ESC” or “DISCHARGE” lead.

● NEVER trickle charge, or allow the battery to discharge below

2.75V per cell.

● NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 140° F [60° C].

● NEVER disassemble or modify the pack wiring in any way or

puncture cells.

● ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

ELECTRIC MOTOR WARNING

ELECTRIC MOTOR WARNING

Electric powered models are very dangerous. Do not work on the model while
the fl ight battery is plugged in as interference may cause the main rotor blades
to spin, possibly causing injury to yourself.

10

TURNING THE MODEL ON

TURNING THE MODEL ON

❏ Place the helicopter on its side and slide the battery into the battery compartment.

Connect the fl ight battery and place the helicopter onto a fl at surface.

❏ Turn the transmitter on and allow the helicopter to remain still for 10 seconds.

Always step 15 feet [4.5m] away from the AXE CXn Helicopter before operating
the throttle.

Your AXE CXn helicopter has a safe start feature built in that prevents
the motor from activating unless the collective stick has been lo wered
to the lowest position. If the motor w on’t run and turn the main blades,
please make sure the collective stick is all the way down and leave it
there for a couple of seconds. Then try moving the stick up slowly.

11

TRANSMITTER CONTROLS

TRANSMITTER CONTROLS

All controls are described with the tail pointing directly toward you. This is the best
way to fl y in the beginning since it keeps the control inputs oriented the same
direction. Once you start getting comfortable you can work on side hovering
and nose-in.

12

Helicopter Moves RightHelicopter Moves Right

Helicopter Moves Right

Helicopter Moves LeftHelicopter Moves Left

Helicopter Moves Left

Moving the cyclic stick

right will cause the

helicopter to tilt right

and start moving that

direction.

Moving the cyclic stick

left will cause the

helicopter to tilt left and

start moving that

direction.

Helicopter Moves BackwardsHelicopter Moves Backwards

Helicopter Moves Backwards

13

Moving the cyclic stick

backwards (towards

you) will cause the

helicopter to tilt back-

wards and start moving

that direction.

Helicopter Moves ForwardHelicopter Moves Forward

Helicopter Moves Forward

Helicopter ClimbsHelicopter Climbs

Helicopter Climbs

Moving the cyclic stick

forward (away from

you) will cause the

helicopter to tilt forward

and start moving that

direction.

Moving the collective

stick up (away from

you) will cause the

helicopter to climb

higher.

Helicopter DescendsHelicopter Descends

Helicopter Descends

Moving the collective

stick down (towards

you) will cause the

helicopter to descend.

14

Nose Rotates LeftNose Rotates Left

Nose Rotates Left

Nose Rotates RightNose Rotates Right

Nose Rotates Right

Moving the tail rotor

stick towards the left

will cause the helicopter

nose to rotate left

(counterclockwise).

Moving the tail rotor

stick towards the right

will cause the helicopter

nose to rotate right

(clockwise).

15

FLYING

FLYING

The Heli-Max AXE CXn is a lightweight helicopter. Taking that into consideration,

you should only fl y indoors or in calm winds less than 1mph. The AXE CXn should
be fl own in a large area of at least 50 feet [15.25m] square with no obstacles.

The AXE CXn is lightweight and due to this it does not fl y well in ground effect

(air disturbance when the model helicopter is hovered below 1 foot [30cm]).

The model should be fl own at a minimum altitude of 1 foot [30cm] to avoid the

instabilities cause by ground effect.

Crashing

If you have operated radio control models in the past then you probably already
realize that it is not a matter of “if” you are going to crash, it is a matter of “when”
you are going to crash. Once you realize the model is going to collide with
something or crash into the ground, you should always bring the throttle stick all
the way down to stop the main rotor blades from rotating. If you can remember
to do this, chances are you will not damage the helicopter in the crash. The main
rotor blades carry a lot of RPM and inertia during fl ight. Cutting the power to the
main rotor blades will prevent most of the crash damage.

Takeoff

Slowly add power, observe the model and make all of the necessary corrections
to keep the model level. If you feel a trim adjustment is needed, lower the throttle
to idle and make trim adjustments before lifting off for the fi rst time. You will fi nd
that model helicopters never allow you to return the sticks to center. You just
need to position the stick as needed to maintain a steady hover.

You will notice the cyclic controls lag behind your inputs. This is normal and

something you get the feel for with time. It’s normal to drift around in a hover
until you become accustomed to fl ying the model. The cyclic controls are fairly
sensitive so only small movements are necessary.

Hovering

Once the helicopter is up in the air, simply try to hold the helicopter in one spot. If
this is your fi rst model helicopter, it will require some practice. Wind or air currents
have a big effect on the stability of the helicopter as well. Be patient and slowly
work forward, as trying to rush the learning process can be costly.

16

Landing

Level the helicopter into a steady hover and slowly decrease power until the
helicopter settles onto the ground.

Basic Maneuvers

Once you become comfortable with hovering at different orientations and landing,
it’s time to move on to more advanced maneuvers.

Slow Pirouettes – Add a small amount of tail rotor (left or right) and try rotating

the helicopter slightly sideways and see if you can hold it there. If you feel
uncomfortable, then bring the tail back toward you. Once you start getting
comfortable, try moving the helicopter to the side. Then turn back and fl y back
to the other side in straight lines. Then work into rotating the helicopter around
360°, which is called a pirouette. The helicopter can drift during these so make
sure you have plenty of room when you fi rst start practicing.

Nose-in Hovering – After pirouettes it’s time to move on to nose-in hovering.

Take off and climb to 10 feet [3m]. Practice half pirouettes from tail in to nose-

in hovering and try to lengthen the delay in between. This will give you a little
practice nose-in and still give you a chance to get out of trouble. As your skills
improve you’ll remain nose-in for longer periods of time.

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!

17

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

The Heli-Max® AXE CXn is an extremely small helicopter. Working on a model

this size will require small tools. The DTXR0170 DuraTrax® Precision Phillips
Screwdriver 00x75mm is recommended. On occasion it will be necessary to
replace damaged parts after a crash. Please use this section as a guide to
perform repairs.

Main Rotor Blade Replacement

Remove the blade bolt using a #00 phillips screwdriver. After the blade bolt has
been removed, slide the rotor blade out of the blade grip. Reinstall the new blade,
ensuring that the holes within the blade and blade grip are aligned properly.
Reinstall the blade bolt.

Main Rotor Grip Replacement

Remove both blade bolts and main rotor blades. Remove the two grip bolts and
remove the blade grips. Place the new grips onto the pins. Install the grip bolts
and install the blades.

18

Replacing the Flybar

Remove the fl ybar linkage from the blade grip. Press outward on one side of
the head block and simply rotate the fl ybar carrier from the head block. Once
the fl ybar carrier has been removed, remove the fl ybar weight bolts and remove
the fl ybar weights. Remove the fl ybar linkage from the old fl ybar and install the
linkage onto the new fl ybar. Install the fl ybar weights onto the new fl ybar and
slide the fl ybar pivot back onto the head block. Reinstall the fl ybar linkage.

Replacing the Landing Gear

Remove the fl ight battery and simply pull down on the landing skid. Press the
new landing skid into place.

19

Replacing the Main Gear

The AXE CXn uses an inner solid main shaft and a hollow outer main shaft. To

access the main rotor gears it will be necessary to remove the landing gear
fi rst. Remove the lower main gear retaining screw. The lower gear will simply
drop down off the main shaft. If you need to replace the upper main gear,
slide it down off the main shaft and reinstall the new gear, ensuring that the
fl at spot molded inside the gear aligns with the main shaft. Reinstall the lower
gear, ensuring that the screw aligns with the fl at spot machined on the inner
main shaft.

Replacing the Main Shaft

The AXE CXn uses an inner solid main shaft and a hollow outer main shaft.

Remove the lower main gear retaining screw. When performing the following
step please be careful not to lose any small bearings or bearing blocks. Slide the
inner shaft and upper rotor head from the outer main shaft by pulling upwards.
If you need to remove the lower shaft, disconnect the servo linkages from the
swashplate and pull upwards. Transfer necessary parts from the old shaft to the
new shaft and install in the reverse order listed above.

20

ORDERING PARTS

ORDERING PARTS

Replacement parts for the Heli-Max AXE CXn are available using the order

numbers in the Replacement Parts List that follows. The fastest, most economical

service can be provided by your hobby dealer.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.hobbico.com.

Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the menu on the left side of the page.
Follow the instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or
International dealer.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling (217) 398­0007, or via facsimile at [phone], but full retail prices and shipping and
handling charges will apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged
sales tax. If ordering via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard® number and expiration
date for payment.

Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the Replacement
Parts List. Payment by credit card or personal check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason contact Product Support by

e-mail at [e-mail], or by telephone at [phone].

21

24

EXPLODED VIEW & PARTS LIST

EXPLODED VIEW & PARTS LIST

10

22

23

24

20

21

20

9

19

17

20

9

15

13

16

3

29

7

3

20

19

18

14

17

10

26

27

6

8

11

30

12

2 - Red

4 - White
32 - Blue
33 - Yellow

5

22

Item

No.

Part

Number Part Description

1 HMXE7337 Replacment Screw Set AXE CXn
2 HMXE7418 Canopy Red AXE CXn
3 HMXE7419 Canopy Mounting Rod w Grommets AXE CXn
4 HMXE7365 Canopy White AXE CXn
5 HMXE7913 Landing Gear Assembly AXE CXn
6 HMXE7914 Main Frame AXE CXn
7 HMXE8041 Upper Rotor Drive Gear AXE CXn
8 HMXE8042 Lower Rotor Drive Gear AXE CXn
9 HMXE8290 Lower Rotor Blades (2) AXE CXn
10 HMXE8291 Upper Rotor Blades (2) AXE CXn
11 HMXE8459 Tail Boom AXE CXn
12 HMXE8460 Vertical Tail Fin AXE CXn
13 HMXE8575 Outer Shaft Locking Collar AXE CXn
14 HMXE8576 Swashplate Assembly AXE CXn
15 HMXE8577 Outer Main Shaft AXE CXn
16 HMXE8578 Servo Linkage Set (2) AXE CXn
17 HMXE8579 Main Blade Control Links (2) AXE CXn
18 HMXE8580 Lower Head Block AXE CXn
19 HMXE8581 Inner Shaft Collar w Bearing AXE CXn
20 HMXE8582 Main Blade Grips (4) AXE CXn
21 HMXE8583 Inner Rotor Shaft Assembly AXE CXn
22 HMXE8584 Flybar Control Link AXE CXn
23 HMXE8585 Flybar Assembly AXE CXn
24 HMXE8586 Flybar Weights (2) AXE CXn
25 HMXE8836 Complete Bearing Set AXE CXn
26 HMXG8025 Upper Rotor Motor Axe CXn
27 HMXG8026 Lower Rotor Motor AXE CXn
28 HMXJ2020 2.4 GHz Transmitter AXE CXn
29 HMXM2031 E-Board AXE CXn
30 GPMP0412 1s 350 mAh LiPo Battery AXE CXn
31 HMXP2020 1s LiPo Battery Charger AC AXE CXn
32 HMXE7363 Canopy Blue AXE CXn
33 HMXE7364 Canopy Yellow AXE CXn

23

123

Replacement Screw Set

Canopy Red CXn

Canopy Rod-Grommets

1 Set

456

Canopy White CXn

1 Pc

789

Upper Rotor Gear

1 Set

HMXE7337 HMXE7418 HMXE7419

HMXE7365 HMXE7913 HMXE7914

HMXE8041 HMXE8042 HMXE8290

1Pc

Axe CXn Landing Gear

1 Pc

Lower Rotor Gear

1 Set

1 Set

Main Frame

1 Pc

Lower Blades Axe CXn

2 Pcs

10 11 12

Upper Blades Axe CXn

2 Pcs

HMXE8291 HMXE8459 HMXE8460

Tail Boom Axe CXn

1 Pc

1 Pc

24

Vertical Fin Axe CXn

13 14 15

Outer Shaft Collar

Swash Plate Axe CXn

Outer Shaft Axe CXn

1 Set

16 17 18

Pushrod Axe CXn

1 Set

19 20 21

Inner Shaft Colar Axe CXn

1 Pc

HMXE8575 HMXE8576 HMXE8577

HMXE8578 HMXE8579 HMXE8580

HMXE8581 HMXE8582 HMXE8583

1 Set

Main Blade Links

2 Pcs

Blade Grips Axe CXn

4 Pcs

1 Pc

1 Pc

1 Set

Lower Rotor Head

Inner Shaft Assembly

22 23 24

Flybar Control Link

1 Set

HMXE8584 HMXE8585 HMXE8586

Flybar Assembly

1 Set

2 Sets

25

Flybar Weights Axe CXn

25 26 27

Bearing Set Axe CXn

Upper Motor Axe CXn

Lower Motor Axe CXn

1 Set

28 29 30

Transmitter Axe CXn

1 Pc

31

LiPo Battery Charger

1 Pc

HMXE8836 HMXG8025 HMXG8026

HMXJ2020 HMXM2031 GPMP0412

HMXP2020

1 Set

E Board Axe CXn

1 Set

1 Set

1 Pc

LiPo Battery Axe CXn

26

Notes

27