Helicopter Collective question

[Sierra99]

Just out of curiosity are there any examples of using RC car shock absorbers to dampen Helo collective movement. 
 

I'm thinking about trying to design something but don’t want to reinvent the wheel or spin mine if it does t work. 

[crash test pilot]

Tried that on my DIY collective:

 

https://imgur.com/gallery/huey-collective-v-2-ymtrg8e

 

Was not very satisfying,so changed it later to a steering dampener like i have on my pedals

[Deezle]

I used a motorcycle steering damper. RC shocks are frankly a joke for this application.

[TKhaos]

I would go as suggested, motorcycle steering damper as they are small and robust. Unlike brand names that cost £250 ($325 USD) you can get new universal ones for around £23 ($30 USD) to £35 ($46 USD) on eBay or Amazon.

Another alternative is boot/tailgate gas struts providing they are secured properly, get some short or adjustable on eBay or Amazon for £15 ($20 USD) to £35 ($45 USD)

Edited October 13, 2024 by TKhaos

[Sierra99]

I'll look into a steering dampener options. I think shock struts ar a little large for what I envision. There's not much difference in price between 4 credit struts and a single MC dampener.
 

Fortunately the local hobby shop also sells RC car parts.  I am going to go to visit them tomorrow and see if they have some examples  I can handle and test.

Thanks for the replies. I'll let ya know what comes of this.

[MAXsenna]

4 minutes ago, Sierra99 said:

I'll look into a steering dampener options. I think shock struts ar a little large for what I envision. There's not much difference in price between 4 credit struts and a single MC dampener.
 

Fortunately the local hobby shop also sells RC car parts.  I am going to go to visit them tomorrow and see if they have some examples  I can handle and test.

Thanks for the replies. I'll let ya know what comes of this.

I think RC dampers will be too small. And MC damper also has the benefit of a larger throw, and that you can adjust the tension on the fly. 

[davidjb]

This works quite well for me, handbrake lever with a m/c steering damper. I would make the lever a little longer to give more sensitivity, and I had to redo some bushings to get some slop out of the movement . Nothing complicated

[Jocman]

My 50 cents....

Steering dampers work great for me.

Actually, as my collective is quite....."ponderal", I'm testing with more than 1 damper (the lever is a little bit long and the collective switch box is not very lightweight).

In the pic you can see the initial frame i built for the collective.

Currently, I added an electromagnetic brake to keep the collective in position, so I think i can revert to the original 1 damper

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

a cheap motorbike steeing damper is enough, it´s even adjsutable on the fly with a rotary knob