This is the final look at the troubleshooting problems you may experience with RC helicopters. There are a lot of other things that may be affecting the performance, especially with the more complex models, but these are generally the most common. As well as the sensitivity of the gyro and its attachment, there are other things that can make the tail jerk and go into spasms every now and then.
Once you have checked that the electronics of the gyro are not being influenced by outside issues, make sure you check the belt drive (if you have one) to make sure the belt’s teeth aren’t catching on the inside of the boom. If the belt is too loose, this can happen quite easily.
You should also be sure to check the engine and see if it is the cause of any loss of power to the tail. The engine can often be the cause of tail jerks, especially if there is any spluttering. Also, make sure you aren’t running low on fuel.
Take a look at the drive shaft and make sure it is secure and hasn’t slipped or backed out. Finally, do a check on your belt, tail gears and pinion to make sure they have not been damaged.
As the tail is the most sensitive part of the RC helicopter, any radio hits can be more easily noticed. We looked at radio interference in the last article, so check back to make sure this isn’t the cause of the tail jerks. If all else fails, you may need to speak to an expert at your RC helicopter stockist, and I’m sure they’d only be too happy to help.