Dynamic Balancer

Any Information about dynamic balancing should begin with an understanding of the need for a dynamic balancer.  In short, a helicopter, and any other rotating mass, has vibrations at some level.  If the level of vibration is high enough the vibrations could cause damage, could cause excessive wear, or could just be an annoying vibration that detracts from an otherwise pleasant flight.

Shown below is a typical RotorWay flying with a 1.0 MIPS (mean inches per second) on the main rotor blade (A).  However, it is interesting to see that the other vibrations are also present, a two-per rev (B)  and even the engine harmonics (E).  However, because higher frequencies are not easily felt, the are artifacts which have always been present and typically do not affect performance. Click on the picture for a closer look.

Unbalanced RotorWay, Click to zoom

Once the Dynamic balancer is used the main rotor vibration is greatly reduced. The main rotor in operating near 0.05 MIPS (A).  Click on the image for a closer look.

Balanced RotorWay, Click to zoom

The Pro-Drive dynamic balancer is similar in simplicity to other systems, but includes a number of advantages.  The system is based around a low power processor so it lasts for up to a full week with continuous operation.  That gives less hassle of trying to recharge batteries or disassemble a case when the batteries are dead.

It also has advanced electronics in each sensor.  This does require a four pin connector, but it allows the system an extra level of simplicity and it allows the system to remain accurate at lower RPM levels.  If you notice on other charts the charts tend to rotate as the RPM gets lower.  This is correction for piezo-electric based accelerometers.  With the new electronics available today, these electronics are eliminated and rotation error in the chart is eliminated.  Therefore, our standard tail rotor chart can be used for any rotating equipment below approximately 6000RPM. 

You can also use this system on a mini-500 or an airplane propeller.  The Pro-Drive Dynamic Balancer has even been used on airboats.

What you get:

• One Pro-Drive Dynamic Balancing computer

• Two Accelerometers, one for hover and one for forward flight

• One optical pickup for detecting blade position

• Blade tape, for the optical pickup

• Leg strap to keep everything in place

• Carrying case to keep everything organized

• Owners manual describing operation, includes charts

• Technical Support from John Spurling to help you get started

Also available for your balancing needs is the new trim-tab adjustment tool.  This system allows rapid and accurate changes to the trim tab on blades to help balance the ship.

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