anyone use this???

[schwa]

http://www.rchover.com/inc/sdetail/128109

would this help the trex500 static problem?

[blax1]

http://www.rchover.com/inc/sdetail/128109

would this help the trex500 static problem?

Nice find schwa, cheaper than going from belt to torque tube...... :cool:

[schwa]

assuming it works...

[HeliRaptor]

This video should answer your question.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFQSzJEL_YE

[blax1]

Hi Dennis

Was that vid supposed to have sound? If so it didn't have here.
Was that a belt or torque tube drive? I'm assuming there was static electricity there, which the test probe seems to indicate, therefore I assume it didnt work... :(

Ralph

[HeliRaptor]

I dont't have sound either. The video didn't appear to have the ESD device installed. I noticed that after I posted the link.

I wonder if there is a video with the device installed.

Let me contact GForce to get an answer. GForce is a member of my forums.

[DVS]

Looks like the stock tail, so I would say belt.

[schwa]

yeah, it dosent look like it was installed.

i have gotten the go ahead to get a 500, so i was wondering if this really worked.

i think the GF version dosent do that, right? or with the after market metal tail.....

[HeliRaptor]

I had a chance to contact G-Force Heli and here is what was explained to me.


Static is a common problem in all belt driven helis, more so with the T-Rex 500.

The video demonstrates that even the tail blades can emit static just spinning. Keep in mine its close distance to the tail boom and if spinning at 6000 rpm will build up enough charge to discharge to the boom. The belt inside also rubs inside the boom building up a continuous charge waiting to be discharged.

The static wicks are will documented and are also mandatory on full size aircraft. Do some research on the "triboelectric series". It is well documented physics stuff. All materials can either be positive or negative charged. But regardless, it is still static and bad for 2.4GHz RX. Our static wicks are made of steel which is neutral to static and can not hold a charge so therefore it also can release it easily into the atmosphere.

Static is continuously being generated in belt drive helis, but grounding the boom, belt and frame together is the first step. We came out with the ESD plate for the T-Rex 500 to make it easy for grounding. Other helis, well.... just use wires and foil. The static wick is a bonus.

My personal belief is that it works. I have not used one to confirm this.

Dennis

[cbflys]

A much better solution is to install the torque tube. You will not only eliminate the tail belt as a source of static, but you'll get better performance as well.

[tdswan]

That static wand he was using will light up almost anywhere you put it on a gasser heli unless you shield the ignition on it. A step I have taken even though I hadn't had any problems. Static like that is always a good idea to keep to a minimum for the electronics' sake.
Don't forget that the torque tube is a bit more fragile than a belt setup for the rank novice. Both are not without their problems. Order an extra drive gear for it if you do the old torque tube switch-a-roo. ;)

[JimInnes]

I have had great results with the 500 by just making sure the belt was tight, clearancing out the boom block so the belt doesnt rub, and adding a little silicone to the belt once in a while.

[schwa]

so, if you were to go with the wick.....and only the wick.....am i correct in asuming that is all that is needed to ground out the 500?

i saw the torque tube at heliproz....am i bit hesitent to use it since i have never used one. of course all this is mute if i get the GF correct?

[blax1]

Well schwa I guess, Jim's solution will work at the end of the day if you experience trouble, but carbon fibre does conduct electricity, buy it try it, maybe you'll need to up date the TR if it plays up...... :)

That's all I got good luck

[Dantheman]

I never read it anywhere or tried it my self. But I was wondering if you would spray the belt with an anti static spray for laundry, like Cling Free or something if it would work? :rolleyes:

[DVS]

I have read on other forums that some people do this and that it works for them, I also read of people using a silicone spray and something called Graphite 33.
I haven't tried any of these things so I can't say if they work.