Blade mCPx Servo Cleaning

Dis-assembly and re-assembly of a Blade mCPx micro helicopter to clean the conductive strips inside the linear servos. The servos may need to be cleaned or replaced if they begin to malfunction due to poor internal electrical contact.

Care has to be taken to avoid ruining the circuit boards and delicate wires during the procedure. Tool slippage, static and mis-handling can all cause inadvertent damage and make problems worse.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Blade
• mcpx
• assembly
• linear servo cleaning
• micro
• rc
• helicopter

[Silverexpress01]

I just wanted to add that it's a very good video. The point I was trying to make was that disassembly would be an extreme case - if for example lubrication (must be electrical contact cleaner NOT WD40 or oil) did not work then yes. Disassembly should be rarely done if ever (at least until the motor or the contact strips were out).

[321RCHeli]

@Silverexpress01 Well thanks for your input. I'm willing to give it a try.

[Silverexpress01]

You don't need to disassemble the servos. All you need to do is place a few drops of contact lubricant into the servo (not motor). Something like DEOXIT, or similar. This stuff was proven along time ago on Stereo equipment that heavily used potentiometers. These servos are no more than linear potentiometers. Talk to anyone who grew up in the 70's servicing electronic equipment.

[321RCHeli]

@Silverexpress01 I'm all for a better way. These are open air pots on a heli that too often gets slammed into the sandy soil of Florida. Are you sure a lubricant is the best thing? I know from experience that heli ball links and gears don't fare so well when lubricated because they gather dust and grind away.

[iseldoff]

Great video very detailed and informative I just have a question or two though. is this something that could be considered regular matenence? And if so how often should it be done? I mean obviously if your getting shivers or vibrations but should it be done regularly to avoid that?

[321RCHeli]

@iseldoff In time I have needed to do this about every 80 to 90 flights or so in the sandy environment where I fly. I don't think it should be done until the servos start acting up in flight, because of the delicate and tiny parts that could potentially be damaged or lost during the cleaning. So far so good.

[Silverexpress01]

@321RCHeli Yes, these are linear potentiometers. This is electrical contact cleaner that is made for this purpose. It prevents arcing - leads to oxidation, and does not attract dirt/dust once the carrier has evaporated. Don't fly over sand, and don't slam it into the ground since you well know they are open pots. ;-)

[321RCHeli]

@whatsdare When the strips inside the servo get dirty enough, the servo jitters.

[whatsdare]

hello, just wanted to know the benefits of this procedure.. thanks :)

[dittsboylogan]

My mCP X needs this. Its startin to twitch a lot!