If a any of you have ever seen MANIAC mark repair a helicopter, these are his traits...

The helicopter is back in the air in record minimum time
The Heli feels so locked in you would feel safe putting your lifes savings in it
Every thing is solid.

So if Mark says a tool is good, seriously you should listen... And yes he has tried many different leveling tools

 

So how does it compare to the RC Logger (full kit) one? Have you used one Dude?
I have one of those & it's fantastic, does what you're saying above. Can't vouch for the self level/bailout but though as I've never had to set one up.



Citizen #186

 

I have not used the full kit of the RC logger.. But do have the one you just slide on the blade.. Ok for a quick field check, However i have found that to be out as much as 0.75 deg many times. The Rc logger does not have a true bubble level, so where do you find a level point to reference Zero from ?.. Rc Logger uses digital level, while the Soko Tool uses an absolute (spirit) level. So you first level the heli's (Main shaft) so it's true vertical, then you reference TRUE absolute Zero from that.

Once your helis main shaft it set to true vertical / absolute Zero, this is where it's a good time to setup the level section of your bailout unit.. If you have one.. So then when it bails out, It knows where true level really is.

Once you get your head around it, you will see why it's so dam good... It's even better than the Laser leveling way i used to do things.

A quick break down to accuracy of setup, lets just look at swash plate level (at all pitch angles)

Ye old Zip tie, within 1.50 - 2.0 deg
Manual swash leveler, within 1.00 - 1.50 deg
Rc logger, within 0.50 - 0.75 deg
Laser leveling , within 0.30 - 0.50 deg http://www.ronlund.com/rcheli-prod/TOOLSE/LPGV2.html
Soko Kit, within 0.0 - 0.1 Deg

If you have never experienced how a heli handles and feels with a true level swash, You just don't know what your missing out on .. 0.75 deg is noticeable and makes a big difference. (It really does) Of course a level swash is only the start, there is also phasing that needs to be tuned out and other tweaks.. but you really need a very level swash to start with to tune the rest out.

The best way to fully understand is watch the video's ..

http://www.youtube.com/user/sokohelitools/videos

 

reviving an old thread.. but just ordered one of these.. I'm kinda confused with the swash leveling.. because its using the head to determine if its level.. but that means the blade grips must be at 0 degrees if the swash is level.. on a new build you can't know or trust that.

So how do you do that initial setup?

 

I recently bought one of these and can say this method is much better than my old method using a swash leveller and pitch gauge on the blades. All of my helis now fly so much better.
Manyc, I was going to explain but the online manual has a much better tutorial than I could put into words.
http://www.soko-heli-tools.com/en/instructions/instructions.html

 

yeah i read/saw that.. but it does not tell you the initial setup before that. It assumes that you change the trims to the blades hit mid stick. I am assuming you try and get it as level as you can with servo arms are 90 deg... do what you can to get everthing level by eye.. and finish it up with the tool...

but that can introduce uneven throws.. I guess I'll find out when I get it and build my next heli...

 

You're correct, initially you would get the servo arms at 90 degrees and make all linkages the same length as per heli manual and fine-tune it at the end with the soko.

 

Just ordered this. Has some good endorsements from some reputable people. Nothing but good things on forums..

I hated my RC logger!!

Cant wait to feel the difference of a SUPER symmetrical machine!

Planning on using it on my KDS Chase 360

 

So I dont need a swash leveler with this, right?

 

Correct. But you have to go through the process of making the main shaft perfectly vertical first. A deck of playing cards will help with that.


Sent from my Electronic Appendage!

 

I feel kinda dumb for not understanding what you mean

 

Place your heli on a table or bench & measure the main shaft from the front & side to see if it's perfectly vertical. Use the playing cards so shims under the skids on the area that needs to be raised. Measure, shim & measure until you get to vertical. Then go on with the rest of the Soko setup.


Citizen #186

 

Watch this on youtube.. will explain it all.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZu1iyAx7nZnH42KgbCdlwfdbOqsvqVkL

 

Awesome guys!!!

I just got the Chase 360 today... Soko tool is one delivery day away

 

Yep got mine today

 

@Manyc glad you found the vid's it explains it all... takes a bit to get used to, but it's the best i have ever used.