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How to Lengthen a Pushrod Rudder

The rudder on a radio-controlled helicopter controls the direction of the helicopter. Inputting left or right rudder at the RC transmitter stick changes the pitch of the vertical rotor blade on the tail, causing the tail to swing left or right and change the helicopter's heading. The rotor pitch is controlled by a rudder servo located in the helicopter body. A long adjustable pushrod extends from the servo along the tail boom to the tail rotor. Rotating the threaded ball link on either end lengthens or shortens the rudder pushrod for correct rudder adjustment.

Instructions

- 1
  Center the rudder servo control stick on the RC transmitter.
- 2
  Check the pitch of the tail rotor. The angle of the rotor blade should be in the neutral, or zeroed, position so the blade produces no bite in the air as it rotates. If the pitch is not zeroed, correct it by adjusting the rudder pushrod length.
- 3
  Turn off the RC transmitter and receiver.
- 4
  Remove the ball link at the end of the pushrod from the tail rotor pitch control horn. Squeeze the link gently with needle nose pliers to compress it slightly, then lift it off the control horn.
- 5
  Rotate the ball link clockwise or counter-clockwise to shorten or lengthen the pushrod an appropriate amount to zero the tail rotor pitch.
- 6
  Press the ball link onto the tail rotor pitch control horn and check the pitch again with the RC transmitter stick centered. Made additional adjustments to the pushrod length if necessary to zero the tail rotor pitch.

Aviation