Information Articles

Castle Creations produces two lines of RC airplane and electric helicopter brushless speed controllers (ESCs). The first is the Thunderbird line, which focuses on good value without sacrificing features. The second is the Phoenix line, which adds features and contains ESCs with higher current and voltage handling capabilities.

Thunderbird VS Phoenix

The Thunderbird and Phoenix ESCs both share many features. These include:

• Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) - all except HV Opto-coupled models
• Safe “Power On”
• Microprocessor Controlled
• Tough surface mount construction
• Audible Arming Signal
• Auto Motor cut-off with reset
• Low torque “Soft Start” - protects gear boxes and belt drives from shock
• Smooth reverse exponential throttle
• Self-calibrating endpoints - maximizes usable stick travel
• Auto shut-down when signal is lost
• Simple setup: no complicated switches or wiring
• Universal RX connector

The difference between the Thunderbird and Phoenix lines is their cost and their degree of programmability. The Thunderbird series is lower priced, simple to use, and gives you control over three programmable features. The Phoenix series is priced slightly higher, but gives you eight programmable features, and the ability to use more cells if you do not require the Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC). The Phoenix line of Electronic Speed Controls also include the HV models (PHXHV-45, PHXHV-85, PHXHV-110) which are able to handle more cells (Up to 12 LiPo cells or 36 NiMH or NiCd cells).

Thunderbird series Electronic Speed Controls (Motor Controllers) come set with Auto-LiPo and no brake for 3D action right from the package. They use simplified programming steps to allow you to easily program these three settings:

• Brake ON/OFF
• LiPo or NiCd/NiMH cutoff
• Motor reversing

Phoenix series motor controllers increase the number of programmable features to eight, giving you more control over the way your ESC behaves:

• Cutoff Voltage
• Current Limiting
• Brake Type
• Throttle Type
• Electronic Timing
• Low Voltage Cutoff Type
• Soft Start
• PWM Switching Rate

Thunderbird Models:

Thunderbird 9

The Castle Creations Thunderbird 9 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is great for lightweight applications where top of the line features are needed, and good value is desired.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: TB-9
• Max Current: 9 Amps
• Max Voltage: 15 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 1.5 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Auto lipo or NiMH/NiCad
• Size: 1.02 x .67 x .32″ (26 x 17 x 8mm)
• Weight: 0.3 oz (8g)

Thunderbird 18

The Thunderbird 18 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) from Castle Creations has twice the current rating of the Thunderbird 9, and a BEC rated at 3 amps (compared to the TB9’s 1.5 amp Battery Eliminator Circuit)
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: TB-18
• Max Current: 18 Amps
• Max Voltage: 15 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Auto lipo or NiMH/NiCad
• Size: 1.32″ x 0.90″ x 0.33″ (34 x 23 x 8mm)
• Weight: 0.6 oz (17g)

Thunderbird 36

The Castle Creations Thunderbird 36 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) doubles the current rating again, with only a 3 gram (0.1 ounce) increase in weight.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: TB-36
• Max Current: 36 Amps
• Max Voltage: 15 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Auto lipo or NiMH/NiCad
• Size: 1.50″ x 1.00″ x 0.35″ (38 x 25 x 9mm)
• Weight: 0.7 oz (20g)

Thunderbird 54

The Thunderbird 54 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) by Castle Creations completes the Thunderbird line with an impressive 54 amp current handling ability.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: TB-54
• Max Current: 54 Amps
• Max Voltage: 15 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Auto lipo or NiMH/NiCad
• Size: 2.00″ x 1.15″ x 0.40″ (51 x 29 x 10mm)
• Weight: 1.2 oz (34g)

Phoenix Models:

Phoenix 10

The Castle Creations Phoenix 10 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is great for lightweight applications and superbly suited for micro flyers.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-10
• Continuous Current: 10 Amps
• Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• Max Voltage without BEC: 19.2 Volts, 4s Lipo or 16 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 1.5 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 0.73 x 0.80 x 0.16″ (19 x 20 x 4mm)
• Weight: 0.21 oz (6g)

Phoenix 25

The Castle Creations Phoenix 25 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is a favorite choice of 3D foamy pilots. Will work with Speed 400 size brushless motors, including the Mega 16/15 series, Feigao and Himaxx 28mm motors, small and medium sized AXI motors, and Hacker B40 motors.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-25
• Continuous Current: 25 Amps
• Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• Max Voltage without BEC: 19.2 Volts, 4s Lipo or 16 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 1.5 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 1.08 x 0.91 x 0.16″ (27 x 23 x 4mm)
• Weight: 0.6 oz (17g)

Phoenix 35

The Castle Creations Phoenix 35 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is great for 3-4 pound sport flyers, and also helicopters. Works with the Corona, ECO 8, or Voyager heli.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-35
• Continuous Current: 35 Amps
• Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• Max Voltage without BEC: 19.2 Volts, 4s Lipo or 16 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 1.72 x 0.95 x 0.40″ (44 x 24 x 10mm)
• Weight: 0.9 oz (24.5g)

Phoenix 45

The Castle Creations Phoenix 45 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is suitable for warmliners, small hotliners, and even some 40 size glow conversion projects. Works with Hacker B50 and C50 motors, medium and large AXI motors, and 36mm Feigao motors.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-45
• Continuous Current: 45 Amps
• Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• Max Voltage without BEC: 19.2 Volts, 4s Lipo or 16 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 1.72 x 0.95 x 0.40″ (44 x 24 x 10mm)
• Weight: 1.0 oz (30.0g)

Phoenix 60

The Castle Creations Phoenix 60 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is the best choice for high performance sailplanes, large helicopters, and large glowplane conversions. Great for Logo 10, and ECO 16 pilots.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-60
• Continuous Current: 60 Amps
• Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• Max Voltage without BEC: 25.2 Volts, 6s Lipo or 20 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 2.35 x 1.05 x 0.45″ (60 x 27 x 11mm)
• Weight: 2.0 oz (58.0g)

Phoenix 80

The Castle Creations Phoenix 80 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is the top choice for LMR competition flying, F5D pylon racing, and large helicopters.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-80
• Continuous Current: 80 Amps
• Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• Max Voltage without BEC: 25.2 Volts, 6s Lipo or 20 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 2.65 x 1.05 x 0.45″ (67 x 27 x 11mm)
• Weight: 2.1 oz (60.0g)

Phoenix 125

The Castle Creations Phoenix 125 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is the paramount controller for either competition F5B and F5D flying, or high energy hotliner sport flying.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHX-125
• Continuous Current: 125 Amps
• Max Voltage with BEC: 12.6 Volts, 3s Lipo or 10 NiMH/NiCad
• Max Voltage without BEC: 25.2 Volts, 6s Lipo or 20 NiMH/NiCad
• BEC: Linear 3.0 Amp Max
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 2.35 x 1.05 x 1.00″ (60 x 27 x 25mm)
• Weight: 3.2 oz (91.0g)

Phoenix HV 45

The Castle Creations Phoenix HV 45 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) works with .40 size electric conversions and has been successfully tested in an 11lb Funtana 90s aircraft.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHXHV-45
• Continuous Current: 45 Amps
• Max Voltage (no BEC): 50 Volts, 4-12s Lipo or 12-36 NiMH/NiCad
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 2.60 x 1.05 x 0.50″ (66 x 24 x 13mm)
• Weight: 1.9 oz (59.0g)

Phoenix HV 85

The Castle Creations Phoenix HV 85 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) works in all quarter and giant scale fixed wing aircraft,competition F3A, giant scale aerobatics, and large helicopters.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHXHV-85
• Continuous Current: 85 Amps
• Max Voltage (no BEC): 50 Volts, 4-12s Lipo or 12-36 NiMH/NiCad
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 2.80 x 1.55 x 1.00″ (71 x 39 x 25mm)
• Weight: 4.2 oz (119g)

Phoenix HV 110

The Castle Creations Phoenix HV 110 Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Control) is the most powerful speed control made by Castle Creations.
Specifications:

• Manufacturers Part Number: PHXHV-110
• Continuous Current: 110 Amps
• Max Voltage (no BEC): 50 Volts, 4-12s Lipo or 12-36 NiMH/NiCad
• Cut-off: Programmable
• Size: 2.80 x 1.55 x 1.25″ (71 x 39 x 32mm)
• Weight: 5.3 oz (150g)

Castle Link ESC Programmer

The Castle Link USB programming kit for Castle Creations Thunderbird and Phoenix speed controllers is in every rc hobbyist’s toolbox. Easily program the software on your Castle Creations ESC and tweak its performance for your exact RC application. The Castle Link connects your PC to your ESC and includes all the necessary software. Upgrades for the included software are provided on the Castle Creations Web site. Not only does the Castle Link program your Thunderbird or Phoenix ESC but it also supports Castle Creations Mamba, Barracuda, and Berg 7 receivers.

Where To Buy Castle Creations ESCs

The best place to buy Castle Creations ESCs is Draganfly Innovations www.rctoys.com because they offer free shipping within North America on all Castle Creations products! Draganfly Innovations also has a comprehensive Castle Creations Download page where you can find all the Castle Creations Manuals and User Guides. Order online or call 1-800-979-9794 today.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Great News RC Blimp Pilots!
You’ve been asking for months when the white High-Lift RC Blimp Envelopes will be back in stock. The time is now! The truck is unloaded and they’re back in stock.

Why would you want a high-lift super-size RC blimp envelope?
If you live at an altitude of over 4,000 ft the air density is too low to properly fly our 36 and 52 inch blimp and UFO balloons. The answer is this high lift blimp balloon. At 52″ x 37″ x 37″ the high lift balloon wider and taller than our regular blimp balloons/envelopes and holds 2 cubic feet more helium.

Another advantage of having a high-lift blimp balloon for your MachII or MachIII airship is the ability to hold advertising stickers and remain buoyant - and the white background is perfect for properly displaying your ads and logos.

Is it compatible with my RC Blimp?
Yes! The high-lift envelope is compatible with all our MachII and MachIII remote controlled blimps and flying saucers - including the RC Blimp Bomber and all 36″ and 52″ RC blimps from Interactive Toy Concepts Ltd. Simply remove your current balloon and attach this high-lift version.

Buy a high-lift r/c blimp envelope upgrade for your airship at www.RCToys.com - while supplies last. Looking for another replacement r/c blimp balloon? We have them as well.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Getting Started With Your New Mini 9g Helicopter

1. Remove the mini Heli from its packaging
2. Install 6 new alkaline batteries in the transmitter
3. Slide the door on the front of the transmitter open and unroll the charge cable
4. Connect the charge cable to the port on the side of the helicopter, with the helicopter turned off and the transmitter turned on



5. The Green light with be on while charging, and go out when the charge is completed (The Red light may go out after about 10 minutes, but do not disconnect the helicopter until the Green light goes out)

Flying the Mini Heli

1. Turn on the transmitter and the helicopter
2. Place the helicopter on the ground, or a flat surface
3. Push on the throttle stick until the helicopter lifts into the air
4. Once in the air, hover by increasing or decreasing the amount of throttle by small increments



5. Trim the helicopter by pressing the buttons labeled “ST.TRIM”
6. If the helicopter spins to the right, press the button labeled “L”, and if it spins to the left, press the button labeled “R”
7. When adjusting the trim, press and release the buttons quickly, do not hold them down
8. If the helicopter spins rapidly, you may need to press the button ten or more times
9. If the spinning increases, try pressing the other button
10. Once the helicopter is hovering and trimmed, now it is time to enjoy flying it - use the throttle to move up and down, and the directional control to move left and right

Tweaking your Mini Heli

• For faster forward flight, add tiny amounts of weight to the nose of the helicopter

Mini Heli Troubleshooting Tips

• Mini Heli spins rapidly
  • First try trimming it as described above
  • If this does not work, check the tail rotor for damage, and replace if cracked
  • Check for hair or lint wrapped around the tail motor shaft, and remove carefully
  • When removing or replacing the tail rotor, ensure the tapered end is toward the motor, and the flares on the blades face outward
• Mini Heli shakes strongly
  • Check the weights on the underside of main rotor stabilizer
  • If the weight are loose, or have fallen out, fix them in place with some CA glue, using the same amount on either side to maintain balance
• Mini Heli lacks power
  • Ensure the helicopter has been fully charged, if the transmitter batteries are not fresh, replace them and then charge the Mini Heli
  • If this does not work, try cycling the battery by discharging the helicopter by letting it run until the main rotor slows down, and then giving it a full charge
• Mini Heli does not respond to controller
  • Replace the transmitter batteries with fresh alkalines and charge the helicopter
  • With the helicopter and transmitter on, try throttling up with the channel selection switch set to A, then B, then C
• Mini Heli is out of trim each time it is turned on
  • This is normal, to make it easier you can count the number of times you have to press the trim adjustment. The next time you turn it on, simply press the trim button the same number of times
• Mini Heli is hard to control right after being charged
  • When the helicopter is freshly charged it will have more power, this will smooth out as you use it, and should return to optimum power levels after the first minute of flight
  • To limit the initial power, try unplugging the helicopter a minute or two before the charge would normally finish
• The tail of the Mini Heli is not straight
  • The tail should normally hold the tail motor lying flat
  • If the tail has become mis-aligned after a crash, it can be gently straightened by hand

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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The BladeRunner coaxial indoor electric RC helicopter is a very advanced toy helicopter manufactured by Interactive Toy Concepts Ltd. The Bladerunner utilizes 2 high quality motors, light weight electronics with 3 channel proportional control, rudder-throttle mixing - 2 electronic speed controllers for the main motors and a bi-directional rotor for the tail.

The BladeRunner’s transmitter has an internal lithium-polymer battery charger with a built-in cable and connector, which is used to recharge the helicopter. The transmitter uses household AC current to power the built-in charger circuit via a DC adapter, and a 9V alkaline battery to power the transmitter circuit.

The controls are similar to high-end model helicopters so the Bladerunner is great for learning to operate those horrendously expensive models without making a huge dollar commitment. The BladeRunner is built to withstand minor crashes such as bumping into walls and furniture. The Bladerunner tail rotor is intentionally very small in order to keep the forward / backward speed low - thus making the helicopter easy to fly and to give you lots of time to react. The ring around the small tail propeller is a safety feature, but it also slows down the speed of the tail propeller to keep the forward / backward speed low. For instructions on how to use the controls, charge the flight battery and fly the Bladerunner please refer to the Bladerunner Instruction Manual.

Many different versions of the Bladerunner have came out over the years. The concept of a small, easy to fly, indoor, electric rc helicopter with coaxial rotor blades remains the building block of all Bladerunner Series RC helicopters. Some Bladerunner varients include the Bladerunner I, the Bladerunner II, the Bladerunner Mini Search & Rescue, the Bladerunner SpiderMan, the Micro Mosquito and the FireFly.

Draganfly Innovations Inc. sells a complete line of Bladerunner replacement parts and rotor blades, Bladerunner Mini parts and rotor blades as well as Firefly & Micro Mosquito parts & rotor blades.

We also recommend reading this post: What Replacement Rotor Blades Do I Need to Fix My Interactive Toy Indoor RC Helicopter?

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Practically all radio controlled vehicles have rc servos onboard. Those servos need power. How are you going to provide it?

The most common is to equip a glow-powered vehicle with a 4-cell NiCD or NiMH battery pack plugged into the receiver. This works, but certainly has its weaknesses; namely weight and limited scalability. A better alternative is to use lithium batteries because of their low weight, long run times and high power output.

Electric-powered vehicles commonly use the electronic speed controller (ESC) to divert a little bit of power to the receiver and servos. This works as long as the battery voltage is not too high and the servos are not too powerful.

These two methods don’t work in all cases, but they do suggest solutions that will. One solution is to equip a battery that is dedicated to powering the radio system, and this is controlled by a voltage regulator. The other is to leech the power from the motor’s battery through a battery eliminator circuit (BEC). These dedicated devices can supply the exact voltage you desire, and can handle any situation.

Voltage regulators take in a slightly-too-high voltage (6V – 13V, though it varies) and send out a voltage that the servos are happy with.

Indeed, you are often given the choice of a few voltages in the range servos can accept (4.5V – 6.0V). More voltage makes the servos faster and stronger, so using the highest voltage your servos are rated for is a simple way to maximize their performance.

The most common battery to power a voltage regulator is a 2-cell lithium polymer, like the Thunder Power Pro Lite 2s1320 or the Thunder Power Receiver Pack 2s3400. These Li Poly batteries are used because they are extremely light and have no self-discharge.

Battery Eliminator Circuits (BECs) take power from the main battery and reduce the voltage for the r/c receiver and servos. BECs are for electric-powered vehicles, rc helicopters, rc airplanes, rc boats and some versions can handle high voltages (up to 50V). This means your R/C vehicle can operate with only one battery.

There are a few important things to look for while shopping for your next rc radio system power solution. Specifically, pay attention to specifications on input voltage, output voltage, and output current. Because these devices exist for all sizes of remote controlled vehicles, it is very easy to buy one that is too large or too small for your application. Get the size and model right, and you’ll be confident in your servos’ performance and consistency. It’s a good feeling.

——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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An Interactive Toy Concepts Rotor Compatibility Guide

When learning to fly remote control helicopters crashes do happen. Hard landings or unfortunate encounters with a family pet or ceiling fan are all part of learning to fly indoor R/C helicopters. Luckily, spare parts are available and are very easy to replace.

There are a number of different electric radio control helicopters on the market and it is important to have the right part. Listed below are the different helicopters available from Interactive Toys with the approximate diameter (from one side to the other) of the rotor that will help you find the correct part.

Micro Mosquito Micro Indoor Helicopter
Rotor Diameter - approx 6 ¼” (Black fins) Will fit the FireFly
Buy Micro Mosquito Rotor Blades at RCTOys.com
Buy Micro Mosquito Tail Rotor Propeller at RCToys.com

FireFly Micro Indoor R/C Helicopter
Rotor Diameter - approx 6 ¼” (Red fins) Will fit the Micro Mosquito
Buy Firefly Rotor Blades at RCToys.com

Black Ghost Mini Infrared Indoor R/C Helicopter
Rotor Diameter - approx 140 mm Will fit the Black Ghost only
Buy Black Ghost Rotor Blades at RCToys.com
Buy Black Ghost Tail Propellers at RCToys.com

BladeRunner Series BladeRunner Indoor R/C Helicopter (BladeRunner 1)
Rotor Diameter - approx 11 ½” (Black fins) Will fit the BladeRunner 2
Buy Bladerunner Rotor Blades at RCToys.com
Buy Bladerunner Tail Propellers at RCToys.com

BladeRunner Series BladeRunnerII Indoor R/C Helicopter (BladeRunner 2)
Rotor Diameter - approx 11 ½” (Black fins, new style) Will fit the BladeRunner 1
Buy Bladerunner II Rotor Blades at RCToys.com
Buy Bladerunner II Tail Rotors at RCToys.com

Spider-Man 3 BladeRunner Indoor RC Rescue Helicopter (BladeRunner 2)
Rotor Diameter - approx 11 ½” (Red fins, new style) Will fit the BladeRunner 1

Bladerunner 3, Bladerunner III Discovery Channel, BladeRunner Series Extreme Mini (Rescue) BladeRunner RC Helicopter (Search & Rescue Helicopter)
Rotor Diameter - approx 8 ½” (Black fins) Unique Rotors. Not compatible with Bladerunner I, II, Spider-Man, Firefly or Micro Mosquito Rotors. Will be available in the near future from Draganfly Innovations.
Buy Bladerunner3 & Mini (Search & Rescue) Rotor Blades at RCToys.com

Where To Buy Replacement Rotor Blades:

Buy Replacement rotor sets for the Micro Mosquito and the Firefly here

Buy Replacement rotors for the Bladerunner 1, the BladeRunner 2, and the Spider-Man 3 Rescue Helicopter here

Buy Replacement rotors for the Bladerunner Black Ghost here

Buy Bladerunner 3, Bladerunner III Discovery Channel, Bladerunner Mini and Search & Rescue rotors here.

Get your Interactive Toy Concepts Bladerunner, Micro Mosquito and Firefly replacement r c helicopter rotor blades at Draganfly Innovations Inc. www.rctoys.com.

——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Manufactured by Interactive Toy Concepts Ltd. and part of the Bladerunner Series of RC helicopters, the Firefly and Micro Mosquito are two of the most popular mini indoor RC helicopters on the market today. We hope this FAQ and troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose any problems you may encounter with your favorite little RC heli. If you require spare parts we sell a complete selection of spare parts for both the Micro Mosquito and Firefly on our Web site or you can order by phone by calling 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907.

How much space do I need to fly my Firefly or Micro Mosquito?

At least a mid size living room, clear of any obstructions is needed. Be sure to keep the Firefly or Micro Mosquito away from walls, ceiling and other fixtures. Because of the aerodynamics of the rotors the Firefly or Micro Mosquito will seem to get sucked towards any obstacle/wall if it gets too close.

What about fans, air conditioners, vents and windows?

The Firefly or Micro Mosquito is very light weight and hence sensitive to wind, any air movement from heating vents, fans, windows, etc will make it more difficult to control.

Can I fly outdoors?

The Firefly and Micro Mosquito are indoor helicopters. The same innovations that make it super stable also makes it easily effected by wind and turbulence. Even the calmest out door day has wind that will effect the Firefly or Micro Mosquito’s performance.

The Rotors are tilted an not level, is this okay?

When the rotors are not spinning it is normal for the rotors to rest in a tilted position. This is normal even if they are properly balanced. In hover the rotors will level out; however, in moving flight the lower rotor will usual tilt sideways due to aerodynamic and gyroscopic forces and is necessary to maintain stability.

Repairing the rotor blades.

Repairing the rotor blades is possible. Buy Firefly or Micro Mosquito Rotor Blades.

If the ring broken	Replace with new rotor - spare parts kit available separately
If the blades are broken or cracked	Use clear tape to fix. Hold the broken or cracked blades in the correct position and using as little tape as possible, secure the rotor together. Trim or fold over any extra tape. If too much tape is used it will throw out the balance and hinder your stable flight
If the centre (head) is broken	Replace with new rotor - spare part kit available separately
Bent or deformed center (head)	Use some force to permanently bend it back again NOTE: Be careful to not destroy the hinges, the rotor must be able to tilt absolutely freely (when you tap on it, it should tilt up and down for at least 2 seconds before it comes to rest again - if this is not the case the helicopter will be unstable and start to oscillate)

Replacing the rotor blades

Rotor Replacement kits are available for the Firefly or Micro Mosquito and have detailed instruction to replace the rotors.

The top rotor will not side on the rotor shaft.

The upper rotor has been keyed to match the D shape of the drive shaft. When replacing the upper rotor you must ensure to orient it properly so that the D shape of the rotor’s central opening matches the D shaped drive shaft.

The Firefly or Micro Mosquito tips over during take off.

Launch the Firefly or Micro Mosquito from hard flat surfaces only. When taking off briskly move the throttle stick forward to get the Firefly or Micro Mosquito airborne quickly. Letting the helicopter sit on the ground with the rotors spinning will almost always result in the helicopter tipping over.

How long will the Firefly or Micro Mosquito Fly?

This is very dependent on the condition of the battery and how you are flying the Firefly or Micro Mosquito. Typical flight times are between 8 and 10 minutes. Should you be able to fly over 10 minutes you should land and let your motors cool down to ensure you do not burn them out, this will ensure many more fun flights.

How long does it take to charge the Firefly or Micro Mosquito?

This depends on the condition of the charger batteries (the six C sized alkaline cells) and the condition of the helicopter battery. After a long flight of 10 minutes or more it can take 30 to 45 minutes to fully recharge the battery. If the charge batteries are old, performed multiple charges, or been used in other product then the charge time can be longer. If the charge time becomes excessive or you are having short flights from a charge replace your charger’s batteries with new alkaline batteries. You can purchase an AC adapter so you don’t need the 6 C batteries in the charger/base station. This will ensure you always get a full charge.

What if I disconnect the Firefly or Micro Mosquito before the charge is complete?

Stopping a charge cycle before it is finished will not effect the helicopter battery or the charger, it is just like not completely filling a car’s gas tank. Just like the car will not drive a far before running out of gas if the tank is not full, the Firefly or Micro Mosquito will not fly as long if the charge is stopped early.

Why does my controller (transmitter) light flash when I turn the ON/OFF switch to ON?

The helicopter is programmed with a safety feature that helps prevent damage to the helicopter. When the controller is turned on the helicopter will not respond to it until the helicopter control is initialized. To do this you must cycle the throttle from 0% to 100% to 0%, at which point the LED will stop flashing and be steady. The flashing is to remind you that the speed control is not initialized.

Firefly or Micro Mosquito has a lost or broken leg

Buy a replacement body or use clear tape or Crazy glue to reattach the broken leg (under adult supervision). If the leg is lost then try to use a piece of the plastic tube from a Q-tip to replace the broken part of the leg (plus a little glue). If you lost the leg use a piece of the plastic tube from a Q-tip to replace the broken part of the leg and glue in place.

Micro Mosquito has a broken tail rotor

Buy a new Micro Mosquito tail rotor. Simply pull off the broken propeller and press on the new one.

Micro Mosquito tail motor quit working

Buy a replacement body or remove the propeller and add a little weight to the front e.g. a metal paper clip attached to the motors (hold by the motor magnet) to get a slow constant forward speed.

Loose / Broken Firefly or Micro Mosquito tail boom

Buy a replacement body. The tail boom will normally not break under normal operations, it requires excessive force or misuse to break the tail boom. If the tail boom has a loose connection with the body glue the boom to the body without pulling it out first. NOTE: be careful as there are two very thin wires for the tail motor going inside the boom, the thin wires can be damaged.

Firefly or Micro Mosquito motor gears / pinions not meshing

The upper motor pinion should mesh with the upper large gear, and the lower motor pinion should mesh with the lower large gear. If either of these does not, carefully guide the large gear over the lip on the small gear, until the gears mesh properly. If your gears are broken purchase our rotor shaft and drive gears combo. If you lost your motor pinions purchase new ones.

Firefly / Micro Mosquito Troubleshooting Table

Issue	Cause	Corrective Action
Helicopter will not start, LED on helicopter is off	Helicopter is not turned ON	Turn helicopter’s on/off switch to the ON position
Helicopter will not start, LED on helicopter is ON	Transmitter is not turned ON Speed control is not initialized	Turn Transmitter on and initialize the speed control by cycling the throttle 0%-100%-0% Initialize the speed control by cycling the throttle 0%-100%-0%
Helicopter is flying too high	You need to reduce the throttle	Move the Throttle control (left stick) down
Helicopter is flying too low	Need more power/throttle The battery in the helicopter is low The batteries in the charger are low	Move the Throttle control (left stick) up Land the helicopter, ensure it is turned off, and re-charge the battery Remove the batteries from the charger and replace with new Alkaline batteries
The Helicopter does not hover	The helicopter drifts The helicopter drifts forward The helicopter drifts backward	Ensure that there is no moving air in the flight area, turn off fans, close all vents and windows Compensate with back on the right stick to hold the helicopter in position Compensate with forward on the right stick to hold the helicopter in position
Helicopter does not move fast enough	The battery charge is getting low The tail rotor is damaged The center of gravity is no longer correct	Land the helicopter, ensure it is turned off, and re-charge the battery Replace tail rotor with new unit. Buy a new tail rotor. Adjust center of gravity forward by taping a paper clip or other light weight item to the bottom of the helicopter nose.
The Helicopter always spins in hover	The trim control is not set correctly The Rotor Blades have sustained damage or worn from use Helicopter spins counter clock wise Helicopter spins clockwise	Adjust the trim control Gently bend more curvature into the blades Adjust the lower rotor blades Adjust the upper rotor blades

Need Replacement Parts?

Draganfly Innovations Inc. sells replacement parts for your Firefly or Micro Mosquito. We have a complete line of replacement parts available through our Web site or by calling 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907.

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Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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